The disturbances occasioned by disaffected inhabitants of Albany County, and the crying demand for enforcing the laws against them, determined the board, on June 30, 1780, to authorize Lieutenant Philip Staats, of Colonel Van Rensselaer's regiment, to Killian engage "about ten men", who were to provide themselves "with a good Horse & proper Arms and Accoutrements", and who were to be allowed the same pay as given to the cavalry of the army of the United States, together with an allowance for horse-hire and subsistence. Samuel Stringer, one of the members of the board, was requested, on August 11, 1780, to propose to John Tillman that he raise a company

of rangers, to be under his command and under the direction of the commissioners. 1

Relations with other Boards and with Local Committees -- The Albany board was appealed to for funds by the Charlotte County board at New Perth, and agreed to forward th« amount requested from one thousand pounds to be drawn As under dates died in the text.

Introduction 5i

from the State treasurer. It also recommended to the latter

board to exercise "the Utmost Frugality," otherwise the allowance made by the State would be insufficient and deficiencies might be made good only "attended with the greatest Difficulties ." 1 It also advised that board as to its

conduct toward certain families who had returned to their

habitations under a tie of neutrality to the British king. These families were too numerous to be removed or dealt with in a rigorous manner, hence the Albany commissioners counseled humane treatment of women and children "who otherwise might be culpable for the Crimes of their Parents & Husbands," and that they be summoned before the members of the Charlotte County board, to be by them examined, instructed as to their obligations to the State, and other duties necessary to their reinstatement "in the Benefits and Priveledges that every faithful Subject will enjoy under a free Constitution ." 2 The Albany board received into custody prisoners sent by other boards and by local committees, and likewise sent persons to be committed in other places.