This action disturbed me. While I assume it would have been common by the Crown, I do believe the precedent was unwise. I understand that the Continental Congress was desperate to root out those opposed to their cause, that time was of the essence, etc. But, I’m not entirely sure that the outcome would have been different without these laws. Too often politicians have used this and other special circumstances to take actions contrary to our stated principles.
I also have to mention I was personally appalled that Isaac Ketchum’s six children were left completely on their own while he was in jail. While I’m sure this wasn’t uncommon at that time, that there was no such thing as social services, it was still disturbing.