MAY 1781—5th OF COMMONWEALTH.
CHAP. IV.
An act for establishing martial law within twenty miles of the American army, or the enemy's camp.
WHEREAS it is necessary for the safety of the army, that all persons within a limited distance thereof should be subject to martial law; Be it enacted. That all persons whatsoever either in the American army or within twenty miles thereof, and also all persons within twenty miles of the enemy's camp, shall, and they are hereby declared to be subject to martial law, as declared by the continental rules, articles and regulations of war; and any person within the said limits, guilty of disobedience of orders or of any other offence, punishable by the said articles of war, shall be tried, acquitted or condemned, and punished as in and by the said rules and articles of war is ordered and prescribed. Provided, That this act shall continue and be in force until the end of the next session of assembly, and no longer.