In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, Kingston, April 1, 1777: Whereas from the want of courts properly instituted for the trial of treasons, and other offenses against this state ... resolved, that all such persons as have been, or shall be apprehended, in this state, without the enemy's lines, by Continental or other American troops, as spies for the enemy, or for inlisting men into their service, or for furnishing supplies or intelligence to them, be tried for the said offences by martial law