July 1642: Ordinance for the Earl of Warwick to remain in his Command of the Fleet.

July 1642

[1 July 1642.]

Whereas the Earl of Northumberland, a Person of known Integrity and Honour, in whom the King and Kingdom might safely confide, is lately discharged by His Majesty from being Lord High Admiral of England; the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled have, for the Safety of His Majesty's Person, the Parliament and Kingdom, in this Time of Imminent Danger, by Ordinance of the said Lords and Commons, Ordained That you, Robert Earl of Warwick, shall command in chief the Ships of the Fleet now at Sea, and shall have Power to grant Commissions, and to remove or 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, till further Order shall be taken by both Houses of Parliament; 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, in all Things concerning the Service: And it is further Ordained, That you, Robert Earl of Warwick, and all Officers, Soldiers, and Mariners, obeying your Commands 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.