Forasmuch , as We understanding , that several persons do at their own hand Intromet with the Goods and Gear of those Rebels and Traitors lately forfaulted by Our Parliament and Justice-Court , and others Fugitives and Rebels from Our Laws ; and more especially , Cut and Destroy the Woods , Trees , Plantings , and Orchards of the Lands lately belonging to them , in high Contempt of Our Authority , and to Our Enorm Prejudice , these Lands being annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Our Ancient Kingdom . And We being Resolved , that the former Transgressors , as well as these who may hereafter be guilty of the saids Crimes , may be brought to condign Punishment : Do with Advice of Our Privy Council , hereby strictly Require and Command all Our Sheriffs , and other Magistrates within whose Jurisdiction the foresaid Abuse and Crimes have been committed , to make strict Inquiry and Tryal anent the Delinquents , and Sentence and Punish them as well for their by gone Guilt aforesaid , as for what may be done by them or any others in time coming , according to Our Laws and Proclamations , as Committers of Thieft , and for Reset of Thieft . Certifying hereby , Our saids Sheriffs and other Magistrates , that if they fail in their Duty herein , they themselves shall be lyable , for concealing , to the same Pains and Penalties , which might have been , or may be Incurred by the saids Transgressors , besides being otherways punished , as Our Council shall think fit . And for Encouragement of such as shall any ways Discover either the Negligence , Tolerence , or Connivance of Our saids Magistrates , or the Transgressors , so as they may be found guilty by Sentence . We hereby Declare , That those Informers and Discoverers shall have for their Reward , the one half of their Fynes , the other half thereof being to be paid in to Our Cash-keeper for Our Use . And that Our pleasure in the Premises may be known ; Our Will is , and We Charge you strictly and Command , that incontinent these Our Letters seen , ye pass to the Mercat-Cross of Edinburgh , and all the other Mercat-Crosses of the Head-Burghs of the Shires of this Kingdom ; and thereby open Proclamation , in Our Royal Name and Authority make Publication of Our Pleasure in the Premises that all Persons concerned , may have notice thereof , and give Obedience accordingly , as they will be answerable ; and Ordains the Sheriffs of the several Shires to cause Publish this Proclamation .