UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
LIBRARY
COLLECTIONS OF THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR 1924
THE JOHN WATTS DhPEYSTER PUBLICATION FUND SERIES
LVII
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS
ALEXANDER J. WALL
R. HORACE GALLATIN
FRANK WIENER
)V<^w /or- K W\B iroT \ ZSl I ^a^ ely.
([^^ii^cdrio-A^.
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE
AND OF THE
FIRST COMMISSION FOR DETECTING
AND DEFEATING CONSPIRACIES
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
DECEMBER 11, 1776— SEPTEMBER 23, 1778
WITH COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS
TO WHICH IS ADDED
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF APPOINTMENT
STATE OF NEW YORK APRIL 2, 1778— MAY 3, 1779
VOLUME I
NEW YORK PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY
MDCCCCXXIV
F \\Q> coy, }
c
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY,
For Three Years ending 1926.
\
PRESIDENT,
JOHN ABEEL WEEKES.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,
WALTER LISPENARD SUYDAM.
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,
J. ARCHIBALD MURRAY.
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT,
ARTHUR H. HASTEN.
FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT,
FRANCIS ROBERT SCHELL.
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
ARCHER MILTON HUNTINGTON.
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
THOMAS T. SHERMAN.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
WILLIAM RHINELANDER STEWART.
TREASURER,
R. HORACE GALLATIN.
LIBRARIAN,
ALEXANDER J. WALL.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
FIRST CLASS FOR ONE YEAR, ENDING 1925.
SAMUEL V. HOFFIMAN, FRANK B. PORTER JAMES B. WILBUR
SECOND CLASS — FOR TWO YEARS, ENDING 1926.
RICHARD H. GREENE, HIRAM SMITH
ARCHER M. HUNTINGTON
THIRD CLASS FOR THREE YEARS, ENDING 1927.
B. W. B. BROWN. JOHN E. STILLWELL, FRANK WIENER
FOURTH CLASS FOR FOUR YEARS, ENDING 1928.
THOMAS T. SHERMAN, W. GEDNEY BEATTY WILLIAM DENNISTOUN MURPHY
SAMUEL V. HOFFIVIAN, Chairman.
ALEXANDER J. WALL, Secretary.
[The President, Vice-Presidents, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian are members of the Executive Committee.]
1?,
^.f.
PREFACE
The two volumes now issued form the Collections of the New York Historical Society for the years 1924 and 1925, and are composed of the "Minutes of the Com- mittee and of the First Commission for Detecting and Defeating Conspiracies" in the State of New York, from December 11, 1776 through September 23, 1778, the original of which is in the possession of the Society. To this is added, separately paged and indexed, the "Minutes of the Council of Appointment" in the State of New York, April 2, 1778 through May 3, 1779, a small original vol- ume recently acquired by the Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt by whose courtesy we print it. Both manuscripts, to- gether with collateral material, were prepared for the press, edited and indexed by Miss Dorothy C. Barck of the Library Staff.
Alexander J. Wall,
Lihranan.
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE
AND OF THE
FIRST COMMISSION FOR DETECTING AND DEFEATING CONSPIRACIES
INTRODUCTION
This volume adds to the printed sources for the history of New York, of the American Revolution and of Loyal- ism a little known record of great importance: the minutes of two New York boards "for enquiring into, detecting and defeating all conspiracies" during the critical year 1777. Dr. Alexander C. Flick's excellent and pertinent study of Loyalism in New York during the American Revolution ^ makes any general discussion of the subject superfluous here, but as he did not, un- fortunately, have access to these minutes, a more specific and accurate summary of the history of the two boards seems desirable.
When the first of these boards, the committee for detecting conspiracies, was created on September 21, 1776, there existed an organization for checking Tory hostilities in New York, with the Provincial Congress at the head, and a wide spreading foundation of county and district committees with their many functions in addition to this work. The only minutes of New York county committees in existence are those of Tryon and Albany, both of which are now available in print, ^ but the Journals of the Provincial Congress afford glimpses of local activities as well as a more complete picture of its own. The first important agency between the Con- gress and the local boards, was a committee which the Provincial Congress appointed to execute its resolutions of June 5, 1776. This long detailed resolution named one hundred inhabitants of New York City and its immediate vicinity who were suspected of being inimical
* Columbia University Studies in History, XIV, 1, (N. Y, 1901).
' Minutes of the Albany Committee of Correspondence, 1775-1778, edited by Dr. James Sullivan, State Historian, Albany, 1923.
The Minute Book of the Committee of Safety of Tryon County, N. Y., 1905.
xii INTRODUCTION
to the revolutionary cause. The committee was em- powered to summon and examine these men, who, if judged innocent of harming the colonies, were to be dis- charged with a certificate of acquittal, or, if guilty, were to be released on bail, imprisoned, or deported to a neighboring state. This committee was continued by the Provincial Convention and, upon the suggestion of General Washington, given additional powers with re- spect to removing prisoners from New York City to places farther from the British encampment on Staten Island. The minutes of the committee end the middle of July; on August 7 it was dissolved.^ Its successor was not appointed until six weeks later, when circumstances again demanded the undivided attention of a small group of men acting more speedily and secretly than the Con- vention itself could.
The British occupation of New York City shifted the seat of provisional government and the centre of Loyal- ist activity from the metropolis to the Hudson Highlands. The proximity of the British encouraged a more open expression of loyalty to the crown and made it easy for volunteers from the Hudson valley to sUp through Westchester County and join the royal army on Long Island or Manhattan. Besides the enemy in the city and the enemy on the northern and western frontiers, the leaders of the revolution in New York feared an uprising of the Loyalists in their midst at a moment most favorable to the British cause.* In this situation, the
VowmaZs, N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 456-560; Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 338-340; Force, Amer. Arch., 4th ser., VI, 1706.
The original minutes, June 15 to July 12, 1776, were destroyed in the Capitol fire at Albany in 1911. There is a complete copy in the library of the N. Y. Historical Society made by Berthold Femow. A com- parison with this copy shows that all the proceedings, except an un- important entry for July 12, are printed in the Calendar of Revolu- tionary MSS., I, 340-372, and in the American Archives, 4th ser., VI, 1153-1183. In both printed texts there are several misleading mistakes in dates, and the interpolation of the examinations held by the secret sub-committee, appointed June 17, makes Femow's copy a useful guide for an exact study of the committee of June 5.
*Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 606; Force, 5th ser., II, 991, III, 238; Writings of Washington, W. C. Ford, ed., IV, 463; Flick, Loyalism in N. Y., 105-109.
INTRODUCTION xiii
Convention felt "reduced by the great laws of self- preservation . . . to provide that no means in their power be left unessayed to defeat the barbarous machinations of their domestic, as well as external enemies," and to that end, on September 19, 1776, appointed a committee "to devise ways and means for preventing the dangers which may arise from the disaffected in this State." A report was made the same day and in connection with the ensuing debate, the former resolutions concerning county committees and the committee of June 5 were read, by request from the floor.^ On September 21, 1776, the report was accepted, and the Convention passed a resolution creating a standing committee "for the express purpose of enquiring into, detecting and defeating all conspiracies which may be formed in this State, against the liberties of America."
The committee was empowered "to send for persons and papers; to call out such detachments of the militia, or troops in the different counties as they may, from time to time, deem necessary for suppressing insurrec- tions ; to apprehend, secure or remove such persons whom they shall judge dangerous to the safety of the State; to make drafts on the treasury for a sum not exceeding five hundred pounds; that they be empowered to en- join secrecy upon their own members, and the persons employed by the committee, whenever they shall judge the same necessary; and in general to do every act and thing whatsoever which may be necessary to enable them to execute the trust hereby reposed in them." A com- pany of thirty men, which the Convention had ordered Captain Samuel Dehvan to raise in Westchester County was placed under the committee's direction, and in addition the committee was empowered to raise, officer and pay two hundred and twenty men. The Convention further ordered "that the several committees in this State, do, from time to time, transmit to the above mentioned committee all such information as they shall receive, relating to any machinations and conspiracies
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 633-637.
xiv INTRODUCTION
against this State, and that copies of these resolutions be immediately sent by express to the chairmen of the county committees and to all the brigadier-generals or commanding officers of the militia in this State, that they may govern themselves accordingly." ^ On September 27, a resolution and order of the Committee of Safety added to these powers of the committee for conspiracies the authority ''to place guards at such place or places as they may think proper, for apprehending deserters from the American army." "^
Six members of the Convention were elected to the committee at once: William Duer, Charles DeWitt, Leonard Gansevoort, John Jay, Zephaniah Piatt and Nathaniel Sackett. On October 15, a seventh member, Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt was added by resolution. Lewis Morris and John Ten Broeck also acted on the committee, but the record of their appointment has not been found. In January, 1777, four additional members were appointed at intervals to secure an attendance of the necessary quorum of three.^
The committee organized and began its work on September 28. From the beginning its members were constantly active in organizing a secret service, under the immediate supervision of Nathaniel Sackett, in directing the arrest of persons suspected of aiding or planning to aid the British, in holding daily sessions to examine their prisoners, and in arranging for their con- finement at Fishkill, release on parole, or deportation to neighboring states. On February 11, 1777, imme- diately after deciding to remove to Kingston, the Con- vention dissolved the committee for detecting con- spiracies so that its members might devote themselves entirely to legislative work and to the discussion of the state constitution. In place of the committee, a
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 638; Force, 5th ser, II, 714-715, III, 466-467. These resolutions were printed on broadsides, one of which is in the hbrary of the N. Y. Historical Society, and is reproduced in the Society's Quarterly Bulletin, vol. VI, no. 4, p. 112. (Jan. 1923)
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 648; Force, 5th ser., II, 724.
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 639, 676, 774, 784, 794.
INTRODUCTION XV
commission for detecting conspiracies was appointed, consisting of Egbert Benson, Jacobus Swartwout and Melancton Smith,^ men who had had experience with Loyalists, and were familiar with the methods and policies of the committee, which they continued. Ac- cording to the resolution of the Convention, the com- mittee did not have to dissolve until February 27, but it did so on the fifteenth, and urged the commissioners to take up their work at once, although the committee had not drawn up the instructions for its successor which the Convention had requested it to compile. The three commissioners held a short preliminary meeting on February 15, and the following Monday the detection of conspiracies continued as before, with Egbert Benson acting as chairman of the new board. The commission met almost daily, from then until the middle of August, first at Fishkill, then at Poughkeepsie and later at various places in what is now Columbia County and the northern part of Dutchess County. Peter Cantine, Jr. and Joseph Strang were appointed commissioners on March 7, 1777, after the Convention had added to the work of the commission the task of recalling all the deported Loyalists and tendering them an oath of allegiance to the Continental cause. On leaving Poughkeepsie, Aug- ust 9, the commissioners appointed as assistants to act for them during their absence John and Paul Schenk, Andrew Billings and Peter Tappen. This appointment was later confirmed by the Council of Safety.^*'
The commission for detecting conspiracies ended on September 10, 1777, when the Convention which had appointed it ceased to exist, and the Senate and Assembly of the State of New York convened at Kingston. The minutes of that date record their last decision in a new case. During the remainder of the month and the first days of October, they were winding up their affairs by paying bills, releasing some prisoners on bond or parole,
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 803. The Convention replaced other committees by commissions. Ibid., I, 811, 835. ^"Ibid., I, 827, 1050.
xvi INTRODUCTION
and discharging those who took the oath of allegiance. Two weeks after the ending of the commission, Egbert Benson, who had been elected to the Assembly, took the first step toward creating its successor. On the twenty- fourth of September, 1777, by virtue of permission re- ceived the day before, he introduced a bill "for appointing Commissioners for Conspiracies etc. and declaring their powers." This bill was passed by the Assembly, amended and passed by the Senate, and referred back to the lower house on October 6. On the following day the news reached Kingston that the British had captured Fort Montgomery and won the Highlands.^^ Upon the con- sequent scattering of their members on various urgent duties, the two houses met in Convention, on October 7,
1777, and immediately revived the commission for de- tecting conspiracies, vesting it "with all and singular the powers and authorities which . . . the said commission- ers have heretofore used and exercised." ^^
The following day, October 8, the commission was made responsible for the removal of prisoners from Kingston, out of the enemy's path, to Connecticut.^* Peter Cantine was the commissioner who accompanied the guards and prisoners to Hartford. On his return in November, he made a report and entered it in the min- utes. No subsequent activities of the commissioners for conspiracies are recorded in their own minutes, and there are few references to them elsewhere, although their authority was still acknowledged, and they were called upon to deal with prisoners. ^^ Their continued official existence was recognized for the last time on January 14,
1778, when the New York Senate and Assembly, sitting together in Convention, authorized the five commis- sioners "to discharge the parols of the several persons
" Votes and Proceedings of the Senate of the State of New York, First Session, (Fishkill, 1777) pp. 18, 23-26; Votes and Proceedings of the Assembly, (Kingston, 1777) pp. 17-20, 28.
"Journ. N. Y. Prou. Cong., I, 1061.
''Ibid.,!, 1064, 1067; II, 487.
'* Ibid., I, 1104, 1114, 1106, 1116. For the assistant commissioners, see Ibid., I, 1093, 1097; II. 354. 355.
INTRODUCTION XVU
confined on parol by order of the late Council of Safety."!^
Two weeks later, on January 28, when the state legis- lature was again sitting in two separate houses, the Assembly began to consider the amended bill "for ap- pointing commissioners for detecting and defeating con- spiracies" which the Senate had referred back to it on October sixth of the previous year.^*' This bill became a law on February 5, 1778, and as amended by the act of April 3, provided for thirty commissioners, with duties and powers similar to those of the committee for con- spiracies appointed September 21, 1776. Quorums of not less than three commissioners could sit simultaneously at different places, and act with all the authority vested in the commission as a whole.^"^ The only minutes of this commission in existence are the records of that part which met in Albany County. These have been printed by the State of New York, edited by the then State Historian, Victor Hugo Paltsits.
The first commission for conspiracies continued to meet irregularly during the year 1778 to pay bills, and kept a careful record of expenditures in their book of minutes. Their last meeting was held on September 23, 1778, when their accounts were closed, their books audited, and the balance of their money was returned to the State Treasurer.
The extant original minutes of the committee and of the first commission for detecting and defeating con- spiracies were presented to the New York Historical Society by Elisha Jenkins.^^ In a letter ^^ to De Witt
''Ibid., I, 1116.
" Votes and Proceedings of the Senate, 44 ; Votes and Proceedings of the Assembly, 38, 44.
"Laws of N. Y., (Poughkeepsie, 1782), pp. 6-7, 30-31, first session, ch. 3 and 31.
"Elisha Jenkins (c. 1772-1849) of Hudson, N. Y., held several im- portant state offices under the Democratic party. At the time the minutes were presented, he was mayor of Albany.
"In the correspondence files of the Society.
xviii INTRODUCTION
Clinton, dated at Albany, November 14, 1816, he wrote that "having accidentally obtained possession" of the minutes, he "could not better dispose of them, than to consign them to the archives of the Historical Society of this State," of which Clinton was then vice-president. They were deposited with the Society in May, 1817.
The manuscript comprises four hundred and forty pages, divided into four sections of unequal length, now bound together in one thick folio volume. Each section has a contemporary title page, (which the printed text follows exactly) containing a number, the name of the board and the inclusive dates. The volume begins with section A. No. 2, which contains the minutes from De- cember 11, 1776 through part of the record for December 31. Section A. No. 3 continues the minutes of December 31 and ends with those of January 21, 1777. The first part of book A is gone, and so is the fourth and last part, from January 22 until the committee was succeeded by the commission. The minutes of the commissioners are complete in two parts: B. No. 1, covering the period from February 15 through March 7, 1777, and B. No. 2, (comprising one half of the entire volume) from March 8, 1777 through September 23, 1778.
The manuscript was copied by Peter Force prior to 1853. His transcript, not entirely accurate, is now in the Library of Congress. The portion for 1776 was printed in the American Archives, fifth series, III, 1539- 1558.
The fire in the State Capitol at Albany in 1911 con- sumed "a bundle of papers," beginning September 28, 1777, which was, according to a note made by George R. Howell, state archivist, "apparently volume I of the 'Journal of Proceedings of the committee for detecting and defeating conspiracies' : of which we have the Journal of Proceedings of this committee for 1777." ^^ These were probably the two sections which the Society's volume lacks. This loss has been repaired to a slight
^ First Report of the Public Archives Commission in the Annual Report of the American Historical Association for 1900, II, 96.
INTRODUCTION xix
extent by reprinting, in chronological order, official ex- tracts from the minutes sent by the committee for con- spiracies to Colonel Henry Ludington, the General Court of New Hampshire and the New York Provincial Con- vention, and preserved and printed among their papers.
It is probable that the Jay papers, still in the posses- sion of the family, will give additional information about John Jay's activities as a member of the committee, but unfortunately these papers are not available as yet.
The minutes of the joint meeting of February 22, 1777, are closely written on both sides of a single sheet of paper, presented to the Washington's Headquarters, Newburgh, N. Y,, by Colonel Isaiah Townsend, prior to 1858. They are printed here by permission of the Trustees of the New York State Museum at Newburgh, N. Y.
The manuscript has been followed exactly, human fallibility permitting, as to spelling, capitalization and punctuation, marginal notes and general arrangement. The usual abbreviated endings of words, consisting of one or two letters above a period or colon, have been represented by the superior letters alone, to avoid the expense of making special types. Words crossed out in the manuscript are printed in itaUcs enclosed in square brackets.
Dorothy C. Barck.
EXTRACTS FROM the MINUTES
In Committee appointed by a Resolution of the Convention of the State of New York for enquiring into, detecting and defeating all Conspiracies which may- be form'd in the said State, against the Liberties of America. Fish Kill Ocf 12, 1776.
This Committee taking into Consideration Coll. Lud- ingtons Letter respecting Thomas Menzes Esq"" receiv'd yesterday.
Ordered that Coll. Ludington, carry into Execution the former Orders of this Committee respecting Thomas Menzes Esq'" in such Manner as to him shall appear most prudent.
Ordered that the Secretary transmit to Coll. Luding- ton by Express a Copy of the above order.
Extract from the Minutes. A. W. D. Peyster Secr^i
FisHKiLL, October 17, 1776: ^ Whereas divers treasonable conspiracies against this State and the liberties of America, have lately been dis- covered in several parts of the County of Dutchess, for seducing many of the inhabitants thereof from their allegiance to this State, and inlisting them in the service of the King of Great Britain: And whereas this Com-
* Facsimile in Johnson, Colonel Henry Ludington, (privately printed, N. Y., 1907) opp. p. 56.
'When this and following extracts appear in more than one printed source, the text cited first is the one followed; important variations found in the others are printed in italics enclosed in parentheses.
1
2 STATE OF NEW YORK
mittee, after diligent inquiry in the progress and cause of the said conspiracies, have the highest reason to believe that they were formed and promoted by certain notoriously disaffected persons of influence in the said County, at the instigation of William Tryon, Esquire, late Governour of the Colony of New- York: And whereas this Committee judge it absolutely necessary and ex- pedient for the suppression of such conspiracies, and the prevention of them in future, as well as the restoration of good government and order in the said County, that such notoriously disaffected persons of influence in the said County should be immediately removed therefrom to one of the neighbouring States, till such times as proper courts shall be instituted in this State for the due trial and punishment of such treasonable practices: And whereas this Committee, in order to gain information respecting the most disaffected persons in the said County, have applied to persons of known probity and attachment to the American cause, who reside in and are well acquainted with the characters and conduct of the inhabitants thereof, the names of which persons the Committee forbear to mention, lest by the publication thereof they should be exposed to their malice and re- sentment: And whereas this Committee, from the intelligence and information in the manner aforesaid acquired, are fully convinced that the persons hereinafter named are notoriously disaffected to the American cause, and are very instrumental in seducing the inhabitants of the said County from the allegiance which they owe to this State: And whereas this State is now actually invaded by a powerful Army, now in possession of its capital, and who have effected a landing and are en- deavouring to penetrate into the County of Westchester, and is also threatened with a formidable invasion on its northern frontier: And whereas the American cause greatly depends on the preservation of this State:
Therefore Resolved, That it hath become more par- ticularly necessary and expedient to provide for the
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 3
internal peace and security of this State, by removing from it all persons who are notoriously disaffected and inimical to the measures pursuing for the safety and defence of the United States of America.
Resolved, That the persons hereinafter named be forth- with removed to the several places afl&xed to their re- spective names, there to remain at their own expense, under such restrictions as shall be enjoined them re- spectively by the Legislative authority, or by the Com- mittees of the several States to which they may be so removed.
Resolved, That letters be written to the respective Legislatures or Committees aforesaid, enclosing them copies of the resolution of the Convention of this State appointing this Committee, together with the lists of the persons sent to the respective places, distinguishing such persons as this Committee deem most dangerous to the liberties of America by an asterism.
Ordered, That copies of the foregoing Resolutions be sent to the respective Legislatures or Committees of the several States to which the prisoners hereinafter named shall be removed.
The names of such prisoners as are sent to the town of Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire :
Samuel Sweet, Silas Rushmore,*
Isaac Neal, (Veal) Enoch Lester,*
John Tanner,* (killed,) David Long,*
Peter Buyce, (Boyce) Cornelius Lawrence,*
Area (Asa) De Long, Nathaniel Thorn,*
James Gosling, Moses Shaw,
Michael Vincent, Daniel Southwick,*
Stephen Hunt,* Daniel Doty, (Doughty) in
Robert Thorn, jail
Leonard Vincent, Samuel Mott,*
Daniel Beadle, George Doty, (Doughty)
John Montgomerie, in jail
Peter Shearer,* Timothy Duel,
Joseph Tyce, Laughlin Me Intosh,
STATE OF NEW YORK
Robert Burdock, Benjamin Chase, Dirk Butcher, William Merritt, Moses Fowler, Joseph Gage, Increase Jackson,* Elias Doty, Jonathan Thorn, James Pettit, John Grant, George Peters,* Joshua Gidney,* Samuel Mabbit,* John German, John De Graaf, Jacob Bush,* Jacob Sharpstone, Elisha Powel,* Silas Duel,* Aaron Haight, Jun.* Abel Peters,* Mathias Cook,* John Cook,* Stephen Thorn,* Samuel Burdock, Jeremiah French,* Rev. M^'-^ Bryant,* Major Ross,* Elkenah Briggs,* Griffin Marcy, Aggrippa Martin,* John Wheeler, Thomas Briggs, Jun.,* Roger Cutler, Peter Weaver,* Coon Smith, James Bryant,* Joshua Dakins *
John P. Low (Row) Michael Smith, Henry Van Denbergh,
Esq.,* R'd Snedecker, Esq.,
(Swedecker) Baltus Van Kleck,* Peter J. Van Denbergh, John Van Denbergh,* Samuel Isaacs, (*) jail, Alexander Hare,(*) jail Isaac J. (T.) Lassing, John Robinson, Ricbell Wilhams, Martin Dop,
Hugh Mashur,* (Moshur) Gores Stone, (Storm) Dirk Van Vleet,* Robert Duell, Andries Pulver, Wandall (Wardall) Pulver, Adam Weaver, John Miller,* David Hoffman, James Parker, Johannis Cole, Timothy Doughty,* John Degraaf,^*^ Johannes Medlar, William Doughty, Mathias Leister, Judah Swift, Charles Vinsent, Ephraim Wheeler, Wm. Cooper, Asa Brown, Anthony Carpenter, Elisha Rose, Caleb Seamans, (Seaman)
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES
Kendrick (Hendrick) Joseph Hitchcock,
Younkhans, Eli Crosby,
Jonathan Duell, Gilbert Dickeson,
Sylvester Stone,* Ebenezer Rider,
Benjamin Trip, Jacob Lawrence, Jun.
