seal of the Commonwealth By the Lord Protector.  
A Proclamation Of his Highness concerning a Cessation of all Acts of Hostility between the Commonwealth of England, and that of the United Provinces, and their respective people, and the restitution of all things taken and seized upon by either party after the fourth of this instant May.  
OLIVER Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging. Whereas the Commissioners appointed by Us to treat with the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the United Provinces; and the said Ambassadors, by way of Explanation of the third of those Articles of Peace, lately concluded between this Commonwealth, and that of the United Netherlands, and for removing all questions and differences which may arise thencefrom, Have agreed & concluded the following Article, viz. That whereas in the third of those Articles of Peace, Union and Confederation made, established, and promulged between the Lord PROTECTOR of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, It is agreed, That all Injuries, Charges and Damages, which either party hath sustained by the other since the 18/28 of May in the year one thousand six hundred fifty two shall be taken away and forgotten in such manner as that hereafter neither party shall pretend any matter against the other for or upon occasion of any the aforesaid Injuries, Charges and Damages, but that there shall be a perfect abolition of all and every of them until this present day. And all Actions for the same shall be held and reputed void and null, excepting such depredations as shall be committed by either side in these Seas after the space of twelve days, and in all other places on this side the Cape of St. Vincent, after six weeks, and from thence within the Mediterranean Sea, and to the Equinoctial Line after ten weeks, and beyond the Equinoctial Line, after the space of eight Months, or immediately after sufficient notice of the said Peace given in those places. And whereas certain questions may possibly arise about the fore-rehearsed words, which may minister occasion of debates and disputes, The said Lord Protector, and the said States General, to the end all manner of controversy and difference may be removed, which might arise by reason of any thing in the aforesaid Article contained, Have unanimously accorded & agreed, and do by these presents publish and declare to all and singular their People and Subjects respectively, that immediately after Publication of the Treaty of Peace, which is already done, all acts of Hostility shall immediately cease in all places expressed in the said Article, and in all others wheresoever. And that all depredations, damages and injuries which shall be done or committed by one party against the other after the fourth day of this instant May in all places whatever, mentioned in the foresaid Article, or elsewhere, as well on this side the Line as beyond, shall be accounted for▪ And all things taken or seized after the abovesaid fourth of May, shall be restored without any form of Process, as also damages growing by occasion thereof. And to the end this Agreement and Article may be the better known, both parties shall Publish the same within their respective Territories and Dominions, and straight charge and command as well their Ships of War, as others whether in Port, or at Sea, to observe the same.  
Wherefore we having considered what is agreed as aforesaid, have confirmed and ratified, as we do confirm and ratify the same by these presents, which we have caused to be published, that all persons concerned therein may take notice thereof. And we do hereby straightly charge and require all the Ships of War, and others, either belonging to the State, or to any particular persons set forth upon private Commissions, or otherwise, to observe the said Agreement. And to the end none may pretend ignorance herein, The Commissioners of the Admiralty are hereby required to give effectual notice hereof to all the Ships of War of this State, either at Sea, or in Port, within these Dominions or elsewhere. And the Judges of the High Court of Admiralty are also by virtue of these presents, forthwith to call in upon their several Securities given in that Court, all such Ships as have been set forth upon private Commissions against the United Provinces, or the People thereof.  
Given at Whitehall this first of May, in the year 1654. In witness whereof as well the Lords Commissioners of His Highness, as the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the State's General, have signed these presents with their own hands. Done at Westminster the 28. of April Old style, in the year 1654. 

H. Laurence Pres.  
Gil. Pickering.  
E. Mountagu.  
Wal. Strickland.  
H. Beverningck.  
Wil Nieupoort.  
Alar. P. Jongestall.     

Printed and Published by His Highness special command.   

London, Printed by Will. dugard and Hen. Hills, Printers to His Highness the Lord Protector, 1654.