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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924021474782
MINUTES
of
Commissioners
for
Conspiracies
916962
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Rough Draft of Minutes (an insert), with
Emendations by Gansevoort
(One-half reduced)
MINUTES of the
Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Albany County Sessions, i 778-1 781
Edited by Victor Hugo Paltsits, State Historian
Volume II : 1780-1781
Published by the State op New York, Albany, 1909
Present
Met Albany 3-^ January 1780 ^7^0
John M Beeckman ) ( ^^^^^^ ^.^^^^^^
Isaac D Fonda J (
Isaac Lamb for whose Apprehension a Warrant [was] issued
on the 31^* Ultimo having been Apprehended was brought
before the Board on being Examined he says that in the year
i777hewentto Burgoyne to which he was persuaded byMose
Dormen and others that he after wards went to New York
where he has remained since that Thomas Wiltsie is come
with him from New York his Examination [128] is in the
following Words (to wit) (see Examination on the File)
Resolved that the said Isaac Lamb be committed and that
a Mittimus be made for him —
Adjourned
Met Albany c Tanuary 1780 ^^'So
Present J"^" ^'
Teremiah Van Renselaer ] ( nj 1 tt- 1
:; > ■{ Mathew Visscher
Isaac D ronda ) {
Whereas it has appeared to this Board that Rudolfh
Schoenmaker, Johan Jost Schoenmaker and a Negro Man
Slave of the said Rudolfh Schoenmaker have been lately
committed to the Custody of Anthony Van Veghten Esql
high Sheriff of the County of Tryon by Virtue of a certain
Instrument in Writing under the Hands of W" Petty Hendrick
Herchemer and Peter Ballinger Esq" for Crimes supposed
to be committed by the said Rudolfh Schoenmaker & Johan
Jost Schoenmaker in the year 1777 & as the said Rudolfh
Schoenmaker has lately for the same sopposed Crimes
43 >
432 State of New York
1780 been bound by us in a Recognizance to appear at the next
Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held in the County of
Tryon and permitted in Consequence thereof to go at large
& as it appears to us as well from the said Instrument m
Writing as other Information that the supposed Crimes
w[h]erewith the said Johan Jost Schoenmaker and the said
Negro Man Slave are groundless —
It is therefore resolved that an Order be made out to
the said Anthony Van Veghten Esq^^ to discharge from his
Custody the said Rudolph Schoonmaker, Johan Jost Schoen-
maker and the said Negro Man Slave —
Adjourned —
,1780 Met Albany 14"' January 1780
^^- ''■ Present ^ ^
John M Beekman ] ft r^ i? j
ir 1 TT- 1 f ) Isaac D I'onda
Mathew Vischer ) (
Philip Empey appeared before the Board and requested
our Permission to go & visit his Family at Bowman's Kill —
[129] Resolved that they [sic] said Philip Empey have
permission Granted him for that purpose and that he return
to the Place to which he is restricted by his Recognizance in
one Forthnight from this Day —
Isaac Lamb who was one the 3*^ Instant confined was
brought before the Board resolved that he be discharged
from his Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour Appearing before us on the first Day of
February next and also appearing before the Board when
thereunto required
Isaac Lamb on Recognizance in £1000
David Sprague his Bail in £ 500
John Cormichael also his Bail in £ 500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 433
Resolved that Alexander Squire enter into a Recognizance 1780
for his good Behaviour & appearing on the first Day of
February next or when required —
Alexander Squire on Recognizance in £5000
Gurdin Squire his Bail in ;^5000 —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21^' January 1780 1780
Present J-^- "•
John M Beekman ) ( j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Mathew Vischer ) (,
Jacob Merkle of Tryon County confined for disaifection
was brought before the Board resolved that be be Discharged
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance with a
sufficient Surety for his future good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commissi? for Conspiracies when
Called upon —
Jacob Merkle of Tryon CountyFarmer in. ;^iooo
John Breadfrick of Stonerabia in Tryon
County Farmer his Bail in £ 500
Adjourned —
[130] Met Albany 26"* January 1780 1780
Jan. 26.
Present
John M Beeckman ) j ^^^^^^ ^j^^j^^^
Isaac D Fonda ) (
The Board having received Information that William
True of Kinderhook is a person whose going at Large may
prove dangerous to the Safety of the State & that it is
necessary he Should be Confined —
It is therefore resolved that a Warrant be made out
434 State of New York
1780 directed to Lieu^ Reuben Murry to take to his Assistance
Jan. 26. • ■ -n J r I.
two Men & apprehend the said Wilham True and forth-
with bring him before us —
Adjourned
i'78o Met Albany 1=' February 1780
Feb. I. Ti
rresent
Jeremiah Van Renselaer | ( j^^^^ j^ ^^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Andrew Squire who was taken Prisoner at
Stoney Point be permitted to go at large in the District of
Schaactikoke untill Called upon to be Exchanged on Enter-
ing into a Recognizance to appear before the Commissary
of Prisoners or any other Authority of this State when
called upon —
Andrew Squire on Recognizance in £^500
Gurdin Squire his Bail in £500
William True alias Comfort Carpenter for whose Appre-
hension a Warrant was made out on the 26*'' Ultimo was
brought before the Board Resolved that he be confined &
that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Resolved that Stephen Astin be discharged on entering
into Recognizance for his Appearance at the Next Supreme
Court of Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next and that in the same
time be of Good Behaviour
Stephen Astin on Recognizance in ;^iooo
Isaac Shelden his bail in £ 500
Hosea Hamilton also his Bail . .in £ 500
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 435
[131] Met Albany 2'?^ February 1780 ^^780
Present
John M Beekman ] | j n F rl
Jeremiah V. Renselaer ) 1
Edward Finn who was some time ago Liberated from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance with D-
George Smith as his Surety laid Before the board a Petition
wherein he sets forth the Difficulties he Labours under from
his being restricted to these & requesting Permission to
go to Ballstown for the Purpose of Keeping a School, and
the said George Smith appearing before us and requesting
to be Discharged from the Recognizance by him entered
into for the said Edward Finn —
Resolved that the Said Edward Finn be informed that
the Board will take the said Petition into Consideration
and will give him an answer to the Same on the 5*'' Instant
Also Resolved that Df George Smith be discharged from
his Recognizance as Surety for the said Edward Finn —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 5*'' February 1780 jy^
Present Feb- S-
John M Beekman | ( Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Renselaer j (
Edward Finn who was ordered to attend the Board this
Day to receive an answer to the Petition presented to us on
the 2'^ Instant appeared agreeable to the said Order —
Whereupon it is resolved that the said Edward Finn have
Permission to go to Ballstown on his entering into a Recog-
nizance to remain in the District of Ballstown until Called
upon by us and not to Depart the said Limits without Leave
436 State of New York
1780 obtained for that Purpose from Col- James Gordon and to
behave himself peaceably and as a good Subject of the
State —
Edward Finn Schoolmaster on Recognizance
in . ;^500
Adjourned
1780 [132] Met Albany 6^^ February 1780
Feb. 6.
Present
John M Beekman ) ( , t>. t-> 1
::, , ,,. , > { Isaac U I'onda
Mathew Vissher ) (
Alexander Hubs appeared according to an order of this
Board and being examined in the Respect to Benjamin
Davis Andries Ten Eyck Junr & Christian Legrange saith
as follows (to wit) (see Examination on the File)
Resolved in Consequence of the above Examination that
the s- Christian Legrange enter into a Recognizance with
a Sufficient Surety for his Appearance at the next Supreme
Court of Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the Third Tuesday in April next & in the mean time
be of the good Behaviour towards all and every the liege
Subjects of this State
Christian Legrange on Recognizance in ;^5oo
Thomas Lottridge his Bail in ;^200
Resolved that the above Mentioned Andries Ten Eyck
Jun": enter into a Recognizance & that he be bound in every
like Respect [as] Christian Legrange
Andries Ten Eyck JunT On Recognizance in ;^500
William Burnside his Bail in p^Zfo
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 437
Met Albany f^ February 1780 ^^^80
Present
John M Beekman ) ( , tn i- j
A/r 1 T7- 1 f ■) Isaac D I'onda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Isaac Lamb be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance to appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon or before any other Judicial Authority if required &
do his Duty & be of the good Behaviour towards all the
liege Subjects of this State for and during the Continuance
of three Years
Isaac Lamb on Recognizance in ;^6oo
David Sprauge [sic] his Bail in ;C300
Alexander Hubs also his Bail in ;^300
Resolved that William True Alias Comfort Carpenter be
discharged from Confinement on his entering into a Recog-
nizance with Sufficient Sureties for his Appearance at the
next Supreme Court of Judi- [133] cature to be held at the
City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in April next
& not to Depart the Court without Leave and also for his
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required and for his good and
peaceable Behaviour
William True on Kinderhook District Physi-
cian in £1000
Elijah Hudson of Kings District his Bail in. £ 500
Henry Bush of the same Place also his Bail
in £ 500
Jesse White of the same Place also Bail in. £ 500
Adjourned
438 State of New York
p'^78o Met Albany 8*'' February 1780
Present
John M Beeckman ) ( j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
The Board having been informed that Mathew Brown
James Brown & James Brown Jun^ are able to give some
very Material Information respecting the Conduct of John
Dunbar at the time when General Burgoyne came down with
his Army resolved that the said Mathew Brown James
Brown & James Brown Jun^ be Severally cited forthwith
to appear before this Board they may be examined as to
the above
The Board having also received Information that Gerrit
Van Ness is able to prove that Lieu^ CoH Daniel B. Bradt
did furnish some of the Enemy with Arms when Burgoyne
came down with his Army
It is therefore resolved that the said Gerrit Van Ness be
cited forthwith to appear before this Board in Order that
he may be examined as to the same
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany o"' February 1780
^^^■9' Present
Jeremiah Van Renselaer ) ( ht i tt. ,
Isaac D Fonda \ { ^^*"^ ^'^^^^er
As the Act of the Legislature of this State' by which the
Powers vested in this Board will in a few days expire and
as it is uncertain whether the said Act will be continued
It is therefore Resolved that all such Persons who have been
employed to perform Services by Order of this Board be
• The reference is to the act of October i, 1779. By an act of March 13,
1780, any two justices could enlarge deserters from the British. The com-
missioners were revived by an act of June 14, 1780. See Appendix I: Laws.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 439
notifyed to deliver in their Accounts that the[y] may be 1780
paid
[134] Resolved that the Secretary to this Board pay to
Lieut: Thomas Ismay the sum of £gi ^ 19^ ^^6"* being the
full Amount of the Pay and Subsistance Roll of the Party
of Militia under the command of the said Thomas Ismay
Resolved that the Secretary also pay to John Fonda JunF
the sum of £']\ being for beef Provided by him for the use
of the State Prisoners — '
Feb. 14.
Adjourned
Met Albany 14"' February 1780 p/h^?^
Present
John M Beekman ) ( j ta t? j
ATI TT- 1 f \ isaac D I'onda
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Robert Davis be discharged on entering
into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour doing
his Duty as a good & faithfull Subject of the State &
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies and remaining within the following Limits (to wit)
West the Mill of CoK Veeder, South the Creek East and
north the Hill —
Robert Davis on Recognizance in ;^500
Met Albany 22 April 1781 \sic for 1780] A^r^,
Present
John M Beeckman ) ( j t^ t? j
J \ \ Isaac D. Tonda
Mathew Vischer ) (
Resolved that Abraham Hoogteling be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recog^ for his good Be-
•The original voucher is in Reuolxdionary Mamiscripts, vol. 40, p. 173,
dated February 28, 1780, State Comptroller's office.
Apr. 22.
440 State of New York
1780 haviour & appearance before any one of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon until discharged by this
Board
Abraham Hoogteling of the West District of
the Manor of Renselaerwyck Yeoman in. ;Cioo
Joseph Salsbury of the same Place Yeoman
his Bail in ;£^ioo
1780 [125] Albany 28^ June 1780
An Act having been passed by the Legislature of this
State on the 14- Day of June 1780 entitled An Act to revive
the Laws appointing Commissioners for detecting and de-
feating Conspiracies in the words following (to wit)'
Whereas the Act " for appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies and declaring their
Powers " passed the fifth day of February 1778 and the Act
" for encreasing the number of Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies within this State " passed the
third day of April 1778 are expired And whereas there is
good reason to apprehend that Emissaries from the Enemy
are lurking in different parts of the State, and that the
Disaffected Inhabitants are conspiring against the public
peace and safety: by reason whereof it hath become Necessary
to revive the Powers of the said Commissioners —
Be it therefore enacted by the people of the State of
New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same; that the said
two Acts, & the Powers and authorities by them or either of
them granted to the Commissioners appointed or to be
appointed by Virtue of the said Acts, or any and every
three of them, shall be and are hereby revived, and shall
' Appendix I: Laws, June 14, 1780.
0pp. Vol. 2, p. 440
^ t
fff/h^c^ wtit^^ ^Ct-lM^^x £^ '^tt^?n^^*^^^ L^o-^T^- Jt^ — //^^ — ^ 1
fft^ V^^r^ C^*f ft^rvV*-'^-^'^*^-.^
- - I" Liffi
Clean Copy of Minutes
exhibiting Gansevoort's reappointment
(One-half reduced)
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 441
Continue and be in full force during the Continuance of the ^ ^78°„
. . June 28.
present War with Great Britain. That each Commissioner
shall be allowed for each day he shall be actually employed
in the Execution of the said Office, the [136] sum of Fourteen
Shillings of the Money to be issued agreeable to the Resolu-
tions of Congress of the Eighteenth day of March last and
that the Treasurer of this State shall out of any monies which
may be in the Treasury, advance to the said Commissioners
or any three of them such sum or sums as they shall from
time to time require to defray the Expence of the Business
hereby committed to them, not exceeding in the whole the sum
of two thousand pounds of like Money aforesaid —
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy
of the Original Law now lodged in the Secretary's Office of
this State. Given at Kingston June 20^ 1780 —
Robert Harpur Dep? Secr2 —
In Consequence of which Act the following Members Met
Viz*
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) I Mat: Visscher
Resolved that Leonard Gansevoort Jun- be appointed
as Secretary to this Board and that his pay be the same as is
allowed to the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners for
Conspiracies sitting at Poughkeepsie —
Ordered that Jacob Kidney be appointed as Door Keeper
to this Board and that he have an Allowance for each Day
he shall be actually employed in and about that Business the
sum of 6/ per Day —
Ordered that the Secretary lay before the Board as soon
as conveniently may be an exact List of such Persons [137]
as have been bound by Recognizance's from time to time
by the Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies heretofore
442 State of New York
1780 acting Specifying the Days when they were discharged and
the sums in which they have been respectively bound —
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 20- Tune 1780
J"°^ '^- Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Major Jacob Schermerhorn appeared before the Board
and informed that the cause of Commitment of Hendrick
Kittle and Nicholas Van Valkenburgh is as follows (to wit)
Hendrick Kittle for insulting the Court Martial appointed
to try him for neglect of Militia Duty and for Saying he
would not be tried by them —
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh for drinking the Kings Health
and damning every one that opposed the King's Laws —
It is ordered that Jan Devoe Jun- who is Bail for the
Appearance and good Behaviour of William Sanders be
ordered to bring the said William Sanders before this Board
on Saturday the first day of July next and that in Case
of Failure the Recognizance entered into by the said Jan
Devoe Jun- will be prosecuted —
John Blackley having been confined by order of the
Magistrates of this City for attempting to go off to the Enemy
and it appearing to us that the Proof against him is not
so clear as to render his Confinement any Longer necessary
do therefore order that he be Liberated from his Confinement
[138] on his entering into a Recognizance with sufficient
Sureties for his appearance when called upon before the
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies or any Civil
authority in this State & for his future good Behaviour
during the Continuance of the present War with Great
Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 443
John Blackley of the City of Albany Taylor "780
on Recognizance m ;^2000
Nicholas Halenbeeck of the City of Albany
Carpenter his Bail in ;£'iooo
Colin Gibson of the same place Taylor
also his Bail in ;£^iooo
The Board having received Information that Henry
Simpson Living on the Schenectady Road is of a Suspicious
Character and that as a Tavern Keeper it is Necessary he
should be laid under Restrictions therefore ordered that a
warrant be made out Directed to Jacob Kidney the Door
Keeper to apprehend the said Henry Simpson and forthwith
bring him before us —
It is ordered that the Goaler lay before this Board a
true List of all such Persons as are now in Confinement
together with the cause of their Commitment and the Names
of the Magistrates by whom committed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 30^!? June 1780 — TmieP"o
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Isaac D Fonda ) ( John M. Beeckman
Whereas from the Disturbances occasioned by the dis-
affected Inhabitants of this County and from the [139]
pressing Necessity at this Juncture of enforcing a due
Observance to the Laws and punishing such as transgress
against them and for the more speedy apprehension of such
suspicious Persons as may be lurking about the Country
it is thought necessary to have a Number of Men in differ-
ent Parts of this County to carry into Execution such orders
as may from time to time be issued by this Board and that
444 State of New York
1780 the Parties so to be employed be raised on the East and
June 30. . . ' 1. .
west side of the River and Lieu- Philip Staats of Col- Kil-
lian Van Rensselaer's Regiment having been applied to in
order to take the Command of one of the said Parties and
he declaring his willingness to except [sic] the same —
Be it therefore ordered that a warrant be made out Di-
rected to the said Lieu- Philip Staats to engage to the Num-
ber of about ten men who are to Provide themselves with
a good Horse & proper Arms and Accoutrements and who
are to be allowed the same Pay given to the Cavalry of the
Army of the United States and to have an allowance made
them for Horse hire and Subsistance —
Jacob Kidney attended and informed that he had appre-
hended Henry Simpson who being brought before the Board
and examined and the Charge against him not appearing
to be such as to merit a Commitment therefore resolved
that he enter into a Recognizance with two Sureties him-
self in ;^iooo and the Sureties each in ;^500 for his personal
appearance before the Board or either of the Commission-
ers when thereunto required to be of the good Behaviour
do his duty as a good and faithful subject of the State ought
to do and to give Information to the said Commissioners
from time to time of all such [140] Matters and things
which may come to his Knowledge and which may tend in
any Manner to the Prejudice of the United State of America
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Henry Simpson of the City of Albany Inn-
keeper on Recognizance in ;£^iooo
Jesse Fairchild of the same Place Blacksmith
his Bail in £ 500
William Charles of the same Place also his
Bail in £ 500
July I.
a
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 445
A Return being made according to order by the Secre- ^?8o
tary of the different Persons who have been bound by
Recognizance's ordered that Notice's be put up in different
Parts of this County ordering such Persons to appear before
this Board on the 20^ day of July next —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i?* July 1780 ^1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fond
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Mathew Visscher
Whereas a number of suspicious Persons are daily pass-
ing through this County who on being apprehended &
Questioned name Officers in the Militia under whose com-
mand they pretend to be by which Means many Villians
go unpunished to prevent which in future it is resolved that
Letters be wrote to the different Colonels or Commanding
Officers of General Ten Broeck's Brigade requesting them
as soon as possible to furnish this Board with the Names
of every Person of their Regiment and the Companies to
which they Belong —
[141] Jan Devoe Jun- according to order appeared be-
fore the Board with William Sanders whom he requested
Permission to Surrender in Discharge of himself —
Resolved that the said William Sanders be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out to the Coaler to take
him into his Custody — And also Resolved that Jan Devoe
Junior his Bail be Discharged from his Recognizance —
Lidia Currey having been confined by order of the Magis-
trates of this City for assisting in concealing & harbouring
Persons from the Enemy was brought before the Board &
examined
Resolved that she be discharged from her Confinement
446 State of New York
T^^ on Gerrit Bradt of the Hellebergh entering into a Recog-
nizance for her future good Behaviour and Appearance
before this Board when required —
Gerrit Bradt of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Yeoman on Recognizance as
Bail for Lidia Currey in ;^ioo
Leonard Gansevoort Jun- Secretary to this Board Ex-
hibited to us an Account for Paper purchased by him for
the use of this Board amounting to £14.^ Continental Money
ordered that the same [be] paid —
Adjourned —
jJ7^ ' Met Albany 3^ July 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) \ Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
The Goaler laid before the Board a paper whereby he
was requested to take into his Care the Body of John Arm-
strong of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck a Person Notoriously
[142] disaffected to the American Cause and deliver him
over to this Board —
Whereupon it is ordered that a Mittimus be made out to
the Goaler to take the said John Armstrong into his Custody
and Closely confine him —
Hendrick Appley having been committed to Goal by
order of the Justices in this City on suspicion of his being
privy to the secreting and harbouring a Party of the Enemy
was brought before the Board and Enquiry being made
into the Proofs in support of the same and the said Charge
appearing in the Judgment of this [Board] unsupported but
the said Hendrick Appley being a Disaffected Person —
Therefore resolved that he be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into Recognizance for his future good
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 447
Behaviour and appearance before any of the Commissioners ^78o
for Conspiracies when called upon during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain
Hendrick Appley of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany Yeoman on Recog-
nizance in £100
Andries Ward of the same place Yeoman his
Bail in £ 50
John Waggoner of the same place Yeoman
also his Bail in £ 50
Simeon Griggs of Half Moon having attempted to go to
Canada and join the Enemy and having been apprehended
by order of the Magistrates of this City and by them suffered
to return home at the request of Col- Van Schoonhoven to
endeaviour to procure Bail for his future [143] good Conduct
in Consequence thereof Alexander Griggs the Father of the
said Simeon Griggs appeared before us and informed the
Board that he was willing to enter into Recognizance for
the said Simeon Griggs —
Whereupon resolved that the said Alexander Griggs enter
into a Recognizance for the future good Behaviour of his son
Simeon Griggs and for his appearance when called upon
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies and
for his remaining within the Limits of the District of Half
Moon unless when called upon to do Militia duty which
recognizance to be in full force during the Continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
Alexander Griggs of the Half Moon District
in the County of Albany Yeoman on Recog-
nizance as Bail for Simeon Griggs in ;^200
Evert Ostrander, John Frazer, and John Andrew having
been apprehended on their way to Canada to join the Enemy
448 State of New York
1780 were brought before the Board and on being examined Con-
fessing the Charge alledged against them and declaring an
Intention of persisting in the like Conduct in future —
It is therefore resolved that the said Evert Ostrander,
John Andrew, and John Frazer be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out to the Goaler to take them into his
Custody —
Adjourned —
Present
.^1° Met Albany 4.^ July 1780 —
ent
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( j D F H
Tohn M. Beeckman ) (
John M. Beeckman
[144] Information having been given to this Board that a
certain James Mellderon has lately come to this place who
appears to be of a suspicious Character. It is therefore
ordered that Jacob Kidney be commanded to apprehend
the said James Mellderon and bring him forthwith before us—
Jacob Kidney appeared and informed that he had appre-
hended the said James Mellderon —
Whereupon resolved that he be brought before the Board
on his Examination producing a Pass from a Justice of the
Peace at Fredericksburgh it is Ordered that he be given in
Charge to the Goaler till he shall give Surety for his pro-
ducing to us proper Vouchers of his Character as a Friend to
the American Cause —
Graudus J. Cluet having been on his way to join the
Enemy and having returned and Voluntarily surrendered
himself and being brought before us by his Father Jacob
Cluet and on being examined appearing candid and open in
his Confession and making Promises of future good Conduct
therefore resolved on account of his Youth and the Inter-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 449
cession of the said Tacob Cluet his Father whose Atachmen 1780
to the American Cause has been evinced on several Occasions
that he be permitted to return home —
Simeon Griggs for whom Alexander Griggs was on the 3-
Instant bound by Recognizance appeared before the Board
ordered that he enter into Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour and for his appearance before [145] any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon and
for his remaining within the District of the Half-Moon
unless called upon to do Military duty during the Continu-
ance of the present war with Great Britain —
Simeon Griggs of the District of the Half
Moon in the County of Albany Yeoman on
Recognizance in ;^200
Abraham Peltz having been apprehended & confined by
Major Ezekiel Taylor on Suspicion of being privy to a
Party of Men going off to the Enemy and the Proof appearing
rather ill founded but the said Abraham Peltz being a dis-
affected person it is therefore ordered that previous to his
discharge be be bound by a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour and Appearance before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Abraham Peltz of New Town in the County
of Albany Yeoman on Recognizance in £50
Hendrick Peltz of Pougkeepsie in Dutchess
County his Bail in ;^5o
Duncan M^Dougall appearing before the Board and being
willing to become surety for James Mellderon It is ordered
that the said Duncan M": Dougall enter into a Recognizance
for the said James Mellderon's transmitting to this Board
a proper Certificate of his attachment to the American
45© State of New York
1780 Cause from four or more respectable Inhabitants of Dutchess
County within One Month from this day —
James Mellderon of Fredericksburough in
the County of Dutchess Yeoman on Recog-
nizance in ;^50
[146] Duncan MfDougall of the City of Albany
his Bail in ^50
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 5^^ July 1780 —
J«iy S. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter was laid before the Board from Col- Abraham
Wemple at Schenectady informing us that he had some time
ago committed to Goal a German formerly belonging to
Burgoyne's Army from an Apprehension of his being an
Enemy to the cause of America but that he having learned
from various Circumstances that his suspicions were ill
founded he therefore requests that he may be liberated from
his Confinement —
On Consideration of which Letter it appearing that the
said German is a Prisoner of war and that he comes properly
under the direction of the Military power Therefore ordered
that he be delivered over to Colonel Goose Van Schaick the
Commanding Officer in this Place —
Adjourned —
jyg^ Met Albany 6^ July 1780
July 6. Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) { j r-k V 1
ir 1 fT- 1 C 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher J (
It being suggested to the Board that Francis Rawworth
lately an Inhabitant of Johnstown in Tryon County can give
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 451
Information respecting the Conduct of Robert Adams at the y'?^
time Sir John [147] Johnson destroyed Caughnawago —
Ordered therefore that the said Francis Rawworth be
summoned to attend this Board immediately —
The said Francis Rawworth appeared and on his Exami-
nation says that he did not see M- Adams during the time Sir
John Johnson was at Johnstown and that he has understood
the said Robert Adams was taken Prisoner by a Party of Men
and carried to Sir John —
Marte Freligh having been heretofore bound by Recog-
nizance for his good Behaviour and appearance before the
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required and also for his appearance on the last day of every
Month before any one of the said Commissioners and the
said Marte Freligh this day appearing pursuant to notification
& it appearing from the Information of John M. Beeckman
Esq^ one of the Members of this Board that the said Marte
Freligh has punctually appeared before him pursuant to the
tenor of his said Recognizance —
Resolved therefore that he be discharged as to that part
of his Recognizance which requires his appearance on the
last day of every month but that the Remainder of the said
Recognizance shall stand & remain in full force and Virtue
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Resolved that Major Henry Van Veghten be and he is
hereby requested and fully Authorized & empowered to
stop every Person whom he may find travelling through
this City and whom he may conceive [148] from their
appearance and Conversation to be of suspicious Charac-
ter's and on his detecting any such person make report to
us of the same as soon as conveniently may be —
Adjourned —
452 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 7^ July 1780 —
J"'^^- Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) I Isaac D. Fonda
Received a letter from Math[e]w Adgate Esq- one of the
Justices of the Peace of this County dated Kings District
5'.^ day of July Instant wherein he informs us that having re-
ceived Information that Daniel Green, Joseph Potter and
David Darrov? were collecting a Number of Sheep in King's
District with an intention of driving them to the westward
and as there is the greatest reason to suppose from their
disaifection to the American Cause that they mean to con-
vey them to the Enemy or at least bring them so near the
Frontiers that the enemy may with safety take them that
therefore he had caused them to be apprehended & con-
veyed to us by Ensign Jones and the said Daniel Green
and Joseph Potter being brought before the Board and
Examined & proving Satisfactorily to us that they had no
intention of driving the said sheep to the Enemy were sev-
erally discharged but David Darrow on his examination
denying the Authority of this Board and all Civil Jurisdic-
tion in this State and pretending that by his religious prin-
ciples [149] he is restrained from taking up Arms in de-
fence of the Country and that he does not intend to do any
kind of Military duty whatsoever nor does not in any in-
stance intend to abide by the Laws of this State, and John
Hocknear of Nistageune and David Macham of New Leba-
non appearing before us to Vindicate the cause and Justify
the Principles of the said David Darrow and acknowledg-
ing a Concurrence of Sentiment with him and declaring
that it was their determined Resolution never to take up
arms and to dissuade others from doing the same and as
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 453
such principles at the present day are highly pernicious and ^7^
of destructive tendency to the Freedom & Independence of
the United States of America —
It is therefore resolved that the said David Darrow, John
Hocknear and Joseph Macham stand severally committed
& that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Mf Jones informed that a certain Jonah Case an Inhabi-
tant of Goshen in the County of Litchfield in the state of
Connecticut who has been inimically disposed to the Ameri-
can Cause from the Commencement of the War and was
for his disaffection confined to his Farm has several times
passed through his place on his way to Nistageune for the
Purpose of associating with a set of people who call them-
selves shaking Quakers and that a certain Zadock Wright
a prisoner of war who has been by the Commissioners for
Conspiracies liberated from Confinement and by Parole
restricted to the Limits of Kings District also pretends to be
of the denomination of people called shaking Quakers and
that he dissuades people [150] from taking up Arms —
It is ordered in Consequence of the said Information that
a Letter be wrote to Mathew Adgate Esq- to have the said
Jonah Case apprehended and brought before us —
It is also ordered that the said Zadock Wright be cited
forthwith to appear before this Board —
Adjourned —
Present
Met Albany loi^ July 1780 — 1780
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( [Samuel Stringer]
A Certificate signed by Robert Harpur Esq?^ Deputy Sec-
retary of this State was laid before the Board whereby it
454 State of New York
1780 appears that Samuel Stringer Esq- was on the i^'' day of July
Instant appointed by the Council of appointment as a Com-
missioner for detecting and defeating Conspiracies within
this State in Consequence of which Certificate the said
Samuel Stringer took the Oath as prescribed in and by the
["] Act for appointing Commissioner for enquiring into de-
tecting & defeating all Conspiracies which may be formed
in this State against the Liberties of America" and also
took his seat at the Board as a Member —
Edward Archer of this City appeared before the Board
and informed that George Rodgers did Yesterday in his
presence say that the French Fleet was come to carry off the
Damned Rebel Officer Washington who was afraid he would
he hanged and the Rebel Congress that the [151] Whigs
were all a set of scoundrels and Rascals and that he was
persuaded the British Troops would in a forthnight's time
march through the City of Albany —
Ordered that a Letter be wrote to John Ryley to request
him to appear before this Board to give Information respect-
ing Nicholas Van Valkenburgh now confined in Goal —
The affidavit of John Coppernoll & John Vrooman re-
specting Jacob J. Truax was laid before the Board from
which it appears that the said Jacob J. Truax is a person
greatly disaffected to the American Cause whose going at
large may prove dangerous to the Safety and wellfare of
this State —
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out di-
rected to Jacob Kidney to apprehend the said Jacob J-
Truax and that the Goaler be ordered to receive him into
his Custody and closely confine him —
A Number of Negroes having been apprehended at the
Half Moon on suspicion of their intending to burn & de-
stroy that Settlement and they having been severally exam-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 455
ined by us denyed the Charge alledged against them but y^'^^"
acknowledged that they had an intention of going to Canada
to which they were Induced by William Loucks a son in
Law of Hans RoelifFse and a Hessian named Coonradt* liv-
ing with William Waldron who told them that when they
got to Canada they would be free and that the said Wil-
liam Loucks and Coonradt told them they would go with
them —
I[n] Consequence of which Information it is ordered that
a Letter be wrote to Colonel Van Schoonhoven^ at Half
Moon requesting him without delay to [have] the said Wil-
liam [152] Luycks and Coonradt apprehended and brought
before us —
Ordered also that a Letter be wrote to Hendrick Van
Schoonhoven requesting him immediately to send down his
Negro wench who has given Information concerning the
above mentioned Negroes in Order that she may be
examined —
Adjourned —
Met Albany iii!? July 1780 — ^1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
In Consequence of the Information Yesterday given to
this Board by Edward Archer respecting George Rodgers
It is ordered that a warrant be made out Di[r]ect[ed] to
Jacob Kidney as Constable to apprehend the said George
Rodgers and that the Goaler be ordered to take into his
Custody and closely confine him —
Israh Sanford was brought before the Board by Major
• Frederick Coonradt. '
' Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven.
July IX
456 State of New York
1780 Henry Van Veghten as a Person of a suspicious Character
on examining him it appears that he is an inhabitant of the
State of Massechusetts Bay and is also one of those persons
who pretend that they are restrained by their religious prin-
ciples to take up Arms in defence of the Country —
Ordered that he be discharged but that he be informed
that if he is again found in this County he will be closely
Confined —
James Patherton of Nestageune was also brought before
the Board and on being questioned pretend- [153] ing
that he is restrained by his Religious principles to take up
Arms in defence of the State —
Resolved that the said James Patherton have Permission
to go and procure a sufficient surety for his future good
Behaviour and doing his duty as a faithful subject of the
state —
Adjourned —
,780 Met Albany 12^ July 1780
J-^^"- Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( t tn t- 1
•L , r. • \ \ Isaac D. Jronda
bamuel btnnger ) (
A Letter from Lieui Col'- Henry Van Rensselaer dated
11'-!! July Instant was laid before the Board containing the
Charges alledged against Nicholas Kittle, John Armstrong,
and Jacobus Moll, which Letter is in the words following
(to wit) (see Letter on the file)
Anthony Van Schaick Esq^ made application to the Board
in favour of Thomas Andrew a prisoner now confined [in
Goal and on examining into the nature of his crime (he
having been confined by order of the Magistrates of this
City) and finding the charge alledged against him not prop-
erly supported —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 457
Therefore resolved that the said Thomas Andrew be lib- ,^78o
July 12.
erated from Confinement on his entering into a Recogniz-
ance with the said Anthony Van Schaick as his surety for
his future good Behaviour & appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
[154] Thomas Andrew of Newtown in the
County of Albany Yeoman on Recogni-
zance in £200
Anthony Van Schaiclc of the County of
Albany Esql his Bail in £100
It having been represented to this Board that Peter Cra-
pole a prisoner now confined in Goal who was apprehended
on his way to the Enemy has been destitute of provisions
for some days and being unable on Account of his poverty
to purchase any it is therefore resolved that the Goaler be
requested to furnish the said Peter Crapole with provi-
sions, for which the Board will allow him one shilling per
day —
Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven having at the request
of this Board sent us Frederick Coonradt ordered on
examining him that he procure surety for his Good behaviour
and appearance when called upon —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13^^ July 1780 j^^°^
Present
Mathew Visscher ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j 1 John M. Beeckman
Whereas it has been suggested to this Board that Jacob
A. Lansing of this County who was confined by the Magis-
458 State of New York
1780 trates of this City for assisting & encouraging the subjects
of this State to go over & join the enemy and Robert Adams
of Johnstown in Tryon County intend to remove themselves
by writs of Habeas Corpus before the Honorable Robert
Yates Esq- [155] in order to their being bailed and as it
is highly necessary at this time that they [the] said Jacob A.
Lansing & Robert Adams should be continued in their
present confinement —
Therefore ordered that a Mittimus be made out to the
Goaler to detain and keep them in his Custody untill dis-
charged by any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
The examination of Barnet Van Vranken and Flemin
Highby taken by Coli Van Schoonhoven were laid before the
board respecting the conduct of the inhabitants of Newtown
ordered that the same be filed —
Lieu- Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer informed the
Board that he last night had sent to Goal William Hutton
as a Person whose going at large might be dangerous to the
safety of the State that the said William Hutton has made
use of threats against the Court Martial appointed to try him
for Neglect of duty and says he is determined not to take
up arms in defence of the country —
In Consequence of which information he was brought
before the Board & examined and recommitted —
Lieu- CoP Rensselaer also informed the Board that he
has confined John Armstrong, Thomas Blewer, Andries
StoU, Andries Weger, and Christian Crow, as dangerous
and disaffected persons and prays that they may be continued
in confinement —
Ordered that he be informed that this Board will not
liberate them untill they have given CoUonel Rensselaer
a previous intimation of it —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 459
[156]
Present
Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
Met Albany 14^!? July 1780
1780
Jnly 14.
( John M. Beeckman
( Mathew Visscher
Frederick Bonestel having been by the former Board of
Commissioners for Conspiracies liberated from confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his Good behaviour and
monthly appearance and the sum for which the said recog-
nizance was taken being too small on account of the depre-
ciation of the Continental Money —
It is therefore ordered that the said Frederick Bonestel
enter into a new recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
future good behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the continuance of the Present war with Great Britain —
Frederick Bonestel of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck in the County of Albany Weaver
on recognizance in ;£^ioo
Anthony Abramse of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 15^ July 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman
Mathew Visscher
( \l
Samuel Stringer
saac D. Fonda
Christopher File having by the former Board of Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies been liberated from [157] con-
finement on entering into a recognizance for his good be-
haviour & appearance on the last day of every month and the
sum for which the said recognizance was taken being insuffi-
cient on account of the depreciation of the Continental money
1780
July IS.
460 State of New York
1780 and Melchart File the Father of the said Christopher File
appearing this day before us and being desirous of becoming
surety for his son —
It is therefore ordered that the said Melchart File enter into
a recognizance for the future good Behaviour of the said
Christopher File and for his appearance before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Melchart File of Manor of Rensselaerwyck in
the County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
his son Christopher File in ;^ioo
^hereas from the frequent complaints that have been
exhibited to this Board respecting the conduct of a number
of the Inhabitants of Newtown it is become necessary that
some rigerous measure should be adopted to bring them to a
sence of their duty and to confine such of them as are most
dangerous and as it is probable that the Board will receive
better information respecting their conduct by opening a
Board a[t] New Town —
It is therfore resolved that there be a meeting of the Board
at Newtown and Stillwater on Tuesday next and that a
Letter be wrote to Major Taylor informing him of the same &
requesting his Attendence there at that time —
Adjourned —
1780 [158] Met Albany if^ July 1780 —
J"'^^^- Present
John M. Beeckrnan ) j Isaac D. Fond?
Samuel Stringer ) ( Mathew Visscher
John Meyer having been heretofore bound by a recog-
nizance for his good behaviour and appearance when called
and appearing this day according to Notification —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 461
Ordered that he enter into a new recognizance for his ^^78o
July 17.
future good behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Meyer of East district of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck Labourer in :^ioo
Jacob Springer of the same place his Bail in £100
Amaziah Winstone of Kings district appeared before the
Board and informed that by virtue of a warrant directed to
him by Mathew Adgate Esq- (Justice of the peace he had
apprehended Joel Pratt and Hezekiah Hammond whom he
had ready to produce to the Board ordered that they be
brought in and examined —
Joel Pratt and Hezekiah Hammond being examined say
they mean not to take up arms in defence of the Country
whereupon ordered that they be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out to the Goaler to take them into his custody —
John Todd was brought before the Board and [159] ex-
amined and then recommitted —
Peter Crapole who was also examined and then recom-
mitted —
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Mathew Adgate Esq-
suggesting to him a proper mode of conduct towards the
people called shaking Quakers which letter is in the words
following (to wit) (see copy letter on the file)
Received a letter from Mathew Adgate Esq- Justice of the
peace dated 14*'' day of July instant respecting Joel Pratt
and Hezekiah Hammond which letter is in the words fol-
lowing (to wit) (see letter on the file)
Egbert Ostrander having been heretofore bound by
recognizance and appearing this day according to notification
to enter into a new recognizance —
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
462 State of New York
1780 behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Egbert Ostrander of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in ;£^ioo
Jacob Ostrander of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in ;^ioo
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh, Hendrick Kittle, and Jacobus
Moll having been committed for disaffection to the American
cause and they having severally promised to be of good
behaviour in future —
It is therefore resolved that they be severally discharged
on entering into a Recognizance for their future good be-
haviour and appearance before any three [160] of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
also for their appearance at the next supream Court of
Judicature to be held at the City Hall in this City on the last
[sic] in July instant (or wheresoever the said Court shall be
held in the State of New York) and not depart the Court
without Leave —
Hendrick Kittle of Schodack Yeoman in ;^200
Nicholas Van Valkenburgh of the same
place Yeoman in ;£^200
Jacobus A. Moll of D^ D2 ;£'20o
Johannis Kittle of D- Bail in ;£^200
Johannis J. MuUer of D? .... Bail in ;^200
Adjourned —
Met Albany iS'.*" July 1780
July 18. Present
Samuel Stringer \ i Mathew Visscher
John M. Beeckman [ j Isaac D. Fonda
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 463
James Robbins appearing before the Board according to '^So
notification ordered that he appear as soon as possible with
a sufficient person as his surety to enter into a recognizance —
James Akins having been heretofore bound by recog-
nizance and appearing this day according to order with
Neil M':Neil as his surety —
Ordered that he enter into a recognizance of anew for his
future good behaviour and appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there unto
required during the continuance of the present war [161]
with Great Britain —
James Atkins of Pits Town in the County of
Albany Yeoman in ;^ioo
Neil M'rNeil of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman his Bail
in £100
Adjourned —
Met Albany 19* July 1 780 — j^l\
Present
John M. Beeckman ) { Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Martin Galer having been heretofore bound by recog-
nizance and appearing this day according to notification to
enter into a new recognizance —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his future good
behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Martin Galer of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
John Shaver of the same place Farmer his Bail
in £^00
464 State of New York
1780 Nicholas Michael having also been bound by recogniz-
July 19. . , . , . .
ance & appearing this day to enter into a new recognizance
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Nicholas Michael of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper ..in. ;^loo
Jurie Michael of the same place his Bail in. ;^ioo
[162] Davis Michael also appearing to enter a new Re-
cognizance —
Ordered that he enter into the same for his future good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
David Michael of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in ;^ioo
Nicholas Michael of the same place Innkeeper
his Bail in ;^I00
Colin Gibson and Nicholas Halenbeeck who did on the
29- day of June last become surety for the good behaviour
and appearance of John Blackley came this day and sur-
rendered the said John Blackley in discharge of the recog-
nizance by them entered into and the said John Blackley
being desirous of engaging as a soldier in the three months
service
It is resolved that the said Colin Gibson and Nicholas
Halenbeeck be accordingly discharged from their Recog-
nizance and that the said John Blackley have leave to en-
list as aforesaid —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 465
Met Albany 2i5i Tuly 1780 ,780
Present ^ J"'^^^-
John M. Beeckman ) ( t • 1 tt ti 1
■L , n ■ c \ eremiah Van Rensselaer
bamuel btnnger ) (
Received a Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esq- dated this
day at Schenectady informing that a number of tories have
been apprehended and brought to that [163] place and
requesting a copy of the oath to be taken by the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies in order that Ryneir Mynderse &
Abraham Outhout Esq- who have been lately appointed
to that Office might be Qualified —
Ordered in consequence of the said Letter that a copy of
the oath be made out & transmitted to the said Hugh
Mitchell and that the said Commissioners be requested from
time to time to transmit to this Board such information as
they may receive & that this Board will afford them every
assistance in their Power towards carrying into Execution
such plans as they may think expedient to adopt to promote
the public good —
Adjourned —
Met Albany zz^ July 1780— jjj^^^
Present
John M. Beeckman j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Isaac D Fonda \ j g^^^^j ^^^.
Mathew Visscher ) \
Jacob Kidney the door Keeper appearing informed us
that agreeable to the warrant of this Board he had appre-
hended George Rodgers ordered that he be confined and
hat a Mittimus be made out for him —
John Nightingale having been apprehended by order of
this Board as a disaffected person ordered that a mittimus
be made out for him —
466 State of New York
1780 -phe Board of Commissioners who by a resolution of this
July 22. ■'
Board were to meet at Newtown or Stillwater having re-
turned reported that the[y] had on the 19- Instant opened
a Board at Stillwater which they had continued untill the
[164] zo^> Instant and that they had on the first day of
the said Meeting Sent for Major's Taylor and Dickerson
to consult what Persons to send for to be examined and
which to apprehend — That upon consultation they agreed
to summons Elias Delong, Flemon Higby, Barent Van Der
Werken, William Williams, Jotham Bemus, John Bemus,
Richard Collins, and Moses Hunter and accordingly made
out summons's and delivered them to Major Taylor that
they made out a warrant to apprehend Jacob Heemstraet,
John Rose and Nathaniel James directed to Lieui Joseph
Cook and delivered to Major Taylor —
That they examined the following persons (to wit) Moses
Hunter, Jotham Bemus, Jaddiah Millard, William Williams,
Peter Van Camp, Jacob Heemstraet, Flemon Higby, Marytie
Scut, Barent Van Der Werken, Robert Todd, and Amos Moore
and reduced their Examinations to writing and that they are in
the following words (to wit) (see Examinations on the file) —
That on the second day of said meeting being the 20^^
Instant they had bound the following Persons in Recog-
nizance's for their good behaviour doing their duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Stephen Hooper of New Town Farmer in.. . :^ioo
Simon Van Camp of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John Hooper of New Town Farmer in ;^ioo
Francis Waggoner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ^\oo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 467
[165] Joseph Devall of NewTown Farmer in. ;^ioo t'^i'^^
Stephen Hooper of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Joseph Conklin of New Town Farmer in. . . ;]f 100
Dirck Heemstraet Jun- of the same place
Farmer his Bail in „ £100
James Conklin of New Town Farmer in £100
Dirck Heemstraet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
John A. Conklin of New Town Farmer in. . ;^ioo
William Bartin of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Peter Van Campen of New Town Farmer in ;^ 100
Hendrick Brevoort of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £ 50
Stephen Ladue of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in ;^ 50
John Vincent of New Town Farmer in ;^ioo
Nicholas Teachout of the same place Farmer
his Bail in. ;^ioo
Amos Moore of New Town Farmer in £300
William Williams Jun^ of New Town Farmer
in ;^ioo
Williams Williams of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Ordered that a Letter' be wrote to his Excellency Gov-
ernor Clinton inclosing him a copy of Peter Van Campen's
Examination taken at Newtown which letter is in the fol-
lowing words (to wit) (see draught Letter on the file)
Adjourned —
■' In George Clinton Papers, no. 3094, archives of New York State Library
468 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 23-^ July 1780 —
July 23. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( n 1 c •
T • 1 TT T^ , f i Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Received a letter from Hugh Mitchell, Ryneir Mynderse,
and Abraham Outhout Esq- Commissioners for Conspira-
cies at Schenectady dated the 22- Instant wherein [166]
they inform us that they send under Guard fourteen Persons
some of whom they have had apprehended on their way to
the enemy and others had forwarded and supplied them with
provisions whose names are as follows Vizi Josep[h] Warner,
Jacob Ball, John Ball, Peter Snyder, Christian Sea, Chris-
topher Warner, Nicholas Sea, Andrew Loucks, Richard Scher-
merhorn, Bartholemew Schermerhorn, Jacob Seybert, George
Shamon, Frederick Wheeler, and John Broacham, which Let-
ter is in the following words, (to wit) (see letter on the file) —
Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for the above men-
tioned Persons —
Received also another letter from the said Commissioners
dated at Schenectady 22- Instant wherein they inform us
that they also send to us under Guard three other Persons
who they have caused to be apprehend[ed] whose names are
Jacob Man, William Loucks, and John Jost Warner which
Letter is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for them
It having been suggested to this Board that James Lud-
low who last Winter came from New York and is at present
at Kinderhook by his conduct gives great reason to suspect
that he is guilty of some evil Practice against the State
therefore ordered that a Letter be wrote to Major Isaac
Goes at Kinderhook requesting him immediately to send to
this Board the said James Ludlow —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 469
Met Albany 24^^? July 1780 J^so
Present ^ ^^'
[1671 Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( ^ 1 o •
T • 1 T7 T> f \ Samuel Stringer
J eremiah Van Rensselaer ) '
Whereas frequent complaints have been made by sundry
of the well affected inhabitants of this County that John
Partherton, William Lees, and Ann Standerren, by their
conduct and conversation disturb the publick peace and
are daily dissuading the friends to the American cause from
taking up Arms in defence of their Liberties —
Therefore ordered that a warrant be made out to Jacob
Kidney forthwith to apprehend the said John Partherton,
William Lees, and Ann Standerren and bring them before us
and that he be authorized in case of any resistance to call
to his assistance such a number of men as he may conceive
necessary to carry the said warrant into Execution —
The Board having received information that Thomas
Wood Jun- who has been concerned in a number of rob-
beries is lately come from New York and is now in and
about his place of abode —
Thereupon resolved that a letter be wrote to Capi Jacob
De Freest' requesting him to collect a Party of Men and
endeavour to apprehend the said Thomas Wood JunF —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25^-^ July 1780 — j^^\°g.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
William Davis appeared before the Board and informed
us that in conversation with Mathewis Van Valkenburgh
• De Forest.
470 State of New York
1780 [168] the said Valkenburgh professed himself a subject to
^ ^^' King George and that he intended to remain so and said
that his cause was a just one —
Ordered that the above information be reduced to writing
and that the same be taken into consideration
It having been suggested to the Board by Lieu- Col- Henry
K Van Rensselaer that David Henry formerly an Officer in
Cot Livingston's Regiment and now residing at the New City
is able to give some very material Information concerning
Abraham Ja: Lansing and some other disaffected Persons —
It is therefore resolved that a Citation be made out for
the said David Henry to appear forthwith before this Board
and that the said Citation be sent to Capi Christopher Till-
man at New City in order to its being served —
Adjourned —
j,Uy^6. Met Albany 26*^ July 1780
Present
John M Beeckman ) ( j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Strmger ) (
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had agreeable to the warrant issued to him on
the 24**^ Instant apprehended John Partherton, William
Lees, Ann Standerren and that he had also apprehended
James Whiteacre, Calven Harlow, and Mary Parthington,
whom he found in Company with them and it appearing
that they have also been guilty of the like Practices with
the above named Persons —
[169] It is therefore resolved that they be severally interro-
gated whether they are principled against taking up Arms
in defence of the American cause and whether they have
not endeavoured to influence other persons against taking up
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 471
arms to which Questions they having severally answered in
the affirmative resolved thereupon that they be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Received a Letter' from his Excellency Governor Clinton
dated Poughkeepsie the 24- Instant which Letter is in the
following words (to wit) (see Letter on file)
James Bramley appeared before the Board & informed
us that he had been ordered by the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies at Schenectady to remove his family to this place
and Surrender himself up to this Board and he in Conse-
quence of the said order appearing this day and avowing his
principles as a person disaffected to the American cause —
Therefore ordered that the said James Bramley be informed
that it is the determination of this Board that he procure by
Friday nfext a Freeholder to become his Surety for his good
Behaviour and appearance before us when called upon —
Adjourned —
Met Albany zf^ July 1780 —
Present
Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman
1780
Jtily 26.
I78»
July 27.
David Henry agreeable to the Citation sent to Cap-
Christopher Tillman this day appearing ordered [170] that
he be examined as to the conduct of John Todd and John
Gibson who are now confined in Goal —
The said David Henry being Examined saith as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on file)
Ordered thereupon that the said David Henry be
discharged —
Adjourned —
> In George Clinton Papers, no. 3094, archives of New York State Library
472 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 28^' July 1780 —
J"'y^«- Present
John M Beeckman ) ( ^ ^^^^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
Hugh Mitchell Esq^ laid before the Board the examina-
tions of the prisoners sent to Goal by the Schenectady Com-
missioners ordered that the same be filed —
A Letter was laid before the Board from Philip Pell
Esq- Commissary of State Prisoners dated 30- June 1780
respecting Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lam-
bert Burgert, Mathew Goes JunT, John D. Goes, and Dirck
Gardinier which Letter is in the following words (to wit)
(see letter on file)
Ordered that the Subject of the above Letter be taken
into Consideration —
It having been suggested to this Board that Simon Viele
of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck is able to give some very
' material information respecting Peter Cohoon who was some
time ago committed as a spy from the enemy Ordered
therefore that he be sent for and examined —
Simon Viele appearing agreeable to order [171] and being
examined under oath saith as "follows (see Examination on
file)
Ordered that the said Simon Viele enter into a Recog-
nizance to appear at the next supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tues-
day in October next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held) to testify to such Matters as he may know
concerning Peter Cohoon and not to depart the Court with-
out Leave —
Simon Viele of the west District of Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^400
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 473
It being the Opinion of this Board that the imprisonment ^7^°o
of Peter Ten Broeck and WiUiam Bowen Prisoners of war
(who have been heretofore released from confinement by a
former Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies) will tend
to expedite their Exchange —
Therefore resolved that an Order be made out & sent to
them to appear before us on Monday the 7— day of August
next —
Adjourned —
Met Albany zg^^ July 1780 — ^"78°
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
Samuel Baker residing in the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck being suspected of having a connection
with some disaffected inhabitants of this County was ordered
to appear before the Board on his appearing and being
examined under Oath and declaring himself [172] innocent
of the charge therefore ordered that he be discharged —
Peter Seeger was sent for on information given to this
Board that he is able to give some Material Evidence con-
cerning Peter Cohoon who is now confined in Goal as a
spy from the Enemy —
Ordered that he be examined and that his Examination
be reduced to writing which is in the words following (to
wit) (See Examination on file)
Ordered also that the said Peter Seeger enter into a Re-
cognizance to appear at the next supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday
in October next (or wheresoever the said Court shall be
held) to give Evidence on the Part of the people of this
State and not to depart the Court without leave —
474 State of New York
1780 Peter Seeger of the west District of the
July 29. °
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. ;C400 —
Adjourned
Present
dv^o. _ M^' Albany 30?'' July 1780 —
ent
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) j j D F H
Mathew Visscher ) (
Information having been exhibited to this Board by Gerrit
Heyer of this City that on Wednesday last three men came
up the River in a Batteau one of whom he supposed to be
Thomas Man the other the son of Patrick Ryan living on
the Green Island both of which persons have been with the
Enemy for some time past and there being a probability of
the said persons being at the House of [173] the said Patrick
Ryan —
Therefore ordered that a Letter be wrote to Capi Christo-
pher Tillman requesting him to take a Party of Men and
endeavour to apprehend them —
Lucas Moore of Saragtoga having about a Year since made
his escape from the Goal in this City where he was confined
for having been with the Enemy and being apprehended &
brought before us on a suspicion of guiding a Party of
Tories from Newtown who were on their way to join the
Enemy and he professing himself a Prisoner of war there-
fore ordered that he be confined and that a mittimus be
made out to the Sheriff to take him into his Custody —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 31?* July 1780
July 31- Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( o 1 c •
T T^ T- 1 c i bamuel Strmger
Isaac D. Fonda ^
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 475
Agreeable to the request made by this Board to Major j^'^°
Isaac Goes of Kinderhook on the 23*^ instant to send to us
for Examination James Ludlow and the said James Lud-
low appearing and being Examined and having satisfied
the Board that the charges alledged against him are
without Foundation it is therefore ordered that he be
discharged —
The Board proceeded to the consideration of an Affidavit
of Susannah Parie ta^en before Johannis Van Deusen Esq',
wherein the said Susannah Parie charges Angus M- Donald
and Doctor Thompson of Livingston's Manor with having
harboured British Officers from Canada on their [174] "way
to New York and secreting persons who had been concerned
in Robberies which affidavit was transmitted to the former
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies —
Resolved on Consideration of the said Affidavit that
Citations be made out for the said Doctor Thompson &
Angus M'rDonald to appear before this Board on Monday
the seventh day of August next and that the said Citations
be inclosed in a Letter and sent to Johannis Van Dusen Esq'
requesting him to have them served on the said McDonald
and Doctor Thompson —
Application was made to the Board by John Lansing
Jun- Esq- in favour of Robert Adams of Johnstown now
confined in Goal by an order of this Board requesting his
liberation —
Ordered that he be informed that the Board cannot in
the present critical situation of Public affairs consent to his
Enlargement —
Isaac D. Fonda Esq- informed the Board that he has
received information that Andrew Bowman, John F. Cluet,
Hendrick Kerkner, Jacob Kerkner, and a certain man
named Frederick a step son of Michael Huff all residing
476 State of New York
1780 in the West District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck are
July 31.
preparing to go Off and join the Enemy —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that a
warrant be made out directed to Cap- Ostrum Authorizing
him forthwith to apprehend the said persons and bring
them before us —
Adjourned —
aSb^i [^75^ ^^^ Albany i?' August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j q 1 Q '
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Richard Langley a Prisoner of war taken at Stoney
point who was some time ago confined in Goal by Richard
Esselstyne Esq- was brought before the Board and examined
his Examination is in the following words (to wit) (see
examination on file)
The Board taking into consideration the Letter received
from Philip Pell Esq- Commissary of state Prisoners on
the 28- Ultimo do in consequence thereof —
Resolve that an order be made out and sent to Henry
Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lambert Burghert,
Mathew Goes Jun- John D. Goes, and Dirck Gardinier to
prepare and hold themselves in readiness to be removed to
the Goal in Goshen in Orange County by the 15- day of this
month where they are to remain as Prisoners untill exchanged
for some of the inhabitants of this State at present in the
power of the Enemy —
Also resolved that an order be sent to Peter Ten Broeck
who was liberated from his confinement by the former
Board of Commissioners for Conspiracies to prepare him-
self and be in readiness on the 15- day of this month
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 477
to be removed to the Goal in Goshen in the County of .^78o
^ Aug. I.