Mathias Cook,* {Joseph Mabbitt*)
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^
Fish Kill Ocf^ 20, 1776 Whereas this Committee did on the 17^^ Inst, resolve that the following Persons, Inhabitants of South East and Frederick Precincts in the County of Dutchess, should forthwith be disarm'd apprehended and secured, to witt, Uriah Townsend, Ebenezer Rider, Charles Cul- len*. Barns Hatfield, Uriah Wright, Joseph Hitchcock, EU Crosby, D"^ Daniel Bull*, Charles Theal, and Gilbert Dickson.
Daniel Babbit William Merrit
Jeremiah Birch Jun"" Thomas Carl *
David Nash Daniel Brundage
Samuel Towner Moses Fowler
Ordered that Coll. Luddington do forthwith apprehend and bring before this Committee the above mentioned Persons, and that he secure the Papers of such whose Names are mark'd with an Asterisk in order that the same be examined by this Committee.
Ordered that Capt. Clarke detach Leut: Haight with a Party of 15 Men, to repair to Coll Luddington and to follow such Orders as they may receive from him.
Signed by Order of the Committee W™ DuER Chairman *
•Force, American Archives, 5th series, III, 467-468; New Hampshire State Papers, VIII, 379-380.
* Facsimile in Pelletreau, History oj Putnam Co., opp. p. 698; and in Johnson, Henry Ludington, opp. p. 58.
6 STATE OF NEW YORK
FisHKiLL, October 22, 1776: Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee be directed to apply to the Committee of Safety for five hundred Pounds for the use of this Committee, for the Expenditure of which this Committee will be accountable to the Convention of this State.
Ordered, That the Secretary furnish the Chairman with a copy of this Resolution. Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.'
FiSHKiLL, November (3), 1776:
Whereas * Stephen Baxter, John Stewart, * Stephen Baxter, Jun., Jonas Kaneff (Kamiff), Richard Jewel, Nathaniel Gildershew (Gildershue) , are notoriously dis- affected to the American cause :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed under guard to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain under such restrictions as to the General Court, or Council, or Committee of Safety, shaU seem most advisable.
Resolved, That those of the above-mentioned persons whose names are marked with an asterisk be closely con- fined in jail.
Whereas it would be inconsistent with the publick safety to suffer any persons who have been concerned in treasonable practices, or who are notoriously disaffected to the American cause, to remain confined in the jails of this State, during its present situation :
Resolved, That all the prisoners at present confined in the jails in the Counties of Dutchess and Westchester, be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New- Hampshire, there to remain in jail till further orders from this Committee or the Legislature of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Resolved, That this Committee pledge the publick
•Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., II, 1189-1190. Cf. Journals, N. Y. Pro- vincial Congress, I, 687.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 7
faith of the State of New- York, for the subsistence of such prisoners as shall be confined in jail, and for all such others, who, either through illness or any other cause, shall be incapable of subsisting themselves by- labour.
The following is a list of prisoners from White-Plains jail, in the County of Westchester, now sent to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire: James Boundage, Joseph Purdy, Levy Devoe, James Budd, Billy Sanders, Samuel Purdy, Azariah Whittemore (Whitmore), Cap- tain Jagger.
The following is a list of the prisoners' names who were confined in Poughkeepsie jail, in the County of Dutchess, now sent to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire: Frederick Ham, Junr., James Lummery, (sick,) Edward Talbot, Lewis Hogg, Obediah Griffin, John Laurence (Lawrence), John McDonald, Thomas Barker, Samuel Glass. These persons were all more or less concerned in a late insurrection in Dutchess County, and the greatest part actually in arms.
George Browning (Browing), endeavouring to inlist men in the service of the enemy,
Adam Barrack, Christian Barrack, for notorious dis- affection to the American cause, and for escaping from the jail at New- York, where they were confined by order of the Provincial Congress, being taken in supplying the enemy's ships with provisions.
John Hallock, for notorious disaffection, and for as- sisting the above-mentioned two persons, when pursued in order to be taken.
Extract from the Minutes :
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.®
FiSHKiLL, October 29, 1776: Resolved, That all the prisoners who have been re- moved from the jail of the City and County of Albany,
'Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 468-469; N. H. State Papers, VIII, 380-381.
8 STATE OF NEW YORK
pursuant to a resolution of the General Committee of the said County, of the 25th instant,'^ be forthwith sent, under guard, to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire.
Whereas it appears to this Committee from the exami- nations transmitted by the Committee of Albany, in their letter to this Committee of the 25th instant, that the following persons have either been aiding, assisting, or abetting the enemy, in subverting the liberties of America, or are notoriously disaffected to the measures pursued for the establishment of American Uberty, viz: Isaac Mann, John Hitchcock, Laughlin Mc Gaffin, Na- thaniel Douglas alias Ruggles, James Waddell, Abraham North, to be in irons, Peter Brown, to be in irons, Joseph Tunnecliff (Junneclijf), William Bums, Alexander An- derson, John Feathers, Thomas Pearson:
Resolved, That they be closely confined in jail till further orders from this Committee or the Legislature of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Resolved, That a list of all the prisoners sent from the County of Albany, be transmitted to the General Court or Committee of Safety of the State of New-Hampshire, distinguishing by an asterism the names of such persons whom this Committee deem most dangerous to the pub- lick safety, in order that they may be put under such restrictions as the General Court or Committee of Safety of the said State shall deem most proper.
The following is a list of the prisoners from Albany, including those mentioned in the last page:
Timothy Clossen, Thomas Flood,
Anthony Clossen, Wm. Tunnecliff,
Isaac Mann, William Duncan,
John Hitchcock, Major Snell,
Seth Chase Casper Bonwer,
Alexander White, Jary (Jury) Weaver,
'Cf. Minutes of the Albany Committee of Correspondence, I, 587. Also ibid., pp. 613, 621-622; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II, 344.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 9
Laughlin Mc Gaffin, Coenrait Kelder,
Nathaniel Douglas Peter Keller,
James Waddell, William Marter,
Abraham Van North, Alex. Boyd,
Jonathan Owen, John Shufeet (Sherfelt),
John Mc Murphy Peter Crawbergh (Graw-
(Mc Murtrey) bergh ) ,
Peter Brono, James Sloan,
Peter Breesee (Bresee) Gilbert Scharpe,
Peter Brasee, jun., Alex. Thompson,
Henry Brasee, Joseph Tunnecliff,
Cornelius Brasee, William Burn
John House, Alexander Anderson,
John Livingston, John Feather
Thomas Pearson (Pierson),
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^
FisHKiLL, November (3), 1776: Whereas it appears to this Committee that Thomas BuUis was one of the persons concerned in an attempt, last summer, to disarm the friends to the American cause, and that there is reason to imagine that the said Bullis and a certain Johannis Van Tilen had intentions of joining the enemy:
Resolved, That they be forthwith moved to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to be closely con- fined in jail until further orders from this Committee or the Legislative authority of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law. Thomas Bullis, Johan- nis Van Tilen.
Whereas the following persons, inhabitants of this State, were lately taken in arms against the liberties of the United States, in a late skirmish between a detach-
' Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 469-470; N. H. Stale Papers, VIII,
10 STATE OF NEW YORK
ment of the Continental Army and a party under the command of the late Major Rogers,^ viz:
Joseph Dean, Jacob Cadwell Burr,
Stephen Law (Saw), Reuben Stives
Elijah Carle, David Travis,
John Angevine, Josiah (Jonah) Worden,
Joseph Carle, Elijah Bartoe,
Walter Brown, Jonathan Asten,
Gilbert Myers, Francis Besly (Berley),
Frederick Devoe, James Tharpe (Thorpe), David Laurence * (Law- Solomon Parent,
rence) Jonathan Ecly (Eely),
James Angevine,* Stephen Travis,
Joseph Charlick, James Canady,
Moses Travis, Abraham Brown,
Elnathan Appleby, Jedediah Davis,
William Washburn :
Resolved, That they be forthwith marched to the town of Exeter, in the State of New Hampshire and that they be closely confined in jail, in such parts of the said State as by the General Court, or Council, or Committee of Safety of said State, shall be thought advisable.
Whereas Thomas Gonunck has been represented to this Committee, by the Committee of Dutchess County, as a person highly disaffected to the American cause, and whose residence in this State, at this juncture, is incon- sistent with the safety thereof:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to the town of Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to re- main under the same restrictions with the other pris- oners destined to that place by a resolution of this Com- mittee of the 17th day of October last.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^®
"Near Mamaroneck, on October 21, 1776. Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., II, 1203; Dawson, Westchester Co. during the American Revolu- tion, 252-253, text and note 14.
"Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser.. Ill, 470; N. H. State Papers, VIII, 383.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES H
FisHKiLL, November 8, 1776:
Whereas it appears clearly to this Committee that Jacob Deane, Solomon Haight, and Solomon Eltinger, are notoriously disaffected to the American cause, which they have evinced by refusing to receive in payment the Continental currency, and endeavouring to depreciate the same :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain, at their own expense, under such restrictions as to the General Court, or the Council, or Committee of Safety of the said State shall appear most advisable.
Whereas it appears to this Committee that Dr. [space left blank] Weeks has been engaged in a treasonable conspiracy against the liberties of America:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to be closely con- fined in jail until further orders from this Committee or the Legislative authority of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Whereas Richard Rodgers has been aiding, assisting, and abetting the enemy, in their attempts to subvert the liberties of America :
Resolved, That he forthwith be removed to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain in jail until further orders from this Committee or the Legis- lative authority of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Whereas John Carpenter, of Huntingdon, in the County of Suffolk, on Long-Island, has been lately taken in arms against the United States of America:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain in jail until further order from this Committee, the Legislative authority of this State, or of the Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Whereas this Committee are clearly convinced that Jacob Russell, Daniel McGuinand (McGuire), and
12 STATE OF NEW YORK
Israel Tuttle, of Ulster County, have been traitorously concerned in inlisting men for the service of the enemy, and that Patrick McDonald, of Orange County, has harboured the said persons, knowing them to be traitors to this State :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, and there to remain in jail, until further orders from this Committee, or the Legislature of the State, unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Resolved, That the order of the 26th of October last, as far as it respects the confinement in jail of John Hallock and Lewis Hogg, be disannulled, and that the said persons remain at their own expense, at such place, and under such restrictions as to the General Court, or Council, or Committee of Safety, of the State of New- Hampshire, shall seem advisable.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary,^^
Connors Tavern Fishkill : Tuesday November the 19*^ 1776.
Present:
William Duer, Chairman. Nathaniel Sackett, John Jay, Esq., Coll De Witt
Whereas a number of Persons principal Inhabitants of this State who for some time afected a Neutrality of Conduct in the Present Contest have lately joined the Enemy's Army & have been privy to aiding or assisting in their wicked conspiracies against the libertys of the United States in violation of the sacred engagements which many of them had enterd into to observe a peace- able & inoffensive conduct.
And whereas it appears unquestionably to this com-
" Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 470-471 ; N. H. State Papers, VIII, 384.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES Ig
mitte that many companies of men in different counties of this state have actually enlisted in the Enemys Service many of which persons are intimately connected with or dependent on persons of suspicious or equivocal characters And whereas this state is at present invaded with a powerful army who have already penetrated into the County of Westchester and whose ships of War occupy the navigation of Hudsons River. Inasmuch therefore as it is reasonable to suppose that many per- sons who affect a similar neutrality of principal only wait an oppertunity of persuing a similar Conduct with those who have at length thrown off the mask and taken an active part with our open enemies and as it is incon- sistent with the high trust reposed by the convention of this state in this committe to hazard the general Uberties of America dependent in so high a degree on the preservation of this state by an Illtimed lenity to individuals who have either with artful & wicked designs or from interested motives shrunk from the duties they owe their country
Therefore Resolved that it is the duty of every virtu- ous citizen when a mortal blow is aimed at the liberties of his country to stand forth in an open & spirited man- ner & to assist by his example by his council or by his arms in vindicating and defending her cause.
Resolved that it would endanger the safety of the state & the general hberties of America to permit persons of influence & of equivocal characters to remain within it at this alarming Crisis, more pa[r]ticular on the Fron- tiers & in such other Counties where conspiracies are actually forming to aid & abett our open enemies & therefore that all such persons ought forthwith to be removed to one of the neighbouring states.^^
"Calendar of Historical Manuscripts relating to the Revolutum. (Albany, 1868) I, 660. ^
14 STATE OF NEW YORK
At a meeting of the committee at Connor's Tavern the 25*^ of Nov. 1776.
Present:
W" Duer, Esq. Chairman Nathaniel Sackett, Esq., John Jay, Esq., Zephaniah Piatt, Esq.
Whereas Cadwallader Colden of Ulster Co Esq hath been represented to this committee as a person who hath long been notoriously disaffected to the American cause and who from his disposition & influence as well from his vicinity to the enemy may justly be considered as too dangerous to be permitted longer to remain at his present abode and the more so as this committee have reason to believe that he hath Countenanced and abetted measures pred judicial to the rights of America — Resolved therefore that he be forthwith apprehended & brought before this committee.
Ordered, That Capt Lush do forthwith apprehend the said Cadwallader Colden Esq., and bring him before this Committee, that he carefully and diligently examine all his papers, and that he secure all such as may have any reference to the Contest betwixt Great Britain & America in order that the same may be examined by this Committee.^ ^
In Committee the 27'^ day of Nov. 1776.
Capt. Lush returned and brought to the Committee Cadwallader Colden, Esq., who was order'd to be appre- hended on the 25**" inst. On his giving his parole of honour that he will not depart this place, but appear before this Committee To-morrow morning he was per- mitted to seek for Lodgings. Capt. Lush deUvered to the Committee a number of Letters & Papers which he found in Mr. Colden's custody, to wit:
A Letter signed I. Colden directed to Cadwallader Colden, Esq., at Coldenham, Dated at Long Island Feb^ 20^^^ 1776.
"Ibid.; also in Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 762-763.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 15
A Letter signed Cha^ Ingliss, directed to Cadwallader Golden, dated at New York Feb'^ 5^^ 1776.
A Letter signed Peter Dubois, directed Cadwallader Golden, Esq., at Goldenham, dated Monday noon.
A Letter signed Dubois, directed to Major Golden, dated Friday, P. M.
A note from Mr. Dubois to Major Golden.
A long letter from Peter Dubois, directed to Gadwal- lader Golden, Jun. Esq., in Ulster Go. This letter con- tains the intelhgence & account of the movements and proceedings of the two Armies, beginning Monday morning Sept" 16^'' 1776, and ending the Wednesday fol- lowing, dated at Second river.
A note from some Scotch Gentleman at Esopus, directed to Mr. Golden, dated August the 3"^ 1776.
A small paper containing notes of Mr. Anans Sermon on PoUticks.
A paper containing a list of the Gontinental & Min- isterial Fleets with their number of men and guns (this is supposed to be the Fleets on Lake Ghamplain).
A Copy of Lord Howe & General Howes declaration of the 19*^ of Sept. 1776.
A Protest against the measures of Congress neither dated or sign'd.
A manuscript piece of Poetry reflecting on the meas- ures pursued by the Americans.^^
In Committee &c Fishkill the 28''^ Nov 1776.
Mr Golden appeared & being examined by the Com- mittee said that he conceived the former oath of al- legiance which he had taken to the King of Great Britain to be binding upon him & professed a desire of being permitted to observe a state of Neutrality,
Resolved that he be forthwith removed to the town of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay there to re- main at his own expense on his parole of honour under
"CaZ. Rev. MSS., I, 661; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 763.
16 STATE OF NEW YORK
such restrictions as the Select men or Civil Authority of that Town shall prescribe.
Resolved, that the said Major Golden be permitted to return home in order to take leave of his family & to prepare for his Journey for the space of 10 days on his pledging his parole of Honour to appear before this com- mittee at the expiration of the said term —
Major Golden appearing before the committe was asked whether the paper containing reflections on a Sermon preached by the Rev Mr Anan was his own hand writing — confessed it was. he further pledged his parole for his appearance at the time mentioned.
Extract from David Pembrooks examination
"And this deponent says that he used to hear James Robinson frequently talk of going to see Major Golden."
(The James Robinson mentioned in the preceding abstract is a dangerous emissary from the enemy & hath industriously attempted to seduce divers of the Inhabi- tants of this State from their allegiance thereto and enlisted men in the Service of the enemy. )^^
Fish KILL, December 4, 1776.
Resolved, That the Gouncil and General Gourt of the State of New-Hampshire be authorized to permit the Prisoners who have been removed by this Gommittee to said State, to enter on board any of the Gontinental or private ships of war, excepting such persons who are confined in Jail in said State for treasonable practices against the State of New- York; and that Lieutenant- Golonel Welch be requested to cooperate with the said Gouncil and General Gourt in executing this resolution.
Resolved, That a Letter be written to the Gouncil and General Gourt of the State of New-Hampshire, trans- mitting them a copy of this resolution.
Extract from the Minutes:
Rob't Benson, Secretary.
''Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 661; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 763.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 17
FisHKiLL, December 4, 1776. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that Lieutenant-Colonel Welch is entitled to the thanks of the Representatives of this State, for the attention he has shown in executing the orders of this Committee, as well as for the care he has taken to support good order and regularity amongst his troops whilst stationed at this place; and therefore, that the Chaii^man be re- quested, in the name of this Committee, to express their hearty approbation of his conduct; and that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Council and General Court of the State of New-Hampshire.
Wm. Duer, Chairman. Attest: Robert Benson, Secretary. ^^
"Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 1075-1076.
For additional light on the activities of the Committee prior to December 11, 1776, consult the following: Appendixes I and II; Jour- nal, N. Y. Prov. Congress, etc., I, 662-698, 707-708, 743, 756, 1000; II, 269, 344; Force, Amer. Archives, 5th ser., II, 829, 979; III, 238, 466, 687, 705, 825; Calendar N. Y. Revolutionary MSS., I, 515, 531, 642; New Hampshire State Papers, VIII, 387-389, 390, 393-394; Papers of Geo. Clinton, I, 383, 391, 404; Writings of Geo. Washington, (W. C. Ford, ed.) IV, 496-499; transcript of letters of William Duer to Tench Tilghman, Sept. 28-Oct. 18, 1776, in the N. Y. Historical Society, (copied by Robert Kelby, 1881, from the originals then the property of Oswald Tilghman of Easton, Maryland).
MINUTES OF COMMITTEE
FROM DECEMBER IITH 1776 TO DECEMBER 31ST 1776
[MANUSCRIPT SECTION A No. 2.]
Dec. 11, 1776 to) A No 3
Dec. 31, 1776. |
Wednesday 11 Dec' 1776 The Com« met at Connors Tavern
Present
M"^ De Witt Gen. Morris
M-^ Jay
M"^ Duer being absent M"" Jay was chosen Chairman of this Committee.
M"^ Jay communicated to the Com^ a Letter from Coll. Huntington to this committee informing them that he had sent several Prisoners whose Names & Crimes were specified in a Paper enclosed, which is as follows
confined by
W" & Jon" Underhill. . . .Gen. Sullivan, .for not signing
y* Association & swearing al- legiance to his britanic maj- esty
John Beger& John Acker. Gen. Lee on suspicion of
corresponding with the En- emy
Th^ Valentine Gen. Lee an active Tory
Pebody Stanmore
Jacob Jewel Gen. Lee an active Tory
Sam^ Miller John Prior")
Jam^ M'^Cord Elishai Gen. Lee suspected of
Merrit J aiding y* En-
emy
21
22 STATE OF NEW YORK
A Letter was rec'' of the 11 Ins' from Joh" Hardenbergh Jun*" in Favor of Jos. Montgomery one of the Prisoners. Petrus Rosen the officer of the Guard informs y^ Com^ that Pebody Stanmore and John Davis two of y^ pris- oners are very sick. Ordered that Doct Graham be re- quested to examine them & report their Condition to y* Com^
Gen. Morris informs the Com^ that he had permitted Th" Valentine and [torn] [U]nderhill to go at large on their parole to appear every Day and that the others are in the Guard House except some who had escaped.
Charles Haight Jun"" of North Castle being examined on Oath saith that he was sent here by the Com^ of Bedford. That about two months ago he was enticed by Caleb Fowler Jun"" to go with him to Long Island, the said Fowler telling him that if he staid he would be taken up. That they went together to Byram. That they communicated their Design to Stephen Lyon a son of John Lyon at that Place. That the s*^ Lyons Negroes carried them over to Musquetoe Cove, from whence he again came over to Memaroneck at the time the Enemy were there. That Fowler went to the Enemy on Long Island. That on their way to Byram they staid a night Jonathan ^t Jonathan Millers in Kings Street and the next night jimel* ^^ James Brundiges who both entertained them & knew entertifn where they were going. That Stephen Lyon looked out Tories fQj. ^ Cauoc for them. That he saw Roger's Rangers at Memaroneck. That William Underhill Jun'" of Cort- land Manor was a Cap' among them & had brought several men with him as he understood among them, & William that Underhill told him he was going home. That he Sd Samuel also saw amoug them Samuel Kip of North Castle, who iogewS' told the Ex' that he was a Leu' and was going home also. «^"^^" Charles Haight
Sworn 11 Dec'- 1776 John Jay
Ordered That Cap' Townsend forthwith apprehend Mmlr* a[nd] bring before this Com® Stephen Lyon, Jonathan
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 23
Mill[er], James Brundige William Underhill Jun'" & [Briundige Samuel [Kip] i^Kip^^be
Whereas the said Charles Haight Jun'' has offered to hended^' assist Cap*" Townsend in apprehending the af*^ Persons
Ordered that he be the Bearer of a Letter for that Pur- pose to Cap*^ Townsend and return with him to this Committee
The Rev*^ Docf Graham reports that he has examined d' Graham John Davis and Pebody Stanmore agreable to the order the case°of of this Committee. That the former is ill of a Pox & and"Da°vfs may with safety remain where he is. That the latter has be removed a Fever and ought to be removed. Hospital
Ordered that the Rev'^ Docf Graham be requested to see John Davis removed to the Hospital and attend them both.
