September 1645: Ordinance for the Committee of the West to regulate divers Abuses in Wiltshire.

September, 1645

[19 September, 1645.]

Upon several Informations made, of divers Abuses and Offences committed in the County of Wilts, by favouring of the Delinquents, and oppressing the well-affected in the said County, and of Differences betwixt the Committee, Officers, and Soldiers in the County aforesaid: It is Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Associations of the Counties of Wilts, Dorsett, Somersett, Devon, and Cornwall, shall have Power, and be authorized, and are hereby authorized, and Power is given to them, to inform themselves, by all good Ways and Means, be it by Oath or otherwise, concerning the Premises; and whether the Ordinances of Parliament concerning Delinquents are well and duly put in Execution in the said County; and also of all unjust and unequal Collections, Levies, Rates, Taxes, and unnecessary Free Quarter, made in the said County of Wilts; to which End, the said Committee of Lords and Commons, or any Three of them, are hereby authorized to administer an Oath to any Person they shall think fit, and to hear and determine Complaints concerning the Premises, and concerning any Differences that are or may arise, between the Committees, Officers, and Soldiers, or any of them; and to take Order for Redress and Remedy, as they shall see Cause; and to send any of the said Committee, or any other able and discreet Persons to be named by them, who shall have the same or like Power in the Premises, limited with such Instructions as the said Committee of Lords and Commons shall appoint and direct from Time to Time: Provided, That, in Case of Punishment to be inflicted on any Person by virtue hereof, the Proofs to be made on Oath, which the said Committee of Lords and Commons, and Persons so sent, are hereby authorized to take and administer: The Powers granted by this Ordinance to continue for Six Months from the Day of passing this Ordinance, and no longer.