Asia, Aug. 24, 1775.
Gentlemen,
Whereas a Boat belonging to his Majesty's Ship Asia (under my Command) was between 12 and 1 o'clock this Morning, fired upon by a Number of People, from the Walls of the City; by which firing one Man in the said Boat was shot dead. And whereas his Majesty's Cannon mounted upon the Walls, were about that Time, and afterwards taken off from thence; the Perpetrators of which are guilty of the Crimes expressed in the Statutes for such Offences; this is to require at the Hands of the Magistrates, due Satisfaction for these high Misdemeanors; as I must otherwise look upon these Acts, not as Acts of Rioters, but as done by the whole Community. I wrote a Letter to you this Morning, to which I have not received any Answer; I must therefore inform you, that if you do not think proper to send some Answer to this, as soon as may reasonably be expected, I shall look upon your Silence, as a Negative to my Requisition, and shall take such Measures as may seem necessary to me accordingly.
I am, &c.
G. Vandeput
1. New York Gazette, Aug. 28, 1775.