Connor's Tavern at Fish Kill 13 Dec"" 1776 The Committee met Pres*
M'" Jay Chairman M'- De Wit M'- Duer Gen. Morris
M"" Jay informs y^ Com® that he last Evening released Anthony Alair one of the Prisoners from the Custody ^SLd^''''' of the Guard, on his Brother Peter Alair's becoming Surety for his appearance.
M'' Duer communicated to the Com® a Letter from Egb. Benson Esq"" of the ir^ Inst, enclosing Papers con- ^"^e^son"'" taining Information ag^ and concerning sundry Persons
Also a Letter from Maurice Pleas respecting Ch^ Vin- ce^nt el-'"" cent who had escaped from Exeter— of the 9'^ Inst. 1776. ^Ife/™""
Also a Letter from Coll. Th^ Thomas of the 11 Deo^ Inst, enclosing a Letter from Gen. Wadsworth to Gen. Spencer relative to a Number of Tories he had appre- hended by order of Gen. Lee.
The Prisoners referred to by Gen. Wadsworth are
24 OTATE OF NEW YORK
Caleb Archer Isaac Tomkins
Isaac Lawrence Edward Odell
Paul Graham Henry Le Fergue
Joshua Odell John Shute
Samuel Dean James Tomkms
Benj'' Booth John Mc Cord
Elbert Arsen Edw. Drake
Thomas Ellis John Vermiljea
Amos Le Fergue Anthony Alair
John Dickson Isaac Arsen
Peter Dobbs W"" Paterson
Henry Fowler Benj. Vermiljea Cap*
Gen. Morris informs the Com^ that Israel Honeywell
and John Youngs two of the Com^ of W Chester County
told him all the above named Persons were notoriously
disaffected to the American Cause & in their opinion
ought to be removed to one of the neighbouring States.
M"" Duer also communicated to the Com^ a Certificate
of John Baker a Serjeant in y^ 4*^ Reg* certifying certain
und«Mi Matters ag* W" Underhill— at the foot of w*^ Certificate
is another of CoU. Nixon of the Character of Baker
A Letter from Isaac Everit Chairman of the Com® of
Stephen Frcdericksburgh of the 10 Dec"" 1776 respecting Stephen
Booth Booth sent Prisoner to the Com® was read
M'' Duer also communicated to the Com® a Letter from Leonar.d Gansevoort Esq"* of 21 Nov. last respecting cuyL Henry Cuyler, Major Edmunston & Leiut* Hugh Frazier Edmonston thrcc half pay oflBcers disaffected to the Am. Cause Fr'Sr M'" Duer informed the Com® that the Mayor of Albany
Abraham ^^^ ^^^ bccu committcd to the Custody of Leut* c Cuyler Schoonmaker had escaped and that he had put the Leiu* under arrest.
Whereas Henry Cuyler, Major Edmundston and Leiu-
tenant Hugh Frazier are oflScers on half Pay in the
Service of the King of Great Britain and Whereas this
Bo"*ton Committee are well informed that the s*^ Gentlemen are
notoriously disaffected to the American Cause
Resolved that they be forthwith removed to the town
Cuyler Edmonston & Frazier
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 25
of Boston & remain there at their own Expence on the Parole directed for Prisoners of War, and that the Com- mittee of Albany be requested to execute this Resolution. M"" Duer again attending the Committee & having compleated the Business for which he left it, M'' Jay M/Duer resigned the Chair & M"" Duer was again unanimously cha"^a„ appointed Chairman to this Com*. P. M.
Present
William Duer Esq"" Chairman Gen' Morris
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec"" 15*^ Present W"^ Duer Chairman
Captain Silas Purdy brought in Humphry Merrit, Elisha Purdy and Lodowick Millar, three Tories from Memt, the Precinct of New Marlborough who had been privy Mm?r* to a treasonable Conspiracy form'd by James Robinson, ^pp'^^^" Jacob Russell and others against the Liberties of the United States.
Order'd that Capt" Purdy deliver these Persons to the officer of Guard, who is hereby order'd to keep them in safe Custody till further Orders from the Committee.
Henry Brandt and John Niles were discharged on Brandt taking the Oath of Allegiance to the State. diS?ged
Coll. Drake applied for Leave to take Isaac Tomkins ^.^^^^^^ his Wifes Brother to his own home, and promis'd to ^eieaaed return him on Wednesday next.
Order'd that the Officer of the Guard deliver s** Isaac Tomkins to CoP Drake.
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec"" 16'*^ 1776 Pres*
M"" Duer Chairman M"- Jay
M"" Gansevoort CoP De Witt
A Letter from Joshua Draper one of the Committee Ralph of Spencer in the State of Massachusets Bay in favor of ^""p"
26
STATE OF NEW YORK
Letter from Com« of Claverack
Ralph Phillips one of the Persons who was sent by this Committee to that Place was laid before the Convention and referrd to this Committee.
The Reverend M"" Rysdorp appeard before the Con- vention, and informd them that the said Ralph Phillips was a Person of good Moral Character and very useful to the Community — with Respect to his PoKtical Char- acter he does not pretend to determine.
A Letter from Lawrence Fonda Chairman of the Com- mittee of Claverack enclosing certain Affidavits against divers disaffected Persons was read, and is in the words following (prout)
Geo : Clap- per Fred" Clapper Pets Clap- per Jac : Anderson sent to Poughkeep- sie Goal
Committee
of
Claverack
Peter Corne
Orderd that the Committee of Claverack be requested to removed George Clapper, Frederick Clapper, Petrus Clapper, and Jacob Anderson who are charged with treasonable Practices against this State to the Jail at Poughkeepsie ; and that they inform the Keeper of the said Jail w*" of the said Persons are able to maintain themselves; and if any of them should be unable that in such Case the Keeper of the s*^ Goal afford them reasonable subsistance at the Expence of this Committee.
Order'd that the Keeper of the said Jail receive the above mentioned Persons, and them safely keep till further Orders from this Committee, the Convention, or future Legislature of this State.
Resolved, that the Committee of Claverack District be informed that it is the Intention of this Committee to apply to the Convention of this State to enact an Ordi- nance for Establishing a general Oath of Allegiance to be administer'd to all the Subjects of this State; a Copy of which will be transmitted to them as soon as possible.
Orderd that the Expence of the Express from the Committee of Claverack amou^ to [space left blank] be paid by this Committee and that the Chairman be re- quested to advance the same.
A Letter from Peter Corne dated Dec"" 6^^ begging an Enlargement of his Parole ; likewise a Certificate of Gen'
Three Girls New
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 27
Parsons. The Letters being read, are in the words fol- lowing— (prout)
Resolved that M'' Peter Come be permitted to remain under his former Restrictions to his House and Farm at Peek's Kills on his Parole of Honor so long as Gen' Parsons shall lodge at his House, and that Gen' Parsons be requested to take his Parole in the same Manner as the former one.
M'' Hazard informs that there are three Girls near this Place who have come lately from New York — the Name of one is Henning who has a Brother sick in the Barracks yo^ — that he has understood that she and her Mother either lived with Gen' Howe, or the Hessian General.
Connors Tavern Dec"^ IT*'^ 1776 Present
M"" Duer Chairman CoP De Witt M'^ Gansevoort CoP Cortlandt
The Examination of Enoch Crosby was read and is in the Words following — (Viz*)
Resolved that Walter Dubois, Alexander Milliner, William Brown, and James Harden Near Shawgenck in ^^^!^^''' Ulster County be forthwith apprehended and brought ^^^^° before this Committee. appreheni
Resolved that Captain Clark be requested to execute this Resolution, and that the Chairman be requested to desire his Attendance on this Committee.
Resolved that Uriah Townsend, Adonais Manuel, Townsend, Jacob Seedsmans, and James Carman be discharged on "edsmkn, their taking the Oath of Allegiance. Sailed
The above mention'd Persons attending the Chairman by order of the Committee gave them Permission of either joining the Enemy, or of taking the Oath of Al- legiance. They all declar'd their Determination to fight for their Country and voluntarily took the Oath of Allegiance.
Du Bois,
Gilroberts to be sent
28 STATE OF NEW YORK
Letter from ^ Letter froHi the Committee of Tryon County signd
T?^n* Isaac Paris Chairman dated Nov" 28*^ 1776 was taken up
and consider'd, and is in the Words following —
Resolved that M"" Harper one of the Members for Tryon County be requested to attend this Committee.
M"" Harper attending inform'd the Committee that he was present when the above Persons were examin'd before the Committee of Tryon County. That Hough and Ramsey were in particular dangerous, and desperate fellows and, that they whole of them were so notoriously disaffected that they ought in his Opinion to be pre- vented from going at large. Tiyon Resolved that Francis Prime, George Ramsey, William
Tode?to C: Bowing, John Gibson, Melon Kni[ght] and Henry hend^ed'^" Hoff be forthwith convey'd to Poughkepsie there to be confined in Jail 'till further Orders from this Committee, the Convention, or future Legislature of this State.
Resolved that William Gilroberts who has been sent to this Place by the Committee of Westchester, and who keepsie stauds charged with horse stealing be forthwith sent to Pougkepsie, there to be confin'd in Jail till further Orders from this Committee, the Convention, or future Legisla- ture of this State unless sooner discharged by due Course of Law. Charles The Chairman laid before the Committee a charge
against a Charles Haight who had been sent to this Place by the Committee of Bedford in Westchester County, w** being read is in the words following —
Dec-- 18* 1776. Present
W" Duer Chairman Gen' Morris CoP De Witt Capt" Piatt
[Ge'n} Clinton informs the Committee that a Quantity of Butter was deposited, at Fort Montgomery, w^ had been taken from a certain Brian Connor, who had in-
Haight
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 29
tended to carry it to the Enemy, and had been sent a Prisoner to Fort Constitution, and beggd to know what should be done with it.']
Josiah Berkely appear'd before the Committee and inform'd them that he had left Long Island last Monday Sennight at the Request of M"^ Baltus Vankleek of New- York — that he had sent him to M'^ Joshua Carman his Berciey's Son in Law to enquire after his Children — that by what tion"* "*" he could learn there was only 14 of the Enemies Light Horse upon Long Hand — that it was said that Captain Wooley had enlisted one Hundred Men in the Service of the Enemy — that he had not taken the Oath of allegiance — that he was never askd to take it — that he understood several Persons in the Island had not taken the Oath of Allegiance — that the Continental Money does not pass amongst them : but only Gold Silver, New York Bills of the old Emission, and the Money struck by the Corpora- tion for erecting Water Works — that he had come imme- diately to M"" Carmans, who had carried him to two Members of the Committee of Rumbout Precinct, who had examined him.
Capt'' Piatt says that Baltus Vankleek with whom the Baitus Examinant lives is an equivocal character — that all the Connections are equivocal — that at an Election for a Committee in Dutchess County, where the Question was whether there should be a Committee or not, the Examinant was of that Party which voted against the Committee.
John Slegell late of the City of New York Tanner & john Currier Saith that his Fathers Family & his own moved ^*'^^" from the Bowery Lane near N York shortly before the Enemy landed in the City to New Rochell. That after the Enemy came to New Rochell they were turned out of Doors by a Hessian Officer and again went to New York. That after the Enemy left N Rochell the Ex* went there to see for his Family. That he found them gone. That he waited a Day & half for an opportunity of sending to N York for his Cloaths. That his Wife came there by Water with Design of enquiring for him.
30 STATE OF NEW YORK
That they concluded she sh"^ return & endeavour to send out his Cloaths & come out as soon as possible. That she accordingly wen[t] on Board Peter Schencks Boat at New Rochelle. That Schenk persuaded him to go along promising to see him safe back. That he went with them, landed near the Ship Yards at N York & went to his Fathers House staid there a night, got his Cloaths & sailed with the s*^ Schenk the next Day & landed at the City Island, from where he come by Land to this Place & is going to Pennsylvania to see his Uncles & Aunts.
That it was agr^ between him & his Wife that she with her Child sh'^ leave New York the first opportunity & come to New Rochelle. That she sh*^ send word to her Cousin one John Harbeck who lives with a Currier here, and that on his Return from Pennsylvania he should go down to N Rochelle & fetch her and that Harbeck sh"^ fetch her in Case Ex^ sh"^ not return at the time expected. That Women are permitted to go out and into New York without Interruption. That he served as a Corp^ in Capt. Leonard's Company in Lashers Reg^ in Gen. Scotts Brigade.
John Slegel
Resolved that John Slegel be put on his Parole not to cross the River without the Permission of this Comm^ and to appear before this Committee every Saturday Evening at 5 o'Clock till further Orders.
A Letter from Col° Luddington Dated Dec' 17* 1776 bHSs ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ which he informs that a certain David Akins Protections jg gome from the Enemies Army, and has brought a Number of Protections to the Neighbours — likewise a Letter from Alex"" Kidd Mathew Paterson Roswell Wilcox John Young giving the same Information. The Letters being read the Committee came to the folP Resolutions.
Resolved that Col° Luddington, and M"" Matthew Paterson be requested and authorized to cause David Aitkins, and all such other Persons whom they have good Reason to suppose have received Protections from the
David
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 31
Enemy forthwith to be apprehended, disarmed, and brought before this Committee, and that they diligently search their Houses, and Persons for Papers, and that they transmit to this Committee all such as are of a Suspicious Purport — and further that a L^ and Twenty five men, be sent to the above Gentlemen in Order to assist them in carrying this Resolution into Execution.
Resolved that Col° Brinckerhoff be requested to detach from his Regiment of Militia Twenty five Men of known Attachment to the Cause of America commanded by an active and intelligent L* and that the said ofiicer Parade his Men at two o'Clock to morrow Afternoon at the House of Col° Abraham Brinkerhoff, there to receive further Orders from this Committee.
Orderd that a Copy of this Resolution be immediately sent to CoP Brinkerhoff.
Orderd that the Chairman lay before the Convention the above Letters.
Jeremiah Scribner delivered to the Committee a Letter from the Committee of Fredericksburgh transmitting a ^^^^^ Charge against a certain Jeremiah Baley whom they had sent under Guard.
Orderd that Jer^ Scribner deliver the above mention'd Jeremiah Baley to the Officer of the Guards who is directed to keep them in safe Custody till further Orders.
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec' 18'^ [sic for 19"^] 1776
Present
M"" Duer Chairman General Morris CoP DeWitt M'- Zeph^ Piatt Captain Sacket
M"" Joseph Haff of the nine Partners appeared before M'Huflt the Committee and inform'd that Thomas Tobias, Richard i"^"""**" Peters, John Howard, D'" Christian Tobias, and D"" Tobias and Wilbert Duell all of the Nine Partners and very
Jeremiah
Capt
32 STATE OF NEW YORK
Active Tories had for some [time] absconded — that John Howard Richard Peters and Thomas Tobias has re- turn'd, and that since their Return a Number of Young Men who lived in their Neighbourhood were Missing, and as they suppose went off with some of the above Persons.
Captain Caleb Haight attending gave the same Infor- SS" mation and says further that they are Eight Men be- longing to his Company, who had absconded. Their names are Willbert Duell, Silas Duell 3*^ (Son of Silas Duell) Samuel Hoccey, John Smith, Thomas Tobias, Israel Hallock, Amos Hallock, Isaac Haff — all in Char- lotte Precinct. That some of these Persons are men of Estate and have considerable Forage. That there is near Twenty Men out of Captain Smith's Company who have absconded. That Thomas Tobias was home on Monday last.
Resolved, that Captain Haight, M^ Isaac Haff, and Cap- tain Samuel Smith be requested to furnish this Commit- tee with a List of such Persons who have absconded from the Nine Partners, distinguishing such as have Property. The Chairman being appointed by the Convention on another Committee which required his indispensable At- tendance, M"" Gansevoort was unanimously Chosen Chairman. Mayor of ^"^ Ducr iuform'd the Committee that he had deliverd
MMp"es Abraham C Cuyler Esqr late Mayor of Albany to L*" Schoonmaker of Captain Bellknap's Company and that he had suffer'd him to escape — that he had put U Schoonmaker under Arrest 'till the Pleasure of this Com- mittee should be known.
Resolved, that the Committee approve of M"" Duer's [the late Chairman's Conduct; and that the Chairman report the Conduct of Lt. Schoonmaker to the Conven- tion of this State.] M' Menzies A Pctitlou of Thomas Menzies Esq'" dated Decem'" 17, Petition i^jQ ^Q ^Yie Convention of the State of New York and by them referr'd to this Committee being read and con- sidered, the Committee came to the following Resolution :
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 33
Resolved that Thomas Menzies Esq" be permitted to return to his place of residence and that he give his parole of Honour to remain within Six Miles thereof 'till the further Order of this Committee or the Legislative Au- thority of this State.
Ordered that Col: De Wit prepare a draught of a parole to be signed by M'" Menzies. P.M.
Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman M'- Piatt M' Sackett Resolved that M"" Gilbert Southerd be requested to m' furnish the Guard in this place with Fire Wood and that t^o prSe this Committee will pay him therefore Firewood
Decem"- 20, 1776. Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman Gen' Morris M^ Duer M" Piatt M"- Sackett
M"" Duer informed the Committee that he was lately in Orange County that whilst he was there M'^ Tusteen the Chairman took him aside, and told him that Doctor Gale was one of the most subtle, and dangerous Tories that was in Orange County, that he was a Relation of his, and therefore that he would not wish to have it known that this Information came from him.
Whereas it appears to this Committee that Lieut. Lieut Schoonmaker was induc'd to be less careful of Abraham schoon-
maker
C Cuyler Esq. late Mayor of Albany than he wo'd other- wise have been by the Indulgences heretofore given him by this Committee and the Assurances given him by M"- Henry Glen Ass* Q'" M" Gen' of the Honor of the said Ab"" C Cuyler Esq'" and an Expectation that M"" Glen would keep a Watchful Eye over him, and it appearing
on Parol
34 STATE OF NEW YORK
also to this Committee that Lieut: Schoonmaker is a very Young Man well affected to the American Cause and much unacquainted with military discipline and promising to be more vigilant in the Execution of his Duty for the future —
Ordered that he be reprimanded by the Chairman dis- charged and return to his Duty. M'lienHes M'' Meuzles appeared before the Committee and hav- ing subscribed his parole, was dismissed.
John Haims appeard before the Committee and being Ex^ says — that &c. (prout) P.M.
Present
M"^ Gansevoort Chairman M-" Duer M-^ Jay M'- Sacket M-^ Piatt Col: Henry B Livingston informed the Committee, that he had apprehended at the request of John Sloss Hobart Esq"" one of the Members of the Convention of the State of New York and brought under Guard to this place M"" Malcom Morrison and David Aitkens, two per- sons who had received protection from General Howe
Ordered that Malcom Morrison appear before this Committee.
Resolved that Melancton Smyth be and he is hereby appointed to take Command of the Companies of Rangers station'd at this place and such other Troops as may from Time to Time be put under his Command by this Com® with the Rank and pay of Major untill further provision be made for him by the Convention of the State of New York or this Committee.
Ordered that the Chairman write to Major Smith and request him forthwith to repair to this place and transmit him Copy of the above Resolution.
Lieut : Jacob Lawrence appeared before the Committee and produc'd an Order from Capt. Roos to bring one
Morrison exam*
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 35
Joseph Pennie to the Convention of this State. — Ordered that Capt. Myrick take the said Pennie into Custody.
Malcolm Morrison appearing and being examined saith that last Tuesday week one David Akins one of his Neighbours gave him a Paper which he put in his pocket and the next Day or that Ev^ read and that it was a Protection from Gen: How. That he never in- formed the Committee of his District thereof being diverted therefrom by private Business. That he never asked the s*^ Akins where he got it or what induced him to give the s"^ Paper to this Exam^ and that on the s^' Paper's being demanded of him by Sloss Hobart Esq'" a Member of the Convention of this State the night before last he gave it to him & that the Paper now shewn to him is the same That the Evening or the next Day after he had rec^ the s*^ Paper he communicated the same to one Alex'" Kidd who had formerly been of his District Com^ also to one John Young a Saddler there but to no other Persons whatever.
Malcom Morison
Ordered that the said Malcom Morrison be committed to the Custody of the Guard and by them confined in Irons
David Akins of Fredericks Borough Precinct Black- Akins smith being sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposeth and saith — That on or about the 29"" Day of Nov'' last he set out from Home with a Pass from Coll. Luddington to go to Horse Neck to buy Rum. That on his arrival there he was disappointed in getting the Rum, & from thence he set out for West Chester County in Quest of Barnes Hatfield for whom he was bound in a considerable Sum of Money. That he went to the White Plains & not finding him there he went to Isaac William's near Brunk's River who had married his Cousin. That he lodged there, and was taken out of Bed there by a Party of Roger's Rangers That they carried him to a Fort near one Valentine's & the next Day they sent him to a Major whose Names he has forgot in the Neighbour-
Exam"*
36 STATE OF NEW YORK
hood of Kings Bridge. That the Major asked him how he could clear himself from the Rebel Pass that was found on him. That he s*^ he had come down on a par- ticular Errand from Cap*- Alex'" Grants wife to him and that if the Maj' would send him to Cap^ Grant or Cap* Archibald Campbell who were his old Neighbours he could prove his Character. That thereupon the Maj'' sent him under Guard to Cap* Campbells Quarters at a White House of M'" Fred'' Van Cortlandts. That on his arrival there he told Cap* Campbel he was a Prisoner and that it was in his Power to discharge him. That Cap* Campbell s'^ he would discharge him if he would carry- some Papers & Errands to certain Persons in his Neigh- bourhood and be secret about it, saying further that he had a Day or two before sent some Papers as this Dep* understood to Malcom Morrison by one Widow Hender- son who he believes used to live at Horseneck & he has heard is a Relation to the Hendersons at Robinsons lower Stores. That he promised to be the bearer of the s* Errands and Papers, and that Cap* Campbel thereupon gave him two printed Papers which he did not read and Protections from General How for Malcom Morrison, John Kain, Alexander Kidd, Matthew Paterson, Charles Collins, and one for himself. That the s*^ Cap* Campbell entered into free Conversation with him, in the Course of which he understood from the s^ Cap* Campbell that Malcom Morrison had engaged to raise a Company of Men for the Enemys Service and that he the s'^ Campbell wished he would be speedy about it. That the s*^ Cap* Campbell further told him that when he left Fredericks- burgh he delivered two writings to Alexander Kidd and this Deponent further saith that Cap* Campbell gave him a Pass to return Home and s*^ he would be at Dep*^ House in ab* six weeks Time and that as he was going away he met Allen Cameron who had formerly resided in Fredericksburgh and with whom he had been ac- quainted. That he entered into Conversation with the said Cameron, and that Cameron among other
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 37
things told him that he had given a Bill of Sale of his Estate to Malcolm Morrison to save his Prop- erty.
