Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant Governor of New York, to Lord Dartmouth, January 4, 1775

A day or two after this order was received² one of the Custom House officers discovered ten chests of Arms, three Boxes of Lead and one Barrell of Gun-powder on Board a Vessel bound to Rhode Island. It has been found on enquiry that these arms were lately imported on board the ship Lady Gage Captn [Thomas] Mesnard and it is said, were shipped at London as Hardware; but there was no Cockett for them under any Denomination. Mr. [Andrew] Elliot secured them all, and for greater safety sent them on Board the Man of War in the Harbour where they remain

That sett of people who lye waiting for every opportunity to raise a Mob and throw the City into confusion, made an infamous attempt to frighten Mr. Elliot into a surrender of the Arms, which they insisted were legally supported [sic! imported]. The principal Gentlemen and Merchants to prevent mischeif waited upon Mr. Elliot in a body, assured him they were perfectly satisfied with his behaviour, and declared warmly against any who should attempt to insult him on account of what had happened, which silenced the others who were working in the dark and endeavouring to raise the populace