After several attempts he succeeded, and the people learned that he had received a proclamation from Gov. Tryon, of the Colony of New York, in which he claimed all the territory west of the Connecticut River, and ordering him to send a list of all persons holding land under grants from the Colony of New Hampshire.
The country west of the Connecticut, now known as Vermont, was then only known as "New Hampshire grants."
When the sheriff had finished he asked what he should do.
"Why did you receive it?" asked one of the oldest residents.
"It was sent to me as sheriff."
"Even so, but you are the sheriff of the district which holds its lands from the Colony of New Hampshire."
The sheriff trembled, fearing he had done some wrong.
"It is in the name of his majesty, the king," he muttered; "and I was bound to receive it."
Through the crowd a young man pushed his way. He reached the side of the sheriff, and in a mild but firm voice asked to be allowed to look at the proclamation.
It was no ordinary man who made the demand. He would have attracted attention anywhere, and among those who knew him best he was esteemed, though the devout believed there was something uncanny about him and his family.