The Daily Dispatch: March 17, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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Martial law.

--It is an indisputable fact that mortial law has rid the metropolis of a majority of all the loafers, rowdies, thieves, pick-pockets, etc. But in accomplishing this, it has turned them all into highwaymen, in the outskirts of the city. Hollywood, Sidney, Shed Town and Darby Town, are now ruled by these ‘"men about town!"’ to the terror of all nervous ladies and small girls. It is unsafe for ladies to be out after sunset, or leave their doors unbarred. We learn from a lady of veracity and respectability, that a servant boy was knocked down, in broadday-light, while on his way home from the post-office, Wednesday last, with valuable letters for his mistress, and unmercifully whipped by a set of suburban desperadoes. As the Provest Marshal's armed police are little better than the snoring night- watch, heads of families on the out skirts of the city ought to form ‘"Vigilance Committees"’ for the protection of their families, while they are gone with the ‘"melish."’