May, 1645
[24 May, 1645.]
Col. Massey to be Commander-in-Chief of Forces in Western Association.
It is Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament
assembled, That Colonel Edward Massey, a person of approved
Valor and Fidelity, be Commander in chief of all the Forces of
Horse and Foot raised or to be raised, imployed or to be imployed for the Western Association of Devon, Cornwal, Somerset, Dorset and Wilts, and the Cities of Exon and Bristol, and
the Town and County of Pool, And of all Towns, Castles, Islands,
Garisons, and Forts within the same; And that all Officers and
Commanders of the said Forces, and all Governors of such
Towns, Castles, Islands, Garisons and Forts from time to time
receive and obey his Commands and Orders concerning the
Premises; saving that the Governors of the said Towns, Castles,
Forts and Garisons are not to be placed or displaced by him,
but according to such Instructions as he shall receive from the
Committee of Lords and Commons for the Western Association,
or any eight of them.
It is further Ordained, That the said Edward Massey, during
the time of the said Government, obey and execute all Orders
and Directions which he shall receive from both Houses of
Parliament, and the Committee of both Kingdoms: And the
said Edward Massey is required with all convenient speed, to
repair to his said Charge of Government.
Martial Law; Col. Massey to be under Orders of Sir Thomas Fairfax if present.
And it is lastly Ordained, That he have power to execute
Martial Law, according to the Articles published by the Earl of
Essex, and used in the Army under the Command of Sir Thomas
Fairfax, on all Officers and Soldiers under the Command of the
said Edward Massey by vertue of this Ordinance: Provided,
That if the said Sir Thomas shall be sent by both Houses of
Parliament, or the Committees of both Kingdoms, upon any
Service into the said Association, That the then said Edward
Massey shall obey and execute such Orders and Directions as he
shall receive from the said Sir Thomas Fairfax during such
Service and Expedition in the said Association; And that
nothing in this Ordinance shall lessen or take away any power
given by any former Ordinance to the Sir Thomas Fairfax.