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. Not infrequently persons were brought before the board under allegations of being concerned in certain robberies, or of being able to give material information against perpetrators. number of In a large cases no evidence was procurable, or innocence was proved, and the accused were discharged. In a lesser number of instances the evidence was conclusive, and prisoners even confessed their guilt. Likewise, persons who acted as fences for robbers were seized and confined. The Albany board took cognizance of robberies committed in Dutchess County, and requested the removal to Albany of a person under arrest at Bennington, Vermont, for a robbery committed in Dutchess County. Those who had suffered from robberies in this

county were granted permission to go to Albany, there to interrogate the thieves concerning the places where the stolen effects had been secreted. This investigation was done in the presence of one of the commissioners. 2 The board directed search to be made for stolen property, even when the robbery had been committed a long time prior to the apprehension of the thief. 3 When stolen money or other personal property fell into the hands of the board, itwas placed in the custody of the treasurer of the board, or of some officer or citizen designated for that purpose, or was returned by an order to the rightful owner.