Orange —
Doctor George Smith of this City being charged with
forwarding Peter Cohoon a spy from the Enemy through the
Country and the said Peter Cohoon having under Oath [176]
charged him therewith —
It is therefore ordered that Jacob Kidney be ordered
forthwith to apprehend the said George Smith and convey
him to the Goal in this City and that the Goaler be ordered to
take him into his Custody and closely confine him —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2- August 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) \ Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
A Letter from Philip Pell Esq^ Commissary of state
Prisoners was laid before the Board dated Poughkeepsie
27*'' Ultimo wherein he request's us to cause Henry Van
Schaack, David Van Schaack, Cornelius Van Schaack,
Lambert Burghart, John D. Goes, Mathew Goes Jun-
Dirck Gardineir, !& Jacob Legrange, to be sent down to
Fishkill under the care of an Officer of the levies which
letter is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on
file) —
Ordered in consequence of the said letter that the resolu-
tions of this Board of Yesterday with respect to Henry
Van Schaack, David Van Schaack, Lambert Burghart,
John D. Goes, Mathew Goes Jun- and Dirck Gardineir be
rescinded and that they be severally ordered to appear before
us on Saturday the fifth instant —
Also resolved that the resolution of Yesterday with respect
478 State of New York
1780 to Peter Ten Broeck be and is hereby rescinded and that
the said Peter Ten Broeck be ordered to appear before
this Board on Monday the 7**^ day of August Instant —
[177] Resolved that an Order be sent to Major Zadock
Wright (a Prisoner of war who was confined by th s Board to
Kings District) to appear before us on Saturday the 5*-^
Instant in order that he may be removed to Fishkill to be
there delivered over to Philip Pell Esq""- Commissary of
State Prisoners to be exchanged —
Resolved also that an order be sent to Martin Crum of
Claverack who refused to take the oath tendered agreeable to
an act of the Legislature of this State to persons of Neutral
and Equivocal characters to appear before this Board on
monday the 7- instant in order that he may be removed to
Fishkill to be there delivered over to the Commissary of
State Prisoners —
Andries Stoll who was some time ago committed to Goal
as a dangerous and disaffected person was brought before
the Board and we having certain information that his wife
is in a very distressed situation without the benefit of any
aid or assistance and expecting shortly to be brought to bed
the Board do therefore on Consideration thereof resolve
that the said Andries Stoll be released from his confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his appearance when called upon by any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies and for his good Behaviour
and doing his duty as a good and faithful! subject of the
State during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain
Andries Stoll of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Blacksmith in ;^ioo
Abram Robison of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 479
It having appeared to the Board that Alexander Outhout ^7^
who was confined by the Magistrates of this [178] City
for attempting to go off and join the Enemy was persuaded
thereto by Doctor Johnson and others and that no danger
is to be apprehended from him on account of his Youth &
inexperience; therefore ordered that he be released on
Alexander Bulson entering into a recognizance for the said
Alexander Outhout's appearing before this Board when
called upon & for his good behaviour and doing his duty
as a good and faithful subject of the State during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and also for
his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
to be held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tues-
day in October next and not to depart the Court without
Leave —
Alexander Bulson of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck on Recognizance
as Bail for Alexander Outhout in ;^ioo
The Board having received information that Doctor George
Smith who was Yesterday confined by order of this Board
is dangerously ill and that a continuance of his present
confinement may endanger his life —
It is therefore ordered that he be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his appear-
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required and for his good Behaviour untill
discharged by this Board — ■
George Smith of the City of Albany Phy-
sician in ;^IOO
Patrick Smith of the same place Merchant
his Bail in ;ClOO
, Adjourned —
480 State of New York
^1780 [j^g] Met Albany 3^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
John Ryley appeared before the Board and informed that
he had apprehended Jacob Smith and Jacob Dymont for
SteaHng two Horses from Frederick Barringar, that in his
way to said Barringar's he was overtaken by Marcus Dymont
who offered him a sum of money to let the said Jacob Smith
and Jacob Dymont make their Escape and that afterwards
the said Jacob Smith & Jacob Dymont struck him the said
John Ryley on the head and by that means made their escape
in which they were assisted by the said Marcus Dymont
and the said Marcus Dymont being a Person disaffected
to the American Cause Thereupon resolved that a warrant
be made out directed to Philip Herwig commanding him
with the assistance of six men to apprehend the said Jacob
Smith, Jacob Dymont, and Marcus Dymont and bring them
before us —
The said John Ryley was Examined as to Nicholas Van
Valkenburgh which Examination is in the following words
(to wit) (see examination on file)
It appearing probable to this Board from the intimacy
of Samuel Kitcham with Doctor Johnson that the said
Kitcham was knowing to the said Johnsons intention of
going off to the Enemy it is therefore ordered that he be
Examined under oath —
The said Samuel Kitcham being Examined and declaring
himself ignorant of the said Doctor Johnson's [180] inten-
tions thereupon ordered that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 481
Met Albany 4*^ August 1780 — ^^78o
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( c, i o •
i ^ ^ , y i Samuel btrmger
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( ^
Samuel Stringer Esq- one of the Members of this Board
informed that he had caused to be apprehended & brought
before him a certain John Ryley as being a Suspicious
person that he had examined him and on finding by his own
Confession that he is a Prisoner of war had committed him to
Goal Resolve[d] that the above procedure be approved of
and that a mittimus be made out for the said John Ryley —
Christopher Warner one of the prisoners sent down by the
Schenectady Commissioners was brought before the Board
and examined —
Resolved that he be hberated from his confinement on
Hendrick Warner of the Bever Dam entering into a recogni-
zance for the good behaviour and personal appearance of the
said Christopher Warner before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies and for doing his duty as a good
and faithfuU subject of this State during the continuance of
the present War with Great Britain —
Hendrick Warner of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer on Recogni-
zance as Bail for Christopher Warner in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
[181] Met Albany 5'-^ August 1780 ^1780
Present
John M. Beeckman J ( j^^^^ p. Fonda
Mathew Visscher V ^ Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer ; \
482 State of New York
Au|f°- Resolved that an order be made out and directed to John
Decker Robison & Bastian Beam of Livingston's Manor
v?ho became surety for the appearance of John Smith
before this Board vp^hen called upon to deliver up to this
board the said John Smith on or before the sixteenth
day of August Instant and that they be informed that
unless this order is complied vs^ith their recognizance will
be prosecuted —
Major Zadock Wright appeared before the Board agree-
able to the order of the 2- Instant —
Resolved that the said Zadock Wright enter into a Parole
to proceed to Fishkill and on the 15- Instant Surrender him-
self a Prisoner at that place to Philip Pell Esq- Commissary
of State Prisoners which parole is In the following words
(to wit) (see Parole on file) —
Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack and Mathew
Goes Jun- who on the z^ instant was cited to appear before
us appeared this day according to order —
It is resolved that they respectively enter into a Parole
to repair to Fishkill and on the i^' [or i6"']' day of September
next surrender themselves prisoner's at that place to Philip
Pell Esq!^ Commissary of State Prisoners which parole is in
the following words (to wit) (see Parole on file)
Resolved that Jacobus Ostrander be liberated from [182]
confinement on his entering into a Recognizance with suf-
ficient sureties for his future good Behaviour for his appear-
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required and doing his duty as a faithful
subject of the state during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain
Jacobus Ostrander of Newtown in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
• Date altered and ambiguous.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 483
Abraham D.ouw of the City of Albany Gentle- 1780
man his Bail in £ 50 ^^' ^'
Abraham Bogart of the same place Cord-
wainer also his Bail in £ 50
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^? August 1780 — '780
Present ^"«- «•
John M. Beeckman \ f ^ i o •
T • 1 T7 r. I ( 1 i>amuei btrmger
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer >- -( j n F rl
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter from Doctor George Smith dated the 7- instant
was laid before the Board wherein he request's to be sent to
New York or exchanged which letter is in the following
words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Ordered that he be informed that the subject of his
Letter will be taken into Consideration at some future day —
It having been represented to this Board that James
Halstead of Nistageuna is a Person who is disaffected to the
American cause and that he has harboured and secreted
persons going over to the Enemy —
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to
John Tillman to apprehend the Said James [183] Halstead
and forthwith bring him before us —
Resolved that John Ostrander be liberated from Confine-
ment on his entering into a recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Ostrander of Newtown in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob Heemstraet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;£^ioo
484 State of New York
1780 It having been represented to this Board that it will be
necessary for Henry Van Schaack, David Van Schaack and
Mathew Goes Jun- to be down at Fishkill at an earlier day
than is specified by their Parole therefore resolved that they
be ordered to be at Fishkill on the 20''' instant —
The Board having received information that there is at
present at Newtown a Person who is industriously circulating
reports through the Country tending to injure the American
cause which Person is a son in Law to John Concklin —
Resolved that Major Ezekiel Taylor be requested to have
him apprehended forthwith and sent to us —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 9^ August 1780 —
"^' ^' Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer > < Hugh Mitchell
Isaac D. Fonda J (. Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
[184] Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Philip Pell Esq":
Commissary of State Prisoners respecting Henry Van Schaack,
David Van Schaack, and other prisoners of war which Letter
is in the following words (to wit) (see letter on file)
Richard Schermerhorn of Schenectady who was confined
by the Commissioners of that place for being concerned with
a party that intended to go oflF and join the enemy was brought
before the Board and on his Examination appearing candid
and open in his answers to the Questions proposed to him —
Therefore resolved that he be liberated from confinement
on his entering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty when required and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when called for during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 485
Richard Schermerhorn of Schenectady La- 1780
, . ^ - Aug. 9.
Dourer in x>5oo
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ii^Soo
Resolved that Christian Sea he liberated from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies wrhen
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Christian Sea of the Bever Dam in the County
of Albany Farmer on recognizance in £100
William Dietz of the Hellebergh in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
[185] John Tillman appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended James Halstead
agreeable to our warrant issued on the lo- instant and that
he had him ready to produce to us, whereupon resolved that
the said James Halstead be examined his Examination is in
the following words (to wit) (See Examination on file) —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 10^ August 1780 Aug.^o.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) \ Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Christian Cray be liberated from his con-
finement on entering into a recognizance with a surety
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
486 State of New York
1780 Christian Cray of the East District of the
Mano[r] of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . . £100
Archilaus Lynd of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Bartholemew Schermerhorn of Schenectady who was
confined by order of the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady was brought before the Board and Hugh
Mitchell Esq- one of the said Commissioners being of
opinion that the said Bartholemew Schermerhorn may with
safety be liberated from Confinement —
Therefore resolved that he be discharged on entering
into a recognizance with a sufficient surety for his good
behavi-[i86]our doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
' unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Bartholemew Schermerhorn of Schenectady
Farmer in £s°°
Ryer Schermerhorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^500
Frederick Weller of the District of Schenectady having
also been confined by the Commissioners for Conspiracies
at Schenectady was brought before the Board ordered
that he be discharged on entering into a recognizance with
a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain
Frederick Weller of the District of Sche-
nectady Labourer in £200
Johannis Weller of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^200
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 487
Resolved that John Broachim be liberated from confine- . ^780
. ... Aiig. 10.
ment on entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
John Broachim of the District of Schenectady
Farmer in ;^200
Ryer Schermerhorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^20o
Johannis Weller of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in ;C200
Adjourned —
[187] Met Albany 11*^ August 1780 — A^g.^i.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j g^^^^, g^^j^^^^
Jeremiah Van Rei '- —
Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer J- i j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Abraham Jacob Lansing appeared before this Board
according to our order resolved that he enter into a recog-
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear-
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Abraham Jacob Lansing of Lansingburgh
in the County of Albany Farmer in ..... . ;^500
Jacob Van Derheyden of the East District
of the Manor of Rensselaenvyck his Bail
in ^500
Di Joseph Young appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had received information from James Marr of
488 State of New York
1780 this City that a certain Peter Seeger who is now in Town
Aug. II. "^ .
has mentioned some circumstances respecting the attack of
the enemy at Schohary from which he is led to suppose
-that the said Peter Seeger has connection with the Enemy —
Therefore ordered that Jacob Kidney immediately appre-
hend the said Peter Seeger and bring him before us —
Peter Seeger being brought before us and examined as
to the above informed us in what manner he had received
his information and the same being satisfactory ordered
that he be discharged —
Resolved that Samuel Stringer Esq^ be requested to propose
John Tillman Jun- to raise and take the command of [188] a
Ranger Company to be under the direction of this Board —
William Pemberton who is charged with harbouring and
forwarding through the country Peter Cohoon a spy from
the Enemy appeared before the Board according to our
order and as the proof in support of the above charge is not
so full as to render his confinement necessary —
Therefore ordered that he enter into a Recognizance with
sufficient sureties for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
William Pemberton of the City of Albany
Marriner in £soo
William Charles of the same place Butcher
his Bail in ;^250
Wheeler Douglass of the same place Inn-
keeper also his Bail in ;^250
Resolved that George Shannon be liberated from confine-
ment on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 489
called upon during the continuance of the present war with . ^^^^
Great Britain —
George Shannon of the District of Schenec-
tady Farmer in ;^200
Johannis Shoemaker of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;£^200
John Nightingale who was confined for making use of
expressions tending to injure the American cause and being
of a suspicious character was brought before the Board and
it appearing that his Family are greatly distressed by the
[189] means of his confinement —
Therefore ordered that the said John Nigh[t]ingale be
liberated from his confinement on entering into a recog-
nizance with a sufficient surety for his appearance before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon for his good behaviour doing his duty and remaining
within the following Limits (to wit) to the north from his
house to the Schenectady Rnad to the west to Veeder's
Mill's to the south to the Norman's Creek and to the East
to Hudson's River during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain unless called upon to do Militia duty —
John Nightingale of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in ;^ioo
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in £^0°
Adjourned —
Met Albany 12^*^ August 1780 ^^780^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ^ ( M^thg^ Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer V -I g^^^^j Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) I
490 State of New York
1780 Resolved that Jacob Sybert be discharged from his con-
"*■■ '^" finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing when called upon
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Jacob Sybert of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in ;^ioo
Peter RadlifF of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Peter Snyder be liberated from Con- [190]
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Peter Snyder of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in ;^ioo
Hendrick Snyder of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board having received certain information that
William True for whose appearance Col'. Abraham Van
Alstyne became surety is gone off to the Enemy —
Resolved that an order be made out to Col- Van Alstyne
to deliver up the said William True or pay the Amount of
the recognizance by him entered into for the said William
True —
Resolved that John Boyd who is surety for William
M^':Auley deliver up the said M-Auley in fourteen days from
this day —
The Board having received information that John Rodliff
and Arent RodlifF for whom Rykert RodlifF became surety
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 491
have refused to do Militia duty whereby they have forfeited j.^"^^
their Recognizance's therefore resolved that the said Rykert
RodlifF their Bail appear before this Board on Wednesday
next to shew cause why the said Recognizance's should not
be put in Suit —
It having been suggested to us that George Keneir of this
City is able to give information respecting several persons
that have lately gone off and joined the Enemy and the
said George Keneir being sent for appeared was examined
& then discharged —
[191] Resolved that Doctor George Smith and Joshua
Bloore be ordered to deliver up to this Board on or before
the 19- day of August instant Ebenezer Knap, Elisha Marsh,
Nicholas Schuyler, Nathan Lull & Joseph Lull for whose
appearance when called upon the said George Smith and
Joshua Bloore have become surety —
Resolved also that Joshua Bloore be ordered to deliver
up to this Board on or before the 19''' day of August instant
Barnabas Loughley for whose appearance the said Joshua
Bloore is surety —
Resolved that James Caldwell deliver up to this Board
on or before the 19- day of August instant Duncan MfCon-
nelly and John Maginness for whose appearance before us
when called upon he has become surety —
Also further resolved that Lewis Fotie deliver up Henry
J. Mesick on or before the 19- day of August instant agree-
able to the Tenor of his Recognizance —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13^? August 1780 1780
Present ^"e- '3-
John M. Beeckman ) ( g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
492 State of New York
1780 Andries Bronck and [blank] Wells appeared before the
Board and informed us that being out on a scout by order
of CoP. Van Bergen towards Beesink they had taken Prisoner
a certain John Sheerman whom they suspected to be a spy
from the Enemy and one of those Tories who have some
time ago infested that part of the Country with continual
Robberies and the said John Sheerman being brought in
and examined says that he comes from Fishkill and was
when he was apprehended [192] on his way to his Family
who live near Schenectady Ordered that he be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned ,
^780 Met Albany 14^ August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( ^ 1 o •
^ > < Samuel btnnger
Mathew Visscher ) (
Andries Loucks one of the Prisoners now confined in
Goal by the Schenectady Commissioners was brought
before the Board and Examined ordered that he be
recommitted —
Resolved that Johan Jost Warner be liberated from con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and also for
his appearance at the next supream Court of Judicature to
be held on the third Tuesday in October next at the City
Hall in this City (or wheresoever the said Court shall then
be held) and not depart the Court without leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer in. . ;^ioo
Christian Weaver of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 493
Resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner enter into a . ^'^
recognizance for the appearance of his wife Margaret Warner
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held on the
third Tuesday in October next at the City Hall in this City
(or wheresoever the said Court shall then be held) and not
to depart the Court without leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer on
Recog^ as Bail for his wife Margaret
Warner in ;^200
Adjourned
[193] Met Albany 15^ August 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Robert Adams be discharged from confine-
ment on his entering into a recognizance with sufficient
sureties for his future good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Robert Adams of Johnstown in Tryon County
Merchant in ;^200
Thomas Shipboy of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ;^ioo
James Caldwell of the same place also his
Bail in £^00
Resolved that Leonard Weger be liberated from confini-
ment on entering into a recognizance with a surety for his
future good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies wheneve[r]
494 State of New York
1780 called upon during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Leonard Weger of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
Jurie Francisko of Cooksborough in the
County of Albany Farmer his Bail in. . . . ;^loo
The Board having received information that Christopher
Hutt of the Bever Dam who is now in this City is by his
conduct and conversation daily endeavouring to injure the
American cause therefore resolved that he be immediately
apprehended by the door Keeper & confined & that a
Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned —
1780 [ig^] Met Albany 16^ August 1780
Present
John M Beeckman ) f j^,,, q. ponda
bamuel btrmger ) (.
Resolved that an order be made out directed to Arent
N. Van Patten who became Bail for the appearance of
Johannis Staring of Tryon County to deliver up to this Board
the said Johannis Staring on or before the 26- day of August
instant —
Rykert RodlifF being on the 12- instant cited to appear
before the Board to shew cause why the Recognizance
entered into by the said Rykert Rodliff for his sons Arent
Rodliff and John Rodliff should not be put in suit as they
the said Arent and John Rodliff refused to do Militia duty
and the said Rykert Rodliff appearing and denying the
charge alledged against his sons therefore resolved that the
said Arent Rodliff & John Rodliff appear before this Board
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 495
on Friday the 18- day of August instant in order that they . ^^80
may be examined as to the same —
James Halstead having on his examination informed the
Board that a certain Samuel Kid or Tid living with John
Duncan near Schenectady is able to give some very Material
information respecting Letters received by the said John
Duncan from the Enemy —
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Capi Hendrick Ostrum to
have the said Samuel Kid apprehended and brought before us
as soon as possible that he may be Examined as to the above —
Adjourned —
[195] Met Albany if-^ August 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f t t\ t? j
■L , r. • f 1 Isaac D. J^onda
Samuel Stringer ) (.
Resolved that Joachim Van Slyck of Claverack who
became surety for the appearance of Bartholemew Van
Valkenburgh before this Board when called upon deliver up
the said Bartholemew Van Valkenburgh on or before the
23- day of August instant —
Lewis Fotie agreeable to the order of the 12 instant
appeared before the Board with Henry J. Mesick —
Resolved that the said Henry J. Mesick enter into a
recognizance of anew for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Henry J. Mesick of the District of Claverack
Farmer in £5°°
Lewis Fotie of the City of Albany Baker
his Bail in £5°°
49^ State of New York
1780 Resolved that Jacob M. Vosburgh of Claverack District
Aug. 17. .
who became surety for Dirck Vosburgh's appearance before
this Board when called upon deliver up the said Dirck
Vosburgh on or before the 23- day of August instant —
Resolved that Peter Van Valkenburgh of Claverack
District who became surety for Hendrick Skinkle's appear-
ance before this Board when called upon deliver up the
said Hendrick Skinkle on or before the 23- day of August
instant —
The Board being of opinion that John Kluck of this
City is a dangerous and disaffected person and that his
going at large may prove of dangerous consequences to the
safety [196] of the State therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney
be ordered forthwith to apprehend the said John Kluck
and confine them —
There being reason to suspect that John MjDole, Colin
Farguson & Peter Muir of this City are knowing and
accessary to several persons going off to the enemy there-
fore resolved that they be immediately sent for —
John McDonald, Colin Farguson, & Peter Muir appearing
were examined on oath and returning Satisfactory Answers
to the Questions proposed they were discharged —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 18^ August 1780
Aug. 18. Present
John M. Beeckman | | Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j | Mathew Visscher
Rykert Radliff agreeable to the order of the 16^' instant
appeared before the Board with his sons Arent RadliiF and
John Radliff.
Resolved that the above mentioned John Radliff enter
into a Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his good
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 497
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three A^^**g
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
John Radliff of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in £200
Rykert Radliff of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^200
The above mentioned Arent Radliff being under age
resolved that his Father Rykert Radliff enter into [197] a
Recognizance for him the same in every respect with that
entered into by his Brother John Radliff —
Rykert Radliff of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer on
Recognizance as Bail for his son Arent
Radliff in ;^200
Resolved that Jacob Halenbeeck Jun^ of Klinkenbergh
be ordered forthwith to appear before the Board with a
sufficient surety to enter into a Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that Philip Cook, Peter Livingston Jun- , Wil-
helmas Dillenbeeck, and Jacob Fraligh be ordered to appear
before this Board on the 24- day of August instant agreeable
to the Tenor of their several Recognizance's —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 19^^ August 1780 AJg-^is.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Mathew Visscher j I
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Hugh Mitchell Esq-' one
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady
498 State of New York
Aue^ requesting him to send down to this Board William Bowen a
Prisoner of war in order to his being sent down to the Com-
missary of state Prisoners for the purpose of an Exchange —
Bartholemewis Van Valkenburgh appearing according to
order to enter into a new Recognizance resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Bartholemewis Van Valkenburgh of the Dis-
trict of Kinderhook Farmer in ;C200
[198] Joachim Van Slyck of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^200
Information having been exhibited to this Board from
which they are of opinion that Isaac Ostrander of the Helle-
bergh is a dangerous and disaffected person and that by his
conversation he endeavours dally to Injure the American
cause and he having been cited to appear before us appearing
this Day —
Resolved that he be confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
Dirck Vosburgh of the District of Claverack having
been ordered to appear before us to enter into a recognizance
of anew and appearing this day agreeable to order —
Resolved that he be bound for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Dirck Vosburgh of the District of Claverack
Farmer In ;^200
Resolved that a citation be made out directed to Doctor
Thompson and Angus M'rDonald of the Manor of Living-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 499
ston to appear before this Board on the 24- day of August ^78o
instant to answer the charges alledged against them in an
Affidavit of Susannah Parie taken before Johannis Van
Deusen Esq- and that Cap- Robison of Claverack District
be requested to deliver the said citation to any Constable of
Livingston's Manor to have the same served —
John Decker Robison of Claverack District appeared before
the Board with John Smith for whose appearance before
us when called uppon he some time since became surety —
[199] Resolved that the said John Smith enter into a
Recognizance of anew for his good behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continu-
ance of the present war with Great Britain and also for his
remaining within the Limits of Livingston's Manor unless
he shall be called upon to do Militia duty or obtain permis-
sion from this Board to leave the same and for his appear-
ing before us on the 14- day of October next —
John Smith of Livingston's Manor Labourer
in ;^iooo
John Decker Robison of Claverack District
his Bail in ;^iooo
Resolved that Thomas Weger be liberated from confine-
ment on Samuel Kitcham's entering into a recognizance for
his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever there-
unto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Samuel Kitchim of Lansingburgh Farmer on
Recognizance as Bail for Thomas Weeger
in £^°o
Adjourned —
500 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 22'i^ August 1780
"g- 2 . Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j I Samuel Stringer
Resolved that William Loucks be liberated from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance with a suffi-
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance of
the [200] present war with Great Britain —
William Loucks of Schohary Farmer in £100
Peter Borst of the same place Farmer his Bail
in ;^ioo
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Lieui Col- Henry K.
Van Rensselaer requesting him to furnish this Board with
a List of the Names of the Persons who are able to prove
the charges alledged against Thomas Blewer now confined
in Goal
Adjourned
1780 Met Albany 23^ August 1780
^"8- ^3- Present
John M Beeckman | { j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Samuel Stnnger ) (
Mathew Van Valkenburgh having heretofore been bound
by a Recognizance and having been cited to appear before
this Board to enter into a Recognizance of a new and appear-
ing agreeable to Order —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 501
wheneve[r] thereunto required during the continuance of the 1780
present war with Great Britain
Mathew Van Valkenburgh of the East Dis-
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Blacksmith in ;^ioo
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack District
Blacksmith his Bail in ;^ioo
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack having also been cited to
appear before this Board to enter into Recognizance of
anew and appearing agreeable to Order —
[201] Resolved that he enter into a recognizance with a
sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Hendrick Skinkle of Claverack District
Blacksmith in ;^ioo
Mathew Van Valkenburgh of the East Dis-
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Blacksmith his Bail in £100
Information being exhibited to this Board that there is
at present in this City a certain person who calls himself
James Van Zant who there is the greatest reason to suspect
is an Emissary from the Enemy —
Whereupon resolved that the said Person be sent for &
examined on his Examination he says he is last Come from
Newport that he left Long Island about three Years ago
that his Father has a farm there and that he was led by
curiosity to see Albany and on his producing a proper Pass
resolved that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
Aug. 23.
502 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 24- August 1780
Aug. 24. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher I 1 Samuel Stringer
Jacob Man confined by the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies at Schenectady was brought before the Board and
as no direct proof has as yet been exhibited against him
and he offering a good surety for his future good conduct —
Therefore resolved that he enter into a recognizance for
his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the [202] Commissioners for Conspiracies
whenever thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Jacob Man of Schohary Farmer in £200
William Man of the same place Farmer his
Bail in i^200
Philip Cook appearing before the Board according to
order to enter into a Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he [be] bound for his good behaviour doing
his duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Philip Cook of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Taylor in ;^ioo
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £^100
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh appearing before the Board to
enter into Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies '503
Wilhelmas Dillenbagh of the west District of 1780
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . £^100
Philip Cook of the same place Taylor his
Bail in . £100
On reading a Petition of Doctor George Smith setting
forth his situation as to Health and circumstances and
praying leave to go to Canada with his Family —
Resolved that D- George Smith be informed that this
Board are well acquainted with his State of health & have
therefore no objections to his going to Canada but that it
is not [203] in the power of this Board to grant him the
Permission required and that an application of this nature
ought to be made to his Excellency Governor Clinton —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25*'' August 1780 — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) { g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
A Certificate was laid before the Board signed by Nathan
Pearce & several others of the Principal inhabitants of
Fredericksborough in Dutchess County setting forth that
D- James Muldrum is a friend to the American Cause
and that he has behaved himself well for several years
past —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Certificate that Dun-
can M?.Dougall who became Bail for the said Dr James
Muldrum be discharged from the recognizance by him
entered into for the said James Muldrum —
Resolved that citations be made out for John CuppernuU
and John J. Vrooman of Tryon County to appear before
Hugh Mitchell Esqi at Schenectady on the sixth day of
Aug. 25.
504 State of New York
1780 September next to enter into Recognizance's for their appear-
ance at the next supream Court and that the said citations
be inclosed in a letter to the said Hugh Mitchell to be for-
warded to them —
Angus McDonald agreeable to the order of this Board of
the 19- instant appeared this day before us —
Resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
Adjourned —
A^.^6. [^°4] Met Albany 26^? August 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Ann Standerren and Mary Partherton (who
were some time ago confined for endeavouring to persuade
the subjects not to take up arms in defence of the American
cause) be sent down to the Commissioners for Conspiracies
at Poughkeepsie for the purpose of their being removed
within the Enemies Lines And that a letter with respect
to them be wrote to the said Commissioners —
The board having taken into consideration the applica-
tion of Jacob A. Lansing to be liberated from confinement
whereupon resolved that he be discharged from his said
Confinement on his taking an Oath that he will not directly
or indirectly by word or deed give or cause to be given any
aid comfort or intelligence to any of the enemies or opposers
of the united States of America and that he will make known
to the Commissioners for Conspiracies all conspiracies that
may be formed in this State against the liberties of America
and of all treasonable actings or doings that may come to
his Knowledge and entering into a recognizance with suffi-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 505
cient sureties for his good Behaviour doing his duty and .^^So
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Jacob A. Lansing of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^50o
[205] Abraham Ja : Lansing of Lansingburgh
Farmer his Bail in ;^250
William Liverse of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer also
his Bail in ;^250
John Sherman was brought before the Board and Exam-
ined who says he deserted from the Batteau Service at Fish
Kill resolved that the Quarter Master General be requested
to send him down to Fish Kill —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^' August 1780 aJJ.^s.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) | Isaac D. Fonda
John Nightingale who was on the ii- instant released
from confinement on entering into a Recognizance with
Joshua Bloore as his surety appeared this day before the
Board and requested that Abraham Veeder of the Norma[n]s
Creek may be accepted as his Bail in the stead of the said
Joshua Bloore —
Whereupon Resolved that the said Joshua Bloore be
discharged from his recognizance and that the said Abraham
Veeder enter into a recognizance for the said John Nightin-
gale's conforming to the Terms of the recognizance by him
entered into on the said 1 1^ day of August instant —
5o6 State of New York
1780 Abraham Veeder of the Nonna[n]s Cieek
Farmer as Bail for John Nigh[t]ingale in ;£^ioo
William Bowen a prisoner of war on Parole having been
cited to appear before the Board appeared this day according
to order
Resolved that he enter into Parole to proceed to Fish-
[206] Kill and by the fourth day of September next there
deliver himself up as a prisoner of war to Philip Pell Esq-
Commissary of state Prisoners which Parole is in the following
words (to wit) (see Parole on file)
Robert Davis having been cited to appear before this
Board appeared resolved that he enter into a recognizance
of anew for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Robert Davis of the Normans Kill School-
master in ;^ioo
Volkert Veeder of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Whereas Dirck Gardineir, Lambert Burghart and John D.
Goes of Kinderhook have been cited to appear before this
Board at a certain day now past and have neglected to appear
whereby they have severally broken their Parole
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to
John Tillman forthwith to apprehend and bring them
before us —
Martin Crom of Claverack District having also been cited
to appear before this Board and not appearing agreeable to
our order therefore resolved that the said John Tillman also
apprehend the said Martin Crom and bring him before us —
Received a letter from Mathew Adgate Esq- dated King
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 507
District 27- instant inclosing several Examinations respecting ^^^q
Major Zadock Wright which Letter and examinations are in
the following words (to wit) (see letter and examinations on
file) —
[207] Received another Letter from Mathew Adgate Esq?'
dated 27- instant informing that he sends to us under
Guard Samuel Johnson who is going about the Country &
dissuading people from taking up Arms in defence of the
American cause which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (see Letter on file) —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 29^ August 1780 Aug.^g.
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j 1 Samuel Stringer
The Board having taken into consideration the Application
of Jacob J. Truax to be liberated from confinement do
thereupon resolve that he be discharged on his taking an
Oath not to aid comfort or assist the enemies of the United
States and to make known all Plots & conspiracies against this
or any other of the United States of America & on his entering
into a recognizance for his good behaviour doing his duty &
appearing before any three of the Commissioners of Con-
spiracies whenever thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Jacob J. Truax of the City of Albany Inn-
keeper in £^5°°
Isaac Truax of the same place Innkeeper
his Bail in ^^25°
Johannis Wyngartof the same place Yeoman
also his Bail in £250
5o8 State of New York
1780 Joseph Hawkins, Thomas Yarns, William Ball and William
Alls. 20» J k ' '
GrifFen having been apprehended by Order of Albert Baker,
John Moss & Noah Pain Esq- three of the Justices of [208] the
peace for the County of Charlotte were brought before the
Board under Guard and it appearing from the charges trans-
mitted by the said Justices that the said prisoners are dangerous
& disaffected Persons and that they have been with the enemy —
It is therefore resolved that they be committed and a
mittimus be made out for them —
Deborah Baker was brought before the board by Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer as an evidence against Thomas
Blewer and the said Deborah Baker being examined saith as
follows (to wit) (see examination on file)
Adjourned —
. 1780 Met August qo^? August 1780
^"^•^°- Present
John M Beeckman ) | ^^^j^^^ ^j^^^^^^
Samuel Stnnger J (
An Act* for the Legislature of this State entitled " An Act*
for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have joined
the enemy passed i?'. day of July 1780 was laid before the
Board and as it is highly Necessary the said Act should be
put into immediate Execution and as there are not a sufficient
number of printed Copies for the different districts therefore
ordered that the secretary to this Board make copies of the
said Act for every district in this County and that the same
be forthwith transmitted to the Justices of the said district
in order that no delay may be occasioned in the Execution of
the same —
Adjourned —
' Appendix I- Laws, July i, 1780.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 509
[209] Met Albany 31?^ August 1780 ^78o
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( a*^ 1 tt- i
^ , ri • C \ Mathew Visscher
bamuel Stringer J {
John Boyd Jun- appearing before the Board according
to order for the purpose of entering into a recognizance
of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
John Boyd Jun- of Balltown Millwright in. £100
John Holmes of the same place Farmer his
Bail in i^ioo
Adjourned —
Present
Met Albany i^* September 1780 1780
Sept. I..
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
Received a letter from Hugh Mitchell Esq"^ dated the
20^ August last respecting John CuppernuU and John J.
Vrooman which is in the following words (to wit) (see letter
on file)
Agreeable to an order of this Board the following Persons
appeared to enter into new recognizance's (to wit) Coenrad
Clapper, David Finger, Martinus Schuck, Johannis Muller,
Andries Rees, Andries Rees Jun- Johannis Tatter, Solomon
Schutt, Nicholas Wheeler, Broer Witbeeck, Fite Miller,
Johannis Shaver, Jacob Hoofman, William Schuck,
5IO State of New York
1780 Albartus Siemon, [210] Tohannis Siemon, Jurie Lemon, &
Sept* z. ,
John Concklin —
Resolved that they enter into the same and that they
be severally bound for their good Behaviour doing their
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Coenradt Clapper of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
David Finger of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
David Finger of Livingston's Manor Farmer
in ;^ioo
Coenradt Clapper of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^loo
Martinus Schuck of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in. ;^ioo
Johannis MuUer of the same place his Bail in. ^100
Andries Rees JunF of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in £100
Andries Rees of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Andries Rees of Livingstons Manor Farmer
in ;^ioo
Andries Rees Jun- of the same place La-
bourer his Bail in ;^ioo
Johannis Tater of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
Solomon Schutt of the same place Labourer
his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 511
Solomon Schutt of Livingston's Manor e^?**
. «= Sept. I.
Labourer in ;^ioo
Johannis Tater of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Nicholas Wheeler of Livingston's Manor
Farriier in ;^ioo
Broer Witbeeck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Broer Witbeeck of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
Nicholas Wheeler of the same place his
Bail in £100
Fite Miller of Livingstons Farmer in ;^ioo
Johannis Shaver of the same place his Bail in ;^ioo
Johannis Shaver of Livingston's Manor
Labourer in ;^ioo
Fite Miller of the same place Farmer his Bail in ;^i 00
[211] Jacob Hoofman of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
William Schuck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
William Schuck of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob Hoofman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^loo
Albertus Siemon of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^ioo
Johannis Siemon of the same place Farmer
, his Bail in £100
512 State of New York
■1780 Tohannis Siemon of Livineston's Manor
Sept. I. -' . ^
r'armer in £100
Albertus Siemon of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
John Concklin of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;£^ioo
Jurie Lemon of Livingston's Manor La-
bourer in ;^ioo
Coenradt Cline of Livingston's Manor
Farmer Bail for Peter Lampman in £^100
John Tillman appeared before the Board and informed us
that he had agreeable to the warrant directed to him appre-
hended Lambert Burghart of the District of Kinderhook
and Martin Crom of Claverack District —
Lambert Burghart being brought before us says that he is
very willing to comply with any order of this Board respect-
ing him but that he is at present in no situation to travel
to Fish Kill being indisposed occasioned by the Yaws which
he has had upon him for a year past and as we have been
Certified as to the truth of the same —
Therefore resolved that the said Lambert Burghart enter
into a parole to remain at his place of abode in Kinderhook
District untill called upon by any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies or the Commissary of State Prisoners —
Resolved that Martin Crom appear before the Board to
morrow Morning —
[212] The Board taking into consideration the applica-
tion of John Bratt to be liberated from Confinement —
Resolved on account of his age & infirmeties that he be
released on his taking an oath not to comfort aid or assist
any of the enemies of the United States and to make known
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 513
to us all persons coming from the enemy who secrete them- 1780
selves in the woods and also on his entering into a recog- ^ ' ^'
nizance with a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Bratt of the Hellebergh Farmer in. . . . £100
John Willson of Kinderhook Farmer his
Bail in ;£^iod
Barent Van Alen of the City of Albany Mar-
riner also his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2^ September 1780 1780
Present ^P'- ^•
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Mathew Visscher
Martin Crom who was ordered to appear before the Board
appeared and laid before us a Certificate signed by a num-
ber of Militia Officers and other of the principal and well
affiscted inhabitants of Claverack District Certifying that the
said Martin Crom has always since the present war con-
ducted himself as a peaceable subject of the State and has
done his duty faithfully when called upon And the said
Martin Crom also laying before us two Letters [213] directed
to this Board the one from Major John M^Kinstrey & the
other from Joseph Clarke both dated 31- August last in
which said letters the said Major M^Kinstrey and Josep[h]
Clarke recommend to us the said Martin Crom as a faithfuU
and leige subject of the State which Letters are in the follow-
ing words (to wit) (see letters on the file)
Resolved on consideration of the above Certificate and
514 State of New York
1780 letters that Martin Crom return to his place of abode in
^ ■ ^' Claverack District and there remain till called upon by this
Board —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- appeared before the Board accord-
ing to order to enter into recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- of Cooksakie District
Farmer in ;^ioo
Adam Hilton of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 4- September 1780
S«P*- ^ Present
John M. Beeckman ) f _ tn t- ,
,, , TT- 1 i i Isaac D. l*onda
Mathew Visscher ) [
The Board having received information that John Cobham
is frequently going to the Northward & there being great
reason to suspect that he keeps up a correspond anc[e] with the
enemy — Therefore resolved that the said John Cobham
[214] be ordered forthwith to appear before this Board —
John Cobham appearing informed the Board that there are
several persons at Fort Edward & Saragtoga who are in-
debted to him in large sums of money and that he has been
endeavouring to collect the same and producing to the Board
several notes of hand for Money due to him thereupon re-
solved that the said John Cobham be discharged and that he
be cautioned against leaving this City in future without a Pass
from this Board —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 515
Hazelton Spencer an Ensign in Sir John Johnsons Corps 1780
having been apprehended at Danby in the County of Char-
lotte was brought before the Board and examined resolved
that he be committed —
Resolved that Isaac Ostrander be Hberated from his
Confinement on entering into a recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Isaac Ostrander of the Hellebergh Farmer in.. ;£^ioo
John Waley of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Capi Isaac Van Valkenburgh appeared before the Board
and informed us that he and William Klauw had became
surety before the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Poug-
keepsie for John J. Van Valkenburgh and Mathew M":Cagge
who lately came from New York that they the said John J.
Van Valkenburgh and Mathew M'rCagge should in ten days
[215] surrender themselves as prisoners to this Board and pro-
ducing a Certificate of the same from the said Commissioners —
And the said John J. Van Valkenburgh being examin[e]d
saith as follows (to wit) (see Examination on file) —
Resolved that the said John J. Van Valkenburgh be per-
mitted to go to Kinderhook on his entering into a recog-
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
John J. Van Valkenburgh of Kinderhook
Labourer in £500
Jurry Van Valkenburgh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^5oo
5i6 State of New York
1780 ^isQ resolved that Mathew M^Cagge be discharged on
Peter L. Van Alen of Kinderhook entering into a Recog-
nizance for the said Mathew M'rCagge's good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Peter L. Van Alen of Kinderhook Weaver as
Bail for Mathew M^ Cagge in £500
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 5- September 1780
Sept. 5. Present
John M. Beeckman ) j ^ ta t- 1
;; , o • (1 Isaac D. I'onda
bamuel btringer J (
Lieutenant Thomas Ismay appeared before the Board and
informed us that Benjamin Van Etten and his son John Van
Etten of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck refuse to do [216] any
Militia duty and say they will not take up Arms against the
King that William Hooghtaling of the same place said he was
a Kings man and that he would have nothing to do with the
Rebels and that Adrian Bradt is greatly disaffected and that
the Persons who are able to prove the above charges are
Simeon Viele and Philip Radliff —
Resolved in consequence of the above information that
citations be made out and sent to the said Simeon Viele and
PhiHp RadlifF commanding their appearance before us at the
City Hall on the 7^ instant —
The board being also informed that Ensign Ephraim
Hudson is able to give information against several disaffected
Persons resolved that a letter be wrote to the said Ephraim
Hudson requesting his appearance before us as soon as
possible —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 5 1 7
Resolved that a citation be sent to M- Catharine Burling- 1780
ham to appear before us on the 7- instant to give informa-
tion respecting the conduct of several of the inhabitants of
New Scotland —
John Broachim who was on the 10- August last liberated
from Confinement appeared before the Board with David
Kittle as his surety —
Resolved that Ryer Schermerhorn and Johannis Weller
his former Bails be and they are hereby discharged and that
the said John Broachim enter into recognizance anew with the
said David Kittle as his surety for his good Behaviour doing
his duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required [217] during the
continuance of the present was with Great Britain —
John Broachim of the District of Schenectady
Farmer in ;^200
David Kittle of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £'200
Adjourned —
Met Albany 6^^ September 1780 se't*6
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f n 1 c^ •
-' Tx 1^ 1 r 1 isamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
John Johnson of the State of Connecticut appeared before
the Board and laid before us a letter from CoU William B.
Whiting of Kings District wherein the said Col- Whiting
request's that Samuel Johnson who was the other day con-
fined by Mathew Adgate Esq- for dissuading the inhabitants
of this State to take up Arms in defence of the Country may
be delivered over to the said John Johnson his Brother as he
beleives from the former character of the said Samuel John-
51 8 State of New York
1780 son that he is at present Insane And that the said John
Johnson producing also a letter from the said Mathew Adgate
Esq' to this Board advising compliance with the above
request —
Resolved in consequence of the above Letters that the said
Samuel Johnson be delivered over to the said John Johnson
and that he be cautioned against coming in this State whilst
he persists in inculcating such dangerous and destructive
Principles —
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Jesse Fairchilds' the
sum of ;^ 1 62 — 16 Continental Money on account —
/ Hendrick Merkle appeared before the Board according
to our order to enter into anew Recognizance —
[218] Resolved that he enter into the same for his good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Hendrick Merkle of Tryon County Farmer in. ;^ioo
John Roff of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Se'ptV Met Albany f^ September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j ( Samuel Stringer
Siemon Viele appeared before the Board according to our
order of the 5*> instant and was examined his examination
is in the words following (to wit) (see examination on file)
•He signed his name "Pairchild". See note under date of September
12, 1780.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 519
Catharine BuUingham and Philip Radhff being also on a^'^f'^
the 5''' instant cited to appear before the Board appeared
and were examined their Examination's are as follows (to
wit) (see examinations on file)
John Armstrong who was some time since confined by Col?
Henry K. Van Rensselaer was brought before the Board —
Resolved that (agreeable to the request of the said Col
Rensselaer) the said John Armstrong be liberated from con-
finement on his entering into a recognizance for his future
good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies [219] when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
John Armstrong of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in ;^ioo
John E. Lansing of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^ September 1780 Sept. 8.
Present
John M. Beeckman \ f Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher j I Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Jacob Ball Jun^ of the Bever Dam be dis-
charged from confinement on entering into a recognizance
for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Jacob Ball Jun-' of the Bever Dam Farmer in ;^ioo
Peter Man Jun^ of Schohary Farmer his Bail
in £^00
520 State of New York
1780 Resolved also that John Ball Jun- be discharged from
confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon dur-
ing the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Ball Jun? of the Bever Dam Labourer in £'100
William Man of Schohary Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Se^^^i [^^°] Met Albany II- September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman } | Mathew Visscher
Isaac D Fonda j ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that George Rodgers be discharged from con-
finement on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when called upon during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
George Rodgers of the City of Albany Weaver
in ;^ioo
Henry Van Wie of the same place Carpenter
his Bail in ;^I00
Resolved that Mathias Rose, William Rodgers, John Stiles,
Robert Brisben, and John MfDole be severally cited to ap-
pear before this Board on the 24- day of September instant
with sufficient sureties to enter into new recognizance's
A Letter directed to this Board from Capi Isaac Van
Valkenburgh dated the 9— instant was laid before us wherein
he requests a Certificate of John Van Valkenburgh's having
entered into a recognizance before us for his good behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 521
and appearance before us when called upon in order that Sent^i
the said Isaac Van Valkenburgh may by producing the said
certificate be enabled to get the Effects taken from him when
he came from New York and which were detained by a
Justice of the peace residing at Crompon in Dutchess
County —
Resolved that in compliance with the above request a
certificate be made out and transmitted to the [221] said
Capi Van Valkenburgh —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 12- September 1780 Sept. 12.
Present
John M Beeckman | ( g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Christopher Hutt be liberated from con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Christopher Hutt of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
William Monk of the Hellebergh Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Jesse Fairchild the
sum of 282;^ 16' on account of services performed for this
Board — »
Adjourned —
' The item ordered paid, on September 6, amounting to ^162 „ i6s.,
and the above amount, making together the sum of ^445 » 12s., were
paid together. The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol.
40, p. 172, State Comptroller's Office.
522 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 13'.'' September 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( _, , r. •
^/r 1 TT- I r i i^amuel btnnger
Mathew Visscher j (. ^
Thomas Blewer having been committed to Goal by Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer was brought before the Board
Resolved that he be liberated from Confinement on en-
tering into a recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
good behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
[222] Thomas Blewer of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in . ;^ioo
David Groesbeeck of the City of Albany
Cordwainer his Bail in ;{!^ioo
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany I5'> September 1780 —
sept. 15. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f _ , n •
Isaac D.Fonda \ | Samuel Strmger
William Klaw of KUne Kill appeared before the Board
and informed us that there is at present at Kinderhook a
certain woman who has lately been to New York that from
every circumstance there is the greatest reason to suppose
that she has been sent there by certain Tories at Kinder-
hook for the purpose of obtaining intelligence and it being
highly necessary that this Matter should be enquired into
and properly investigated —
Therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Major Isaac
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 523
Goes requesting him to have the said woman apprehended g^^J®"
and brought before him and to examine her as to the Names
of the persons who sent her to New York and to send
the said persons together with the said woman forthwith
to us —
A Certificate dated 13''' instant signed by John L. Bronk
and Philip Conine Esq- was laid before the Board wherein
the[y] set forth that aggreeable to a Law of this State En-
titled an Act for the removal of the Families " of persons -
who have joined the Enemy" they have warned the follow-
ing persons to remove out of this State or to such parts of
it as [223] are within the power of the enemy within
twenty days from the date of the said Certificate Viz- Rachel
Halenbeeck the wife of Casper P. Halenbeeck, Maria Jan-
sen the wife of Johannis Jansen, Margaret RIemer the wife
of Johannis Riemer, Maria Eckler the wife of William Eck-
leer, Engeltie Schram the wife of Frederick Schram and
Cornelia Danials the wife of Dirck Danials, ordered that
the said Certificate be filed —
A Certificate dated 9- September signed by Samuel Van
Veghten Esq"^ one of the Justices of the peace for the County
of Albany was laid before the Board wherein he sets forth
that agreeable to the last mentioned act of the Legislature
he has warned the following persons to remove out of this
State or to such parts of it as are in the power of the enemy
Viz- Catharine Dies the wife of Jacob Dies, Eva Dies the
wife of Mathew Dies, Mary Van Garde the wife of Benja-
min Van Garde, Elizabeth Lampman the wife of Wilhelmas
Lampman, Gertruyd Dewitt the wife of Evert Dewitt, Jake-
myntie Williams the wife of Frederick Williams, Jane Pick-
sen the wife of John Picksen and Jane Straight the wife of
Thomas Straight —
Adjourned —
524 State of New York
1780 Met Albany 16^? September 1780
Sept. 16.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) { Mathew Visscher
James Parks who came from the enemy last spring hav-
ing been apprehended was brought before the Board on
being Examined he saith as follows (to wit) (see Exami-
nation on file)
[224] Resolved that the said James Parks be confined and
that a mittimus be made out for him —
Johan Jurie Fought appearing according to our order to
enter into anew recognizance —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Johan Jurie Fought of Lonenburgh in the
District of Coxsakie Farmer in ;^ioo
Sylvester Salsbury of the County of Albany
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that an order be made out directed to Amos
Lucas forthwith to deliver up to this Board William Tyler
for whose appearance when called upon he became surety —
Resolved that citations be sent to John Wans, William
Jackson, Andrian Bradt, Benjamin Van Etten, and William
Hdoghteling to appear before this Board on the 19^ day of
September instant —
Also Resolved that a citation be sent to D- Thompson of
Livi[n]gston's Manor to appear before this Board on or be-
fore the first day of October next —
The board having received information that Major Zadock
Wright is at present with his Family in Cumberland County —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 525
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Moses Wright (who ^78o
, , , ,. & V Sept. 16.
entered into a bond to dehver up the said Zadock Wright
[225] when called upon) forthwith to bring before the Board
the said Zadock Wright —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i85^ September 1780 1780 i
Present ^P*' ^8-
John M. Beeckman ] ( _ , ^ •
XT 1 17-1 r i bamuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( ^
Agreeable to the citation sent to Doctor Thompson on
the 16- instant he appeared resolved that the said D-
Thompson be committed and that a Mittimus be made out
to the Goaler to take him into his custody and closely confine
him —
Cornelia Danials appeared before the Board and informed
us that her Husband Dirck Danials had about four years ago
gone off to the Enemy and that agreeable to a late Law John
L. Bronk & Philip Conine Esq- two of the [Justices] of the
Peace for this County had ordered her to leave this State or
remove to such parts of it as are in the Power of the enemy
And the said Cornelia Danials laying before the Board a
Recommendation from the said Justices setting forth that she
has always behaved herself in an unexceptionable Manner
and recommending it to the Board to grant her a Permit to
remain at her Habitation —
Resolved in Consequence of the said recommendation that
a Permit be granted her accordingly —
John Stiles having been ordered to appear before the Board
to enter into a new Recognizance appeared pursuant to the
said Order —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
526 State of New York
1780 surety for his good behaviour doing his duty and [226]
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
John Stiles of Palmertown in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
James Eldrige of Saragtoga in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Seth Perry appeared before the Board and informed us
that James Starks, Ephraim Knowlton & Philip Philips are
endeavouring daily to instil into the minds of weak and
ignorant people a persuasion that it is contrary to Scripture
to take up Arms in defence of the Country and are otherwise
by their conduct and conversation giving Offence to the
friends of the American cause —
It is therefore resolved that the said James Starks, Ephraim
Knowlton, and Philip Philips be cited to appear before this
Board on Wednesday the 27- day of September instant
to answer the above complaint and that the said Seth Perry
be ordered to produce Witnesses in support of the said charge
on that day —
Adjourned —
1780 • Met Albany 19^ September 1780
Sept. 19.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j n f rl
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) |
Adrian Bradt, Benjamin Van Etten and William Jackson,
having been cited to appear before this Board appeared —
Resolved on consideration of the charges alledged against
them respectively that they be committed and that a [227]
mittimus be made out directed to the Goaler to take them into
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 527
his custody and safely keep them untill discharged by any ^^^o
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies —
James Starke having been accused by Seth Perry and others
with being a person disaffected to the American cause ap-
peared before the board and requested that he might be per-
mitted to bring Evidences before us to invalidate the said
Charge whereupon resolved that the secretary to this Board
furnish the said James Starke with citations for such persons
as the said James Starke may think necessary to produce to
disprove the said Charge —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 20^ September 1780 Septf^.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (. Isaac D. Fonda
John M'rDole having been heretofore bound by recog-
nizance appeared this day according to the order of this
Board Resolved that he enter into Recognizance of anew with
a sufficient surety for his future good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
John M^Dole of Saragtoga in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
John Mahoney of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Daniel B. Bradt Esq- Supervisor for the District of Hosick
in this County Certified to the Board that he had agreeable
to the Law for the Removal of Families of Persons who have
[228] gone off and joined the Enemy warned the following
Weomen to depart the State or remove to such parts of it as
528 State of New York
1780 are in the power of the enemy in twenty days from the time of
such Notification (to wit) Rebecca Ruyter, Sarah Cammeron,
Catharina Best, Elizabeth Ruyter, Hannah Simpson, EHzabeth
Letcher, AriantieWies, Maria Young & Susannah Lantman — ■
A Certificate signed by Daniel B. Bradt, John Randell,
and a Number of other Persons residing in Hosick District
was laid before the Board wherein they set forth that Su-
sannah Lantman and Maria Young whose Husbands are
gone to the enemy and who have been lately notified to leave
the State are desirous of remaining at their Habitations —
Resolved on considering the subject of the said Certificate
that this Board can in nowise agree to grant Permits to the said
Susannah Lantman & Maria Young for the above Purpose —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 21- September 1780
S«Pt- "• Present
John M. Beeckman ) i Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j { Samuel Stringer
The Board having received information that William
Shanklin formerly an inhabitant of Cherry Valley and noW
residing in the East District of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck is a person who has always professed Principles Inimical
to the American cause and who has at the destruction of
Cherry Valley by the Indians assisted the Enemy in plunder-
ing and robbing the well affected [229] Inhabitants and the
same having been attested to by John Willson and James
Scott also formerly residing at Cherry Valley —
It is therefore resolved that the said William Shanklin be
forthwith apprehended and confined and that a warrant be
made out for that Purpose —
A Letter directed to this [Board] dated 19- instant from
Johannis Lawyer and WilHam Dietz Esq- two of the Justices
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 529
of the Peace of this County was read setting forth that Sarah ^78o
Zimmer of Schohary has agreeable to the Law for the Re-
moval of the Families of persons who have gone over to the
Enemy been warned to leave the State or remove to Such
parts of it as are in the Power of the enemy and she is desirous
of remaining at Home and having always conducted herself
in an unexceptionable manner they request that Permission
may be granted her for that Purpose —
Resolved that the subject of the above Letter be taken
into Consideration till to morrow —
Adjourned —
Met Albany az'i^ September 1780 Sept.^2.
Present
John M. Beeckman \ j Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j \ Samuel Stringer
Noah Pain Esq-"" one of the Justices of the peace for the
County of Charlotte appeared before the Board and laid
before us several Examinations taken by him respecting
Thomas Yarns and others now here confined in Goal which
Examination's are in the following words (to wit) (see exam-
inations on file) —
[230] The Board taking into consideration the Letter
received from Johannis Lawyer and William Dietz Esq- re-
specting Sarah Zimmer do resolve that a Permit be granted
to the said Sarah Zimmer to remain at her Habitation —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 23^ September 1780 ^^1780
Present
John M. Beeckman [ | Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer J I Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Benjamin Van Etten be discharged from
530
State of New York
1780 Confinement on entering into a recognizance for his future
good Behaviour, doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Benjamin Van Etten of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . :£^ioo
Jacob Roseboom of the City of Albany Gen-
tleman his Bail in ;^ioo
Also resolved that Adrian Bradt be discharged from con-
finement on entering into a recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Adrian Bradt of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;£^ioo
John RadliflF of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in ;^50
Rykert Van Sante of the same place Car-
penter also his Bail in ;^50
[231] Resolved that William Jackson be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a recognizance with a suffi-
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and ap-
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
William Jackson of New Scotland in the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Farmer in £^100
Mathew Watson of the City of Albany Mer-
chant his Bail in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 531
Df Thompson made application to the Board to be lib- „ ^'^o
erated from confinement on account of the Illness of his
wife and the distressed Situation of his Family and he pro-
ducing an Affidavit of Jacob Power as to the truth of the
above —
Resolved on the consideration thereof that the said
Thomas Thompson be discharged from his confinement on
entering into a recognizance with sufficient sureties for his
appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in
October next to answer to such charges as shall then and
there be alledged against [him] and not to depart the Court
without Leave and for his good behaviour in the mean
time —
Thomas Thompson of the Manor of Living-
ston Physician in ;^500
Coenradt Rosman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £250
John Shuts of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in £250
Adjourned —
[232] Met Albany 24^? September 1780 Septf^4.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j 1 Samuel Stringer
A Letter was laid before the Board dated the 23"* Instant
signed by Seth Perry, Samuel Hill and other well affected
persons setting forth that Numbers of the Torys in New
Bethlehem in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck are collecting
in the night time and that there is great reason to suppose
unless timely prevented they may injure some of the friends to
532 State of New York
Sept^4 ^^^ American cause and requesting that a warrant may be
granted for the Apprehension of the said persons —
On taking the subject of the above letter into considera-
tion It is resolved that a w^arrant be made out directed to
Seth Perry to apprehend all such disaffected persons as are
above complained of and forthv?ith bring them before us —
Adjourned —
gg^'^8°g Met Albany 25^ September 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman j 1 Samuel Stringer
The Board having received information that Cap* Isaac
Lansing is able to give some material information against
James Legrange of this City it is therefore ordered that the
said Isaac Lansing be requested to attend this Board imme-
diately —
Robert Brisben having been heretofore bound by [233]
Recognizance appeared before us according to our order to
enter into Recognizance of anew —
Resolved that he enter into the same with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear-
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Robert Brisben of Saragtoga Farmer in ;^ioo
Jonathan Pettit of the City of Albany Cord-
wainer his Bail in ;^ioo
Isaac Lansing appearing according to our order was
examined and his Examination is in the following words
(to wit) (see examination on the file) —
Resolved in consequence of the said Examination as the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 533
said James Legrange is under the age of Twenty one Years ^7So
that he procure some person to become surety for his future
good Behaviour —
Arie Legrange appearing before the Board and being
willing to become surety for James Legrange It is re-
solved that he enter into a recognizance for the said James
Legrange's future good behaviour doing his duty and ap-
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Arie Legrange of the City of Albany Merchant
as Bail for his son James Legrange in. . . . £^100
Resolved that Philip Herwig be requested immediately
to furnish this Board with the Crime of John M'rDorn &
that he perticularly ascertain the time when the same was
committed —
[234] John Tunnicliff appeared before the Board and
requested Permission for himself and John Rawbottom to
go to Tryon County for the purpose of seeing his Farm —
Resolved that Permission for that purpose be granted
them on Joshua Bloore entering into a Recognizance for their
returning within a reasonable Time to this place and behaving
themselves during their Absence in a becoming Manner —
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Merchant
as surety for John Tunnicliff & John Raw-
bottom in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 26^ September 1780 se't^26
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer [ I Mathew Visscher
534 State of New York
1780 Lieutenant Ephraim Hudson having been cited to appear
before the Board in order to his being examined with re-
spect to sundry persons living at New Scotland appeared
and being examined says —
That William Jackson is a person of weight & Influence
in the part where he lives that he is certain that the Ex-
presses from the Enemy which pass up & down the Country
lodge at his House, that John Burnsides is a Tory and that
the Party that robbed Lieui Leonard went from Burnsides
House — (See Examination on file) —
John Herrington and Ephraim Knowlton having been
apprehended in consequence of a warrant issued on the
24- instant was brought before the Board —
[235] Resolved that they be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out to the Goaler to take them into his Custody —
Adjourned —
Sept.^7. Met Albany 27^ September 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer j (. Mathew Visscher
The Board proceeded to the Examination of the Charge
of disaffection to the American cause Exhibited by Seth
Perry against James Starks, Ephraim Knowlton & Philip
Philips and in support of the said charge the following per-
sons were examined as witnesses (to wit) Benjamin Valen-
tine, M- Skinner, Sarah Barnum, Mary Knowlton, Samuel
Hill, M- Beagle, Elizabeth Barnum, Jabez Landers and
John Lawrence their Examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examinations of file)
In order to invalidate the charge above alledged the said
James Starks requested that the following persons might
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 535
be examined (to wit) Isaac Lawrence, Richard Lawrence, 1780
Mine Lawrence, William Barnum, Jacob Herrington, Lena ^^ ' ^^'
Herrington, Robert Patrick, Nathaniel Culver, John Salsbury,
Dirck Sluyter, & Henry Salsbury which Examination's are in
the following words (to wit) (See examination's on the File)
Resolved that the consideration of the above Examina-
tions be postponed till to Morrow Morning —
Resolved that a letter be wrote to his Excellency Gov-
ernor Clinton inclosing a copy of the Letter received from
[236] John D. Goes which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (See Letter on the file)*
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^ September 1780 Se'l^s
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer J ( Mathew Visscher
As no Particular charge has yet been exhibited against
John Herrington therefore resolved that he be discharged
from Confinement —
The Board having resumed the consideration of the
Examinations Yesterday taken and the charge of disaffection
against James Starke appearing to be well founded it is
resolved that he enter into Recognizance with sufficient
sureties to remain within the Limits of Kings District and
not depart the same without leave obtained for that pur-
pose from any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
(unless it be to do Militia duty) and for his good Behaviour
and appearance before any of the said Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
'In George Clinton Papers, no. 3242, and the letter of Goes, no. 3194,
archives of New York State Library.
