June 1648: An Ordinance for putting all Delinquents, Papists, Ministers, Officers, and Soldiers of Fortune, that have adhered to the enemy, during the late War, out of the Cities of London and Westminster, late Lines of Communication, and Twenty miles distant.

June, 1648

[16 June, 1648.]

Ord. 23 May, 1648, recited.

Whereas by Ordinance of Parliament bearing date 23 May, 1648. it is Ordained, That all Papists and all Officers and Souldiers of Fortune, and other persons whatsoever that have borne Armes against the Parliament; or have adhered to, or willingly assisted the enemy in this late Warr, are before the 25 of May last, to depart Twenty Miles from the Cities of London and Westminster, and late lines of Communication; and in case they do not, they are to be apprehended, imprisoned, and proceeded against as Traytors.

And whereas in the said Ordinance there is a proviso, that nothing therein shall extend to such persons who having their Habitations within the Lines of Communication, or within the said space of Twenty miles, have made their Compositions, and pain in or secured their Fines; or have taken the negative Oath and Covenant; or that shall be Authorized by both Houses of Parliament; or being really attending their Compositions at Goldsmith Hall, shall be permitted by the Committee of Lords and Commons for Composition, there to continue within the said late Lines of Communication for the perfecting of their said Compositions, By reason of the large extent of which said Proviso: And also, because as the same is drawn, it is dangerous for any Officer so much as to apprehend any of the said Delinquents, if he be within the benefit of the same, which falls not within common notice, many Officers doe thereby take occasion to neglect their duty in apprehending the aforesaid Delinquents who are out of the benefit of the aforesaid Proviso.

Proviso of former Ord. concerning persons exempt therefrom repealed.; New proviso.; Persons that inhabit without said lines not to continue within them without special license.

For the preventing and removall of the said mischiefs, it is hereby Ordained by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the said Proviso, and every Clause thereof be from henceforth repealed, and made void and null; and that those of the aforesaid Delinquents who shall be exempted from the penalty of the said Ordinance of the 23 May last, are, and shall be onely such, who having their usuall Habitations within the said late Lines of Communication, or within the said space of Twenty miles have made their Compositions, and paid in or secured their Fines, and such whose Estates being not worth Two hundred pounds in Lands or Chattels, have taken the negative Oath and Covenant, and have their usuall Habitations within the said Lines of Communication, or within Twenty miles thereof as aforesaid, or such who from the said 23 of May, have been, or shall be hereafter authorized by both Houses of Parliament, or who are now actually Compounding at Goldsmiths Hall, and since the 23 of May have been, or shall be hereafter permitted by the Committee of Lords and Commons for Compositions, there to continue within the said late Lines of Communication, onely for so long time as shall be thought necessary by them for setling the Fine and payment, and securing of the Money upon the said Composition; Provided that those who have their Habitations out of the said Lines, and within Twenty miles aforesaid, shall not continue within the said Lines of Communication, unless they have particular Licence from both Houses of Parliament, or from the Committee at Goldsmiths-hall, renewed since the said 23 of May last for such cause as aforesaid.

Constables may seize delinquents on suspicion.; Indemnity.

And it is hereby further Ordained, That it shall be lawfull for any Constable or Officers hereunto authorized, upon suspition, to apprehend any such Delinquents, and secure them till they make it appear that they are within any of the aforesaid qualifications, and every such officer for performing of his or their duty therein, shall be saved harmless and indempnified by both Houses of Parliament.

Ministers sequestered for delinquency or scandal included herein.; Fine and imprisonment.; Fines, how to be employed and levied.

It is hereby further declared, That this Ordinance, and the said former recited Ordinance of the 23 May, 1648. are intended to extend, and doe extend to all sequestred Ministers that are sequestred for Delinquency or Scandall; Provided also, That every such Papist and Delinquent within this Ordinance, as shall stay within the Lines of Communication, or within Twenty miles thereof after the Nineteenth day of this instant month of June, Contrary to this present Ordinance, and not within the Qualifications, or Licensed as aforesaid; shall also, beside the punishment of Imprisonment, forfeit and pay the sum of Twenty pounds, one moiety thereof to be paid to the person or persons who shall discover such offenders; and the other moiety to the Treasurer for the maimed Souldiers; for the use of the said Souldiers, to be levied by Distress, and sale of their Goods, rendring to the owner the over-plus by Warrant under the Hands and Seal of any Three of the said respective Committee of Militia where they are apprehended; and the said Offender or Offenders shall not be released without payment of the said Money.

Who excepted.

Provided, That this Ordinance, or any therein contained, shall not extend to any such person or persons as have perfected their Compositions, and Sued out their Pardons under the Great Seal of England.