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.