536 State of New York
^780 James Starke of Kings District Labourer in. . . ;£^loo
Nathaniel Culver of the same place Esq- his
Bail in £ 50
John Salsbury of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £ 50
Adjourned —
Oct. 2. Met Albany 2^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | j^^^^ ^ ^^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
[237] Samuel Perry of Palmerton having been cited to
appear before the Board to enter into a new Recognizance
appeared for that purpose with a sufficient surety resolved
that he enter into the same for his good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
Samuel Perry of Palmertown in the District
of Saragtoga Farmer in ;^ioo
Rowland Perry of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
John Perry having also been cited to appear before the
Board to enter into a new Recognizance appearing resolved
that he enter into the same for his good behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
John Perry of Palmertown in Saragtoga
District Farmer in £100
Rowland Perry of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 537
Met Albany 3-^ October 1780 1780
Present 0«=*- 3-
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher j \ Isaac D. Fonda
Mathias Rose having been cited to appear before this
Board to enter into a new Recognizance appeared for that
Purpose with a sufficient surety —
Resolved that he enter into the same for his good be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
[238] Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Mathias Rose of Saragtoga District Labourer
in £100
Freeman Barligh of the same [place] Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 4^5? October 1780 J'JjSo
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Stringer j \ Mathew Visscher
A Petition of Ephraim Knowlton was laid before the Board
whereby he request's to be released from Confinement and
the same being taken into Consideration —
Resolved that he be released accordingly on entering
into a recognizance for his good behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain and also for his appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held on the
third Tuesday in October Instant at the City Hall in this
538 State of New York
1780 Q[fy Cqi. wheresoever the said Court shall then be held in
Oct. 4. -^ ^
the State of New York) and not depart the Court without
Leave —
Ephraim Knowlton of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in . . ;i^ioo
Thomas Knowlton of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Robert Patrick of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
1780 |-22g] Met Albany 5^^? October 1780
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( _ • 1 tt t. t
t, in- 11 eremiah Van Rensselaer
bamuei IStrmger ) ( ■'
It appearing from the Examination of James Halstead that
James Drummond of Nistageune has harboured and secreted
Emissaries from the Enemy and has from the Commencement
of the present Contest been esteemed as a person disaffected
to the American cause —
It is therefore resolved that a citation be made out directed
to the said James Drummond to appear before this Board on
Saturday the seventh day of October instant to answer the
above complaint —
It having been suggested to us that Philip Van Rensselaer
EsqT has received a Letter from CoU Richard Varick (who
was Aid De Camp to General Arnold at the time he went off
to New York) which contains Expressions which would tend
to discover some of the persons concerned with Arnold in
his Villianous Plot —
It is therefore resolved that the said Philip Van Rens-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 539
selaer be requested to attend this Board with the said Letter
as soon as conveniently may be —
John TunniclifF to whom a pass was granted by this Board
to go to Tryon County appeared and requested that Joshua
Bloore who became surety for his Return to this City might be
discharged from the Recognizance entered into for him resolved
that the said Joshua Bloore be discharged accordingly —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 6^ October 1780
[240]
Present
John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda
The Board having received information that Hans Peter
Snyder living on Fishkill at Saragtoga has and still keeps up
a Correspondence with the enemy and harbours persons pass-
ing through the Country who are coming from the enemy —
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Hans Peter Snyder and
that the said warrant be inclosed in a Letter to CoU Cor-
nelius Van Veghten and that he be requested to have the
same served —
Abraham Hooghteling who was some time ago confined for
having been with Brant and his Party and who broke Goal
having been again apprehended was brought before the Board
resolved that he be committed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 7^^ October 1780
Present
Ma
John M. Beeckman
Mathew Visscher
] ( Isaa[c] D. Fonda
j 1 Samuel Stringer
1780
Oct. s.
1780
Oct. 6.
1780
Oct. 7.
540 State of New York
1780 Nicholas Lake having been heretofore cited to appear
before the Board appeared before us this day to enter into
a new Recognizance resolved that he enter into the same
writh a sufficient surety and that he be bound for his good
Behaviour, doing his duty, and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies w^henever called [241]
upon during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Nicholas Lake of Cinkaick in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Abraham Schuyler of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ;^ioo
A Return signed by John Younglove Esq- was laid before
us wherein he specifies that he has agreeable to An Act of
the Legislature for the Removal of the Families of Persons
who have joined [the] enemy ordered the following persons to
depart this State or remove to such parts of it as are in the
power of the Enemy, (to wit) Elizabeth Hogle the wife of
John Hogle, Jane Hogle wife of Francis Hogle and three
Children of Simeon Covell ordered that the said return be
filed —
Elizabeth Hogle one of the weomen named in the above
return made by John Younglove Esq- appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to remain at her Habitation
assigning as a reason that her Husband was killed at the
Battle of Bennington and the same being certified to us by
sundry well affected inhabitants of this County and that the
said Elizabeth Hogle has since the going away of her Husband
behaved herself in a becoming manner —
It is therefore resolved that a permit be granted to the said
Elizabeth Hogle for the above purpose —
Resolved that Henry Van Corlaer who was heretofore
bound in a recognizance for his good Behaviour and appear-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 541
ance before this Board when called be cited to appear forth- ^78o
with with a suffi- [242] cient surety to enter into Recognizance
of anew —
A Return signed by John Bebee EsqT one of the Justices
of the peace for this County was laid before the Board
wherein he specifies that agreeable to an Act of the Legisla-
ture of this State entitled an Act for the Removal of the
Families of Persons who have joined the enemy he has warned
the following persons to depart this State or remove to such
parts of it as are in the power of the Enemy, (to wit) Jerusha
Ingram wife of Benjamin Ingram Jun- , Mary Mf Carry wife
of Duncan M? Carry, Lucretia Woodward wife of David
Woodward & Abigail Woodward wife of Josiah Woodward -
Lucretia Woodward and Jerush[a] Ingraham two of the
women named in the above return appeared before the Board
and requested Permission to remain at their Habitations and
produced to the Board Certificates from sundry of the well
affected Inhabitants of this County of their good Character
and that their remaining in the Country will not be detri-
mental to the Freedom & independence of this and the
United States in consequence of which Certificates and
recommendations —
It is resolved that a permit be granted to the said Lu-
cretia Woodward and Jerusha Ingraham —
John TunniclifF appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to Tryon County in Search of some Horses
and other Effects that were unjustly taken from him and
converted to the Private use of several Individuals in the
said County —
Resolved that agreeable to the said request [243] the
said John TunniclifF have Permission granted him to go to
Tryon County in search of the said Horses and Effects —
Captain Jarvis Mudge appeared before the Board & re-
542 State of New York
1780 quested that his son in Law David Darrow now here con-
fined in Goal may be liberated from his confinement on
account of the Illness of his wife —
Resolved in consequence of the said Application that the
said David Darrow have Permission to go and see his wife
on his entering into a Recognizance for his Surrendering
himself up to this Board as a prisoner on or before the 28-
Instant and for his good and peaceable Behaviour during
that time —
David Darrow of New Lebanon Kings Dis-
trict Farmer in £100
Jarvis Mudge of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^loo
Adjourned —
Jc^t^L Met Albany 8*5? October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] C _ , ^ •
iir 1 TT- 1 r i oamuei Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (. "
John Drummond having been adjudged a person of a
Suspicious Character and dangerous to the safety of the
State and being [sic] in consequence thereof been ordered
to appear before this Board and he appearing this day and
being charged with the above and denying the same but at
the same time professing his principles in Favour of the
Crown of Great Britain and declaring his intention of not
taking up Arms in Defence of the American Cause —
Therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mit-
timus be made out for him —
[244] Cornelius Viele appeared and requested that the
above mentioned John Drummond might on account of the
distressed situation of his Family be permitted to go Home
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 543
for a few days and the said Cornelius Viele being an ap-
proved friend to the Country —
Therefore resolved that his Request be complied v^ith
and that the said John Drummond have Permission to re-
turn home and surrendering himself as a Prisoner to this
Board on or before the ii- instant and in the mean time
be of the good Behaviour —
John Drummond of Nistageune in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Cornelius Viele of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
1780
Oct. 8.
Adjourned
Present
John M. Beeckman [ | Samuel Stringer
Met Albany g^ October 1780
1 1
Isaac D. Fonda
Mathevp Visscher
Isabel Clark of Cooksborough appeared before the Board
and laid before us a Certificate signed by Lieu- Jacob Halen-
beeck and a number of other well affected Inhabitants of
this County setting forth that the said Isabel Clark has
received an order from a Justice of the Peace to depart
the State or remove to such parts of it as are in the Power
of the Enemy in consequence of her Husband's having gone
off to the Enemy and they further Certify that the said Isabel
Clark has always behaved herself in a peaceable and quiet Man-
ner and that they do not conceive that her [245] remaining in
the Country will in any wise prove dangerous or detrimental to
the Freedom and Independance of this and the United States —
It is therefore resolved that a Permit be made out for the
said Isabel Clark to remain at her Habitation unmolested —
Adjourned —
1780
Oct. 9.
544 State of New York
„i78o Met Albany lo^^ October 1780
Oct. 10. T. •' '
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) ( Samuel Stringer
Peter Smith of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck appeared
before the Board and informed us that he had received in
Payment from Melchert File three fifty Dollar Bills Conti-
nental Money which on- being inspected were found coun-
terfeit and it appearing probable to this Board that the said
Counterfeit money is circulated through the State by some
of the disaffected Inhabitants with a view of embarrassing
the public Operations and it being highly necessary that an
Enquiry should be made into the same therefore resolved in
Consequence of the said Information that the said Peter Smith
be bound in a Recognizance to appear at the next Supream
Court to be held on the third Tuesday in October Instant
to give Evidence with Respect to the said Counterfeit Bills —
Peter Smith of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
Philip Coenradt having also received Counterfeit Bills
from the said Melchert File —
Resolved that he also enter into a Recognizance [246]
to appear at the next Supream Court to give Evidence
against the said Melchert File —
Philip Coenradt of the East District of
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
Resolved in Consequence of the above information of
Peter Smith and Philip Coenradt that Melchert File be
ordered to attend this Board on Tuesday the 17- Day of
October Instant —
The Board having received Information that Ryneir
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 545
Vischer of this City has received in Payment Counterfeit 1780
Continental Money and he having been sent tor and appear-
ing with the said Money and informed us he had received
the same from Isacher Childs —
Isacher Childs being sent for and examined with Respect
to the said Counterfeit Money says that he received the
same from a certain Johnson —
Johnson being sent for and not being able to inform us
where he received the same resolved that he be informed
that this Board do insist on knowing where and from whom
he received the same —
Application was made to this Board for a Permit to M^
Edgar to go to Canada —
Resolved that M£i Edgar be informed that this Board are
not authorized to grant Permits for that purpose —
Adjourned —
Met Albany iiii? October 1780— 00^11
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ p^^j^
Mathew Visscher ) (
[247] Application was made to the Board by Major
Reed for a Permit for Doctor George Smith to go With his
Family to Canada —
Resolved that Major Reed be informed that this Board
are not vested with a power to grant Permits of that nature
but that we have no Objections to Dr Smith's going provided
he can obtain his Excellency the Governor's Permission — '
> The Albany board advised Dr. Smith or Smyth, in a letter of this date
that it had no objection to his obtaining a pass to Canada, provided it was
allowed by Colonel W. Malcolm, commanding the northern department, and
Malcolm actually gave the pass on the 13th The minutes of October 17
and 18 show that the board vitiated this pass and put Smith under a recog-
nizance and baU, limiting him " to remain within the Limits of his dwelling
546 State of New York
1780 ^ Petition signed by Wilhelmas Van Antwerp Esq?' Jus-
tice of the peace and a number of other well affected Inhabit-
ants of Nistageune was laid before the Board, setting
forth that Margaret MfCulpin in Consequence of her Hus-
band's having gone off to the Enemy has been ordered to
depart this State or remove to such Parts of it as are in the
Power of the Enemy and praying (on Account of the unex-
ceptionable Character of the said Margaret M-Culpin)
that she may be permitted to remain at he[r] Habitation
unmolested —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Petition that a
Permit be granted to the said Margaret MfCulpin for the
purpose above mentioned —
Abraham Hoogteling at present in Confinement was
ordered to be brought before the Board and examined &
then recommitted —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 14^? October 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( _ , r. •
i _^ „ , l i bamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( "
John Kluck having been confined for being disaffected
to the American cause and deemed dangerous to the [248]
safety of the safety^ [state] was brought before the Board
and we judging his Confinement to have been sufiiciently
long and he offering good Bail for his future good
Conduct —
House and Yard and not to depart the same ". On October 26; Smith
appealed to Governor Clinton, stated his plight and averred that the change
of base must have been inspired by some private enemy of his in the board. —
George Clinton Papers, nos. 3263, 331 1, archives of New York State Library.
• Error in the original manuscript.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 547
Therefore resolved that he be liberated from Confine- ^^^^o
Oct. 14.
ment on his entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies v?hen called upon dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Kluck of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Potter in ;^ioo
John Horn of the same place Butcher his
Bail in ;;^ioo
Cap' John Decker Robison having been ordered to
deliver up John Smith to this Board agreeable to the Tenor
of his Recognizance appeared with the said John Smith
resolved that as the said Smith is indicted for a Robbery
committed at Frederick Berringer's that he be committed
in order that he may be tried —
Adjourned —
1780
Met Albany 15^ October 1780 Oct. 15.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ j^ ^^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Whereas this Board has received Information that CoR
Malcolm the Commanding Officer in this place has' granted
Permission to Dr. George Smith with his Family and M"^.'
Edgar to go to Canada and the present time being adjudged
very improper by this Board to permit the said persons to go
on account of the Enemy's being on the Frontiers —
It is therefore resolved that it be recommended to [249]
Col' Malcolm to detain the said Doctor Smith and M^
Edgar untill their going can be no way Prejudicial —
Adjourned —
548 State of New York
1780 Met Albany i6i^ October 1780
Oct. 16. n
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda —
Resolved that Susannah Parie, John Barney and Nancy
Thompson who this Board has been informed are able to
prove several charges alledged against Angus M^ Donald and
D^ Thomas Thompson be severally cited to appear before us
forthwith that they may be examined —
John Van Valkenburgh who lately left the Enemy at New
York and who is at present an Kinderhook being able to
give some very material information respecting sundry
inhabitants of this County now with the Enemy whereby the
Grand Jury will be able to proceed against them agreeable
to the Confiscation Law it is therefore resolved that he be
cited to appear at the next Supream Court to be held on the
third Tuesday in October instant —
Christian Smith of the East District of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck being able to prove that John Smith was
concerned in the Robbery committed on Frederick Berringer
it is therefore resolved that he be cited also to appear at the
next Supream Court —
The Board having received information from Catharine
Budingham that Alexander Keerklaer of New Scotland
has harboured and concealed Joseph Bettis an Emissary
from the [250] Enemy resolved in Consequence of the
said Information that the said Alexander Kerklaer be
ordered forthwith to appear before us to answer the above
charge —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 549
Met Albany 17^ October 1780. 1780
Present °''- "^•
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Vlsscher
Samuel Stringer ) \ Isaac D. Fonda
A Letter from Doctor George Smith was laid before the
Board wherein he informs us that he has thought proper to
remove from this place to Fort Edward and the said Doctor
Smith having received express orders from this Board on no
pretence to leave the City — ^
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out directed
to John Tillman Jun^ for the Apprehension of the said D^
Smith and his son Terence Smith —
Israel Smith of Brattleborough in the County of Cumber-
land laid before the Board a Letter from CoU Eleazer Patter-
son directed to his Excellency Governor Clinton by whom
the said Letter was referred to this Board which Letter is
in the words following (to wit) (See letter on File)
It appearing from the Contents of the above Letter and
also from the Information of the said Israel Smith that
Timothy Church, Comfort Joy and Jonathan Mills Church
have held a Correspondence and kept up an Intercourse
with a certain Oliver Church now an Officer In the British
Army —
It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Timothy [251] Church,
Comfort Joy and Jonathan Mills Church and that the said
warrant be inclosed In a Letter to Col- Paterson —
Resolved also that a citation be made out to Lieutenant
Joathan Church to appear before the Board forthwith In
order that he may be examined as to the above —
Adjourned —
' Cf. the note under October nth
550 State of New York
^1780 Met Albany i8i^ October 1780
Oct. 18. n -^ '
rresent
John M. Beeckman | ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer , j ( Isaac D. Fonda
CoK Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the Board
and informed that Nicholas Williams of the Eas[t] District
of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck has lately entertained in his
house his son who was on his way from New York to Canada
as an Express —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
a warrant be made out for the Apprehension of the said
Nicholas Williams and that Coll Rensselaer be requested
to procure a person to serve the same —
There being the greatest reason to suspect from D-
Smith's present conduct that he is endeavoring to mislead the
minds of weak and ignorant People it is therefore resolved
that he be sent for —
Doctor Smith appearing and being examined resolved
in order to prevent such Conduct in future that he enter
into Recognizance to remain within the Limits of his dwelling
House and Yard and not depart the same and that he do not
hold any Correspondence either by word or Deed upon [252]
Political Matters with any Person or Persons inimical to the
American cause which may tend to the Prejudice of this or the
United States of America, and appear before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon that he
shall remain under these Restrictions during the continuance of
the presentwarwith Great Britain unless sooner discharged —
George Smith of the City of Albany Physician
in £300
Thomas Reed of the same place Gentleman
his Bail in ;£^300
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 551
Met Albany ig^' October 1780 „i78o
T, ^ ^ ' Oct. 19.
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j I. Isaac D. Fonda
The Board having received information that the Reverend
Samuel Swertfeger does frequently go to the Hellebergh under
a Pretence of preaching the Gospel but in fact to inculcate
Doctrines tending to disafFect the minds of well disposed
Persons and he being at present in this City it is therefore
resolved that he be sent for —
The said Samuel Swertfeger appearing it is resolved that
he enter into Recognizance with a sufficient surety for his
good behaviour and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required & that
he do not depart the Limits of the District in which he at
present resides unless it be to preach the Gospel to the
different Congregations in whose Employ he at present is
and that he do riot mislead the minds of his Heerors by in-
culcating Principles inconsistant with the Freedom and
Independ- [253] ance of this and the United States —
Samuel Swertfeger of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Clerk ;^ioo
William Zoble of the City of Albany Tobaco-
nist his Bail in ;^ioo
A Letter from Major Dickison at Stillwater dated the
18^ Instant was laid before the Board wherein he informs
us that he has apprehended and sends to us under Guard a
certain Person who calls himself John M?Mullin who he sus-
pects to be a spy from the Enemy, and the said John Mf-
MuUin being brought before the Board and examined there-
upon resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
552 State of New York
1780 The above mentioned John M^MuIlin having in the Course
Oct. 19. .... ■
of his Examination mentioned the Names of sevef al Persons
at whose houses he vi^as secreted and harboured on his way
into the Country and among others Patrick Ryan of the Green
Island in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck therefore resolved
that a warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension
of the said Patrick Ryan.
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to General Schuyler at
Saragtoga informing him of the Purport of MfMullins
Examination —
Adjourned —
q11^„ Met Albany 20^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j | Isaac D. Fonda
Patrick Ryan for whose apprehension a warrant [254]
was Yesterday made out was brought before the Board on
being examined he denies having seen John Mf Mullen at his
house —
Whereupon ordered that the said John M? Mullen be
brought before us —
The said John M? Mullen being interrogated as to the
charge by him alledged against the said Patrick Ryan con-
fesses that the said Patrick Ryan was not at Home during the
time he was in his house whereupon resolved that the said
Patrick Ryan be discharged and that the said M? Mullen be
recommitted —
The Board having received information that a certain
James Ayres at present in this City is endeavouring at this
Time to dissuade Persons who are on their way to repel the
Incursions of the Enemy to throw down their Arms which
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 553
Isaac D. Fonda
dangerous and distructive Principles having a Tendency to
subvert the Constitution of the State and the said James
Ayres being adjudged in the Opinion of this Board dangerous
to the safety and wellfare of the State
Therefore resolved that he be apprehended forthwith and
confined —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ]
Samuel Stringer )
The Board having received information that there is at
present in this City, a certain Person whose conduct and
Conversation renders him very suspicious therefore [255]
resolved that Jacob Kidney the Door Keeper be ordered to
bring the said Person forthwith before the Board.
Jacob Kidney having agreeable to order apprehended the
above mentioned person and brought him before us On
being examined he says that his Names [sic] is James Small
and that he is resident in Cambridge District resolved
that he be confined untill he produces a Certificate of his
Character —
Thomas Bourn a Deserter from Burgoyne's Army and
William Allen of New Concord in Kings District having
been apprehended as appearing to be of Suspicious Char-
acters and being examined and giving a satisfactory
Account of themselves therefore resolved that they be
discharged —
Received a Letter from Peter Cantine Esqt wherein he
informs us that he sends under Guard Hendrick Blunt,
Hendrick Bonistel, and Petrus Bonistel who are Persons
that are disaffected to the American Cause and whose going
1780
Oct. 20.
1780
Oct. 21.
554 State of New York
1780 at large at this time may be dangerous to the State resolved
in consequence of the above Letter that they be severally
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 22- October 1780 —
Oct. 22a -r^
i resent
John M Beeckman | j j^^^^j^j^ y^^ Rensselaer
Samuel Strmger V j j^^^, d. ponda
Mathew Visscher J {
A Letter from the Honorable Major General [256]
Schuyler was laid before the Board wherein he informs us
that he sends under Guard Hans Peter Snyder and James
Brisben Inhabitants of Saragtoga District for Harbouring
concealing and forwarding into the Country Spy's sent from
the Enemy, and also James Van Driesen who has come
from the Enemy in the Character of a Spy. resolved that
they be severally committed and that a Mittimus for that
purpose be made out —
Thomas Griffiths and Robert Reynolds two of Sir John
Johnson's party were brought before the Board on being
Examined they say they are Deserters from the Enemy
resolved that they be detained untill the Board are better
satisfied as to their Characters —
Adjourned —
j^go Met Albany 23"? October 1780
Oct. 23. Present
John M. Beeckman ] f „ , n •
,, , XT- 1 1 1 oamuel Strmger
Mathew Visscher ) (. "
A Letter from the Reverend Valentine Rath burn respect-
ing a Number of Persons from New Lebanon at present
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 555
confined in Goal was laid before the Board which Letter 1780
Oct. 23.
is in the words following (to wit) (see Letter on file) re-
solved that the Consideration thereof be postponed till a
future day —
Thomas Griffiths and Robert Reynolds who were Yes-
terday examined were again brought before the Board and
examined, their Examination's are in the words following
(to wit) (see Examinations on file)
James Van Driesen was Also brought before the [257]
Board and examined, his Examination is in the words fol-
lowing (to wit) (see Examination on file)
Hans Peter Snyder was also brought before the Board
and examined and then ordered to be recommitted
Adjourned —
Met Albany 24^'' October 1780 ^^7^
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] ( ^ t-» i? j
;; , n • (1 Isaac D. I'onda
Samuel Strmger ) (
A Negro Man having been sent to Goal by General
Schuyler who was apprehended on his way to the Enemy
was this day at the request of his Master brought before
the Board and being examined says he was persuaded to go
off by a certain Man Whose name is Shepherd who is one of
the people called Shaking Quakers —
Resolved that the said Negro Man be discharged —
Cap^ Jacob Van Aernam appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended at the Hellebergh a
certain Jacob Schell formerly an Inhabitant of that place
but at present a Soldier in Sir John Johnson's Regiment and
the said Jacob Schell being examined says that he received
Directions from Sir John at the time he left him to inform
556 State of New York
1780 the inhabitants of the Country that those who did not take
Oct. 24. •' . .
up Arms would not be molested in their Persons or Property
by the Kings Troops — resolved that he be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for him
Adjourned —
11^- [258] Met Albany 25^-^ October 1780
Oct. 25.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( , t-v t- 1
■i , r. • f 1 Isaac D. J:<onda
Samuel btringer ) (.
Samuel Stringer
At the request of Col? Paine the Board having met pro-
ceeded to the Examination of John Mf Mullen his Exami-
nation is in the following words (to wit) (see his Examination
on File) ordered that he be recommitted —
Jacob Schell and James Van Driesen were also brought
before the Board and examined and ordered to be
recommitted —
Adjourned —
olt%. Met Albany 27^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Christian Frihart belonging to Sir John Johnson's Party
was brought before the Board and being examined says as
follows (to wit) (see Examination on file)
Benjamin Benton also belonging to Sir John's Corps
having been taken Prisoner and brought before the Board
was also examined his examination is in the words following
(to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 557
Met Albany zS^^ October 1780 ^^So,
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j
Mathew Visscher ) (
[259] Zepheniah Batchelor Esqf appeared before the
Board with Peter Jost an Inhabitant of Johnstown in Tryon
County who he informed us had gone to Sir John at the
Destruction of Caughnawaga and the said Peter Jost being
examined denies the above Charge and Offers to swear
that he was taken a Prisoner and says he is able to prove
the same by several creditable Persons and it appearing to us
from sundry Circumstances that what has been alledged by
the said Peter Jost is true
Therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Major Newkerk of Tryon County appeared before the
Board and informed us that among the Prisoners who are
ordered down to Fishkill there is a certain [blank] who has
always behaved himself as a peaceable subject of this
State & has been reputed a Friend to the American Cause
that he was last spring taken Prisoner by the Enemy and
joined Sir John for no other Purpose than that he might
have an Oppertunity of making his Escape, resolved there-
fore that Col? Malcolm be requested to detain him —
Adjourned
Met Albany ap-*" October 1780 178a
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( g^^^^j g^^.^
Mathew Visscher ) (
A Letter was laid before the Board from the HonH!
Major General Schuyler wherein he informs us that he sends
to us under Guard two Prisoners named William Vrooman
Oct. 29.
55S State of New York
1780 and Henry Tinkey — That the said Wilham Vrooman has
aided comforted and assisted a certain James Van [260]
Driesen a spy from the Enemy and that the said Henry
Tinkey has harboured and assisted John M? Mullen also a
spy from the Enemy —
Resolved that they be severally committed and that a
Mittimus be made out for them —
In the above mentioned Letter of General Schuyler
mention is also made of a Number of Tory woemen v?ho are
at present at Saragtoga and who are desirous of going to
Canada resolved that his Excellency the Governor be in-
formed of the same by one of the Members of this Board and
that the necessity of their departure be pointed to him —
Adjourned
qJ7^^ Met Albany 30^ October 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman [ j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Samuel Stringer
A Letter from Col- Macolm dated at Schenectady was laid
before the Board wherein he informs that he sends to us
under Guard two prisoners named Isaac Aerse and Adam
Hoofer who were of Sir John Johnson's Party at the time of
his destroying the Settlement of Schohary — resolved that
they be Examined —
The said Isaac Aerse and Adam Hoofer being examined
say as follows — (See their Examination on file) — ordered
that they be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for
them —
Cap? Blackley appeared before the Board and informed
us that agreeable to a warrant from this Board [261] (trans-
mitted to Col'- Patterson on the 17?'' Instant) he had appre-
hended Cap? Timothy Church and Jonathan Mills Church
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 559
resolved that they be [brought] before [the] Board and ^7^
severally Examined —
Capi Timothy Church and Jonathan Mills Church
being examined say as follows (see their Examinations on
File) —
Lieui Jonathan Church who was cited to appear this Day
before us as a Witness against the said Timothy Church &
Jonathan Mills Church appeared and was examined (see his
Examination on file) —
Resolved on Consideration of the above Examinations
that Jonathan Mills Church be discharged and that Timothy
Church be discharged on entering into a Recognizance for
his Appearance before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when called upon and for his good Behaviour
and doing his duty during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Timothy Church of Brattleborough in the
County of Cumberland Farmer in ;^300
Benjamin Butterfield of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^200
Adjourned —
Met Albany 31^ October 1780 — 1780
Present "^ ' ^*'
John M. Beeckman ) ^ „ 1 n •
X • I IT T. 1 ( ) oamuel btnneer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Resolved that David Fairchilds be liberated from his
present Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required [262] during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
560 State of New York
Q^^So , David Fairchilds of Ballstown in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Mathew Fairchilds of the s.ame place Taylor
his Bail in £100
John Leslie a Deserter from Sir John Johnson's Party
appeared before us and being examined and requesting Per-
mission to go to his Excellency the Governor resolved that
he have the same granted him —
Adjourned
Nov. 6. -n
rresent
^i^78o_ ^ Met Albany 6^! November 1780
ent
John M. Beeckman ) ( , t^ t- 1
T • 1 TT T. 1 f 1 Isaac D. J:<onda
eremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Hugh MPManus of Tryon County Constable appeared
before the Board with Albert Van Der Werken as a Prisoner
which said Van Der Werken he informs us he had appre-
hended by order of Zepheniah Batchelor EsqJ and some of
the other Justices of Tryon County and the said Albert Van
Der Werken being examined says that he last Spring went off
to Canada with Robert Snail that afterwards repenting of
what he had done he returned with an Intention of throwing
himself upon the Mercy of the Country —
Resolved that the said Albert Van Der Werken be ordered
to attend this Board to Morrow Morning and that he be
informed in the mean time his case will be taken into Con-
sideration —
William Hoofer being brought before the Board [263] was
examined and then ordered to be recommitted —
Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- laid before the Board a return
of a Number of woemen whose Husbands are gone off to the
Enemy and who he has warned agreeable to the Act of the
Legislature of this State for the Removal of the Families
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 561
of Persons who have gone over to and joined the Enemy 1780
Ordered that the said return be filed —
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Poughkeepsie dated the 3^ Instant was laid before the Board
wherein the[y] inform us that they send to us a certain
WiUiam Laird an Inhabitant of Tryon County who says he
was taken Prisoner last spring by the Enemy and that he has
in Sir John's late Expedition made his escape from them
resolved that he be ordered to attend this Board to Morrow
Morning —
A Letter from Doctor George Smith' was laid before the
Board wherein he sets forth the distressed Situation of his
Family by means of his being confined to his house and the
same being taken into Consideration resolved that he enter
into a Recognizance to remain within the Limits of this City
untill this Board shall think proper to discharge him from
these Restrictions and that he shall not hold Correspondence
upon Political Matters during that Time which may in any
manner be prejudicial to the United States —
George Smith of the City of Albany, Phy-
sician in ;£^500
Thomas Reed of the same Place Esq^ his
Bail in £500
Adjourned
[264] Met Albany 7^ November 1780 ^^J^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( j n F r1
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Albert Van Der Werken who was Yesterday before the
Board and was ordered to attend again this day appeared
» See note under date of October nth.
562 State of New York
1780 agreeable to order and prayed that Peter Sietz and Mf Can-
non who have been Prisoners in Canada and were lately ex-
changed might be examined and the said Persons being
Examined say while they were in Canada they saw Albert
Van Der Werken there and that he acted as a Bar Keeper
in a Tavern and they could not learn that he had taken up
Arms in the Enemies service —
Resolved in Consequence of the above information that
the said Albert Van Der Werken be permitted to go at large
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
continuance of the present war with Great Britain — -
Albert Van Der Werken of Johns Town in
Tryon County Farmer in ;C200
Jacob Van Der Werken of the Sant Vlacte in
the County of Tryon Farmer his Bail .... ;^200
Johan Jost Warner having been bound for his Appear-
ance at the Supream Court held in this City on the third
Tuesday in October last and there having been no Grand
Jury in that time —
Therefore resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner enter
[265] into Recognizance of anew for his Appearance at the
next Supream Court to be held at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in January next and not depart the
Court without Leave —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary Farmer in. . £100
Resolved that the said Johan Jost Warner also enter into
a Recognizance for the appearance of his wife Margaret
Warner at the next Supream Court —
Johan Jost Warner Bail for his wife Margaret
Warner in £'50
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 563
William Laird appearing agreeable to the Order of 1780
Yesterday resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his
Appearance before Zepheniah Batchelor Esq- of Tryon
County with a sufficient surety to enter into Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
William Laird of Kingsborough in Tryon
County Farmer in £100
Jacob Van Der Werken of the Sant Vlacte in
Tryon County Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^ November 1780 1780
Present ^°'- 8.
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ ^^^^^
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
William Loucks appeared before the Board agreeable to
our order and being examined says as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File)
Information having been received from M- [266] Camp-
bell who lately was exchanged and came from Canada that
John Docksteder of Tryon County did last Spring take into
his House a wounded Soldier of Sir John Johnson's Party
and that he did after the said Soldier was recovered for
some time keep him in his House in woman's Cloath's
untill he made his Escape to Canada — It is in Consequence
thereof resolved that a warrant be made out for the said
John Dockstader and transmitted to Zepheniah Batchelor
Esq- to have the same served as soon as pbssible —
Adjourned —
564 State of New York
jj^T^o Met Albany 9^ November 1780 —
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( t ta t? j
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer [ \ '''^' °- ^^"'^^
Resolved that William Shanklin be liberated from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance v^ith a suffi-
cient surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
William Shanklin of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. . . £100
Andrew Shanklin of the City of Albany La-
bourer Bail in ;^loo
Col'. Anthony Van Bergen appeared before the Board and
informed us that a Number of disaffected Persons have of
late associated back of Cooksakie under a Pretence of
Religious worship but that he is well persuaded from the
Political Chara[c]ters of the said persons and other Circum-
stances [267] that such meetings are only held to Deliberate
upon such Matters as may tend to injure the American Cause
to prevent which in future
It is resolved that a warrant be made out and delivered
to Col' Van Bergen for the Apprehension of the persons
above described and that he be requested to have the same
served as soon as possible —
Abraham Hooghteling was brought before us and exam-
ined on his Examination he says that a Number of persons
have been lately enlisted by Jacob Halenbeeck at Niscuthaw
and places adjacent and that their Intention is early in the
spring to Join the Enemy which Examination is in the
words following (to wit) (See Examination on file)
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 565
Met Albany 10*^ November 1780 „^7^
T, ■' ' Nov. 10.
rresent
John M. Beeckman "\ f . -r^, t^ 1
T . , ^^ _, , ( \ Isaac D bonds.
eremiah Van Rensselaer v -< -, . •
ir ^ TT- 1 ( ) Samuel Stnnger
Mathew Visscher ) { "
The Board taking into Consideration the Examination of
Abraham Hooghteling who was examined Yesterday Re-
solved in Consequence thereof that the Hon— Brigadier
Geni Ten Broeck be requested to order a party of the Cook-
sakie Militia now in this City to go and apprehend all such
Persons as are mentioned in the Examination of the said
Abraham Hooghteling —
General Ten Broeck having appointed Lieu- Rykert Van
Den Bergh with a Party of CoP Van Bergens Regiment to
go and apprehend the said Persons — Resolved that Instruc-
tions be made for him which Instructions are in the words
following (to wit) (See instructions on File)
[268] It appearing also from Hoogteling's Examination
that a Number of Persons in Livingston's Manor are con-
cerned in the Enlistment mentioned in the said Examina-
tion therefore resolved that General Ten Broeck be also
requested to detach a Party of that Quarter for the Appre-
hension of all such Persons and that Instructions be made
out to the Officer who is to command the said party which
Instructions are in the following words (to wit) (see Copy
Instructions on File)
The Board having received information that John Walty-
mier who frequently passes thro the Country as an Express
from the enemy crosses Hudsons River at Hendrick Claws
who lives near the Kinderhook Landing an[d] that said
Claw harbours Waltymier It is therefore resolved that a
Letter be wrote to Col'- Abraham Van Alstyne requesting
566 State of New York
1780 him to have the said Hendrick Clauw apprehended and
Nov. 10.
brought before us —
Lieu- Rykert Van Den Bergh having in Consequence of
our warrant apprehended Jacob Halenbeeck Jun- and he
being brought before the Board and examined resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him —
Resolved that General Ten Broeck be requested to detach
a Party of Col' Van Ness's Regiment to go to Coyemans
and there to take Charge of and bring to Goal such Prison-
ers as may be delivered over to him by Lieu- Van Den
Bergh —
Alexander Bryant of the Half Moon [269] was brought
before us by Col' Schoonhoven in order that he might be
examined as to sundry disaffected Persons and the said
Bryant being examined his Examination is as follows (to
wit) (see Examination on File)
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 11*'' November 1780
^°^- "• Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Abraham Hoogteling was ordered to be brought
before the Board & being again Examined ordered that
he be recommitted —
Cap* Cornelius Hogeboom appeared before the Board and
informed that he had agreeable to the Directions received
from us proceeded to Coyemans where he had received of
Lieu5 Van Den Bergh the following persons as Prisoners
(to wit) John Witbeeck, Nicholas Huyck, Johannis Huyck
Jun-, Peter Huyck, David Van Dyck, William Hoogteling,
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 567
Johannis Witbeeck, Henry Huyck, Joachim Collyer, John jj^'^*'
Schram, John Ver Plank, Peter Finehout, and William
Plato — resolved that they be severally committed and that
a Mittimus be made out for them —
William Plato one of the persons above mentioned was
ordered to be brought before us for Examination on being
Examined he says as follows (to wit) (See his Examination
on File) —
It appearing from the Examination of James Van Driesen
that Archibald M?Neal and Ezekiel Ensign of [270]
Saragtoga Jo[t]ham Bemus of Stillwater and some others
have carried on a Correspondence with the Enemy and
have aided comforted and assisted Parties going to and
coming from the enemy It is resolved in Consequence
of the said Information that a warrant be made out for the
immediate apprehension of the said Persons and that the
same be forthwith transmitted to General Schuyler now at
Saragtoga —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 12^ November 1780 lygo
Present ^°'- "•
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Lieu^ Van Den Bergh appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had agreeable to our warrant appre-
hended John Coenly, Lowrence Deal and Beriah Kelly and
they being severally produced and Examined resolved that
they be committed and that a Mittimus be made out directed
to the Goaler to take them into his Custody and detain
them until discharged by an order of this Board —
Adjourned
568 State of New York
1780 Met Albany i^^ November 1780
"-•^3. Present
Teremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( _ tn t- 1
t , ^ . c ^ Isaac U. ronda
Samuel btnnger ) (
Samuel Stringer
Captain Bleecker of Col? Gansevoort's Regiment appeared
before the Board and informed us that he had agreeable to
a warrant of this Board delivered to him by Gen- Schuyler
apprehended Archibald M?Neal, Ezekiel Ensign [271]
Jotham Bemus and Joseph Carr and they being severally
brought in & Examined resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out to the Sheriff to take them into
his Custody and safely keep until discharged by this Board.
Lowrence Deal and John Coenly who were Yesterday
confined were ordered to be brought before the Board and
examined their Examinations are as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on file) ordered that they be recommitted —
Adjourned —
jj^^jSo Met Albany 14^ November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher ) j Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Peter Finehout was brought before the Board and exam-
ined his Examination is as follows (to wit) (see Examination
on File)
The Board having been informed that Hoogteling and
Lena Hoogteling residing at Aquatuck will be able to give
Information respecting the Persons apprehended in that
Quarter and who are at present in Confinement therefore
resolved that they be severally cited to appear before us to
Morrow Morning at 10 OClock —
Cap* Coenradt Klyne appeared before the Board &
Minutes of Commissioners "for Conspiracies 569
informed that agreeable to an order of this Board he had
apprehended Henry Smith Jun- , Henry Bonestel, James
MfCoy, John Harvey, John Bunt, John Snoeck, Thomas
Whiting, John Hoogteling and Henry Hoogteling and they
being brought before the Board and examined ordered that
they be committed and that [272] a Mittimus be made out
for them — '
A Letter from Col- Peter Livingston was laid before the
Board dated the li- Instant wherein he informs us that
he sends an Examination of Anna Proper respecting James
M^Coy which Examination is as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File) —
A Letter from Col- Henry J. Van Rensselaer was laid
before the Board dated 16*'' Instant respecting John Harvey
who was lately apprehended and brought to Goal by Cap-
Coenradt Klyne in which Letter he informs us that the said
Harvey is a very dangerous Person ordered that the said
Letter be filed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 15^? November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda
1780
Nov. 14.
Samuel Stringer
1780
Hov. 15.
Resolved that William Lees be liberated from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required doing his duty & be of the good
Behaviour for and during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
' Captain Cline, Kline or Klyne, was paid £g „ o „ 2d. in " hard money "
for this service. The original voucher is in RevoMionary Manuscripts,
vol. 40, p. 162, State Comptroller's office.
570 State of New York
1780 William Lees of Nistdgeune in the County of
Albany Blacksmith in ;^ioo
Jesse Fairchild of the City of Albany Black-
smith his Bail in ;^ioo
The Board having received information that [273] Joseph
Stalker of the East District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
is knowing to several Villianies committed by persons living
at New Scotland such as harbouring spies from the Enemy
&- resolved that the said Joseph Stalker be cited to appear
before us on Friday next in Order to his being Examined
as to the above
Resolved that Johannis Huyck be liberated from Con-
finement on his entering into a recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Johannis Huyck of Hackatough in the County
of Albany Labourer in ;£^ioo
Gerrit Van Wie of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Cordwainer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Jacob Halenbeeck Jun^ be liberated from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
remaining within the Limits of the Dwelling house and
Yard of Samuel Pruyn situate within the third Ward of
this City until discharged from the said Restrictions by this
Board or any other three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies and for his good Behaviour during that Time —
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun^ of Klinkenbergh in
the County of Albany Farmer in i^Soo
Jacob Halenbeeck of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 571
Resolved that James Whitacre be discharged from Con- jj^J^^^
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
[274] Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required for and during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
James Whitacre of Nistageune in the County
of Albany Labourer in ;^ioo
Williams Lees of the same place Blacksmith
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany i65i November 1780 1780
Present
Nov. 16.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) \ John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer ) { Mathew Visscher
Resolved that John Hocknel be discharged from Confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour, doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for
and during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
John Hocknel of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;£^ioo
Peter Scharp of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in ;£^ioo
CoU Abraham Van Alstyne having agreeable to a Request
of this Board of the 10^ Instant caused Hendrick Clauw
to be apprehended and brought before us and the said Clauw
being examined and it appearing probable to this Board
from his Examination and other [275] Circumstances that
he is innocent of the Crime laid to his Charge but as the said
Hendrick Clauw is reputed a disaffected Person —
572 State of New York
^780 Therefore resolved that previous to his being discharged
he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
for his procuring a good sufficient Bail on or before the 25-
day of November Instant —
Hendrick Clauw of the District of Kinder-
hook in the County of Albany Carpenter in £100
James Van Driesen was brought before the Board &
examined and ordered to be recommitted —
Resolved that Joseph Hawkins be liberated from Confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for
and during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain and for his remaining within the Limits of this City
and not departing the same (unless it be to do Militia or other
Military Duty) without the Consent and Approbation of this
Board —
Joseph Hawkins of Kingsbury in the County
of Charlotte Yeoman in ;^loo
William Shepherd of the City of Albany
Cutler his Bail in ;^loo
Adjourned —
Hov. 17. [276] Met Albany ly^ November 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j \ Mathew Visscher
Resolved that John Bont be discharged from Confinement on
his entering into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 573
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com- 1780
missionexs for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain.
John Bont of Claverack District Weaver in . . ;^ioo
John Decker Robison of the same place
Carpenter his Bail in £^0
Elisha Talmidge of the same place Black-
smith also his Bail in :^50
Resolved that Peter I. Miller be discharged from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the continuance of the present war
with Great Britain.
Peter I. Miller of Claverack District Wheel-
wright in ;^ioo
John Decker Robison of the same place
Carpenter his Bail in £ 50
Elisha Talmidge of the same place Black-
smith also his Bail in £ 50
Resolved that Joel Piatt be discharged from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance for his future [277]
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required for and during the continuance of the Present war
[with] Great Britain.
Joel Pratt of New Lebanon in the Count}
of Albany Farmer in £100
Ase Stower of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Joseph Meacham be discharged from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
Nov. 17.
any
into
574 State of New York
1780 good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before a
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereu^..^
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Joseph Meacham of New Lebanon in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;£^ioo
Isaac Garnsey of Half Moon District Farmer
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Hezekiah Hammond be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
future good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the continuance of the present
war with Great Britain
Hezekiah Hammond of the State of Masse-
chusets Bay Farmer in i^ioo
Isaac Garnsey of Half Moon District Farmer
his Bail in £ S°
Ase Stower of New Lebanon in the County
of Albany Farmer also his his Bail in. . . . ;^ 50
M- Mills wife of Abel Mills appeared before the Board
agreeable to order and was examined her examination is as
follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
[278] A Letter from Samuel Ten Broeck Esq- of Living-
ston's Manor was laid before the Board by Harmanus Rose
Constable with an Examination respecting Thomas M? Feal
who said Harmanus Rose informed us he had apprehended
and had in his Custody and the" said Thomas MP Feal being
Examined resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Johannis Shaver Esq- and Cap£ John Decker Robison
appeared before the Board and informed us that Peter Bean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 575
is a dangerous and disaffected person and that he endeavours uoy. j»
by his Conversation to intimidate weak & ignorant persons
and that John Bartle is also a dangerous and disaffected
person in Consequence of which Information
Resolved that Major Samuel Ten Broeck of Livingston's
Manor be requested to have the said Peter Bean and John
Bartle apprehended and forthwith sent to us.
Adjourned.
•Met Albany 18*^ November 1780 hov.^8.
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( Mathew Visscher
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j I Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Calvin Harlow be discharged from Confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present war with Great
Britain —
Calvin Harlow of New Lebanon in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Joseph Meacham of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^loo
[279] Resolved that Hans Sneack be discharged from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain.
Hans Sneack of Claverack District Farmer in . £ 1 00
John Decker Robison of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
576 State of New York
1780 Resolved that John Harvey be discharged from Confine-
Wov. 18. -^ . . ^ . p , . J D
ment on his entering into a recognizance for his good JtJe-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the continuance of the present war with Great
Britain.
John Harvey of Claverack District Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob F. Shaver of Livingstons Manor Esq-
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved Beriah Kelly be discharged from Confinement
on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain.
Beriah Kelly of Norwich in the State of
Connecticut in ;^ioo
Ezra Cleveland of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned.
Nov. 20
Present
^780^ [280] Met Albany 20*'' November 1780
lent
John M. Beeckman ) f f, , o •
t. , TT- 1 r 1 Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) (. °
Resolved That Thomas Ayres be discharged from confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his future good
behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereinto \sic\
required during the continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 577
Thomas Ayres of New Lebanon in the County ^78o
. Nov. 20.
of Albany Labourer in ;^ioo
Peter Ayres of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
The Board having from sundry Circilmstances the greatest
reason to think that the Information of Abraham Hoogteling
was entirely false and as several persons have been confined
on account of the same therefore resolved that the said
persons be discharged from Confinement, but as all of them
have from the Commencement of the present Contest been
disaffected to the American Cause it is ordered that previous
to their discharge they severally enter into a Recognizance
for their good Behaviour doing their duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the continuance of the
present war with Great Britain.
Johannis L Witbeeck of Niscuthaw Farmer in ;£'ioo
Cornelius Van Der Zee of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Johannis L. Witbeeck of Acquatough in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
[281] Isaac Witbeeck of Cooksakie Farmer
his Bail in :^ioo
Nicholas Huyck of Acquatough Farmer in. . ;^ioo
Cornelius Huyck of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in ^100
John Ver Plank of Hacketock Farmer in.. . ;^ioo
Cornelius Huyck of the west district of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in ;f 100
578 State of New York
1780 Hendrick Huyck of the west District of the
Nov. ao. A yr r -n • /-
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . £100
Hendrick Van Sante of Ni[s]cuthaw Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
David Van Dyck of Niscuthaw Farmer in. . £^100
Eli Arnold of the City of Albany Cooper his
Bail in ;Cioo
Wouter Witbeeck of Manettenhook Farmer
in £100
Peter W. Hilton of the City of Albany Cooper
his Bail in ;^ioo
Joachim Collier of Cooksakie Farmer in. . . ;£^ioo
Isaac Witbeeck of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Isaac Huyck of Hacketock Farmer in ;^ioo
Isaac Witbeck of Cooksakie Farmer his Bail
in ;^loo
Cornelius Huyck of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Lowrence Deal, John Garret and John
Coenly severally enter into a recognizance for their future
good behaviour doing their duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain & also for their appearance at the next
Supreme Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New
York at the City Hall in this City on the third Tuesday in
January next (or wheresoever the [282] said Court shall
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 579
then be held in the State aforesaid) and not depart the ^7^
Court without Leave.
Lowrance Deal of Cooksakie Farmer in . . . . ;^ioo
Cornelius Conine of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
John Garret of Cooksakie District Farmer
in £100
Richard Bronck of the same place EsqF his
Bail in ;^ioo
John Coenly of Cooksakie District Farmer
in. ;^ioo
Cornelius Conine of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
It being suggested to the Board that Simeon Garret who
lives upon the Farm formerly occupied by John Waltymier
has frequent Intercourse with the said Waltymier and
harbours him when on his way through the Country
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that the
said Simeon Garret be cited to appear before this Board
forthwith
Adjourned.
Met Albany 21?^ November 1780 No^^^
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] ( o i c^ ■
T • 1 T7 T^ r 1 'Samuel btnnger
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (
Df George Smith appeared before the Board & informed
us that from an Expectation of going to Canada he has
disposed of all his EiFects and that he is greatly reduced in
his Circumstances and finds it impossible to maintain his
family in this City and being desirous of removing to the
580 State of New York
1780 Farm at present occupied by John JoUey situate in the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck resolved that he
have Permission granted him for that Purpose on his enter-
ing into a Recognizance for his remaining within the Limits
of the said Farm and not [283] leaving the same without
Leave previously obtained for that purpose from this Board
and that he shall not during his residence at the said [farm]
correspond with or in any Manner whatsoever give any
Intelligence to the Enemies of this or the United States and
for his good Behaviour during the said time and for his
appearance when called upon.
George Smith of the City of Albany Physi-
cian in ;^ioo
Patrick Smith of the same place Merchant
his Bail in ;£^ioo
Resolved that William Bartow, Jacob Halenbeeck, Jun"",
Peter Finehout, Ebenezer Stanton, Nathan Stanton, Arnold
Skoelfield, Peter Huyck, and William Hoogteling, be
severally discharged from Confinement on entering into
Recognizance for their good Behaviour doing their duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when called upon during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
William Bartow of Cooksakie District La-
bourer in ;^ioo
Myndert Van Schaick of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Jacob Halenbeeck Jun?: of Klinkenbergh
Farmer in ;^ioo
Samuel Pruyn of the City of Albany Yeo-
man his Bail in ;£^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 581
Peter Finehout of Acquatough Labourer in. . £100 »78o
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £100
Ebenezer Stanton of Cooksakie District
Farmer in ;^ioo
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Nathan Stanton of Cooksakie District Farmer
in £100
Daniel G. Van Antwerp of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;£^ioo
[284] Arnold Skolfield of the west District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck in £100
Wilhelmas Row of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Peter Huyck of Auckquetuck Farmer in. . . ;^ioo
Michael Klink of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
William Hoogteling of Niscuthaw Farmer in . ;^ioo
Michael Klink of Auckquetough Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that Philip Philips be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the continu-
ance of the present war with Great Britain
Philip Philips of the Eas[t] District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in £100
Thomas Knowlton of the same plac[e] Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned.
582 State of New York
„i'r8o Met Albany 22^^ November 1780 —
Nov. 22. ■' '
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer | | g^^^^j g^inger
John M. Beeckman j (.
A Certificate was laid before the Board signed by CoU
Killian Van Rensselaer and sundry other Ofiicers certifying
that the said John Low who is at present in Confinement has
ever evinced a warm Attachment to the American Cause and
has been ready on every Occasion to do his duty in the Militia
Resolved in Consequence of the same that the said [285]
John Low be discharged on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
called upon during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain.
John Low of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in ;£^ioo
Nicholas Low of the same place Gentleman
his Bail in £100
Whereas James Bramley and Peter Livingstone of the
Hellebergh have been severally cited to appear before this
Board and refused and neglected to do the same it is there-
fore resolved that a warrant be made out directed to Cap*
Jacob Van Aernam authorizing him to apprehend the said
James Bramley and Peter Livingstone and forthwith bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 23? November 1780 —
Nov. 23.
rresent
John M. Beeckman ] ( c, 1 c •
T • 1 T7 T» r 1 bamuel btrmger
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j (
Minutes of Commissioners foir Conspiracies 583
Resolved that Johannis Huyck be discharged from Con- -.^^^**
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of [the] Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Johannis Huyck of Acquatough in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
[286] Peter Van Wie of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Andries Loucks be discharged from Con-
finement on Frederick Cranse entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said Andries Loucks & for
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Frederick Cranse of the Hellebergh Farmer
as Bail for Andries Loucks in £^100
Resolved that Johan Jost Warner be discharged on
entering into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Johan Jost Warner of Schohary in the County
of Albany Labourer in £100
Philippus Warner of the Bever Dam Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Nicholas Sea be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
Nov. 23.
584 State of New York
Hov^23 "^^quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Nicholas Sea of Schohary Farmer in ;^ioo
Philippus Warner of the Bever Dam Farmer
his Bail in £100
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Poughkeepsie was laid before the Board wherein they [287]
inform that they send to us a certain John Davis of Tryon
County whom they have caused to be apprehended on sus-
picion of his having stolen two Horses —
Resolved that the said John Davis be committed until
an inquiry can be made into the Crime wherewith he stands
Charged —
Adjourned —
Kov. 24. Met Albany 24*^ November 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman } j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j (. Isaac D. Fonda
John Bartle agreeable to an order of this Board of the 7*-^
Instant appeared and the crime as alledged against him
being read to him and he denying the same resolved that the
said John Bartle have Permission granted him to appear
again on the 4*^ day of December next and bring with him
such Evidences as he may think Proper to invalidate the
said Charge
Also Resolved that Cap- Robison be informed of the
Proceedings respecting John Bartle and that he be requested
also to attend on that day —
Hugh M°Manus appeared before the Board and informed
that agreeable to our order he had apprehended John
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 585
Docksteder and the said Docksteder being Examined and it
appearing that he is not the person who it was intended
Should be apprehended therefore resolved that he be dis-
charged —
Resolved that Hendrick Bonistel be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty [288] and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
Hendrick Bonistel of Claverack District
Labourer in ;^ioo
John Blunt of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 25^ November 1780
Isaac D. Fonda
Present
Jol
Samuel Stringe:
John M. Beeckman ] f
r j 1
1780
Nov. 24.
1780
Nov. 25.
Simeon Garret appeared before the Board this day
agreeable to our order and being Examined as to his Con-
nection with John Waltymier he says as follows (see his
Examination on file) —
Resolved that the said Simeon Garret be discharged on
his entering into Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and for his
procuring a sufficient Bail by the 2"?? day of December next —
Simeon Garret of Cooksakie District Farmer
;ClOO
m
586 State of New York
1780 James Bramley having been apprehended by Capi Jacob
Van Aernam and brought before the Board resolved that he
be confined and that a Mittimus be made out to the Goaler
commanding him to detain and keep in close Confinement
the said James Bramley until discharged by an order of this
Board —
Adjourn[e]d
Nolfle. [289] Met Albany 26*^ November 1780 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( -r • i_ t7 t> 1
;; , n • f 1 Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Strmger ) (
James Hamilton appeared before the Board and informed
us that having agreeable to directions received from Captain
Jacob Van Aernam apprehended James Bramley and being
on his way to this City with said Bramley in order to bring
him before the Board, David Gibson did assault him the
said James Hamilton and endeavoured to rescue the said
Bramley —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that a
warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension of the
said David Gibson and that the said warrant be directed to
the said James Hamilton and that he be authorized in case
any Resistance should be made by the said Gibson or any
other Person to call to his assistance such a Number of Per-
sons as he may think proper to carry the above warrant into
Execution —
Adjourned
j,^78o^ Met Albany 27^ November 1780
Present
Mathew Visscher ) j Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman J i Samuel Stringer
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 587
James Bramley who was on the 25- Instant confined was j^J^So
brought before the Board and examined ordered that he be
recommitted —
David Gibson who was agreeable to a warrant issued
Yesterday apprehended and confined was also brought
before the Board and examined and it appearing from
sundry Circum-[29o]stances that the said David Gibson has
been uniformly attached to the American Cause and has on
every Occasion done his duty and a[c]knowledged his Error
in attempting to rescue James Bramley therefore resolved
that the said David Gibson be discharged and cautioned
against such conduct in future —
The Board having received Information that Peter Waley
of the Hellebergh is a disaffected Person and that he conceals
himself in the woods to Escape doing Militia and other duty
and he being at present at Home — resolved that a warrant
be made out directed to Richard Hilton to apprehend the
said Peter Waley and forthwith bring him before us —
Adjourned —
Met Albany aS*"" November 1780 — 1780
„ Nov. 28,
Present
John M. Beeckman | C g^^^^j ^^^-^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (.
Richard Hilton appeared before the Board and informed
us that agreeable to our warrant he had apprehended Peter
Waley and he being brought before us and examined re-
solved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out
for him —
John Ab: Pearson appeared before the Board for the
Purpose of entering into a Recognizance as Bail for Simeon
Garret resolved that he enter into the same for the good
Behaviour of the said Simeon Garret and for his doing his
588 State of New York
1780 duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
[291] John Ab. Pearson of Niscuthaw in the
County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
Simeon Garret in £100
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 29^^ November 1780 —
Rot. 29,
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j \ Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Thomas Purchase be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Thomas Purchase of New-town in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob Ostrander of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Anna Proper of Livingston's Manor having been directed
by Col! Peter Livingston to appear before this Board to be
examined with Respect to the Conduct of sundry disaffected
persons of Livingston's Manor appeared and was Examined
which Examination is as follows (to wit) (see Examina-
tion on File)
A Letter from CoU Peter Livingston respecting Anna
Proper was laid before the Board and the same being read
was ordered to be filed —
A Letter from Col? Henry J. Van Rensselaer dated the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 589
i6'^ Instant respecting John Harvey a Prisoner now in _^7*'
Confinement was laid before the Board and the sa me being
[292] read was ordered to be filed —
A Letter from the Board of Commissioners for Con-
spiracies at Poughkeepsie dated the 24- Instant respecting
Ann Standerren was also laid before the Board and the same
being read was ordered to be filed —
Resolved that Jacob I. Truax be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain and also for his appearance at the next Supream
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New York
at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the third Tuesday
in January next (or wheresoever the said Court shall then
be held in the State Aforesaid) and not depart the Court
without Leave —
Jacob I. Truax of the City of Albany Inn-
keeper in ;^ioo
Isaac I. Truax of the County of Albany Inn-
keeper his Bail in £^0
John W. Truax of D°. . . .D°. . . .D°. . . .in. . £50
Adjourned —
Met Albany ^o^- November 1780 — lyf^
Wot. 30.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | j^^^^ ^ p^^j^
Samuel Stringer ) (.
The Board proceeded to the Consideration of the Charge
alledged against Robert Caldwell whereupon it is resolved
that he be discharged on his entering into a Recognizance
590 State of New York
1780 with a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
[293] for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Robert Caldwell of Schacktikook in the
County of Albany Weaver in £100
Robert Todd of the Half Moon District in
the County of Albany Weaver his Bail in . . ;^ 50
Dirck Scouting of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in £^0
Adjourned —
Present
1780 Met Albany 2"?'? December 1780
ent
John M. Beeckman ) f i\t u \t- i.
■L , n • r ) Mathew Visscher
Samuel Strmger ) (.
