That the said Committee taking into consideration the Petition of Benjamin Hough, in behalf of himself and many of his. _ Majesty's Subjects inhabiting the County of Charlotte, and the' North Eastern District of the County of Albany, complaining of* many Acts of Outrage Cruelty and Oppression, committed against: their Persons and properties by the Bennington Mob, \and the' Dangers and Injuries to which they are daily exposed; and imploring 'that this House will take them under their protection,. and secure them against future Violence. And the said Committee having also duly considered the several Proofs and Depositions presented in support of the Truth of the said Petition, do' thereupon Resolve.

Ist That it appears to this Committee, that there at present prevails in part of the County Charlotte, and in the North Eastern District of the County of Albany a dangerous and destructive' Spirit of Riot and Licentiousness; subversive of all order and good Government, and that itis become an intollerable Grievance which requires immediate Redress

24 Resolved That it appears to this Committee, that many atrocious Acts of Outrage Cruelty and Oppression, have been'

870 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE

there perpetrated by a Number of Lawless Persons calling themselves the Bennington Mob; who have seized insulted, and terrified several of the Magistrates and other Civil Officers so that they dare not execute their respective Functions, rescued Prisoners for Debt; assumed to themselves Military Commands, and Judicial Powers; burned and demolished'the Houses and property and beat and abused the persons of many of his Majesty's subjects, expelled them from their possessions, and put a period to the Administration of Justice, and spread Terror and Destruction throughout that part of the Country which is exposed to their oppression.