That the Deponent since his Residence at Shaftsbury has been informed of frequent Riots and Violences committed by the People of Bennington and the adjacent Towns, except Pownall that remains quiet and peaceable; That the Riotous Party among the People who are by far the most numerous appear to him resolutely bent if they cannot otherwise keep their Possessions, to defend them by Force of arms. That they hold the authority and Government of New York in great Contempt and will not suffer the Magistrates or Civil officers there to do their Duty in the execution of their offices in any Case where they apprehend the least Danger of their being taken

to answer for their riotous Proceedings. JonaTtHan WHEAT.

Sworn Before his Excellency the Governor in Council the 29!" Day of May 1772. and' Before me

Dan: HorsmManpDEn.

FURTHER MINUTE OF COUNCIL RESPECTING THE RIOTERS.

: In Councis June 3 1772. His Excellency communicated to the Board a Letter of the 224 ultimo from Benjamin Spencer Esquire one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for the County of Albany, informing his

782 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE

Excellency of the Riotous spirit which now prevails among the people seated under Title derived from the Province of New Hampshire---That the Inhabitants of Durham, the place of his own Residence, are daily threatned to be driven off their possessions, the House he lives in to be Burnt, and that he is obliged to confine himself at Home, as he cannot with safety go om thence to transact his Business--As also a Deposition 'herein inclosed of Joseph Pringle taken before M* Justice spencer. And the same being read the said Joseph Pringle who ittended without, was called in, and being examined at the doard his Deposition was ordered to be taken and «sworn to sefore M¥ Chief Justice Horsmanden.