August 1648: An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, authorizing Robert Earl of Warwick, Lord High Admiral of England, to execute Martial Law upon such Captains, Commanders, Officers, Mariners, Seamen, and Soldiers, as shall not be subject to his Power and Authority.

August, 1648

[21 August, 1648.]

Ordinance for Martial Law at ea.

Whereas it is found that great Inconveniences have ensued, for Want of a strict and severe Discipline to have been observed in the Navy or Fleet set forth by Authority of Parliament, under the Command of Robert Earl of Warwick, Lord High Admiral of England: It is now Ordained and Declared, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That, from henceforth, the Captains, Commanders, Officers, Mariners, Seamen, and Soldiers, and all other whatsoever thereunto belonging, under the command of the said Lord High Admiral, shall expect no further Forbearance of such Punishment as may be condignly inflicted upon them, according to the Civil Laws, Law Martial, and Customs of the Sea, and according to such Laws and Ordinances as shall by him the said Lord High Admiral, and his Council of War by him put in Commission under his Hand and Seal, be concluded and agreed upon; but shall therein be subject to his and their Power and Authority, to be punished by Death or otherwise, according to their Demerits, and shall be due unto them by the said Laws and Ordinances.