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. A correspondence was kept up with the Poughkeepsie board in particular, and with those of Charlotte County, Tryon County and other places in general. Letters sent or received are noted in the minutes as having passed between the board and many local committees, all the way from Bennington, Vermont, to Fredericksburgh, Dutchess County. Much of this intercourse related to prisoners and arrests 3 . The State funds for the use of the Albany board were often forwarded through the commissioners at Poughkeepsie. May 15, 1778. 2 May 15, 1778. For examples see April 21; May 1, 2, 19, 20; August 14; September 11, 30; October 1; November 23; December 9, 1778; April 20; May 4; June 2, 19; July 14; September 22, 1779; July 21, 1780; January 29, 1781.

52 State of New York

Robberies and Plunder -- The apprehension of robbers formed one of the earliest and most urgent activities of the commissioners for conspiracies of the Albany County board. Arrests were made by rangers and detachments of militia, and even men of the line were detailed by their commanders upon request of the board.