Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/440

 By 28 H. 8. Murthers and Robberies committed upon the Sea, or in other Places, where the Admiral pretends Juridiction, hall be enquired into, try’d, heard, and determined, in uch Places and Counties within the Realm, as hall be limited by the King’s Commiion, in like Manner as if uch Offences were done at Land. And uch Commiions (being under the Great Seal) hall be directed to the Lord Admiral, his Lieutenant or Deputy, and to three or four uch others as the Lord Chancellor hall name.

The aid Commiioners, or three of them, have Power to enquire of uch Offences by twelve lawful Men of the Country, o limited in their Commiion, as if uch Offences were done at Land, within the ame County; and every Indictment o found and preented, hall be good in Law; and uch Order, Progres, Judgment, and Execution hall be ued, had, done, and made thereupon, as against Offenders for Murder and Felony done at Land. Alo the Tryal of uch Offences (if they be denied) hall be had by twelve Men of the County, limited in the aid Commiion, (as aforeaid,) and no Challenge hall be had for the Hundred: And uch as hall be convict of uch Offences, hall uffer Death without Benefit of Clergy, and forfeit Land and Goods, as in Cae of Felonies and Murders done at Land.

This Act hall not prejudice any Peron, or Perons, (urged by Neceity) for taking Victuals, Cables, Ropes, Anchors or Sails, out of another Ship that may pare them, o as they either pay ready Money, or Money worth for them, or give a Bill for the Payment thereof; if on this Side the Straits of Gibraltar, within four Months; if beyond, within twelve Months.

When any uch Commiion hall be ent to any Place within the Juridiction of the Cinque-Ports, it hall be directed to the Warden of the aid Ports, or his Deputy with three or four other Perons, as the Lord Chancellor hall Name; and the Inquiition or Tryal of uch Offences, there, hall be made and had, by the Inhabitants of the aid Ports, and Members of the ame.