Samuel Stringer
A Letter from Ebenezer Russell Esq^^dated White Creek
the 18- November last was laid before the Board wherein
he sets forth the distressed Situation of the Family of Samuel
Burns now a Prisoner confined in the Goal in this City and
requesting that the said Burns may be admitted to Bail if
is can be done consistently with the safety of the State
which Letter being read ordered that the same be filed and
that the Consideration thereof be postponed till a future Day —
A Letter from Major Richard Esselstyne of Claverack
was also laid before the Board wherein he requests that
Henry Hoogteling an Inhabitant of Claverack District may
be liberated from Confinement and offering to become
surety for the said Hoogtehng which Letter being read
ordered that the same be filed and taken into Consideration
on Monday next —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 591
[294] Met Albany 4*^ December 1780 — ^^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( t,t 1 tt- 1
i, , „ . c \ Mathew Visscher
Samuel btrmger ) (
It having been suggested to the Board that WiUiam Tyler
is gone to Canada and has Joined the enemy and Amos
Lucas having became \sic\ surety for the Appearance of the
said William Tyler \?hen called upon resolved in Conse-
quence of the said Information that an order be made
out and sent to the said Amos Lucas forthwith to deliver
him up to this Board or to pay the Recognizance
Money —
The Board having been informed that from the Asser-
tions of some Persons at present with the Enemy there is
good Reason to suppose that William Laird at present resid-
ing at Johnstown who some time ago entered into a Recog-
nizance before us to appear when called upon is at present
enlisting Men for the service of the enemy with whom he
intends to join them as soon as they make a descent into the
Country — resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that the said William Laird be cited to appear forthwith
before this Board & that the Citation for the said Laird be
inclosed in a Letter to Zepheniah Batchelar 'E.stf- and that
he be requested to have the same served —
The Board then proceeded to the Consideration of the
Letter of Major Esselstyne delivered to this Board on the
2- Instant resolved in Consequence of the said Letter that
Henry Hoogteling be discharged from Confinement on his
entering into a Bond conditioned for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and [295] appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
592 State of New York
1780 during the Continuance of the Present War with Great
Britain —
Henry Hoogteling of Claverack in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Resolved that the above mentioned Bond be transmitted
to Major Esselstyne in order that he may sign the same as
Surety for Henry Hoogteling.
Thomas Yarns was brought before the Board and exam-
ined and then ordered to be Recommitted —
Resolved upon the Application of William Lees, That Ann
Standerren (who was some time ago sent to Poughkeepsie
on Account of her Influence in bringing over Persons to the
Persuasion professed by the People called Shaking Quakers
the said Persuasion having a Tendency to alienate the
minds of the People from their Allegiance tq the State by
inculcating an Opinion of the Unlawfulness of taking up
Arms in defence of the American Cause) and it appearing
that many of the Persons of the said Persuasion have been
reformed and that no further Evil is to be apprehended
from her Influence or Example therefore resolved that the
said Ann Standerren have Permission to return to Nistageune
on the said William Lees and James Whitakre entering into
a Bond conditioned for the said Ann Standerren's appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for her good Behaviour and not
saying or consenting to any Matters or Things inconsistant
with the Peace and safety of this and the United States
William Lees of NIstageuna in the County of
Albany Blacksmith as Bail for Ann
Standerren in £100
James Whitacre of the same place Yeoman
also her Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 593
[296] Met Albany 5^ December 1780 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f ^ t>, t- •
c 1 c • (1 Isaac D. Fonda
bamuel btnnger ) (.
Nicholas Sea appearing before the Board requests that
Christian Weaver may be accepted as his Surety instead of
Philip Warner whereupon resolved that the said Christian
Weaver be accepted accordingly and that he enter into a
Recognizance for the good Behaviour of the said Nicholas
Sea and for his doing his Duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Christian Weaver of Schohary in the County
of Albany Farmer as Bail for Nicholas
Sea in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 6^ December 1780 1780
Present ^^<=- ^'
John M. Beeckman ) J Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ; ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
The Board conceiving it necessary that Jacob I. Truax
of this City should be prosecuted agreeable to Law for his
Conduct in adhering to the Enemy and as the Witnesses
against him who are John Cuppernull and John I. Vrooman
of Tryon County have neglected to attend the Supreme
Court altho they have been requested so to do —
It is therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Zepheniah
Batchelar Esq- Justice of the Peace of the County of [297]
Tryon requesting him to cite the said John Cuppernull and
John I. Vrooman before him and take their Recognizance
594 State of New York
1780 for their Appearance at the next Supream Court to be held
on the third Tuesday in January next to give Evidence
against the said Jacob I. Truax
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col? Van Schonhoven
of the Half Moon requesting him to order Alexander Bryant
to appear before this Board for the Purpose of being exam-
ined as to sundry Transactions of the Disaffected in Half
Moon District —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 7^ December 1780
^«'=- 7- Present
John M Beeckman | j j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
An Anonimous Letter directed to the Commissioners for
Conspiracies was laid before the Board setting forth that
John Cobham is a Dangerous Person and that his going to
the Northward gives great Reason to suspect that he Conveys
Intelligence to the Enemy resolved in Consequence of the
above Letter that the said John Cobham be ordered on no
Pretence whatever to leave this City unless he shall pre-
viously obtain Permission from this Board for that Purpose —
Resolved that Peter Werley be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and
during the Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain
Peter Werley of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
[298] William Monk of the same Place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Andries Ward of the same Place
Farmer also his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 595
It appearing from the Examination of James Van Driesen ^78o
that Archibald M'^Neal of the Scotch Patent and his son
Alec M?Neal have aided and assisted the Party (with which
he the said Van Driesen was going to the Enemy) in making
their Escape to Canada resolved in Consequence thereof
that a warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension
of the said Archibald M'rNeil and Alec Ms Neal and that
the same be inclosed in a Letter to General Schuyler at
Saragtoga and that he be requested to have it served —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 11^ December 1781 [sic for 1780] — 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( j t\ t? j
■i , n • r ) Isaac JJ. I'onda
Samuel Strmger ) t
John Hoogteling being brought before the Board and his
Examination taken and it appearing that the Charges as
alledged against the said John Hoogteling are not of suffi-
cient weight to render his Confinement any longer necessary
therefore resolved that he be discharged —
James Oynes being brought before the Board and his
Examination taken ordered that he be recommitted —
James Brisbin being also ordered to be brought before 1-
the Board was examined ordered that he be Recommitted —
William Griffen being also brought before the Board was
examined ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
[299] Met Albany 12^ December 1780 ^7^
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j ^^^^^ yj^^^j^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
59^ State of New York
1780 A Letter from Ebenezer Clark and Alexander M^Nit
JJec. 12.
Esq- two of the Commissioners for Conspiracies for the
County of Charlotte dated New Perth 2- Instant was laid
before the Board setting forth that they inclose a Petition
signed by sundry of the Inhabitants of Kingsbury in Favour
of Thomas Yarns, William Griffin and William Bell who
are at present in Confinement resolved that the said Peti-
tion be taken into Consideration at some future Day —
A Letter from Dirck Swart Esq!: directed to this Board
and dated 12- November last was laid before us by Mf
Visscher wherein he informs us that a Petition has lately
been set on Foot and signed by a Number of Persons in
Favour of Jotham Bemus who is at Present confined in
Goal and requesting when the said Petition is laid before
the Board to be informed of it as he is desirous of disproving
a Part at least of the said Petition ordered that the said
Letter be filed.
A Letter from Lieutenant CoU Weisenfelt dated at Fort
Schuyler inclosing a Copy of an Examination of an Indian
who came from the enemy was laid before the Board and as
the said Examination contains Information which should be
communicated to General Clinton therefore resolved that
MJ Beeckman wait upon him with the same —
Adjourned —
Dec. i3<
1780 [300] Met Albany 13^^ December 1780
Present
John M Beeckman | f j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stnnger j (
The Board having taken into Consideration the Petition
presented on the 12- Instant in Favour of William GrifFen
and others resolved in Consequence thereof that the said
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 597
William Griffen be liberated from Confinement on entering j.^"^^
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his Duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Continu-
ance of the present war [with] Great Britain —
William Griffen of the County of Charlotte
Farmer in ;£^ioo
William High of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in ;Cioo
Joseph Hawkins appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to Charlotte County and remove from thence
his Family and Effects and the same being agreed to by his
Bail William Shepherd resolved that he have Permission
granted him accordingly —
The Board being desirous of reexamining Alexander
Bryant and he being ordered to appear and now attending
agreeable to our Order resolved that he be examined —
The said Alexander Bryant being examined and his Ex-
amination being reduced to writing is as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
[301] Met Albany 14L'' December 1780 i7&o
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( ^^^^^^ ^.^^^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that James Bramley be discharged from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance with a sufficient
surety for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
Present war with Great Britain —
598 State of New York
^^1780 James Bramley of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany Innkeeper in ;^ioo
David Kittle of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
A Petition signed by a Number of the well affected In-
habitants of Saragtoga District was laid before the Board
setting forth that Jotham Bemus of Stillwater since his
liberation from Confinement has acted in every Respect as a
friend to the American Cause that he has chearfully con-
tributed all his Power towards supplying the Army and has
in every Respect manifested a Disposition to support the
Independance of the United States which said Petition
being read ordered that the same be filed —
Ordered that the Secretary inform Dirck Swart Esq-
that the above Petition was presented to this Board and
requesting him as soon as possible to come down for the
Purpose mentioned in his Letter of the 12~ Instant —
Adjourned —
1780 [^02] Met Albany i6!i^ December 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman ] { t / • i_ \t n 1
-; , o • ■ (1 Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Samuel Strmger ) (.
Resolved that William Vrooman be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain —
William Vrooman of Saragtoga District
Farmer in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 599
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer Esq- i[n]formed the Board that p^'^^'g
he had received of Gerard Bancker Esq- Treasurer of this
State the sum of One hundred Dollars of the New Emission
for the purpose of defraying the Necessary Expenditures
of this Board —
Resolved that out of the above money the Secretary pay
to Stephen Bell ;^io ^^ 5 on Account
Adjourned
Met Albany 18^ December 1780 ^^^80
„ ■' ' Dec. 18.
rresent
John M Beeckman 1 f ^^^^^^^ yj^^^j^^^
Samuel Strmger ) (.
Resolved that Henry Smith be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies whenever thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
[303] Henry Smith of the Manor of Liv-
ingston Farmer in ;^ioo
Teunis Smith of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 21- December 1780 De/^
Present
Samuel Stringer ) | ^^^^^^ yj^^^j^^^
John M. Beeckman ) (
A Letter from Major Rosekrans at Saragtoga was laid
before the Board wherein he informs that he sends to us
under Guard Archibald M?Neal of the Scotch Patent who
6oo State of New York
1780^ agreeable to our Request he had caused to be apprehended,
and the said Archibald M?Neal being brought before the
Board & examined and it appearing from his Examination
that he is guilty of the Crime wherewith he stands charged
therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Adjourned —
_,^78o Met Albany ztJ^ December 1780
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer ) ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
James Brisben requesting to be brought before the Board
and being brought accordingly requested that he might be
liberated from Confinement on his procuring sufficient Bail
for his good Behaviour in future Resolved on Consideration
of the above Request that he be informed that the Board
will liberate him on his procuring a surety for his remaining
within the Limits of the City of Albany until discharged
by this Board —
[304] Joseph Carr also requesting to be liberated from
Confinement resolved that he be informed that the Board
will liberate him on his entering into a similar Recognizance
with the above mentioned James Brisben —
Jotham Bemus at present in Confinement requesting of the
Board to be admitted to the Liberty of the Goal resolved
that it be granted him on his procuring a sufficient Bail
for his remaining a true and faithfull Prisoner in the City
Hall of the said City —
William M'rLaughlin of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for Jotham Bemus in. . ;^ioo
The Board being informed that John Cobham, John Stiles
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 60 1
and the Man living at a Place called the Half way House -.^^So
in Jessup's Patent are concerned in forwarding Intelligence
to Canada resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that CoU Gansevoort be requested to have them apprehended
& forthwith sent to us —
A Letter frcyn CoK Peter R. Livingston was laid before
the Board inclosing an examination of Jacob Kline of the
Manor of Livingston's from which Examination it appears
that Wilhelmas Turner, Coenradt Turner, and James Turner
being disaflFected Persons and intending to create Confusion
and Disturbance so as to embarrass the Government of this
State have opposed the said Jacob Kline in collecting the
Taxes assessed on the Inhabitants of the District and are
daily by every means in their Power endeavouring to disturb
the Publick Peace ordered that the same be filed —
Adjourned —
[305] Met Albany 23^ December 1780 — 1780
Bee. 23.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
A Letter from Lieui CoU Henry J. Van Rensselaer dated
at Claverack was laid before the Board in which Letter he
informs that Thomas Whiting at present in Confinement has
always sustained the Character of a harmless inoffensive
Man and that he does not conceive that his being liberated
from Confinement will any way endanger the Safety of the
State — which Letter being taken into Consideration
Thereupon resolved that the said Thomas Whiting be dis-
charged on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war [with] Great Britain —
6o2 State of New York '_
1780 Thomas Whiting of Claverack District
Dec, 23. . °
Labourer in £50
A Letter from Major Esselstyne was laid before the Board
wherein he informs that he has at present in his Possession
the Arms and Ammunition belonging to those Persons who
have been apprehended on the Information of Abraham
Hoogteling & the said Information appearing to be altogether
false therefore resolved that Major Esselstyne be ordered to
deliver up the said Arms and Ammunition to the Persons
respectively from whom they have been taken —
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Brigadier General
Rensselaer to request him to transmit to this Board a List
of such Persons of his Brigade who have been Delinquent in
doing Militia [306] Duty in order that such of them who have
entered into Recognizance before this Board may be prose-
cuted upon the same
Resolved that Alexander M^Key be ordered to deliver up
to this Board on or before the S'** day of January next Hugh
Rose, Alexander Carsan and Walter Trumble for whose
appearance and good Behaviour he has become Surety —
Resolved that James Beatty be ordered to deliver up to
this Board on or before the S^^ day of January next John
Parks for whose Appearance before us when called upon he
became Surety —
William McLaughlin who Yesterday became surety for
Jotham Bemus's remaining a true and faithfuU Prisoner
within the City Hall of this City appeared before the Board &
informed that he was unwilling any longer to remain Bail for
the said Jotham Bemus and John Horn of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck offering to become surety for the said
Jotham Bemus resolved that the said John Horn accord-
ingly enter into a Recognizance for the said Jotham Bemus's
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 603
remaining a P/isoner within the City Hall in this City and 1780
for his good Behaviour during that Time —
John Horn of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Butcher as Bail for Jotham Bemus in ... . ;^ioo
Jacob Truax of this City having forfeited his Recognizance
appeared this day and paid the sum of Two hundred and
forty four Dollars. of the Money emitted pursuant to a Reso-
lution of Congress of the 18- of March last Resolved that
the same be delivered over into the Hands of the Secretary to
be made use of in defraying the Expenditures of this Board —
[307] Resolved in Consequence of the application of
Archibald M?Neil and Ezekiel Ensign that they be severally
liberated from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for their remaining within the following Limits (to wit)
the House and Yard of Patrick Smith situate in the first
ward of the City of Albany and that they do not hold any
Correspondence either by word or deed upon Political matters
with any Person or Persons which may in any Manner tend
to be prejudicial to the Measures pursued or which may be
pursued by the United States of America or either of them for
the Maintainance of Liberty & Independance of the said
United States and that they shall appear before any three of
the Commissioners appointed for detecting and defeating all
Conspiracies that may be formed in this State against the
Liberties of America whenever they shall be thereunto
required and that they shall remain under these Restrictions
untill discharged or otherwise ordered —
Archibald M?.Niel of Saragtoga in the County
of Albany Merchant in £500
Robert M?.Clallen of the City of Albany
Merchant also his Bail in ^^250
Thomas Shipboy of the same place Merchant
also his Bail in ;^250
6o4 State of New York
1780 Ezekiel Ensign of Saragtoga Innkeeper in . . . ^£^500
John RofF of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Merchant his Bail in £^5°
James Caldwell of the City of Albany Mer-
chant also his Bail in £250
Captain Cline of Livingston's Manor appearing before
[308] the Board informed us that agreeable to orders re-
ceived from CoU Peter Livingston he had apprehended
Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner and Coenradt Turner
resolved that the Charges as alledged against them be
taken into Consideration until Monday Morning next and
that the said Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner and Coen-
radt Turner enter into a Recognizance each of them to
remain within the Limits of this City and to appear before
this Board on Monday the 25- day of December Instant at
ten of the Clock in the Forenoon and in the mean time to
be of the good Behaviour —
Wilhelmas Turner of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in £100
James Turner of D° .... D° in ;^ioo
Coenradt Turner of D° . . . . D° in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
-J780 Met Albany 25^^ December 1780
uec. 25. 1^
rresent
Samuel Stringer ) | John M. Beeckman
Mathew Visscher j ( Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Resolved that John Stalker be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 605
John Stalker of Claverack District Labourer t^^^®°
•> . Dec. 25.
in ;^lOO
Ambrose Stalker of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
The Board taking into Consideration the Charges as
alledged against Wilhelmas Turner, James Turner & Coen-
radt Turner and the[y] appearing this Day agreeable to the
[309] Tenor of the Recognizance entered into by them on
the 23- Instant resolved that they have Permission to re-
turn Home on their severally entering into a Recognizance
for their good Behaviour doing their Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain and also for their appear-
ance at the next supreme Court of Judicature to be held
for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City on
the third Tuesday in January next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the state aforesaid) and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Wilhelmas Turner of the Manor of Living-
ston Farmer in ;^ioo
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
James Turner of the Manor of Livingston
Farmer in £100
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Coenradt Turner of the Manor of Living-
ston Farmer in ;Cioo
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
6o6 State of New York
1780 Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Peter Livingston Esq^
to request him to bind over Johannis Van Deusen and
Wheater Hicks to appear at the next Supreme Court as
Witnesses against the aforementioned Turners and also
that he bind over all such Persons as are able to prove the
Charges alledged against them — And that he also be
desired to have a certain John Moore w^ho is at present at
Livingston's Manor apprehend[ed] and forthwith sent to us —
The Board having received Information that Peter Bean
of Livingston's Manor has lately declared himself as an
Enemy to the American Cause and dissuaded Persons from
[310] enlisting in the Continental Service and Richard
Warn of the same place being a disaffected and dangerous
Person —
Resolved therefore that a warrant be made out directed
to Cap? Coenradt Cline forthwith to apprehend and bring
before us the said Peter Bean & Richard Warn —
Adjourned —
1780 Met Albany 27- December 1780
'''''■ '-'• Present
John M. Beeckman ) \ ^ 1 c •
^T 1 TT- 1 r ) 'jamuei btnnger
Mathew Visscher J (.
The Board being informed that Adam Killmer who is at
present Confined in Goal is entirely destitute of Provisions
and other Necessaries and not having it in his Power to pro-
cure any on Account of his Poverty —
It is therefore resolved that he be liberated from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance with a Sufficient
Surety for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear-
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
whenever thereunto required during the Continuance of the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 607
present war with Great Britain and also for his Appearance j)*^^°„
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday In January next (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held In the State aforesaid) and not to depart
the Court without Leave —
Adam KlUmer of Livingston's Manor In the
County of Albany Blacksmith In ;^ioo
Gideon Wolcot of the same place Blacksmith
his Ball In £100
Adjourned —
[311] Met Albany 28^? December 1780 1780
Present
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ]^ j John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer j (. Mathew VIsscher
James Brisben having made Application to the Board to
be released from Confinement and his request being taken
into Consideration thereupon resolved that the said James
Brisben be liberated from Confinement on entering Into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour and Appearance be-
fore any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
called upon and also for his remaining within the Limits
of this City and not departing the same without Leave ob-
tained for that Purpose from any three of the said Commis-
sioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty —
James Brisben of Saragtoga District Farmer
in ;^ioo
Peter Scharp of the City of Albany Carpenter
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
6o8 State of New York
Del^. M^^ Albany 29^1? December 1780
Present
John M. Beeckman 1 f t t>. t- j
^ 1 c • { J Isaac D. tonaz
tvt'","^ ^""^f'^ ( 1 Teremiah Van Rensselaer
Mathew Visscher ) [ ''
Joseph Carr of Stillwater having petitioned the Board to
be released from Confinement and the Prayer of the said
Petition being taken into Consideration resolved there-
upon that he be discharged from Confinement on entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appear-
ance before any three of the Commissioners for Conspira-
cies and for his remaining [312] within the Limits of the City
of Albany and not departing the same unless he shall have
leave previously obtained from any three of the said Com-
missioners or unless it be to do Militia duty —
Joseph Carr of Stillwater in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;Cioo
Alexander Baldwin of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Henry Tinkey be also discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour and appearance before any three of the Commission-
ers for Conspiracies when thereunto required and also for his
remaining within the Limits of this City and not departing
the same without Leave previously obtained for that Purpose
from any three of the said Commissioners or unless it be to
do Militia Duty —
Henry Tinkey of the Scotch Patent in the
County of Charlotte Farmer in £^100
Albert Van Derwerken of Saragtoga in the
County of Albany his Bail in ;Cioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 609
On Application of Jotham Bemus resolved that he also tj'^*^„
be liberated from Confinement on entering into a Recog-
nizance conditioned for his good Behaviour appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required and for his remaining within the Limits of the
City of Albany and that Part of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck which lies to the South of the North end of Steenbergh
and not further East and West in the last mentioned [313]
Place than the River to the East and the Foot of the Hill
to the West & not departing the said Limits and Bounds
unless with Leave previously obtained for that Purpose from
any three of the said Commissioners or when called upon to
do Militia Duty —
Jotham Bemus of Still Water in the County
of Albany Farmer in j^ioo
Reuben Wright of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Job Wright of the same place Farmer also his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2- January 1781 — 1781
Present * , *
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) | g^^^^j g^^j
Mathew Visscher ) (.
A Letter from George White Esq^ dated the i^* Instant was
laid before the Board inclosing an Examination of Bernard
Carpenter from which said Examination it appears that
Abner Darling of Pitts Town is a dangerous and disaffected
Person for which Reason the said George White EsqJ having
had him apprehended and sent to us, and that the said Abner
Darling being brought before the Board and examined
6io State of New York
1781 resolved that the said Abner Darling be permitted to return
Home on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and
remaining within the Limits of Pitts Town & not departing
the same without Leave obtained from any three of the said
Commissioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty —
Abner Darling of Pitts Town Farmer in ;^ioo
Moses James of King's District Farmer his
Bail in ;^loo
[314] Resolved that George Hicks be discharged on enter-
ing into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
Duty & appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies whenever thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain and remaining
within the Limits of King's District and not departing the
same without leave obtained from any three of the said Com-
missioners or unless it be to do Militia duty —
George Hicks of New-town Farmer in ;^ioo
John Herrington of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in £50
Jabez Landers of the same Place also his Bail
in ;^50
A Petition of Archibald M'rNeal and Ezekiel Ensign was
presented to the Board praying for Permission to go to their
Families at Saragtoga resolved on taking the Prayer of the
said Petition into Consideration that they be informed that
the Board cannot grant their Request.
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 6i i
Met Albany 3^ January 1781 ^78i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f , r-. t- j
;; , o ■ r 1 Isaac D. tonda
bamuel btringer ) (.
A Letter from Alexander Webster and Ebenezer Clark
EsqS of Charlotte County was laid before the Board in which
they request that James Gillis who Is at present in Confine-
ment may be Hberated on Bail as the said GiUis has always
behaved himself in an Inoffensive Manner and the same
being taken into Consideration Resolved that the Board
cannot [315] at this Time Hberate him —
Application being also made by Archibald M'rNeal of the
Scotch Patent to be admitted to Bail resolved that he be
informed that the Board cannot at this Time liberate him —
Samuel Stringer Esql informed the Board that he had
received information that Peter Ball of the Bever Dam is at
present at and about his Home and that he is come into the
Country for the Purpose of Enlisting Men for the Enemy
resolved that it be recommended to the said Samuel Stringer
to obtain the fullest Information he possibly can as to the
above and that in the mean while the Board will devise
Measures to have him apprehended —
Adjourned
Met Albany S^^ January 1781 jan. 5.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j (.
Application being made by D^ George Smith for Permission
to come to this City for the purpose of setling his private
Business and Patrick Smith his Bail agreeing to the same
resolved that he have Permission granted him for the space
of six Days, and the said Dr. Smith requesting also Permission
6i2 State of New York
1781 to visit a Patient at Col! Gerrit Van Denbergh's resolved
Jan. 5. • u u
also that Permission be granted him for that Purpose with the
Consent & approbation of his said Bail —
Robert Adems requesting Permission of the Board to go to
Johnstovsm for the Purpose of setling his Business and
Thomas Shipboy Bail for the said Robert Adems consenting
to the same resolved that the said Robert Adems have Per-
mission [316] granted him accordingly till the ij- day of
January Instant —
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell, Abraham Outhout and
Ryneir Mynderse EsqS Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady dated the 2- Instant was laid before the Board
wherein they inform us that Archibald M^Kellop and Wil-
liam Rodgers who are under Recognizance to this Board
refuse to do any Militia Duty when called upon and are
adjudged by them to be dangerous Persons —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Letter that the said
Archibald M^Kellop and William Rodgers be ordered forth-
with to appear before this Board.
A Certificate signed by Richard Esselstyne and Lowrence
Fonda Esq2 two of the Justices of the Peace for the County
of Albany was laid before the Board in which they certify that
agreeable to the Act of the Legislature entitled " An Act for
the Removal of the Families of Persons who have Joined the
Enemy" they have warned the following Women to depart the
State or remove to such Parts of it as are in the Power of the
enemy within twenty days from the Time of the Notice given
to them — (to wit) Elsie Elizabeth Finkel, Margaret Finkle,
Margaret Seman, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever, Eva
Houser, Christina Benneway, Maria Reepenberger, Gertruy
Wear, Anna Charter, Sintie Coventry, Bata Scharp, Mar-
garet Shufelt, Cornelia Gardineir, & Maria Herpst, and the
said Richard Esselstyne and Lowrence Fonda certifying that
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 613
the said Elsie Elizabeth Finkle, Margaret Finkle, Margaret 1781
Seman, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever Eva Houser and
Christina Benneway have always behaved themselves in an
unexceptionable Manner and that they do [317] not think
their remaining at their Habitations will endanger the safety
of the State ordered that the said Certificate be filed —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8*^ January 1781 1781
T-» ja.li, 8.
rresent
John M Beeckman ] ] ^^^^^^ ^.^^^^^^
Samuel Strmger ) (
John Parks of the Breakabeen having been represented to
this Board as a disaffected Person and it being deemed neces-
sary on Account of his Residence on the Frontiers of this State
that he should be laid under Restrictions and having ordered
the said John Parks to appear for that Purpose and he appear-
ing this day agreeable to our order resolved that he enter into
a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance 01
the Present war with Great Britain —
John Parks of the Breakabeen in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
James Beatty of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board being informed that there is at present in this
City a certain Daniel M'vLoud who is possessed of a Pass
signed by Philip Pell Esq- Commissary of Prisoners of this
State under which Pass the said Daniel M'rLooed has during
the whole of last Summer screened himself from Militia Duty
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that Jacob
6i4 State of New York
^8i^ Kidney be ordered to bring the said Daniel M^Looed forth-
with before the Board —
Jacob Kidney appearing with Daniel M.'^Looed agreeable to
order and the said Pass being produced and it appearing that
the same was given upwards of a Year ago therefore resolved
tatthe [318] said Pass be taken from the said Daniel M^Looed
and delivered to the said Philip Pell Esq^ and it appearing
necessary to this Board from the Principles professed by the
said Daniel M^Looed that he should be restricted in his Con-
duct therefore ordered that he appear before this Board on the
12- Instant with a good sufficient surety for his future good
Behaviour doing his duty and Appearance when called upon.
Adjourned
jygj Met Albany 9*^? January 1781
Jan. 9. Present
John M. Beeckman) { Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer ) (
Walter Trumble of Corey's Bush having been represented
to this Board as a disaffected person and it being deemed
necessary on account of his Residence on the Frontiers that
he should be laid under Restrictions and having ordered the
said Walter Trumble to appear for that Purpose & he ap-
pearing this day agreeable to our order resolved that he
enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain : —
Walter Trumble of Corey's Bush in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Alexander M?Key of Jericho in the County
of Albany Weaver his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 615
[319] Met Albany 10*^^ January 1781 jan^'^io
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f t ta t- j
z, , o • [ \ J-saac L). ronda
Samuel Stringer ; (
Robert M'rClallen and Thomas Shipboy who some Time
since became surety for Archibald M^Neal appeared before
the Board and requested that the said Archibald M'jNeal
might have Permission to go to Saragtoga and likewise that
Ezekiel Ensign might have a similar Indulgance
And we having considered the said Request and judging
from the present Situation of affairs that their going Home
at this Time may be attended with dangerous Consequences
to the State therefore resolved that they be informed that
their Request cannot be complied with.
It appearing to the Board from the Examination of Jot-
ham Bemus that his wife M— Bemus is knowing to many
enimical Transactions of Angus McDonald of Livingston's
Manor resolved therefore that an order be made out and
sent to M— Bemus to appear forthwith before this Board in
order that she may be examined as to the above —
It being suggested to the Board that Abraham VoUwyder
and Andries Tollhamer of Nistageune are dangerous & dis-
affected Persons who by their Conduct and Conversation
daily give Offence to the Friends of the American Cause
resolved therefore that the said Abraham Vollwider and
Andries Tollhamer appear before the Board forthwith, with
Each a sufficient surety to enter into Recognizance for their
future good Behaviour & appearance before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon —
Adiourned —
6i6 State of New York
T^^^i2 ^^^°^ Met Albany 12^ January 1 781
Present
John M Beeckman | | ^^^^^^ yj^^^^^,
Samuel Stringer j (
Daniel M^Loed appearing agreeable to an order of this
Board with William Fuller as his Surety resolved that he
enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Daniel M'rLoed of the City of Albany La-
bourer in ;^loo
William Fuller of the same place Joiner his
Bail in ;^I00
On Application of Jotham Bemus for Permission to go
to Stillwater to settle his Business (to which his Bails Job
Wright and Reuben Wright consenting) resolved that Per-
mission be granted him accordingly and that he have Time
given him for fourteen Days for that Purpose - —
Archibald M'rKellop having on the 5— Instant been cited
to appear before the Board in Consequence of a Letter re-
ceived from the Commissioners of Conspiracies at Schenec-
tady and he appearing this day and being examined as to
Information received respecting him and utterly denying
the same and being willing to give Surety for his future
good Conduct resolved that he enter into Recognizance
for his appearance before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required and for his
doing his duty & being of the good Behaviour for and
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 617
[321] Archibald M^Kellop of Schenectady jkL^^L
Farmer in £100
Charles Martin of the same Place Merchant
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany la*"^ January 1781 Jan^^i6.
Present
John M. Beeckman | ( ^^^^^ ^.^^^^^^^
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) (.
Application being made to the Board for Permission for
Archibald M^Neal and Ezekiel Ensign to go to Saragtoga
for the Purpose of arranging their Family affairs and their
Bails severally consenting thereto resolved that they have
Permission granted them accordingly for fourteen Days
from this Day at the Expiration of which Time they are
again to repair to this Place —
Lourence Deal, John Garret and John Coenly appeared
before the Board and requested to be discharged from that
Part of their Recognizance requiring their Appearance at
the next Supream Court and they engaging to make known
to the Board whenever John Waltymier shall again come
in that Part of the Country in which they reside and their
Request being taken into Consideration resolved that they
be discharged accordingly —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i;?*" January 1781 J^^ly.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
6i8 State of New York
1781 Resolved that Hans Peter Snyder be discharged from
J^^- ^7- ... 1 ■ ^
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Com-[322]missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain And to remain within the Limits of the
District of Livingston's Manor —
Hans Peter Snyder of Saragtoga Farmer in . . £100
Jacob Powers of Livingston's Manor Farmer
his Bail in £100
Peter Bean of Livingston's Manor having been appre-
hended on the Information of Johannis Shaver Esq^ for
drinking the King's Health and for dissuading Persons from
entering into the nine Month's Service, was brought before
the Board resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present War
with Great Britain — And also for his appearance at the
next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State
of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the
third Tuesday in January Instant (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
unto all such Matters and Things as shall be then and there
exhibited against him And not to depart the Court without
Leave
Peter Bean of Livingston's Manor Farmer in ;^ioo
Coenradt Cline of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ^100
Resolved that the Secretary pay to Cap^ Coenradt Cline
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 619
the sum of £q „ o .. 2 on account of Services Performed in _ ^78i
. . Jan. 17.
apprehending and bringing to Goal John Snoeck Henry
Hoogtehng and others — •
Adjourned —
[323] Met Albany 18?" January 1781 — j^t^is.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( i\/r i_ it- 1.
•i T>, T- 1 c \ Mathew Visscher
Isaac u. l<onda ) (
Joseph Carr who was by Recognizance bound to remain
within the Limits of this City appeared before the Board
and requested Permission to go to Stillwater to see his
Family And his Bail Alexander Baldwin consenting thereto
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
for fourteen Days —
Henry Tinkey being also bound by Recognizance to re-
main within the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board & requested to Go to his Family at the Scotch Patent
and his Bail Albert Van Der Werken consenting to the
same resolved that he have leave granted him accordingly
for Fourteen Days —
A Petition signed by Elbert Willet Thomas Hun and a
Number of other respectable and well affected Inhabitants
of this City was laid before the Board setting forth that
Jane Moffit whose Husband is at present with the Enemy
has been warned agreeable to an Act of the Legislature of
this State for the Removal of the Families of Persons who
have joined the Enemy been warned to depart the State or
remove to such Parts of it as are at present in the Power
of the Enemy, that notwithstanding the Political Sentiments
' The original voucher is in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 162,
State Comptroller's office.
620 State of New York
1781 of her Husband the said Jane MofEt has always been es-
teemed a Friend to the American Cause and that they do
not conceive that her remaining within the State will tend
in any Manner whatsoever to the Prejudice of the Freedom
or Independance of this or the United States and the said
Petition being [324] taken into Consideration resolved
that in Consequence thereof that a Permit be granted to
the said Jane Moffit to remain at her Habitation —
Adjourned —
j^lo. Met Albany 26^^ January 1781
Present
John M Beeckman | ( g^^^^j g^jnger
Mathew Visscher J (
Elsie Elizabeth Finkle, Margaret Finkle, Margaret Se-
man, Catharine Seman, Maria Stever, Eva Houser and
Christina Benneyway whose Husbands are at present with
the enemy having been warned by Richard Esselstyne and
Lourence Fonda Esq2 to depart the State or remove to
such Parts of it as are in the Power of the Enemy agreeable
to an Act of the Legislature of this State entitled "An Act
for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have joined
the Enemy" and the said Justices having recommended
the said women above named as Persons of inoffensive
Characters who they do not in any Manner conceive dan-
gerous to the Safety of the State and the said above men-
tioned Women having petitioned this Board for Permits to
remain at their Habitations resolved in Consequence of the
Recommendation of the said Justices that Permits be
granted them accordingly —
It being represented to the Board by the Goaler that James
Gillis at present confined in Goal is very 111 and that a Con-
tinuance of his Confinement may endanger his Life therefore
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 621
resolved that he be permitted to go to the House of the Widow ^78i
M^Neal in this City and their remain until he is recovered
of his [325] Indisposition on Neal Shaw's entering into a
Recognizance that the said James Gillis during his Con-
tinuance at the House of the said Ms M'Neil shall be of the
good Behaviour —
Neal Shaw of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Innkeeper Bail for James Gillis in £100
James Brisben who was by Recognizance bound to remain
within the Limits of this City appeared before the Board and
requested Permission to go to Saragtoga to see his Family
and his Bail Peter Sharp consenting thereto resolved that he
have Permission granted him accordingly until the 15- day
of February next
Archibald^IlNeil of the Scotch Patent having p[e]titioned
the Board to be released from Confinement and the prayer of
the said Petition being taken into Consideration resolved there-
upon that he be discharged on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour and appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies & for his remaining within the
Limits of the City of Albany and not departing the same
unless he shall have leave previously obtained from any three
of the said Commissioners or unless it be to do Militia Duty —
Archibald M?Neil of the Scotch Patent in the
County of Charlotte Farmer in ;^ioo
Evans Umphrey of Tomhenick in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in ;;Cioo
Adjourned — •
Met Albany 26*'' January 1781 janfk
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) 1 Reyneir Mynderse
622 State of New York
lan^le t^^^^ Resolved that Gilbert Miller be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present War vsrith Great
Britain —
Gilbert Miller of Ballstown Farmer in ;^ioo
Joseph Bettis of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved that William Bettis be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies v?hen thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
William Bettis of Ballstown Farmer in £100
Teunis Van Vleek of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^iop
Resolved that Samuel Burns be discharged from Confine-
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Samuel Burns of New-town Farmer in £100
William Bradshaw of Half Moon D'strict
Farmer his Bail in £50
John Flinn of the same place Farmer also his
Bail in ;^50
John Murray having been ordered to appear before this
Board to enter into Recognizance of a new appearing this
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 623
Day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be bound ^ ^'^^^g
for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto [327] required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
John Murray of Breakabeen Farmer in ;6^ioo
Hugh Alexander of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck Blacksmith his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2f- January 1781 jan^ 27.
Present
Samuel Stringer ] ( Isaac D. Fonda
John M. Beeckman j ( Mathew Visscher
Angus McDonald of Livingston's Manor petitioned the
Board to be released from Confinement resolved that he be
informed that he cannot as yet be liberated —
Application was made to the Board by James Gillis for
Permission to go to the place of his abode at the Scotch
Patent for the Purpose of removing his Family and Effects
in the Interior Parts of the Country and his Bail consenting
to the same resolved that he have Permission granted him
accordingly and that he remove by the first Day of March
next —
William Hutton petitioned the Board to be released from
Confinement on Bail and as the said William Hutton has been
a long Time in Confinement therefore resolved that he be
informed that the Board will liberate him provided he can
procure a sufficient surety for his future good Behaviour
and appearance when called upon —
Adjourned —
624 State of New York
1781 [328] Met Albany zg^ January 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher ) | Samuel Stringer
Hannah Bemus wife of Jotham Bemus having been or-
dered to appear before the Board appeared this day agreeable
to the said order and being interrogated as to Angus Mc-
Donald of Livingston's Manor carrying on an Intercourse
with the Enemy and harbouring British Officers who were
passing through the Country as Expresses and she refusing
to answer to the same and there being great Reason to suppose
that she is acquainted with the above Circumstances —
Therefore resolved that she be committed until she gives
Satisfactory Answers to the same and that a Mittimus be
made out for her —
Henry Wiesner Esq- laid before the Board a Petition of Joshua
H. Smith at present confined to the Goal of Orange County by
the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Pougkeepsie which Peti-
tion is in the following words (to wit) (see Petition on File) —
Resolved that Mr Wiesner be informed that this Board
will not interfere with the Business of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies above mentioned —
Resolved that William Hutton be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour & appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
[329] tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
William Hutton of Lansingburgh Cord-
wainer in ;£^ioo
John Watt of New Scotland in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 625
Met Albany 30^ January 1781 1781
Present •^^' ^°'
John M. Beeckman ) ( r. 1 o •
T rN T- 1 c i oamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda j ( ^
Application was made to the Board by Archibald MiNeil
to go to the place of his Abode at the Scotch Patent for the
purpose of removing his Family and effects in the Interior
Parts of the Country and his Bail consenting to the same
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
& that he remove by the first day of March next
Adjourned
Met Albany 31?* January 1781 t/«*^.
Present
John M. Beeckman } ( Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j [ Samuel Stringer
Jan. 31.
Resolved that Garrit Van Der Pool be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour & appearing before any three of the Commission-
ers for Conspiracies when thereunto required [during] the
Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain —
Garrit Van Der Pool of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in... £100
William Seaton of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Adjourned —
[330] Met Albany If* February 1 78 1 Feb.^.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( ^^^j^^^ ^.^^^^^^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (.
626 State of New York
^1781 It appearing to the Board that Peter Ten Broeck is Ex-
changed and under Parole to go to New York — Ordered
that the Bond of the said Peter Ten Broeck and Wessel Ten
Broeck his Bail be given up to John Ten Broeck of the Great
Imboght Brother to the said Peter Ten Bro[e]ck —
Adjourned
jySi Met Albany 2^ February 1781
Feb. 2. Present
Isaac D. Fonda | j g^^^^j g^^j^g^,
John M. Beeckman J (.
Archibald Campbell having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew & he appear-
ing this Day agreeable to the said order resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty & appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Archibald Campbell of the District of Cam-
bridge in the County of Albany Farmer in . ;^ioo
William Reed of New Perth in Charlotte
County Miller his Bail in £100
Adjourned
1781 [331] Met Albany 3"? February 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer ) I Mathew Visscher
Resolved that Angus McDonald be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 627
required during the Continuance of the present war with ^781
Great Britain —
Angus M'jDonald of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^i5o
Abraham Vossburgh of Claverack Farmer his
Bail in ;^i50
Adjourned —
Met Albany 5*.'' February 1 781 — ' ^^^81
Present
John M Beeckman | | j^^^^ ^ ^^^^^
Samuel Stnnger ) (,
Resolved that Thomas Yarns be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Thomas Yarns of Kingsbury in Charlotte
County Farmer in £100
Rowland Perry of Palmertown in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
As the above mentioned Thomas Yarns live[s] upon the
Frontiers and has it in his Power to aid and Comfort the
Enemy resolved that he be ordered to remove into the
Interior Parts of this State by the first day of May next —
Adjourned —
[332] Met Albany 6^^ February 1781 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
628 State of New York
Feb*6 Melchart Van Deusen Esq^ of Tryon County appeared
before the Board and informed us that he has received
Information that z, certain Albert Van Der Werken is able to
prove that Major Jellis Fonda was knowing to Robert Snell
who lived with the said Jellis Fonda going to the Enemy
last spring
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
Albert Van Der Werken be cited to appear immediately
before this Board in order to his being examined as to the
same —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany j^^ February 1781
^*''-'^- Present
John M. Beeckman ) f t t-» t? j
J , „ . f ■{ Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stnnger J (
Albert Van Der Werken appeared agreeable to the Order
of Yesterday and was examined as to the Information
against Major Jellis Fonda, on his Examination he says
that he was informed by Robert Snell that Major Fonda
was privy to his going off but does not from his own Knowl-
edge [know] whether it be true —
The said Albert Van Der Werken also says that a certain
Peter Boon of Tryon County is able to give some very mate-
rial Information respecting sundry disaffected Persons [333]
of that Place resolved that the said Peter Boon be ordered
immediately to attend this Board in order that he may be
examined as to the same —
The Board received Information that William Laird who
came from the Enemy under a Pretence of his deserting
from them is come with an Intention of enlisting Men for
the Service of the enemy It is therefore resolved that James
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 629
Crosset and Benjamin Crosset who are Bail for the Appear- ^78i
ance of the said William Laird be ordered forthwith to de-
liver him up to this Board —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8?'' February 1781 1781
Present ^*''- *'
John M. Beeckman ) ( ^ 1 o ■
Isaac D.Fonda } | Samuel Strmger
Resolved that James M':Koy (a Deserter from the British
Army at present in Confinement on a Complaint of Dis-
affection) be discharged from Confinement on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
James M'rKoy of Livingston's Manor Tay-
lor in £100
Christopher Hagedorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany g^^ February 1781 Febfg.
Present
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( 1 o •
T 1 AC T^ 1 r 1 isamuel Strmger
John M. Beeckman ) (
[334] Coll Abraham Veeder appeared before the Board
and informed us that he had received Information that a cer-
tain Coenradt Coon has been lately sworn for the King in the
House of Thomas Bebee by an Emissary from the Enemy —
Resolved that the said Thomas Bebee be cited forthwith to
appear before this Board to give Information as to the above
Adjourned —
630 State of New York
pJ78i Met Albany 13?'' February 1781
Present
Samuel Stringer | j 1^33^ D. Fonda .
John M. Beeckman J (
It appearing to the Board from the Information of Walter
Quackenbush that Harmen Haver of Livingstons Manor
did lately in Conversation with Garret Quackenbush call
him the said Walter Quackenbush and the said Garret
Quackenbush damned Rebels and the said Harmen Haver
sustains the Character of a disaffected Person therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out to bring the said Har-
men Haver forthwith before this Board —
Thomas Bebee who was on the 9- Instant cited to appear
before the Board appeared and being Examined as to the
Information given by Col! Veeder confesses that Coenradt
Coon was sworn for the King at his House but that it was
contrary to his inclination and that he would have opposed
the same if he had had it in his Power and it appearing that
Col! Veeder received the Information [335] from the said
Thomas Bebee and that the said Bebee is well affected to
the American Cause therefore resolved that he be discharged
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 15^ February 1781
John M. Beeckman ) f y t> t- 1
i^ , IT. , r \ Isaac D. Fonda
Mathew Visscher J (
Ezekiel Ensign made application to the Board for Per-
mission to go to his place of abode at Saragtoga and his
request being taken into Consideration resolved that the
same be granted on his taking an Oath that he will not
dire[c]tly or indirectly give aid or Comfort or Intelligence
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 631
to the Enemies of the United States of America and that he ^^781
Feb. 15.
will make known to the Commissioners for Conspiracies all
treasonable actings & doings attempted against the same
whenever it shall come to his knowledge during the Contin-
uance of the present War with Great Britain — And the
said Ezekiel Ensign having taken the said Oath resolved
with the Consent of his Bail that he have Leave to remain
at his place of abode at Saragtoga —
Archibald McNeil made application to go & see his
Family at Saragtoga ordered with consent of his Bail that
he have leave granted him until Monday next —
William Robins having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew and he ap-
pearing this day agreeable to the said order resolved that
[336] he be bound for his good Behaviour doing his Duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Contin-
uance of the present War with Great Britain —
William Robins of the Towoiship of Argyle
in the County of Charlotte Farmer in. . . . £100
Edward Savage of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esq- his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
■ Met Albany i6i^ February 1781 1781
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] ( (, 1 c^ •
T TA T- . r 1 bamuel btnnger
Isaac D. ronda ) (.
George Tellford having been ordered to appear before
this Board to enter into Recognizance of anew and appearing
this Day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be
bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
Feb. z6.
632 State of New York
Feb*i6 ^^^" thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
George Tellford of the District of Cambridge
in the County of Albany Farmer in £100
Moses Martin of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esq: his Bail in ;^ioo
William Blake having been ordered to appear before this
Board to enter into Recognizance of anew appearing this
day agreeable to the said Order resolved that he be bound
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
[337] ^ny three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the Present War
with Great Britain
William Blake of the District of Cambridge in
the County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Moses Martin of White Creek in the County
of Charlotte Esqt his Bail in £100
Adjourned
^781 Met Albany i;"* February 1781
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f ^ 1 o •
i T^ T- 1 f S oamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda j ( ^
Resolved that Thomas M^Feal be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his Duty & appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
Thomas M^Feal of Livingston's Manor La-
bourer in ;^ioo
Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
Innkeeper his Bail in ;£^ioo
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 633
Met Albany ig*."? February 1781 ^^&i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( o i <? •
T T^ T- , r ■{ oamuel btringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( ^
Resolved that William Bell be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any thre[e] of the
[338] Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
William Bell of Fort Edward in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Duncan Shaw of Charlotte County Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
As the above mentioned William Bell lives upon the
Frontiers and has it in his Power to aid and Comfort the
Enemy resolved that he be ordered to remove into the
Interior Parts of this State by the first Day of April next —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 20^ February 1781 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ] i ■, t\ v j
■i , r. • f 1 Isaac u. ronda
Samuel Strmger ) (.
An Affidavit of Zachariah Holsapple taken before Samuel
Ten Broeck Esq- of Livingston's Manor was laid before the
Board whereby it appears that Teunis Smith of Livingston's
has lately harboured and concealed two British Officers who
were enlisting Men for the Enemies Service resolved in
Consequence of the said Affidavit that a warrant be made
out for the apprehension of the said Teunis Smith and that
634 State of New York
„i78i Citations be sent to Simon Rockefeller & Johannis Miller
Feb. 20. . • I ^rr- 1 ■ 1 tr r
who were knowing to the said Officers being at the House 01
the said Teunis Smith and that the said warrant and Citations
be sent to the said Samuel Ten Broeck Esq^ for the purpose
of having them served —
Adjourned —
Feb^li. [339] Met Albany 2i5i February 1 78 1.
Present
MathewVisscher) ( 13,^^ D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) (
William Bradshaw and John Flinn who did on the 26?'' day
of January last become surety for Samuel Burns appeared
before the Board and requested Permission to deliver up the
said Samuel Burns in discharge of themselves, resolved that
the said William Bradshaw and John Flinn be accordingly
discharged and that the said Samuel Burns be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for him.
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 22- February 178 1
Feb. 22. Present
Samuel Stringer \ | j^,,, q. p^^j^
Mathew Visscher J (
Joel Abbot informed the Board that a certain Jacob
Timmerman has harboured and secreted Emissaries from the
Enemy and has assisted Persons who were on their way to
Canada and the Examination of the said Joel Abbot being
taken as to the same is in the words following (to wit) (see
Examination on File) resolved in Consequence of the said
Examination that a warrant be made out for the said Jacob
Timmerman.—
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 635
It also appearing to the Board from the said Examination 1781
of Joel Abbot that the wife of William Nelling Jun- was
privy to Timmerman secreting Persons from the enemy
therefore resolved that a warrant be also made out to appre-
hend her. —
[340] Resolved that John Todd be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain. —
John Todd of White Creek in the County of
Charlotte Carpenter in ;^ioo
Isaac Little of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;£^ioo
Robert Gitty of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in ;^lOO
Adjourned —
Met Albany 23^ February 1781 ^^^^^
Present
Samuel Stringer ) | j^^^^ ^ ^^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that John WykofF be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
John WykofF of Nistageuna Labourer in ;£^ioo
David Maxwell of Ballstown Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Zachariah Holsapple whose Examination taken before
636 State of New York
1781 Samuel Ten Broeck Esq' was laid before the Board on the
21- Instant was brought before us and being Examined and
his Examination being reduced to writing is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Adjourned. —
¥ih%. [34''] ^^^ Albany zf^ February 1781
Present
John M Beeckman ) f j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Samuel Strmger J (
His Excellency Governor Clinton having requested by
Letter that James Van Driesen may be liberated from Con-
finement and the Board taking the said Request into Con-
sideration do thereupon resolve that the said James Van
Driesen be accordingly discharged. —
Lieut* Col? Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed that there has lately been a Meeting of a
Number of disaffected Persons in the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck at the House of James Lister at
which Meeting was publicly read by Jabez Spencer a Procli-
mation of Sir Henry Clinton Commander in cheif of the
British Forces in America which Conduct being in open
Violation of the Laws of this State and destructive of the
Peace and good Government of the same and having a Ten-
dency to Alienate the Minds of Friends of the American
Cause —
Therefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
immediate Apprehension of the said Jabez Spencer together
with all such other disaffected Persons as were present at the
said Meeting and that the said warrant be delivered to Cap*
Robert Woodward for the Purpose of having the same
served.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 637
Resolved that John May and John J. Van Valkenburgh -^'Si
who were present at the above mentioned Meeting be cited
to appear before this Board to Morrow Morning in Order
that they may be examined as to the same.
Adjourned.
[342] Met Albany 28*'' February 1 781 ^ ^78^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j 1 Samuel Stringer
John May having been cited to appear before the Board
this Day appeared agreeable to Order & being examined as
to the Meeting at James Lister's at which Sir Henry Clinton's
Proclamation was read he saith as follows (to wit) (see his
Examination on File). —
In Consequence of the above Examination resolved that
a warrant be made out directed to the said John May for the
immediate Apprehension of Silas Wood and William Bruce,
and that the said John May be directed to search the Houses
of the said Silas Wood and William Bruce for treasonable
Papers, and that he bring the Bodies with the said Papers
forthwith before us. —
Alexander Cone having been apprehended by Capi Ichabod
Turner for being concerned in dispersing Sir Henry Clinton's
Proclamation and being brought before the Board and
Examined resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany i^* March 1781.— „i78i
-, J ■ I Mar. 3.
Present
John M. Beeckman I f , t-. t^ 1
■L 1 c ■ f 1 Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel btrmger ) {.
638 State of New York
Ma^.\ Application was made to the Board by James Gillis for
Permission to go to his Place of Abode at the Scotch [343]
Patent and his Bail Neal Shaw consenting to the same
resolved that he have Permission accordingly until the first
Day of April next. —
Application was also made to the Board by Archibald
M^Neal for Permission to go to his Place of Abode at the
Scotch Patent to which his surety Evans Humphrey con-
senting resolved that he have Permission accordingly until
the first day of April next —
Major Jacob Schermerhorn appeared before the Board
with Yutlope Chrencher & Hendrick Schermerhorn who he
informed us are able to give Information concerning a
Number of disaffected Inhabitants at Schodack and the said
Yutlope Chrencher and Hendrick Schermerhorn being
examined say as follows (to wit) (see their Examination on
File) —
Resolved that in Consequence of the above Examinations
of Yutlope Chrencher and Hendrick Schermerhorn that a
warrant be made out directed to Cap- Nicholas Staats for
the immediate Apprehension of Martin Egbertse and
Johannis Kittle —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2^ March 1781
jygi Present
^"■^ '■ John M. Beeckman ) | Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer ) \ Isaac D. Fonda
Lieu- David Hustead appeared before the Board and
informed that agreeable to our warrant he had apprehended
John Cone and David Ni[c]hols for dispersing about the
Country Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation and that he had
also apprehended James Lister, Thomas Hicks and Henry
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 639
[344] Filkens who were present at the reading of one of the ^78i
said Proclamations at the House of the said James Lister
and they being severally brought before the Board and
Examined resolved that John Cone and David Nichols be
confined and that James Lister, Thomas Hicks, and Henry
Filkins be ordered to appear before the Board to Morrow
Morning —
Gersham Odell one of the Constable's of Hosick District
appeared before the Board and informed that he had appre-
hended Jacob Timmerman against whom a warrant was
issued by this Board upon the Information of Joel Abbot &
the said Jacob Timmerman being brought before us and
examined ordered that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
A Letter from Abraham Fonda Esq- and Col- Abraham
Wemple dated as Schenectady was laid before the Board
wherein they inform that they send to us under Guard John
Mekelmay, John Curry & George Scott who have harboured
and secreted two Men who were on their way to the
Enemy resolved that they be Confined and that a Mittimus
be made out for them. —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 3'? March 1781 j^^^^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer J \ Isaac D. Fonda
Resolved that Abraham Robison who is Surety for Andries
Stoll be ordered forthwith to deliver up the said Andries
StoU.—
[345] Lieui David Hustead appearing before the Board
was examined his Examination is as follows (to wit) (see
Examination on File)
640 State of New York
J^^ Cap- Henry Dencker appearing before the Board agree-
able to order was examined his Examination is as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on File)
Cap* Nicholas Staats appeared before the Board &
informed that he had apprehended agreeable to our warrant
John J. Van Valkenburgh, John Kittle, Jacobus Moll, Peter
Wyngart, Andries Wessels, Martin Egbertse and Peter Van
Valkenburgh and they being brought before us and exam^
ined resolved that Martin Egbertse Peter Wyngaert, Jacobus
Moll, John Kittle and John J. Van Valkenburgh be com-
mitted and that a Mittimus be made out for them. —
It appearing to the Board from a Recommendation of
sundry well affected Inhabitants that John J. Van Valken-
burgh has during the present Contest behaved himself in a
peaceable and inoffensive Manner yet as he is reputed to be
disaffected to the American Cause therefore resolved that
previous to his Discharge he enter into a Recognizance for
his future good Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for and during the Continuance
of the present War with Great Britain. —
John J. Van Valkenburgh of Schodack in the
County of Albany Farmer in £200
Andries Wessels apprehended by Cap* Staats being recom-
mended to the Board as a Peaceable Person yet as he is also
[346] reputed to be disaffected to the American Cause there-
fore resolved that previous to his Discharge he enter into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his Duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
Andries Wessels of Schodack in the County of
Albany Labourer in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 641
Samuel Hill of the west District of the Manor of Rens- ,p^^
selaerwyck having been present at James Listers when Sir
Henry Clinton's Proclamation was there read & being
Examined and it appearing from the Recommendation of
Cap- Woodward that the said Samuel Hill has always
behaved himself as a Zealous Friend to the American Cause
therefore resolved that he be discharged
The above mentioned Samuel Hill mentioning to the
Board his willingness to apprehend Jabez Spencer resolved
that a warrant for that Purpose be made out and delivered
to him. —
Thomas Hicks, James Lister, and Henry Filkins appearing
before the Board agreeable to the Order of Yesterday were
again examined and as it does not appear that they were
concerned in or promoted the reading the Proclamation
before mentioned but as they sustain the Characters of
being disaffected to the American Cause therefore resolved
that they procure Sureties for their future good Behaviour —
James Lister appearing with Israel Thomas as surety [347]
resolved that he enter into Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain — ;
James Lister of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
Israel Thomas of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Thomas Hicks and Henry Filkins being unable to procure
Bail other than for their Appearance with sufficient sureties
at some future day resolved that they severally enter into
a Recognizance for their Appearance on Tuesday next with
sufficient sureties to become bound with them for their
future good Conduct and Appearance when called upon. —
642 State of New York
1781 Thomas Hicks of the East District of the
Mar. 3.
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
David Hustead of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Robert Woodward of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in ;^ioo
Henry Filkins of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. .. . ;^ioo
David Hustead of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Robert Woodward of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned. —
J781 Met Albany 5'-^! March 1781
'^'■'- Present ^
John M Beeckman | f j^^^^ p. Fonda
Samuel Strmger ) (,
Abraham Bloodgood appeared before the Board with
Thomas M^Feal for whom he some Time since entered
[348] Recognizance and surrendered the said Thomas
M^Feal resolved that the said Abraham Bloodgood be
accordingly discharged from the said Recognizance and
that the said Thomas M'rFeal stand committed till he procure
another sufficient surety —
John M^Fall appearing before the Board and offering to
become surety for the above mentioned Thomas M-Feal
resolved that the said Thomas M*FaIl be discharged on
entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his Duty and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain. —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 643
Thomas M'rFeal of the Manor of Livingston 1781
in the County of Albany Labourer in .... . ;^ioo
John M^Fall of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
The Board having received Information that William
Laird is at Johnstown and that there is the greatest Reason
to think that he intends soon to go to Canada therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out and directed to any
Constable of Tryon County for the immediate Apprehen-
sion of the said William Laird. —
Thomas Hicks who was on the third Instant bound for
his Appearance before this Board with a sufficient surety
appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour, doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain. —
Thomas Hicks of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in.... ;Cioo
[349] David Hustead of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Henry Filkins who was also on the third Instant bound
for his Appearance before this Board with a sufficient
surety appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain. —
Henry Filkins of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Abraham Filkins of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
644 State of New York
1781 Teunis Smith of Livingston's Manor having by Virtue
of a warrant from this Board been apprehended by Jacob
Powers Constable was brought before the Board and being
interrogated as to his harbouring two British Officers, he
denied the same and it appearing from the Recommendation
of his Officers that he has always behaved himself well and
there being great Reason to think that the Charge as alledged
against him by Zachariah Holsapple is untrue therefore
resolved that he be discharged. —
Johannis Smith of Livingston's Manor being also
examined on the Information of Zachariah Holsapple as to
the Officers said to have been at the House of Teunis
Smith above mentioned and it appearing that he is alto-
gether unacquainted with the same therefore resolved that
he be discharged. —
Bowles Arnold having been present at the Meeting at
James Lister's where Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation was
read appeared agreeable to our order and being Examined as
[350] to the same resolved that he be committed and that
a Mittimus be made out for him. —
Lieu- Cot Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed us that a few days since he issued his
warrant agreeable to Law for the Apprehension of Andries
StoU and Harpert Witbeeck who had been fined by a Court
Martial for Neglect of Militia Duty which Fine they refused
to pay that the said Andries Stoll & Harpert Witbeeck had
been apprehended by Serjeant Elijah Adams and that after
being so apprehended a Number of disaffected Persons
(to wit) Robert Mackesny, Samuel Mackesny, John Mac-
kesny, Walter Mackesny, John Barham, Peter Kimmell,
Lowrence Snyder, Jacob Fraligh, Sander Bulson, Christopher
File, Jacob Kerncross, Coenradt Heydorn, John Melius,
Abraham Van Aernam, Andries Colekamer & others did
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 645
forceably rescue the said Andries StoU and Harpert Wit- »78i
beeck from the said Elijah Adams resolved in Consequence
of the above information that a warrant be made out for
the immediate apprehension of the said Persons above
mentioned & all others concerned in the said Rescue. —
Adjourned.
