March 1644
[21 March, 1643/4.]
Whereas the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,
by an Ordinance of the fourteenth of January, 1642. did for
severall reasons in the said Ordinance mentioned, prohibite all
Ships and other Vessells, to carry Provisions of Victualls, Arms,
or Money, unto Newcastle, Sunderland or Blithe, or make
returne of any Coales, or Salt, from either the said places,
under paine of seizure of the said Ships, and Vessells, and their
Lading.
And whereas by the good Providence and Blessing of
Almighty God, and the endeavours of our Brethren of Scotland,
the Townes and Ports of Sunderland, and Blithe, are lately
rescued out of the hands of the Enemy, and reduced to the
obedience of the King and Parliament: The Inhabitants of
which, places by reason of the rapine and spoyle of the
Enemy, have beene probably brought to some extremity of
Want.
Trade allowed with Sunderland and Blithe.
It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons, That it
shall and may be lawfull for any person or persons, under the
obedience of the King and Parliament from hence forward, to
Trade and goe with their Ships and Vessels under either of the
said Ports of Sunderland, or Blithe, and to carry with them
Armes, Ammunition, Corne, or any other Provision of Victualls,
for the Reliefe of the said Inhabitants, and the Armies of our
said Brethren of Scotland, or such other Forces as are, or shall
be employed in the service of the King and Parliament, for the
defence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdome; And to make
returnes of Coales, Salt, or other Merchandizes, from the said
severall Ports, unto any Port or place within this Kingdome,
which are, or shall be, under the power of the Parliament; any
former Order, or Ordinance to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.