August 1643: An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, concerning Forces to be sent, by the Committee of the Militia of the City of London, for the Relief of Gloucester.

August 1643

[23 August, 1643.]

Ordinance for Relief of Gloucester.

It is Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That the Committee of the Militia of the City of London shall be and hereby are, authorised to command Six Regiments of Foot, consisting of Eight Thousand Men, or any less Number, as likewise Fifteen Hundred Horse, or any less Number, either of their Trained Bands, Auxiliaries, or other Forces under the Command of the said Committee, within the Cities of London and Westm. and all other Forces within the Forts or Lines of Communication, and the Parishes mentioned in the Weekly Bill of Mortality, to march, according to the Discipline and Order of War, under the Conduct and Command of such Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Captains, and other Officers, as the same Committee shall nominate and appoint, with all necessary Provisions of Arms, Ordnance Ammunition, and other Carriages, from the City of London, and Places afore-mentioned, unto the Lord General the Earl of Essex, wheresoever he shall be; and, according to his Excellency's Direction, to proceed for the Relief of the City of Gloucester, now besieged, by Diversion or otherwise, and upon such other Service as shall be commanded by his Excellency, with the Consent of the said Committee: and, those Services being performed, the said Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and other Officers, shall be, and are hereby, authorized to command and conduct all the said Forces, both of Horse and Foot, in their Return to the City of London, or otherwise upon any other Service, according to such Order as they shall receive from the Committee of the Militia afore-mentioned; and all the Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Captains, and other Officers and Soldiers, are hereby streightly charged and required to be observant and obedient to all the Commands and Orders of the said Committee, in Performance of this Ordinance; for doing whereof, as well the said Committee as all other Persons whom it may concern shall be and are sufficiently warranted and saved harmless by the Authority of both Houses of Parliament.