The third day of July last Mr Abner Hitchcock made complaint on oath that on Or about the twentyfirst day of march last Lieut. Nathaniel Stone of the Masechusetts line in Colonel Voses regiment did wilfully Murder his Brother Captn Luke Hitchcock of the Said regiment; Praying the law might be put in Execution against the Said murderer: in consequence of which I issued a warrant to apprehend the Said Lieut. Stone And convey him to goal to be delt with according To the law of this State, The constable repaired to West point where the Said Stone was at that Time, a coppy of whose proceedings given under oath Is herewith transmitted No. 1 Immediately After the Said Stone left camp as i was informed And was absent for Some time, dureing which time I was frequently called upon to demand him of the Officer that had engaged to deliver him up to the Civil authority, at length i was informed that he Was doing duty at Verplanks point, On the Fourteenth day of September last i wrote to Genl Paterson who i was informed was a Major Genl And the proper officer to demand the Said Stone off; A coppy of which and his answer are marked No. 2. and 3. which is also here inclosed.

Your Exellency is not insensible That my office obliges me to exert my Self to Prosecute the affair, So that not only the Frequent Solicitations of the relations of the deceased and others, But the laws of this State Conspire to make it my duty: And as his Superiour officers seeme not inclined To deliver him up to the civil authority and He going armed in Such a manner that No Civil officer can with Safety apprehend him.

I am therefore under the disagreeable Necessity of looking up to your Exellency for Redress.

Which from your well known Regard to Justice and disposition to Support The good and wholsome laws of these States, I doubt not you will cherefully grant, (if in your Power.) By ordering the Said Lieut. Stone to be delivered up to the proper Civil officer. From your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant.