On October 15, 1779, an act to prevent robberies was passed by the legislature, and stated the nature and disposition of robberies and of the seizure of stolen goods. 3 When this act was revived, on July r, 1780, it included a new section relative to stolen horses. 4 The frequency of robberies, particularly in the east district of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, gave birth to another act, which provided for the employment of rangers and made an appropriation of

£1,500 for that service. Payment of the rangers was made by a supervisor, with the approbation of any two resident justices of the peace, and an accounting was rendered to the next meeting of the county supervisors. 5 This act was re- April at, 1779. ' Senate Votes. Fish-Kill: Samuel Loudon, 1779, p. 9. • Lav> of Sew York. Poughkeepsie: John Holt, 1782, pp. 81-82. • find, p. 144. • Ibid, pp. 125-126.

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Introduction 55

vived and amended on September 21, 1780. By an act of 1

November 21, 1781, accessories as well as principals were to suffer death without benefit of clergy. Trial of felons was by

jury before county courts of oyer and terminer. A joint resolution of the legislature in October, 1779, ordered the governor to issue a proclamation forbidding the plundering of any place held by the British, or of any inhabitant of the State, or of any of the United States within the power of the enemy, declaring such acts contrary to the law of nations and the rights of war.Offenders were to be apprehended and handed over to the commissioners for conspiracies. The governor was also requested to ask the executives of New Jersey and Connecticut to issue similar proclamations. 3 That there was a dire need for such legislative action is evident from the barbarous offences that must