And this Depon^ further saith that Barney Kain a Brother of John Kain is a Leu* to the s'^ Campbell & that this Dep* also understood from the s*^ Cap'' Campbell that Malcom Morrison after he had raised his Company was to be under Gov" Brown
That this Dep* made the best of his Way Home. That on his arrival there he delivered the Protection af"^ directed to Malcom Morrison to him. That the s*^ Mor- rison read the same & appeared much pleased and gave this Depon* two Dollars for his trouble & Care in deliv- ering the same. That the Sunday after this Dep* came Home he saw John Kain and told him he had a Protec- tion for him and asked him if he w*^ receive it. That the s*^ John Kain appeared shy about it and in the Evening of the same Day called at this Dep*^ House for it and this Dep* accordingly gave it to him. That the s^ Kain asked this Dep^ where he got the s*^ Protection and this Dep* told him he had got it from Cap* Campbell. This Dep'' further saith that he never delivered the other Protec- tions to the Persons for whom they were intended as af^ nor has he spoken to either of them ab* it except to Matthew Paterson who refused to accept it. That one Hetty Street a Sister of & who lives with the Wife of Lemuel Wilmot who has lately gone to the Enemy from Fredericksburgh told him, That Malcom Morrison had sent a little Girl to their House to shew them the Pro- tection he had rec*^
And this Dep* further saith that some time after the s"^ John Kain came to his House and told him that Mal- com Morrison had divulged the affair of the Protection, and that he the s*^ John Kain would fall out with this Dep* and vilify him but that he must not mind it — this Dep* also saith that he gave the s^ John Kain one of the printed Papers above mentioned and asked him what he should do with the other, and that the s^ John Kain
38 STATE OF NEW YORK
advised him to burn them both which he accordingly did and further this Deponent saith not.
David Akinis Sworn in the Presence of the Committee by me.
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that the said David Akins be discharged on his taking an Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that Col. Luddinton be requested to appre- hend and bring before this Committee John Kain of Pawling's Precinct who stands charg'd with having re- ceived a Protection from General Howe.
Ordered that Charles Collins be immediately com- mitted to the Guard House.
Decem^ 21, 1776. Present
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman Zephaniah Piatt] John Jay [ Esq'"^
William Duer J
Ordered that [space left blank] Cushman the Black- smith near Col. Brinckerhoffs leaving all other Business do forthwith make and send to this Committee six pair of Manacles or Handcuffs
Ordered that George Drawyer leaving all other Business do forthwith make and send to this Committee six pair of Manacles or Handcuffs.
Resolved that Captain Clark be requested forthwith to attend this Committee.
A Letter from John Schenck Esq*" Chairman of the Com- mittee of Poughkeepsie District was read — (prout)
Ordered that the Committee of Poughkeepsie District be requested to send Joseph Odel and Michael Smith to this Committee under a Guard of two Men at their own Excape [expense?] for the purpose of taking the Oath of Allegiance and to the State of New York and being
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 39
discharg'd unless Cause shall appear for their further detention.
Orderd that copy of the above Resolution be sent to this Committee of Poughkeepsie District.
Ordered that W"" Duer Esq'" pay John Haines Six Dollars for Secret Services performed for this Committee.
Ordered that W" Duer Esq'' pay Caleb Trip two Dol- lars for riding express to Major Melancton Smith.
Whereas this Committee have been credibly informed and have good Reason to believe that David Van Schaack & Peter Van Schaack Esq" Mess" John Stevenson Cor- nelius Glen of the City & County of Albany have long maintained an equivocal Neutrality in the present Strug- gles and are in General supposed unfriendly to the American Cause and from their Influence are enabled to do it essential Injury —
Resolved that the Committee of the City & County of Albany be requested to summon the said Persons to appear before them to ask them whether they respec- tively consider themselves as Subjects of the State of New York or of the King of Great Brittain, if they answer that they consider themselves as Subjects of the State of New York, then to tender to them the Oath of Allegiance and on their taking and subscribing the same to Discharge them ; but if they should Answer that they consider themselves as Subjects of the King of Great Brittain or refuse to take the Oath aforesaid then to remove them, under the Care of some discreet Officer to the Town of Boston at their own Expence and there to remain on their Parole of Honour 'till the further Order of this Committee or the Convention or future Legislature of this State — and that Copy of their parole be sent to the Select Men of the said Town of Boston.
Resolved that a Copy of the Oath of Allegiance and the Parole aforesaid be sent to the Committee of the City and County of Albany.
Ordered that the chairman write to the said Committee and enclose the above.
Ordered that Dirck Gardinier & Matthew Goes Jun""
40 STATE OF NEW YORK
be discharged on taking and subscribing the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Decern'^ 22*^"^ 1776.
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq"" Chairman Zephaniah Piatt William Duer John Ten Broeck
Captain Hill appeared before the Committee and in- formed them that he had brought under Guard to this place John Kain who was delivered to him by Col : Henry Ludinton, that he had also a Person under Guard of the Name of Jesse — Holmes who he had apprehended on the Road for not having a pass.
Ordered that John Kain appeared before the Com- mittee.
John Kain appearing and being examined saith that this Day a fortnight ago, he saw David Akins who told him that he had something to communicate to him, and desired him to call at his House which he did towards Evening of the same Day, when he arrived at the House, Akins deliv^ him a Protection from Gen^ Howe that he enquir'd of the said Akins where he had got the said Pro- tection, that he answered it was no Matter That when he returned Home he shew'd the Protection to his Wife and Daughter who were much dissatisfied at his having a Protection and that his Wife had burnt it — he farther says that this Protection was never soUicited by him and supposes it was sent him by a Brother who he thinks is with the Enemy, and declares that he is friendly to the Measures America is pursuing — that he had never shewn the Protection to any one else and confesses that he has been remiss in not shewing it to some Member of the Committee of Dutchess County and further says that he and Akins have been upon very bad Terms for a long Time.
Jn° Kane
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 41
[Capt John Hill being examined says under Oath that John Kain was delivered to him Yesterday by Col" Ludinton]
Ordered that Col: Ludinton appear before the Committee.
Col: Henry Ludinton appearing before the Commit- tee and being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposeth and saith that on Saturday Morning about two oClock he received the Orders from this Committee for the Apprehension of John Kain that he call'd upon Capt Hill and three others who he took with him and repair'd to the House of the said John Kain, when he arrived there he found John Kain in his shop, and imme- diately informd him that he was under a Necessity of making him a Prisoner, that Kain said he was surprized that he was ordered to be taken and requested to see the Orders which the deponent had for it, the dep*' further says that upon Kains reading the Orders he declar'd that as God was his Judge he had no such Protection and knew nothing ab^ any such thing. The dep^ further says, that Kain run out very much against David Akins, that upon this deponents telling Akins to day that Kain had vilified his Character so much Akins replied that he was not surpriz'd at it for that it was agreed upon between him and Kain. The dep* further says that Kain and Akins had some Conversation together to day at his House and further that he met the said David Akins and John Kain on the Road together near the long bridge some time the Week before last and that they appear'd very busy in Conversation that Kain was leading his Horse and Akins was a Foot. That as soon as he the dept came up they broke off. And the Dep* further says that among the firm Whigs the Character of Kain has been suspicious, and that he is in general reputed an Artful Subtle Man.
Henry Ludinton
42 STATE OF NEW YORK
Sworn in the presence of the Committee by me
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that M*" Matthew Patterson appear before the Committee,
Matthew Patterson appearing before the Committee and being Examined under Oath saith that that on last Tuesday Se'ennight Malcom Morrison, Roswell Wilcox and David Akins were at his House, that Morrison shew'd him a Protection which he had received from the Enemy and ask'd the Examinant what he thought of it, that the Examinant answered that he did not know what to think that many People passing and repassing in the House nothing more in particular passed, that in the Evening David Akins called this Examinant out of his House telling him he had something to communicate to him if he wo'd call'd at Akins's House, that the Ex* ask'd what it was & told if it was any thing to his Benefit he would be glad of it, upon which Akins said it was a Protection from Great Brittain, that the Exam^ answered that he was once know[n] in Great Britain but that he chose to be govern'd by those who were his Representa- tives, that the Protection was never applied for by him and it was a Matter which hg could not see through,, that Akins replied if they had not -been applied for they would not have been got. The Examinant further says that he told Akins that [he] did not chuse to have any thing to do with such things, and further said that there was a Man in the Room meaning Col: Ludinton who if he knew what Akins said would immediately send him to Congress but did not deem it expedient to mention it then to Col: Ludinton. And this Examinant further says that he was told by Malcolm Morrison, that John Kane, and several others had received Protections; and likewise that he on or about Monday or Tuesday last he saw John Kane, that the said John Kane asked him what Bluster there was about Protections — that the Examinant told him that he supposed he knew as much about the matter as he did, that on this the said John
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 43
Kane call'd God to witness that he never had seen any such Protection; and that he knew nothing about it — that on this he the Examinant observed that he was very- glad of it. And further this Deponent saith not.
Mathew Paterson Sworn in the presence of] the Committee by me
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that John Kain be committed to the Custody of the Guard and be put in Irons.
Ordered that Jesse Holmes be committed to the Guard House in the Room with the Guard.
Ordered that Josiah Bartley be committed to the Custody of the Guard.
Capt: Butler appeared before the Committee and in- formed them that he had brought under Guard Daniel Reeves to this Place.
Ordered that the said Daniel Reeves be committed to the Custody of the Guard and confined in Irons.
Ordered that Nath' Sacket Esq'" pay [space left blank] Cushman thirty six shillings for 6 pair of Manacles or Handcuffs made for this Committee.
Ordered that Nath' Sacket Esq"" pay George Drawyer thirty six shillings for the like services.
Capt Silas Purdy informed the Committee that he had retaken one David Penbrooke who had lately es- caped from the Guard House in this place.
Ordered that he be committed to the Custody of the Guard and be confined in Irons.
Captain Piatt inform'd the Committee that he has received Intelligence that a certain Jacobus Striker who has lately come from the Enemy, Peter Harris who lately escaped from the Guard Plouse, and James Gouslin who had returned from Transportation were lurking in Beek- man's Precinct.
Resolved that M"" Martin Comwell be requested forth- with to apprehend the said Persons and that for that Purpose he call upon such of the Militia as he thinks necessary.
44 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that a Copy of this Resolution be forthwith transmitted to M"" Martin Cornwell.
Decern-- 23'^'^ 1776 Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq'' Chairman John Jay 1
Zephaniah Piatt lEsq''^ Nathaniel SacketJ
Matthew Patterson John Youngs and Roswell Wilcox appeared before the committee and requested the en- largement of Malcolm Morrison unless the Charges against him were such as rendered it inconsistent with the Safety of the State
Ordered that the said Gent: be informed of the several Charges and Evidence against the said Morrison.
Resolved that the enlargement of the said Malcom Morrison would be highly inexpedient and improper and would greatly impeach the impartiality of this Committee
Roswell Wilcox of Fredericksburgh in Dutchess County being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposeth and saith that on last Tuesday Week he was at the House of a M"" Matthew Patterson in company with Malcom Morrison, John Youngs and divers others that this Deponent sat next to the said Malcom Morri- son by the Fireside that the said Morrison ask'd him in a Whisper, whether if the regular Army was to come into those parts he shouldnt want a protection, to which the dep^ answered indeed he should, on which the s*^ Morrison replied that he could get one for him, that this reply gave the dep* a good deal of thought, that afterwards when this dep'' was going out of the House in order to go home, the said Morrison followed him, saying he wanted to speak to him, and that they went together into Mat: Patterson's back Room, that the said Mor- rison then puird a printed paper out of his pocket and read it to the dep^ that the said printed paper was stiled
COMMITTEE FOR CX)NSPIRACIES 45
a protection and purported to be an Order from the Commander in Chief of the Enemy's Anny to all his Oflficers Soldiers and others, not to molest or Injure the said Morrison in his person or property, and that the said paper bore date at White Plains in the Month of Novem- ber, that this dep* was much shock'd at hearing the said paper read and ask'd the said Morrison where he had got it, upon which he answered that he had got and could get one for this Dep* That this Dep'' remonstrated to him on the Danger of having such Protection, observing that they would compel those having them to fight for the Enemy which he would rather die than do, upon which the said Morrison said so would I adding that the meaning of the said protection was only to save his property from Plunder, that this dep* then look'd upon the said Morrison to be in Liquor and told him he would speak to him about it the next day, that he accordingly saw the said Morrison the next Day and told him that the Protection he had shewn was a bad thing and of bad Consequence and had given him the Deponent much uneasiness, and said it wo'd be better for him to reveal it to this Committee, and that said Morrison said what have I shewn it to you, and proceeded to say he wish'd he had never seen it and that he had understood that Aikens and Patterson had had some difference about the plagued thing that he did not know what he should do, that this Deponent expected to have had some further Conversation with him upon the Subject but s*^ Mor- rison's going from Home and continuing out so long that he and some of his Neighbours communicated it to this Committee and this Deponent further saith that David Aikens of Frederick's burgh is generally reputed to be very disaffected to the American Cause and that he has told this Deponent that he had sign'd the Association because there were so many People travelling that he did not concieve himself safe, and that his moral Char- acter is very suspicious and questionable and further this dep* saith not.
XNB. IhUis wrong
46 STATE OF NEW YORK
Sworn in the presence of| Roswell Willcox
the Committee by me. )
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that Nathaniel Sacket Esq"" be appointed Treasurer to this Committee and Auditor of all the Ac- counts offered to this Committee for payment.
M"" Duer informed the Committee that Col: Henry Ludinton had told him that he had discovered that Jesse Holmes who was committed to the Guard House for travelling without a pass and not being able to give a good acc^ of himself is a Brother in Law to John Miller who has inlisted a Company in the Service of the Enemy and that the said Jesse Holmes is a dangerous Person.
X [ikf William M"" Neile and M"" David Lyons appeard before the Committee, and inform'd them that they had apprehended disarmed, and secured a certain soldier, who was offering a Horse for Sale, w^ from his Ac& they had reason to think was stolen — being duly sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God depose, and say — (prout)]
Ordered that the Prisoner attend the Committee.
The Prisoner appearing the above aff* was read to him & being examined he saith that his name is Zebediah Heath, that he is a private soldier in Cap* Thom^ Cogs- shalls Company in Coll. Baldwins Reg* from the Massa- chusets Bay. That he belongs to the Town of Sandown in New Hampshire. That the Horse taken from him & mentiond in the aff* of Mess*"^ M'^Niel & Lyons he took as a continental Horse below the Lines, from a man whom he did not know.
divers other Questions being asked him & he behaving in an insolent manner & appearing to be in Liquor
Ordered that he be committed to the Guard House and that his further Examination be postponed till to morrow
The Committee proceeded to take into Consideration the Examination of John Hanes, and thereupon came to the following Resolution Viz*
[Resolved that Captain Clark be immediately furnish'd with all the Information received by this Committee relative to a Number of Disaffected Persons intending
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 47
shortly to rendezvous at the House of Captain Chapman at or near Mount Ephraim, that he he requested to re- pair there with all Expedition, that he take the most Efficacious Means of Descovering one or two Persons of Authority there to whom it would be proper to com- municate the said Information and that he cooperate with them apprehending the said Persons. And that if he should find the said disaffected Persons on their in- tended Route before his arrival there, that he follow them, endeavor to overtake them through their Route to Norwalk — and in the most secret and Effectual Man- ner cause them to be apprehended.']
Resolved that Enoch Crosby assuming the Name of [space left blank] do forthwith repair to Mount Ephraim and use his utmost Art to discover the designs, Places of Resort, and Route, of certain disaffected Persons in that Quarter, who have form'd a Design of Joining the Enemy, and that for that Purpose the said Enoch be made acquainted with all the Information received by this Committee concerning this Plan, and that he be furnish'd with such Passes as will enable him to pass there without interruption, and with such others as will enable him to pass as an Emissary of the Enemy amongst Persons disaffected to the American Cause.
Resolved that Enoch Crosby be furnish'd with an Horse and the Sum of Thirty Dollars in order to enable him to execute the above Resolution.
Resolved that M'^ Nath^ Sacket be requested to give such Instructions to Enoch Crosby as he shall think best calculated to defeat the Designs of the Persons above mention'd.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay Enoch Crosby Thirty Dollars for secret Services.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay Hugh Connor Three pounds Ten shilhngs for a Saddle and Bridle for the Use of this Committee.
Resolved that a Letter be written to Thaddeus Burr Esq^ of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut enclosing Copy of the Examination of John Haines concealing his
48 STATE OF NEW YORK
Name — and requesting him to concert and execute such Plan for apprehending and Securing the Persons therein mentioned.
Resolved that Nathaniel Sacket Esq*" be requested to furnish M"* Enoch Crosby with such Cloathing as he may- stand in Need of.
Decem^ 24 1776. Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq'" Chairman William Duer 1 Nathaniel Sacket lEsq"^ John Ten Broeck J
Ordered that the Chairman write a Letter to John D Crimshire and request him to repair to Fish Kill for the purpose of bringing up the Minutes of this Coimnittee and pledge the Faith of this Committee to him for the payment of his Services.
Alanson Lewis appeared before the Committee and informed them that he had brought under Guard to this place Joseph Odel and Michael Smith who were ordered to be brought before this and one Jeremiah Shafer who was sent to this Committee by the Committee of Poughkeepsie District.
A Letter from John Schenck of this Date was read.
A Letter from Luke Babcock of the 17. Instant was read.
Ordered that Josep Ferrington Judas Kronck and Jacob Jewel be discharged on taking the Oath of Allegiance.
M"" Sacket informed the Committee that Enoch Crosby was gone of on the Business proposed last Night that he was to assume the Name of Levi Foster and that he promis'd to be at Mount Ephraim by Thursday Noon.
A Letter from Lawrence Fonda Chairman of the Dis- trict Committee of Claverack sundry Depositions against Jacob Anderson Frederick Clopper George Clopper and Jacob Hagedorn as also an Account were read.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 49
Ordered that the Ace* be referred to M'" Sacket
A Letter from Thomas Pahner Esq"" was read enclosing two Depositions against Elijah Townshend.
Ordered that the Chairman give W™ Hogan Isaac Man Jun'" and John ^PKenny passes to go to Albany.
Michael Smith Joseph Odel Tennis Kronckheyt Josep Ferrington and Jacob Jewel appeared before the Com- mittee and having taken the Oath of Allegiance were discharged. Ordered that the Chairman grant them passes to return Home.
Major Hezekiah Howel appeared before the Committee and produc'd an Order from Dan^ Coleman Chairman of the Committee of Orange County directed to Smith Clark Serg* to convey under Guard Richard Bull and James Corskaden to this place.
Ordered that Major Howel cause them to be delivered to the Officer of the Guard and that James Corskaden be confined in Irons.
The Chairman [submitted] a draft of a Letter to Thaddeus Bur Esq'' agreeable to the Order of the Com- mittee which was read and agreed to.
Decem'^ 26, 1776. Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq"" Chairman Nathaniel Sacket) -^ „ William Duer ] ^
M'' Sacket laid before the Committee an Acct. of Monies he had disburs'd for the said Committee Ordered that he repay himself out of the Monies he has in Hand of the said Committee — this Acct. amounts to £7. .8. .5.
Edward Drake who was brought to this place by Lieut : Oakley appeared before the Committee and declaring himself to be friendly to the American Cause and nothing being against him before this Committee
Ordered that he be Discharg'd and that he appear before the Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the Com- mittee of Westchester County on or before the 10*^ Day
50 STATE OF NEW YORK
of Jan'' next in order to enroll himself in the Mihtia of that County and take the Oath of Allegiance to this State prescribed by the Resolution of Committee of Safety of this State of the 25*^ Inst.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay the following Persons the Sum affixed to their Names
Theodorus Brett £6. . 10. .0
James Cooper 4. .17. .0
Capt : Israel Smith 4 . . 18 . . 6
To D° 2..15..0
John M= Bride 1.. 8..0
James Wall one of the Prisoners having enlisted him- self with Lieut: Andrew T Lawrence and having taken the Oath of fidelity was discharged.
Connors Tavern at Fish Kills 26 Dec'' 1776 in the afternoon The Com** met
Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman
M^ Duer
M'' John Jay
M" Sacket
M^ Ten Broeck
Ordered that Roger Purdy be brought before this Com® & enlarged on his parole not to depart this town without leave, to appear daily before the Committee & to confine himself within [number omitted] miles of the Stone Church in the s*^ town.
Cap* Bellknap informs the Com^ that in the night of the 19"" Dec'' Ins* the following Persons had effected their Escape from the Guard House Viz*
John Ferguson Francis Prime
Teunis Ferguson Benj" Vermiljea
John Gibson John Beyea
George Ramsay Jonathan Underhill
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 51
John Vermiljea Stephen Williams
Millard Night James Tomkins
Henry Huff Samuel Dean
William Boen Peter Harris
M-^ Duer informd the Com*^ that William Miller Dep'^ Chairman of the Com. of W Chester County informed him that the several Prisoners sent by Gen. Spencer to this Com^ were apprehended in this Manner
That Gen. Lee on the complaint of divers Inhabitants of that County had applied to y^ County Com^ for the Names of such Persons as they deemed dangerous & proper to secure. That the Com^ accordingly gave him such List. That on Gen. Lees marching he left the List with Gen. Spencer who in pursuance of it apprehended the Persons named in it and sent them to this Com^
M"" Gansevoort informs the Com® that he has lately been and shall continued much indisposed, and therefore begs leave decline the Chair.
Resolved that M'' Jay be Chairman to this Committee.
