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. Their function was defined as having

power " to send for Persons and Papers, and administer

Oaths; and to apprehend and confine, or cause to be apprehended and confined, in such Manner, and under such

Restrictions and Limitations, as to them shall appear

necessary, for the public Safety, all Persons, whose going at

large, shall, in the Judgment of the said Commissioners, or

any three of them, appear dangerous to the Safety of this

State. To take Bonds and Recognizances, from Time to

l ime, to the People of this State, for the good Behaviour,

safe Custody, or Appearance of such of the said Persons,

and of all others, now confined for the like Cause, as they may