August 1647: Ordinance for the Trinity House to raise Mariners, for Defence of the Kingdom, &c.

August, 1647

[1 August, 1647.]

Be it Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Master, Warden, and Assistants, of the Trinity House, do, with all possible Speed, raise all the Forces and Power they can, amongst the Mariners and Seamen belonging to the River of Thames, for the Defence of the King's Person, the Kingdom, Parliament, and City, against all Forces whatsoever, that are in Arms, or that shall put themselves in Arms. against the King, the Kingdom, Parliament, and City; and for that Purpose to nominate and appoint some fit Persons of Fidelity and Experience, to be Commanders and Officers; and to summon, list, and muster, all such Mariners and Sailors, to serve under such Commanders and Officers; and the said Commanders and Officers have hereby Power to lead and conduct the said Mariners and Sailors, and to fight with, slay, and kill, all such as are or shall be in Arms against the King, the Kingdom, Parliament, and City, as aforesaid; and they are likewise authorized and desired to procure such convenient Arms, out of some Shipping in the River, with the Consent of the Owners, as shall be needful for arming of such Mariners and Sailors; and, in case of any Defect, then to repair to the Committee of the Safety, who are to provide and furnish The Trinity House with such Arms and Ammunition as shall be needful