June 1647: An Ordinance for the more full Indempnity of the Officers and Soldiers who have acted by the Authority and for the service of the Parliament.

June, 1647

[7 June, 1647.]

Pardon.; Costs against any who shall prosecute any person here by discharged.

Forasmuch as in the times of this late War and publick distractions, there have been many injuries done to private persons, and other offences committed by divers persons, bearing Arms in the service of the Parliament: The Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled taking into their consideration, That it is expedient that the injuries and offences aforesaid, be pardoned and put in oblivion, rather then by pretence of prosecution against some few persons, a great number of such who have faithfully served the Parliament, be brought into a continual vexation for such actions as the exigency of War hath necessitated them unto, do therefore Ordain, and be it Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That all persons who have committed any offences, trespasses, injuries, or other misdemeanors whatsoever, during such time as they have been imployed in Arms, by, or for the service of the Parliament, be, is, and are hereby discharged and pardoned of the same, and of and from all prosecution or dammages therefore, either at the Suit of the King, or the party grieved, and may in case he or they be questioned therefore, plead the general issue, and give this Ordinance in evidence, which shall be allowed to all intents and purposes, as if the same were pleaded in Bar. And in case any shall prosecute any Action or Suit contrary to the tenour of this Ordinance, against any person hereby discharged after notice given, that such person is hereby discharged, the Defendant or Defendants so prosecuted, shall recover his and their cost against such Prosecutor.

This shall not discharge any from accompting.

Provided also, That this Ordinance nor any thing herein contained, shall extend to discharge any such person or persons, as aforesaid, from making their true and just Accompts to any Committee or Committees of Parliament, appointed or to be appointed for that purpose, of what they have taken, received or had, for the service or benefit of the Parliament.