[New York] Die Martis, 9 HO. A.M. August 29th, 1775.
Whereas, the commander of His Majesty's ship Asia, under pretence of protecting the King's property, did in the dead of the night of the 23d inst. most unwarrantably fire on the south part of this defenceless city, whereby three of His Majesty's subjects were wounded, the property of several destroyed and the lives of many exposed to the most imminent danger:
And Whereas, many of the inhabitants under apprehensions that the like hostile conduct may be in future pursued by the commander of the said ship, have been induced to move their wives, children and property out of this city:
And Whereas, from the present temper of the people it is apprehended that the peace of this city may be interrupted and that the lives and property of many be exposed, in case the officers or crew belonging to any of His Majesty's ships should come with their boats to this city:
In order therefore to preserve the peace, quiet the minds of the inhabitants and prevent the officers and men belonging to any of His Majesty's ships that now are, or hereafter may arrive in this port from coming to'this city under pretence of procuring supplies, this Congress have thought proper to permit, and they do hereby permit, (agreeable to the former directions of this Congress) that Abraham Lott, Esq. contractor for His Majesty's navy, do in future supply His Majesty's ships stationed here, with all necessaries, as well fresh as salt, for the use of the said ships; that such supplies be by him sent to the Governor's Island; that they may be taken from thence on board the said ships.
And the inhabitants of this city and Colony are hereby enjoined from using any attempt to prevent the said supplies from being furnished by the said Abraham Lott, or his agent; or for obtaining satisfaction for the injury they have received; as this Congress, duly impressed with a sense thereof, are determined to pursue every prudent and proper measure for preventing the like insults in future; and for obtaining satisfaction and redress.
Ordered, That the above resolution be published in hand bills.
Ordered, That Abraham De Peyster, of the city of New-York, merchant, have a permit to load the sloop Charity with two hundred bushels of corn, four tons of ship bread, two hogsheads of dried cod, and ten dozen of poultry, to the island of Antigua, or some other of the West India islands, subject to such orders, and on having such affidavits made and filed, as have in such cases been directed by this Congress.
Ordered, That Messrs. Verplanck and Richard Yates be a committee to consider of the applications of the owners of vessels which are going to sea, and to give them permits agreeable to the resolutions and orders of this Congress.
4 ho.P.M., August 29th, 1775.
Messrs. Thomas Arden and James Arden, having filed such affidavits taken by them with respect to the sloop Liberty and her cargo, and is directed by this Congress to be taken by the owners of vessels intended for the West Indies, and having also sent into Congress and filed such affidavit of David Bewes, the master of the said sloop Liberty, as in such cases are directed by this Congress to be taken by the master of every such vessel.
Ordered, That the sloop Liberty, with her cargo now on board, be permitted to sail.
Mr. William Malcolm having delivered in such affidavit taken by him, with respect to the sloop Thistle, and her cargo, as is directed by this Congress to be taken by the owners of vessels intended for the West Indies; and also delivered in such affidavit of Roger Haddock, the master of the said sloop Thistle, as is in such cases directed by this Congress to be taken by the master of every such vessel, which affidavits are filed.
Ordered, That the sloop Thistle with her cargo now on board, be permitted to sail.
Messrs. Henry Remsen and John Read of the city of New-York, merchants, having delivered in such affidavits taken by them with respect to the sloop Charlotte, and her cargo, as is directed by this Congress to be taken by the owners of vessels intended for the West Indies; and also delivered in such affidavit of Nathaniel Harriot, the master of the said sloop Charlotte, as in such cases is directed by this Congress to be taken by the masters of every such vessel, which affidavits are filed:
Ordered, That the sloop Charlotte, with her cargo now on board, be permitted to sail.