New-York, 20th Feb. 1776.

Sir ー I am just informed that the Asia and Phoenix have seized several provision vessels from the Jerseys. I must submit it to the Congress whether the compact is not to be considered as broke, and whether it is not our duty to withhold all further supplies. For my own part, the measure of suffering ourselves to be plundered, and at the same time feeding our plunderers, appears a degree of lowness of spirit which reflects dishonour and must encourage the enemy still to take greater liberties.

I am, sir [&c.]Charles Lee.

To Col. Woodhull, Prest. of Provincial Congress.

In Provincial Congress, New-York, Feb. 20th, 1776

Sir ー Your favor of this morning has been considered by Congress, and they are of opinion that it is totally impossible to prevent the Asia and Phoenix from supplying themselves with provisions. They have received information that the seizing of the vessels from the Jerseys is occasioned by the supplies from the agents in town being stopped, and are apprehensive, if it be continued, that the town will be reduced to the utmost distress. While the navigation of Hudson's river is obstructed by the ice, our principal dependence for corn, provisions, fuel and hay, is from Connecticut and the Jerseys; an embargo prevents the supplies from the one, and if we provoke the captains of the ships of war, by way of retaliation to prevent them from the other, the inhabitants will not only be destitute, but our commissary will be incapacitated from procuring the necessary supplies for the army now in town. You will please to consider that the ships of war have it in their power to seize all the provisions that they may find afloat, by which means they will have an opportunity of supplying the enemy at Boston.

By order.