May 1645: An Ordinance for the appointing of Col. Massey Commander in chief of the Forces of the Western Association.

May, 1645

[24 May, 1645.]

Col. Massey to be Commander-in-Chief of Forces in Western Association.

It is Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That Colonel Edward Massey, a person of approved Valor and Fidelity, be Commander in chief of all the Forces of Horse and Foot raised or to be raised, imployed or to be imployed for the Western Association of Devon, Cornwal, Somerset, Dorset and Wilts, and the Cities of Exon and Bristol, and the Town and County of Pool, And of all Towns, Castles, Islands, Garisons, and Forts within the same; And that all Officers and Commanders of the said Forces, and all Governors of such Towns, Castles, Islands, Garisons and Forts from time to time receive and obey his Commands and Orders concerning the Premises; saving that the Governors of the said Towns, Castles, Forts and Garisons are not to be placed or displaced by him, but according to such Instructions as he shall receive from the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Western Association, or any eight of them.

It is further Ordained, That the said Edward Massey, during the time of the said Government, obey and execute all Orders and Directions which he shall receive from both Houses of Parliament, and the Committee of both Kingdoms: And the said Edward Massey is required with all convenient speed, to repair to his said Charge of Government.

Martial Law; Col. Massey to be under Orders of Sir Thomas Fairfax if present.

And it is lastly Ordained, That he have power to execute Martial Law, according to the Articles published by the Earl of Essex, and used in the Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, on all Officers and Soldiers under the Command of the said Edward Massey by vertue of this Ordinance: Provided, That if the said Sir Thomas shall be sent by both Houses of Parliament, or the Committees of both Kingdoms, upon any Service into the said Association, That the then said Edward Massey shall obey and execute such Orders and Directions as he shall receive from the said Sir Thomas Fairfax during such Service and Expedition in the said Association; And that nothing in this Ordinance shall lessen or take away any power given by any former Ordinance to the Sir Thomas Fairfax.