[New York] Die Jovis, 9 HO. A.M. August 24th, 1775.
Mr. [Isaac] Sears informed the Congress that he had a letter sealed, which he showed, directed to His Worship The Mayor of this city, and said to be from Capt. George Vandeput, of the ship Asia.
Ordered, That Mr. Verplanck and Mr. Sears, wait on the Mayor with the said letter and request to know the contents.
Mr. Verplanck returned with the letter directed to the Mayor, and with his leave to take a copy thereof, which was read, and is in the words following, to wit:
[Vandeput's letter of August 24]
Ordered, That Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Thomas Smith and Mr. Kissam, be a committee to examine witnesses and take affidavits relating to the attack mentioned in Capt. Vandeput's letter, and the attack made by him on this city.