A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT, For the speedy setting forth of a Fleet of Ships to Sea, for the Defence of the kingdom.  
Die Lunae, 13. Martii, 1642.  
THe Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled, foreseeing the great inconveniences, Distractions, and Troubles, that must of necessity befall these kingdoms of England and Ireland, by the Approaching of foreign Forces now in preparation, against the well affected subjects of both the said kingdoms, and that the woeful effects thereof do begin to appear by the Narrow Seas being already infested, not only by Sea Rovers, by Commissions from the Rebels in Ireland, but also by pirates of our own Nation, lately come forth of Falmouth in English bottoms, to destroy their own Countrymen, and in all probability to join with our foreign Enemies, and so hinder all the good endeavours of the Parliament for relief of distressed Ireland, and interrupt all Trade and Commerce in these Seas.  
Wherefore the said Lords and Commons for the prevention of these great mischiefs, do once more Declare and ordain, That the Fleet now in Preparation to go forth, and all things thereunto conducing, may hasten to Sea with all possible Expedition; And that for the better encouragement of the Officers, and Seamen, who shall be employed in the said Fleet, there shall be allowed unto those in the King's Ships besides their pay, one full third part of all Prizes that they shall take in this their employment, the other two thirds to be reserved to the State; and to those in the merchant's Ships, one full third part for the Officers and Seamen, and another third part to the Owners, in respect of their hazarding their Ships, and the other third part reserved to the State as aforesaid, which divisions are to be according to the custom of Men of war.  

Die Lunae, 13. Martii, 1642.  
ORdered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, that this Declaration shall be forthwith Printed and published.  
John Browne Cler. Parliamentorum.    

March 14. Printed at London for John Wright in the Old-bailey. 1642.