[New York] Die Jovis, 4 ho.P.M. Feb. 29th, 1776.
Niles Christain left England the 2nd or 3rd Nov. 11 weeks ago; was chief mate of the ship Harriet, sailed this day for Boston; that no other vessel sailed with them; no troops left England when he sailed; that some transports were gone to Ireland, and 60 or 70 transports were at Deptford to go to Ireland; that they had 80 hogson board, and 30 are now alive; that the troops from Ireland are to go to Boston; that Genl. Gage was arrived and was blamed for leaving Boston ... that the people of London are in general in favour of America; that in Ireland they have pressed recruits; that he did not hear of any recruiting in England; trade dull; the America ships laid up; did not hear of any commissioners coming over; that he was bred at Charlestown, Massachusetts; that the pilots frequentiy came onshore for fowls; that their ship has not received any supply of provisions or flour, except a few fowls; that the captain's order was not to any particular port, but to any place where the army is. The said Niles Christian requested a pass to go to Cambridge. Thereupon a passport was given to him in the words following:
The bearer hereof, Niles Christian, late mate of the transport ship Harriet, who has escaped from the said ship, and whose former stated place of residence was at Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay, is hereby permitted to pass to Cambridge, in Massachusetts Bay.