[New York] Die Veneris, 10 HO A.M. Feb. 16th, 1776.
A letter from Gen. Lee, bearing date this day, on the subject of shutting up the port, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:
New-York, February 16th, 1776.
Sir ー I have received intelligence that Mr. [William] Tryon has been guilty of most grossly abusing the indulgence shown to him; that he has inveigled some of the gunsmiths on board his ship; and that he is endeavouring to seduce as many as he can, with a view undoubtedly of distressing us in the article of arms. I could wish, as it has been thought proper to furnish this gentleman with provisions and other necessaries of life, that he should be obliged to give some security that he will not intrigue, cabal, machinate mischief of any kind, to the Continent or Province. This business of the gunsmiths is the reason that I have, pro tempore, interdicted all communication with the Governor's ship, a measure which I hope will be approved by the Congress.
I am [&c.]
Charles Lee.
Ordered, That Abm Lott, Esqr. Treasurer of this Colony, send to this Congress a particular account of the provisions he had supplied to the ship Asia, and other of His Majesty's ships in this port since the order for that purpose first made by the late Provincial Congress of this Colony.
1. New York Provincial Congress, I, 302,304.