The soldier who plunders the country he is employed to protect is no better than a robber, and ought to be treated accordingly, and a severe example, in the opinion of the committee, ought to be made of the officer who, without any necessity, or his general's permission, set fire to the court-house and other buildings at the White Plains. He is guilty of the crime of arson, and if he cannot be punished by the articles of war, ought to be given up to the laws of the land. If so glaring a violation of every sentiment of humanity should be passed over in silence, if the army is not reasonably restrained from such acts of barbarity, the consequence must be fatal to the cause of a people whose exalted glory it is to be advocates for the rights of mankind, against the tyranny and oppression of lawless power. The resolutions which the committee of safety have passed upon the subject are herewith transmitted.

" I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

" By order

" Pierre van Cortlandt, Vice President."

" To the Honorable John Hancock, President of the Congress of the United States."^

At a meeting of the committee of safety held Monday morning, 2d December, 1776. It was resolved, " that the laws of the country are not superseded by the military code in the presence of the army," "and that a letter be written to General Washington, requesting that the officer directing the burning of the courthouse and dwelling liouses at the White Plains be delivered to this committee or the Convention of the state, in order to his being tried by the laws of this state, and, if guilty, punished thereby.''^