Parliament's Act Permitting the Seizure and Imprisonment of Rebelling Americans

London: Charles Eyre and William Strahan, 1777. Cap. IX. Folio. (ii), pp. 311-312. Full modern marbled paper-covered boards; all edges trimmed. ESTC N57688

A significant and scarce Act of Parliament issued at the beginning of the American Revolution. "Whereas a Rebellion and War have been openly and traitorously levied and carried on in certain of His Majesty's Colonies and Plantations in America, and Acts of Treason and Piracy have been committed on the High Seas, and upon the Ships and Goods of His Majesty's Subjects, and many Persons have been seised and taken, who are expressly charged or strongly suspected of such Treasons and Felonies, and many more such Persons may be hereafter so seised and taken." The Act allowed persons suspected of committing treason--especially aiding in the American rebellion--to be thrown into jail without a warrant or the issue of formal charges, and then held without trial.