Gregory Bernard Keen
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 142
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... of their estates, except John Allen, who died before the day appointed for trial. wards, in August, he petitioned the Assembly to relieve him from the effects of the former Act, either by passing "an Act of oblivion and indemnity in his favour, or, at least, admitting him to a trial," accompanying his request by a certificate "from divers inhabitants of Philadelphia, testifying that his conduct and behaviour, while in the city, was innocent and inoffensive, and that he was considered by the British army as inimical to their cause." This petition was, at first, dismissed by the House, but a renewal of his application secured the passage of an Act, November 26, annulling the former one, so far as it regarded the person of Mr. Keen, provided he rendered himself to one of the Justices of the Supreme Court on or before the first day of December next, abiding his "trial for any treason or misprision of treason, that he is, has been, or may be charged with." The condition was complied with by Mr. Keen's presenting himself on the 28th of the month to the Chief-Justice of the Court, a procedure which resulted in his "discharge from prosecution." Notwithstanding these facts, the Supreme Executive Council of the State conceived Mr. Keen's property to be still liable to sequestration, and June 16, 1779, ordered the Secretary to write to the Agents for Forfeited Estates in Philadelphia, reminding them of their duty in the premises. Mr. Keen's remonstrances were unavailing until the passage, September 14, by General Assembly, of a Resolution granting him "leave to bring in a bill for revesting such parts of his estate in him as were not sold before he surrendered himself to the Justices of the Supreme Court...