WHEREAS it hath been of absolute Necessity , that a certain Number of men should be Impressed , for the Service of Their Majesties , in Defence of this their Province , both at Sea and Land , against the common Enemy . And that some persons imployed therein , have passed the Bounds of their Duty , and my Order , by putting the same in Execution in a violent and disorderly manner , to the great Grievance of Their Majesties good Subjects .

For preventing such Disorders for the future , and rendring to all injured Persons due Satissaction , I do hereby Publish and Declare .

THat as such violent and undue methods have been used without my Knowledge , and to my great Disturbance , there shall be effectual care taken , that such as have received Damage thereby , shall Be Relieved , and all those that have been the occasion thereof shall be severely punished .

And all people whatsoever are to take notice , that no person shall hereafter be Prest into their Majesties Service , but by a particular Warrant to the Military Officers , or Constables , for that Purpose .

And if any shall presume to Act contrary to their Duty upon any such occasion , all Justices of the Peace and all Officers Military and Civil , are Required in the Name of their Majesties to cause them to be Seized , and Secured , in order to their being punished , according to the utmost severity of the Law .

And whereas divers Souldiers Entered in their Majesties Service and Pay , have presumed to leave their Posts , and some have out staid their Pass , without leave from their Commanders , others Imprest for their Majesties Service , have absented and not appeared according to Order .

I do therefore Order and strictly Command , all such Souldiers , forthwith to Repair unto their Respective Posts , and Duty , as they will answer their Neglect at their Peril , and all Officers Military and Civil , that shall know , or be informed of any such Deserters or Runaway Soldiers , are to cause them to be taken up , and conveyed before the next Justice of the Peace , in order to their being Returned , and sent unto their Respective Officers , and every Justice of the Peace , is hereby Impowred and Required to deal effectually , in this matter ; and no Soldier may presume to leave his Post , or absent himself from his Duty , on pain of being proceeded against with utmost severity of Law .

And whereas a vigorous Endeavour to suppress the Growth of Wickedness and Prophaneness in this Territory , is not onely the way to obtain the gracious Presence of Almighty God , without which we can expect no good Success of our Affairs , but also a thing for which Their Majesties have given their particular Instructions .

IT is hereby Required , That all the wholsome Laws here in Force against Vices of all kinds , and particularly the Laws against Blasphemy , Swearing , Cursing , Lying , unlawful Gaming , Sabbath-breaking , Idleness , Drunkenness , Uncleanness , and all Nurseries and Inticements of such Impietys , be in their Majesties Name immediately , and impartially put in Execution . And all Justices , of the Peace , Constables , Tithing men , or what-ever other Officers , as well Civil as Military , as are therein concerned , are hereby directed , enjoyned , and in Their Majesties Name Required , in this matter to discharge the Duty of their places , with all fidelity , and all sorts of persons to conform themselves accordingly : And it is hereby signified , that upon Complaint made , and proved against any Officers ; of having neglected their Duty , the utmost mark of Displeasure shall be set upon them , while those that are found faithful , shall be encouraged with all fit Acknowledgments .