July 1642
[1 July 1642.]
Whereas the Earl of Northumberland, a Person of known
Integrity and Honour, in whom the King and Kingdom might
safely confide, is lately discharged by His Majesty from being
Lord High Admiral of England; the Lords and Commons in
Parliament assembled have, for the Safety of His Majesty's
Person, the Parliament and Kingdom, in this Time of Imminent
Danger, by Ordinance of the said Lords and Commons, Ordained
That you, Robert Earl of Warwick, shall command in chief the
Ships of the Fleet now at Sea, and shall have Power to grant
Commissions, and to remove or displace all Officers, and other
Persons whatsoever under your command, and to place others in
their Rooms, and to do all other Acts in as ample Manner as any
Admiral hath formerly done, till further Order shall be taken by
both Houses of Parliament; and all Officers, Mariners, and
Soldiers, belonging to the said Fleet, and also all Commanders of
Forts, are hereby required to yield Obedience unto you, the said
Earl of Warwicke, in all Things concerning the Service: And it
is further Ordained, That you, Robert Earl of Warwick, and all
Officers, Soldiers, and Mariners, obeying your Commands in this
Service, for the Safety of the Kingdom, shall, for your and their
Indemnity, be protected by the Authority of the said Houses of
Parliament.