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 30 Dec'" 1776 The Committee met
Present
John Jay Chairman Nath^ Sacket Zephaniah Plat John Ten Broek W" Duer
M"" Gansevoort inform'd the Com® that Cap* Bellknap ch'Patrie reported to him that Christopher Patrie one of the Pris- ^^^^ oners was dead in the Guard House, and that he had given Directions for his decent Burial.
Resolved that the Com® do approve thereof M'" Jay communicated to the Com® a Letter from jn«> Ebenezer Gary & Jam^ V Derbergh of 27*^ Deo'' which Si* was delivered to him by Martin Cornell together w'h a
52
STATE OF NEW YORK
Order of
convention to report proceedings «g' Maj. Golden
Peter
NoxonE aff* ag* Jno Maloyd
certain John Maloyd whom they had sent to be ex^ respecting Intimations he had given in his Cups of John Kanes inlisting Men in the Enemys Service, and also one Jacobus Striker who had been with the Enemy & had lately come from Long Island & New York, and that he had committed them to the Custody of the Guard.
M"" Sacket delivered to the Com^ the Exam" of Martin Cornell which he had taken respecting Jacu^ Striker & John Maloyd.
An Order of the Com of Safety referring a Petition & certain Papers of Maj"" Colden to this Com^ & directing this Com^ to report thereon as soon as possible was read
a Petition to Ch^ Cullen was read — also Petitions from Caleb Archer, John Dickson, Sam^ Wood
a Certificate of John Smith & several others of the Character of Nath. Concklin a Prisoner in Woorster Goal & praying his Release Was read
Peter Noxon of Beekman's Precinct in Dutchess County being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God says that on or about last Wednesday se'en night John Meloyd came to this Deponents House in Beeck- man's Precinct that he got a little in Liquor and taking a pot of Cyder to his Lips said here is a Health to Capt Kane and his Company upon which this Deponents Wife said what is John Kane raising a Company upon which the said Meloyd seemed to be a little embarrass'd and said he meant a Kane in some other Country, that this Deponent looks upon the said John Meloyd to be disaf- fected to the American Cause And further this Deponent saith not.
Sworn in presence of this) Peter Noxon
Committee by me J
John Jay
M"" Francis Wilsie of Beekman's Precinct informs the Committee that Philip Vincent and Henry Cornel told him this Morning that Philip Vincent's Mother was up this Morning between one and two oClock and observ'd a Company of about fifteen Men travelling towards the
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 53
Mountains and that some of the Neighbours in slays had pursued them
M"" Sacket informs the Committee that he had per- john mitted John Simkens to go at large he being very sick Sged and his Father engaging to return him to the Com'' on his recovery
M'" Gansevoort informs the Committee that Col: i^ ^inn Living-ston had informed him that Isaac Winn had es- ^^''^^^ caped from the Guard
Ordered that Cap*^ Myrick with five Men immediately march & use his utmost Diligence to apprehend the Persons mentioned in Francis Wilse's Information, & that he have power to impress a sleigh & Horses to trans- port himself & Men to Dan. Wrights.
Ordered that Cap* Myrick request the Assistance of Coll. Luddington Cap* Clarke & Leu* Martin Cornell in executing the above order & when done to request of each of them forthwith to repair to this Committee.
Cap* Plat informs the Com^ that Arch*^ Little Esq"" told him that one James Carscaden had been committed to the Guard for travelling with a forged Pass to one Jam^ Conway which Pass together with another Paper signed by W™ Wilkins whose name is also to the other, he delivered to the Com^
Cap* Piatt also communicated to the Com^ an order Th^ of Nathan Pearce Chairman of the Com^ of Pawlings bro^ht Precinct to apprehend & bring here Thom^ Beamus for p"^""^"" damning the Congress & which order & Prisoner were brought here on Saturday last, together with a Paper found on him, signed by Henry 0 Hara, & purporting to be a Certificate of his Enlistment &c.
Archibald Little Esq"" a Member of the Convention ^fftagt being sworn saith that on Tuesday last he saw James Sde^"' Carscadden at John Brewsters at Bloomengrove. That he told this Dep* he had come from the Militia of Ulster County & had marched with Cap* Watkins to Clarkes Town. That the Circumstances of his Family were such that he had obtained Leave of his Cap* to return. That he denied having ever been summoned to appear before
54 STATE OF NEW YORK
the Com^ That this Dep^ insisted he had & that he had made his escape. That he persisted in denying it, saying that it was his Brother. That Dep* asked if he had a Pass, he said he had & shewed it to Dep^ That the s^' Pass was for James Conway & signed by W"" Wilkins. That Dep^ observed to him that the Pass was for James Conway and not for hm. That he replied, it was a Mis- take in the Chairman. That James Price one of the Militia late marched out who was returning on Furlough accidentally came in. That this Dep* having heard that he was acquainted with Jam^ Carscaden, called him into the Room & sent Carscaden out. That he told this Dep* he was well acquainted with him, that they had lived under the same Roof. That Carscaden had not gone with the Militia under Cap*' Watkins but that he had been from Home a considerable time. That he was of equivocal Character & had been confined by y^ Com* in Goshen Goal, from whence he was brought before the County Com. at Nath. Owen's, where he escaped from the Guard & had been from Home ever since till his Apprehension. That this Dep*- then sent Price out of the Room & called in Carscaden again. That he then confessed all that Price had told this Dep* That Dep* Ex*^ him further about the Manner in which he had got the Pass af*^ That he said it had been given him by a Boy in the English Neighbourhood, on w^ Dep^ observed that he then must have been with the Enemy as they were possessed of that Place. That he s*^ he was mistaken and that he got it at Ramapogh. That this Dep^ has since been informed by Coll Allison that a Guard sent by Gen. George Clinton to Clooster Dock spyed a Canoe coming to that place, and took it, and that one other Carscaden he thinks Georg[e] & one Waugh were on Board & that the man who had brought them over said he intended to have returned to fetch over Richard Bull and Jam* Carscaden And further this Dep* saith not.
Arch*^ Little Sworn in Com* by John Jay
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 55
An Order of Convention was read putting Cap* V Gaasbecks Company of Rangers under the Direction of this Committee.
David Clarke a Corporal in Cap* Bellknaps Company Dav being sworn saith, that he was Yesterday Morning at the Aff'ab' Lower Barracks in w^ John Kain is confined. That "^"°^'''"' Kain asked him what Prisoners were in the upper Bar- racks. The Dep* said they had one Striker there. That Kain asked if they had no others Dep* said they had another. That Kain was very anxious to know who it was. Dep* said it was a Man that had worked for him the s*^ Kain on which Kain said, Maloyd. The Dep* replied it was. That Kain appeared very sollicitous to know whether he had said any thing ab* him, to w^ Dep* answered that he had not heard Maloyd mention his Name And further saith not
David Clark Sworn in Com^ by
John Jay, Chairman
M"" Duer informs the Com^ that Cap* John Johnson of the Reg* late of Coll Mc Dougal told him that the Wife of Verdine Elseworth and Sister of Sam' Gale had lately been once or twice to New York, and that she resides at Goshen
Ordered that M"" Sacket pay 100 Dollars to Cap* Myrick on Ace*
M'' Sacket reports that there is due to Gilbert Barns °" ^'''' for burying Christopher Patrie one of the Prisoners the Sum of two pounds Eleven Shillings.
Ordered that the same be paid.
Resolved that M"" Sacket taking with him Cap* Van Gaasbeeks Company do forthwith endeavour to ap- prehend the Persons mentioned in John Hain's last examination.
Resolved that Cap* Van Gaasbeek march his Company to the House & Neighbourhood of Jam^ V Derbergh in Beekmans Precinct & obey such orders as he shall recieve
100 Doll' p"! Capt Myrick
Sam. Gale
56 STATE OF NEW YORK
from Nathaniel Sacket Esq"" till the further order of this Committee
Resolved that Commissar^' Wickoff do with the utmost Expedition furnish Cap* Van Gaasbeek with six Days Provisions ready dressed for his Company.^
Resolved that Samuel Gale and William Tredwell be TrSi™ discharged on taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State. discharged jyjr D^gr communicated to the Com*" a Letter from
on taking
Aiiegf/nce Hendrick Wickoff the Commissary, informing him that the Removal of the Prisoners to the lower Barracks places them at so great a Destance from him, that for this & other Reasons he cannot transport their Provisions to them
Resolved that when M'" Wickoff accepted the office of
Commissary he accepted all the Trouble attending the
same and therefore so long as he chuses to keep the s^
office the Committee expect he will perform all the
Duties of it
Gilbert Resolved that Gilbert Ogden one of the Prisoners be
Sdmltted enlarged on his parole to appear daily before the Com^
to parole ^ ^q remain within three miles of the Stone Church in
this town, till further order.
M*" Sacket informs the Com® that Nich^ Brower of Wappen's Creek told him that a Number of his Neigh- bours had absconded. That they rendevous at one John Covert be[twe]en Fish Kill & Wappens, at or near a Place called Ketchanes Town. That he recommends the send" for one V Zickler a Miller at the Bridge over Wappens Creek who had s'^ that 150 Men were gone to y^ Enemy, & also a Man who lives with V Zickler whose Name he did not know. And also young Dan. Polhemus.
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 31 Dec'" 1776 The Com met
Present
John Jay Chairman William Duer Zephaniah Plat
* Cf. App. I, p. 419.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 57
A Lett'' of the 30^^ Inst from Coll. Huntington was rec*^ informing that By order of Gen. Heath he had sent to the Com'' six prisoners viz* Henry Fowler, Zophar Beech, Henry Labach, John Rikeman, Aaron Lawrance & Abraham Williams being persons unfriendly to the United States, particularly John Rikeman who was ap- prehended for seizing & holding a continental Soldier till the Enemy came & took him
Ordered that the said Prisoners be committed to the Guard, and that John Rikeman be put in Irons
Cap* Rich*^ Menee & Ensign Joseph Baldwin appeared before the Committee and inform that they brought with them five prisoners to wit — Josiah Smith, John Brown, Rich*^ Lawrance, John Grant, Jonathan a Mulattoe who says he belongs to Benj" Lester at Long Island. The s*^ Rich*^ Menee and Joseph Baldwin being sworn say — That Yesterday Morning they were infonn*^ by Phihp Vincent and Henry Cornell that Philip Vincent's Mother had heard the Dog bark in the Night and got up. That she saw fifteen or twenty men travelling towards the moun- tains. That there being Reason to believe that the s*^ persons were going to join the Enemy, these Dep*^ and several others of the Neighbourhood pursued them. That these Dep*^ went together and over took two as ^„ they believe of the s'^ Persons and apprehended them in J^maon the mountains viz* William Willson and another whose '^""'^ Name they have forgot. That they ex*^ them for Papers, and took from Jam-^ Willson two Papers containing the Route they were to go. That Wilson told him he had got one of the s*^ Papers marked (Wooden) from Henry Wooden at his House and further that he was going to New York to see his Brother. That they delivered the said two Prisoners to Cap* Myrick. That Henry Wooden confessed to these Dep*^ that he had given Willson the said Paper and appeared very uneasy about it and begged them to destroy it and further say not.
Capt Rich*^ Manee Sworn in Com^ by Joseph Balding
John Jay, Chairman
58 STATE OF NEW YORK
Cap^ Manee and Ensign Balding further inform the Com® that they have good Intelligence of a Number of Persons who are going to the Enemy that will rendevous at Jos. Brights near Croton River
Resolved that they go to Gen. Heath & concert with him a plan for apprehending them & that a Letter on the Subject be written to Gen. Heath.
Ordered that William Besley & Cornelius Besley ag* whom nothing appears, & whom there is Reason to be- lieve entirely innocent be discharged.
Ordered that Daniel Smith & Isaac Smith apprehend and bring before this Committee Henry Wooden.
Ordered that 19 Cartridges be given them.
Petition of Peter Dobbs, Amos Le Forge, Henry Le Forge, & Ebenez Odell & Josh^ Odell.
Ordered that Thomas Valentine be permitted to re- turn Home on his parole to return to this Com^ in a month to remove his family
Josiah Smith one of the Prisoners brought this Day by Cap^ Mana & Ensign Balding being ex*^ saith that he is the Son of Jonah Smith Dec*^ That he lives in Char- lotte Precin [c] t with Isaac Beagle. That Yesterday Noon a Mulattoe fellow Jonathan who had worked some time with Jam^ Doughty & who is now a prisoner here, came to him, & told him there was a Chance to get clear of drafting & go to the Island, & told him to go to Th* Tobias and he w*^ see the Man there. That this Dep* thereupon went to W"" Doughty's & there saw Fred'' Tobias who also told him the same that the Negroe or Mulattoe had & further said that one Grant was then at Th^ Tobias who would take him safe to Long Island and advised him to go. That then Ex*^ returned Home & told his Master Isaac Beagle what had passed & that he intended to go to Long Island. That Isaac Beagle diswaded him from going saying that this Ex* would certainly be taken up. That this Dep* then went to Th^ Tobias's and there saw the s*^ Grant whose Christian Name is John. That Fred'^ Tobias told the s'' Grant that this Ex* would go with him, and that Grant told this Ex* to
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 59
go along towards Poghkeepsingh & he would overtake Ex*^ which Ex^ did. That Jos. Haight of Nine Partners was to be their Guide, but he was gone before Ex* came near Poghkeepsingh. That Ex* went on the way to Poghkeepsie as far the s*^ Jos. Haights and from thence to the Mountains where he was apprehended. That the other Prisoners with whom he was taken were the only- Persons that came off with him. That he understood from the Mulattoe that the s*^ Jos. Haight was to be their Cap* and that this Ex* intended to have returned Home again in a fortnight. That the Ex* has understood from the s*^ Grant that Isaac Viel of Beekmans Precinct was isaacviei coming with a Company of Men down this night in order to go over to Long Island, & that the Horse he rode belongs to Rich*^ Lawrance one of the Prisoners.
JosiAs Smith
Ordered that sixteen Shillings be paid to Peter Van Bremen for carrying Cap* Myrick & five men to Dan. Wrights in a sleigh.
Cap* Isaac Concklin & Leut. Josiah Burton of Char- lotte Precinct being sworn severally depose that John Grant one of the Prisoners brought here this day is gen- erally reputed to be a bad man & very disaffected to the American Cause and that he this Day said in the Hearing of these Deponents that he never would be a Friend to the American Cause or words to that purpose. And further say not.
Isaac Concklin Josiah Burton Sworn in Com® by
John Jay
Sam' Gale & W"" Tredwell appearing took the Oath of Allegiance & were discharged
Cap* Myrick reports that in Pursuance of the order of Yesterday he went to Dan. Wrights where he was informed that so many men had pursued the Company of Tories he had been directed to apprehend that he did
CO STATE OF NEW YORK
not proceed. That Leiut. Alger came to Wrights while he was there & delivered to him one John Reid whom he said he had taken at or near David Akins in y^ Moun- tains & who had informed him that a Company of Tories were coming down that night. Whereupon he joined his Men to those of Leut. Alger & kept Guard at John Halstead's. That when they arrived at Halstead's they found two Men there Tiinothy Pettit & Jacob Jackson. That the latter was by the Fire side and the former on the Stoop. That it was then between ten & Eleven at Night & their Horses were under the Shed by the Door. That this Dep* asked Jackson which way he was from — he s^ from the Northward. That he asked him which way he was going. That he hesitated & then answ*^ that he was going to the Northward again. That then Pettit came in & he asked him where he was going, he said to Bedford. That he asked him whether they were both going one way. he replied Yes. On this he suspected them both & asked Jackson for his Pass. That Jackson said Pettit had it. That on examing their Papers he sus- pected them to be forged & therefore brought them both to this Committee
That Joseph Baldwin & Capt Manee delivered to him two Prisoners they had taken viz'' James Tuttle & W"" Willson whom he hath also brought with him
Account of Cash disbursed in pursuance of orders con- tained in this Book of Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee for inquiring into detecting & defeating all Conspiracies &c.
Reference £ to orders
Cash p^ Peter Van Bremen . . . 0-16-0 . . . Si-Dec" 1776
MINUTER OF COMMITTEE
FROM THE 3P* OF DECEMBER 1776
TO THE 2P* OF JANUARY 1777. INCLUSIVE
A N"" 3
Continuation of Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee for inquiring into detecting & defeating all Conspiracies which may be formed in the State of New York against the Liberties of America of the 31 Dec"" 1776 at which were prese*
John Jay Chairman
Zep'^ Plat
W"" Duer
John Ried one of the Prisoners mentioned in Cap* Myrick Report this Day being examined & sworn saith that he is a Labourer sometimes working at one Business & sometimes at another & has no settled Place of abode
That last Fryday was a Week when this Dep* was at johnReids Work at John De Graafs at Nine Partners, and one W™ won'^bout Busbey a Man about thirty Years of age who he believes ^^" ^"^'^^ has been part of the last Summer at Spencer Town, came there. That Dep* asked him what News? he s'^ not much. That Dep* then asked him which way he was going, he said to New York and would be glad of Dep*^ Company, to w^ Deponent answered, no That he s*^ Th^ Tobias was going. That Thom^ Tobias was to be a Lieu* and the Doct" his Brother a Cap*" That Dep^ then finding the Scheme that Busby was on thought it would be best to come into his measures that by decovering his Designs he might the better Defeat them. That Dep* then told Busby he w^ go with him. That they then went together to John Smiths in the Nine Partners af*^ where there found Th^ Tobias and several others unknown to this Dep' That then Busby told Th" Tobias that he could go to Spencer Town & bring him thirty Men well armed, on which Th^ Tobias took his Shoes off & gave them with a Bill of 53/4 to Busbey to go to Spencer Town for that Purpose. That Busbey then went off. That last Sunday Th^ Tobias told Dep* that two of Busbey's Men
63
64
STATE OF NEW YORK
Anthony Kennedy SM;>pre- hended
Humphrey
Herrit
Sick
Mitchel a Whig.
Cornelius 0. Schoon- maker's Deposition about Letters to
had come down with Side arms to John De Graaves & that Busbey was not far behind with a Number more. That last Sunday night Th^ Tobias came to John Smiths af^ and there collected all the Men that were going with him concluding that it would not do for him to stay for Busbey as the Times were growing difficult He further said he had agreed with Isaac Viel
A Letter from Coll. Pollard with a Prisoner Anth^ Kennedy who had a Leu*^ Warr*^ from Gov. Brown & had lately come from N York & referr^ by Convention to this Com. was read
Anth^ Kennedy appearing was admitted to his Parole for three Days.
John Reed was also enlarged on his parole Com^ Adj"^
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 1 Jan^ 1777 Com^ met Pres*
John Jay Chairman W" Duer Zep*^ Plat
Coll. Palmer app*^ & informed the Com^ that Hum- phrey Merrit was indisposed and at the Request of his Wife desired that he might be taken out of the Guard House & put in Lodgings with a Guard at his own Expense.
Ordered that the Rev*^ Docf Graham be requested to visit the said Humphrey Merrit & report his Condition to this Committee.
Coll. Palmer further informs the Com* that W™ Mitchel was ever reputed a firm friend to the Cause & that the Neighbourhood are much dissatisfied with his Removal.
Cornelius C. Schoonmaker of Shawengunck Precinct in Ulster County app*^ and being sworn saith — That on Christmas Day Johannes Decker of Hanover Precinct in the same County delivered him a Packet of Letters to
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 65
forward to the Widow Du Bois. That Dep* gave them gitingand to W™ McLaughlin who worked with the Widow Du ^^J^^- Bois to carry to her. That he afterwards told this Dep* that he delivered it to Jannitee the Daughter of the Widow Du Bois, and they have both since informed this Dep* that they suspecting the s*^ Letters to contain some- thing ag* the American Cause opened them. That they delivered the s"^ Letters with the Papers enclosed in them to this Deponent, and that the Letters & Papers now by him delivered to this Com^ are the same viz*^ an anony- mous Letter to Peter Elting at Kingston dated the 4 Dec'" 1776. An anonymous Letter to John Elphen- durph, Kingstown, dated 3"^ Dec'' 1776, in which last Letter were inclosed, a manuscript Copy of the Proclama- tion of Lord How & General How of the IS''' Nov' 1776, also a printed paper with the signature of Camillus printed in New York & dated the 18**" October 1776, also a manuscrip Copy of Lord Howes & Gen: Howes Dec- laration of 19 Septemb 1776 And further this Dep* saith not.
Corn'^ C. Schoonmaker Sworn in Com'' by John Jay Chairman
Ordered that M'" Sacket pay M'' Schoonmaker three gchoon- Dollars for his Expences in bringing the papers men- ^aS tioned in his Deposition to this Com^ "^"""^
Isaac Smith app'^ and informed the Com^ that in pur- ^^^^ suance of their order of Yesterday he and his Brother ^°°^f" Daniel Smith had apprehended and brought Henry ^^""^^ Wooden.
Ordered that the s*^ Henry Wooden be brought before this Com®
Henry Wooden appearing and being examined saith that the Paper now shewn to him marked (Wooden) is his Hand writing and that he gave it to the Persons who applied to him for it, which paper is in the words fol- lowing viz*"
66 STATE OF NEW YORK
"To James Wilson 8 Miles
To Benjamin Height 12 Miles
To Captins fields 14 Miles
Go safe to Holstid
Go safe to Daniel Wrights That he did not ask the s*^ Men where they were going nor did they tell him. That they asked him the Rout to Pines Bridge and he gave them the paper above- mentioned. That they asked him whether the Houses he as af* directed them to were civil Houses & that was the Reason for his putting Go safe before the Names of Hoisted and Daniel Wrights, but that he had no more Reason to put Go safe before one Name more than the other & that he does not know how he came to put it only before those Names. That he never desired any Person in the World to destroy the said Paper, nor did he ever endeavour to take it from any Person whatever
Henry Wooden
Henry Resolved that the s*^ Henry Wood is a very dangerous
committed Eud dlsaffected Person
keS^' Ordered that he be committed to the Goal at Pogh- °°^ keepsie there to remain till this Com^ or the Convention
or future Legislature of this State shall make further order concerning him.
