In the original legislative act creative of the commissioners whose Albany proceedings constitute these volumes, the reasons given are "the present invasion of this State;" " the disaffection of sundry of the Inhabitants of the same," and to guard and secure effectually the peace of the State " against the wicked Machinations and Designs of the Foreign and Domestic Foes thereof." 2 The governor, lieutenant governor or president of the senate, whichever at the time administered the government of the State, was authorized and empowered, from time to time, to appoint by a commission " by and with the Advice and Consent of the Council of Appointment, so many Persons, not exceeding ten, as he shall think proper, to be Commissioners ." 3 Any three of the commissioners constituted a quorum for carrying out the provisions of the act. Their function was defined as having power " to send for Persons and Papers, and administer Oaths; and to apprehend and confine, or cause to be apprehended and confined, in such Manner, and under such Restrictions and Limitations, as to them shall appear necessary, for the public Safety, all Persons, whose going at large, shall, in the Judgment of the said Commissioners, or any three of them, appear dangerous to the Safety of this State. To take Bonds and Recognizances, from Time to l ime, to the People of this State, for the good Behaviour, safe Custody, or Appearance of such of the said Persons, and of all others, now confined for the like Cause, as they may