The evidence went to show in the clearest manner that a system of frightful thralldom had been put in force.  A witness named Harrison stated that when he reached the United States in 1794 he found this system of terrorism prevalent.  He went to work for a Mr. Bedford, and presently got a hint that if he did not join the association of journeymen shoemakers he was liable to be “scabbed,” which meant that men would not work in the same shop, nor board or lodge in the same house, nor would they work at all for the same employer.  The case of this man seemed exceptionally hard.  He made shoes exclusively, and when “a turn-out came to raise the wages on boots” he remonstrated, pleading that shoes did not enter into the question, and urging that he had a sick wife and a large family.  But it was all to no purpose.  He then resolved that he would turn a “scab” unknown to the association, and continue his work; but having a neighbor whom it was impossible for him to deceive, he went to him and said that he knew his circumstances, and that his family must perish or go to “the bettering-house” unless he continued to work.  This neighbor, Swain, replied that he knew his condition was desperate, but that a man had better make any sacrifice than turn a “scab” at that time.  He presently informed against him, and Mr. Bedford (his employer) was warned that he must discharge his “scabs.”  He refused, saying that, “Let the consequence be what it might, we should sink or swim together.”  However, one Saturday night, when all but Harrison and a man named Logan had left him, Bedford’s resolution gave way, and he exclaimed, “I don’t know what the devil I am to do:  they will ruin me in the end.  I wish you would go to the body and pay a fine, if not very large, in order to set the shop free once more.”  The fine offered was refused, and Mr. Bedford’s shop remained “under scab” for a year.  Still, Mr. Bedford, who must have been a very plucky fellow, would not give Harrison up, but removed in 1802 to Trenton.  Harrison stated that although he could not, had Mr. Bedford given him up, have got work anywhere else, and that he might have ground him down to any terms, yet he (Bedford) very nobly always gave him full price.  At length, by paying a fine, Harrison became reconciled to his persecutors, and Bedford’s shop was once more free.

William Forgrave said that “the name of a ‘scab’ is very dangerous:  men of this description have been hurt when out at night.”  He had been threatened, and joined the association from fear of personal injury.  A vast deal more of evidence was given and eloquent speeches delivered by counsel, but the foregoing gives the sum and substance of the case.