Cap^ Israel Piatt & Leiu*" [space left blank] Losee in- formed the Committee that they had apprehended & brought to this Com® one Townsend Losee, who was travelling towards Peekskill on the post Road & who from the Inconsistency & Contradictions in the Account he gave of himself they deemed very suspicious
The s*^ Townsend Losee appearing & being ex^ and the ace* he gives of himself being very inconsistent & at- tended with many suspicious Circumstances
Ordered that he be committed to the Guard till further Inquiries can be made about him
Petition of John Gosper to be heard
Petition of Jeremiah to be heard
Petition of Jeremiah Bailey to be heard
Townsend Losee ap- prehended
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 67
Cap* Israel Piatt & M'" Joseph Huff say that they know I'^f"^ Timothy Pettit & Jacob Jackson, and that they are both J^cob
T /v 1 1 A • /^ Jackson
disanected to the American Cause, Tones
Ordered that 40/ be p"^ to Is. & Dan. Smith for services 40/ pd to by 'em & their Comp^ in bringing Tories to this Com^ smith^*"'
M'" Benjamin Knoxon of Beekmans Precinct informs isaacveii the Com* that he had taken & brought Isaac Viel who tended is charged with enlisting Men in the Enemys Service He Further informs that the s*^ Viel request him to intercede with this Com® for him & promises to take the Oath of Allegiance, and make all the Discoveries in his Power
Isaac Viel appearing and being sworn to make a full Discovery of all he knows or has heard respecting the Designs or Plots of any Persons whatever to oppose the American Cause &c. saith — That at the Time he and a number of others were apprehended in order to be sent to New Hampshire Tho^ Tobias told him that he and D'' Tobias intended to go to Long Island to get Com- missions to raise a Company for the Enemy's Service
Isaac Viels further Ex" was postponed tUl to morrow
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 2 Jan'' 1777 The Com<^ met Pres*
John Jay Chairman
W"" Duer
Zep^ Piatt
Ordered that five pounds twelve Shillings & one penny igaac v. be paid to Isaac V Wyck for Services performed for this S^iVf* Com*
Ordered that forty Eight Shillings be paid Peter Harmanse Harmanse & Rob* Willson for Services performed for *^"^°'' this Com* £2.8.0
Moss Kent Esq"" of Fredericksburgh in the County of Moses Kent Dutchess appearing before the Committee and being StL?" duly sworn deposeth and saith that a certain M""^ Hen- derson (Daughter to Thomas Emmans) came to this De- ponent's House on Saturday Evening last and enquired
68 STATE OF NEW YORK
how M""^ Grant (the Wife of Alexander Grant) did and said that She had a Letter for her from her Husband whom She the said M" Henderson had seen the preceding Tuesday at the House of the said Thomas Emmans at Yonkyers in West Chester County. That the said M" Henderson said that the said Alexander Grant had ex- pressed a Desire that his Wife and Children would come down to him if they could do it with Safety and procure Permission from the Congress and the Deponent further saith that during the Conversation which he had at that time with the said M""^ Henderson She expressed herself much in favor of the Superiority and Success of the British Arms and observed that She had no doubt but that finally they would subdue this Country and there- fore that it would be best for all Persons to come in and submit agreeable to the Terms proposed in the Proclama- tion from Lord & General Howe and mentioned that many Persons had and were still coming in particularly CoP Budd & Livingston and the Dep*" further saith that the s*^ M" Henderson deUvered a Letter to M'^ Grant which she said she brought from her Husband and that M""^ Grant Shew'd the Letter to him the Dep* which Letter was not Signed but was the Hand writing of the said Alex"' Grant the purport of the Letter was that he hoped the Country would be wise & prudent enough to comply with the kind & merciful Invitation of Lord & Gen : How. And that Britain never ment to enslave the Americans But only to bring into Obedience to the Laws, &c. That the said M'^ Henderson said that the above M"" Livingston was a Son of M'^ Rob^ G. Livingston. That the said M""^ Henderson gave to the Deponent one of the above mentioned Proclamations which he returned to her again. That She also gave one to the Deponent's Schoolmaster and he imagined She had a Number of them and came into the Country with Intent to dis- tribute them. That thereupon the Deponent went and gave Information against her to the Committee of Fred- ericksburgh and advised that She should be apprehended and further the Deponent saith not
Moss Kent
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 69
Dirk Gardenier & Matthew Goes appearing and the Gardner & Oath of Allegiance being tendered them, they refused fou^f"""^
. , 1 ,1 the Oath
to take the same ofaiieg:
Ordered that there be paid to Cap* Menie & Ensign Menie& Baldwin £ 1-14^6 for Services done this Com^ p** 2^ receive" Charge Cost
Ordered that 7-12-0 be paid to W" I. Alger for Ser- w»iAiger vices & Expences done & expended by him Cap* Manie £7.12% & their Company in apprehending several Persons going to join the Enemy
John Button Crimshier Esq' appearing and consenting J^^^J^^j^ to officiate as Secretary to this Com^ at the Rate of 12/ ^pp"^;?*^"^ p' Day.
Resolved that M"" Crimshier be Secretary to this Com^ & paid at the Rate of 12/ p"" Day.
John Dixon one of the prisoners apprehended by order John Dixon of Gen, Lee appearing, & this Committee on Inquiry oath^of ^ having Reason to beheve him innocent, & he hav^ vol- fidiv""** untarily taken y^ Oath of Allegiance *'^^''^*^
Ordered that he be discharged
James Briggs appearing, & on Inquiry & Examination Jri^gg this Com^ having Reason to beheve him innocent & he Srof"^ voluntarily hav^ taken the Oath of Allegiance aS"'^
Ordered that he be discharged discharg-d
Amos Le Fergue and Henry Le Fergue appearing and nXy having voluntarily to taken the Oath of Allegiance and tfketvfe"*" no particular Charge being against them anegfince
Ordered that they be discharged Surged
John M*= Cord sent to this Com^ as a disaffected Person Jo^n
M" Cord s
by order of General Lee, appeared and being examined ^f^^^*^?'^*'°"
says that he is a Friend to his Country but neither Whig ^^uher^^
or Tory and that his Conscience wont let him fight on Tory either Side, he was remanded.
James Cord appearing & voluntarily having taken the ta^Sfthe""^
Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular Charge auegi°ance
being made against him. dLharg'd
Joshua Odell appearing and Voluntarily having taken ffir
the Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular Sh'of^^
charge being made against him. and^ifsX*
70
STATE OF NEW YORK
Edmund Odell being of weak mind was not sworn but dis- charged
Elbert and Isaac Orser take the oath of allegiance and are disch^ Peter Dobbs takes the oath of allegiance and is disch<i Joseph Mont- gomry & John Gosper take the oath of allegiance and are discharg'd Letter from the Com : of Fredericks- burgh who have sent a number of prisoners
Edmund Odell likewise appearing and being a man of a weak mind and intellects the committee thought it improper to administer the oath to him, and no particu- lar charge being made against him order'd that he be discharged.
Elbert Orser and Isaac Orser appearing, and Volun- tarily having taken the Oath of Allegiance were dis- charged, no particular charge being made against them.
Peter Dobbs appearing, and having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance, was discharged, no particular charge being made against him.
Joseph Montgomery and John Gosper appearing, and having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance, were discharged, no particular charge being made against them.
A Letter was received from Fredericksbourgh Commit- tee in the words following Viz^
The Committee of Fredericksbourgh Precinct have sent the following persons who were taken by the Militia on their way to join the British Army taken at the houses of James Baldwin John Craft and Henry Balding
1st January 1777. Viz^
Cap. John Dusenbury Lent. Howlin Soles George Soles Jonathan Soles Daniel Soles Joshua Hall Thomas Stillwill James Wick, a negro Gabriel Valuntine William Burriss Alexander Cook Christopher Hanes Ephraim Kelsey Christopher Otman John Mihael
Joseph Voice Charles Near X John Flagler Hendrick Grabargar Daniel Grabargar Jacob Wager John Kelsey Israel Kelsey Benjamin Giffords William Allen X Richard Carpenter Rowhn Storey John Light Albertus Scriver Nicholas Row
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 71
Jacob Mihael John Millard
Henry Light Joseph Carman
John Near Timothy Scott
William Carpenter
Order'd that abovesaid Prisoners be committed to the Guard-house
Committee adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connors Tavern January the 3^ 1777
The Committee met Present John Jay Chairman Zep: Piatt Egb'^ Benson chairman of Dutches County
Order'd that the Reverend Doct" Chauncey Graham, be Doct' requested to take John Davis out of the Guard-house, Sfu^ted^ and put him in such Lodgings as may be proper for the john'cavis recovery of his health, and that the officer of the Guard oulrd*''^ deliver him accordingly. Hfng^^
A Letter was received from Nathaniel Sackett Esq"" of ™^ the 2*^ Inst, respecting the advice he had given Coll. I^^^^^fi^gj Luddington about Beverly Robinson and his Son, And terandthe proposing that the Militia shou'd be put under his direc- of this tion, for the purpose of Executing the business commit- thereupor ted to his charge.
Resolved that Nathaniel Sackett Esq"" have power to employ such detachments of the Militia of Dutches County as are not in actual service as he may deme ex- pedient for the execution of the business committed to his charge. And all officers of the said Militia are re- quired to comply with his requisitions, and obey his orders accordingly.
A Letter was received from Major Ledyard, respecting Major the inconveniencies his Regiment suffer'd, by Guarding l^^I^l^ the Prisoners, and informing that one Willson, one of J;^tw8 the Prisoners, after attempting to escape, and being committee brought back, was shot dead by one of the Guards, who is in Irons, and at the disposal of this Committee.
72 STATE OF NEW YORK
Eiija Lieutenant Elija Townsend appear'd, and made report
Bepo'rt^d' that he Commanded the Guard, who brought to this Deposition pj^^.^^ ^^le Prisouers mentioned in the Letter from the Committee of Fredericksbourgh, Ent*^ in the minutes of yesterday, and being sworn saith that last Tuesday night, at or after midnight, Samuel Berry came to his house and told this deponent that he must get up immediately for that forty Tories had just gone by this deponents house. And further inform'd this deponent that Oliver Bailey had detected their Rout and given Notice of it to Cap^ Crane. That this deponent and the said Berry immediately went to Cap*- Crane's where they found Seven or Eight men collected on the same occasion. That they all immediately went in pursuit of the said Tories and finally apprehended thirty seven of them of whom this deponent hath understood of the said Oliver Bailey who said he had passed himself upon them as a Tory that John Dusenbury was their Cap* and Howlin Soles their Lieu* and that they were going to join Roger's Regiment of Rangers and further this deponent saith not.
Elijah Townsend Sworn in Com^ by John Jay Chairman
Dan: Bull Daniel Bull appearing and having Voluntarily taken oath^o?^ the Oath of Allegiance was discharged, no particular andTs^"""^ charge being made against him; Except those referred discharged ^q jj^ ^j^g foHTier procecdiugs of this Committee, which on examination they have reason to believe to be groundless. An order Whereas this Committee are inform'd that several
Sr80M°who persons who were by their order sent to the State of fr^^ew New Hampshire Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay SSthis have returned home again, and it being Suggested to this Committee Committee that they have retum'd by permission of the persons who had the charge of them, Order'd therefore that they severally forthwith appear before this Com- mittee in order to Produce their respective Permits, on pain of Contempt and that Copies of the above order
CX)MMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 73
be left at the respective Dwellings of Samuel Mabbet, Joseph Mabbet, Samuel Isaac's, & John De Grove and Henry Vanderburgh Esq""^
William Patterson appearing and having Voluntarily w«»Patter- taken the Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particu- theoatrof lar charge being made against him andTs^"'*
John Pearsall likewise appearing and having Volun- JohnPar- tarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to the State of New ^^^Shot Jersey was discharged no particular charge being made &"fs^'^"'^ against him. discharged
Resolved that OUver Besley be requested to attend oiiver this Committee to give Evidence against the Prisoners ordeMor mentioned in Lieu*- Townsands Deposition ElTdenS"^^
M"" Jay Lent the Committee forty Dollars. m^ jay
Order'd that Lieu* Townsand be paid twenty one u^f^'' pounds, six shillings for himself and the Guard who re°I"vTs"^ apprehended and brought to this place the prisoners ^^^^■ mentioned in his Deposition
Order'd that sixteen shilhngs be paid to Theodorus m'v. Van Wyck Jun : for going Express to Peeks-kill clfveVieV
Pelegg Wickson appear'd and his deposition was taken as* ag* respecting the behaviour of John Craft at the Time the '^°'*" ^'''^*^ prisoners menf^ in Lieu* Townsand's Deposition were ap- prehended at his house.
Ordered that the Com^ of Fred'^burgh be requested to apprehend the s*^ John Craft & send him to this Com*'.
William Russell and William Brown tw^o Seamen taken w™ Russeii at Hackensack engageing to enter with Cap* Hodge of Irown'two the Continental ship of Warr Montgomery were dis- l^^d'to charged and passes given them to go to Poghkeepsie and fheThfp''"** two Dollars given them to bear their expences. *^""*^'
Charles CuUen appearing, and having Voluntarily
taken the oath of Allegiance, and the charges heretofore SesV made against him not being sufficiently well supported ai£?fnce to Justify his further detention, order'd that he be d"scharg'd discharg'd.
Doctor Grigory and Isaac Everit chairman of the Com- mittee of Fredericksbourgh Communicated to this Com- mittee the Deposition of Leteshe Lang wife of Robert
74 STATE OF NEW YORK
Lang of Westchester County which are in the words and figures following. Viz* Letitia The Testimony of Leteshe the wife of Robert Lang
aff?igt of Westchester County Testifieth and Saith Malcom wSisOT Morrison Esq"" of Dutches County was at my house with John Bates of the same place on Saturday Evening about four or five weeks past and inquired of me where my husband was I told them that my husband was taken prisoner in New York, said Bates made strange of that and took me to the Door and told me to enquire of said Morrison for he knew all about him upon that said Morrison told me that it was true for he saw my husband about four days ago and he was well and that he the said Morrison was Cap* of a Company in the Regular Service and that My husband was a Lieutenant under him and said Morrison told me that my husband had sent some money by him to me and that he was to lett me have what I wanted that my husband was in good business making money. And that he the said Morrison should be backward & forward often and would take Care that I did not want and Morrison gave me a Dollar Bill as from my husband as part of my husband's wages that he was order'd to lett me have and further saith not
Leteshe Lang
Westchester County December the 24"" 1776 the above deponent appear'd before me and made oath to the Truth of the above written deposition Sworn before me
Isaac Everitt Chairman
Nath: A Letter was received from Nathaniel Sackett Esq"",
Esq:ws the 3*^ of January 1777, enclosing an affidavit of John rlsowr Haynes, taken before him on the 2^ inst., both of which ereupon f^Qj^i^Liu important Intelligence.
Resolv'd that as this Committee are ignorant of the place alluded to in M"" Sackett's Letter, they can form
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 75
no Judgment of its expediency, and therefore referr the same to his discretion.
Captain Silus Purdy of New Marlborough Precinct ^^l^^^,^ appear'd and inf orm'd the Committee that he had appre- ^e?p°ect"Ti8 hended and brought with him John Caverly & Moses -^^'J^^^"^' Grigory and being Sworn Saith that he is one of the caveny Committee of the said Precinct and that they had order'd the said John Caverly to be apprehended and sent here for Notorious disaffection to the American Cause he having openly and Publickly Condemn'd the measures pursued by the American States for the Es- tablishment of their Liberties and their being reason to suppose from his long absence and inimicle principles that he had lately been with the Enemy And further that this deponent having discovered that some of Lord and General Howe's Proclamations had been distributed in the Neighbourhood he endeavour'd to find out by whom they had been brought there that he found one of the said Proclamation's in the possession of Jessey Wheeler of the same Precinct who being examined on oath before the Committee respecting it and that he said he had got it from Moses Grigory That James Wheeler the Father of the said Jessey also declar'd on oath before the said Committee that finding his son had got into Trouble by reason of the said proclamation he had asked Moses Grigory how he had come to give it to him and that Grigory thereupon said he need not be uneasy about it for that he had brought an ArmfuU, or a number of them And this deponent further saith that the said Moses Grigory hath long been generally reputed to be greatly disaffected to the American Cause and has refus'd to do duty in the Militia
Silas Purdy Sworn in Com® by
John Jay
Order'd that the said John Caverly and Moses Grigory g^^^j^ be Committed to the Guard-house Moses
Gregory
76
STATE OF NEW YORK
John Bloomer whoia Confln'd in Springfield Goal Peti- tion's the Convention
An order of the Convention of the 3*^ Inst, referring to this Committee a Petition of John Bloomer of Memoraniek in Westchester County Setting forth that he is confin'd in the Jail of Springfield in the Massechu- setts Bay and is ignorant of any Crimes laid to his charge and praying the interferrence of the Convention in his behalf on which said Petition is endors'd a Certificate of Moses Church and John Pynchon two Members of the Committee of Springfield that when the Jail of that place was broke open the said John Bloomer had an oppertunity of making his Escape with Seven others but did not
The Committee proceeded to take the said Petition into Consideration thereupon resolv'd that this Commit- tee know of no charges against the said John Bloomer & that inasmuch as the said John Bloomer is a Subject of this State and therefore hath as undoubted right to a Trial in it
That it is the opinion of this Committee that a Letter shoud be written by the Convention to the Committee of Springfield requesting them to send the said John Bloomer under the Guard of one man to the Convention of this State together with such Charges as may be lodged with them or the keeper of their Jail against him and that the Convention will provide for the payment of such expences as May attend their Compliance with this request
Order'd that the Chairman report the above resolution to the Convention as their opinion on the said Petition
Com^ adj**
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 4 Jan^' 1777
Pres^
The Com^ met
John Jay Chairman
Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutchess County
Thomas Ordered that the Ballance due to Thom' Pettit for
f|^*2^* cleaning the Church be paid the Account 5.7.2. of
(X>MMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 77
which M' Duer paid 40/ out of his own pocket and the ^g^jj^,,^ Residue Viz 3 . 7 . 2 is now paid ^"e to tii«
An order of the Com* of Safety of the 3*^ Inst, was read oadwaiu- ref erring to this Committee certain Proposals of Cad- lercoiden wallader Colden Esq""
Ordered that there be paid to Isaac Everit 3.9.0 and isaac to Elnathan Gregory 3.9.0 for Services by them per- ISan"'' formed in apprehending divers disaffected persons. ordfrto'"'
Leu* John Furman appeared and informed the Com* mo^ne?" that he had apprehended and brought to this Com® Fuman-a George Hamilton alias Morrison And being sworn saith J*p?^^*j*"* that he is a Lieut*' under Cap* Hutchins in Coll. Du Bois g^f«^ Reg* That last Thursday he was at Van Curens Tavern at Poghkeepsie precinct on the recruiting Service. That there was there the af*^ George Hamilton, that as this Dep* was speaking to some men ab* enlisting, he said he w"* enlist if Dep* would give him Gold. Dep* told him he would give him continental money, to which he made no Answer. That Dep* asked him from whence he came, he s*^ he had been ab* his Business & w*^ give no other Answer. That Dep* told him he suspected he was an Enemy to his Country, on which he s*^ he had done the Country Services & was very sorry for it & would never do it again. That he since told Dep* that the Hand Bill containing an Ace* of Gen. Washington's victory at Trenton was all a damned Lye. And further saith not
John Furman Lu* Sworn in Com*
4 Jan'' 1777 John Jay Ch"
M"" Du Bois who was employed as Commissary to the m' dh bow persons & Guards sent to New hampshire applying to coS*a"*^ the Conamittee to settle his Account and the Committee ShiSwM having no time at present to attend to that Business han<S£49 And M' Du Bois suggesting that he had a ballance in hand of about forty pounds it was proposed that he shou'd pay that Sum to the Committee and leave the entire settlement of his account to a more convenient
78
STATE OF NEW YORK
Lieu* Furman rec<» 6/
Silas
Purdy
order for
£13.17.6
Malcolm
Morrison
and James
being enemies to this state together with David Pennbrook are sent by Cap* Purdy to Ulster County Goal
Ja'Me
Laughlin an order to «end him being a disaffected person to Capt Hodge
Season M'" Du Bois thereupon paid the said sum into the Committee and the Chairman gave his receipt for it accordingly
Ordered that 6/ be paid Leu*^ Furman for apprehending Geo. Hamilton.
Ordered that there be paid Cap* Silus Purdy for appre- hending Tories &c. 13 . 17 . 6
Whereas Malcolm Morrison of Fredericksburgh Pre- cinct hath accepted a Protection from the Enemy and stands charged on the Oaths of divers witnesses with having traiterously engaged to inlist men in the Enemies Service and of aiding and abetting their wicked designs to Subvert the Liberties of America.
And whereas James Robinson is a dangerous Emissary from the Enemy and hath industriously attempted to Seduce divers of the Inhabitants of this State from their allegiance to this State and inlisted men for the Service of the Enemy
And whereas David Pennbrook hath been confiderate with the said James Robinson and aided and assisted him in the Execution of his Traiterous designs
Resolved that the said Malcolm Morrison, James Rob- inson and David Pennbrook, be committed to the Goal of Ulster County there to remain in safe Custody in Irons 'till such time as this Committee or the Conven- tion or future Legislature of this State shaU make further order concerning them.
Order'd that Captain Silas Purdy take the said Mal- colm Morris, James Robinson and David Pennbrook, and deliver them to the keeper of the Goal of Ulster County at Kingston And the said Keeper of the said Goal is hereby required to receive and detain the said prisoners accordingly
Whereas James Mc Laughlin is notoriously disaffected to the American Cause and ought not to be permitted to go at large
Resolved that the said James Mc Laughlin be sent to Captain Hodge of the Montgomery ship of Warr at Kingston And that Cap* Hodge be requested to keep
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 79
him on board the said Ship, put him to such labour as he may be fit for & pay him as much as he may earn.
Order'd that Cap*^ Silas Purdy take the said James M^ Laughlin and dehver him to Cap* Hodge or one of his officers accordingly
M'^ Joshua Carman Jun: having been requested by an order the Committee to go himself together with five men more p°aVn'lnt as a Guard to convey Abraham C. Cuyler Esq" to the City cannV.r of Albany and the said Guard having Equipt and pro- men 'that vided themselves and spent one day in coming down to Guard m- this place for that purpose but M'" Cuyler having made *^"^'^' his Escape before they had an oppertunity to take charge of him and M'" Carman producing to the Committee a Bill of the Expences and Services of the said Guard as aforesaid amounting to £ 2 . 17.8
Order'd that he be paid the said Sum and the same was paid him accordingly
Benjamin Worthy of Fredericksburgh appearing and worthys being Sworn Saith that he understands the business of Sthfga an Armor tolerably well and that he was an indented given to"'^ servant to Allen Cameron who lately went from Fred- Morrison ericksburgh and Join'd the Enemy and is a Blacksmith That this deponent understood from Daniel Cameron the Brother of the said Allen that the said Allen had previous to his going off given a Bill of Sale of his Effects to Malcolm Morrison that those effects consist among other things of a Complete Sett of Blacksmiths Tools the greater part whereof still remain in the Shop but that several of them had been sold by Daniel Cam- eron That this deponent works in part of the said Shop and further this deponent Saith that he verily believes the said Bill of sale was fraudulent and further saith not.