Met Albany 6^ March 1781 j^^\
Present
John M Beeckman ) f j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer J (.
John Cone and David Nichols who a few days ago were
confined for dispersing Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamations
about the Country were brought before the Board and
severally examined resolved that they be recommitted. —
[351] Hezekiah Van Orden Esql appeared before the
Board and requested that George Burk a Deserter from
the British Army might be discharged from Confinement
& that he the said Hezekiah Van Orden would take the said
George Burk in his Care resolved that he be discharged
accordingly. —
John Scott who was confined at the Request of Abra-
ham Fonda Esq- and Col' Abraham Wemple for har-
bouring two Men who were on their way to the Enemy was
brought before the Board and examined resolved that he
be recommitted. —
Cap- Robert Woodward appeared before the Board and
informed that Nicholas Miller, John Miller, and John J.
Miller were present at the Meeting at James Lister's where
a Proclamation of Sir Henry Clinton was read; & that the
said Nicholas Miller, John Miller and John J. Miller
appeared to be warmly engaged in promoting the reading the
said Proclamation wherefore it is resolved that a warrant be
646 State of New York
^781 made out directed to Cap^ Nicholas Staats for their immediate
Mar. 6. . *■
Apprehension
Adjourned. —
^lf,\. Met Albany 7*" March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman \ ( nr ■, tt- 1
■i , n • Mathew Visscher
bamuel htrmger V -; , • 1 tr t> 1
^ ^ ° Teremiah Van Rensselaer
Isaac D. Fonda ; (. ■'
His Excellency Governor Clinton having in Consequence of
the Information received by this Board from Lieu^ Col-
Henry K. Van Rensselaer on the 5^ Instant ordered a Party
of [352] Coll Cuyler's Regiment to apprehend all those who
were concerned in rescueing Andries StoU and Harpert
Lansing from the Custody of Elijah Adams and they having
apprehended a Number of disaffected Persons concerned
in the said Rescue and the said Persons being by order of his
Excellency the Governor brought before the Board and
severally Examined their Names are as follows (to wit)
Samuel Swertfeger, Melchert File, Jacob Weeger Jun^,
John Weeger, Christopher File, Christopher Shaver Robert
Machesny, Walter Machesny, Abraham Roberts, John
Smith, Harper Lansing, Coenradt Heydorn, Coenradt
Colehamer, John Klint, Andries Stoll Samuel Machesny,
Jacob Fraligh and Isaac Hop resolved that they be severally
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them. —
The Board having received Information that a certain
Person supposed to be a spy from the Enemy has been at the
House of Lieu- Cleveland and the said Cleveland being
ordered to appear before us and he appearing on being
examined says that he does not recollect having seen any
such Person at his House resolved that it be recommended
to him to be Extremely vigilant in learning the Characters
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 647
of such Persons as he entertains in his House and from Time i78t
M&r. 7.
to Time give Information to this Board of all such Persons
of whom he may be suspicious. —
William Rowke being apprehended and brought before
the Board as a suspicious Person on being examined says
that he is enlisted during the war for a class resolved
that he be delivered over to Lieui Snow. —
Adjourned.
[353] Met Albany 8*i? March 1781 ^^\
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda j \ Hugh Mitchell
The Board having received Information that at the house
of Dirck Van Der Wilgen at the Hellebergh there has lately
been a Meeting of a Number of disaffected Persons at
which said Meeting among others were present Peter Seeger
and Gerrit Seeger resolved in Consequence of the said
Information that the Said Dirck Van Der Wilgen Gerrit
Seeger and Peter Seeger be cited to appear before the Board
to give Information as to the above Meeting —
John Curry, John Mekelmay and John Scott having made
application to the Board to be liberated from Confinement
on Bail and the same being taken into Consideration resolved
that they be severally liberated accordingly on entering into
Recognizance to appear within ten Days from the Date hereof
with each of them a sufficient surety before the Commissioners
for Conspiracies at Schenectady and that before the said
Commissioners they severally enter into a Recognizance for
their good Behaviour doing their duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
648 State of New York
Bi^^ 8 John Curry of Ballstown in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
John Mekelmay of the same Place Farmer in. £100
John Scott of the same place Farmer in £100
Adjourned. —
1*781
Mar. 9. [354] Met Albany 9^ March 1781 —
Present
John M Beeckman | ( j^^^^ jj p^^j^
Samuel Stnnger ) (
Robert Simmons late a Capi in the Enemies Service being
at present in this City and it being conceived necessary that
he should be examined and he being sent for and appearing
was examined his Examination is as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Resolved that Melchert File be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Melchert File of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
Isaac Van Aernam of the City of Albany
Hatter his Bail in ;£^ioo
Resolved that Nicholas Miller be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 649
Nicholas Miller of the East District of the 1781
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in. . ;^ioo
John Ja. Miller of the same place Taylor
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that John J. Miller be discharged from [355] con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
John J. Miller of the East District in the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
Nicholas Staats of the same Place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that John Andrew be discharged from confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
John Andrew of New-town in the County
of Albany Labourer in ;6^ioo
Coenradt Nestly of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
The Board being informed that Samuel Inglis of the west
District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck was present at the
Reading of Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation at the House of
James Lister resolved in Consequence thereof that the said
Samuel Inglis be cited to appear before this Board forthwith
to answer to the same. —
Resolved that Lieu- David Hustead and David Sprague be
cited to appear forthwith before the Board in order that they
may be examined as to the Meeting at James Lister's. —
Derick Van Der Welgen, Peter Seeger & Gerrit Seeger
650 State of New York
1781 having been cited to appear before the Board for the Pur-
pose of being Examined respecting a Meeting of a Number
of [356] disaffected Persons at the Hellebergh at which they
were present and they appearing agreeable to the said
order were severally examined and say as follows (to wit)
(see their Examination on File)
Adjourned
„o Met Albany 10^ March 1781 —
1781 -' '
Mar. 10. Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer j I Samuel Stringer
James Brisben appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go to his Place of Abode at Saragtoga and
remain some time with his Family which Request of the
said James Brisben being taken into Consideration resolved
that he have Leave granted him accordingly until the first
day of April next. —
Henry Tinkey also restricted by Recognizance to the
Limits of this City appeared before the Board and requested
to go to his Place of Abode at the Scotch Patent resolved
on considering the same that he also have Leave granted
until the first day of April Next. —
Resolved that Nicholas MuUer enter into a Recognizance
for his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) and not to
depart the Court without Leave. —
Nicholas MuUer of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in. . ;£'loo
[357] Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 651
Resolved that John J. Miller enter into a Recognizance „^78i
for his appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the City
of Albany on the third Tuesday in April next (or whereso-
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State afore-
said) and not to depart the Court without Leave. —
John J. Miller of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . £100
Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack Farm-
er his Bail in £100
Samuel Swertfeger having been confined for being con-
cerned in the late Meeting of the disaffected on the Hosick
Road and it appearing that the charge is not well founded
therefore resolved that he be discharged. —
Adjourned
Met Albany 12*.^ March 1781 ^1781
„ •' ' Mar. 12.
rresent
John M. Beeckman \ j Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stringer j ( Isaac D. Fonda
Resolved that John Klint be discharged from Confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his Duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
John Klint of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Schoolmaster in ;^ioo
John Leonard of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his Bail
in ;^loo
[358] Resolved that Martin Egbertse be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
652 State of New York
1781 Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain. —
Martin Egbertse of Schodack Innkeeper in. . ;^ioo
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;£^ioo
Resolved that John Jerone Van Valkenburgh be dis-
charged from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the Present
war with Great Britain. —
John Jerone Van Valkenburgh of Schodack
Farmer in ;^400
Jacob Schermerhorn of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;£^400
Resolved that Bowles Arnold be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain. —
Bowles Arnold of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . . . ;^ioo
Reuben Rowley of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
It appearing evident to this Board from the Examination
of Jonas Odell that Augustus Jeram is a dangerous and
disaffected Person and that his going at large unless under
Restrictions may be attended with evil [359] Consequences
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 653
to the Safety of the State It is therefore resolved that a „^''^^
warrant be made out directed to John May for the immediate
Apprehension of the said Augustus Jeram. —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany iji^ March 1781 1781
Present Mar. 13.
John M. Beeckman \ j Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda 3 ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Seth Rowley be cited to appear forthwith
before the Board for the Purpose of being examined as to
sundry Persons concerned in distributing about the Country
Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation. —
Henry Simpson of the west District of the Manor of
Rensselaerwyck appeared before the Board & informed us
that a few days ago Evert Jansen came to his House in a
Sleigh and had with him Joseph Bettis and that the said
Jansen & Bettis after remaining there sometime went
away together resolved in Consequence of the above Infor-
mation that the said Evert Jansen be immediately appre-
hended and brought before us. —
Jacob Kidney appearing informed the Board that he had
agreeable to order apprehended Evert Jansen & the said
Evert Jansen being Examined and unwillingly [sic] to answer
candidly to the Questions proposed to him therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him. —
Lieutenant Nicholas Bower appeared before the Board
and informed us that agreeable to the Directions of [360]
Samuel Ten Broeck Esq- he had brought up from Liv-
ingston's Manor a Prisoner who calls himself William
Hartley who the said Samuel Ten Broeck had caused to be
apprehended as a Suspicious Person and the said William
654 State of New York
1781 Hartley being brought before the Board & examined re-
solved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him. —
Resolved that David Nichols be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies v^^hen thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present w^ar v?ith
Great Britain. —
David Nichols of Stephen-tovpn in the County
of Albany Farmer in. ;Cioo
Ichabod Turner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;Cloo
Resolved that Jacob Freligh be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies w^hen thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present war with Great Britain. —
Jacob Freligh of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. . . ;^ioo
Martin Freligh of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
1781 [361] Met Albany 14*.'' March 1 78 1. —
Mar. 14.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( j • u 1/ t* 1 .
T T\ T? A L J i^^^^^^" *^" Rensselaer
■ ( ) Mathew Visscher
Samuel Stnnger ; I
It appearing from the Examination of Henry Simpson
that Joseph Bettis has been harboured by One Thomas who
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 655
lives in the west District of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck jg^"^^^
on a Farm formerly belonging to Abraham Boom resolved
in Consequence of the same that a warrant be made out
directed to Jacob Hilton forthwith to apprehend & bring
before us the said Thomas. —
Jacobus Moll who was the other Day confined being
brought before the Board and he acknowledging his Fault
and promising to amend his Conduct in future therefore
resolved that he be discharged from Confinement —
William Hartley who was Confined on Suspicion of his
being a spy from the Enemy was brought before the Board
and examined and then ordered to be recommitted. —
Resolved that Alamander Cone be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain. —
Alamander Cone of Stephen Town in the
County of Albany Joiner in ;^ioo
Ichabod Cone of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
[362] His Excellency Governor Clinton having requested
the Board to examine William Hartley in his Presence and
his Excellency now attending for that Purpose the said
William Hartley was brought before the Board and being
Examined says as follows (to wit) (see Examination on
File)
It appearing from the above Examination that Ryneir
Vischer of this City is concerned with other disaffected
Persons in endeavouring by enlisting Men for the enemy
to subvert the Liberty and Independance of this State and
as the said Ryneir Visher sustains the Character of dis-
656 State of New York
1781 affection therefore resolved that a warrant be made out
Mar. 14.
and directed to Jacob Kidney for the immediate appre-
hension of the said Ryneir Vischer —
Adjourned —
mS%- Met Albany 15* March 1781
Present
John M Beeckman ) { j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
bamuel Stnnger ) (
Lieu- Jacob Snyder of Schohary appeared before the Board
and informed us that by order of CoU Peter Vrooman he
had apprehended Hendrick Kneiskern Jun- and Jacob
Saltsbergh who last Fall assisted Sir John Johnson in
destroying Schohary and the said Hendrick Kneiskern Jun-*^
and Jacob Saltsbergh being examined resolved that they be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Resolved that the Examination of Lieu- [363] Jacob
Snyder with Respect to the Conduct of sundry disaffected
Persons at the Bever Dam be taken which is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Sander Bulson having been apprehended with those
Persons concerned in the Rescue of Harpert Lansing and
Andries StoU and Lieu- Col- Henry Van Rensselaer having
certified to the Board that the Conduct of the said Sander
Bulson had always been inoffensive & that he has done his
duty in the Militia therefore resolved that he be discharged
from Confinement. —
Resolved that James Bruce of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck be cited forthwith to appear
before this Board with a sufficient surety to enter into
Recognizance of anew. —
Samuel Inglis having been present at the Meeting at
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 657
Tames Lister's at which was read a Proclamation of Sir „^78r
... Mar. IS-
Henry Clinton having been cited to appear before the Board
appeared resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his
appearance At the Court of Oyer and Terminer at present
held in the City Hall of this City then and there to answer
such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave. —
Samuel Inglis of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Cooper in ;£^ioo
Abraham Van Aernam who was apprehended for assisting
in the Rescue of Lansing and StoU requesting to be discharged
from Confinement and his [364] Conduct notwithstanding
his Political Principles having always been unexceptionable
(expect' in the present Instance) therefore resolved that he
be discharged. —
Adjourned. —
Met Albany 16?'' March 1781
Present Mlr?i6.
John M Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stnnger ) (
William Hartley being again brought before the Board and
examined says that Nathaniel Cotton of Cooksakie is con-
cerned in enlisting Men for the Service of the enemy and that
the said Cotton furnished him with a Pass to travel through
the Country in order that he the said William Hartley might
be able the better to carry on his Practices against the State. —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that a
warrant be made out directed to John Tillman Jun^ forth-
with to apprehend & bring before us the said Nathaniel
Cotton. —
' So in the original for " except."
658 State of New York
1781 Resolved that Johannis Kittle be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Johannis Kittle of Schodack in the County
of Albany Farmer in £200
Philip Schermerhorn of the same place Cord
wainer his Bail in ;^ioo
[365] Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of the same
place Cordwainer also his Bail in ;Cioo
William Hartley having also informed the Board that
Samuel Baker of the East District of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck has in his Possession Commissions from New
York which he is to deliver to such Persons as are willing
to enlist Men for the Service of the Enemy and that he has
also with him Proclamations of Sir Henry Clinton which he
disperses about the Country and Cap- Nicholas Staats
having been requested to apprehend the said Samuel Baker
and bring him before the Board this day appear'd with him
and the said Samuel Baker being examined Resolved that
he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him. —
It being suggested to the Board that M- Visscher (Mother
of Ryneir Visher who was a few days ago confined) is on
Account of the confinement of her said son reduced to a
State of Indigence and want as she with her Family depend
solely upon him for their Support. —
Resolved therefore that the said Ryneir Vischer be liberated
from Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty & appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 659
required during the Continuance of the present war with jj^'^^^
Great Britain. —
Ryneir Vischer of the City of Albany Silver
Smith in ;^ioo
Teunis Visscher of the same place Yeoman
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Peter Wyngaert be discharged from [366]
Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great
Britain —
Peter Wyngaert of Schodack in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of D? Cord-
wainer his Bail in £ 50
Philip Schermerhorn of D° D- also his
Bail in £ 50
Adjourned. —
Met Albany 17*^ March 1781 — mI?.*i7.
John M. Beeckman ] f Mathew Visscher
Isaac D. Fonda J 1 Samuel Stringer
Jacob Saltsbergh of Schohaiy who was the other day
confined was brought before the Board for examination and
having been examined was ordered to be Recommitted —
Resolved that Jacob Weeger Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto re-
quired for and during the Continuance of the present war
66o State of New York
1781 with Great Britain and also for his Appearance at the next
Mar. 17. , '^'^
Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New
York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held [367] in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
Matters as shall be alledged against him and not depart
the Court without Leave. —
Thomas Weeger Jun- of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . ;^ioo
Thomas Weeger of Tomhenick in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that John Cone be discharged from Confinement
on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
John Cone of Stephen Town Farmer in. . . . ;£^ioo
Benjamin Sacket of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Johannis Weeger be discharged from
Confinement on his entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain. —
Johannis Weeger of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
Coenradt Heyner of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;Cioo
John May appeared before the Board with Jasper .Crandel
and Stephen Wilcocks who he informed us he had appre-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 66i
hended by order of Daniel Hull EsqJ Justice of the Peace & „^^**
the said John May at the same time laid before the Board
sundry Examinations taken by the said Daniel Hull respect-
ing the [368] Conduct of the said Jasper Crandell and
Stephen Wilcocks which Examinations being read and it
appearing therefrom that the said Crandell and Wilcocks
are disaffected and dangerous Persons therefore resolved
that they be committed and a Mittimus made out for
them —
Adam Pabst heretofore bound by Recognizance being
ordered to appear before this Board with a sufficient Surety
to enter Recognizance of a new appeared resolved that
he be bound for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain. —
Adam Pabst of the Hellebergh in the County
of Albany Farmer in : £100
Andries Ward Jun- of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned
Met Albany 18?'' March 1781 jo^fls.
Present
John M Beeckman ] f j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer 3 (
Daniel Hewson who last Year went to Canada from this
City and joined the Enemy and who lately surrendered him-
self at Fort Schuyler being brought to his Excellency Gov-
ernor Clinton and he referring the said Daniel Hewson to
this Board for Examination & the said Daniel Hewson
being examined says as follows (to wit) (see his Examina-
tion on File)
662 State of New York
1781 Ordered that a Mittimus be made out for the said Daniel
Mar. 18.
Hewson —
[369] Nathaniel Cotton having been apprehended by
James Green by order of this Board upon the Information of
William Hartley resolved that the said James Green
attend with the said Nathaniel Cotton before this Board to
Morrow Morning. —
Adjourned —
^^7Si Met Albany 19*^ March 1781
Present
Jf " M Beeckman ) j j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Nathaniel Cotton who was Yesterday brought before the
Board by James Green being again produced was examined
as to the Charges alledged against him by William Hartley
which he utterly denying and producing to this Board a
Recommendation of his uniform Attachment to the Ameri-
can Cause signed by Leonard Bronck Esq^ of Cooksakie in
whose House the said Nathaniel Cotton has for two Years
past resided resolved on Considering of the Above Recom-
mendation that the said Nathaniel Cotton be discharged. —
Daniel Hewston who was Yesterday confined being
brought before the Board was again examined ordered
that he be recommitted. —
Adjourned
lygi Met Albany 2oi!! March 1781
Mar. 20. Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Mathew Visscher ) (
Resolved that Hendrick Kittle be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his [370] appear-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 663
ance on the third Tuesday in April next at the Supream j^^^l^^
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New Yqrk
at the City Hall in this City (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
Matters as shall then and there be alledged against him and
not to depart the Court without Leave —
Hendrick Kittle of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . . . ;^ioo
Jacob J. Van Valkenburgh of the same place
Cordwainer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Nicholas Shaver be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present war with
Great Britain —
Nicholas Shaver of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. . . . ;^ioo
John Tillman of the City of Albany Inn-
keeper his Bail in £^50
Resolved that Isaac Hops be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) and not to depart the
Court without Leave —
Isaac Hops of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
[371] BarentHeynerof the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned —
664 State of New York
1781 Met Albany 21^ March 1781
Mar. 21. r> ^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( t ta t? j
-; , r. • f ) Isaac D. londa
Samuel Stringer ) (
Resolved that Jacob Timmerman Alias Jacob Carpenter
be discharged from Confinement on entering into a Recog-
nizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appear-
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain
Jacob Timmerman alias dictus Jacob Car-
penter of Hoosick District in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Abraham Bovee of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £ 50
Johannis Daet Jun^ of the same place Farmer
also his Bail in ;^ 50
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 225? March 1781
M"- "• Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Mathew Visscher ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Daniel Hewston being again ordered to be brought before
the Board and being further examined ordered that he be
recommitted. —
Resolved that John Smith be discharged from [372] Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance to appear at the
next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the State
of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 665
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court „^7**
without Leave and in the Mean time be of the good Be-
haviour —
John Smith of the East District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
John Freer of the same place Weaver his
Bail in ;^ioo
William Hartley being ordered to be brought before the
Board for further Examination was accordingly brought
and examined ordered that he be recommitted —
It appearing from the Examination of William Hartley
that John Van Deusen of Great Barrington living near
Monument Mountain is possessed of Commissions and Proc-
lamations which he has received from the Enemy at New
York —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
a Letter be wrote to Timothy Edwards Esq- at Stock-
bridge requesting him to have the House of the said John
Van Deusen searched which Letter is in the following words
(to wit) (here take in Letter)
Mar. 23,
Adjourned
Met Albany 23^ March 1781 m-?*L
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Mathew Visscher
[373] Resolved that Abraham Roberts be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his appear-
ance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held
for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the
third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court
shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such
666 State of New York
1781 Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to depart
the Court without Leave. —
Abraham Roberts of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
William Van Den Bergh of the City of Albany
Labourer his Bail in ;^ioo
Isaac Vosburgh of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer also
his Bail in £^100
Resolved that Coenradt Colehamer be discharged from
Confinement on Stephenus Colehamer and Paul Snyder's
entering into Recognizance for the Appearance of the said
Coenradt Colehamer at the next Supream Court of Judica-
ture to be held for the State of New York at the City Hall in
this City on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever
the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to
answer to such Matters as shall be alledged against him
and not to depart the Court without Leave —
Stephenus Colehamer of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer
Bail for Coenradt Colehamer in ;^ioo
Paul Snyder of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in ;^ioo
[374] Resolved that Coenradt Heydorn be discharged
from Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his
Appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in this City
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to
such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 667
Coenradt Heydorn of the East District of the i?*^
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . £100
Petrus Heydorn of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Met Albany 24^ March 1781 „i78i
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) ( t T-k t- j
-; , r. • f ) Isaac u. l*onda
bamuel btrmger ) (
Resolved that Stephen Wilcocks be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain. —
Stephen Wilcocks of Little Hosick in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Ephraim Jackson of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Joseph Crandell be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before [375] any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain. —
Jasper Crandell of Little Hosick in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Thomas Crandell of the same place Farmer
his Bail in i^ioo
Resolved that Daniel Hewson Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
668 State of New York
1781 of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Daniel Hewson Jun- of the City of Albany
Cordwainer in ;£^ioo
Casper Cogh of Stonearabia in Tryon County
Farmer his Bail in ;^ 50
John Hoogkerk of Albany Taylor also his
Bail in £ 50
Adjourned
jj^8i^ Met Albany 26^ March 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ■ ( t t-« tt* j
;L , n • 1 ) isaac u. ronda
Samuel Stnnger ) (
A Certificate signed by John M'jKesson Esq- Clerk of
the Supream Court was laid before the Board certifying
that Christopher File (who was confined for being concerned
in the Rescue of Harpert Lansing and Andries StoU) has
given sureties to the Court for his good Behaviour in future
for twelve Kalander Months & as the said Christopher File
stands Committed by Virtue of a Mittimus of this Board
resolved that the said Mittimus be withdrawn and that the
said Christopher File be discharged from Confinement —
[376] Resolved that Isaac Aarse be discharged from Con-
finement on Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
entering into a Recognizance for the said Isaac Aarse's
being of the good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Abraham Bloodgood of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for Isaac Aarse in ;^I00
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 669
Resolved that Andries StoU be discharged from Confine- ..^'Si
. . Mar. 20.
ment on his entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the third
Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not depart the Court
without Leave
Andries StoU of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Blacksmith In. . ;^ioo
Henry Dencker of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Met Albany 27^ March 1781 1781
resent
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( [Stewart Dean]
A Letter from the Hon— Brigadier General James
Clinton was laid before the Board wherein he informs us
that there is at present in Goal a Prisoner of war named
John Palmer to whose liberation from Confinement he has
no [377] Objection provided the said John Palmer procure
Bail to this Board for his appearance before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon until
exchanged or otherwise discharged from his Recognizance
and Volkert A. Douw being willing to become surety for the
said John Palmer resolved that he accordingly enter into
Recognizance for the appearance of the said John Palmer
as above mentioned —
Volkert A. Douw of the City of Albany as
Bail for John Palmer in £100
A Certificate signed by Robert Harper Esq^ Clerk of the
670 State of New York
1781 Council of Appointment was laid before the Board whereby
it appears that Stewart Dean Esq- was on the 26— day of
March Instant appointed by the HonMi the Council of
Appointment a Commissioner for Conspiracies for this
County in the Stead of Mathew Visscher and Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer Esq2 who have resigned in Consequence of which
said Certificate the said Stewart Dean took the Oath of
Office as prescribed in and by an Act of the Legislature of this
State entitled " An Act for appointing Commissioners for
Conspiracies and declaring their Powers " and took his Seat
at the Board accordingly —
Cap- Ichabod Turner appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended Seth Rowley an
Inhabitant of Stephen Town for having been present at the
Meeting at James Lister's and for being one of the Chief
Promoters in having Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamation
read at the said Meeting resolved in Consequence of the said
Meeting that the said Seth Rowley be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned. —
1781 [378] Met Albany 28^?? March 1781
Present
John M^Beeckman ) j j^^^^ j^ p^^^^
Stewart Dean ) (
John Cobham having been ordered by this Board not to
leave this City without our Permission and appearing this
Day before us requested the Liberty of going to Fort Miller
for the Purpose of settling his private Business resolved
in Consequence of the said Application that a Permit be
granted him accordingly —
Col'- Veeder appeared before the Board and informed us
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 67 1
that Philip Cough of the Hellebergh lately went down the yJ'^^^o
Country under a Pretence of going to Philadelphia but that
it appears from many concurring Circumstances that he has
been at New York and that the said Philip Cough took with
him from the Hellebergh a woman whose Husband is gone
off to the Enemy and who is supposed to be at New York
resolved in Consequence of the said Information that the
said Philip Cough be cited forthwith to appear before this
Board to answer to the above Charge. —
Nicholas Cluet having been cited to appear before the
Board appearing was examined as to the Conduct of some
disaffected Persons living on the Nistageune Road —
A Letter from Jacob Ford Esq!' of Kings District was laid
before the Board inclosing sundry Examinations respecting
the Conduct of Ambrose Vincent, John Mandigo and Stokes
Potter which Letter and examinations are in the words
following (to wit) (See Letter and Examinations on File)
[379] resolved that the Consideration of the above Letter
and Examinations be postponed untill to Morrow. —
Adjourned
Met Albany 29^ March 1781 1781
Present ^*'- '9-
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Harpert Lansing be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany on
the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
to such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave. —
672 State of New York
1781 Harpert Lansing of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;^ioo
Jacob Vischer of Cooksborough in the
County of Albany Farmer his Bail in ... . £^100
The Board taking into Consideration the Letter and
Examinations Yesterday received from Jacob Ford EsqJ do
resolve on Consideration thereof that a vs^arrant be made
out for the Apprehension of Ambrose Vincent, John Mandigo
and Stokes Potter —
Resolved that the above warrant be transmitted to the
said Jacob Ford and that a Letter be v^rote requesting him
to have the same served as soon as possible and that he
bind over the Witnesses against the said Ambrose Vincent,
John Mandigo [380] and Stokes Potter to appear at the next
Supream Court —
Adjourned —
,1781 Met Albany ^o^ March 1781
Mar. 30- r>
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Samuel Stringer
Philip Cough who was on the 28- Instant cited to appear
before this Board appearing was examined and it appearing
from his Examination that the Charges as alledged against
him by Col- Veeder are groundless therefore resolved that he
be discharged —
Peter Livingston of the Hellebergh having forfeited
the Recognizance by him entered into before this Board
therefore resolved that he be cited to appear with all Con-
venient speed to show cause why the same should not be
prosecuted —
The Recognizance of Philip Empey, Johannis Staring,
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 673
Nicholas Ault, Peter Fikes and Adam Shaver having become jj^'^*^^
forfeited to the State by their going to and Joining the enemy
resolved therefore that the Secretary to this Board make
out the said Recognizance in order that the Bails may be
prosecuted on the same by the Attorney General —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 31^ March 1781 uuflt.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stevsrart Dean
Resolved that Seth Rowley be discharged from [381]
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his appear-
ance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for
the State of New York at the City Hall in the City of Albany
on the third Tuesday in April next (or wheresoever the said
Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer
to such Matters as shall be alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Seth Rowley of Stephen Town in the County
of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Amos Miner of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;Cioo
The Board having received Information from Cap- John
Van Wie that the two sons of Hezekiah Schoenmaker are
mising and that there is Reason to suspect they are gone to the
Enemy in order to determine which it is resolved that a
Citation be made out for the said Hezekiah Schoenmaker to
appear before this Board forthwith in order that he may be
examined as to the same —
Adjourned —
674 State of New York
^^781^ Met Albany 2^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( ^^ ^ r»
-; , t, . c i Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) (
Archibald McNeil of the Scotch Patent appeared before
the Board and informed us that agreeable to the Tenor of
his Recognizance he appeared to wait the further Order of this
Board — resolved that the said Archibald M-Neil remove
with his Family into the interior Part of this State by the
I-* day of May next and that he be informed [382] that
unless he complies with this order his Recognizance will be
prosecuted —
Neal Shaw appeared before the Board and laid before us a
Letter from James Gillis for whom he is surety in which
Letter the said Gillis prays that his non Appearance on this
day may not be construed as a Forfe[i]ture of his Recog-
nizance as he is unable to come on Account of his being
indisposed —
Resolved that the same James Gillis be also ordered by
the first day of May next to remove with his Family into the
Interior parts of this State —
Henry Tinkey appeared before the Board and laid before
us a Request of his Bail that he might be indulged with
Permission to remain some time longer at home —
Resolved that the said Henry Tinkey by the first day
of May next also remove his Effects and Family into the
Interior Parts of this State —
Adjourned
^81 Met Albany 3^ April 1781
^^' ^' Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 675
The Board having received Information that Df George ^78i
Smith is at present in this City and as he has received no
Permission from this Board for that Purpose therefore
resolved that Jacob Kidney the Door Keeper be ordered to
bring the said D- Smith forthwith before us. —
[383] D- Smith being brought before the Board says in
Justification of his Conduct that he was ordered to Town
by Gen- Clinton for the Purpose of preparing himself to go
to Canada in order to his being exchanged and the same
being deemed Satisfactory resolved that he be discharged
and Permission be granted him to remain in Town for
eight days to settle his Business —
Adjourned —
Met Albany S- April 1781 Apn 5.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda i ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that John Hodkison be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour and appearing before any three of the Commis-
ioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required and
remaining within the Limits of the City of Albany until
exchanged or otherwise discharged by this Board —
John Hodkison of the City of Albany La-
bourer in ;Cioo
Rykert Bovee of Maple Town in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Captain Benjamin Du Bois appeared before the Board
and informed the Board that Samuel Van Buskerk, Luke
Dewitt and the wife of Johan Jurie Fought are dangerous
and disaffected Persons whose going at Large may be danger-
ous to the State. —
676 State of New York
1781 Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
2L warrant be made out for them and That Cap- Du Bois
be requested to have the same served —
[384] James Brisben wrho wras by Recognizance bound to
remain v(rithin the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to go to Saragtoga to see
his Family and his Bail Peter Sharp consenting thereto
resolved that he have Permission granted him accordingly
untill the first day of May next —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 6^? April 1781
Apr. 6. Present
Samuel Stringer ) ( j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Stewart Dean ) (
John Kerner appeared before the Board and informed
us that Frederick Shaver of the East District & the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck by his Conduct & Conversation
daily gives Offence to the well affected Subjects of the
State —
Wherefore resolved that a warrant be made out for the
Apprehension of the said Frederick Shaver and that the
said warrant be directed to the said John Kerner in order
that he may serve the same —
A Letter from his Excellency Governor Clinton to the
Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton was laid before
the Board by Samuel Stringer Esq- wherein the Governor in-
informs that he has received Information that there are a
number of Persons who last Fall came from the Enemy at
the Hellebergh and Places Adjacent and recommending it
to General Clinton to detach Parties from Kats Kill, Cook-
sakie, Schohary and from this place for the purpose [385]
of apprehending all such persons resolved in Consequence
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 677
of the said Letter that the HonMs Brigadier Geni Gansevoort ^"^^^
be sent for in order to consult wtih him as to the Steps neces-
sary to be taken in carrying the above plan into Execution —
Adjourned lySr
Met Albany f^ April 1781 ^P'^-7-
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Frederick Shaver having been apprehended was brought
before the Board and being examined and it appearing to
us necessary that the said Frederick Shaver be laid under
a Recognizance therefore resolved that previous to his Dis-
charge he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required —
Frederick Shaver of the East District of Rens-
selaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
John Kerner of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Resolved agreeable to the plan Yesterday adopted by
General Gansevoort that a Letter be wrote to Major Scher-
merhorn requesting him with a Party of Men to go to Coye-
mans in order to apprehend such as are endeavouring to
escape to the East side of the River —
Adjourned
Met Albany 10*-^ April 1781 lygi
Present Apr. 10.
John M. Beeckman) j Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
[386] William Dewitt appeared before the Board &
brought before us a certain person who he had apprehended
678 State of New York
1781 on Suspicion of his being a spy from the Enemy who being
examined says his Name is Abel Bacon and he being unable
to give a Satisfactory Account of himself therefore resolved
that he be confined and that the Goaler be directed to keep
him in Custody untill he shall be discharged by an order
of this Board —
Adjourned —
Apr!^Ji. Met Albany ii^? April 1781
Present
John M Beeckman ) j g^^^^^^ j^^^^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
M- Fonda informed the Board that he had received Infor-
mation that Philip Lansing who last Spring joined the
Enemy is come from Canada and is supposed to be on his
way to New York with dispatches. —
Resolved that it be recommended to M- Fonda to obtain
the fullest Information of this Matter and endeavour if
possible to have the said Philip Lansing apprehended —
A Letter from Captain Ichabod Turner was laid before
the Board Informing us that Seth Rowley who was by us
bound for his Appearance at the next Supream Court has
inlisted in the nine months Service and recommending it to
us to discharge the said Seth Rowley from that Part of his
Recognizance requiring his Appearance at Court and we
having considered the Contents of the said Letter do resolve
that the said Seth Rowley be discharged accordingly —
[387] Joseph Hawkins appeared before the Board and
requested from us Permission to go and look for a Farm
on which he might remove his Family resolved that he have
leave granted him accordingly. —
Adjourned. —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 679
Met Albany 12^ April 1781 ^i78i_^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Robert Kenneday appeared before the Board and laid
before us a Letter from Col^ Anthony Van Bergen wherein
he informs us that he sends to us under Guard a person
who he has had apprehended on Suspicion and the said
person being brought before us and examined says his
Name is Jonathan OBrian and that he is a deserter from
Col'- James Livingston's Regiment resolved that he be
confined and that Col^ Livingston be informed thereof. —
The Board having received Information that Hezekiah
Schoenmaker and Henry Schoenmaker have left there
places of abode some time ago in order to avoid doing
Militia Duty and paying their Rates and are now Secreted
about Cooksakie resolved in Consequence of the said Infor-
mation that a warrant be made out & directed to Robert
Kenneday of Cooksakie to apprehend the said Hezekiah
Schoenmaker and Henry Schoenmaker and forthwith bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City. —
Adjourned —
[388] Met Albany 13^ April 1781 '
1781
Apr. 13,
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Brigadier General James Clinton laid before the Board
a letter received by him from Teunis Van Wagenen at Cats
Kill dated 12- Instant in which he informs him that agree-
able to his Directions he had proceeded to the Westward
with a Party of Men and has apprehended Jurry Hoofman,
68o State of New York
1781 Frederick Lobus, Frederick Schraader and Tohannis Vro-
Apr. 13. -^
bert who say they were taken prisoners at the Surrender of
Burgoyne, John Carrigill and James Davidson Deserters
from the Continental Army and Peter Laraway and Luke
Dewitt Inhabitants of this County and they being severally
brought before us and examined resolved that they be com-
mitted except John Carrigill who producing a Furlough
from Capi Jansen of Col- Van Schaick's Regiment was dis-
charged ordered that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Samuel Stringer Esq- laid before the Board an Extract of a
Letter from the Honorable Major General Heath setting forth
that two Men have lately leftNew York with Dispatches for Can-
ada and containing a Description of their Persons and Dress. —
Resolved in Consequence of the same that Letters be
wrote to Col' Abraham Wempell at Schenectady, Major
Ezekiel Taylor at Stillwater and to the Commanding Officer
at Saragtoga informing them of the same and requesting them
to use every possible Means to apprehend those Persons. —
[389] Abel Bacon who was on the 10^ Instant confined
on Suspicion of his being a spy from the Enemy was brought
before the Board and it appearing to us from sundry Cir-
cumstances that the said Bacon is no other than one of those
infatuated People denominated Shaking Quakers and that
he was on his way to Nistageune therefore resolved that the
said Abel Bacon be discharged and be ordered not to frequent
those parts in future on any Pretence whatever unless he is
furnished with proper Credentials of his attachment to the
American Cause. —
Adjourned. —
1781 Met Albany 14^ April 1781
Apr. 14. Present
John M. Beeckman ) \ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 68 1
The Board having received Information that there is at . ^^^^
present in Town a person who passes by the Name of Henry
Thiell who is endeavouring to depreciate the Money emitted
agreeable to a Resolution of Congress of the i8- day of
March 1 780 by exchanging three pounds of the said Money
for one Pound in Specie and it appearing from other Cir-
cumstances and also from the Examinations of John Lansing
Jun- Esq- , John H. Wendell Esqi and James Dennison that
the said Henry Thiell is a Suspicious person therefore re-
solved that he be sent for and examined —
The above mentioned Henry Thiell appearing & being
examined says he is lately from Philadelphia and that he
came to this place to settle his private Business —
Resolved on Considering the above that the said Henry
[390] Thiell enter into a Recognizance to appear before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called
upon and that he do not depart beyond the Limits of this
City without Leave previously obtained from this Board —
Henry Thiell of Philadelphia in the State
of Pensylvania Blacksmith in ;^500
Hugh Dennison of the City of Albany Inn-
holder his Bail in ;^500
Adjourned —
Met Albany 15^5; April 1781 ^^781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Samuel Stringer
Lieu5 CoU Barent Staats appeared before the Board
and informed us that there is at present at the House of
James Watson living on the Road to Coyemans a Person who
appears very Suspicious who has been there four or five days
that he supposes the said person is a Spy from the Enemy —
682 State of New York
1781 Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
Lieui Coenrad Gansevoort be requested to take three or four
Men of Col? Cuyler's Regiment and endeavour to apprehend
the said Person
Adjourned —
^^781^ Met Albany 16^ April 1781 —
^"^* ^ ' [Present]
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Lieu5 Gansevoort who at the Request of this Board went
with a Party of Men to apprehend the Person Yesterday
described by Col- Staats appearing informed us that having
[391] last Night apprehended the said Person and brought
him to Town for the Purpose of confining him the said
Person had made his Escape —
Resolved thereupon that a Letter be wrote to Capi Van
Wie to request him With a Party of his Company to en-
deavour if possible to apprehend him —
A Letter from Zepheniah Batchelor Esq' was laid before
the Board dated the 14- Instant wherein he informs us that
William Laird and Df Tice are still in the Neighbourhood
of Johnstown and recommending it to have them apprehended
and we having good Reason to think that they intend to go
and join the Enemy this Spring resolved therefore that a War-
rant be made out for the Apprehension of the said William
Laird and Df Tice & that the same be forwarded to the
said Zepheniah Batchelor in order that it may be served —
Mathew Visscher Esq^ laid before the Board a Letter from
William Whiting Esq- dated at Great Barrington the 5 -Instant
which is in the words following (to wit) (see Letter on File)
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 683
Met Albany 17^ April 1781 — ^^S*
Present ^''
John M. Beeckman ) ( Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Major Reed laid before the Board a Letter from the
Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton wherein the
General requests that Df George Smith may have Liberty
to remove with his Family and Effects to the New City
and that he be under the same Restrictions he is now under
until he is exchanged resolved that the same be taken into
Consideration —
[392] Serjeant Soal appeared before the Board & informed
us that he had apprehended Thomas Gleason the Person who
Yesterday made his Escape from Lieu- Gansevoort and the
said Thomas Gleason being brought in and examined resolved
that he be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
It appearing from the Examination of the above mentioned
Gleason and from sundry other Circumstances that James
Watson who was confined for harbouring the said Gleason
was no way concerned or privy to any Part of the Conduct
of the said Gleason but as the said James Watson has always
sustained the Character of a disaffected Person therefore
resolved that previous to his Discharge he enter into Recogni-
zance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required for and during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain —
James Watson of the west District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Innkeeper in . . . ;£'ioo
Volkert A. Douw of the City of Albany Gentle-
man his Bail in ;6^ioo
Adjourned —
684 State of New York
^1781 Met Albany 18!? ApriJ 1781
Apr. x8* Ti
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Two Affidavits of Carrel Nier and Jacob Nier taken
before the said Johannis Van Deusen Esq- were laid before
the Board which Affidavits set forth that they the said Carrel
Neir and Jacob Neir having apprehended Harmen [393]
Haver by virtue of a warrant from this Board and being on
their way With him to Albany that Hendrick Platner and
Jacob Platner of Claverack did advise the said Harmen
Haver to make his Escape and that they called the said
Haver out of the House in order the better to enable him to do
it resolved in Consequence of the said Affidavits that an
Order be made out to the said Hendrick and Jacob Platner
forthwith to deliver up to this Board the said Harmen Haver —
Resolved that Hendrick Knieskern be discharged from
Confinement on entering into Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon
for and during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain
Hendrick Knieskern of Schohary in the
County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
William Knieskern of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
A Letter from Johannis Van Dusen and Lowrence Fonda
Esq- Justices of the Peace dated at Claverack the i^t^
Instant was laid before the Board wherein they inform us that
they send to us the Examinations of several disaffected
Persons and two Men as Prisoners named Teunis Reipen-
bergh and Jacob M. Hoogteling who they suspect have been
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 685
concerned in the Robbery committed on Cap- Casparus .^'^^'g.
Conyne resolved that the said Teunis Reipenbergh & Jacob
M. Hoogteling be confined and that a Mittimus be made out
for them —
Resolved that James Watson Jun- be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the [394]
Commissioners for Conspiracies when called upon during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
James Watson Jun^ of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Labourer in. ;^ioo
Barent I. Staats of the same place Esq^
his Bail in £100
Adjourned
Met Albany 19*^? April 1781 — Apr!%.
Present
Jol
Isaac D. Fonda J ( Stewart Dean
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Jacob Saltsbergh who last Fall came with Sir John
Johnson and was at the destruction of Schohary was brought
before the Board and Examined his examination is as follows
(to wit) (see Examination on File) ordered that he be
recommitted —
Samuel Stringer Esq^ laid before the Board an Examina-
tion of George Boarck taken by Hezekiah Van Orden Esq^
from which it appears that Abraham Person Jun" and
Abraham Dewit intend to go off and join the Enemy when-
ever a fit Oppertunity shall present resolved in Consequence
of the same that a Letter be wrote to Lieui Teunis Van
Wagenon at Cats Kill to request him to have the said Abra-
ham Person Jun^ and Abraham DeWit apprehended and
forthwith sent to us —
686 State of New York
1781 Information having been received that a certain John Cole
Apr. 19. ° • 1 T'
is lately come from New York and is at present m the East
Camp resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that a Letter be wrote to Cap- Tiel Rockefeller requesting
him [395] to apprehend the said John Cole and forthwith
bring him before us
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to William Whiting Esq^
at Great Harrington inclosing a Description of a certain
William Scott who frequently goes to New York and returns
with false Continental Money and requesting him to have
the said William Scot apprehended which Letter is in the
words following (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File) —
Adjourned
jygj Met Albany 20^? April 1781
Apr. 20. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell appeared before
the Board and informed us that Jacob Best of Hosick has
harboured and secreted in his House John Ruyter formerly
an Inhabitant of Hosick who at the Time he was so secreted
by the said Jacob Best was a Captain in the British Service
which Charge they say can be plainly and Satisfactorily
proved by Peter Crandell and Hugh Baily —
And the said Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell
further inform that John Babcock Joseph Allport and
Dennis Dun are disaffected Persons and that they have
drank the Kings Health and that Jacob Lantman also is a
dangerous and disaffected Person who in the Year 1777
when General Burgoyne came down did assist in murdering
some men who had been driving Cattle to General Gates's
Army and that Stephen Card has advised many Persons to
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 687
accept of Sir Henry Clinton's Proclamations telling them it ^78i
contained Offers of [396] Peace and that it would be the last
Time that any would be made and that Elisha Runnels &
Thomas Stephens were present when the said Stephen Card
made use of those Expressions —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
a Warrant be made out for the immediate apprehension of the
said John Babcock, Dennis Dun, Stephen Card andjacob
Lantman and that the same be directed to Jacob Kidney
Constable —
Thomas Gleason who was the other day committed to Goal
requested to be brought before the Board in order to give
some Information respecting William Hartley & he being
brought in and Examined says that a certain Man of the
Name of Butler has brought a Letter to the said Hartley &
that the said Hartley was to write an answer which said
Butler was to call for — Ordered that the said Thomas
Gleason be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2i5£ April 1781 Apr.^^j.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board & informed us
that he had apprehended Jacob Lantman, John Babcock,
Dennis Dun and Stephen Card and they being severally
examined and denying the Charge alledged against them
and offering to disprove the same resolved therefore that
they be severally bound by Recognizance to appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies [397] at
the City Hall in this [City] on Wednesday next and that in the
mean Time they be of the good Behaviour —
688 State of New York
1781 Jacob Lantman of Hosick in the County of
Apr. 21
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
John Babcock of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;Cioo
Dennis Dun of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £^100
Johannis Duet of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;£^loo
Stephen Card of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Daniel Kyneir of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved in Consequence of the Information Yesterday
given by Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell that a
warrant be made out for the Apprehension of Jacob Best
and Joseph Allport of Hosick District and that the same be
delivered to the said Benjamin Randell in Order to have it
served —
Samuel Stringer Esq- informed the Board that he had
advanced to Peter Seeger Eight New Emission Dollars for
the Purpose of apprehending Joseph Bettis ordered that he be
credited for the same — *
Resolved that Peter Crandell, Hugh Baily, John Ryley,
Oliver Bartley, Elisha Reynolds, Thomas Stephens, and
• Included in Stringer's sworn statement, October 21, 1784, in Revoluiionary
Mamiscripts, vol. 40, p. 160, vStale Comptroller's oflSce.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 689
Samuel Shaw be cited to appear before this Board on Wednes- i78i
day next in order to support the Charges before us exhibited
by Benjamin Randell and Stephen Randell against the said
Jacob Lantman, John Babcock, Dennis Dun, Stephen
Card, Jacob Best and Joseph Allport —
Thomas Butler of Hosick District having been [398]
apprehended on the Information Yesterday given to this
Board by Thomas Gleason and being Examined as to the
same positively denies the Charge but as there is great
Reason to imagin from the Character of disaffection hitherto
sustained by the said Thomas Butler that w^hat has been
alledged against him is true therefore resolved that he be
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Harmen Haver v?ho the Board were on' the 18- Instant
Informed had made his Escape from the Guard who had
apprehended him appeared this day and surrendered him-
self up to us and produced Certificates of several of the
Officers of the Regiment to which he belongs of his having
behaved himself as a peaceable and quiet Inhabitant &
that he has ever done his duty as a good Subject of the
State resolved in Consequence of the said Recommenda-
tions that the said Harmen Haver be discharged until the
further order of this Board —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 23'? April 1781 — ^^78i
Present
John M. Beeckman ] | Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j I Stewart Dean
Cap* Benjamin Du Bois appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had agreeable to our warrant appre-
hended Luke De Wit and the said Luke De Wit being pro-
690 State of New York
1781 duced and examined acknowledges that he drank King
Apr. 33- r- , XT uu
Cjeorge s riealth
Resolved that he be Confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
[399] A Number of Germans who belonged to Gen'-
Burgoyne's Army having been apprehended on account of
their Inimical Conduct and Conversation & being brought
before the Board and examined resolved that they be com-
mitted until the further Order of this Board —
Adjourned
A^%. Met Albany z^^ April 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer 3 ( Stewart Dean
The German Prisoners who were examined on the 23^
Instant being again Brought before the Board & it appear-
ing that some of them are Deserters and that others are
Prisoners of War resolved therefore that it be recommended
to the Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton that he
discharge such of the said Germans as are Deserters and
that he discharge also such of the said Prisoners of War as
are recommended by Persons who are well Attached to the
American Cause —
Adjourned —
jygi Met Albany 26^ April 1781 —
Apr. 26. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J ( Stewart Dean
Peter Crandell appeared before the Board agreeable to our
order of the 21?* Instant and being examined under oath
says that Jacob Lantman last Summer when ordered out
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 691
with a Party of Militia to apprehend some Persons [400] ^781
who were come from Canada said that he would not go
after such Persons and that he did not look upon them as
Enemies. Resolved In Consequence of the said Examina-
tion, that the said Jacob Lantman, be bound by Recog-
nizance, for his good Behaviour, doing his duty, and ap-
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies, when called upon during the Continuance of the
present war with Great Britain —
Jacob Lantman of Hosick in the Cou[n]ty of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Cap* Joshua Babcock appeared before the Board and
informed us that agreeable to our warrant he had appre-
hended Jacob Best and the said Jacob Best being brought
before us and examined and it appearing from his Exami-
nation that the charge alledged against him is well founded
therefore resolved that the said Jacob Best enter into a
Recognizance for his good behaviour and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain and also for his appearance at the
Supream Court of Judicature now held at the City Hall in
this City to answer to such Matters as shall then and there
be alledged against him and not depart the Court without
Leave —
Jacob Best of Little Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in £100
Isaac Vosburgh of the west district of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Buck Maker his
Bail in ;^ioo
Apr. 26.
692 State of New York
1781 [401] John Babcock appeared before the Board & being
Apr. 26.
examined as to the Charge alledged against him of drinking
the King's Health utterly denied the same and requested
that Jacob Best might be examined under Oath as to the
Truth of his Assertions and the said Jacob Best being
Examined says that he was present when John Allport
drank the king's Health in Babcock's presence and that the
said John Babcock instead of joining with the said Allport
reprimanded him for doing it resolved that the said John
Babcock attend at this Board to Morrow Morning —
Cap- John Ryley having been ordered to appear before
this Board to give Information respecting John Babcock
& others appeared and being examined says that last New
Years day he was at the House of the said Babcock and
that the said Babcock together with Dennis Dun, Jacob
Best, and John Allport did in his Hearing drink the king's
Health resolved that the said John Ryley be directed to
attend the Grand Jury in Order to give them the above
Information —
Thomas Butler who was the other day confined on the
Information of Thomas Gleason was brought before the
Board and nothing further appearing against him therefore
resolved that he be discharged on entering into a Recog-
nizance with sufficient Sureties for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and during
the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Thomas Butler of Hosick in the County of
Albany Innkeeper in £100
Joshua Babcock of the same place Cord-
wainer his Bail in £100
John Randell of the same place Farmer also
his Bail in £100
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 693
[402] Stephen Card appeared before the Board and laid . ^^*^g
before us sundry Certificates of his Attachment to the
American Cause Resolved in Consequence of the said
Certificates that the said Stephen Card be discharged.
Adjourned
Met Albany zf> April 1781 — ^^^Sr
Present ^' ^'^'
John M. Beeckman ) \ Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
John Babcock appeared before the Board agreeable to
our order of Yesterday resolved that the said John Bab-
cock enter into a Recognizance for his Appearance at the
Supream Court of Judicature at present held in the City
Hall of this City then and there to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court
without leave -^
John Babcock of Hosick in the County of
Albany Innkeeper in ;£^ioo
Joshua Babcock of the same place Cord-
wainer his Bail in ;£^ioo
Dennis Dun also appearing agreeable to our order
resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his Appear-
ance at the Supream Court of Judicature at present held
at the City Hall in this City to answer to such Matters a[s]
shall be then and there alledged against him and not to
depart the Court without Leave —
Dennis Dun of Hosick in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Michael Lantman of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^loo
The Board having received Information that John An-
drew of Newtown has this Morning acknowledged [403]
694 State of New York
1781 himself a King's Man resolved in consequence of the said
Apr. 27.
Information that the said John Andrew be forthwith appre-
hended by Jacob Kidney and brought before us —
Thomas Butler who was Yesterday liberated from Con-
finement appeared before the Board and produced two
Certificates the one signed by the Selectmen and several
Militia Officers of the Township of Worthington in the
County of Hampshire in the Commonwealth of Massa-
chuset's Bay setting forth that the said Thomas Butler has
from the Commencement of the present Contest behaved
himself as a Zealous and firm Friend to the American
Cause, the other signed by several Militia Officers & other
well affected Inhabitants of the District of Hosick and the
same being read and taken into Consideration resolved in
Consequence thereof that the said Thomas Butler be and
he is hereby discharged from the Recognizance entered into
by him before this Board on the 26''' Instant —
Jacob Kidney appeared with John Andrew whom agree-
able to our order he had apprehended resolved that the said
John Andrew be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Samuel Stringer Esq^ informed the Board that he has
received Information that Simeon Smith of Pits Town Inn-
keeper entertains disaffected Persons; drink's King George's
health and speaks disrespectfully of the Authority of this
State, resolved in Consequence of the said Information that a
warrant be made out directed to Lieutenant Jonathan Brown
forthwith to apprehend and bring before us the said Simeon
Smith —
Resolved that a Citation be sent to Jonathan Brown [404]
William M?Coy and Mary Sawyer to appear before the
Board forthwith to prove the Charges above alledged against
the said Simeon Smith.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 695
Lieu- Jacob Plainer and Hendrick Platner appeared before .^^'^
the Board and being questioned as to their advising Harmen
Haver to make his Escape from the Guard who had him in
Custody the said John Platner acknowledges he did Advise
Harmen Haver to go home and obtain a Certificate from his
Officers of his Conduct and then deliver himself up to the
Commissioners at Albany and the said Jacob Platner having
always sustained an Irreproachable Character and Hendrick
Platner appearing no way concerned In the affair therefore
resolved that the said Jacob Platner and Hendrick Platner be
discharged
Adjourned
Met Albany 30*> April 1781 — 1781
Present ^^'- ^"
John M. Beeckman ) ( g^^^^^^ j^ean
Samuel Strmger j (.
Berljah Tyler appeared before the Board and produced
a Letter signed by Stephen Salisbury and William Dawes
dated at Worcester in the State of Massachusetts Bay on the
25 Instant setting forth that Thomas Glason who was by
Our order apprehended and confined is of an infamous
Character and that he has lately enlisted for three Years to
serve In the Continental Army ordered that the same be filed —
Resolved In Consequence of the above Letter that an Order
be sent to James Watson to deliver up to Berljah Tyler the
Horse of the said Thomas Gleason by us Committed to his
Care [405] on the said Tyler's paying the Charges accrued
In keeping said Horse —
Resolved that Jacob Saltsbergh be discharged from Con-
finement on his entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
696 State of New York
1781 required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Jacob Saltsbergh of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer in £100
Jacob Cuyler of the City of Albany Mer-
chant his Bail in ;^ioo
Whereas there are several Families remaining settled on
the North side of Hudsons River in and about Jessup's
Patent, who are all disaffected; and this Board conceiving
it highly improper they should be let to remain there —
Have resolved, that it is necessary, for the Safety of those
Frontiers, that all the said Families be ordered forthwith to
remove from thence with all their Effects down into the
Interior parts of the Country, without delay; and that all
Boats, Canoes, or other Conveniences, for the purpose of
Crossing the River, and which can be found on either side
of the same, be destroyed, and that all the Males of 16 Years
old and upwards, be ordered to appear before this Board on
or before the 20— day of May next at their peril —
And whereas this Board has received Information that
there are a Number of Tory Women (whose Husbands have
joined the Enemy) residing, and going from parts below to
reside, above Saragtoga which this Board from Manifest
Reasons disapprove of; therefore Resolved, that the said
Women be all brought down below Saragtoga and ordered
there to Remain as they will answer they [sic] Contrary at
their Peril; until they shall receive [406] further Instructions
from this Board or from some other proper Authority —
Resolved that Brigadier General Clinton be requested by
this Board, to issue an Order to the Officer commanding at
Saragtoga to have the above necessary Resolves executed;
and that a List of all such Persons as may be removed and
brought down as aforesaid be handed to this Board, with any
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 697
Information that may be collected and thought worthy of .^'^^^
their Attention towards the wellfare of the State —
Adjourned —
Met Albany I =.* May 1 78 1— ^78^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from the Commissioners for Conspiracies dated
at Schenectady the 26— April last was laid before the
Board which Letter is in the words following (to wit) (See
Letter on File) —
Andries Cogh, Andries Wolters, George Pattshold and
Johan Hendrick Zachariah Bause, German Prisoners of war
having been apprehended by order of General Clinton and
confined and the General being of Opinion that they may be
serviceable to the Country should they be admitted to Bail
resolved therefore that they be bound in Recognizance with
sufficient sureties for their good Behaviour and appearance
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain —
[407] Andries Cogh of the Hellebergh in the
County of Albany in ;^ioo
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in £100
Andries Walters late of the Hellebergh in :^ioo
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
George Paatshold late of the Hellebergh in. . ;^ioo
Jacob Zimmer of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
698 State of New York
1781 Johan Hendrick Zachariah Bause late of
the Hellebergh in ;^ioo
Johannis Casselman of the Bever Dam
Farmer his Bail in ;£^ioo
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 2- May 1781
^*y ^- Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j j Stewart Dean
General Clinton having recommended it to the Board to
discharge Christian Hartwick a German Prisoner of war on
Bail resolved in Consequence of the said Recommendation
that the said Christian Hartwick be discharged on his entering
into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour and appearing
before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Christian Hartwick late of the Hellebergh
Farmer in ;^ioo
Peter Cook of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in ;£^ioo
M- Welsh whose Husband is at present with the Enemy
appeared before the Board and requested a Permit to go to
Canada resolved that the Secretary to this Board certify to
General Clinton that we have no Objection to M.— Welsh's
going with the first Flag to her Husband —
Hugh M?Manus Constable of Tryon County [408] appeared
before the Board and informed us that agreeable to our war-
rant he had apprehended D' John Tice and the said Df Tice
being produced and examined resolved that the said Hugh
MfManus take him again into his Charge and have him
ready to produce to this Board when called upon —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 699
Luke DeWit was brought before the Board and examined ^78i
Ordered that he be recommitted —
General Clinton having certified to this Board his Desire
that William GifFert a German Prisoner of war should be
admitted to Bail resolved that he be bound for his good
Behaviour and appearance before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies for and during the Continuance of
the present war with Great Britain —
William Giffert late of the Hellebergh
Farmer in ;^ioo
John Tillman SenT of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck Innkeeper his Bail in £100
Peter Larawa being brought before the Board and ex-
amined ordered that he be recommitted —
D' John Tice being again brought before the Board and
examined on Consideration of the Charge alledged against the
said Df Tice resolved that he enter into Recognizance with
Sufficient surety for his remaining within the Limits of this
City and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when called upon until discharged from the
said Recognizance by the said Commissioners —
John Tice of the State of Pensylvania Prac-
ti[ci]oner of Physick in ;^ioo
John Tillman of the Manor of Rensselaer-
wyck Innkeeper his Bail in ;^ioo
May 3.
