AN ORDINANCE For the better raising and levying of Marinors, sailors and others for the present guarding of the Seas, and necessary defence of the realm and other His majesty's Dominions.  
Die Veneris 3. Die Feb. 1642.  
WHereas it hath been thought fit by both Houses of Parliament to appoint great Fleets this year to be prepared for service with all possible expedition for the guarding the Narrow Seas, preservation of Trade and for the necessary defence of this kingdom, and other His majesty's Dominions, which at this time is of more necessity than ever considering not only the homebred distractions of this kingdom and of Ireland, But the great preparations which are marching already in foreign parts in aid and encouragement of the Papists, and ill-affected party amongst ourselves, now up in arms against the Parliament: And whereas the said Fleets now in preparation to be set forth cannot timely enough be expedited unless the same be furnished with fit, and sufficient men for that service.  
Be it therefore Ordained by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled, that the Committees of the Admiralty appointed by both Houses or any three of them shall, and may at any time or times, between the first of Febuary, 1642. To the last of December next coming by themselves their Commissioner, or Commissioners or their Officer, or Officers or any of them shall raise levy and impress such, and so many Mariners, sailors, Watermen, chirurgeons, Gunners, Caukers, ship-carpenters and hoyman, as also Carmen for the said carriage of victuals as shall be requisite, and necessary for this present expedition, or for any such further defence of this realm, or any other of His majesty's Dominions, which said Marines, sailors and other such persons so to be levied, and impressed as aforesaid, and every of them shall have paid and delivered unto him upon such his impressing by the person that shall so impress him, for conduct money for every mile from the place where he shall be so impressed, to the Ship or place where he shall be appointed to make his repair the some of one penny, and the like some of one penny for every mile from the place of his discharge unto the place of his abode, and shall be allowed for this service, the best wages and entertainment which have, or hath been allowed by His Majesty to any such person or persons respectively at any time within three years' last past; And to the end that the common seamen may be the better encouraged, with Alacrity and cheerfulness to undertake this service; Be it further ordained that an addition of wages be allowed from 15ˢ. Per mencem unto 19ˢ. Per mencem to every common seaman, as also unto such watermen as have been already at Sea in His majesty's Ships or others, and can do their labours as seamen and not otherwise; And if any Marinor, Saylor, Waterman, chirurgeon, Gunner, Ship-captenter, Canker, hoyman, or Carman shall wilfully refuse to be impressed in or for the said service or shall voluntarily, hide and absent himself at the time of such press to avoid the said service, or receiving his said conduct moneys do not appear at such places and times as by his Ticket he is appointed, That then any such person so offending shall suffer imprisonment by the space of three months without bail or mayneprise. Provided always and be it ordained, that no Money or other reward shall be taken, or any corrupt practice used by any the persons Authorised by this Ordinance, in or for the pressing, changing, sparing or discharging of any person or persons to be impressed as aforesaid as they will answer such offence in Parliament; And all deputy Lieutenants, Majors, bailiffs, Constables and all other inferior Officers, are hereby required and enjoined to be Aiding and Assisting, from time to time the persons Authorized by this Ordinance, according to the true intent and meaning thereof. Provided, always that this Ordinance shall not extend, to the pressing of any Master or Masters-mate, Gunner, Carpenter, or boatswain of any Ship or vessel that is or shall be in employment.   

Die Veneris 3. Febuary 4. 1642.  
Ordered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, that this Ordinance shall be forthwith Printed and published.  
J. Browne Cler. Parliamentorum.   

London, Printed for I. Wright in the Old bailie, February, 4. 1642.