Benj Worthy Sworn in Com® 4 Jan^ 1777
John Jay Chairman
Stephen Booth appearing and having Voluntarily taken J^*^"* the oath of Allegiance was discharged no charge being toBooth
80
STATE OF NEW YORK
Oath of Allegiance adminis- tered to Purdy &c. a Gratuity given to Baccluis Sheppard and Hud-
Cartridges delivered
made against him sufficient to Justify his further detention
Humphry Merritt and Elisha Purdy having Volun- tarily taken the oath of Allegiance were discharged
Whereas Robert Wood Joseph Bacchus Israel Shep- pard and Hudson did exert themselves and discover great spirit and bravery in apprehending Eleven [Tories] men going to Join the Enemy
Resolved therefore that the sum of two Dollars be given to each of them
Twelve Cartridges were delivered to Cap* Purdy and the like number to Cap* Weeks
Committee adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 6*^ 1777
Two
affidavits produced respects M' Sackets proceed^s and the resolve thereupon
Com: met. Present John Jay Chairman Gen: Morris Zeph: Piatt Nathaniel Sackett Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutches
One hundred and eight Cartridges were delivered to Cap* Joshua Myrick, for the use of his Company.
Mr. Sackett retum'd, and produced to this Committee two affidavits, one of Martin Cornell, the other of Enoch Crosby, both of which relate to the business committed to his Care, and were taken by him on the 4*^ of Jan: 1777. it appears from these affidavits, that the plans concerted by the Tories, for Joining the Enemy had been much disconcerted, by the late apprehension of several of their Number, and therefore M'' Sackett requests the advice of this Committee, respecting his proceeding in the further Execution of the business, committed to his charge.
The committee having conversed with M"" Sackett upon the subject matter of the said affidavits
Resolved that his further proceedings be directed by his own discreetion
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 81
Leu' Adiel Sherwood app*^ and reported that he on i.ieu'Adiei Saturday last brought to this Place John Savage and depoXo^n John Claas, who are in the Guard House, And being sava""'"^ sworn saith that on Thursday last he apprehended the '*"^<^''^"' s*^ Persons in the Uttle Nine Partners. That this Dep* being at the House of Gideon Caswell and seeing a man whom he took to be John Savage pass by this Dep* & some others pursued & took him. That this Dep* hath long heard that the s*^ Savage was dangerous & disaffected to the American Cause & about the time that our Fleet was defeated on the Lake, he saw the s*^ Savage in Irons at Spencer Town on his Way to Hartford, & was since inform*^ by the Cap* in whose Custody he was, that he had been rescued by a Number of Tories. That this Dep* had been informed that the s*^ John Claas was of the Party who rescued Savage. That when the s*^ Savage was jfirst taken he denied his name CalUng himself John Burns. That they both confessed they had been with the Enemy but pretended they had been taken by the Greyhound Man of War as they were going from Nan- tucket to Cannan. That this Dep* took from him a PistoU & in the Pistoll found a Commission or Warrant from Edm*^ Fanning to raise a Company. The said Warrant bears Date the 21 Day of Dec'' 1776 & purports that General Howe had nominated the s*^ Fanning to the Command of a Reg* of Provincials, which Warrant the Dep* now delivers to this Com^
And this Dep* further says that on Saturday last he together with Rob* Wood Israel Shepherd, one Bachus & one Hudson pursued after a Company of Men who it was said had just then entered the Mountains, and were sup- posed to be on their way to join the Enemy. That after getting a Uttle way into the Mountains he found two Roads, on one of which he went himself with Hudson & Cap* Weeks of this Place, & sent the Rest of the Party the other Road. That shortly after this Dep* rec*^ an Express from the Party last mentioned informing him that they had taken a considerable Number of the s** Company and wanted assistance to bring them down.
82 STATE OF NEW YORK
That on rec^ the s^ Express this Dep*' came here for Assistance & hav^ obtained it went to meet the s*^ Party • & found them on their Way to this Place, viz^ Rob* Wood Jos. Bacchus, & Israel Shepherd with one other man armed only with a Hatchet escorting eleven Prisoners viz*
Peter H. Vanderbergh Hendrick Lawson
Isaac J. Lassing Peter P. Lassing
Lodowick Miller Francis Harris
Christian Gantz leurry Gantz
John Miller Hendrick Miller Peter Joh^ Lassing Jun^
All of whom were then brought before this Com* examined & sent to the Guard House and further saith not.
Adiel Sherwood Sworn in Com^
6 Jan^ 1777.
Robert Robert Wood named in the aforegoing Deposition of
Sosition Leu* Sherwood being sworn saith that he, Joseph Bachus & Israel Shepherd apprehended the Eleven Persons abovementioned. That they said they were going to New York to live in Peace, and that they did not mean to fight.
Robert Wood Sworn in Com* 6 Jan^ 1777. John Jay Chairman
Gen^ Morris took his Seat.
The Committee proceeded to take into Consideration
the proposals of Cad"" Colden Esq"" referred to them by the
Committee of Safety on the 3*^ Ins* and thereupon came
to the following Resolution.
Resolve Resolved unanimously that the said proposals in the
oaX^^"- opinion of this Committee ought not to be comphed with
Jen^ES''^' as the reasons upon which the resolution of this Com-
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 83
mittee for removing the said Cadwallader Golden to the Town of Boston was founded still exist in full force
All the Resolutions minutes & Papers of this Com^ relating to Cadwallader Golden Esq' were this Day sent by the Secretary to the Convention certified by the Chairman ^
M*" Sackett paid into the Committee the Sum of 300 M'Sackett hundred Dollars b'm^^'^^
Order'd that there be paid to Lieu^ Adiel Sherrard the pa^LL^u: sum of Seventeen pounds and four Shillings for i^™.*^ apprehending Tories &c. and the same was paid him accordingly
John C. Philips informing this Committee that Isaiah isaac Purdy one of the prisoners in the Guard-house is very who'^fs sick and offering to become responsible for his appearance Hberlted if liberated j^.c.
Order'd that the officer of the Guard deliver the said be^min^ Isaiah Purdy to the said John G. Philips & Km"'''
Resolved that the said John. G. PhiUps shall be re- sponsible for the said Isaiah Purdy and deliver him to this Com: when call'd for or forfeit one hundred pounds which the said John. G. Philips accordingly agreed to and in Witness thereof hath hereunto Sign'd his name
John G. Phillips
Committee adjour'd
Committee met.
Fish-kills Connor's Tavern Jan: the 7*^ 1777.
Present John Jay Chairman Zeph: Piatt W"" Duer Gen: Morris
An order of the Committee of safety of the 6*^ Inst.' Prisoners, was read, directing this Committee, to send thirty of the se"nd'^3"of*' least dangerous of their prisoners to New Windsor, and mw
'Supra, pp. 14-16; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 762-763: Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 660-662. Vow. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 761.
them to
New Windsor
84 STATE OF NEW YORK
put them under the direction of Cap* Mechin ; first giving two days Notice to General George Clinton, of the time on which they will be sent. oiiyer OUver Bailey nam'd in Lieu* Elija Townsand's deposi-
SpStion tion, Entered in the Minutes of the 3^ inst., appeared, rejecting ^^^ being Swom saith that at, or about 1 o'Clock in the Mdhia'''^ morning of the first day of January Inst,, John Dusen- ^^ bury formerly of Kingstreet in Westchester County came to this deponent's house, which is Situate on a road leading through the Mountains, between the Post & horse pound Roads. That this deponent having heard, that the said Dusenbury had been sent as a Tory to one of the Forts, was surprized to see him, and asked him where he was going, to which he answered, that if this deponent wou'd not betray him, he wou'd use him well, and further said that he belong'd to the Militia, and was going to the southward, he then said he had a Company of men with him, and asked this deponent, if they might come in, and warm themselves, to which this deponent consented, and they accordingly came in. That then the said Dusenbury, proceeded to enquire of this deponent, for the houses of one Baldwin, and one Craft (both of whom this deponent understood were Tories) saying, they wanted to go secure, and that if this deponent wou'd not expose them, they wou'd be friends to him hereafter. That this deponent inform'd them, where the said per- sons Hv'd, and the better to pass himself upon them as a friend, told them that the road they were going, led by the houses of three or four Whigs. That from the whole of their Conversation and Conduct, while at this deponents house, he concluded they were going to Join the Enemy. That some of the Company call'd the said Dusenbury Captain, upon which this deponent asked the said Dusenbury how he came to be a Captain, to which he replied it was no matter. That after staying at this deponents house, about an hour, they went away. And after they were out of sight, this deponent took his gun, and run to Captain Crane's, and inform'd him of the matters, above mentioned. That they got together a
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 85
number of men, that this deponent with 6 others went one road, and Capt Crane with the rest of the men an other road, in pursuit of the said Company. That this deponent with his Company surrounded Crafts house, and found there a number of the said Company, whom they apprehended, and confin'd in the Same house, That this deponent then went alone to M"" Leans Tavern, where this deponent understood a number of New Eng- land Soldiers Lodged. That they got a party of them, and went and surrounded Baldin's house, and there he found, and apprehended a number more of the said Company, and while this deponent was there, Cap* Crane with his Company came there to his assistance. That he thinks the said Company so apprehended, amounts to thirty seven, and further saith not.
Oliver Besley Sworn 7*^ Jan^ 1777 John Jay Chairman
M'" Oliver Bailey mentioned in the deposition in the oiiver other side hereof having behaved much to the satisfaction feceiTed of this Committee in detecting a number of Tories Com- i'e.l^o"^ manded by one Dusenbury ord'red that he receive of this committee Committee Six pounds Eight Shillings, and the same was paid him accordingly
Henry Franklin of the City of New York Merchant m' Henry who had been brought before this Committee for having Dedaration lately come over from Long Island and having delivered a^subjecr^ in this Town certain Letters in which were enclos'd Lord *^'' ^^^^ and Gen : Howes last proclamation Appearing and being examined saith that he considers himself as a Subject of the State of New York, but that he wou'd not choose to affirm allegiance to this state or disclaim allegiance to the King of Great Britain such affirmations being not usual amongst the people called Quakers
M*" Franklin gave his affirmation to this Committee Henry that he wou'd not go beyond four miles of this place until ffflSkin further order of this Committee. Com: adjoum'd
STATE OF NEW YORK
Com: met
Fish-Kill Connor's Tavern Jan: 8'^ 1777.
Present Cap' Zep: Piatt
William Duer Esq.
Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutches County
John
Slaighle takes the oath of Alliance
Eli Crosby takes the oath of alle^ : and is disch<*
Captain James Martin produced a Warrant to apprehend Tories and the order thereupon
Georg. V.
Noorstrand
deliver'd
some
Manicles
and his
account
amounting
to£6.18.0
was paid
John Slaighle appearing and having Voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular charge being made against him.
Eli Crosby being one of the persons who was sent away as a disaffected person to Exeter, having return'd, and giving this Committee reason to suppose that he has chang'd his Sentiments, and Voluntarily taking the oath of Allegiance, was discharg'd.
Cap' James Martin appear'd and delivered to this Committee a Warrant to take and bring before this Com- mittee Thomas Briggs, Thomas Tabour, and Willbour Wood being disaffected persons which warrant was sign'd by order of the Committee of Pawlings Precinct the 6"" of Jan: 1777 by Nathan Pearce Chairman in consequence of which warrant he apprehended the said disaffected persons and brought them to this Committee under Guard.
Order'd that the said persons be delivered to Lieu^ Bower who is hereby order'd to deliver them to the officer of the Guard of the upper Barracks.
M' George Van Noordstrand appeared and delivered six pair of Manacles as also an account for making twenty one pair of Manacles nine pair of which he de- livered to Cap' Weeks his account amounting to £ 6. 18.0. was allowed and paid
Com: adjourn'd
Fish-Kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 9'^ 1777. Present
Cap'Zep: Piatt William Duer Esq. General Morris
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 87
Lieu^ Jacob Bower borrowed of this Committee 40 ^j^^^*^
DolF^ reed 40
Doll"
A Letter from George Fisher, directed to John Jay a Letter Esq. President of this Committee, was received this day, m° oeo^e informing that one M""^ Melanshaw, the wife of a no- respecting torious Tory in the City of New York, in Company with ^Iwand'"'' an other woman was arrived at this place, and is now thireupoir at M"" Quackenbosses ; that she was agoing to remove her effects, and three of her sons to the City of New York, and it is probable, she is an instrum^ that may work a great deal of Mischief.
Cap* Martin Wiltsie appearing before this Committee, inform'd them, that having rec"* the same intelligence from M'' Fisher this morning, he had sent a party of three men, under the Command of one M"" Fisher, to secure the Baggage, and effects of the said Women (some of which are in the possession of John Planton) and to suffer no person to have conversation with them, until further orders from this Committee.
Resolv'd that this Committee, highly approve of the steps taken by the said Martin Wiltsie, respecting the said Women, and Further that he be requested, and Authorized to Cause their persons and Baggage to be search'd, and examined in the most Critical manner, by two discreet Women, of known attachment to the Ameri- can Cause, in order that all papers found on them, may be secured and sent to this Committee for examination together with the Women above mentioned.
Order'd that the resolution of this Committee of the an order 3*^ of January respecting the Citation of persons who resolution have been remov'd from this State and have return'd Ki^tiln with out the permission of the Convention or this Com- whoTeT mittee be printed, and affix'd at some of the most Con- fr^lhis spicuous Places of this & the neighboring Counties, in Ke-""'' order that no Person may plead Ignorance of the same. Sted^^
A Letter from Nathaniel Sackett Esq" informing the Com : that he had caus'd a certain Willson Morrison be- longing to Coll Rodgers's Rangers to be apprehended and sent to this Committee under the Guard of Ensign Ed-
hended
88 STATE OF NEW YORK
Wilson ward Penney. To the same Letter is annex'd the ex- ijpre'"" amination of the said Willson Morrison who M"" Sackett recommends to be further examin'd by this Committee Ensign Edward Penny appearing before this Commit- tee inform'd them that in consiquence of a Warrant from Nathaniel Sacket Esq'" he had apprehended the person above mentioned and had brought him under Guard to this place. That the said Willson Morrison had deUvered to him a Certificate from Lieu^ John Odell in the Continental Army in the words following Viz*
Fairfield Jan : the 4*^ 1777. To all to whom it may concern this may Certify that the bearer hereof Willson Morrison now in Fairfield says that he was taken on Long Island and afterwards enlisted amongst Rodgers's Rangers from which he deserted the 22^ of December last and as he has laboured with and near me for time I have examin'd him into every thing I could and find him to be honest as I believe and dont see why he should not go to his place of abode or to Coll. Atleys Regiment which he says he belongs to I desire he may be directed to some General officer at Peeks Kills for further examination. P"" John Odell Lieu'' in the Continental Army
And the said Edward Penny being sworn saith that the said Willson Morrison informd this deponent that he came to America when he was child
Edward Penney Sworn the Q*'^ of Jan: 1777
Before Zepha. Piatt
Richard Mr. Richard Southard appear'd before the Committee
Application & inform'd them that a Negroe-man who had been taken K^o^ with Rodgers Rangers had been for the space of two Weeks Billetted at his House that when the said Negroe was brought there he was almost dead That his family had been obliged to Nurse him for the space of Six weeks That he is now able to walk about but not work much
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 89
and is destitute of cloathing and infested with Vermin Therefore Requested that he might if possible be remov'd from his place and a Compensation made for him for his Care and maintenance of the said slave
Resolv'd that M'" Richard Southard lay before this Resoiuuou Committee as account for the maintenance of the said *''''''^*'" slave in order that an adequate compensatioii may be made him And that he be acquainted that this Com: will endeavour to remove the said slave as soon as possible
Sundry affidavits respecting the Conduct of Robert G. Rob' a. Livingston Jun : Esq. and John Mill-DoUor, taken before appre^^*^" the Committee of Rinebeck Precinct, and by them trans- mitted to this Committee by Lieu^ Elmindorph, were Read. Lieu^ Elmindorph appearing before this Com- mittee, informed them that in consiquence of the orders rec*^ from the Com: of Rhinebeck Precinct, he had con- veyed the said Robert G. Livingston & John Mill-Dollor as Prisoners to this place, where he now had them under Guard.
Order'd that Lieu* Elmondorph deliver the above menf^ persons, to the officer of the Guard, who is hereby directed to keep them in safe Custody
Willson Morrison appear'd before the Committee says wiisoo he was bom in Ireland and has been three years the 17*^ S'h?^ day of June last in America And that he inlisted in Pen- silvania in Coll. Attley's Regiment that he was taken by the Enemy on Long Island some time in August last and carried on board of a Prison Ship That by reason of the ill usage he receiv'd from the Enemy and in hopes of making his Escape by diseration he was induc'd to inlist with the Enemy in Coll. Rodgers's Rangers. The said Morrison was discharged by this Com : he appearing per- fectly innocent. Cash paid £3 Ensign Edward Penney three pounds for his, and his Mens Services, and expences in bringing Willson Morrison who diserted from Rod- gers's Rangers to this place Com: adjourn'd
90 STATE OF NEW YORK
Fish-Kills Connor's Tavern Jan: the 10*^ 1777.
Present
John Jay Esq. Chairman Zeph: Piatt Esq. WilUam Duer Esq. General Morris
7 doz: Cart' to Lieut Bower John De Graff take's the Oath and is discharged
Coenrad's Deposition agt
Coll: Ritzema
this Com: delivered to Lieu* Jacob Bower 7 Doz, of Cartridges for the use of his Company
John De Grove who had been sent to the State of New Hampshire, having retum'd, and appeared before this Committee pursuant to a Citation Issued for that pur- pose, and having voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance to this State, was discharged.
Elizabeth Coenradt being sworn saith that she is an Inhabi* of the City of New York. That she well knowns Collonel Rudolphus Ritzma and has known him for many Years past. That on Friday last she saw the s*^ Coll. Ritzma in the City of New York in the Street called the Vley, & saw him there conversing with the Widow of James Learey dec*^ who is since married with one Griffiths that she heard her say to him How do you do Coll. Ritzma, I am glad to see you in town And further saith not
her Elizabeth X Coenradt mark Sworn in Com^ 10*^ Jan: 1777.
Before John Jay Chairman
Col: Ritzema to be appre- hended
Order'd that Sampson Duyckman take with him such & so many brave and discreet men as he may conceive necessary Do forthwith apprehend the said Coll. Ru- dolphus Ritzema who it is said is now in the County of Westchester and bring him forthwith before this Com- mittee for Which he the said Sampson Duyckman and the said persons he shall take with him shall be liberally rewarded
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 91
The Committee proceeded to take into consideration R:G:Liv- the affidavits mentioned in the minutes of yesterday Knfto relative to the Conduct of Coll. Robert G. Livingston gy°" Esq.
Order'd that the said Robert G. Livingston appear forthwith before this Committee The said Robert G. Livingston appearing accordingly said affidavits were read to him but he not offering to disprove the Credibility of all of the said deponents and particularly of Jacob Heermanse Jun: and Egbert Benson Esq, having been requested by this Committee to declare his knowledge of the reputation of the said several deponents inform'd the Com: that several of them were persons of good reputation and one of whom was Jacob Heermanse Jun: and he did not know the Characters of some others of the deponents
Resolv'd unanimously that the said Robert G. Liv- ingston hath manifested a disposition very unfriendly to the American Cause and ought not to be permitted longer to have an oppertunity of exerting his influence to the prejudice of his Country Therefore
Resolved that the said Robert G. Livingston be Com- mitted to the Goal of the County of Ulster at Kingston there to remain till such time as this Com: or the Con- vention or future Legislature of this State shall make further order concerning him and that the keeper of the said Goal do receive & detain him accordingly
Order'd that Copies of the affidavits aforesaid and of the preceeding resolution be transmitted to the Com: of Kingston
Order'd that Cap* Bellknapp take the s*^ Rob* Gilbert Livingston & convey him to the Goal of Ulster County accordingly
Cap* Townsand reports that in pursuance of the order Jonathan of this Committee he had apprehended and brought fi^% here Stephen Lyon & Jonathan Miller who are both ^Th^^^f, nam'd in the Affidavit of Charles Haight whom he hath Hickford
appre-
also brought with him he further reports that he also ^^""^^^ had taken James Brundage one other of the persons men-
92 STATE OF NEW YORK
tioned in the said order and affidavit and at the request of Coll. Thomas had permitted him to go at large upon his the said Coll. Thomas's becoming responsible for his appearence and that he hath understood, that the said James Brundage shortly after absconded he further reports that he hath taken & brought before this Com- mittee a certain Thomas Hickford of Westchester County on whom was found a Certificate subscribed by Lieu* Coll. Rodgers that the said Hickford had appear'd before him and subscribed the Declaration mentioned in the last proclamation of Lord and Gen: Howe which Certificate Cap* Townsand now delivers to this Com: Order'd that the said prisoners be Committed to the Custody of the Guard Roger Joseph Purdy of Cortlandt's Manor appearing and
Signed to offering to become responsible for the Good behaviour his farm ^^^ appeareuce of his Brother Rodger Purdy in Case this Com : shou'd Commit him to his Care
Resolved that the said Rodger Purdy be for the Present Confined to the farm of the said Joseph Purdy And that the said Joseph Purdy be responsible for the Good behaviour of the said Rodger Purdy and for his appear- ence before this Com: when required to which the said Joseph Purdy hath signified his approbation by subscrib- ing his name to this Resolution
Joseph Purdy Ferdon A Letter was received from M"" Samuel Dodge, dated
St"i- the 6*'^ day of Jan: 1777, and directed to M"^ Duer, as oltrom chairman to this Committee, importing that a number ti?e'En^my of Tooes lu the Neighbourhood were preparing to Escape to the Enemy, four of their names he had Learnt, Viz* Abraham Ferdon, John Lawrence, John Hoghtalen Jun: and Andrew Ostrom, and that the Witness against them was one Jacob Van Every. Charles Charlcs Haight appearing, and producing a Certificate
discharged f^om William Miller, Deputy Chairman of the Com: of Westchester County, that he had taken the oath of allegiance to this State,
Order'd that he be discharged.
COMMIITEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 93
Cap* Townsand inform'd this Com. that a certain James Haight, who had been brought by him to this jan,e« place, and had escaped, was now at home. f^^^^*'
Order'd that the Secre^ transmit this information to ^pp'^''^-* William Miller Deputy Chairman of the County of Westchester and request him to Cause the said James Haight to be forthwith apprehended and sent to this Com:
Joseph Gage of Charlotte Precinct in Dutches County Joseph one of the persons sent to Exeter in the State of New- STe^oS** hampshire on a charge of disaffection to the American Sirged Cause appearing before this Committee and producing a proper pass to Justify his return from that place and having voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance to this State
Resolv'd that the said Joseph Gage be discharged from all obligations to return to Exeter and permitted to go and remain at his usual place of abode
Nathaniel Sackett Esq. reported to this Com: that yrsacket'. during his late absence he had in further prosecution of tfon™*' the business Committed to his Charge sent Enoch Crosby to the several persons mentioned in his last examination delivered by M"" Sackett by this Committee that the said Crosby obtained very useful intelligence from them which is contain'd in his affidavit now produced to this Com: by the said Sackett and taken by him on the 8**" day of Jan: Inst, and in order to make the proper use of the said intelligence he had communicated the Contents of the said Affidavit under oaths of secrecy to Martin Corn- well, Cap* Clarke & Cap*" Gassbeek ^ and so disposed of and stationed Cap* Gassbeek's men as that they may have the best oppertunity of apprehending the Company who Crosby in his said Affidavit says intends shortly to Join the Enemy And that he had further directed fehis"^^^'^ them after apprehending the said Company to take Roger""^ Doctor Prosser and his Brothers, Roger Cutler, Daniel Danfei Chace, Such of the Havilands at the Oblong and Quaker- Savnaldl hill as were fit for Service, Jonathan Akins & Elisha iklnf*"
Elisha
*See App. I, p. 420. Akins
94
STATE OF NEW YORK
M' Sackefs Informa- tion
Michael
Vincent
Jeremiah
Hunt David
Pettit
Goost Tyce
James
Gosling
JonaB
Cannif
Charles
Vincent
Peter Shear
returned
from New
Hampshire
without
Leave
Akins all of whom he had great reason to believe as well from the affidavit aforesaid as from the affirmation of Martin Comwell lately him delivered by this Com: are deeply concem'd in promoting the designs of the Enemy and are their principal agents in inlisting men in their service and directing them on their way to the Enemy. And M"" Sackett further reports that he met with two persons by the names of Stephen Akins & Benjamin Shearman Members of the com: of Pawlings Precinct who gave to him an anonimous Letter found at the said Shearman's Door and which he now delivers to the Com : informing that a design was in agitation to take or put to death members of the said Com : M'' Sackett further reports to this Com: that on the 9"" Inst, he took the affidavit of Benjamin Shearman & Stephen Akins which he also delivers to this Committee which affidavit men- tions intelligence which those deponents had received of a number of Tories having purchased fire Arms of the Mabbits and others having return'd from Exeter and being seen on Quaker-hill and other places and of a plan forming for apprehending the members of the Conven- tion by a party of the light horse M^ Sackett further reports that Martin Cornwell told him that Michael Vincent, Jeremiah Hunt, David Pettit, Gost Tyce, James Gosling, Jonas Canniff, Charles Vincent and Peter Shear Jun: had return'd from Exeter M" Sackett further re- ports that he had Taken the Affidavit of reputable person who depos'd that a certain Nathan Barnum of New- fairfield and then at that place had within five or six Weeks last past conducted between two and three hun- dred Men to the house of one Cap^ Hoyt who kept a small Vessell in which he transported them to Long- Island
Order'd that William Duer and Nathaniel Sackett Esq''^ be requested and authorized to transmit this in- formation to some discreet and well affected persons in the Towns of New fairfield and Norwich in order that the persons above mentioned may be apprehended
Com: adjourned
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 95
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 11*^ 1777
Present John Jay Esq. Chairman Gen. Morris
Order'd that there paid to Cap*^ Micah Townsend the Sum of £ 6. 18. 3 1/2 for his and his mens Services in apprehending Jonathan Miller &c and the same was paid accordingly
M"" Abraham Brinckerhoof of Kingston was brought to this Committee by order to the Committee of Ulster County and no charge against him being as yet received from the said Committee
Order'd that he be enlarged upon his Parole to remain within three Miles of the Stone Church in this Town 'till the further order of this Committee M'^ Brincker- hoof appearing and giving such Parole was enlarged accordingly
Order'd that twenty DoUors be paid to Lieu* Bower on account
A Letf" of the 6*'' Inst was rec*^ I[s]rael Spencer Chair- man of Com^ of Claverack informing that they had sent Jam^ Stark a preacher to this Com^ for preaching ag* Am. Cause, by Lieu* Martin Ray, together with their Proceed- ings & affidavits respecting him
Jam^ Stark app^ & retracting his Errors & taking the oath of Allegiance was discharged
Ordered that there be p** to Leu* Ray 5-18-5 for the Services & Expences of himself & one private in bring the s"^ Jam^ Stark to this place
Rob. Gilbert Livingston have offered to disprove all the affidavits made ag* him & requesting to be sent to the Com""^ at Rhinebeck for that Purpose.
Resolved that he be sent accordingly under a Guard at his own Expence. And that the s^ Commissioners be requested to hear such Witnesses as he may produce to impeach or destroy the Credibility of the said De- ponent & report their Proceedings & return the said Robert G. Livingston to this Committee
96 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that Copies of the s*^ affidavits against the s*^ Rob* G. Livingston be sent to the s*^ Com''^ & that a Letter be written to the Com® of Rhinebeck inform= them thereof
Moses Northrup Jun, Isaac Horton, Josias Smith, Peter Joh^ Lawson Jun'", John Miller Jun"", Alex. Mc Koy Emanuel Ellerbeck, John Lawson, Lodewyek Miller Samuel Cook, & Christian Gantz, having voluntarily inlisted with Cap'' Bunschoten & taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that they be discharged
Com" adj''
Fish Kills Connor's Tavern 13 Jan^ 1777 Com® met Present
John Jay Chairman Gen. Morris
Prisoners Cap* Van Gaasbeck & Martin Cornel brought to this wnt jL°" Com® Charles Vincent and John Buyce whom they had °"^*^ app*^ near Sack Riders in the Mountains. They also produced to the Com® the Examination of the s*^ Moses Sackrider respecting them. They were travelling thro' about 11 oClock at Night. ch» vin- Ch^ Vincent being ex*^ says he was going to his Father
at East Chester to fetch a horse which he had left there about a Week ago. This his Brother Lewis Vincent who lives at his Fathers sells salt for six shillings p"" BusheU & the Ex* intended to have brought some with him. That his Cousin David Heusted keeps a Boat at East Chester Landing & keeps a Tavern & little Shop there. And that Heusted sells pins for a Shilling a paper. That John Buyce was going down with him to see East Ches- ter. That Ex* intended to go by Virtue of an old Pass from Eliab Yeomans, & that on his Telling Yeomans he wanted to go again, & giving him to understand he wanted another Pass, he told Ex* he had better wait, & said he reckoned the old pass would do. That John Buyce had no Pass.
Charles Vincent
cents Ex"
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 97
John Buyce being ex*^ saith that he lately rec*^ a Letter john Buyce from his Wifes Uncle Joseph Emory who lives as he has ^*° heard within ten miles of East Chester informing him that he had salt to sell at 6/ p"" Bushell & that if Ex* would go down he could have some. That he accordingly set out for that Purpose with Charles Vincent. That he had no Pass. That Elijah Youngs & Samuel Harris his Neighbours told him he might go without a pass. That this Ex* lives at Oswego in Dutches County
John byse
Ordered that the s*^ Charles Vincent & John Buyce be committed to y^ Guard House
Cap*" Van Gaasbeek informs the Committee that the Term of the Enhstm* of his Company expires tomorrow & that in his opinion few of them can be prevailed upon to continue longer in Service.
And whereas it is highly expedient that the Business committed to M'" Sacket should be forthwith executed which the Discharge of Cap* Van Gaasbeek Company will unless their Place be supplied prevent,
Ordered that Leiut Bower with his Company forthwith march under the Direction of Cap* Van Gaasbeek and obey such orders as he may receive from him.
Ordered that sixty Dollars be delivered to Cap* Van Gaasbeek for Leu* Bower on Ace*
William Sypher & Richard Fleming Van Stienbergh two of y^ Prisoners having voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State & enlisted in the American Service with Cap* Swartwout
Ordered that they be discharged
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 14 Jan^' 1777 The Com^ met
John Jay Chairman Gen. Morris
Resolved that Cap* James Grant have Permission to return Home for a Fortnight on his parole to return at the Expiration of that Term
98 STATE OF NEW YORK
Samson Dyckman returned to this Com^ & reported that he together with Lieu* John Johnson, Cap* John Whilly & Samuel Young had taken & brought to this Com^ Coll Rudolphus Ritzma pursuant to their order of the 10*^ Inst.
Coll. Ritzma app^ Elizabeth Coenradt was called in the Chairman pointing to CoU Ritzma asked her if she knew that Gent, she [said] she did, that it was Coll Ritzma and she declared to his face what is set forth in her afE* relative to her seeing him in the City of New York
The wives of W"" Merrit & Moses Fowler app*^ & petitioned that their Husbands sent to Exeter might be permitted to return
Resolved that the s^ Persons be permitted to return on their parole to appear forthw*" before this Com^ — This Com® having been informed that they are will^ to become good & faithful Subjects of this State
The Petition of Gabriel Van Order of the County of Bergen in the Province of New Jersey was presented to this Committee praying to be heard and the same was read and filed
Resolved that Mary Mallenshaw & Elizabeth Coenradt be permitted to pass to y® commanding officer at Peeks Kills & that it be referred to the Discretion of Maj"" Gen. Heath or y^ commanding officer at that Place either to detain or send them to New York, whenc[e] they lately came
Samuel Wood, Isaac Langworth, James Colvin and Abraham William having severally taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State and inhsted in Cap* Davis's Company were discharged from their Confinement
Com: adjoum'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern January the 15*^ 1777. The Com: met
Present John Jay Esq'' Chairman General Morris
A Letter was received of the 11"" Inst, from M"" Isaac Roosevelt informing this Com: that Henry Franklin
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 99
with whom he was well acquainted was friendly to the American Cause. That the said Henry Franklin chear- fuUy subscribed five pounds for the Support of the Poor of Boston.
Also a certificate was received from the said Isaac Roosevelt certifying to this Com: that he always lookt upon the said Henry Franklin as a friend to the American States and to the best of his Memory that the said Henry Franklin had sign'd the Association.
Peter R Livingston Esq" Certifies to this Com: that Jacob Kline Serg^ in Lieu* Bower's Company, has a large Family, and no Body to take Care of it and requests that he may be discharged
Order'd that he be discharg'd accordingly
Thomas Fleetwood, of Cap* Seward's Company, in- Thomw forms the Com: that he had brought here Jesse Purdy, SmS who had deserted from Cap* Swarts Company of Militia, K"purdy order'd to March to North Castle. The said Purdy ap- pearing, Confess'd that he had so deserted.
Order'd that he be a committed to the oflScer of the Guard
Whereas John Savage is a most inveterate Enemy to an order to the American Cause, and hath a Warrant from the irvlgeto Enemy to raise Men for their Service, and hath long Sun^ industriously aided their designs to subjugate the States "^^^^ of America.
Order'd that the said John Savage be sent to the Jail of the County of Ulster at Kingston there to remain in safe Custody in Irons 'till this Com: or the Convention or future Legislature of this State shall make further order concerning him. And that the keeper of the said Jail receive & detain him Accordingly.
Order'd that [blank] receive the said John Savage from the officer of the Guard and deliver him to the Keeper of the said Goal.
The petition of John Milldollor was presented and The
1 ,1 . , ^ Petition
read this day of John
Thomas Hickford being examined saith, that he is an Inhabitant of Harrison's Purchase. That about a fort-
100 STATE OF NEW YORK
night or three weeks ago he set out from home with
design to Visit the Enemy's Army out of mere curiosity
The Ex- That at Williams's Tavern he fell in with Rogers's
"iThomTs Rangers who put him under Guard and sent him to Coll.
Hickford j^Qggj.g ^^ Wallintines-hill That he told CoU. Rogers his
design was to go to New York That the Coll. said that
this examinent cou'd not be permitted to go there but
that if he wou'd sign the Declaration in Lord & General
Howes Proclamation mention'd he might return home
which he did and return'd accordingly. That Coll.
Rogers askt him to inlist but he refus'd
Thomas Hickford
A Resolve Resolv'd that the said Thomas Hickford be enlarged Thomi?^ on his Parole not to go farther from this place than Caleb sponhL Griff en's House and to appear every day before this Com: 'till further orders The said Thomas Hickford appearing and giving such Parole was enlarged accord- ingly Two Letters Two Letters from Israel Spencer Chairman of &lr'' Claverack, one of the Eleventh & the other of 13* of oiairman j^^ . j^^^^ ^^^^ recelved by Express, informing that there was great reason to suspect, that a design was forming to rescue the Prisoners at this place, containing intelli- gence respecting John Savage, and a list of disaffected persons, who lately absconded from their district. A Letter ^^^o a Lcttcr from Peter van Ness, to David Van Ness
VTNesf of the 13* Inst., on the same subject. A Letter ^^^^ ^ Lcttcr from Stephen Hogeboom, to Egbert
Ho™eboom Beusou Esq"" of the 14* Inst., on the same subject. A Letter ^^^^ a Letter from Stephen Hogeboom to Robert Yates
ll^iw- Esq"" on the same subject of the 13* Inst, ^g g Orderd that three pounds. Eight Shillings be paid to
^derjd to Jacob Gall for six days going and returning Express from Jacob Gall Claverack to this place and the same was paid him
accordingly captpaui Order'd that Christopher Utman be deUvered to Cap* f^Mibie John Paul Shott, who hath become responsible for him,
Utman
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 101
for his appearance before this Com: from day to day, fortiie 'till further orders. chn's^
John Paul Schott Capt" of Artillery Com: adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 16*^ 1777.
Present/ General Morris Coll. Ten Brook Zep: Piatt Esq^
Jeremiah M"^ Gown being duly sworn, saith that he lives with Coll. Ritzema as a Waiter, and has been in his service some time. That some time the weak before last, but on what day he cannot exactly say, but thinks it was on Tuesday, Coll. Ritzema went on foot to Tarry Town, that he set out a httle after ten o'clock in the morning, and return'd a httle before twelve O'Clock the next day, without a horse, and that the Coll. did not appear fitigued. That the place at which Coll. Ritzema lives, is Judged to be about thirty six miles from New York. That the day after the great snow fell. Coll. Ritzema went with a Sleigh and horses to Tarry Town alone. That he set out in the morning after Breakfast and return'd that Evening Between Seven and Eight O'clock that his horses did not appear Tired And this deponent further saith that Coll. Ritzema has not been absent at any time from his Lodging excepting the times above mentioned and an other time with his Father when he stay'd about 6 or 8 hours within one month from this day and likewise that this deponent has not been absent from the Coll'^ Lodging a whole day at any time within a month and further saith not
his Jeremiah X M° Gown mark Sworn this 16*** day of January 1777
Lewis Morris
102
STATE OF NEW YORK
Lieu. Cornell's report that he had taken Abr : Brower and Mary Thomas two sus- pected persons
Isaac Wood and Peter Buyce having inlisted in Cap* B Swartwouts Company as Soldiers took the oath of al- legiance to this State
A Letter was received from Samuel Dodge of the 16"" Inst, informing that there is a Stranger at the house of Abraham Ferdon who is inlisting men in the Enemy's service and has promis'd to Pilot them safe all the way and that Johannis Medler Aury Medler Thomas Lawrence And Andries Ostrom are said to be going with him to the Enemy
Order'd that Cap* B. Alger take to his assistance ten Men well affected and Equipt in order to apprehend the said persons together with Abraham Ferdon and bring them to this Committee
Lieu* Martin Cornell appear'd before the Com:, and says that meeting with a certain Abraham Brower, and Mary Thomas at the foot of the mountains, and having reason to suspect that they were disaffected, and re- belious Subjects of this State, he did Arrest the said Abra- ham Brower, and Examine him. That the said Abraham Brower had on two under Waistcoats, one Waistcoat and Coat, & an over Coat, and in a Bundle a pair of Trowsers, and Clean Shirt, and the examinent finding no papers upon him, and being told that he was only going to ac- company his Sister. And the examinant upon examining him, as to his place of abode, finding that he greatly prevaricated, did also arrest his said Sister, who after having riden to some distance out of sight of this examinent had retum'd. That this examinant pro- ceeded with the said Abraham Brower, and Mary Thomas, to the House of Daniel Wright, and there de- sired the said Mary Thomas to shew him her papers, which she at first refus'd, alledging that she had no papers. But the examinant told her that he shou'd take Notes of what she said, and she must swear to the Truth of it. That she thereupon confess'd that she had papers conceal'd at her Back, which papers the examinant caus'd to be taken from her, and doth now deliver to this Com: That the Examinant thereupon sent the said
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 103
prisoners to this Com:, under the Care of Huff, which prisoners are now here.
Martin Cornell
Order'd that the said Abraham Brower, be committed order to
commit
to the Custody of Cap* Bellknap. Brower"
Order'd that Lieu* Cornell Cause the Mary Thomas ordTto to be examin'd, and Searched by M" Godwin and M"" |,\';f Connor, or any other two discreet, and well affected per- '^''°™^^ sons, and to keep her in Safe Custody, until further order of this Committee
A Letter from Joseph Welch of the 24*^ of December a Letter 1776 received informing this Com: in what manner he ShwJich had dispos'd of a Number of prisoners sent under his care
A Letter was received from Gilbert Potter of the 10*^ Gilbert of January 1777, giving intelligence of a certain Isaac aLtter Veales intention to recruit for the Enemy also of the State of our friends on Long Island &c.
Committee adjourned
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 17*'^ 1777
Present John Jay Esq. Chairman Zeph: Piatt Esq. General Morris
The Rev*^ Doct" Graham informs this Com: that
from him
Doet:
Hendrick Lawson, and Henry Ostrom are Sick, and ought ^g^rt"? to be remov'd. hendrick
Andries Lawson of Poghkeepsie precinct, the Father ^^^^^^ of the afores*^ Hendrick Lawson appearing, and offering being sick to become Surety to this Com: for his appearence, (in Lawson was
. . let at large
case he shou'd recover of his present illness) before this upon his Com : , if they will Commit him, to his Care and Custody, becoming Order'd that the said Hendrick Lawson, be accordingly forhim^ Committed to the care and Custody of the said Andries Lawson, And that he become bound to this Com: in two hundred pounds, for his appearence in manner aforesaid.
104 STATE OF NEW YORK
I hereby bind myself to John Jay Esq"" Chairman of this Committee, in the sum of Two hundred pounds, for the performance of the Terms above mentioned.
his
Andries X Lawson
mark
Joshua M" Joshua Carman reports that in consiquence of the
rep™^that order of this Com: of yesterday directed to Captain t'aken'five Alger he had taken and apprehended Abraham Ferdon, widto'be Johannis Medler, Aury Medler Thomas Lawrence and disaffected Audries Ostrom.
Abraham Ferdon being examined saith that last Sat- urday a Man by the name of Fowler came to his house and remain'd at the examinants house and in the neigh- bourhood 'till yesterday morning when he set out as he said for the Nine Partners That this examinent has frequently heard him intimate that if he cou'd get a Company he thought he cou'd carry them off to the Enemy clear of all danger That he askt this examinant whether if the Boys in the Neighbourhood had a chance they wou'd not probably go To which the examinant rephed he cou'd not tell That this examinant never made any discoveries to any members of this or any other Com: respecting the said Fowler That this examinant says that the said Fowler has been at the house of Johannis Medler and this Examinant has heard the said Medler say that he believ'd if the said Fowler cou'd get a Company he wou'd go off
Abraham ferdon
Henry Ostrom is discharged
John Ostrom of Rombout precinct the Father of Henry Ostrom appearing and offering to become security Father's *^ *^^^ Com: for his appearanre before this Com: (in g^^Jn^ Case he shou'd recover of his present illness) if they for him -^iii Commit him to his Care and Custody
Order'd that the said Henry Ostrom be accordingly committed to the Care and Custody of the said John Ostrom and that he become bound to this Com: in two
The Exai of John Medler
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 105
hundred pounds for his appearance in manner aforesaid I hereby bind myself to John Jay Esq" Chairman of this Committee in the sum of two hundred pounds for the performance of the Terms aforesaid
his John X Ostrom mark
Johannis Medler being examined saith that he knows nothing more of a certain Fowler who kept at Abraham Ferdon's than that the said Fowler came to the ex- aminant's shop to have his horse shod a day or two after New Year and stay'd at his house all Night That he went away the next morning and the examinent has not seen him since That this examinant did not know what the business of the said Fowler in the Neighbourhood was nor did he ever tell any body that he suspected what his business was That this examinant did not ask him where he came from or where he was going.
John Medler
Order'd that Johannis Medler Andries Ostrom and order to Thomas Lawrence be committed to the Guard-house joiXL
Resolv'd that Abraham Ferdon be enlarged on his ^Sa^ Parole, not to go farther from this place, than three Ferdon
' ° . enlarged ob
miles from the Stone Church in Fish-kill, and to appear hisparoie every day before this Committee, 'till further orders.
The said Abraham Ferdon appearing, and giving such Parole, was enlarged accordingly.
Order'd that Doctor Graham be paid Nine pounds, Doctor twelve shillings in part of his account — and the same Sv-d was paid him accordingly ^ ^•^^•
The Reverend Johannis Ritzema being duly sworn saith that his son Coll. Ritzema has liv'd with him about three weeks and in all that time he has not been absent more than a Night at a time once he was inform'd that The he lay at Tarry Town and an other Night at John Ham- of theRer. monds And as to the particular day mentioned in the S^^ affidavit of Elizabeth Coenradt he possitively declares
106
STATE OF NEW YORK
that his Son the said Rudolphus Ritzema did Dine with him on that very day and to the best of his remembrance was not out that Night And this deponent further Saith that there was no one day within these three weeks last past but that the said Rudolphus Ritzma took some meal in his house either Breakfast, dinner or Supper and further saith not
J. Ritzema Sworn this 17*^ day of January 1777 before me Lewis Morris
AuryMed- Aury Medler is permitted to go home upon his Parole pwofe '^ to return on Monday next Com: adjoum'd
Comm: met Connors Tavern Fish-kill Jan: the 18"" 1777 Present John Jay Esq. Chairman Zep: Piatt Esq. Gen: Morris