February 1643: Ordinance for the Earl of Warwick to command the Fleet.

February 1642/3

[8 February, 1642/3.]

Whereas the Earl of Northumberland, a Person of known Integrity and Honour, in whom the King and Kingdom might safely confide, is discharged by His Majesty from being Lord High Admiral of England; the Lords and Commons in Parliament assempled have, for the Safety of His Majesty's Person, the Parliament, and Kingdom, in this Time of imminet Danger, by Ordinance of the Lords and Commons, ordined, That you, Robert Earl of Warwicke, shall command in Chief the Ships which are now at Sea, or shall be sent to Sea; and shall have Power to grant Commissions, and to remove and displace all Officers and other Persons whatsoever, under your Command, and to place others in their Rooms; and to do all other Acts, in as ample Manner as any Admiral hath formerly done; and have Martial Power, as the General now hath at Land, till an Act of Parliament be passed for the further settling of the Admiralty: and all Officers, mariners, and Soldiers, belonging to the said Fleet, and also all Commanders of Forts, are hereby required to yield Obedience unto you, the said Earl of Warwicke: And it is further Ordered, That you, Robert Earl of Warwicke, and all Officers, Soldiers, and Mariners, obeying your Command in this Service for the Safety of the Kingdom, shall, for your and their Indemnity, be protected by the Authority of the said Houses of Parliament.