WILLIAM by the Grace of GOD , King of Great-Britain , France and Ireland , Defender of the Faith , to _____ Macers of Our Privy Council , Messengers at Arms Our Sheriffs in that part , conjunctly and severally , specially constitute , Greeting ; Forasmuch as We are informed , that several Souldiers belonging to Our Forces within this Our Ancient Kingdom , have Deserted ; And We being desirous rather to reclaim Transgressours by Clemency , than to punish them with the outmost Severity ; Therefore We , with Advice of the Lords of Our Privy Council , have thought fit to Require , and do hereby Require all Souldiers that have Deserted , to return to their Colours , and to Our Service , betwixt and the First day of January next to come , promising to Indemnifie , likeas We do hereby fully Indemnifie for their by past deserting , all that shall return in manner foresaid ; But on the other hand , certifying such as shall not return betwixt and the day foresaid , that both they and their Resetters shall be prosecute with the outmost severity , conform to the Laws and Proclamations emitted against them . And farder , We do hereby Impower and Require all Officers whatsomever , belonging to Our Forces , either at home or abroad , to seize and apprehend after the day foresaid , all such Deserters as shall not accept of this Our gracious offer , to the effect they may be condignly punished , as said is . Our Will is herefore , and We Charge you strictly , and Command that incontinent these Our Letters seen , ye pass to the Mercat-Cross of Edinburgh , and to the Mercat-Crosses of the remanent Head-Burghs of the several Shires and Stewartries within this Kingdom , and there in Our Name and Authority , by open Proclamation , make Publication of the Premisses , that none pretend ignorance ; And Ordains these presents to be Printed .