<​January 10​> —— They also raised objections against the process issued by for the apprehension of Cook, because it was made returnable to him alone; whereas they said the Statute required it to be made returnable before himself or some other Justice. I explained to them the nature and reason of the ordinance; that it was to prevent kidnapping under the pretence of law or process, and to facilitate the apprehension of thieves &c. in this by throwing all foreign processes into the hands of the Marshall, who would be most likely to know the hiding places of fugitives from justice, who might secrete themselves in our ; and said that if any wrong impression had gone abroad with regard to the motives of the Council in passing said ordinance I would call the Council immediately that they might have the opportunity of giving any explanation necessary, so that the public might understand the ordinance in its true light, I have therefore called the Council accordingly. I also referred the lawyers from to the Statute which requires all processes issued in cases of bastardy to be returnable alone to the justice issuing the same, which they doubted until I shewed them the law; when they looked a little crest fallen, and foolish’