By the ship which brings you this you will undoubtedly receive the New York Papers containing an account of the conduct of Captain [George] Vandeput of the Asia,in firing on the town to stop the removal of the cannon which were carrying away by order of the Congress. These papers speak very disrespectfully of the Captain's behaviour; but I assure you they have treated him with great injustice, by charging him with cruelty and inhumanity. The case was briefly and truly this: Captain Vendeput being informed that the people were removing his Majesty's cannon, &c. he fired only a few shots into the town by way of intimidation, and to stop their progress, notwithstanding which they actually moved off near twenty pieces, and but three of the provincials were slightly wounded; whereas had [he] been cruel or inhuman, he could soon have destroyed the whole town. A thief might with as much truth and reason complain of the cruelty of a man who should knock him down for robbing him! But the Patriots here constantly misrepresent every thing; and our news-papers contain very little to be depended on.