WHereas the King and Queen's most Excellent Majesties have occasion to Employ Their Royal Navy for the Honour and Safety of Their Majesties Realms and Dominions , in carrying on a War against the French King ; And whereas by the Laws of this Realm , every Mariner , Seaman and Soldier receiving Press-Money to Serve the King in any of His Ships , and after refusing to Serve , or absenting himself at the Time and Place appointed unto him for His Service , doth incur Danger and Penalty of Felony , and is to be Punished and Forfeit as a Felon ; Nevertheless His Majesty is Informed , that several Mariners , Seamen and Soldiers , Press'd for His Service , and having received Press-Money , do neglect to Repair to , and Desert the said Service , whereby Their Majesties Ships may be unfurnished , and Their Service disappointed , to the Dishonour of Their Majesties , and Danger of Their People , especially in this Time , when the French have already Invaded Their Majesties Dominions , and are Preparing to Deprive Their Subjects of their Priviledge of Trade and other Interests .

Their Majesties therefore in Their Princely Wisdom , foreseeing the Inconveniences which may ensue , have thought fit , with the Advice of Their Privy Council , to Publish Their Majesties Royal Proclamation , and do hereby straitly Charge and Command all Mariners , Seamen and Soldiers , who are or shall hereafter be Pressed for Their Service in any Ships or Vessels belonging to the said Navy , and have received , or shall receive Press-Money for that purpose , that they duly repair and come to the Places , and at the Times appointed unto them , and there continue in the Service unto which they are or shall be respectively Commanded , upon Pain of Death , and all such other Pains , Penalties and Forfeitures , as by the Law can be Inflicted or Imposed upon them . And for the speédy and effectual Prosecution of such Offenders , Their Majesties have thought fit , and do intend forthwith to Issue Commissions of Oyer and Terminer , for their Legal Tryal and Punishment according to Iustice : And for the better Execution of this Their Royal Intention , do hereby Charge and Command all and singular Lieutenants , Deputy Lieutenants , Mayors , Sheriffs , Iustices of the Peace , Bailiffs , Constables , Headboroughs , and other Their Majesties Officers , Ministers and Subjects whatsoever within this Realm , with all Care and Diligence to make Search for , Discover , and Apprehend all and every Person and Persons offending as aforesaid , and such as shall be Apprehended , forthwith to Commit , or cause to be Committed to the next Goal of the County , City or Place where they shall be so Apprehended , there to remain until they shall be duly Proceeded against , and Delivered by Course of Law. And that the Names of the Persons so Apprehended and Committed , be forthwith sent to Their Majesties , or the Privy Council , that Care may be taken for their speedy Prosecution accordingly .