A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT , For the speedy setting forth of a Fleet of Ships to Sea , for the Defence of the Kingdome . Die Lunae , 13. Martii , 1642.

THe Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled , fore-séeing the great inconveniences , Distractions , and Troubles , that must of necessity befall these Kingdomes of England and Ireland , by the Approaching of Foraigne Forces now in preparation , against the well affected Subiects of both the said Kingdomes , and that the wofull effects thereof doe begin to appeare by the Narrow Seas being already infested , not onely by Sea Rovers , by Commissions from the Rebels in Ireland , but also by Pirats of our own Nation , lately come forth of Falmouth in English bottomes , to destroy their owne Countrymen , and in all probability to Ioyne with our Foraine Enemies , and so hinder all the good endeavours of the Parliament for reliefe of distressed Ireland , and interrupt all Trade and Commerce in these Seas .

Wherefore the said Lords and Commons for the prevention of these great mischiefes , doe once more Declare and Ordeine , That the Fleet now in Preparation to goe forth , and al things thereunto conducing , may hasten to Sea with all possible Expedition ; And that for the better encouragement of the Officers , and Seamen , who shall be imployed in the said Fleet , there shall be allowed unto those in the Kings Ships besides their pay , one full third part of all Prizes that they shall take in this their imployment , the other two thirds to be reserved to the State ; and to those in the Merchants Ships , one full third part for the Officers and Seamen , and another third part to the Owners , in respect of their hazarding their Ships , and the other third part reserved to the State as aforesaid , which divisions are to be according to the Custome of Men of Warre .