In pursuance of the order of yesterday, Timothy Doughty, a prisoner, being brought to the door, was called in. The letter from the chairman of the committee of Dutchess county, and all the affidavits and proofs against the said Timothy Doughty were read in his presence; and the said Timothy Doughty who declined a trial by the committee of the county where he resides, and put himself, as to all the charges against him, on this Congress, was fully heard in his denial of the charges against him, and his defence, and ordered to withdraw; and the Congress came to a determination thereon in the words following, to wit:

In Provincial Congress, New-York, Oct. 20th, 1775.

The Congress having taken the case of Timothy Doughty, now a prisoner before them, into their serious consideration, do determine, that notwithstanding his constant denial of the matters laid to his charge, they are of opinion that the said Timothy Doughty hath formerly entertained designs and opinions inimical to the great cause of American liberty, and been a principal instigator of the disturbances which have of late prevailed in the county of Dutchess, and that therefore he hath merited the hardships and sufferings which he hath sustained during his imprisonment. Nevertheless as he did continue in prison when he had an opportunity to escape, and did voluntarily repose himself upon the equity of this Congress, and hath farther promised that he will for the future demean himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, the Congress do resolve to acquit the said Timothy Doughty from any further punishment and recommend it to their constituents to receive him again as a member of the community.

The said Timothy Doughty was thereupon called in and the determination of the Congress read to him, and by order of Congress a certified copy thereof was delivered to him, and he was thereupon discharged.

Ordered, That another certified copy thereof be delivered to the chairman of the committee of Dutchess county.

Mr. Jonathan Lawrence of the city of New-York, being highly recommended to this Congress for his great vigilance, activity, care, prudence, skill, management, and unremitted industry, as a proper person for a commissioner to carry on and forward, with the utmost despatch and vigour, the fortifications erecting on the banks of Hudson's river in the Highlands, in this Colony, and that he is cheerfully willing to undertake that service:

Ordered, That the said Jonathan Lawrence be appointed a commissioner for that purpose, in the stead and to supply the place of Mr. John Hanson, whose private affairs have obliged him to decline that servi[c]e.