New Hampshire Statesman And Concord Register

We have been much amused in looking over the "Records of the Council of Safety in Vermont," collected and published a few years ago in a volume of "Vermont State Papers." A few instances of the exercise of the undefined, and, for aught appears, unlimited prerogative of this queer and anomalous body, combining in itself such a strange mixture of executive, legislative and judicial authority, may not be uninteresting to our readers.

Extracts from Records of the Council of Safety in Vermont.

In Council, Bennington, 8th Nov. 1777.

Mrs Easter Hawley-Madam:

We received your petition, the 8th inst requesting an answer. We are not destitute of human affection, towards all persons that are, in principle and practice, friends to America, if it be found in the weaker vessel. Therefore you are permitted to remain in peace where you are, until further orders from this or a future Council, or a general Assembly of this State.

By order of Council,

JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y

In Council of Safety, 19th Sept. 1777.

To Capt. William Fitch-Sir:

Whereas Mr Timothy Mead has, some days past, made application to this Council to take thirteen sheep out of the tory flock in Arlington, in lieu of that number which he lost-this Council positively order that none be delivered until further evidence can be had.

I am, Sir, your humble servant,

By order of Council,

JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y.

In Council of Safety, Nov. 16, 1777.

Mary Reynolds is permitted to send for her grey horse, and keep him in her possession until further orders from this Council,

By order of Council,

JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y.

In Council of Safety, 3d Sept. 1777.

[is permitted to return home and remain on his father's home farm (and if found off, to expect thirty-nine lashes of the beach seal*) until further orders from this Council.

Bennington-In Council of Safety, Aug. 15th, 1777.

SIR-You are hereby desired to forward to this place, by express, all the lead you can possibly collect in your vicinity; as it is expected every minute, an action will commence between our troops and the enemies, within four or five miles of this place, and the lead will be positively wanted.

By order of Council,

PAUL SPOONER, D. Sec'y.

The Chairman of the Committee of Safety, Williamstown.

In Council of Safety-Bennington, Aug. 26, 1777.

To Capt. John Fawcett—Sir,

You are requested to take a potash kittle for the Hessian troops to cook in. Give your receipt for the same and bring the same to the meeting house in this place.

By order of Council.

IRA ALLEN, Sec'y

In Council of Safety-Bennington, Aug. 27, 1777.

Whereas this Council have received a letter from Capt. Burroughs at Arlington, acquainting us that our scouts had taken all the stock of every kind from Anger Hawley's wife of Rupert, and she had made application to him for a cow, as her children were in a suffering condition.

These are therefore to require you to let her have one cow, for the time being, out of [the tory stock? - text cut off, but continuing context].

person.

By order of Council,

IRA ALLEN, Sec'y

Lt. Martin Powell, Commissioner of Sequestration.

* This instrument of punishment was formed the "beach seal" in allusion to the great seal of New-Hampshire, affixed to the grants made by the Governor of that Province; of which the beach rod, well laid on the naked backs of the "Yorkers" and their adherents, was humorously considered a confirmation.

The day preceding Bennington Battle,