This last-mentioned general committee was appointed to execute the resolves of June 5, 1776, and lasted until dissolved by the Convention, which "itself took cognizance of all urgent cases." 7 he invasion of New York by the British army at the south and the threatened invasion from the north, coupled with the difficulties imminent from a dangerous toryism, determined the Convention to constitute a new inquisitorial committee of seven members, on September 21, 1776, which was given a perfected organization, and to which the county committees became subordinate. This committee, after sitting almost daily, adjourned on the last day of the year, reported to the committee of safety within a week's time, and was dissolved in February, 1 777, only to be succeeded by another committee of three. The powers and duties of the seven fell upon these three men, who acted under instructions from the Convention. They were, however, soon enlarged to five members, and, on August 28, 1777, were again augmented to a membership of nine men, being known as " Commissioners for detecting and defeating all Conspiracies " when vested anew by the newly-chosen legislature, on October 7, 1 777, as an emergency provision. They moved from place to place and, aided by armed forces, sought out and arrested the enemies of the State. It was deemed particularly important at this time that

12 State of New York

domestic foes should be suppressed or reclaimed, before coping with Burgoyne's invasion .

In the original legislative act creative of the commissioners whose Albany proceedings constitute these volumes, the reasons given are "the present invasion of this State;" " the disaffection of sundry of the Inhabitants of the same," and to guard and secure effectually the peace of the State " against the wicked Machinations and Designs of the Foreign and Domestic Foes thereof." 2 The governor, lieutenant governor or president of the senate, whichever at the time administered the government of the State, was authorized and empowered, from time to time, to appoint by a commission " by and with the Advice and Consent of the Council of Appointment, so many Persons, not exceeding ten, as he shall think proper, to be Commissioners ." 3 Any three of the commissioners constituted a quorum for carrying out the provisions of the act.