In consequence of this outrageous resolution two of the Magistrates have been insulted with every abuse, attacked in their Persons and properties, and hunted after and pursued with open menaces that they should be taken and secured either Dead or alive: while some of the chief of the Rioters have barbarously directed their abettors to put them to death privately !_ In circumstances So Perilous, no longer depending upon their own Houses, nor the most Cautious and inoffensive. Behaviour for Security, they have been compelled to take refuge and conceal themselves in the night among their Friends ; and your Petitioner Benjamin Hough was so narrowly watched that for several nights immediately before he left the place of his residence, he was under the necessity of keeping a Guard for the preservation of his life, having twice, with utmost difficulty, secured himself out of the Hands of the Rioters.
That unrestrained by principles of Duty, or Fear of Punish-
1 Entitled--An Act for preventing tumultuous and riotous assemblies in the places therein mentioned for the more speedy and effeétual punishing the rioters, Passed 9th March 1774. Among other provisions, was one outlawing Ethan Allen and other inhabitants of Bennington.--Ep.
_ NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS. 877
ment, the Rioters seem arrived at the last stage of a deliberate opposition to Government and the Laws: for your Petitioners are well informed that they have lately erected two Fortresses in the County of Charlotte, one on Onion River, and the other on Otter Creek, an act of Hostility, which while it encourages them in their Confidence and presumption, gives additional Terror to your Petitioners, and, if not speedily checked, may prove the occasion of much mischief and Bloodshed.