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

have become notorious. For example, a number of persons, under pretense of revenge against an alleged tory, committed depredations against his wife, by pulling down her house and destroying her furniture and clothes. 4 Toryism and Disaffection -- In the first chapter of this introduction the earlier attitude of the laws against disaffection is revealed. By an act of March 30, 1781, provision was made "more effectually to punish Adherence to the King of Great-Britain". Those who were found "adhering to the Enemies of this State" were declared to be guilty of high treason. Anyone who maliciously by preaching, teaching, speaking, writing or printing maintained that the King of Great Britain had or of right ought to have authority or

* Laws of New York. Poughkeepsie: John Holt, 1782, p. 149. J Ibid, p. 215. 3 Assembly Votes. Fish-Kill: Samuel Loudon, 1779, p. 47; Senate Voles Ibid, pp. 16, 30. July 19, 1779.