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.

54 State of New York

presses from New York to Brant and Butler, the board set him loose in order to capture the secret emissary from the British. In its address to Governor Clinton, September i,

1779, the senate said: "We participate in your Excellency's Pleasure, on the Suppression of Robberies and other atrocious Offences, by the regular and assiduous Administration of Justice; in

which we find additional Reasons for admiring that happy Constitution, under which we enjoy domestic Peace amidst the Horrors of War; notwithstanding the Patronage that Robbers and Assassins have so frequently received from degenerate Britons."- The concordant opinion of the governor and senate in favor of a more judicial and constitutional procedure in

dealing with robberies and other felonious acts, bore fruitage in a series of enactments, as we shall see.