He was also authorized to search "in every suspected House for Papers & stolen Goods," whereof he was to make a true return to the board; and "to apprehend all Strangers" who had not "sufficient Authority to he at large in the Compass of the Rout" taken by him and his men. The Helderbergs and adjacent regions were regular nests of robbers and hatcheries of treasonable designs . When a militia contingent seized or plundered the effects of certain people, "scarce leaving them wherewithal to cover themselves", the board wrote the commanding officer "to order the Goods taken" to be immediately returned to the owners 2 .

The commissioners promised to intercede with Governor Clinton for the pardon of an accomplice in a robbery, who offered to turn State's evidence 3 . In another case, that of a man who had been condemned to death for robbery, but whom the governor had pardoned, they would not permit his release, because they believed it desirable to obtain evidence from him against persons confined for robberies and other offences. Therefore, he was continued in confinement, but with a weekly allowance of two dollars 4 . In another case, that of a prisoner who broke jail, but who later surrendered himself and imparted information about secret ex- June 7; July 2, 1779. October 31, 1778. For another case see December 14, 1778. 8October 16, 1778. August 18, 1778. He remained in confinement until released on a recognizance of fifty pounds, on November 5.