[409] Met Albany 3^ May 1781 J78i
Present
John M. Beeckman ) J Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (. Stewart Dean
The Board having received Information that Joseph
Bettis keeps at present at the Hellebergh and other places
700 State of New York
^'^ in that Neighbourhood and is collecting a party of Men to
go off to the Enemy —
Resolved in Consequence of the said Information that
Application be made to General [James Clinton] for a Party
of the Levies and to General Gansevoort for a Party of
Militia to go and apprehend the said Joseph Bettis v?ith his
Party and also resolved that Abraham Outhout Esq^^ one of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies residing at Schenectady
at present in Towm be sent for and made Acquainted with the
above Information and that he be also informed that this
Board conceive it necessary that a Party of Men should be
sent from Schenectady for the purpose of falling upon the
Rear of those Settlements —
Information being exhibited to this Board that a certain
John Wasbrook is at present on the East side of the River
that he is a Stranger and of a suspicious Character therefore
resolved that a Warrant be made out directed to Jacob Van
Alstyne authorizing him forthwith to apprehend and bring
before us the said John Wasbrook —
A Letter from Teunis Van Wagenen dated Cats Kill the
2^ Instant was laid before the Board informing that he sends
to us under Guard a certain Samuel Davidson who he had
caused to be apprehended as a dangerous Person and the said
Davidson being produced and Examined and it ap- [410]
pearing from his Examination that he is a Deserter from the
Line of the Pensylvania Army therefore resolved that he be
sent to General Clinton to be disposed as he may think proper —
Adjourned —
Ifay 4. Met Albany 4^ May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) | Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j i Stewart Dean
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 701
Resolved in Consequence of the plan Yesterday concluded i^Si
upon for the Apprehension of Joseph Bettis with his Party
that a Letter be wrote to CoU Anthony Van Bergen at Cook-
sakie to detach a Party of Men to Peesink for the purpose of
scouring the woods in that Quarter in Order that if Bettis
should endeavour to make his Escape that way that he may be
apprehended —
James Watson Jun- who on the 18- day of April last
entered into a Recognizance before this Board appeared
before us this day and informed us that he intends to go and
reside at Springfield in the State of Massachusetts Bay for the
Purpose of lear[n]ing the Tanners Trade and requested to
be discharged from his said Recognizance and the said Appli-
cation being taken into Consideration resolved thereupon
that the said James Watson Jun- be and he is hereby dis-
charged from the said Recognizance —
Lieui Jonathan Brown appeared before the Board and
informed us that agreeable to our warrant he had appre-
hended Simeon Smith and that he had also agreeable to our
Directions summoned William MjCoy as an Evidence against
the said Simeon Smith ordered that the said William M^Coy
be examined —
[41 1] William M?Coy being Examined under Oath saith
as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Simeon Smith being brought before the Board and the
Charges above alledged against him being read to him and he
possitively denying the same and offering to prove himself
Innocent of the Crime alledged against him wherefore
resolved that the said Simeon Smith have Permission to return
Home on his entering into Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present war with Great Britain
702 State of New York
^781 and also for his appearing at the next Supream Court of
Judicature to be held for the State of New York at the City
Hall in this City on the last Tuesday in July next (or where-
soever the said Court shall then be held in the State afore-
said) to answer to such Matters as shall then and there be
alledged against him and not to depart the Court without
Leave —
Simeon Smith of Pitts Town in the County
of Albany Innkeeper in ;^ioo
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ;^ioo
Jonathan Brown and Seth Stalker being severally called
before the Board and Examined as to the Political Conduct of
Simeon Smith their Examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examinations on File) —
Mathew Visscher Esq- appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had received Information that a Number
of Negroes at Nistageune and the Bought intend shortly to
go off to Canada with Joseph Bettis resolved in Consequence
of the said Information that a Letter be wrote to Captain
Hendrick Ostram to have the following Negroes appre-
hended (to wit) Jack the Negro Man of [412] Wilhelmas Van
Antwerp Esq- , Pomp the Negroe of Naning Vischer, Jack the
Negroe of Bastian Cregier, and Jack the Negroe [of] Mar-
tinus Cregier, and that he keep them separately and bring
them before us at the City Hall in this City —
Resolved also that a Letter be wrote to Captain Levinus
Lansing to apprehend and bring before us the Negroe of
Cornelius Van Den Bergh named Sans, and the Negro of
Johannis Lansing named Tom and they also be brought
down separately —
A Party of Levies and of the Militia being how ready for
the Purpose of executing the Plan for Apprehending Joseph
May 5>
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 703
Bettis with his Party resolved that Instructions be made out ,J78i
. . . May 4.
for the Officer commanding the said Party which Instruc-
tions are in the following words (to wit) (see Draft Instruc-
tions on File) —
A Letter from Major Popham Aid De Camp to Brigadier
General James Clinton was laid before the Board setting
forth that the General is willing that Hazelton Spencer should
be liberated from Confinement and have the Liberty of the
Town and be subject to such Restrictions as this Board may
think proper resolved that the Subject of the above Letter be
taken into Consideration untill to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 5*!? May 1781 — ^7^\
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda j I Samuel Stringer
The Board having taken Into Consideration the Letter
Yesterday received from Major Popham respecting Hazelton
Spencer and Conceiving that there can be no Impropriety in
[413] liberating the said Hazelton Spencer from Confinement
therefore resolved that he be liberated accordingly on enter-
ing Into a Bond with a sufficient surety for his remaining
within the following Limits in the City of Albany, (to wit) to
the North to the Bridge at General Ten Broeck's to the west
to the Fort and to the south to the House at present occupied
by Thomas Lansing and for his not holding any Correspond-
ence by word or deed upon Political Matters with any Person
or Persons who hold Principles Inimical to the Measures
pursued by the Congress of the United States of America
and that he shall appear before the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies or either of them when required —
704 State of New York
1781 Hazelton Spencer in ;^500
Abraham Ja: Lansing of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in £500
Cap£ Hendrick Ostrom appeared before the Board and
informed that agreeable to our Request he had apprehended
the Negroes mentioned in our Letter of Yesterday and the said
Negroes being severally brought before the Board and Exam-
ined and confessing their Intention of going off with Joseph
Bettis and Jack the Negroe of Wilhelmas Van Antwerp and
Pomp the Negroe of Naning Visscher appearing to be princi-
pally concerned in the above Schem[e] therefore resolved that
they be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Henry Simpson appeared before the Board and Informed
that the Party of Men who Yesterday went in Search of Joseph
Bettis had apprehended a Certain Daniel Sherwood and that
he had become Surety to the Officer commanding the said
Party to deliver up the said Sherwood to this Board and
that the said Daniel [414] Sherwood being Examined and pro-
ducing Vouchers of his having been enlisted last Summer in
the Nine Months Service and of his Attachment to the
American Cause therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Harmanus Cuyler of Cooksakie laid before the Board a
Letter from Teunis Van Wagenon dated Cats Kill 4*'' In-
stant wherein he informs us that he sends to us Wessel Van
Dyck as a Prisoner on Account of his being concerned in
carrying Off David Abeel and his son and that he will send
up the Proof against him as soon as possible which Letter
being read ordered that the same be filed —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Letter that the said
Wessel Van Dyck be confined and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 705
Met Albany 7*!? May 1781 — ,JV8i
Present ^^^^
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from Capi Cornelius J. Jansen dated at Saragtoga
the 6- Instant was laid before the Board setting forth that
one of his Scouts had apprehended at Jessup's Patent a
certain Stephen Fairchilds and the said Fairchilds being
Examined and not being able to give a satisfactory Account
of himself resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
A Letter was also laid before the Board from Teunis Van
Wagenen dated atCatts Kill the 6- Instant wherein [415] he
informs us that he sends to us under Guard Abraham Dewitt
and Abraham Person Jun- who have been apprehended
agreeable to a warrant issued by this Board and that he also
sends John Person who is a dangerous and disaffected Person
resolved that they be severally examined & that a Mittimus
be made out for them —
Pomp the Negro Man of Naning Vischer being at the Re-
quest of his Master again brought before the Board and Exam-
ined and it appearing that he is possessed of no other Informa-
tion than what he has already mentioned therefore resolved that
at the Request of his said Master that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
Met Albany S*"* May 1781 — 1781
Present ^^ ^
John M. Beeckman ] ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j 1 Stewart Dean —
Jack the Negro Man of Wilhelmas Van Antwerp being
again brought before the Board was examined and it appear-
7o6 State of New York
1781 ing that his former Examination contains all the Information
May 8. ''. . . . . . .
which he is able to give and he offering to give Information of
Joseph Bettis or any other Person that may in future ask him
to go to Canada resolved therefore that he be discharged
from Confinement —
Peter Larawa was brought before the Board for the Pur-
pose of being examined and the said Larawa appearing un-
willing to give a Candid Confession with Respect to the
Conduct of the disaffected Inhabitants at Peesink therefore
resolved that he be recommitted
Adjourned —
^y g, [416] Met Albany 9*!? May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman | j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ] \ Stewart Dean
Information was exhibited to the Board that a certain
David Waters an Inhabitant of this City has offered to Ex-
change the Money lately emitted by the Authority of Con-
gress for Hard Money at the Rate of three for one and it
appearing highly probable that the said David Waters does
it with no other View than to depreciate the Money as he
has been always esteemed a disaffected Person it is therefore
resolved that a warrant be made out directed to Jacob Kid-
ney forthwith to apprehend and bring before us the said
David Waters resolved also that John Shepherd and Henry
Hart be cited forthwith to appear before this Board to prove
the Charges as above alledged against the said Waters —
Jacob Kidney appeared and informed that agreeable to
our Order he had apprehended David Waters and the said
Waters being produced and acknowledging the same and at
the same Time confessing also that he did say that if the
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 707
Commissioners should confine him for his Conduct that he ^J/'Si
May 9.
would after being released go to the Enemy at New York
resolved therefore that he be confined and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
John Shepherd and Henry Hart appearing and being
severally examined say as follows (to wit) (see their Ex-
aminations on File)
The Board being also informed by William Dewit that
Mf Fomfried the French Merchant has also asked more in
New Money for his Tea than the Current Exchange re-
solved that he be sent for to answer the above —
[417] MT Fomfried appearing and being made acquainted
with the above Charge and he positively denying the same
resolved that he be discharged and cautioned against de-
preciating the New Money at his Peril —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 12*^ May 1781 — 1781
Present ^"^ "•
John M. Beeckman ) ( g^^^^j 5,^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
Hugh MfManus Constable for Tryon County appeared
before the Board and informed us that agreeable to a war-
rant issued by this Board for William Laird he had appre-
hended the said Laird & the said Laird being Examined
and it appearing from his own Examination and also from
a Letter to this Board from Zepheniah Batchelor Esq^ that
the said William Laird in [sic] enlisted in the Nine Month's
Service and he offering faithfully to do his duty in future
resolved therefore that the same be taken into Consideration
untill this Afternoon —
The Board being informed that there is at present in
7o8 State of New York
1781 Town a certain Isaac Larawa an Inhabitant of the Helle-
bergh who may if examined give some Material Informa-
tion respecting several Persons in that Quarter it is there-
fore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to have the said
Isaac Larawa before the Board this Afternoon —
Lieutenant Seth Perry appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended a Man on Suspicion
and the said Person being produced and Examined says
that his Name is Christian Smith that he is a Soldier in
the Continental Army [418] in CoH Van Schaick's Regi-
ment that he deserted about two Month's ago at Livingston's
Manor to which he was advised by a certain Smith an In-
habitant of that place that whilst at Livingston's Manor he
was advised by Jurie Wheeler to go to New York and then
enlist in the Enemies Service and the said Examination
being committed to writing ordered that the said Christian
Smith be delivered over to Major John Graham —
The Board having taken in Consideration the Case of
William Laird resolved that he be discharged with paying
to the Constable the Costs accrued by his Apprehension —
Jacob Kidney agreeable to order attending with Isaac
Larawa and the said Larawa being examined resolved that
he be discharged —
A Certificate signed by sundry of the well affected Inhabi-
tants of Arlington in the County of Charlotte was laid be-
fore the Board from which it appears that Stephen Fair-
childs who was the other day taken at Jessup's Patent and
sent down by Czp- Jansen has from the Commencement of
the present Contest been esteemed a Friend to the American
Cause resolved in Consequence of the said Certificate that
the said Stephen Fairchilds be discharged on entering into
a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour doing his
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 709
12.
for Conspiracies when called upon during the Continuance 1781
of the present war with Great Britain —
Stephen Fairchilds of Arlington in the County
of Charlotte Farmer in ;^ioo
Joseph Hall of the City of Albany Silversmith
his Bail in ;^ioo
It appearing from sundry Circumstances [419] that
George Sittamon of the Hellebergh is a disaffected Person
and that he entertains Persons who to screen themselves
from Justice are lurking in the Country it is therefore Re-
solved that an Order be sent to the said George Sittamon
forthwith to appear before this Board with a good sufficient
Bail to enter into Recognizance for his good Behaviour and
appearance when called upon and that the same be delivered
him by Isaac Larawa —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 14?'' May 1781 — 1781
Present '"^^ ^^
John M. Beeckman ) j Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda f ( Stewart Dean
A Recommendation in Favor of Marcy French wife of
Charity French who is at present with the Enemy signed
by Isaac Sawyer, Benjamin Hicks, and other Zealous Friends
to the American Cause was laid before the Board setting
forth that the said Mar[c]y French has by John p Bleecker
Esq^ been warned agreeable to the Directions of an "Act
entitled "An Act for the Removal of the Families of Per-
sons who have joined the Enemy" to depart this State or
remove to such parts of it as are in the Power of the Enemy
and recommending the said Marcy French as a person of
an unexceptional Character and that they do not think that
7IO State of New York
1781 her remaining at her present Habitation will not in any way
injure the Liberties and Independance of this and the
United States resolved in Consequence of the said Recom-
mendation that a Permit be granted to the said Marcy
French for the Purpose above Mentioned —
[420] David King having been apprehend[ed] as a Per-
son of a Suspicious Character was brought before the Board
and examined and it appearing that he is a Deserter from
Col- Van Schaick's Regiment of Continental Forces re-
solved thereupon that he be delivered over to Major John
Graham —
Adjourned —
Mey^is. Met Albany 15^!? May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) 1 Stewart Dean
Information having been given to this Board that there
are at present in the East District of the Manor of Rensselar-
wyck two German Prisoners of war named Andries Her-
nockle, and Christopher Whiting who daily by their Con-
duct and Conversation give Offence to the Friends of the
American Cause therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote
to Cap- Jacob De Forest requesting him forthwith to appre-
hend and bring before us the said Andries Hernockle &
Christopher Whiting —
Francis Utt formerly an Inhabitant of Tryon County
appeared before the Board agreeable to our Order and
being examined as to the Character and Conduct of Dt John
Tice says that Tice last Fall informed him that Sir John
would come down and advised the said Francis Utt to take
Protection under him and at the same Time also informed
him that he knew a great Deal but could not divulge it
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 7 1 1
because he was sworn — Resolved In Consequence of the 1781
said Information that the said John Tice be committed and
that a Letter be wrote to Major Graham to. request him
[421] when he goes down with the Prisoners of war to West
Point to take with him also the said Tice and from thence
send him by the first Party that goes to Philadelphia to his
Family and caution him not again to be Seen in this State
during the present Contest.
William Wederwax having been apprehended & confined
on Suspicion of his being concerned in the Robberies lately
Committed at Claverack and it appearing that the Sus-
picion was ill founded and he being a Continental Soldier
belonging to Coll: Van Schaick's Reg- therefore Resolved
that he be delivered over to Major Graham —
Peter Davis having been confined for stealing two Pub-
lick Horses and having taken a Bounty from a Class and
therewith paid for the Horses resolved that he also be de-
livered oyer to Major Graham —
Thomas Orton and Gideon Orton appeared before the
Board and informed that they had agreeable to the Reso-
lutions of this Board been removed with their Families
from Jessups Patent and that being hurried away they had
been obliged to leave great Part of their Effects behind and
requested Permission for themselves and the other Persons
whose Families were removed to go and fetch the Remain-
der of their EflFects resolved that they have Permission
granted them accordingly and that in ten days they all of
them appear before this Board —
On Application of John Hodkison resolved that he have
Permission granted him to go and work at TunnicIifPs Farm
with Anthony Waine and that he every Evening make his
Appearance before one of the Members of this Board
Adjourned —
7 1 2 State of New York
1781 [^22] Met Albany 16*'' May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) { Isaac D. Fonda
Stewart Dean 3 I Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Constant King be liberated from Confine-
ment on entering into Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present war with Great Britain and also
for his appearing at the next Supream Court of Judicature
to be held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the
City of Albany on the last Tuesday in July next (or whereso-
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid)
and not to depart the Court without Leave —
Constant King of White Creek in the County
of Albany Cordwainer in ;Cioo
John Fisher of Cambridge in the County
aforesaid Millwright in £100
Archibald M?Neal appearing before the Board agreeable to
our Order and he requesting Permission to remain on his
Farm in the Scotch Patent and the said Request being taken
into Consideration Resolved thereupon that if the said
Archibald MfNeal take the Oath of Allegiance to this State
that Permission will be granted him Accordingly —
The Board having tendered the Oath of Allegiance to
Archibald M?Neal and he refusing to take the same and
declaring at the same Time his Intention of Not taking up
Arms in Defence of the American Cause therefore resolved
that he be confined & that a Mittimus be made out for him —
[423] Duncan M?Arthur also of the Scotch Patent being
questioned as to his Political Principles and declaring his
Intention of not taking up Arms in defence of the Country and
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 7 1 3
acknowledging at the same time that he was sworn for the 1781
King when Burgoyne came down therefore resolved that he
also be confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
LieuS Col'- Henry K. Van Rensselaer appeared before the
Board and informed us that Thomas Blewer who is at present
under a Recognizance to this Board has refused to do his duty
and has made use of Expressions which Evidently denotes his
disaffection to the American Cause it is therefore Resolved
that he be ordered to attend this Board on Saturday the 19-
day of May Instant —
Adjourned —
Met Albany i;'" May 1781 — uifi?.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
On Application of John T. Fisher resolved that Abraham
Person Junior be liberated from Confinement on his entering
into a Recognizance with the said John T. Vischer his Surety
for his Remaining within the Limits of the City of Albany and
not departing the same Unless he previously obtains Per-
mission from this Board and that he be of the good Be-
haviour until discharged by this Board —
Abraham Person Jun^ of the Groote Imboght
District in the County of Albany Farmer in. ;^ioo
John T. Fischer of the City of Albany Yeo-
man his Bail in £100
Resolved that Major Graham who takes with [424] him
to west point a Number of Continental Prisoners be re-
quested also to take with him Thomas Gleason and deliver
him to some OflRcer of the Line of the Troops of the Massa-
chu[set]ts Bay —
Adjourned —
714 State of New York
1781 Met Albany 18^ May 1781 —
*^ ' ' Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f _ t^ t- j
•I , n • C \ Isaac D. Fonda
bamuel btringer ) (.
Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Samuel Baker be liberated from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required for and dur-
ing the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Samuel Baker of the East District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Weaver in ;£^ioo
Henry K. Van Rensselaer of the same place
Esq' his Bail in ;^ioo
The Board being informed that William Jackson of New
Scotland and his wife are able to give some very material
Information respecting sundry Transactions in that Quarter
it is therefore resolved that the said William Jackson and
his wife be ordered forthwith to attend this Board —
Adjourned
1781 Met Albany 22^ May 1781 —
^y ^'- Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Stewart Dean '
Samuel Stringer j (, Isaac D. Fonda
William Jackson of New Scotland having been cited [425]
together with his wife to appear before the Board appeared
and the said M" Jackson being Examined under Oath says
that she was informed by a man on the Road near Slinger-
landt's Mill that there was a Party of the Militia coming to
New Scotland that the Man was an utter Stranger to her
having never seen him before ordered that she appear again
before the Board this Afternoon —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 715
It appearing from the Description given by M- Jackson i78x
of the Man who met her on the Road and who informed her
of the MiHtia coming to New Scotland that the said Person is
a Servant Man at present in the Service of Major Reed there-
fore Resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to bring the said
Person forthwith before the Board —
James Parke a Prisoner of War at present in Confine-
ment made Application to the Board to be released from
Confinement in Order that he may have it in his Power to
provide for the Subsistanance [sic] of a wife and four helpless
Children who are destitute of the Common Necessaries of
Life and the said Request being taken into Consideration
resolved thereupon that the said James Parke be released
accordingly on William M?Loughlins entering into a Recog-
nizance for his remaining within the Limits of the City of
Albany and surrendering himself every evening a Prisoner to
the Goaler of the City and County for the Time being and
also for his appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required and for his good
Behaviour during that Time —
William MfLoughlin of the City of Albany
Innkeeper as Bail for James Parke in. ... [ ]
George Scharp of the East District of the Manor of Rensse-
[426] laerwyck appeared before the Board and informed us
that at the Request of Cap- Jacob De Forest he had taken
into his Charge Christopher Witting and that he has him here
ready to produce to the Board. —
The said Christopher Witting being produced and ex-
amined as to the Charge alledged against him which he
utterly denying and it appearing however necessary that he .
should be laid under Restrictions therefore resolved that he be
bound by Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
May 22.
7i6 State of New York
1781 Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present war with Great Britain —
Christopher Witting of the East District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck School Mas-
ter in £^100
George Scharp of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Jacob Kidney appearing with Major Ried's Servant
Man who being Examined says the Evening on which it
was supposed he gave Intelligence of the Militia going
to New Scotland he was by Major Ried sent to Town
which he offering to swear resolved therefore that he be
discharged —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 24}^ May 1781 —
"^y^^ Present
John M Beeckman ) { g^^^^^^ j^^^^
Samuel Strmger j (.
Andries Hernockle appeared before the Board and in-
formed us that being apprized of the orders sent by us to
Cap- Jacob De Forest to apprehend him he had voluntarily
come to surrender himself to us and the said Andries Her-
nockle being made [427] acquainted with the Crime alledged
against him denied the same The Board however Conceiving
it necessary that the said Hernockle should be laid under
Restrictions — Therefore resolved that the said Andries
Hernockle enter into Recognizance with a sufficient surety
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required for and during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 717
Andries Hernockle of the East District of 1781
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Fanner in. . £100 ^ ^*'
Johan George Warner of the same Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
Present
Met Albany zs*'^ May 1781 — ^78i
May 25.
T T>, T- 1 r \ John M. Beeckman
Isaac D. tonda J t
Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick Haynes Jun-, Dirck Miller,
and John Schuyler having been apprehended and sent to us
as Prisoners in Consequence of the Information exhibited
against them by Rachel Youngs, Jacob Knieskern and
Christina Enders and being severally Examined as to the
Charges alledged against them — resolved that the same be
taken into Consideration until to Morrow and that the said
Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick Haynes Jun- Dirck Miller &
John Schuyler enter into a Recognizance for their Appearance
before this Board to Morrow at ten of the Clock in the Fore-
noon and that they be of the good Behaviour during that Time
Lambert Starnbergh of Schoharie Labourer
in ' £100
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ;^ioo
[428] Hendrick Haynes Jun- of Thurlough
Labourer In ;^ioo
Hendrick Haynes Sen' of the same place
Farmer his Bail in £^100
Dirck Miller of Duanesburgh Farmer in ... . £100
Archibald Campbell of the City of Albany
Merchant his Bail in ;^ioo
7i8 State of New York
1781 John Schuylerof Schoharie Farmer in ;^ioo
Peter Man Jun- of the same place Farmer
his Bail in. ;^ioo
Adjourned —
^Ifl^ Met Albany 26*" May 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j { Stewart Dean
The Board having resumed the Consideration of the
Charges alledged against Lambert Starnbergh, Hendrick
Haynes Jun-, Dirck Miller, and John Schuyler and judg-
ing the same not of sufficient weight to justify their Im-
prisonment but at the same Time conceiving it necessary
that they should be bound by Recognizance for their future
good Conduct therefore resolved that they be severally
bound accordingly for their good Behaviour doing their
duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies whenever thereunto required during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
John Schuyler of Schohary Farmer in ;£^ioo
Peter Man of the same place Farmer his Bail
in £100
Dirck Miller of Duanesburgh Farmer in. . . ;^ioo
Nicholas Starnbergh of Schohary Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Lambert Starnbergh of Schohary Farmer in. £100
Nicholas Starnbergh of the same place Farmer
his Bail in £100
Resolved also that the said Lambert Starnbergh and [429]
Dirck Miller take the following Oath (to wit) "That they
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 719
will behave as true and faithful Subjects of the State of „^78i
-' May 20.
New York and endeavor to support it as a True and Inde-
pendant State, and that they will make known to this Board
of Commissioners for detecting all Conspiracies that may
be formed In this State any Plots or any thing that may come
to their knowledge that is inimical or unfriendly to this or
any of the United States of America or the aiding, or assist-
ing, or the Secreting, harbouring, or Comforting any of
their Enemies by any one or any of the disaffected who
may be going off to them " —
Resolved that as Hendrick Haynes Jun^ is already under
Recognizance for his good Conduct and appearance when
called upon that he therefore be discharged —
The Board being informed that the Conduct of Duncan
M?Arthur notwithstanding his Character as a disaffected
Person has always been enexceptionable therefore resolved
that he be discharged from Confinement and permitted to
go and reside at his former place of abode in the Township
of Argyle in Charlotte County —
Resolved that Archibald M?Neal be discharged from Con-
finement on his Entering Into Recognizance with a suffi-
cient surety for his remaining within the Limits of the City
of Albany and appearing before this Board on Monday
next —
Archibald M^Neal of the Township of Argyle
in the County of Charlotte Farmer in ;^ioo
Evens Umphrey of Schatlkook District
Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Wessel Van Dyck be discharged on enter-
ing into a Recognizance for his future good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
720 State of New York
^^^^^ [4^0] Wessel Van Dyck of Cater's Kill in the
May 26. '-^•^ ■" ■' .
County of Albany Farmer in Aioo
David Van Dyck of Niscuthaw in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Abraham Person Jun?^ be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his future
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present war
with Great Britain —
Abraham Person Jun- of the Great Imbought
Farmer in ;^ioo
John T. Visscher of the City of Albany Yeo-
man his Bail in £^100
Adjourned —
„i78i Met Albany aS!^*" May 1781 —
''*^»«' Present ^ '
John M. Beeckman ) f c ta
;; , f, . r 1 Stewart Dean
Samuel Stnnger ) (
Whereas this Board from sundry concurring Circum-
stances has great reason to think that Doctor George Smith
and his son Terence Smith are Persons whose going at large
at this Time may prove detrimental to the Safety of the
State therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to
apprehend the said George Smith and Terence Smith and
bring them forthwith before us —
Resolved that Abraham Dewit be discharged from Con-
finement on Zachariah Snyder of the Great Imboght Dis-
trict entering into Recognizance for the good Behaviour of
the ^aid Abraham De Witt for his doing his duty and ap-
pearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 721
spiracies when thereunto required during the Continuance ■^j*'^^-
[431] of the present War with Great Britain —
Zachariah Snyder of the Great Imboght Dis-
trict in the County of Albany Farmer as
Bail for Abraham De Witt in ;^ioo
William Swain of the County of Charlotte having en-
tered into Bond for his appearance before this Board ap-
peared and being Examined confesses that he did enter-
tain in his House a certain Samuel Wallace who told him
that he intended to go to the Enemy and that he did at
another time also entertain in his House two Men who said
they were going to the Enemy resolved that the said
William Swain be confined and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Jacob Kidney appeared before the Board and informed
us that he has apprehended Terence Smith but that Doctor
Smith was not to be found whereupon resolved that the
said Terence Smith be confined and that a Mittimus be
made out for him —
As those Persons who were removed from Jessup's Patent
and who had our Permission to return and bring from
thence the Remainder of their Effects within ten day's
which is now past and as none of the said Persons have
yet made their Appearance before us agreeable to order
therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col- Cornelius
Van Dyck requesting him forthwith to send down to us all
the said Persons —
Archibald MfNeal appearing before the Board agreeable
to the Recognizance entered into by him last Saturday and
having considered the Case of the said Archibald M?Neal
Resolved thereupon that he enter into a Recognizance with
a sufficient surety for his good Behaviour and remaining
[432] within the following Limits (to wit) to the North as far
722 State of New York
1781 as the Patroon's Mill's in the Manor of Rensselaerwyck and
^^ ' to the East and South and West the Limits of the City of
Albany —
Archibald M?Neal of the Scotch Patent in
the County of Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
Evans Umphrey of Schatikoke in the Cou[n]ty
of Albany Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that David Waters be discharged from Con-
finement on Martin G. Van Bergan's and Myndert Roose-
boom's entering into a Recognizance for the good Behaviour
of the said David Waters for his doing his duty and appear-
ing before any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies
when thereunto required during the Continuance of the
present War with Great Britain —
Martin G. Van Bergan of the City of Albany
Yeoman as Bail for David Waters in. . . . ;^ioo
Myndert Rooseboom of the same place
Merchant also his Bail in ;^I00
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany Z(f^ May 1781 —
^"^ "'• Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f ,, ta
-; , n • (1 Stewart Dean
Samuel Strmger ) (.
A Letter from Robert Harper Esq?^ one of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies at Poughkeepsie dated 25?'' In-
stant was laid before the Board wherein he informs us that
he incloses two Letters the one from Brigadier General
Waterbury dated at Stanford the 8— Instant to the Com-
[433] missioners at Westchester County the other from the
said Commissioners dated at Cortlandt's Manor the 17-
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 723
Instant to the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Pough- „^^^^
keepsie from which Letters it appears that Jeremiah Smith
and Henry Skinkle have been apprehended at Stanford on
Suspicion of their having been to New York and sent to the
said Commissioners at Poughkeepsie who as they are In-
habitants of this County have by a Recognizance condi-
tioned in the sum of One thousand Pounds with George
Smith of Claverack as their Surety bound them for their
Personal Appearance before this Board on this day and
the said Jeremiah Smith and Henry Skinkle appearing this
Day agreeable to the Tenor of the said Recognizance and
being severally examined and it appearing evident from
their Examinations that they have been to New York to
the Enemy therefore resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for them —
The Examinations of the said Jeremiah Smith and Henry
Skinkle being reduced to Writing are as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Adjourned —
Met Albany 30^^ May 1781 — mll^o.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) I Stewart Dean
Information being Given to the Board that one of the sons
of Rykert RadlifF is gone off to the Enemy resolved in Con-
sequence of the said Information that the said Rykert Rad-
lifF (who entered into Recognizance for the Personal Appear-
[434] ance of his two sons John RadlifF and Arent RadlifF
forthwith) deliver them up to this Board —
MT Warner of King's District appeared before this Board
and informed us that at the Request of Col- Whiting he
waited upon us in Order to inform the Board that a Number
724 State of New York
1781 of the People called Shaking Quakers had lately purchased
Arms & Ammunition which was supposed to be done by
them with a View to assist the Enemy should they come into
the Country resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that a Letter be wrote to Col- Whiting requesting him to collect
every Piece of Evidence concerning the above Transactions
and such Persons against whom he can Obtain Proof to send
us togetherwith the Evidence against each particular Person —
The Honorable Brigadier General Clinton having sug-
gested to the Board the necessity of having the disaffected
Inhabitants residing at Rallstown removed from thence with
their Families and Effects — resolved thereupon that a
Letter be wrote to the Commissioners for Conspiracies at
Schenectady requesting them as soon as possible to have all
the Disaffected of Ballstown removed to the Interior Parts of
this Country —
There being an absolute Necessity that the Families of
those Persons who have gone off to the Enemy should be
removed within the Enemies Lines and the Legislature hav-
ing at their last Sitting passed a Law for their Removal which
said Law has not as yet been published therefore resolved that a
Letter be wrote to the Secretary of State requesting him by the
first Conveyance to send tour a certified Copy of the said Act —
Resolved that Lukas Dewitt be discharged from [435]
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the Present War with Great
Britain and America —
Lukas Dewitt of the Great Imbought Far-
mer in ;^ioo
Jacobus Perse of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 725
Resolved that John C. Person be discharged from Con- 1781
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Be-
haviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required
during the Continuance of the present War between Great
Britain and America —
John C. Person of the Great Imbought Dis-
trict Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob Van Olinda of the Manor of Rens-
selaerwyck Farmer his Bail in £100
Resolved that Peter Larawa be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Peter Larawa of Ulster County Farmer. . .in. ;^ioo
Peter West of the same place Farmer his Bail in. ;^ioo
Resolved that Lukas DeWitt Jun- be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain And also for his appearance at the next
Court of General [436] Sessions of the Peace to be held for
the City and County of Albany at the City Hall in said
City on the first Tuesday in June next to answer unto all
such Matters and things as [sjhall be then and there alledged
against him and not to depart the said Court without Leave —
Lukas Dewitt Jun^ of Coocksakie District
Farmer in ;^ioo
Zachariah Snyder of Great Imbought District
Farmer his Bail in £100
May 30.
7S6 State of New York
1781 Resolved that Teunis Reipenbergh be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behav-
iour doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Teunis Reipenbergh of Livingston's Manor
Farmer in ;^300
Hendrick Reipenbergh of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^300
Stephen Bell appeared before the Board and informed
us that in his way from Hosick to this place he met Df
Smith, Abraham Ja: Lansing, Levines Lansing, Thomas
Lambson and some other Persons and that Df Smith
requested him in a particular Manner to avoid mentioning
that he had seen him at that Place and it appearing probable
that the said D? Smith will pass through Bennington on his
way to Canada Therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote
to Joseph Fay Esq- at Bennington requesting him to have
the said D^ Smith apprehended if possible which Letter is in
the following words (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File)
Ordered that the said Letter be dispatched to Bennington
by Express —
[437] Samuel Stringer Esq- advanced to the Express Eight
Dollars of the New Emission to defray his Expences on
the Road — '
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 31^ May 1781 —
May 31. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda j ( Stewart Dean
'Included in Stringer's sworn statement, October 21, 1784, in Revolu-
tionary Manuscripts, vol. 40, p. 160, State Comptroller's ofiBce.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 727
James Brisben appeared before the Board and laid before i78i
, May ^1.
us a Certificate signed by Cap^ Hezekiah Dunham and a
Number of Persons Friends to the American Cause certifying
that the said James Brisben has since the surrender of Gen-
eral Burgoyne behaved himself well in every Respect and
that they are willing that he should be permitted to remain
at his Place of Abode at Saragtoga, and Peter Scharp who
is Bail for the said James Brisben agreeing to the same and
the said Certificate being taken into Consideration resolved
thereupon that Permission be granted him accordingly
Information being given to the Board that Robert Fuller-
ton of Nistageune did converse with Philip Ryley Jun^ on
the very day when said Ryley went off to the Enemy and
there being great Reason to suspect that the said Robert
Fullerton was privy to the said Ryley's going off and to his
Intention of taking off with him two young Men by the
Name of Devoe —
It is therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to
bring the said Robert Fullerton forthwith before the Board —
Jacob Kidney appearing informed that he had Robert
Fullerton ready to produce to the Board and the said Fuller-
ton [438] being called in and Examined under Oath con-
fesses that he did converse with PhiHp Ryley the day he went
off but did not know of his Intention whereupon resolved
that the said Robert Fullerton be discharged —
Barney Cadogan of Schohary one of the Persons com-
plained of in the Affidavit's laid before this Board by William
Dietz Esq- appeared before the Board and laid before us
sundry Recommendations from the Officers of the Militia
Regiment commanded by Col'- Peter Vrooman which said
Recommendations being taken into Consideration there-
upon resolved that they [sic] said Barney Cadogan be
discharged —
728 State of New York
1781 Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col- Vrooman to inform
toAJ 31.
him that Hendrick Hoff and another Personiifrom the Enemy
have lately been seen at the Hellebergh and to request him
to detach a Party to apprehend them —
Adjourned —
j^l\ Met Albany i=* June 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer J ( Stev?art Dean
Rykert RadlifF who was ordered to deliver up to this
Board his two sons John RadlifF and Arent RadlifF appeared
and informed us that his sons are not gone ofF to the Enemy
and as a proof of the same requested that Lieui Moses
Hudson might be Examined on that subject and it appear-
ing by the Information of the said Lieui Hudson that the said
John RadlifF and Arent RadlifF are at present at Home there-
fore resolved that the said Rykert RadlifF be discharged —
[439] The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton
having thought proper on the Application of this Board to
detain in this City a Party of the Levies to be under the
Direction of this Board and Ensign Philip Herwig being
appointed to take the Charge and command of the said
Men resolved that Instructions be made out for the said
Ensign Herwig which Instructions are as follows (to wit)
(see Copy Instructions on File) —
A Letter from Joseph Fay Esq- of this day's date in
Answer to the Letter sent him by Express on the 30^!? of
May last was laid before the Board wherein he Informs
that D; Smith is at Bennington where he has surrendered
himself as a Prisoner which Letter is as follows (to wit)
(see Letter on File) —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 729
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Joseph Fay Esq- in ^781
answer to the above Letter which is in the words following
(to wit) (see draught Letter on File) —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 2^ June 1781 — 1781
Present J*^ ^^
John M. Beeckman ) J Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) I Stewart Dean
A Letter from CoU Anthony Van Bergen of Cooksakie of
this day's Date was laid before the Board wherein he informs
that he sends to us a Man who he has caused to be appre-
hended who calls himself John Walker and the said John
Walker being brought before the Board and Examined and
not being able to give a Satisfactory Account of himself
therefore resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus
be made out for him —
[440] William Dewitt appeared before the Board and
informed us that being on his way from Philadelphia to
this Place he was this day on the Kinderhook Road about
eight Miles from this City taken a Prisoner by Hans Wall-
timyer who after detaining him some Time and asking him
a Number of Questions gave him his Liberty Resolved that
the above Information be immediately communicated to
General Clinton and General Gansevoort in order that some
Plan may be fallen upon to apprehend the said Waltimyer —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 3'? June 1781 — 1781
Present ^^ '■
John M. Beeckman \ f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) I Stewart Dean
730 State of New York
1781 Philip Herwig having been ordered with his Party of
Men to apprehend Abraham Ja: Lansing, Levines Lansing
& Thomas Lambson who were charged with conveying away
Doctor George Smith and having apprehended the said
Persons agreeable to order and they being brought before
the Board and Examined and it appearing from their
Examinations that their Meeting with Df Smith was merely
Accidental and that they were no way concerned in his
Escape therefore resolved that they be discharged —
Resolved that Ensign Herwig with his Party of Men go
to Cap- Woodward's on the Kinderhook Road and their
remain untill they are joined by William Dewit who will
direct them to the Place where he [441] was made prisoner
by Waltimyer who they will endeavour to apprehend —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 4^ June 1781 —
June 4. Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda f [ Stewart Dean
Col'- Killian Van Rensselaer appeared before the Board
and informed us that he has received undoubted Informa-
tion that Walltimyer is yet on the East side of the River
and that he thinks he may be apprehended in Case proper
Exertions be made for that Purpose — Resolved that it
be recommended to Col- Rensselaer to order the Militia at
Schodack to keep a guard along the shore at that Place to
prevent Waltimyer's crossing the River —
The Reverend Samuel Swertfeger appeared before the
Board and requested Permission to go to Dutchess County
for the Purpose of looking for a Place to remove his Family
to; which request being taken into Consideration — Re-
solved that he have Permission Accordingly —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 731
Simeon Garret appeared before the Board & informed
that he has this morning been taken Prisoner by Hans
Waltimyer who after detaining him some Time in the
woods discharged him —
Resolved in Consequence of the above Information that
General Schuyler and General Gansevoort be sent for to
consult him on the most Effectual way to have the said
Walltimyer apprehended —
Adjourned —
1781
June 4.
[442] Met Albany 5*'' June 1781 —
Present
1781
June s.
John M. Beeckman ) | Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j 1 Stewart Dean
Adam Beam of the New City having been cited to appear
before this Board for having conveyed Df Smith in a Waggon
to Bennington and appearing this day agreeable to order
and being examined and it appearing from his Examina-
tion that he was altogether unacquainted with Df Smith's
Character and Situation therefore resolved that he be
discharged —
It appearing to this Board from the Examination of Simeon
Garret that Walltimyer has slept several Nights in the Barn
of John Ver Plank of Coyeman's Patent and there being
reason to suppose that the Information respecting the said
John Ver Planck is true from his Character of Disaffection
and the said John Ver Planck being at present in this place —
Therefore resolved that Jacob Kidney be ordered to bring
him forthwith before the Board —
Jacob Kidney appearing with John Ver Planck and he
being Examined with Respect to Walltimyer's sleeping in his
Barn and he being ready to swear that he never knew of said
732 State of New York
1781 Walltimyer being there which Assertion being deemed
satisfactory to the Board therefore resolved that he be dis-
charged —
Adjourned
1781 [^^3] Met Albany 6^? June 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Stewart Dean
Samuel Stringer ) I Isaac D. Fonda
Jeremiah Smith and Hendrick Skinkle who were some
Time ago committed being brought before the Board were
again Examined and being unwilling to make answers to the
Questions proposed to them therefore resolved that they be
recommitted —
It appearing to this Board that Peter Huyck has for-
feited the Recognizance by him entered into before this
Board ordered therefore that the Secretary make out the
said Recognizance and transmit the same to the Attorney
General in Order to its being prosecuted —
Nathaniel Cotton of Cooksakie being a material Witness
against William Hartley who was some Time since confined
as a spy from the Enemy and as the said William Hartley is
to receive his Tryal by a Court Martial therefore Resolved
that the said Nathaniel Cotton be cited to appear forthwith
before this Board —
John Walker who was on the 2— Instant apprehended
on Suspicion by order of CoU Van Bergen was brought before
the Board and being Examined says that he is a Continental
Soldier belonging to the Massachusets Line and that he has
deserted from West Point resolved that the said John Walker
be delivered over to CoU Van Schaick whose Regiment is
now on their way to West Point —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 733
A Letter from Joseph Fay EsqT dated at Bennington j^'^^\
on the 3f Instant was laid before the Board which Letter
is in the following words (to wit) (see Letter on File) —
Adjourned —
[444]
Present
John M
Isaac D.
Met Albany g^ June 1781
Beeckman )
Fonda [
j Samuel Stringer
1 Stewart Dean
William Parker, John Wait, Isabel Parker, Jane Wait,
and James Parker Inhabitants of Tryon County having
been apprehended for harbouring and supplying Parties
from the Enemy with Provisions and being brought before
the Board and it appearing from their Examinations that
they have received Letters from the enemy therefore resolved
that William Parker and John Wait be committed and that
Isabel Parker, Jane Wait and James Parker have Permission
to return to their Places of Abode to fetch from thence their
Families and Effects —
Resolved that a Mittimus be m[a]de out for William Parker
and John Wait —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 13^^ June 1781
Present
John M. Beeckman \^
Samuel Stringer j
Isaac D. Fonda
1781
June 9.
1781
June 13.
Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout Esq- Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies from Schenectady informed the
Board that there are a Number of Persons at the Hellebergh
who have harboured Walltimyer and Bettis and that there Is
734 State of New York
1781 a Necessity at this Time of removing from thence such
Persons and the other disaffected Inhabitants in that Quarter
and this Board being convinced of the Necessity of such a
[445] measure especially as the Enemy are daily expected
upon the Frontiers —
Therefore Resolved that it be recommended to the said
Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout to send a Party of men
from Schenectady to apprehend some of those who are most
notoriously disaffected in that Quarter and this Board will
also send a Party that way to apprehend Joseph Bettis who is
reported is still there —
Resolved that Col- Anthony Van Bergen be requested to
send a party of his Regiment to Peesink and places Adjacent
to apprehend all suspected Persons in that Quarter —
The Board having received Information from CoU Van
Bergen that Robert Tripp being looked upon as a dangerous
Person therefore Resolved that a warrant be made out for
him and delivered to Col- Van Bergen to have the same
served —
The Board having received Information that a certain
Scott who is at present at New York has a Quantity of Wheat
stored at Moore's at Kat's Kill and as the same ought to
be seized for the use of the Publick therefore resolved that
a Letter be wrote to Hezekiah Van Orden Esq- requesting
him to make Enquiry concerning the said Wheat and have
the same seized for the Public Use agreeable to Law which
Letter is in the words following (to wit) (see Copy Letter on
File)
A Letter from Teunis Van Wagenen dated at Kat's Kill
dated the 26- Ultimo was laid before the Board which
Letter is in the following words (to wit) (see Letter on
File) —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 735
[446] Met Albany 14*^? Tune 1781 — , 1781
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f c, 1 r> •
i y < bamuel btringer
Isaac D. i'onda ) (
As there are a Number of disaffected Persons in the Regi-
ment at present commanded by Major Ezekiel Taylor some of
whom as they live upon the Frontiers it is necessary should be
removed therefore resolved that Major Taylor be requested to
furnish this Board as soon as possible with a List of his Regi-
ment together with the Political Character of Each Man —
Capi John Grote appeared before the Board with Edward
M^Gurkey who he informed us he had apprehended for
endeavouring to enlist him the said John Grote for the Service
of the King of Great Britain And producing a Guinea de-
livered him by the said Edward M°Gurkey as a Bounty and
the said M^Gurkey being Examined confessing that he has
taken an Oath to be true to the King resolved that he be
confined and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
It being represented tO' the Board that Robert Bohannah
of Nistageune is a dangerous and disaffected Person and there
being Reason to suspect that he harbours persons from the
Enemy It is therefore resolved that a warrant be made out
directed to Philip Herwig to apprehend the said Robert
Bohannah and that Nicholas Van Vranken of Nistageune be
requested to assist the said PhiHp Herwig in the Execution
of the above Warrant —
Adjourned —
[447] Met Albany 15*-^ June 1781 — ^^tSi^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ^ , t-. t? j
■' . > ) Isaac JJ. I'onda
Samuel Strmger ) (
736 State of New York
June 15. Cap- John Grote appearing before the Board for the
Purpose of being Examined with Respect to Edward
M^Gurkey was examined accordingly and his Examination is
in the words following (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
John Oliver, Jacob Daniels, Francis Winne and Eli
Arnold having been present at the Time that Edward
M?Gurkey attempted to Enlist John Grote and having been
Ordered to appear before the Board to be Examined concern-
ing the same and attending for that Purpose were severally
examined and their examinations are as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
j^e^i6. Met Albany i6i5! June 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( , ^ _, ,
■i , n • ( ) Isaac D, lionda
Samuel btrmger ) (
Robert Bohannah for whose Apprehension a warrant was
on the 14- Instant made out being brought before the Board
by Philip Herwig and the Charges as alledged against him
being read to him, he utterly denied the same and as a proff
of his Innocence offered to take up and bring before this
Board all Persons who he finds travelling through that
Part of the Country where he resides and the Board being of
Opinion that by discharging the said Robert Bohannah they
may receive such Information from him respecting [448] Joe
Bettis and others as may enable the Board to have them
apprehended therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Robert Brisben of Saragtoga having entered into Recogni-
zance before this Board and having since gone off to Canada
and joined the Enemy and Jonathan Pettit his Bail being
called upon to pay the Recognizance Money and appearing
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 737
for that Purpose resolved that the same amounting to 237 ^ ^'^^^g
Dollars of the Money Emitted pursuant to a Resolution of
the 18— of March be received and delivered over into the
Hands of the Secretary to this Board —
Resolved that the List received from Major Ezekiel
Taylor of the Regiment under his Command be transmitted to
the Commissioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 18?'' Tune 1781 — , 1781
„ J J I juae 18.
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) ( „ 1 c •
Isaac D.Fonda \ j Samuel Strmger
The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton having
requested the Board to take the Examinations of William
Empie and Randell Hewit who were taken Prisoners by a
Party of Oneyda Indians near Crown Point and they being
brought before the Board and examined say as follows (to wit)
(see their Examinations on File) —
Resolved that they be recommitted —
Adjourned —
[449] Met Albany 19*!? June 1781 — jiil 19.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j g^^^^j g^^j^^^^
Isaac D. Fonda ) (
The Board having taken into Consideration the Complaint
exhibited to us by a Number of the approved Friends to the
American Cause residing at the Hellebergh and places
adjoining and being of Opinion from the frequent Parties
from the enemy who are harboured in that Quarter by the
738 State of New York
1781 disaffected; that such as are reputed dangerous Persons should
be removed from that part of the Country and the Board
having been furnished vpith List's of the names of the Persons
belonging to the Companies of Capi Van Aernam, Cap-
Luke, Capi Grote, and Cap- Slingerlandt and w^ith the
character of Each particular Person.
Resolved that the said List's be delivered to the Officer
commanding the Party detached by General Clinton at the
request of this Board to carry the above into Execution.
Isaac Sheldon Constable appeared before the Board
& informed that he had apprehended two Persons at Stephen
Town who appeared to be of suspicious Characters and the
said Persons being brought in and Examined say their Names
are John Cane and Jesse Adams and not giving a satisfactory
Account of themselves resolved that they be committed
and that a Mittimus be made out for them.
Col- Van Bergen having at the Request of this Board
caused Robert Trip to be apprehended for harbouring
Walltimyer and the said Robert Trip being brought before
the Board and Examined his Examination is in the words
following (to wit) (see Examinations on File) —
Adjourned —
T ^e^li ^45°] M^^ Albany 2i5i June 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( t ta t- 1
;; , o • C i isaac U. i'onda
Samuel Stringer ) (
William Epie who was on the 18- Instant committed
was ordered to be brought before the Board and being again
Examined his Examination is in the following words (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Randell Hewitt who was also on the 18- Instant committed
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 739
was ordered to be brought before the Board & being Ex- _ ^78i
.... . . June 21.
amined his examination is in words following (to wit) (see
his Examination on File)
Adjourned.
Met Albany 26*J? June 1781 — jiil*26.
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( t t^ t- 1
•; , n • f 1 isaac U. i'onda
Samuel Stringer ) (
Jacob Barger appeared before the Board and informed
us that he had apprehended a certain John Anderson who
appears to him to be of a suspicious Character and the said
John Anderson being brought in and Examined and not
giving a satisfactory account of himself therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a mittimus be made out for
Him —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28*!3 June 1781 — j^^ls.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) \ Stewart Dean
Ephraim Hopping appeared before the Board and [451]
informs that he is lately deserted from Canada where he
has been some Time as a Prisoner and produced a Pass of
Thomas Chittendon Esq^ to come to this Place and he being
desirous of going to his Excellency Governor Clinton at
Poughkeepsie resolved that a pass for that purpose be given
him —
Peter Seeger having been ordered to appear before the
Board appeared and was Examined —
Major John Graham having with a Party of Men been
740 State of New York
1781 detached to the Hellebergh in order to apprehend Joe Bettis
and other Emissaries from the enemy in that Quarter and
having apprehended Jellis Legrange for harbouring the said
Bettis and having also apprehended a certain John Low on
suspicion and the said Jellis Legrange and John Low being
Examined resolved as nothing appears against the said John
Low that he be discharged and that Jellis Legrange be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Cornelius Van Sice being ordered to appear before the
Board and being Examined says that the above mentioned
Jellis Legrange brought him to Joe Bettis to Enlist which
Examination is as follows (see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
^ ^781 Met Albany 20- Tune 1781 —
Jtme 29. Ti J y J I
rresent
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
The Examination's of John Bardine and Ebenezer French
taken by William Schuyler, William Harper and David
M:Master EsqS Justices of the Peace for the County of Tryon
[452] were laid before the Board and it appearing from the
said Examinations that Isaac Lawson who the said Justices
have caused to be apprehended and sent to us is a Dangerous
and disaffected Person therefore resolved that he be com-
mitted and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 30*'' June 1781 —
June 30. p^gggj^j
John M. Beeckman ) ( t -r» t? j
-;, , n • I 1 Isaac U. J^onda
Samuel Strmger ) (
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 741
Resolved that Robert Trip be discharged from Confine- , ^78x
. . . June 30.
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present v^ar v?ith Great Britain and
also for his appearance at the next supream Court of Judica-
ture to be held for the State of New York on the last Tuesday
in July next at the City Hall in the City of Albany (or
whosoever the said Court shall then be held in the State
aforesaid) then and there to answer unto such things as
shall be there alledged against him and not depart the Court
without Leave —
Robert Trip of Acquatough in the County
of Albany Farmer in £100
Gideon Trip of King's District in the County
aforesaid Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
[453] Met Albany ^i^ June [sic for July i] 1781 — ^7^'^^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j j^^^^ ^ p^^^^
Samuel Stringer ) (
Simon Relea, Daniel Relea, David Relea, George Sidnam,
John Van Alstyne, Teunis Van Alstyne, Roeliff Seeger, and
Evert Johnson having been apprehended by Major Graham
for harbouring Joseph Bettis and other Emissaries from the
Enemy and they being brought before the Board and
Examined and the Charges against them appearing to be
well founded therefore resolved that they be committed and
that a Mittimus be made out for them —
Adjourned —
742 State of New York
1781 Met Albany 5*!? July 1781 —
^^ ^" Present
John M. Beeckman / ( o 1 o ■
J \ ] Samuel Stringer
Isaac L). x*onda ) (
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esqf one of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies at Schenectady was laid before the
Board setting forth that Petrus Wermer who is at present
in Confinement has by the Commissioners at Schenectady
been bound by Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing
his duty and appearance when called upon and Requesting
that the said Petrus Wermer may be liberated unless some
material Charges can be alledged against him and the s-
request being taken into Consideration and as no perticular
Charges have yet been alledged against him the said Petrus
Wermer therefore resolved that he be discharged —
Adjourned —
ji? 6. [454] Met Albany 6"? 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( t t-v t? j
•; , f, • (1 Isaac U. Jbonda
Samuel btrmger ) (
Peter Van Slyck residing near Cooksakie appearing before
the Board informs us that a Party of Robbers headed by a
certain Joseph Smith (formerly a servant of Walltimyer) did
on the first Instant enter his House and steel a Number of
Articles of him and that in attempting to make his Escape
they fired at him and wounded him in the Arm and that they
took Prisoner at his House Peter Clauw who has since made
his Escape from them and is this day come to Town and the
said Peter Clauw appearing before the Board & being exam-
ined says as follows (to wit) (see his examination on File)
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 743
Met Albany 7*^ July 1781 — 1781
Present J^^^"
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( c, 1 r. ■
T T-. T- 1 c i bamuel btrmger
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( ^
Col? Veeder appeared before the Board and requested
the liberation of Coenradt Coen from Confinement as the
said Coenradt Coen has always discovered a Willingness to
do his duty when required and the said request being taken
into Consideration resolved in Consequence thereof that the
said Coenradt Coen be discharged from Confinement and
cautioned against associating with disaffected Persons in
Future —
[455] Resolved that Peter Relea be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present war with
Great Britain —
Peter Relea of the west District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ;^ioo
Martin Sybert of the same place Farmer his
Bail in ;^I00
Adjourned —
Met Albany 8^^ July 1781 — j^i^^i^^
Samuel Stringer
Present
John
M.
Beeckman
Isaac D.
Fonda
John Loe appeared before the Board and requested
Permission to go and reside at Christian S ant's at the Bever
Dam resolved that Permission be granted him accordingly
on the said Christian Sant's entering into a Recognizance
744 State of New York
1781 for the good Behaviour of the said John Loe and for his
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Christian Sant of the Bever Dam in the
County of Albany Farmer as Bail for
John Loe in ;^ioo
The Honorable Brigadier General James Clinton having
signified to this Board his Approbation of Randell Hewit
a Prisoner of war being liberated from Confinement upon
giving Security to this Board to appear when called upon
resolved therefore that he be liberated accordingly on
Ephraim Hewit his Father [456] entering into a Recog-
nizance for his remaining within the Limits of the Farm at
present in Possession of the said Ephraim Hewit at Keyad-
eroseras and appearing before any three of the Commis-
sioners for Conspiracies when called upon and for his good
Behaviour until he shall be Exchanged or otherwise di[s]posed
of —
Ephraim Hewit of Keyaderoseras Patent in
the County of Albany Farmer Bail for
Randell Hewit in ;£^ioo
A Letter from Col- Van Bergen dated at Cooksakie the
4^5? Instant was laid before the Board inclosing the Exam-
inations of Teunis Hoogteling, Peter Finehout, William
Davis, and Israel Kelsey concerning the Robbery com-
mitted at Peter Van Slyck's which Letter and Examina-
tions are as follows (to wit) (see Examinations & Letter
on File) —
It appearing to this Board from the Examination of Peter
Clauw that the Party who robbed Van Sluyck stopped at
the House of Adrian Bradt at Niscuthaw and that Joe
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 745
Smith one of the said Party conversed for some time in J'!^^
. . July 8.
private with the said Adrian Bradt and as the said Adrian
Bradt has not given any Information concer[n]ing the said
Party therefore resolved that he be ordered to appear before
this Board to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany io*> July 1781 — 1781
Present J-^^ ^°-
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f , t-. tr j
;; , n • 11 Isaac D. I'onda
Samuel Strmger ) (.
It appearing from the Examination of Peter [457] Clauw
that Adrian Bradt Jun^ (son of Adrian Bradt) was at Home
when the party who robbed Peter Van Slyck was at his
Father's House and that he conversed with them and the
said Adrian Bradt Jun^ having been apprehended by Jacob
Kidney and brought before the Board and being examined
as to the same resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for
his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
war with Great Britain.
Andrian Bradt Jun[ of Niscuthaw In the
County of Albany Farmer In £100
Peter S. Seeger of the same place Farmer his
Ball In ;^ioo
Adrian Bradt having been cited to appear before the
Board appeared and was Examined and the said Adrian
Bradt appearing to be much indisposed and as his being
confined at this Time may endanger his Life therefore
resolved that he enter into Recognizance with sufficient
sureties for his remaining within the Limits of this City
746 State of New York
j^gj untill discharged by this Board and for his good Behaviour
July 10. ijj tj^g mean Time —
Adrian Bradt of Niscuthaw in the County of
Albany Farmer in ;^ioo
James Van Zandt of the City of Albany Car-
penter his Bail in ;^ioo
John Van Nist of the Normans Kill in the
County of Albany Farmer also his Bail in . ;^ioo
Frederick Miller (son in Law of Adrian Bradt) having
been cited to appear before the Board and being examined
with Respect to the Party who robbed Van Slyck and who
were at the said Adrian Bradt's and it appearing that he had
no Conver- [458] sation with the said Party, yet on Account
of his Connection with the said Adrian Bradt, It is resolved
that he enter into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
and appearing before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies when thereunto required until discharged by
this Board.
