These regulations were drastic, and, as they were applied with particular severity in Westchester County, a somewhat detailed notice of i hem is called for. The measure embodying them was adopted on the 2(>th of August. It prohibited the furnishing of provisions or other necessaries, kk contrary to the resolutions of the continental or of this congress," to the ministerial army or navy, as well as communicating bycorrespondence or otherwise to the British military or naval officers any information prejudicial to the interests or plans of the colonists. Persons accused of offending against the act in these respects were to be brought before the county or city committee, the provincial congress, or the committee of safety, and. if found guilty, were to be disarmed, to forfeit double the value of the articles furnished, and to be imprisoned not to exceed three months. In case of a second offense, the guilty person was to be banished from the colony for seven years. Continuing, the act declared that, tk although this congress, having tender regard to the freedom of speech, the rights of conscience, and personal liberty, so far as indulgence in these particulars may be consistent with our general security, yet, for the ^^^Jsj^y^^^ philipse arms.
general was necessaryConsequently to sternly punish abusessafety," of suchit privileges. all persons were prohibited from opposing or denying "the authority of the continental or this congress, or the committee of safety, or the committees of the respective counties, cities, (owns, manors, precincts, or districts in this colony" and from "dissuading any person or persons from obeying the recommendations of the continental or this congress, or the committee of safety, or the committees aforesaid." Suspects were to be tried before the county committees, and, if convicted, were to be disarmed for the first offense and committed to close confinement, at their respective expense, for the second.