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