Frederick Miller of Niscuthaw in the County
of Albany Cordwainer in ;^ioo
John N. Smith of the same place Wheel-
wright his Bail In £100
Lieu- David Hustead Appeared before the Board with
Lucius Palmer, Gideon Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon
Chesley and Comfort Marks who he had apprehended on
account of their intending to go to Canada & they being
severally examined resolved that they be confined —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany ii*> July 1781 —
J">^"- Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( , _, „ ,
^ in- (1 isaac u. ronda
bamuel btrmger j (
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 747
Lucius Palmer, Gideon Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon ^'^^^^
Chesley and Comfort Marks who were Yesterday confined
being again brought before the Board and Examined as to
their Intention of going to the Enemy at Canada — Resolved
on Account of the youth and Inexperience of the said Lucius
Palmer, George Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Simon Chesley and
Comfort Marks and their Candid Acknowledgement's that
they be discharged on their taking the following Oath, (to
wit) —
I do swear upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty god
that I will be true to the State of New York and [459] will
Conduct myself as a good and faithful subject of the said
State ought to do; that and I will not aid, comfort, council
with, or Assist in any way whatever any of the Enemies of
the said State of New York or the United States of America
and that I will immediately make known any Plots that may
be intended against any of the said United States and
discover that may come to my knowledge any of their
Enemies whenever I [k]now there are any lurking about
in the Country to any Officer or to the Board of Commis-
sioners — So help me God —
Adjourned —
1^81
Met Albany 16'.^ July 1 781 — July 16.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f j^^^^ j^ p^^j^
Samuel Stringer ) (
Jacobus Van Sante appearing before the Board requested
to deliver up in Discharge of himself Adrian Bradt. resolved
that the said Jacobus Van Sante be discharged from the
Recognizance by him entered into for the said Adrian Bradt
and that the said Adrian Bradt be confined and a Mittimus
be made out for him —
748 State of New York
T ^1^**6 Elizabeth Burrows having been Ordered to appear before
the Board and appearing and being examined as to Joe Smith
and his Party and she positively denying her having seen the
said Smith or any of his Party resolved that she be discharged —
Gerrit Seeger having also been cited to appear before
the Board and appearing and being Examined his Examina-
tion is as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Adjourned —
JiUy^Jp. [460] Met Albany 19'^ July 1781 —
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f c- i c •
T T~. T- 1 r "i Samuel Stnnger
Isaac D. tonda ) (
Adrian Bradt Jun-, Evert Sixbey, Jacobus Van Valken-
burgh, Alexander Conning and Ann Conning his wife and
Richard Kerknaer having been apprehended for harbouring
and supplying with Provisions the Party who robbed Peter
Van Slyck and being brought before the Board and severally
examined resolved that they be committed and that a Mitti-
mus be made out for them —
Adjourned —
j„5y^2o. Met Albany 20^ July 1781 —
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] ( n 1 o •
T T^ T- , r i Samuel Stnnger
Isaac D. Fonda j [ ^
Lucas Taylor being charged with being privy to the
harbouring of the Party who robbed Van Slyck being brought
before the Board and Examined resolved that he enter into a
Recognizance for his good Behaviour doing his duty and
appearing before any three of the Commissioners for Con-
spiracies during the Continuance of the present war with
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 749
Great Britain and for his Appearance at the next Supream 1781
Court of Judicature to be held for the State of New York
at the City Hall in this City on the last Tuesday in July
Instant (or wheresoever the said Court shall then beheld in the
State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters as shall bealledged
against him and not to depart the Court without Leave —
Lucas Taylor of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck in £100
[461] Gerrit Van Wie of the same place
Farmer his Bail in ;^ioo
Staats Bradt who was also charged with being privy
to the harbouring Joe Smith and the rest of the Party who
robbed Peter Van Slyck being brought before the Board
resolved that he enter into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three of
the Commissioners for Conspiracies during the Continuance
of the present war with Great Britain and for his Appearance
at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be held for the
State of New York at the City Hall in this City on the last
Tuesday in July next (or wheresoever the said Court shall
then be held in the State aforesaid) to answer to such Matters
as shall be alledged against him and not to depart the Court
without Leave —
Staats Bradt of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in ... . ;£^ioo
Gerrit Van Wie of the same place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Jacob France of Thurlough, charged by William Summer
with having assisted in the destruction of Currey Town being
brought before the Board and Examined resolved that he be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned
July 20.
750 State of New York
^ 1781 Met Albany 21?* Tuly 1781 —
July 21. J J J I
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( o 1 o^ •
J \ \ Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. tonda ) (,
Resolved that a letter be wrote to Hugh Mitchell Esq^
at Schenectady requesting him to take Cornelius Van
Sice's Recognizance for his appearance at the next supream
Court and transmit the same to this Board —
[462] A Letter from Zepheniah Batchelder Esq^ Justice of
the Peace of Tryon County was laid before the Board wherein
he informs that John Cuppernul who formerly resided at
Stonearabia is removed to Schohary, and the said John Cup-
pernul being a material Witness against Jacob J. Truax —
Resolyed in Consequence of the said Letter that a Letter
be wrote to Peter Vrooman Esq- at Schohary requesting him
to take the said John Cuppernull's Recognizance for his
appearance at the next supream Court and transmit the same
to this Board to be handed to the Court —
Evert Jansen being committed on a charge of having
harboured Joseph Bettis was brought before the Board and
Examined Ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 23? Tuly 1781 —
J"^y^3- [Present]
John M. Beeckman ) { „ 1 r> •
T T-. T- , \ \ bamuel btnnger
Isaac D. Fonda j ( ^
Jacob France of Thurlough who was committed on the
20^ Instant being brought before the Board and Examined
saith as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File) —
Ordered that he be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 751
Met Albany 24^ Tuly 1781 — 1781
Present / ^ J J' / ju,y ,^.
John M. Beeckman ) ( t t-. t? j
i , r. • r ■{ Isaac D. I'onda
bamuel btringer ) (.
William summer of Thurlough having been sent to
Goal by Col- Willet on Account of his having assisted the
[463] Enemy in the Destruction of Currey Town being
brought before the Board and Examined saith as follows
(see Examination on File) — Ordered that he be recom-
mitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany as?'' July 1781 - j^y%
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f o 1 c^ •
i ^ „ , Y ■{ bamuel btrmger
Isaac D. Fonda ) [ ^
Resolved that Anne Conning be liberated from Confine-
ment on James Jolley's entering into a Recognizance for her
Appearance at the next Supream Court of Judicature to be
held for the State of New York at the City Hall in the City
of Albany on the last Tuesday in July Instant (or whereso-
ever the said Court shall then be held in the State aforesaid)
to answer to such Matters as shall be alledged against her
and not to depart the Court without leave —
James Jolly of the West District of the Manor
of Rensselaerwyck Farmer as Bail for
Anne Conning in ;^ioo
Henry Haines, Coenradt Brown, Frederick Merkle,
Michael Merkle, Christian Merkle, Mathias Merkle, Ann
Frets, Henry Haines Jun?:, Christopher Redick, Henry
Frandts, Coenradt Hopper, Jacobus Hopper, George Walker,
John Summer, Christian Minor, Michael Frederick, Johannis
752 State of New York
1781 Coenradt, Christian Ottman, Jacob Haines, David CofFman,
and George Cross having been apprehended by order of
Col- Willett on the Charge alledged against him [them]
by William Summer of their having Assisted the Enemy
in the Destruction of Currey Town and they being sent
down to this Board resolved that they be confined and that a
Mittimus be made out for them —
[464] It appearing from the Examination of William
Summer that William Petrie Esq- of Tryon County will be
wanted as a witness at the ensuing Supream Court against
the above mentioned Persons from Thurlough therefore
resolved that a Letter be wrote to him requesting his Attend-
ance at that Time —
Resolved that a Letter be also wrote to David Lewis
requesting his attendance at the next Supream Court as a
witness against the above mentioned from Thurlough —
Adjourned —
Jnlyle. Met Albany 26*.'' July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( j t^ i? j
;; , n • r 1 isaac D. l*onda
Samuel Strmger ) (.
Haze[l]ton Spencer who was some time ago with the
approbation of General Clinton liberated from Confinement
and restricted to the Limits of this City appeared before the
Board and laid before us a further Approbation of General
Clinton to permit the said Hazelton Spencer to go and reside
at the New City and the same having been taken into Con-
sideration and Abraham Jacob Lansing who is surety for the
said Hazelton Spencer consenting to the same therefore
resolved that the said Hazelton Spencer have leave accordingly
and that he be ordered to make his appearance before this
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 753
Board once every Week during the time he remains at the 1781
New City as aforesaid.
William Somer being brought before the Board was again
Examined and ordered to be recommitted
Adjourned
Met Albany zf^ July 1781 —
Isaac D. Fonda
[465]
Present
John M. Beeckman )
Samuel Stringer )
Christina Hooper formerly of Thurlough in Tryon County
having been cited to appear before the Board and she appear-
ing this day agreeable to the said Order and being Examined
as to the Thurlough Inhabitants saith as follows (to wit)
(see Examination on File) —
Coenradt Brown, Christian Ottman, and Jacob Haines
Jun- being brought before the Board were Examined and
Ordered to be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 28^ July 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esqf dated 27- Instant was
laid before the Board informing that he sends down under
Guard John Ward who was apprehended near Ballstown
and was supposed to be on his way to Canada —
And the said John Ward being brought before the Board
and examined and it appearing that he is a Deserter from
the Enemy and has hitherto conducted himself well there-
fore resolved that he be discharged —
1781
July 27.
Isaac D. Fonda
1781
July 28.
754 State of New York
17S1 Archibald M?Neal appeared before the Board and re-
quested Permission to go to his Place of abode at the Scotch
Patent to which his Bail Evans Umphrey consenting resolved
that he [466] have Permission accordingly until the first day
of September next —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 30?'' July 1781 —
July 30. Present
John M. Beeckman ) { n 1 o •
T T>. T- 1 c i Samuel Strmger
Isaac D. jbonda ) (
A Letter from Flores Bancker Esq- dated 29- Instant
was laid before the Board setting forth that a Number of
disaflPected Persons have lately been removed from the
Western Frontiers to the East side of the River who he has
great Reason to beleive from sundry Circumstances are
meditating some Scheme against the wellfare of the State
and requesting directions what steps it will be necessary to
take with the above Persons —
And the subject of the above Letter being taken into
Consideration — Resolved that it be recommended to the
said Flores Bancker to make every possible discovery with
Respect to the above Matter and transmit the same without
delay to this Board —
It appearing from the Examination of William Summer
that Christopher France formerly an Inhabitant of Thurlough
who at present resides at Nistageune was in the Year 1778
on his way to join Gen- Si Ledger when he had invested
Fort Schuyler and that he last Fall also went to Schohary
to assist Sir John Johnson in the destruction of Schohary
resolved therefore that a warrant be made [467] out directed
to Jacob Kidney to apprehend the said Christopher France
and forthwith bring him before the Board —
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 755
The Board having received Information that Arthur Hewit ^ ^78i
. . . J'liy 3°-
of Pits Town is able to give some very material Information
respecting Simeon Smith therefore resolved that the said
Arthur Hewit be cited to appear before this Board in Order
that he may be examined as to the Conduct of the said
Simeon Smith —
Jellis Legrange requesting to be brought before the Board
informed us that Joseph Bettis with some others are lately
come from Canada and that there is a Prospect in case a
Party of Men should be sent out that the said Bettis might
be apprehended —
Resolved that in Consequence of the said Information
that application be immediately made for a Party of Con-
tinental Troops to go in search of the said Joseph Bettis and
that the said Party be directed to go to the House of the
said Jellis Legrange and one Flager where they will strictly
search for them —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 3 if July 1781 J^j%t.
Present
John M. Beeckman ] j ^ t\ t? a
■j, in- 11 Isaac u. l*onda
Samuel Stnnger J (.
Jellis Legrange again requesting to be brought before the
Board & being brought accordingly says that Hans Walty-
mier is lately also come from Canada that he has brought
Dispatches for some Persons in this City and that he Yester-
day was In Town with them [468] resolved that it be recom-
mended to the said Jellis Legrange to make what further
discoveries he Is able and that this Board will In that Case
use their Influence with the Supream Court to procure his
liberation from Confinement —
Christian Legrange appeared before the Board and In-
756 State of New York
1781 formed that Toe Bettis has this day been at his House and
July 31. ... .
that the said Bettis informed the said Christian Legrange's
wife that he is this night to be at the House of one Fagler
whose son went to Canada some Time since with the said
Joe Bettis in Consequence of which Information resolved
that the Honorable Brigadier Gen- James Clinton be
requested to order out a Party of CoU Cortlandt's Regiment
to apprehend the said Joe Bettis
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 2^ August 1781 —
^"S- 2. Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ] f . t^ t- 1
;; , n . 11 Isaac D. lionda
bamuel btrmger J (.
Resolved that Hendrick Haines of Thurlough be dis-
charged from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour and appearance before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Hendrick Haines of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer in ;^ioo
John RofF of the City of Albany Merchant
his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned —
1781 [469] Met Albany 4'^ August 1781 —
Aug. 4-
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) ( . t^ t- ,
p , c • 11 Isaac D. Fonda
bamuei btrmger J (.
Resolved that Rykert Kerknaer be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 757
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com- ^781
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Rykert Kernaer of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in £100
Francis Rosseau of the same Place Farmer
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Michael Bruce enter into a Recognizance
for his good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required during the Continuance of the present
War with Great Britain —
Michael Bruce of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in.... ;^ioo
Joshua Bloore of the City of Albany Mer-
chant his Bail in ;^ioo
Adjourned
Met Albany 6^^ August 1781 — a^''\
Present
Aug. 6.
John M. Beeckman } { ^ , r. •
i ^ „ , y < bamuel Strmeer
Isaac D. Fonda ) (. ^
Edward M^Gurkey confined on the Complaint of Cap^
John Groote for endeavoring to enlist the said John Groot[e]
[470] for the service of the enemy was brought before the
Board and as no Indictment has been found against him —
Therefore resolved that he be discharged from Confinement —
Adjourned
Met Albany y*?? August 1781 ^^J^^^
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f ^ 1 c •
:; x^ T- , r i bamuei btrmger
Isaac D. Fonda j [ ^
758 State of New York
1781 Resolved that Jacobus Van Valkenburgh be discharged
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Jacobus Van Valkenburgh of the West Dis-
trict of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck
Farmer in ;^ioo
John Oliver of the same place Farmer his
Bail in :i^ioo
Christian Merkle of Thurlough at present in Confinement
being very 111 and as a Continuance in his present Situation
may endanger his Life — Therefore resolved that he have
Permission to go to the House of Christian Earing in this
City untill he is recovered of his Indisposition —
Adjourned —
^781 Met Albany 8*> August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ] f Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j { Stewart Dean
An Attempt having last Night been made by [471] Hans
Waltimier with a Party of Men to carry off General Schuyler
and it appearing probable that he will endeavour to Escape
by the way of the Nistageune Road —
It is therefore Resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col-
Philip Schuyler requesting him to detach Cap- Levinis
Lansing's Company to go to the Wothoyct* and there remain
until to Morrow Morning and that he dispose of the Re-
• Evidently written corruptly for Uytkyck, a hill on the old road to
Niskayuna; also written at times as Kyck-uyt, and in English as Outlook.
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 759
mainder of his Men in such a Way as he may judge best /''^^o
to intercept the said Waltimier and his Party —
Resolved also that a Letter be wrote to Col- John H.
Beeckman at Schodack to order out a Party of his Regiment
to Guard the shore from the Kinderhook Dock to Schodack
in Case Waltimier may Attempt to Cross the River
It being represented to the Board that James Dunneway
of this City has been svi^orn by a Party of Men in the
Woods — Resolved in Consequence of the said Information
that the said James Dunneway be sent for and Examined —
James Dunneway appearing and being Examined says
that a few days ago he was in the Woods about five or Six
Miles from Town where he was taken Prisoner by three
Men who swore him to Secrecy and that he has not since
that Time seen them again ordered that he be discharged —
Jellis Legrange at present in Confinement having informed
the Board that Waltimier has been in Town with Letters
from Canada and that he has received his Information
from William Empie & Terence [472] Smith who are also
in Confinement wherefore resolved that the said William
Empie and Terence Smith be brought before the Board
and examined as to the same —
William Empie and Terence Smith being examined refuse
to give any satisfactory Answers to the Questions proposed
to them therefore resolved that they be recommitted —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 9^ August 1781 ^1781
Present
John M. Beeckman ) f Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j 1 Stewart Dean
It appearing to this Board highly probable from sundry
Circumstances that Major Reed (who at present lives in
760 State of New York
1781 the House formerly occupied by John TunnicIifF) was privy
Aug. 9. fQ j.j,g Attempt made by Hans Waltimier to take General
Schuyler and as it is suspected that the said Major Read car-
ries on a Correspondence with several Persons in Canada —
It is therefore resolved that application be made to General
Clinton for a Party of Men to go and apprehend him and
that My Fonda one of the Members of this Board go with
the said Party for the Purpose of searching his House for
treasonable Papers —
The Board having great Reason to think that Hans
Waltimier who a few days ago was in Town with Letters
from Canada has been at the House of Ivy Chambers in
this City and it being the Opinion of this Board that by
searching the House of the said Ivy Chambers [473] Papers
might be found which have come from Canada therefore
resolved that Mt Stringer & Mf Dean go to the House of
the said Ivy Chambers and make search for such Papers —
It appearing to this Board from the Information received
by Isaac D. Fonda Esq- One of the Members of this Board
that two Young Men living on the Nistageune Road have
joined Walitmier's Party and assisted in attempting to take
General Schuyler therefore resolved that a Warrant be made
out for their immediate apprehension —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany lo^? Augt 1 78 1 —
Aug. 10. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( _, , n •
:; ^ „ , r i Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( ^
James Milligan having come to this place from Saragtoga,
and General Schuyler intimating to this Board that the said
James Milligan is come with a bad design and requesting to
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 761
have him examined and he being apprehended and brought ^78i
before this Board and being examined and not answering
satisfactorily to the Questions proposed to him and there
being Reasons to suspect that he is a Spy therefore resolved
that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for
him —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 11^ August 1781 — Au|fii.
Present
John M. Beeckman ] ( „ 1 o •
T T-. T- 1 c i Samuel Strmger
Isaac D. Fonda j ( ^
It being suggested to the Board that Michael Merkle at
present in Confinement is sick and that a [474] Continuance
in his present Confinement may endanger his life therefore
resolved that he be liberated on his entering into a Recogni-
zance with a sufficient surety for his remaining within the
House and Yard of Christian Earing situate in the third
Ward of this City until he is recovered of his Sickness and in
the mean Time be of the good Behaviour and appear before
any three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when
thereunto required —
Michael Merkle of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer in ;^ioo
Christian Earing of the City of Albany Mer-
chant his Bail in £100
Lieu- John Leonard appeared before the Board and
informed there has been a Party of armed Men at his House
last Night who came with an Intention to carry him off and
that they have much abused his Wife and there being a
Prospect of apprehending them in Case a Party of Men
could be procured to go with the said Lieu- Leonard there-
762 State of New York
1781 fQj-g resolved that application be made for a Party of Men
to Gen- Clinton to endeavour to [ajpprehend the said Per-
sons —
Adjourned —
Aug. 12. Met Albany I2*> August 1781 —
Present
Tohn M. Beeckman ) f j t-. t? j
-; , c • f 1 isaac U. ronda
Samuel Stnnger ) {
Lieu- John Leonard who Yesterday went [475] out with
a Party [of] Men having apprehended Thomas Brown for
harbouring Joseph Bettis and the said Thomas Brown
being brought before the Board and examined resolved that
he be committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him
Adjourned —
^J|^J^^ Met Albany 13*^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
A Letter from Col- M^Instrey the Commanding officer at
Saragtoga was laid before the Board wherein he informs that
he sends down to us under Guard a certain Moses Harris
Junf who he has caused to be apprehended on suspicion of
his purchasing Provisions for the supply of the Enemy and
he being brought before the Board and examined and we
being of Opinion that the said Harris is not a Person of so
dangerous a Character as represented by Coli M^Instrey
therefore resolved that he be discharged on his procuring
Bail for his future good Behaviour —
An Indian Woman living with M" Gibbon's in this City
having reported that she saw in the Woods a dead Man who
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 763
appeared to be murdered and his Worship the Mayor' of this ^78i
City having gone out to View the Dead Body and not being
able to find the same and we being of Opinion that M-
Gibbons her Mistress whose Husband is gone off to the
Enemy has caused the said Indian Woman to raise the said
report with a [476] View to draw the Mayor out of the City
in order to his being carried off by Persons prepared for
that Purpose therefore resolved that the said Indian Woman
be apprehended and that the said Ms Gibbons be ordered
immediately to appear before this Board —
The above mentioned Indian Woman being apprehended
and examined acknowledges that there was a Party of Men
in the Woods who told her to go to the Mayor and inform
him that there was a Man murdered in the Woods resolved
that she be committed —
M- Gibbons appearing and being examined denies that
she knew any Thing of the Report propogated by her Wench
resolved that she be discharged for the present an[d] ordered
to attend again to Morrow Morning —
M- HajTwood being also supposed to be concerned in the
above Scheme to have the Mayor taken Prisoner being sent
for and examined and she denying the charge ordered that
she attend again to Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 14^ August 1781 — i7»i
Present *"S. 14.
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Stewart Dean ) \ Isaac D. Fonda
A Letter from Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Outhout EsqS
Commissioners for Conspi- [477] racies at Schenectady was
•Abraham Ten Broeck was mayor of Albany at this time. He had
been appointed by Governor Clinton in April, 1779.
764 State of New Yorlc
1781 laid before the Board wherein they inform that they send
Aug. 14. •' ,
down to us Daniel Taylor a Person notoriously disaffected
to the American Cause who is a Brother in Law of Joseph
Bettis and has known of the said Bettis being in the Country
without giving any Information concerning the same and
the said Daniel Taylor being Examined resolved that he be
committed and that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Frederick Crants appearing before the Board informed
us that he would become Bail for Christian Merkle and
Michael Merkle who were liberated from Confinement on
Account of their being Sick resolved that Christian Earing be
discharged from the Recognizance by him entered into for the
said Michael Merkle and Christian Merkle and that the said
Frederick Crants accordingly enter into a Recognizance
for the said Christian Merkle and Michael Merkle remaining
within the Limits of his the said Frederick Crants's Farm
and that the said Christian Merkle & Michael Merkle will
surrender themselves as Prisoners to this Board when they
shall have recovered their Health and for their good Be-
haviour during that Time —
Frederick Crants of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer as Bail
for Christian Merkle and Michael Merkle
in £^100
Adjourned —
. ^^^Jg [478] Met Albany 16^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringier ) ( Stewart Dean
Cap- Holtham Dunham & Lieu- Benonie Grant having
had Conferences in the Woods with David Jones and other
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 765
Persons from Canada and having been detected in the san^e ^78i
and to avoid Punishment made their Escape with a[n] Inten-
tion to go to Canada and having been apprehended and
sent down by Col- M^Kinstrey in order to be confined and
the said Holtham Dunham being brought before the Board
and examined says as follows (to wit) (see Examination on
File)
Resolved that a Mittimus be made out for them and that
the examination of Benoni Grant be postponed until to
Morrow Morning —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 17^ August 1781 — 1781
Present ^"«- ^7-
John M. Beeckman ) j Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
Benonie Grant who was Yesterday committed to Goal
being brought before the Board was Examined his Examina-
tion is as follows (to wit) (see Examination on File)
Resolved that Copies of the Examination's of Holtham
Dunham and Benoni Grant be made out and transmitted to
his Excellency Governor Clinton —
[479] It appearing highly probable to this Board from
the Information of Cap- Gerrit Groesbeeck & William Hunn
that Thomas Reed who at present resides on the Farm of
John TunniclifF near this City knew of the Party that
attempted to take General Schuyler Prisoner being in the
Woods and was acquainted with their Intentions and the
said Thomas Reed from his Intimacy and Connections with
Df George Smith and other disaffected Persons to the Ameri-
can Cause giving great Reason to this Board to suspect that
he is concerned in a Scheme prejudicial to the Publick good —
766 State of New York
1781 Therefore resolved that a Warrant be made out directed
to Jacob Kidney to apprehend and bring before us said
Thomas Reed —
Adjourned —
aJ&*i8. Met Albany 18^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
Thomas Reed having been apprehended by Jacob Kidney
agreeable to the Warrant of this Board and being examined
resolved that he be committed and that a Mittimus be made
out for him —
Cap- Robert Woodward appeared before the Board and
informed us that he had apprehended a Man who calls
himself Benoni Robins Forrister who he suspects to be a
British Officer passing through the Country as a Spy and
the said Benoni Robins Forrister being examined and not
being possessed of any Vouchers relative [480] to his Attach-
ment to the American Cause and being unable to give a
satisfactory account of himself therefore resolved that he be
committed until he shall produce a Certificate of his Char-
acter and ordered that a Mittimus be made out for him —
Adjourned —
1781 Met Albany 21?^ August 1781 —
Aug. 21. Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer ) ( Stewart Dean
It appearing from the Examination of Cap5 Holtham
Dunham and Benoni Grant that a certain Rodgers who
lives at Fiddle Town near Saragtoga has supplied David
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 767
Tones with his Party who had come from Canada and were , 1781
. Aug. 2I>
secreted in the Woods for the Purpose of taking Major
M^Kinstrey the Commanding Officer at Saragtoga Prisoner
therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Major M^KInstrey
requesting him to have the said Rogers apprehended and
sent down to this Board as soon as possible —
Lieu- Moses Hudson appeared before the Board and
informed us that a Young Man of the Name of Fagler who
was last Year seduced by Joe Bettis to go to Canada has
returned and has sent in word that he is desirous of sur-
rendering himself up provided he is not confined — Re-
solved that Lieu- Hudson be informed that if the said
Fagler [give] himself up to this Board and will make a full
and [481] ample Confession of such Matters as he is ac-
quainted with that in such Case the said Fagler will be
discharged on giving surety for his future good Conduct —
Adjourned —
Met Albany 22^ August 1781 — ai^. m.
Present
John M. Beeckmann ) ( „ 1 <-. •
T T^ T- 1 f ) oamuel btrmeer
Isaac D. Fonda ) i ^
The Board being informed that James Clay is returned
from Canada and that he lurks about the House of Henry
Haywood his Father in Law on Jan Fonda's Land in the
Vicinity of this City and Lieu- Jacob Winney having offered
to apprehend the said James Clay therefore resolved that
a Warrant be made out directed to Lieu- Winney & that
he be thereby authorized to search the House of the said
Henry Haywood and all other suspicious Houses in that
Neighbourhood —
Resolved that Moses Harris JunF be discharged from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
768 State of New York
1781 Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain —
Moses Harris JunT late of Dutchess County
Labourer in ;^ioo
Dirck Swart of Stillwater in the County of
Albany EsqT his Bail in ;£^ioo
Cap- William Hun having been requested to appear
before the Board to be examined with Respect [482] to
Thomas Reed at present in Confinement appeared his
examination being taken is in the words following (to wit)
(see Examination on File)
Adjourned —
^^l^^ Met Albany 23^ Aug* 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) i ^ t~v
T T-w T- 1 r i Stewart Dean
Isaac D. I'onda ) (
A Letter was laid before the Board by Edward Chin EsqT
from Thomas Reed setting forth that his wife has been
brought to Bed and that she is exceedingly 111 and request-
ing to be released from Confinement for a few Days which
application being seconded by the said Edward Chin resolved
that for the Reason above assigned the said Thomas Reed
be liberated on entering into a Recognizance to appear on
Monday the 27^ Day of August Instant at the City Hall
in this City before any three of the Commissioners for
Conspiracies and for his good Behaviour in the mean Time —
Thomas Reed of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Yeoman in . . . ;C500
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 769
Philip Van Rensselaer of the City of Albany
EsqT his Bail in ;^250
Edward Chin of the same place Esq' also
his Bail in £250
Adjourned —
1781
Aug. 23.
[483] Met Albany 24*.'' August 1781 —
Present
John M Beeckman
Samuel Stringer
I 1
Isaac D. Fonda
1781
Aug. 24.
The Board having received Information that among
those Persons who took John J? Bleecker Esq- and who are
at present Prisoners at Bennington there are some who are
Inhabitants of this State and as Justice demands that they
should be punished agreeable to Law —
Therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to his Excellency
Thomas Chittendon Esq- at Arlington requesting him to
cause the said Persons to be delivered over to the Civil
Authority of this State which Letter is in the Words follow-
ing (to wit) (see Copy Letter on File)
Adjourned
Met Albany 25^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Isaac D. Fonda
Samuel Stringer j ( Stewart Dean
Daniel Taylor being at his own request brought before
the Board was examined and ordered to be recommitted
The Board having received Information that Archibald
M°Neal who by his Recognizance was restricted to the
Limits of this City has exceeded the Bounds prescribed to
him in the said Recognizance therefore resolved that his
1781
Aug. 25.
770 State of New York
. 1781 Bails Thomas Shipboy and Robert M^CIallen be ordered
forthwith to deliver up to this Board [484] the said Archi-
bald M^Neal —
Adjourned —
Av^\>7. Met Albany 27^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Thomas Reed appeared before the Board agreeable to the
Tenor of the Recognizance entered into by him on the 23?
Instant and requested of the Board Permission to remain
with his Family some Days longer on Account of the Illness
of his wife resolved on taking the same into Consideration
that Permission be granted him accordingly on his entering
into a Recognizance to appear on Monday the 3- day of
September next at the City Hall before any three of the
Commissioners for Conspiracies to be of good Behaviour
during that time & not to aid, Comfort, Assist, Entertain,
harbour or hold any Correspondence either by word or
deed upon Political Matters with any Person or Persons
inimical to the Liberties of Independance of this or the
United States of America and that he do not depart the
Limits & Bounds of the Farm he at present resides on
untill he comes to make his Appearance as aforesaid —
Thomas Reed of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Gentleman in . . ;^500
Leonard Gansevoort of the City of Albany
Esq^ his Bail in ;^250
Cornelius Cuyler of the same place Esq^
also his Bail in £^S'^
[485] Resolved that Adrian Bradt Jun£ be discharged
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 771
from Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his » ^'^*^„
good Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any
three of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when there-
unto required during the Continuance of the present War
with Great Britain —
Adrian Bradt Junf of the West District of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer in. ;^ioo
John Devoe of the same Place Farmer his
Bail in ;Cioo
Resolved that Henry Haines Jun' be discharged from
Confinement on Henry Haines entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said Henry Haines Jun^ for
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the said
Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required dur-
ing the continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
Henry Haines late of Thurlough in Tryon
County Farmer as Bail for his son Henry
Haines JunT in £400
Resolved that John Sommer be discharged from Con-
finement on Jacob Lawyer entering into a Recognizance
for the good Behaviour of the said John Sommer & for his
doing his Duty & appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners for Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the Present War with Great Britain —
Jacob Lawyer of the City of Albany on Rec-
ognizance as Bail for John Sommer in. . . ;^200
Archibald M?Neal being brought before the [486] Board
by his Bail agreeable to the order of this Board of the 25'''
Instant and being interrogated as to his exceeding the
Bounds prescribed by his Recognizance and it appearing
to have been done ignorantly and with no bad design there-
fore resolved that he be discharged —
772 State of New York
1781 A Letter from Hugh Mitchell Esq^ dated at Schenectady
the 14- Instant inclosing a Copy of an Examination of
Daniel Taylor now in Confinement was laid before the
Board which Letter and Examination are in the following
words (to wit) (see Letter and Examination on File)
Adjourned
1781 Met Albany zS^ August 1781 —
Aug. 2 . Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Christian Miner be discharged from Con-
finement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his Duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the Present War with
Great Britain —
Christian Miner of New Rhraebeeck in
Tryon County Farmer in ;^ioo
Jacob Bleecker Jun^ of the City of Albany
his Bail in ;^ioo
Resolved that Frederick Merkle be discharged [487] from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies when thereunto
required during the Continuance of the present War with
Great Britain
Frederick Merkle late of Thurlough in the
County of Tryon Farmer in ;^ioo
Stephen Frederick of the West District in
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer his
Bail in ;^ioo
Minutes of Commissioners for Conspiracies 773
Resolved that William Baker who is surety for James a^^*^«
Bruce be ordered forthwith to deliver up the said James
Bruce as the Board are of Opinion that he ought to be bound
in a New Recognizance —
Adjourned
Met Albany 2()^> August 1781 — Atw^aj.
Present
John M. Beeckman ) ( Samuel Stringer
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Stewart Dean
Resolved that Earnest Fretz be discharged from Confine-
ment on entering into a Recognizance for his good Behaviour
doing his duty and appearing before any three of the Com-
missioners of Conspiracies when thereunto required during
the Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Earnest Fretz late of Thurlough in the County
of Tryon Farmer In ;^ioo
Christopher RofF of the West District of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck Farmer In ;£^ioo
[488] Frederick Crans who was surety for Christopher
Merkle until he should be recovered of his Illness appeared
before the Board and surrendered the said Christian Merkle
and as Frederick Merkle Is willing to become Ball for the
said Christian Merkle and as there are no material Charges
against him therefore resolved that he be discharged on the
said Frederick Merkle's entering Into a Recognizance for
the good Behaviour of the said Christian Merkle for doing
his duty and appearing before any three of the Commissioners
for Conspiracies when thereunto required during the Con-
tinuance of the present War with Great Britain.
Frederick Merkle late of Thurlough In the
County of Tryon Farmer as Bail for Chris-
tian Merkle In £100
774 State of New York
1781 The Board having received Information from which they
are induced to think that the Persons living on a Place
formerly in the Possession of [blank] Gumming at Kat's
Kill are endeavouring by every Means to injure the Amer-
ican Cause and as their Situation is such that they have
it in their Power to afford Assistance to Parties coming from
the Enemy therefore resolved that a Letter be wrote to Col-
Du Bois at Kat's Kill requesting him to cause them to be
removed as soon as possible —
Adjourned —
j^^^lo. M^t Albany 36^ August 1781 —
Present
John M. Beeckman ) j Stewart Dean
Isaac D. Fonda ) ( Samuel Stringer
Resolved that Coonradt Brown be discharged [489] from
Confinement on entering into a Recognizance for his good
Behaviour doing his duty and appearing before any three
of the Commissioners for Conspiracies for and during the
Continuance of the present War with Great Britain —
Coenradt Brown of Thurlough in Tryon
County Farmer in ;^ioo
Johannis Rykert of Schoharie in the County
of Albany Farmer his Bail in £100
Adjourned.*
' The extant minutes end here abruptly. On August 30, 1781, the Albany
commissioners wrote to Governor Clinton about certain exchanges of pris-
oners, to which he wrote a reply on September 7th. Other correspondence
between this board and the governor is extant, of a date later than the existing
minutes. For examples, see George Clinton Papers, nos. 3948, 3976,
3986, 3987, 4005, 4010, 4023, 4024, in archives of New York State Lib-
rary.
APPENDIXES
7JS
APPENDIX I
LAWS OF NEW YORK RELATING TO THE
COMMISSIONERS FOR CONSPIRA-
CIES AND THEIR POWERS
An Act appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeating
Conspiracies, and declaring their Powers. Passed the
5th of February, 1778.'
'\X7'HEREAS the late Convention did appoint a Board of
Commissioners, for the Purpose of enquiring into,
detecting and defeating all Conspiracies, which might be
formed in this State, against the Liberties of America.
And whereas, by Reason of the present Invasion of this
State, and of the Disaffection of sundry of the Inhabitants of
the same, it will be expedient to continue the said Board ;
which Experience hath shewn to be of great Use and Impor-
tance. To the End therefore, that the State and the Peace
of the same, may be effectually guarded and secured, against
the wicked Machinations and Designs of the Foreign and
Domestic Foes thereof.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted
by the Authority of the same. That the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, or President of the Senate, who, for the Time
being, shall administer the Government of this State, be,
and he hereby is authorised and empowered, from Time to
Time, to appoint, by Commission, by and with the Advice
» First session (1777-8), chap. 3. — Laws of New York; Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 6-7.
778 State of New York
and Consent of the Council of Appointment, so many Per-
sons, not exceeding ten, as he shali think proper, to be Com-
missioners for the Purposes aforesaid^ And that the said
Commissioners, or any three of them, be, and they hereby are
authorised and empowered, to do and perform the several
Acts, Matters and Things herein after mentioned, viz. That
the said Commissioners, or any three of them, shall be,
and they hereby are authorised and empowrered, to send for
Persons and Papers, and administer Oaths; and to apprehend
and confine, or cause to be apprehended and confined, in
such Manner, and under such Restrictions and Limitations,
as to them shall appear necessary, for the public Safety, all
Persons, whose going at large, shall, in the Judgment of the
said Commissioners, or any three of them, appear dangerous
to the Safety of this State. To take Bonds and Recogni-
zances, from Time to Time, to the People of this State, for
the good Behaviour, safe Custody, or Appearance of such
of the said Persons, and of all others, now confined for the
like Cause, as they may think proper, in such Sums, and
upon such Conditions, as unto them shall appear expedient;
and the said Bonds and Recognizances, if forfeited, to prose-
cute or to cancel and release, upon such Terms and Condi-
tions; and to discharge from Confinement, any of the said
Persons absolutely, and without any Terms or Conditions,
as they may think proper. And also, from Time to Time,
to make such Provision, for the safe Custody, and comfort-
able Subsistance of all Persons, who may from Time to
Time be so confined as aforesaid, in such Manner as they
may think proper. Provided always. That by Reason or
Colour of any Thing herein contained, the said Commis-
sioners, or any of them, shall not be empowered to inflict
any corporal Punishment, upon any or either of the said
Persons confined as aforesaid.
Appendix I : Laws 779
II. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That no Judge or Magistrate, shall bail any of the Persons,
who may be confined by Authority of the said Commissioners;
and that no Court shall deliver any of the Gaols, within this
State, of any Person or Persons, so confined as aforesaid,
unless such Persons, shall have been indicted, and tried
for the Offence or Offences, for which he or she, shall have
been respectively committed.
III. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That each and every of the said Commissioners, before they
shall respectively take upon them, the Exercise of the said
Office, do, before one or more of the said Commissioners,
who are hereby empowered to administer the same, take the
following Oath, viz.
" I, A.B. one of the Commissioners, according to the Form
and Effect of an Act, entitled, An Act for appointing Com-
missioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and
declaring their Power, appointed, do, in the Presence of
Almighty God, most solemnly promise and swear, that I
will, to the best of my Knowledge and Ability, faithfully
execute and perform, for the Benefit and Advantage of the
People of the State o( New-York, all and singular the Powers
and Authorities, by Force and Virtue of the said Act, unto
me given. So help me God.["]
IV. And for as much as the Execution of the said several
Trusts, Duties and Powers, will be attended with consider-
able Expence; Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners, be, and they hereby are,
authorised and empowered, from Time to Time, to draw from
the public Treasury of this State, all and every such Sum and
Sums of Money, as they shall think proper. Provided
always. That the said Commissioners, shall render a just and
true Account of the Expenditure of the several Sums of
ySo State of New York
Money by them so drawn as aforesaid; and that the said
several Sums, shall not, in the Whole, exceed the sum of
Five Thousand Pounds.
V. And it be further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners shall keep regular Minutes of all
their Proceedings, in Order that the same may be submitted,
if required, to the Consideration of the Senate or Assembly, or
to such Person or Persons, as shall be, for that Purpose
appointed; and that each and every of the said Commis-
sioners do receive, for every Day, in which he shall be actually
employed in the Business aforesaid, the Sum of Twenty Shil-
lings, for his Trouble and Expence, in attending upon the same.
VI. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That this Act shall continue in Force, until the first Day of
November, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven
Hundred and Seventy-Eight, and no longer.
An Act to enable the Person administering the Government of
this State for the Time being, to remove certain disaffected
and dangerous Persons and Families. Passed the 1st of
April, 1778.'
TAJHEREAS divers disaffected and dangerous Persons
and Families, reside at or near the several Posts
and Passes within this State; and there is great Reason to
believe, that they communicate Intelligence to the Enemy;
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by \i\he Authority of the same. That it shall
and may be lawful, to and for the Person administering the
'First session (1777-8), chap. 27. — Ljiws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 25-26.
This act is printed as collateral to and explanatory of procedure rela-
tive to inimical persons.
Appendix I : Laws 78 1
Government of this State for the Time being, from Time to
Time, as Occasion may require, and whenever he shall judge
it necessary, for the public Safety, to cause all such dangerous
disaffected Persons and Families, as now are, or hereafter
shall happen to be resident at or near any Post, Pass or
Encampment, within this State, to be removed to such other
Place or Places within the same, as he shall deem expedient.
II. And whereas the Removal of the Persons or Families
aforesaid, may prove very prejudicial to them; It is further
enacted by the Authority aforesaid. That the Person admin-
istering the Government of this State, for the Time being,
shall certify the Names of such Persons so removed, and a
Description of the Houses and Farms, from which they shall
be removed respectively, to the Commissioners of Seques-
tration of the County, to which such Persons shall be re-
moved; who are hereby required to put them in Possession,
on moderate Rents, of such sequestered Farms or Houses,
in the said County as may be then, or thereafter vacant;
having Respect to the Value of the Farms or Houses, from
which such Persons may have been removed; Provided,
nevertheless. That no Person or Persons, that shall be re-
moved by Virtue of this Act, shall, by such Removal, gain a
Settlement in the District he, she or they may be removed to;
so as to charge such District with their Maintenance.
An Act for increasing the Number of Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies wtthtn this State.
Passed the 3d oi April, lyjS.^
"\A7'HEREAS by an Act, entitled, "An Act appointing
Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con-
spiracies, and declaring their Powers," made and passed by
iFirst session (1777-8), chap. 31. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 30-31.
782 State of New York
the Legislature of this State, the fifth Day of February last
past; it is enacted, that the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,
or President of the Senate, who for the Time being, shall
administer the Government of this State, be, and he is thereby
authorised and empowered, from Time to Time, to appoint
by Commission, by and with the Advice and Consent of the
Council of Appointment, so many Persons, not exceeding
ten, as he shall think proper, to be Commissioners for the Pur-
poses therein mentioned; And further. That the said Com-
missioners, or any three of them shall be, and thereby are
empowered and authorised to do and perform the several
Acts, Matters and Things, therein after mentioned: For
increasing the Number of the said Commissioners,
L Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That the Person
administering the Government of this State, for the Time
being, be, and he is hereby farther authorised and empowered
from Time to Time, to appoint in the Manner in and by the
said Act mentioned, any farther or greater Number of
Commissioners, not exceeding twenty, to be Commissioners,
with the like Trust Powers and Authorities, and under the
same Restrictions, Qualifications, Provisoes, Pay and Con-
tinuance, as are mentioned in the said in part recited Act.
IL And it IS further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners, or any three of them, shall be,
and they are hereby authorised and empowered, to do and
perform the several Acts, Matters and Things, mentioned in
the said in part recited Act: Any Thing in the said Act con-
tained, to the Contrary thereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
Provided always. That as many Quorums of three of the
said Commissioners, as the whole Number of thirty will
admit of, shall and may exercise the Powers and Authorities,
Appendix I : Laws 783
so reposed in them as aforesaid, at one and the same Time;
any Thing in this or the above recited Law, to the Contrary
hereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
An Act more effectually to prevent the Mischiefs, arising from
the Influence and Example of Persons of equivocal and
suspected Characters, in this State. Passed the 30th of
June, I778.»
"VAT" HERE AS certain of the Inhabitants of this State,
have, during the Course of the present cruel War,
waged by the King and Pariiament of Great-Britain, against
the People of these States, affected to maintain a Neutrality,
which Acre is Reason to suspect was in many Instances,
dictated by a Poverty of Spirit, and an undue Attachment to
Property. And whereas divers of the said Persons, some of
whom, advocated the American Cause till it became serious,
have notwithstanding the Forebearance of their Countrymen,
and contrary to the Faith pledged by their Paroles, ungrate-
fully and insidiously from Time to Time, by artful Misrep-
resentations, and a subtle Dissemination of Doctrines, Fears
and Apprehensions false in themselves, and injurious to the
American Cause, seduced certain weak minded Persons from
the Duties they owed their Country: And whereas the wel-
fare of this State, loudly demands that some decisive Meas-
ures be taken with Respect to the said Persons; and it being
repugnant to Justice as well as good Policy, that Men should
be permitted to shelter themselves under a Government,
which they not only refused to assist in rearing, but which,
some of them daily endeavor to undermine and subvert;
And whereas, such few of the said Persons, as may have been
•First session (1777-8), chap. 47. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 43-44.
784 State of New York
led to take a neutral Part by conscientious Doubts and
Scruples, have had more than sufficient Time to consider
and determine the same;
I. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assemhly, and it is hereby enacted
by the Authority of the same. That the Commissioners ap-
pointed for inquiring into, detecting and defeating all Con-
spiracies, which may be formed in this State, against the
Liberties of America; or any three of them be, and they
hereby are authorised and strictly charged and required, to
cause all such Persons, of neutral and equivocal Characters
in this State, whom they shall think have influence sufficient
to do Mischief in it, to come before them, and to administer to
the said persons respectively, the following Oath, or if of the
People called Quakers, Affirmation, viz.
"I, A.B. do solemnly, and without any mental Reserva-
tion or Equivocation whatever, swear and call God to Wit-
ness; or if of the People called Quakers, affirm, that I do
believe and acknowledge, the State of New-York, to be of
Right, a Free and Independent State. And that no Au-
thority or Power, can of Right, be exercised in or over the said
State, but what is, or shall be granted by or derived from the
People thereof And further. That as a good Subject of the
said Free and Independent State of New York, I will to the
best of my Knowledge and Ability, faithfully do my Duty;
and as I shall keep or disregard this Oath. So help and deal
with me Almighty God."
II. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That if on the said Oath or Affirmation, being so tendered,
the said Person or Persons shall refuse to take the same, the
said Commissioners do forthwith remove the said Person or
Persons so refusing, to any Place within the Enemy's Lines,
and by Writing under their Hands and Seals, certify the Names
Appendix I : Laws 785
of such Person or Persons, to the Secretary of this State, who
is hereby required to Record and File the said Certificates.
III. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That if any of the said Neutrals, shall abscond or absent
himself with an apparent View to avoid the Force of this Act,
the said Commissioners shall by Notice, published in one
or more of the News-Papers of this State, demand of the
said Person or Persons, so absconding or absenting, to ap-
pear before them, at such Place in this State, and at such
Time, not exceeding twenty one Days from the Time of such
Publication, as they shall assign. And further. That Default in
such Appearance, shall be adjudged to amount to and is hereby
declared to be a Refusal to take the said Oath or Aifirmation.
IV. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That if any of the Persons removed to Places within the
Enemy's Lines by the said Commissioners, in pursuance of
this Act, or who having as aforesaid, absconded or absented,
shall not on Notice as aforesaid appear before the said Com-
missioners, and take the Oath or Affirmation aforesaid, shall
thereafter be found in any Part of this State; such Person
or Persons so found, shall on Conviction thereof, be ad-
judged guilty of Misprison of Treason.
And to the End, That this State may be in some Measure
compensated for the Injuries it has sustained, by the evil
Example or Practices of the said Neutrals, and that others
may be detered on similar Occasions, from acting a Part
so unmanly and ignominious;
V. Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid. That
all Lands held in this State, on the twenty-sixth Day of
June Instant, in Fee Simple or Fee Tail, or which may
hereafter be acquired by, or devised, granted, or descend
to any of the Persons who shall refuse to take the aforesaid
Oath or Affirmation, when called upon by the said Com-
786 State of New York
missioners, shall forever thereafter, be charged With double
Taxes, in whosoever Hands the said Lands may hereafter be.
VI. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners, previous to the Removal of
the said several Persons within the Enemy's Lines, shall
from Time to Time, notify the Person administering the
Government of this State for the Time being, of the several
Persons so to be removed, who is hereby authorised to de-
tain and confine, such of the said persons as he shall think
proper, for the Purpose of exchanging them for any of the
Subjects of this State, in the Power of the Enemy.
VIL And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the Person administering the Government of this State
for the Time being, be, and he is hereby required to do his
best Endeavours, that this Act be fully and speedily carried
into Execution, and all Magistrates, Sheriffs and Constables,
are required to be aiding therein.
An Act for continuing the Powers of the Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed the 29th of
October, 1778.'
"X^HEREAS the Act of the Legislature of this State, for
appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeat-
ing Conspiracies, and declaring their Powers; and the Act
for increasing the Number of Commissioners for detecting
and defeating Conspiracies, within this State, will expire on
the first Day oi November next;
Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
'Second session (1778-9), chap. 3. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 44-45.
Appendix I ; Laws 787
enacted by the Authority of the same., That the said two sev-
eral Acts, and the Powers and Authorities by them or
either of them, granted to the saiid Commissioners, or' any,
and every three of them, and a Power to the said Commis-
sioners, or any three of them, to remove within the Enemy's
Lines, all such Persons who in pursuance of the "Act more
effectually to prevent the Mischiefs arising from the Influence
and Example of Persons, of equivocal and suspected Char-
acters in this State" have already appeared before the said
Commissioners, or any three of them, and have not taken
the Oath in the said Act contained; shall be and are hereby
continued until twenty Days after the next Meeting of the
Legislature, and a Quorum of both Houses shall be con-
vened to proceed on Business. And the Treasurer of this
State, shall be, and he is hereby authorised and required
to pay to the said Commissioners, or any three of them,
such farther Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to Time
require, to defray the Expence. of the Business committed
to them, so as the Amount of such farther Sum or Sums,
shall not in the whole, exceed the Sum of Three Thousand
Pounds.
An Act to amend an Act, entitled. An Act more effectually to
prevent the Mischiefs arising from the Influence and Ex-
ample of Persons of equivocal and suspected Characters in
this State, and for continuing the Powers of the Commis-
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed
the 17th oi February, 1779.^
"\X7"HEREAS by the Terms of the said Law, the Com-
missioners therein mentioned, are required on Re-
• Misprinted " ur " in Holt's edition.
'Second session (1778-9), chap. 10. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 49.
788 State of New York
fusal of any Person or Persons, to take the Oath or Affirma-
tion therein prescribed, forthwith to remove the said Person
or Persons so refusing, to any Place within the Enemy's
Lines;
And whereas sound Policy and common Charity require,
that every Person so refusing, should be admitted to take
the said Oath or Affirmation, if he or she shall, notwith-
standing such Refusal, voluntarily offer to take the same,
before the Commencement of his or her actual Removal;
I. Be It therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That every
Person who has already refused, or shall hereafter refuse
to take the said Oath or Affirmation, and shall, before the
actual Commencement of his or her Removal as aforesaid,
voluntarily offer to take the said Oath or Affirmation, before
any three of the said Commissioners, shall be admitted to
take the same, and on taking thereof, shall be, and hereby
is declared to be fully and wholly absolved from the Penal-
ties of the said Law, such former Refusal, or any Thing in
the said Law, to the Contrary in any Wise notwithstanding.
Provided always. That nothing herein contained, shall ex-
tend or apply to the Cases of those who by Virtue of the
said Law, now are or shall hereafter be detained and con-
fined, by the Person administering the Government of this
State for the Time being, for the Purpose of Exchanging
them for any of the Subjects of this State, in the Power of
the Enemy.
IL And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That all and singular the Powers and Authorities, vested in
the said Commissioners, are hereby continued until twenty
Days after the next Meeting of the Legislature, and a
Quorum of both Houses shall be convened on Business, in
Appendix I : Laws 789
like Manner as the same are continued in and by an Act,
entitled, "An Act for continuing the Powers of the Commis-
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies" passed the
29th Day of October last: And the Treasurer of this State
shall be, and he is hereby authorised and required, to pay
to the said Commissioners, or any three of them, such fur-
ther Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to Time require,
to defray the Expence of the Business committed to them,
so as the Amount of such further Sum or Sums, shall not
in the Whole, exceed the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds.
An Act for reviving the Powers of the Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and for other Pur-
poses therein mentioned. Passed the ist oi October, ijyg^
"\A/'HEREAS the Act of the Legislature of this State,
entitled, "An Act for appointing Commissioners, for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and declaring their
Powers;" and the Act entitled, "An Act for increasing the
Number of Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con-
spiracies, within this State," did expire in twenty Days after
the present Meeting of the Legislature, and a Quorum of
both Houses convened to proceed on Business;
L Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted
by the Authority of the same. That the said two Acts, and
the Powers and Authorities by them or either of them
granted, to the said Commissioners, or any and every three
of them, shall be and are hereby revived, and shall continue
and be in full Force until twenty Days after the first Day
of the next Meeting of a Quorum of the Legislature, and
•Third session (1779-80), chap. 7. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 75.
790 State of New York
the Treasurer of this State is hereby authorised and
required, out of such Monies as may be in the Treasury,
to pay to the said Commissioners, or any three of them,
such further Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to
Time require, to defray the Expence of the Business
committed to them, so as the Amount of such Sum or Sums,
shall not in the whole, exceed the sum of Four Thousand
Pounds.
And whereas the said Commissioners, or some Quorum
or Quorums of them, may have done and performed divers
Acts, Matters and Things, in and respecting their several
and respective Offices and Places, since the Expiration of
the said Laws, and by Reason thereof, the Legality and
Validity of the said Acts, Matters and Things, may be
drawn into Question;
n. Be it therefore enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That all and singular the said Acts, Matters and Things, shall
be as good, valid and effectual in the Law, to all Intents,
Constructions and Purposes whatsoever, as if the said Laws
had not expired by their own respective Limitations, but had
been in full Force and Effect, at and immediately before the
passing of this Law; any Thing in the said Laws or either of
them to the Contrary hereof, in any Wise notwithstanding.
And whereas in and by the said two recited Acts, no Pro-
vision is made to enable the Council of Appointment, from
Time to Time, to remove any one or more of the said
Commissioners, and appoint other or others in his or their
Stead,
in. Be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid. That the
said Power and Authority of Removal and Appointment, is
and are hereby fully vested in the said Council, to be exercised
by them, from Time to Time, in their Discretion, to all In-
tents, Constructions and Purposes in the Law whatsoever.
Appendix I : Laws 791
An Act to authorise any two Justices of the Peace, to enlarge
Persons who shall desert from the Enemy, and for other
Purposes therein mentioned. Passed March 13th, 1780.*
I. 7^E it enacted by [the] People of the State of New-York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That whenever
any Person, who shall have come from within the Lines of the
Enemy, shall be confined in the common Gaol of any County
within this State; it shall and may be lawful, for any two
Justices of the Peace of such County, to enlarge the Person so
confined, upon his or her entering into Recognizance to the
People of this State, either with or without Surety; and in
such Sum or Sums as the said Justices, in their Discretion,
shall deem proper: The Condition of which Recognizance
shall be, that he or she will appear at the next Court of
Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, to be held in
and for such County; or that he or she shall reside at the
Place, and within the Bounds within this State, to be assigned
by the said two Justices; or that he or she shall be of good
Behaviour, during the present War. And the said Justices
may in their Discretion, insert one or more of the foregoing
Conditions in such Recognizance. Provided, That such
Justices shall not, by Virtue of this Act, enlarge any Person
who shall be in Custody, by Virtue of a Warrant under the
Hand and Seal of any Judge of the Supreme Court; nor any
Person whose going at large will, in the Opinion of such Jus-
tices, be dangerous to the State. And provided also. That
nothing in this Act contained, shall be construed to excuse
any Person, so enlarged on Recognizance, from doing Duty
in the Militia of this State; nor shall his Absence from the
Place assigned by such Justices, for his Residence while on
•Third session (1779-80), chap. 58. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, p. 127.
792
State of New York
Command in the Militia, be deemed a Breach of such Recog-
nizance.
II. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That whenever any Person shall desert from the Army of the
Enemy, or come over from within their Lines, and shall vol-
untarily surrender himself or herself to a Justice of the
Peace, it shall and may be lawful for such Justice to call to
his Assistance one other Justice of the same County, and to
bind the Person so surrendering himself or herself, in Recog-
nizance, and deal with him in all Respects as is before di-
rected for Persons in actual Custody; which Recognizance
shall be subject to the Provisoes mentioned in the preceding
Clause. Provided, That nothing in this Act contained, shall
be construed to prevent any Person from being apprehended
and dealt with according to Law, for any Offence com-
mitted after such Person shall have left the Enemy's
Lines.
Whereas the several Laws, relating to the Commissioners
for enquiring into, detecting and defeating all Conspiracies
which may be formed in this State, against the liberties of
America, are now expired;
And whereas there are several Persons now confined by
Order of the said Commissioners, and several Persons are
bound by Recognizance, taken before the said Commis-
sioners: To the End therefore, that Provision may be made
in the Premises;
III. Be tt further enacted by the Authority aforesaid. That
it shall be lawful for any three Persons who were such Com-
missioners, in their Discretion, to discharge the several Per-
sons so in actual Confinement, without Bail, or upon the said
Persons respectively entering into Recognizance, with or
without Surety, for their respective Appearance at any Court
of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, to be held
Appendix I : Laws 793
in and for any County within this State; and to discharge
any Recognizances heretofore taken before the said Com-
missioners, except such Recognizances as may have been
taken for the Appearance of any Person or Persons, at any
Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery;
and that the Powers of the said Commissioners shall be
revived, and hereby are continued for the several Purposes
aforesaid accordingly.
IV. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That this Act shall continue in Force, until thirty Days after
the rising of the Legislature, at their next Meeting.
An Act to revive the Laws appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies. Passed June 14th,
1780.1
'IJIT'HEREAS the Act "for appointing Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies, and declaring
their Powers," passed the fifth Day of February, 1778; and
the Act "for increasing the Number of Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies within this State,"
passed the third Day oi April, 1778, are expired;
And whereas there is great Reason to apprehend that
Emissaries from the Enemy are lurking in different Parts of
the State, and that the disaffected Inhabitants are conspiring
against the public Peace and Safety: By Reason whereof, it
hath become necessary to revive the Powers of the said Com-
missioners;
Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
•Third session (1779-80), chap. 62. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, p. 131.
794 State of New York
enacted by the Authority of the same. That the said two Acts
and the Powers and Authorities by them or either of them
granted to the Commissioners appointed or to be appointed
by Virtue of the said Acts, or any and every three of them
shall be, and are hereby revived, and shall continue and
be in full Force during the Continuance of the present War
with Great-Britain. That each Commissioner shall be
allowed for each Day he shall be actually employed in the
Execution of the said Office, the Sum of Fourteen Shillings
of the Money to be issued, agreeable to the Resolutions of
Congress, of the eighteenth Day of March last; and that the
Treasurer of this State shall, out of any Monies which may be
in the Treasury, advance to the said Commissioners, or any
three of them, such Sum or Sums, as they shall from Time to
Time require, to defray the Expence of the Business hereby
committed to them, not exceeding in the Whole, the Sum of
Two Thousand Pounds of like Money aforesaid.
An Act for the Removal of the Families of Persons who have
joined the Enemy. Passed the ist oi July, 1780.*
V^THEREAS many and great Mischiefs do arise, by per-
mitting the Families of Persons who have joined the
Enemy, to remain at their respective Habitations, inasmuch
as such Persons frequently come out in a private Manner, to
gain Intelligence and commit Robberies, Thefts and Mur-
ders, upon the good People of this State, and are concealed
and comforted by their respective Families;
I. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of
New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is
■Third session (1779-80), chap. 76. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1782, pp. 143-144.
Appendix I : Laws 795
hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That the Justices
of the Peace, resident in each Ward, Town, Manor, Precinct
and District, within this State, shall notify the Wives of all
such Persons, as aforesaid, that they depart this State within
twenty Days after such Notice, or repair to such Parts of it as
are within the Power of the Enemy; and at their Discretion
to take with them all or any of their Children, not above the
Age of twelve Years: That for the Want of a Justice of the
Peace in any Ward, Town, Manor, Precinct or District, the
Supervisor, and for Want of a Supervisor, the Commis-
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies, shall cause
such Notice to be given, as aforesaid.
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That in Case any of the Persons aforesaid, shall, after the Space
of twenty Days after such Notice, be found in any Part of this
State; they shall and are hereby declared to be out of the
Protection of the Laws of this State; and shall be liable
to be proceeded against as Enemies of this and the United
States :
Provided nevertheless. That this Law shall not extend to
affect such of the said Persons as shall procure Permits to
remain at their respective Habitations, from under the Hands
and Seals of any three of the Commissioners for detecting and
defeating Conspiracies, within this State.
III. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the several Justices of the Peace, or Supervisor as afore-
said, shall, immediately after Notice shall be given to the
several Persons aforesaid, to depart this State, give Infor-
mation to some one Board of Commissioners as aforesaid,
of all such Persons as aforesaid, together with the Characters
of the said Persons respectively; and the said Commissioners
are hereby authorised to give Permits as aforesaid, to any of
the said Persons, which they may esteem of good Character,
796 State of New York
and not dangerous to the Liberties and Independence of this^
and the United States.
An Act to accommodate the Inhabitants of the Frontiers with
Habitations, and for other Purposes therein mentioned.
Passed March 22d, 1781.^
I. DE it enacted by the People of the State of New- York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby
enacted by the. Authority of the same. That it shall be lawful
to and for the Person administering the Government of
this State for the Time being, or such Person or Persons as
he shall authorise for the Purpose, in their Discretion, and
by Licence under their Hands respectively, upon an Appli-
cation on Behalf of any Number of Families, not less than
three, to permit the said several Families on whose Behalf
such Application shall be made, to possess and occupy to
and for their Use, such unoccupied Houses, Farms, Lands
or Tenements, lying on the Frontiers of, this State, as the
Person or Persons granting such Licence, shall appoint and
deem most convenient, for the Purpose of accommodating
the Families on whose Behalf such Application shall be
made; and that the said several Families shall, by Virtue
of such Licence, be authorised to take Possession of, occupy,
and improve such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements, as
shall be specified in the said Licence; and that it shall in
like Manner, be lawful for the Person administering the
Government for the Time being, or such other Person as
shall grant any such Licence, whenever they shall respec-
tively deem the Necessity which induced the Granting
thereof to cease, to revoke any or every such Licence; and
» Fourth session (1780-81), chap. 35. — Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie :
John Holt, 1782, pp. 180-181.
Appendix i : Laws 797
that each and every Person, in whose favour such Licence
shall be granted, who shall not within twenty Days after such
Revocation, remove from the said Houses, Farms, Lands
or Tenements, which he or she was so permitted to possess,
occupy and improve, shall be deemed as Trespassers from
the Beginning, and as such, shall be liable to an Action, at
the Suit of the Person in whose Possession such Flouses,
or Farms, Lands or Tenements were, before the granting
such Licence, his or her Heirs and Assigns; and that each
and every Person in whose Favour such Licence shall be
granted, who shall hold over, after the Revocation of such
Licence, shall and may be proceeded against upon the
Statutes of forcible Entry and Detainer, by the Person in
Possession of such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements,
immediately before the granting of such Licence, his or her
Heirs or Assigns: And further That it shall be lawful for
the Person administering the Government, to cause any
Houses or other Buildings, on the Frontiers of this State,
to be fortified, and to be taken and held as Posts or Fort-
resses, for such Time and in such Manner, as he shall deem
necessary and expedient.
Provided always, that nothing herein contained shall be
construed to prevent the Person so in Possession, before
the granting of the Licence, from possessing, occupying and
improving an equal and proportional Part of such Houses,
Farms, Lands or Tenements, with the several Families in
whose Favour such Licence shall be granted: And pro-
vided also. That if any Person in whose favour such Licence
shall be granted, shall commit any unnecessary Waste or
Destruction in such Houses, Farms, Lands or Tenements,
they shall severally and respectively, with respect to such
Waste, be deemed as Trespassers, and as such shall be sub-
ject to an Action, at the Suit of the Person so in Possession
798 State of New York
as aforesaid, immediately before the granting of the Licence,
his or her Heirs or Assigns.
And whereas certain disaffected Subjects, who reside on
the Frontiers of this State, privately maintain, comfort, and
aid the Enemy, in their Incursions on the said Frontiers,
and the public Safety requires that they should be com-
pelled to remove from their respective Habitations, to the
interior Parts of the State;
n. Be it therefore further enacted by the Authority afore-
said. That it shall and may be lawful, to and for the Person
administering the Government of this State for the Time
being, or the Brigadier, or commanding Officer of the Bri-
gade of Militia; or where the Militia is not formed into a
Brigade, a Majority of the Field-Officers of the Regiment
within which such disaffected Persons shall reside, to cause
all such Persons and Families, as he or they shall deem
dangerous and disaffected, and as now are, or hereafter
shall be resident and inhabiting on the said Frontiers, to
be removed from their respective Habitations, to the inte-
rior Parts of the State.
And whereas it may be necessary to remove or destroy
the Stock, Grain, or Forage, in many Parts of the Frontiers,
in order to prevent the same from falling into the Hands of>
or from being applied to the Comfort and Subsistence of the
Enemy;
HI. Be it therefore further enacted by the Authority afore-
said. That it shall be lawful for the Person administering
the Government for the Time being, from Time to Time,
in his Discretion, to order and direct all or any Part of the
Stock, Grain, or Forage, at any Place or Places on the
Frontiers, to be removed to such other Places as he shall
direct; and in Case such Stock, Grain or Forage, cannot
conveniently be removed, or if the Person possessing the
Appendix I : Laws 799
same, shall refuse to remove such Stock, Grain or Forage,
then to order and direct the same to be destroyed.
IV. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That it shall be lawful for the Commissioners for defeating
and detecting Conspiracies, and each of them, or such
other Person or Persons as shall be authorised for the Pur-
pose by the Person administering the Government, for to
notify the Wives of all Persons who have voluntarily gone
over to and joined, or shall hereafter voluntarily go over to
and join the Enemy, to depart this State in like Manner as
the Justices of the Peace and Supervisors, in the respective
Wards, Towns, Manors, Districts or Precincts, are author-
ised in and by the Act, entitled, "An Act for the Removal of
the Families of Persons who have joined the Enemy." And
further. That it shall be lawful for the said Commissioners,
and each of them, and each of the said several Persons so
to be authorised as aforesaid, to take and sell all the Goods
and Chattels in the Possession of the Wives of Persons who
have voluntarily gone over to and joined, or shall hereafter
go over to and join the Enemy, and to apply the Monies
arising therefrom, to defraying the Expence of removing
such Wives, and such of their respective Children as are
not above twelve Years of Age, within the Lines of the
Enemy — And that the said Commissioners and other Per-
sons, who shall take and sell any such Goods and Chattels
as aforesaid, shall account for the Expenditure of the said
Monies with the Auditor-General of this State.
8oo State of New York
An Act to repeal an Act, entitled, "An Act to revive the Laws
appointing Commissioners for detecting and defeating Con-
spiracies, and to give certain Powers to Magistrates and
Courts, in Cases therein mentioned. Passed 27th March,
1783-'
I. IDE it enacted by the People of the State of New-
York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and
it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That the
Act, entitled, "An Act to revive the Laws appointing Com-
missioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies," shall
be, and the same is hereby repealed[.]
II. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the Commissioners aforesaid shall, forthwith after the
passing of this Act, deliver the Recognizances by them
taken, and not forfeited, to the Clerk of the Court of Gen-
eral Sessions of the Peace of the County in which the same
were taken; and the Person or Persons bound by such
Recognizances, shall be subject to the Directions of, and be
compelled to appear before the said Sessions, in like Man-
ner as they were respectively required by Law to subject
themselves to the Direction of, and were compellable to ap-
pear by the said Recognizances before such Commissioners,
and such Recognizances shall to all Intents and Purposes
have the like Effect, and be estreated or discharged in the
same Manner as if the same had been entered into before
such Court of Sessions,
III. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners shall, as soon as may be,
deliver all such Recognizances, as may have become for-
feited to the People of this State, to the Clerk of the Su-
' Sixth session (1782-83), chap. 51.— Laws of New York: Poughkeepsie:
John Holt, 1783, pp. 298-299.
Appendix I : Laws 80 1
preme Court; to the End that Prosecutions may be insti-
tuted for Recovery of the same.
IV. And he it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners shall exhibit their Accounts to
the Auditor, on or before the first Monday of August next,
that the same may be ascertained and settled; and it is
hereby made the Duty of the Auditor to report to the Legis-
lature, at their next Meeting after the said first Monday in
August, the Amount of such Accounts respectively.
V. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That the said Commissioners shall, on or before the first
Day of May next, make Return to a Justice of the Peace
of the County in which such Commissioners reside, of the
Names of the Persons by them committed, and the Causes
of such Committment, that the said Justice may take Order
thereon in due Form of Lav? — That no Person committed
by the said Commissioners, shall be discharged before the
first day of May next.
VL And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid.
That it shall and may be lavsrful, to and for any Justice of
the Peace vpithin this State, to cause to be arrested and
brought before him, any Person who shall come within his
Jurisdiction, out of any Place in the Power of the Enemy,
and to require sufficient Security for the Appearance of the
Offender at the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace
to be held for the County where such Offender shall be
apprehended; and for his good Behaviour in the mean Time;
and for the Want of such Security, to commit such Offender
to the common Gaol, there to remain until he shall find
such Security, or until the next General Sessions of the
Peace where the Recognizance or Mittimus, as the Case
may be, shall be returned, and which Recognizance or Mit-
timus shall respectively set forth, that the Offender, bound
8o2 State of New York
over or committed, had without lawful Authority come
within the Jurisdiction of such Justice, out of a Place within
the Power of the Enemy; and thereupon it shall and may
be lawful, to and for the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace to commit such Offender to the common Gaol, there
to remain until the then next Court of Oyer and Terminer
and General Gaol Delivery in the County, to answer unto
all such Matters and Things as shall then and there be ob-
jected against such Offender (unless he shall be sooner
thence discharged by due Course of Law) or the said Court
of General Sessions of the Peace may take Surety accord-
ing to their Discretion, for the Appearance of the Offender at
such Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol De-
livery, as aforesaid, then and there to answer in Manner
aforesaid; or the said Court of General Sessions of the
Peace may take Surety only for the good Behaviour of the
Offender, or may permit him to go at large without Surety,
as the said Court in their Discretion shall judge fit:
Provided always. That nothing in this Act contained, shall
be construed in any Wise to restrain the Supreme Court of
Judicature of this State, or any of the Justices of the said
Court, from dealing with such Offender according to the
Law, for any Crime of which such Offender may be accused
or indicted before the said Court, or with which such
Offender may be charged before any Justice of the said
Court.
0pp. Vol. 2, p. 803
y^.^.«,/?;^^^<.;,„_ J^- C7^^^.,^,..,.^^iy....^^ -^r.
-'/■■
Certified Pay- Bill of Leonard Gansevoort, Jr. as Secretary to the
Albany Board, 1778-1783
(One-half reduced)
APPENDIX II
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS.
This appendix is devoted to transcripts of the financial
accounts of the entire body of commissioners for detecting
and defeating conspiracies. It is the result of a careful page
for page examination of manuscript records of the State
Auditor and State Treasurer, now in the archives of the
New York State Library. The Audited Accounts are by far
the most important, because they are engrossed entries copied
from the statements, bills or receipts which received approval
from the State Auditor, and preserve full data. The Day
Book and Accounts of the State Treasurer give the record of
actual payment, but in much briefer form. Liquidation of
these claims was not completed during the period of the war —
hence the examination had to be prosecuted through subse-
quent years. Taken together, these records are believed to
show, substantially, a complete account of the expenses of the
commissioners in the seven counties in which they operated
as a State body. It has not been deemed of value to print the
co-ordinate bookkeeping records of these two State officers,
from ledgers and journals. A conspectus of extant records
follows :
State Auditor.
Audited Accounts, A and B, two folio volumes.
Book "A" contains the audits from May 22, 1782 to
March 17, 1786. Book "B" contains those from March 18,
1786 to October 31, 1794. The dates are dates of audit of
claims which begin as early as May, 1775.
803
8o4
State of New York
Journal, two folio volumes.
Vol. i: June 17, 1775 to December, 1785.
Vol. 2: January, 1786 to January, 1794.
State Treasurer
Day Book, folio. — Vol. 2: April i, 1778 to September
20, 1784.
Accounts, three composite folio volumes.
Vol. i: May 31, 1775 to December 31, 1780.
Vol. 2: January 4, 178 1 to December 31, 1785.
Vol. 3: January 3, 1786 to January 10, 1797.
Journal, two folio volumes.
Vol. i: May 31, 1775 to October 2, 1782.
Vol. 2: September 18, 1778 to September 20, 1784.
Ledger (bound with "Auditor's Journal") covers from May
31, 1775 to December 31, 1782.
The original receipts or other vouchers, mounted in a
ponderous volume, are in the office of the State Comptroller,
in Revolutionary Manuscripts, vol. 40. They are somewhat
in a disarranged state, and many of them have suffered ma-
terial mutilation by being cut down. By this unjustifiable
process many indorsements and voucher numbers, relative
to entries in the volumes of Audited Accounts, have been
lost, whilst others are destroyed by the process of mounting
them.
Audited State of New York To the Secretary
^"^^^ [Robert Harpur]
(NYSL) To 230 days as Comf of Conspiracy @ 14 / .
By Cash
i6i— „ —
4 // 8 —
Audited 18*'' July 1783
156
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
805
Audited
Accounts
A : 24
(HYSL)
Audited
Accounts
A ; 24
(NYSL)
The State of New York D"^ in Acco* with Henry
Williams as Commissioner for defeating Con-
spiracies —
For my Services for the days on which I was
actually employ'd as Commissioner for de-
feating & detecting Conspiracies between 6'
Sept"^ 1780 & r^^ Jan^ 1783 being 247 days
at 14/ allow'd by Act 14'^ June 1780
247 days @ 14/ 172 /, 18 -
1783 Jan^ 14. 8**^ Febr20*'' & 26* March
4 days @ 14/ 2 a 16 -
Audited
Accounts
A : 29-30
(irySL)
Audited 18*** July 1783
State of New York to Gilbert Livingston 1
To my Services for the days on which I was
actually employ'd a3 Comf for detecting &
defeating Cunspiracies between 23"^ Aug*
1780 & the 6^^ day of Jan^ 1783 being 237
days @ 14/ «^ day 165 „ 18 -
Credit
1780
Dec'' 2 By Cash rece'd 2 „ 16 -
Audited 18**" July 1783
175
14
163
State of New Ycrk to Brinton Paine, Joseph
M'^Cracken, Pelatiah Fitch SenT & Alex''
M°Nutt Commissioners for detecting & de-
feating Conspiracies
1781, April 12. Brinton Paine, Two Daysl
attending & One Days travel at 14/ ^ >
day J 2 .
Joseph M'^Cracken Two Days ditto i
Alexf M'^Nutt Two Days ditto i
May 22. Brinton Paine, Jof M'^Cracken &|
Alex'' M°Nutt One Day each & Paine One |-
day travel J
Df
r 8 //
16,
8o6
State of New York
Audited Aug 29. The same Two days each, except )
Accounts . . „ „ , ^ ,r
Brrnton Paine One Day only ©14/1
A : 29-30
(IfYSL)
Audited
Accounts
A: 36
(NYSL)
Sept'' 6. The same The same
To an Express from White Creek to Saratoga . .
8. To ditto
ID. To ditto to Little White Creek
1 5. To sending Two Expresses to Benning-l
ton from White Creek & there waiting One >■
Day extraordinary J
1782, May 8, 9, 10. M'^Cracken, M'^Nutt &
Fitch 3 days each
17. The same One Day each
1783, Feb^ 28. Fitch & M^Nutt, One Day each
To a Clerk 12 Days @ 14/
Decf 31. M'^Cracken, M'^Nutt & Fitch i day
each
To Sundries paid for Expence of Prisoners . .
To Money paid to Persons for private Intel- )
ligence J
Audited 4*'' Feb^ 1784
3* 10
3// 10
3«—'
6 ,, 6 ,
2// 2,
I /, 18 .
5* — '/ -
State of New York to Ebenezer Purdy, Israel
Honeywell, Joseph Strang, Nathan Rock-
well & Philip Leek for incidental Expences
& services done as Comf^ of Conspiracies in
West Chester County D'
1 78 1, Jan^. To Cash paid Expences of a Guard Continental
to cany Peter Ferris to Poughkeepsie Goal. ..£125 ^ 12 „ —
Febr'^. To d° to carry 3 dangerous Persons )
to Poughkeepsie Goal \ 120^ — a —
March. Tod to carry a dangerous Man to d° . . 32 ;, — „ —
April. To d° p** for carrying Abraham Whit- )
more a disaffected Man to ditto C 80 « — « —
May. To d° paid a Guard of 3 Men to carry )
Smith & Skenkly to Goal ) 256 « — „ —
Continental .£613 ,, 12 „ — •
46
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
807
Audited Exchange at 40 for i is Specie 15 „ 6 „
Accounts J -N
A ; 36 June- To Cash p a Guard for their Expence
(HYSL) to carry sundry dangerous Persons to >
Poughkeepsie Goal J 8 ,; 8 ;, -
To d° p'^ Jesse Brush Expence of Guard tol
attend the Commiss'^ during the time of >•
their sitting J 2 „ 12 „ -
To d° One Quire of Paper 3 „-
To d° Andrew Brown to go below the Lines )
after a dangerous Person ) 3 /, 4 » -
To John Drake for the Expence of a Guard )
to take Care of Prisoners ) 3 /; 6 „
To Cash for Expense of a Man to go to Pough
keepsie to the Governor
34//I2// 3
To ssdaysWagesforEbenTPurdyat 14/ 38/, lo^,
51 .... d° ... . Israel Honeywell 35 * '4 ;/
16 d° Joseph Strang 11 „ 4/, —
27 d° Nathan Rockwell 23 // 18 „
5 d° Philip Leak 3» lO// —
147 " 8 ,
CT
1784, Jan'' 29. By Cash reced of Treasurer by
Ebenezer Purdy 20 ,/ — ,
Audited March 19"^" 1784 —
Audited State of New York to Alex"" Webster EbenT
Accounts
A : 40
(mrSL)
Clark, Alex'' M^Nutt & John M=Clung
Commiss" of Conspiracy in the County of
Charlotte for incidental Expences & Services
1778, May 2. To Cash p"^ Continental
J. Doty ^ Vouch' £3ii 4«— • •
30. Tod° Josh^Conkey. 3,, 4//— ■•
June 7. Tod° Beach i „ 12 ;, — . .
7//
127
8o8
State of New York
Audited Aug^ 5. To. ...d° p'' Alex'^
Accounts .,.,,,., I t-
A: 40 Inniitt [jic] 9*i2« — S.. 3,/ 5* o
(KYSL) To.... d° Eben'' Clark i/, 4«— J
18. To d° p^ Reuben Turner — 16 —]
21. To d° Gershom |- . . 19 « 5J
Woodward 2. „\(i „ — J
Sept'' I. To d° p"^ Robert
Armstrong 5,, i„ —
2. To d°....Wmiani Lyll.. — 18 —
Dec"" 2 To d° p*^ Robert Gilly — 12 —
Tod° ....d°&Wason. ... 3*4* —
To d° Alex'' Simpson 4;;i6^ —
1779, Jan'' 5. To d° p"* John
Armstrong — 16 —
8. To d° James Henderson 2 » 8^6
9. To d° John Hursdon — 8 —
To d° Alex'' Turner 1 « 4 —
April 21. To d° p"^ John
Hunsdon 7 // 18 » 2
July 16. To d° p"^ Edward
Savage 4 * 16 „ 6
To d° p^ Robert Stewart in hard Money ....
To loi days Service as Com" by Alex'' 'Web-
ster on the first Act passed 5"' Feb''
1778 @ 20/ Cont! is 12/6 Specie; all
before the 27*'' March 1783 when the
Act was repeald
To 90 days service by Ebenezer Clark @ 1 2/6 56 „ 5 —
Toi32daysd°byAlex''M'=Nutt..i2/6 82 „ 10 —
Toi38days d° by John M'^CIung 12/6 86 „ 5 —
I // 9 // 9
I „ 7 " li
i2*"i
13// 8
6„ 2-1
6/, 12 ;, —
63 // T // 6
306 „ 15 // I
C
1778, June 3. By cash from Matthew Fisher'
at 265 Contf to 100 hard 150 18 lo-l
Audited April 13^" 1784
155
16
2|
' The correct form of the name is the Dutch equivalent Visscher.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
809
Audited
Accounts
A: 108
(HYSL)
State of New York to Andrew Rynex D''
To attending the Commissioners of Conspiracy as Con-"]
stable in the District of Schenectady in the Year 1781
Nme Days at 6/ fi day J
Audited 12*^ October 1784
State of New York to Reynier Mynderse
D'^
Audited
Accounts For attending as Commissioner of Conspiracy in the Years
• " 1780, 1781 & 1782 Eighty Days at 14/ ^ day
Audited 12**^ October 1784
(HYSL)
Audited State of New York to Hugh Mitchell D'^
Acco iiTi J! s
A : 108 ^°'^ attending as Commissioner of Conspiracy In the Years
(HYSL) 1780, 1781 & 1 782 Ninety Five Days @ 14/
Audited 12*'* October 1784
Audited
Accounts
A : 112
(HYSL)
State of New York to Abraham Oothout D'
For attending as Commissioner of Conspiracy in the Years
1780, 1781 & 1782 86 days @ 14/ fS day
To Necessaries provided for a Party of Men under the Com
mand of Major Wemple as ^ Bill
Audited October 18* 1784
2
H
—
56
—
--
66
10
—
60
4
I
18
—
^62
2
—
Audited
Accounts
A: 147
OTYSL)
The State of New York in Account Current whit [sic] the Commissioners for
detecting and defeating Conspiracies.'
Vouchers for money paid DT
N? I Isaiah Butler
„ 2 Rutger Bleecker
„ 3 Justida van Hoesen'
u 4 Commissioners of Charlotte County
„ 5 Jonathan Beacraft
• The original statement in the handwriting of Leonard Gansevoort, Jr.,
is in RevohUionary MSS., vol. 40, p. 159, in the office of the State Comptroller,
and is more accurate as to names. Serious errors are here pointed out in
atmotations.
. ' Justice Van Hoesen.
£10
20
7
400
—
—
—
7
—
8io
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A: 147
(NYSL)
6 Peter Bont
7 Burger Blauw'
8 Jacob Wiltse
9 Joseph Gilford
10 Jacob van Valkenburgh
11 Isaac Shelden
12 Cornelius C MuUer
13 Cloude van Deusen
14 Richard Bronck
15 Cornelius van Deusen
16 Leonard Gansevoort Junior .
17 Cornelius Humfrey
19 Christopher Hawk
18 Cornelius Humfrey
20 John Smith
21 Leonard Gansevoort Junior.
22 Wilhdmus Haines
23 Isaac A. Fonda
24 John Seton
25 Cornelius Humfrey
26 John Smith
27 Mathew Aerson
28 John Ryley
29 John Sloss
30 James Knowles
31 Cornelius Groesbeeck
32 Samuel Lauden^
33 Cornelius Humfrey
34 Daniel Kettle
35 Christopher Hawk
36 Clyne and Robinson'
37 Jacob Klyne*
38 John Ryley
39 Samuel Shaw
40 John Vischer
£3
4
—
3
4
17
4
—
2
4
12
16
—
5
10
—
4
4
3
7
—
4
—
—
i6
—
16
I
4
14
8
—
16
—
6
2
—
40
4
I
—
—
4
—
21
4
—
5
7
2
8
6
7
8
8
17
4
460
18
4
—
16
—
4
16
—
4
2
—
2
8
—
4
3
3
—
—
4
—
26
8
—
11
—
—
7
i6
—
5
16
—
34
16
1
' Burger Clauw.
' Samuel Loudon, the printer.
> Robison.
« Kline.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
8ii
Audited ^°
Accounts
A : 147 "
(KYSL) ,,
41 Samuel Loadman
42 Stephen Bell
43 Isaac Bogert
44 David van Rensselaer
45 Peter Gunsalis ,
46 Cornelius C: vanden Bergh
47 John Lansing Junior
48 Leonard Gansevoord Junior
49 Ab*? Lansing & Ab? vanden Berg.
50 Alexander Anderson
51 Isaac Goes
52 Stephen Bell
53 John H: Beeckman
54 Cornelius Humfrey
55 Hugh Mitchell
56 Myndert Wemple'
57 Robert Smith
58 Wessei ■■'n Schaick
59 Volkert Dawson
60 Stephen Bell
61 John Smith
62 Jeremiah van Rensselaar
63 Col: Porters'
64 Cornelius C: Miller
65 Stephen Viele
66 Christopher P: Yates
67 Stephen Bell
68 Denis M: Carty
69 William Colbrath'
70 Peter Magee
71 Jonathan Sever
72 Philip Conine
73 Stephen Hoyt«
74 Samuel T : ten Broeck'
1 Myndert A. Wemple.
' Porter.
» Colbreath.
•Hoit or Hayt.
' Samuel I. Ten Broeck
£5
16
27
15
92
63
5
24
19
42
43
4
I
26
13
25
20
6
36
34
16
166
47
4
20
27
2
100
25
10
15
17
6
14
15
13
16
17
4
16
16
8l2
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A; 147
(mrsL)
Nf 75 Edward Archer
„ 76 Mathew Vischer
„ 77 David Gibson
;, 78 Cloude van Deusen & Peter Bent. .
I, 79 Commissioners of Charlotte county.
,, 80 Hugh M^Adam
« 81 John C Lansing'
II 82 Jeremiah Fonda
„ 83 William Harrison
„ 84 John M? Coy
u 85 John Ja Beeckman
„ 86 Henry Shaver
;, 87 Bethuel Washburn
u 88 Cornelius Cuyler
„ 89 Jesse Fairchilds'i
t, 90 Ezra Buel
u 91 Bethuel Washburn
„ 92 Jacob Slingerland'
„ 93 Peter Seeger
u 94 Jeremiah van Rensselaar
„ 95 John 5 Lansing
u 96 Petrus Wynkoop
„ 97 Bethuel Washburn
/, 98 Bethuel Washburn
„ 99 Richard Ysdstyn*
„ 100 Bethuel Washburn
/, loi Bethuel Waschburn
„ 102 Isaac D: Fonda
„ 103 John Fonda Junior
,, 104 Thomas Ismay
„ 105 Daniel Dickinson*
,/ 106 Leonard Gansevoort Junior
„ 107 Amaziach Winchester"
„ 108 Jacob Gaul
u 109 Bethuel Waschburn'
/, 1 10 Mathew Vischer
£,22
4
28
7
100
32
217
8
28
II
24
80
197
92
222
8
128
28
20
15
202
100
371
67
7
41
58
74
74
91
46
144
96
50
25
210
14
17
5
15
16
17
4
3
19
16
16
■ John 5 Lansing.
2 Fairchild.
' Slingerlandt.
' Esselstyne.
» Dickison.
« Amaziah Winchester
' Washburn.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
813
Audited N? Ill Jesse FairchUds'
Accounts „ , „ „
A : 147 * ''^ Stephen Bell. ...
(HYSL)
113 Jacob Kidney
114 Jacob Kidney
115 Leonard Gansevoort Junior.
Continental
^£765
12
—
80
—
—
80
—
60
—
—
292
8
—
.£6506
16
I
1778 Money received C
28 April To cash received from G: Bancker EsqT Treas-
urer of the State of New York
12 August To cash from dito
1779
15 Jann To ditto „ d? in Sundry Payments
31 May To ditto ditto
21 Oct: To ditto ditto
Balance due commiss" carried to Specie account.
.£1000
_
_
1000
—
—
1000
—
—
1500
—
—
2000
—
—
6
16
I
i;65o6
16
J: V: Renssdaar 1
Math: Visscher >• late Commiss"
John M' BeeckmanJ
To Ball pT contra bro* forward £6. 16. i reduced in Specie is . .
N? 1 1 1 To a Ballance on an Account of Jesse Fairchild . . .
^112 To,, ditto „ « d? „ Stephen Bell
,, 54 To „ ditto „ „ d? „ Cornelius Humfrey
„ 16 To an Ace: of James M?Master
,, I To am^ of Stephen Bell's acct ^ Voucher ....
„ 2 To d? „ Jesse Hainhild^
To d? Jacob Kidney
To d? Robert Hassin'
To d? Peter Bronk
To Robbert Kennedy
To John D: Clute
8 Coenraad Klyne.
£-
3
4
3
12
9
72
—
—
20
19
6
6
5
—
30
—
—
81
17
10
70
10
—
2
—
—
4
6
2
4
8
—
9
2
' Fairchild.
> The auditor's record is incorrect, as the name should be Fairchild.
» Harper.
8i4
State of New York
Audited ]sj?
Accounts
A ; 147 /'
(NYSL) ,,
9 John Fortfuydt
10 Thomas Cole
1 1 Robert Kennedy
1 2 Jac : Caldwell
13 Stuwart Deane'
14 John Vissher
15 David Gibson
17 Goose van Schaick
1 8 David Fonda
20 Am* of Isaac D Fondas acct as Commissioner
21 do ,, S: Stringer d? d?
22 d? „ John M: Beeckman d?
d? „ Mathew Vissher' d?
Isaac D: Fonda
Am* of Jerem: Van Rensselaar acct as Commiss'.. .
;, „ h- Gansevoort Junior as Clerk
d? to diff^ people
23
24
25
26
1780
16 Dec:
1781
17 Sept.
19 Nov.
1782
16 Jaim
II Maart
Received
Balances
Cr:
By cash from the Treasury .
d?
d?
d?
d?
« d? „ d?
« d? ,, d?
from forfeited Recognizances from T: Truax' . . . .
„ P. Trimhout' .
P: Empie^
„ 1. CoUayer" . . .
due the Commissioners
£16
16
_l
5
8
4
—
12
-^
—
86
2
—
I
6
6
5
4
—
14
16
—
I
17
8
467
19
6
283
6
—
499
7
—
284
15
6
—
18
7
138
9
6
534
12
6
23
5
4
^2690
19
£4^
—
—
160
—
—
76
—
—
73
14
—
350
—
—
80
—
—
15
6
12
—
20
. —
—
1868
9
6
2690
19
—
' Stewart Dean.
* Visscher.
' Jacob Truax.
< Peter Finehout.
' Philip Empie.
« Isaac Collayer.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
815
Audited Df
Accounts „ „ „ r «
A : 147 T° Ball, p"^ Contra
(NYSL) To am* of Petrus Wynkoops ace.
" d? HughMitchel
Balance due the Comtnissioners . .
Audited 19 November 1784.
1868
60
21
9
1
6
6
1949
II
—
1949
II
—
Audited State of New York DT to Joseph Gasharie Corn? E. Wynkoop & Corn
Accounts Schoonmaker Commissioners of Conspiracies
(HYS^ '^° Jos^P'i Gasharie as f* Acco' N° i .
To Corn! E. Wynkoop ^ d° 2.
To Corn^ Schoonmaker ^ d° 3.
1781
July 31 To Cash p*^ Cap* Bogardus as '
1782
Feby 8 To Cash p"^ Corn^ Bickw. . f
26 To d° paid Martin Snyder. . f
June 8 To d° paid Augustus Jay. . ^
f» Rec^
ditto,
ditto,
ditto.
1781
DecT By Cash rece'd of the Treasurer
Audited ii**" April lySs —
10 //
6// —
9//
2// —
9//
16 a
6/,
~« —
3//
12/,—
3//
15// —
2//
s„ —
44//
19// —
40 //
— ./ —
Audited g^^^.^ „£ -^^^ York to Egbert Benson DT
Accounts
A : 208 To my Service as a Commissioner for Conspi-
(HYSL) pjgg fjojQ tjje 5^^ Feb^ 1778 to the time of
my resigning the said Office 400 Days @ 20/
^ day pursuant to the Act of the Legisla-
ture of 5*'^ Feb" 1778 £400// — -
Deduct for depreciation at 160 for 100 is |
equal to 12 / 6 ^ day V 150 // — /
19
250 —
Audited ii*"" April 1785-
8i6
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A : 210
(KYSL)
State of New York to Robert Harpur
For my Services as a Commissioner for Conspi-
Dr
racies from is"^" July 1778 to 4'^" Jan^ 1780
pursuant to the Act of the Legislature of 5***
Feb^ 1778 — 370 days ©20/ 370 „ — „■
Deduct for Depreciation at 160 for 100 138 /, 15 „ -
Audited 12**^ April 1785 —
Audited State of New York D'' to Cornelius E. Wynkoop
Accounts pQj. ,Q Jays Service as a Commissioner for de-
A : 213 "^ ^
(NYSL) tecting and defeating Conspiracies from the
17* April 1778 to 26* Aug* 1780 at Pough-
keepsie @ 20 / ^ day 50 „ — ,.
For 3 days service as ditto at Kingston @ 20/. 2 „ — ,
53 // //
Deduct Depreciation at 160 for 100 19 « 17 * 6
Audited 14"^ April 1785 —
Audited State of New York DT to Cornelius Schoonmaker
A : 213 '^° ^° Days Service from 4"* July 1778 to is'**
(BYSL) Sept*" 1779 as a Commissioner of Conspira-
cies @ 20/ sP day 60 „ — „ —
To 39 Days ditto from 6**^ Sepf 1780 to26*'']
March 1783 as above @ 14/ ^ day >• 27 „ 6 „ —
87// 6// —
By Depreciation deducted on ^60 at 160 for
lOO ; 22 „ 10 /,
Audited 14"" April 1785 —
231
33
64
16
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
817
Audited
Accounts
A: 215
(NYSL)
State of New York D' to Israel Thompson Esq*^
late one of the Commiss'^ of Conspiracies
For 22 days Attendance (as Commissioner by
Virtue of an Act of the Legislature passed
jth pg^y 1778) between the g*** April & 25*''
June 1778 @ 20/
To 3 days travelling to & from Pougkepsie
@ 20/
3 // //
By Depreciation on ^25 — „ -
Audited 19*'' April 1785 —
25 « — /' —
160 for 100. 9 /; 7 // 6
Audited State of New York DT to Com^® of Conspiracies
Accounts To Tennis Tappen Secretary to the Commiss"!
(HYSL) ^'^ Amo*. of his Acco* of incidental Charges > 500 „
and his Pay as Secretary to the Board. . . J
1779
March il By Cash return'd by Isaac Bloom
for One Barrel Pork spoil'd — purchas'd
for the Use of the Prisoners £18 „ — „ —
Cont! reduc'd to Specie at 1000 for 100 . . .
OctobT By Cash rece'd from Sun-
dry Tory Prisoners to defray
their Expences Viz*
21 „ 12 u 9
2 » 8 „ —
,16
William Tud...
William Ealigh.
William Brown.
Nicholas Stickle
William Wood..
Simon Low ....
2 /» 8 „ —
5 // 18 „ —
2//I5// 4
2 „ 16 // —
Cont'. Curry 37 « 18 « i
£37 /; 18 /, I Conti reduced to Spe-
cie @ 2032 for 100
Audited ig**" April 1785
■ i« 17* 3
15
3«i3« 3
496
8i8
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
A : 216
(NYSL)
State of New York DT to Com" of Conspiracies
for Dutchess County by Virtue of an Act of
the Legislature passed 5' Feb'^ 1778 —
To Zephaniah Piatt, between 6"^ April 1778 &
i'' Jan'' 1780 — 90 days @ 20/ f* day)
^90 — „ — reduc'd at 160 for 100 j
To Thomas Moffat between 10' June 1778 & |
27' of same Month 15 days @ 20/. . . .
£15 — „ — reduc'd at 160 for 100
To Joseph Strang between 22 June 1778 &^
i'^' April 1779 — 13 days @ 20/
£\Z — /, — reduc'd at 160 for 100
To Peter Cantine JunT between 15*'' Nov'']
1 779 & 20* of same Month — 6 days @ 20/
£,(> — ,/ — reduc'd at 160 for 100
Audited ig"' April 1785
Audited
Accounts
A : 284-5
(HYSL)
56// 5//-
9 // 1 II 6
3// 15// —
State of New York Xf to Joseph Strang One of
the Commissioners for detecting & defeating
Conspiracies in Dutchess County
Days
To my Services as CommissT from 19"" March
to May 5**^ 1777 both days included 15
To ditto from 23"^ June to 4"* July 1778 7
To ditto from 13'^ Aug* to 4**^ Sept'^ 1778 18
To ditto 14*'' & IS*** Sepf 1778 looking about
to carry some Persons to be sent off 2
To my Services as Commiss'' t^* & 2^ Oct''
1778 attending the Commiss" at Poug-
kepsie & preparing to send Persons off 2
To ditto from i^* to 10"' Nov'' 1778 notify-
ing such Persons as were directed to go
within the Enemies Lines & sending them
off 4i
48J days
77
48J days @ 20 ^ day reduc'd at 160 100 30 » 6 ,, 3
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
819
Audited i^^g
Accounts ^ -y
A : 284-S Sept 4 To Cash paid John Haynes ]
(NYSL) for 16 days riding in Service >• 26 ;, — „ —
of Commissioners J
To ditto p Samuel Lyon for noti-T
fying Evidences & other Ser-
To ditto paid for Paper & Quills. .
3 // //
I // 1 // 4
30 /, I // 4
£30 // 1 // 4 reduc'd at 400 for 100 is Specie —
7 // 10 // 4
a
1785
April 19 By an Acco* audited this day for .
Audited 19*'' October 1785 — r
37 * 16 /, 7
, 2 ,, 6
29
14
Audited state of New York D"" to Ebenezer Purdy
Accounts
A: 316
(KYSL)
as One of the Commiss" for detecting
Conspiracies
To Cash paid for hire of Guards & their
Expences while in Service
Audited 25*'' February 1786
18
Audited
Accounts
B:44
(NYSL)
State of New York to Charles R. Webster
1783 Dr.
April 14 To inserting in the New York
Gazetteer an Act entitled an Act to repeal
an Act entitled An Act to revive the Laws
appointing Commissioners for detecting &
defeating Conspiracies & to give certain
powers to Magistrates & Courts therein
mention'd passed the 27*'' March 1783 making
in the said paper 4^ squares at 8/ ^ square. . .
Audited 25*'' August 1786
820
State of New York
Audited
Accounts
B : 127
(HYSL)
Audited
Accounts
B : 190
(NYSL)
State of New York to Josiah Ingersol
To Certain services performed for the State
at the Request of Zephaniah Piatt and
Egbert Benson late Commissioners for
Conspiracies &'^ in transporting Certain
quantities of Beef and having the same
Smooked to prevent it from Spoiling in
the year 1779
Sworn to by Egbert Benson
Aud 22 Nov' 1787
D*^
The Commissioners for Conspiracies &"
To Robert Hoffman
C
To 3 Barrell of Superfine Flour 130 each
at 30/ ^ hundred
To 3 Barril @ 2/6 each
Sworn to by Stephen Hendrickson and
Robert Hoffman
Audited June 30*^ 1789.
200
7 17 6
7 6
£ S. 5 —
STATE TREASURER
Day Book, V0I.2 — April, 1778 to September, 1784
(Archives of New York State Library)
April 28*'' 1778
£
s
d
Jeremiah V: Rensselaer, Isaac D. Fonda &? the
Commiss" of Conspiracy in Albany ap-
pointed by virtue of the late Law. Df
To Cash 1933
1000
—
July I?* 1778
Sundry Accounts C To Cash viz*
Zephaniah Piatt &? the Commissioners of
Conspiracy at Poughkepsie last
app'^ 2002
1500
—
I
nt
- « ^
^
c a
s^i-
„-^ L^ _
.«i a-
^ > f»
i
i
w
N 'a f I"'
t r '-■' i
-4
l.V ri. s I,-
u
Q
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
821
July 12*?* 1778
Jeremiah V Renselaer &? the Comm''.^ of
Conspiracy at Albany DF to Cash 2037
August 28**^ 1778
Zephaniah Piatt &9 Commissioners of Con-
spiracy C To Cash 2038
September 25*'' 1778
Sundry Accounts C To Cash viz^
Zepheniah Piatt &? Comm" of Conspiracy 2067
November 8, 1778
Sundry Accoimts D*^ To Cash viz?
Zephaniah Piatt &? Commissioners of
Consp^ in part of the ^3000 Credit
by a Law passed the [blank] 2084
January i?* 1779 ,
Sundry Accounts D'' To Cash viz*
Zephaniah Piatt &? the CommT^ of
Consp7 at Poughkepsie 2098
January 1^* 1779
Sundry Accounts D^ To Cash viz*
Egbert Benson &? Com^ Conspiracy 2104
January 15'.'' 1779
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &? The Albany ComT=
Conspiracy ^
To Rooseboom Bancker & White for so much
J M'^Kesson received from them &
paid you £5°^ « "
To Leonard Gansevoort Treasurer of the
Co. of Albany for my Draft on
L Gansevoort 5°° u "
500
500
500
4021
17
for the above two Sums See their Order &
J M'^Kessons Receipt
May 31?* 1779
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &? D'
To Cash 2247
1500
822
State of New York
June 3° 1779
Zephaniah Piatt &? DT (May 29*'')
To Cash Advanced to them a[s] ComtnT^ of
Conspiracy 2258
October 15*^ 1779
Sundry Accounts DT To Cash viz?
Zeph*? Piatt &? on Acco*
October 21^.' 1779
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &?
2279
DT
Comm" of Conspiracy of the County of
Albany 2281
November 18*'' 1779
Sundry Accounts C To Cash viz*
Zephaniah Piatt &? CommT^ of Conspiracy 2368
September 23? 1780
Sundry Acco'.= Df To Cash viz^
Zeph^ Piatt &? CommT^ of Conspiracy the
Ballance of an Account this day settled 2S03A.
1500
January 29'.'^ 1781
Cash DT To Zephaniah Piatt &? a repaym' of
£2000. which they had not Credited in their
Account Audited & Settled at Poughkeepsie
To State of N Y ref of ditto the forfeited
Recognizance of Peter Storm
of ditto. . . .D°. . . .of Ja? Hammond jun''
June 12"^ 1781
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer & Co Comm" of Con-
spiracy D^
To Cash paid them the le*** December last
^ 41 ,, N E. at 40. the then Exchange 2611
56
400
268
1640
■ Visscher.
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
823
September 17*** 1781
Sundry Accounts BT To Cash viz^
Jeremiah V Rensselaer &9 Commissioners of
Conspiracy in Albany £160
N. E 2783 ;£i6o
November 19'*^ 1781
Joseph Gasherie Cornelius Schoonmaker and
Cornelius E Wynkoop Comm" of Conspiracy DT
To Cash 2809 £40 u~-„ —
Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &? Comm" of Con-
spiracy 2812 76 a — ,1 —
January 16. 1782
Jeremiah V Rensselaer & Co.
To Cash £73 ,, 14 tf — N E •
2823
March ii*> 1782
Jeremiah V Rensselaer & Co D''
To Cash paid Leonard Gansevoort junT
f* their Order £350 N Emission 2831
January 29 1784
Sundry Accounts C To Cash viz*
Honeywell, Purdy & Rockwl CommT^
Conspy for W: Chester £20 „ — ..— 2984
February 20*'' 1784
State of New York DT To Cash
p? Ab. DePeyster Clerk of Comm"
ConspY
£50 —
May 5*> 1784
2989
State of New York D"^ To Sundry Accounts
viz*
To Alexander Webster, Ebenezer Clark,
Alexander M^Nitt and John M^Clung
Commissioners of Consp^ in Charlotte
County for Amount of their Acco*^ of
Contingencies say Ball 3027
£ 155* i6«2i
3000
5700
5527
26250
1500
3750
1 1685
17
824
State of New York
May 24*'' 1784
Zephaniah Piatt &? the CommissT^ of Con-
spiracy at Poughkeepsie Df To Cash p?
R Harpur one of the Members of that
Board 3165 £100
May 24"" 1784
State of New York DT To Sundry Accounts viz!^
To Zephaniah Piatt &? for the pay of Robert
Harpur a Member of the Board of Comm"
of Conspiracy 3165 £ 156 /; 12 „ —
September 3? 1784
Sundry Acco*^ D' To Cash viz*
Zep^ Piatt &? p? R. Harp''
3336 £56 12 —
£
s
d
7500
—
—
"745
—
—
4245
STATE TREASURER
Accounts — May, 1775 to January, 1797
(Archives of New York State Library)
1778
Sep* 23
April 28
July I
July 12
Aug' 12
28
By Cash from Egbert Benson &F Commr^ of
Conspiracy
To Cash p? Jeremiah V. Rensselaer, Isaac
D Fonda &? Commissioners for detecting
Conspiracies 1933
To Cash p"? Zephaniah Piatt &? the new
App? Commissioners of Conspiracy,
diff* Paym*^ 2002
To d? p!^ Serg* David Mills pay of a party
to apprehend disaffected persons 2023
To d? p? Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &? the
Comm" of Conspiracy in Albany on
Account 2037
To d? p? Piatt &? the CommT^ of Con-
spiracy at Poughkepsie on Acco* 2038
£
s.
d.
47
17
4
1000
—
—
1500
—
50
—
—
1000
—
—
500
—
—
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
825
SeptT 25
Nov. 8
1779
Jan^ I
May 31
June
30
Octob'' 15
21
NovT
18
1780
Sep.
23
1781
June
6
Sep*
17
Novf
19
19
1781
Janr
29
1782
Jany
16
March 11
To d? p? Zephaniah Piatt &? the CommissT^
of Conspiracy at Poughkepsie on
Acco* 2067
To Cash p? Zephaniah Piatt &? the last
Appointed Commissioners of Conspiracy
in part of the £3000 CT by a Late
Law 2084
Paid Zephaniah Piatt &? the Commissf^
of Conspiracy at Poughkeepsie on Acco* 2098
Paid Egbert Benson &? Comm" of Con-
spf
2104
Paid Jeremiah V Rensselaer fic"^ Comm"
Consp^ at Albany 2247
Paid Zep? Piatt &"? Comm"^ Conspiracy on
Acco* 2258
Paid Zep!" Piatt &? Comm" Conspiracy 2279
Paid Jeremiah V Rensselaer &?
Com. Conspy 2281
Paid Zeph?* Piatt &? Commrs Seq" [sic] 2368
Paid Zephaniah Piatt &? Comm" Consp^ A2503
Paid Jeremiah V. Rensselaer &?
Com. Consp7 261 1
Paid Jer^ V. Rensselaer &? Commissioners
of Conspiracy £160 2783
Paid Gasherie Schoonmaker & Wynkoop
CommT^ Conspiracy .£40 2809
Paid Jer: V. Rensselaer &Com.Cons: £76 2812
From Zep?" Piatt &9 Com. Consp^ '
From d? for Sundry Forfeited Recognizances
Paid Jer: V Rensselaer & Com:
Consp: NE;£73*i4— ^823
Paid Jer: V Rensselaer &.? Com: Cons:
N E ;^350 «83i
» This item is out of order in the original.
£
500
500
2000
4021
1500
1500
2000
2000
2000
56
1640
3000
5700
2000
668
17
5527
26250! —
826
State of New York
1784
Jan7 29
Feb? 20
May 5
May 24
Sep* 3
October 11
Nov. 20
1785
April 12
14
18
May 7
October 21
Decemf 20
To Honeywell, Purdy & Rock-
well, Commiss Consp. W.
Chester 2984
To D? Ab: Depeyster, Qk of
Commiss: Cons. £50 „ — „ — 2989
To Webster, Clark &9 in part
(Commiss: Conspiracy) 3027
To Zepheniah Piatt &? Com-
missi Consp. at Poughkeep-
sie pr R. Harpur, a memT of
that board 3165
To Zephaniah Piatt &? p?
R. Harpur Conspiracies 3336
Paid Gilbert Livingston, Com-
missf of Conspir'' 3377
Paid Rynier Mynderse ComT
Conspir^ for SchenX 3378
Paid Andrew Renex Ditto 3379
Paid Hugh Mitchell Ditto 3380
Paid Jeremiah V. Renselaer &C?
Com? Conspir?' 3449
Paid Rynier Mynderse &C?
Com? Consp^ 3454
Paid Egbert Benson &C?
Com? Consp?' 3670
Paid Robert Harpur D? 3671
Paid Zepheniah Piatt &? Com-
miss: Consp7 3684
Paid Gasherie, Schoonmaker &
Wynkoop, the Ballance of
their Account C. C. 3688
Paid Zeph? Piatt &C? ComT^
Conspiracy 3718
Paid Joseph Strang, a ComT of
Consp^ 3908
Paid Joseph Strang, a CommissT
of Conspiracy 3974
Specie
£
50
34
56
Continental
£
1500
3750
2580
7500
4245
163
56
2
66
18
14
949
II
62
2
250
//
231
5
64
16
4
19
56
5
29
14
8
2
Appendix II : Financial Accounts
827
1786
Janua* 23?
1787
NovemT 24
1791
Paid Peter Cantine, late CommissT
Conspi, 4021
Paid Egbert Benson for so much
Adv? by him as Commissioner
of Conspiracy 5158
November ig**" Paid Thomas Moilat, as a Com-
missioner of Conspiracy 7053
1792
January 14 Paid Thomas Moffat a Ball":* due
to Moffat, Wissner & Cooper,
Comniiss" of Conspiracy for
Orange 7085
42
15
APPENDIX III
MISCELLANEA
FIRST GENERAL COMMISSION OF COMMISSIONERS
FOR CONSPIRACIES
The People of the State of New York by the Grace j^^^ „„„
of God free and Independant To William Wills, Soverinas 4o : 156
Cock, and James M°Masters of the County of Tryon, John (compt)
M Beekman Jeremiah V. Rensselaer, Isaac Fonda, Matthew
Vischer Hugh Mitchel Cornelius Humfrey, John M':Clung
and Peter Wynkoop of the County of Albany, Cornelius C
Wynkoop, Cornelius C Schoonmaker, and Peter Cantlne 1778
(Son of Matthew Cantine Esquire) of the County of Ulster,
Israel Honeywell Jonathan G. Tomkins and Joseph Strang
of the County of West Chester, Zephaniah Piatt, Egbert
Benson and Israel Thompson of the County of Dutchess,
Henry Wisner, Thomas Moffat and Gilbert Cuyper, of the
County of Orange, and Alexander Webster, Alexander
M^Nitt, and Ebenezer Clark of the County of Charlotte
Esquires Greeting, Know ye that pursuant to two certain
Acts of the Legislature of our Said State the one entitled:
" An Act to appoint Commissioners for detecting and defeat-
ing Conspiracies and declaring their powers," and the other
entitled, "An Act for encreasing the Number of Commis-
sioners for detecting and defeating Conspiracies within this
State." We have appointed constituted and assigned, and by
these presents do appoint constitute and assign you the said
829
830 State of New York
William Wills Soverinas Cock, James M'=Masters, John M
Beekman, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Isaac Fonda, Matthew
Vischer, Hugh Mitchell, Cornelius Humfrey, John M^Clung,
Peter Wynkoop, Cornelius C Wynkoop Cornelius C Schoon-
maker, Peter Cantine, Israel Honeywell, Jonathan G. Tom-
kins, Joseph Strang, Zephaniah Piatt, Egbert Benson, Israel
Thompson, Henry Wisner, Thomas MofFat, Gilbert Cuyper,
Alexander Webster, Alexander M?Nitt and Ebenezer Clark
Commissioners for enquiring into detecting and defeating all
Conspiracies which may be formed in this State against the
Liberties of America, with full power and Authority to you
and any and every three of you to do and perform the several
Acts Matters and Things in the said two several Acts men-
tioned, which by you or any three of you as Commissioners as
aforesaid may be lawfully done and performed. In Tes-
timony whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made
Patent and the Great Seal of our said State to be hereunto
affixed. Witness our trusty and well beloved George Clin-
ton Esquire Governor of our said State, General and Com-
mander in Chief of all the Militia and Admiral of the Navy
of the same the fourth Day of April in the Year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Geo: Clinton
By His Excellency's Command,
Jn? Morin Scott Secretary
A true Copy, Examined by me,
Teunis Tappan Sec?
Endi
or sea
App* of Commissioners of
Conspiracy 4*^ April 1778.
Appendix III : Miscellanea 831
OATHS'
I do solemnly swear and declare in
the presence of Almighty God that I ought not and do not
acknowledge any Allegiance to the King of Great Brittain,
his Heirs or Successors or any power or Authority of the
Parliament of the said Kingdom of Great Brittain, and that I
will bear true faith and Allegiance to the State of New York
as a free and Independant State, and that I will in all things
to the best of my knowledge and Ability dp my Duty as a
good Subject of the said State ought to do, So help me God,
Ebenezar Allen Joseph Greenman
Adam Vrooman Benjamin Greenman ju^
Daniel Chase Mindert Van Hoesan
his Jeremije mullr
Jonathan X Chase his
Mark William X Bartel
James X Lake Mark
Daniel Mosher his
[Signatures]lshme\ Reynolds Mathewis X Pool
his Mark
John X Van Hining his
Mark Tobias X Salsbury
Charles Near Mark
his John Cobham^
Nicholas X Boss
Mark
his
Jacob X Finehout
Mark
his
Peter X Finehout
Mark
•From the manuscript minutes, vol i, pp. 240-243.
'These signatures were attached to the oath at various times in 1778
and 1779.
832 State of New York
I do hereby solemnly without any mental Reser-
vation or Equivocation whatsoever swear and declare and
call God to witness that I renounce and Adjure all Allegi-
ance to the King of Great Britain and that I will bear true
Faith and Allegiance to the State of New York as a free
and Independant State, and that I will in all Things to the
best of my Knowledge and Ability do my Duty as a good
and faithful Subject of the said State ought to do — so help
me God —
Sworn 12?'' Aug* 1782I Arch? McNeil
before me at Albany/ [Signatures]
Samj Stringer Justice.
The above Oath administred by
me to Abner Darling the io'> Abner Darling
Day of October 1782. [Signatures]
John M: Beeckman Justice
I do solemnly and without any mental Reser-
vation or equivocation whatsoever Swear and call God to
Witness that I beleive & acknowledge the State of New
York to be of Right a free and Independent State and that
no authority or power can of right be exercised in or over
the said State but what is or shall be granted by or derived
from the People thereof and further that as a good Subject
of the said free and Independant State of New York I will
to the best of my knowledge and Ability faithfully do my
duty, and as I shall keep or disregard this Oath so help and
deal with me Almighty God.
John Visger Duncan MacDougall
Volckert Van Veghten Corn^ Van Schelluyne
[Signatures] R* Bleecker
Appendix III : Miscellanea 83;^
[Signatures] Rob* Clench
John Glen
Hendrick Frey
John Duncan
Barnet Stilwell
Peter W. Yates
Henry Ten Eyck
Gysbert Fonda
Corn? Glen
Daniel Campbell
James EUice
I Leonard Gansevoort JunT Clerk to the Commissioners
of the County of Albany appointed for detecting & defeat-
ing all Conspiracies which may be formed in this State
against the Liberties of America do most solemnly swear
in the Presence of Almighty God, that I will keep secret all
such Matters as shall be given me in Charge by the said
Commissioners and that I shall remain under such Injunc-
tion till discharged therefrom by the said Commissioners —
Leon"^ Gansevoort Jun"
CERTIFICATION OF TORIES.
To Tohn Morin Scott EsqT Secretary of the State of Hew York
TVT X7 1 Col. MSS.
JNew York — loi : 149
We John M. Beekman, Mathew Visscher and Isaac D. ''^^^^>
Fonda Esq" Commissioners appointed for enquiring into 1778
detecting and defeating all Conspiracies which may be ®P " '
formed in this State against the Liberties of America agree-
able to the Directions of an Act of the Legislature of the State
of New York entitled "an Act more eflfectually to prevent the
1 The entire oath is in Gansevoort's handwriting, and was subscribed to
by him on April 24, 1778. For facsimile see Vol. I, p. 292.
834 State of New York
Mischiefs arising from the Influence and Example of Persons
of equivocal and suspected Characters in this State" do
hereby certify that in Pursuance of the said Act we have
caused the following Persons to come before us viz.* David
Van Schaack of the District of Kinderhook on the Thirtieth
Day of August last, Nicholas Stevens of the Township of
Schonectady on the Fifteenth Day of August last, Henry Van
Schaack of the District of Kinderhook on the Seventeenth
Day of August last, and Lambert Burghart of the District
of Kinderhook on the twenty first Day of August last Alex-
ander Campbell of the Township of Schonectady on the
Seventh Day of September Instant and Martin Crom of
Claverack District on the Fourteenth Day of September
Instant and offered to administer to them respectively the
Oath therein mentioned which the said David Van Schaack,
Nicholas Stevens, Henry Van Schaack Lambert Burghart,
Alexander Campbell and Martin Crom severally refused to
take As Witness our Hands and seals this twenty second
Day of September in the Year One thousand seven hundred
and seventy eight
John M: Beeckman [Seal]
Mat: Visscher [Seal]
Isaac D Fonda [Seal]'
00^ Ms's. List of the Names of Persons who have refused to take the
*o2 : 30 Oath prescribed by a Law of this State to be taken by Persons
of neutral and equivocal Characters and who have in Con-
1783 sequence thereof been removed within the Enemy's Lines
or detained by his Excellency the Governor for Exchange.
Richard Cartwright Richard Minifee
Peter Vosburgh John Stevenson
Lowrence Goes Absolom Woodworth
> The body of this document is in the handwriting of Leonard Ganse-
voort, Jr., and is signed by the Commissioners.
Appendix III : Miscellanea 835
Harmen Pruyn John Gumming
William Rea Isaac Man
Barent Van Der Pool John Kortz Jun^
Andries Huyck Alexander White
Benjamin Baker i/Dirck Gardinier
Henry Van Dyck Mathew Goes JunT
James Dole i/John D. Goes
Marte Van Buren John Van Alen
David Van Schaack Henry Van Schaack
Nicholas Stevens i/ Lambert Burghart
John Thurman Alexander Campbell
Peter Van Schaack i/Martin Crom
Andries Ten Eyck
Those marked (v') were to have been sent down with the
Van Schaack's but secreted themselves and could not then be
found and are now at their respective Homes — they with
the Van Schaacks &c had been reserved for Exchange by the
Governor.
Stewart Dean "I Commissi?
Albany 8 Feb?'. 1783 John M. Beeckmanj- for
Samj Stringer J Conspiracies*
Endorsed: Return of
the Persons
banished by
by Commiss"
at Albany
AN EXCHANGE.
May it please your Excellency. Uew York
Having been a Prisoner on Parole to the Commissioners of ^lljfll'
Conspiracy for these two years past, & confined to the Town (NYSL)
of Schenectady, not being allowed to reside on my Farm, — 1781
■' Mar. 30.
» The body of this document is in the handwriting of Leonard Ganse-
voort, Jr., and is signed by the Commissioners.
836 State of New York
my Property not protected; — These, with other Reasons,
induce me to wish for Permission to remove to Canada with
my Family. — I have therefor[e] presumed to apply to your
Excellency for Permission to be exchanged for some Citizen
of this State now a Prisoner in Canada, and that I may be
allowed to go under the Protection of the first public Flagg. —
I will do myself the Honor to wait personally upon your Ex-
cellency at any Hour that may be convenient. — An Answer
from your Excellency will much oblige,
Your most obedient
& very humble serv-
His Excellency John Stuart.
Governor Clinton.
Albany March 30*'' 1781
I hereby signify my Consent and Approbation to the Ex-
change of John Stuart agreable to his above Request.
Given at Albany this 30''' March 1781
Geo: Clinton
Addressed: Endorsed:
To John Stuart permitted to be
His Excellency exchanged by the Gov-
Governor Clinton ernor
Albany March 30*'? 178 1
filed in the Secretary's Of-
fice the 30*^ day of March
1781 —
See Analytical Index
Vol. III.
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