¶ A PROCLAMATION to prevent Abuses by the soldiers:  
By his excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, Knight, Commander in chief of the Forces raised by the PARLIAMENT.  
WHereas diverse Complaints have been made of several abuses and misdemeanours, committed by several soldiers of the Army both Horse and Foot, viz. That they unwarrantably impress and violently take Horses for their own uses, from several persons, pretending the same to be for the use of the State; And also force persons where they quarter, to pay them unreasonable sums of money, in lieu of quarter, (notwithstanding they are provided for at their several quarters) and to give them moneys at their removing for their future expenses, having no manner of colour for the same, tending not only to the great prejudice and wrong to the persons injured, but also to the scandal and dishonour of the Army, and contrary to the laws and Ordinances of war in that case made and provided.  
For prevention whereof, and of all other the like disorders and abuses whatsoever, I do hereby strictly charge and require all soldiers of the Army, both Horse and Foot, (after Proclamation hereof duly made) to forbear, either by themselves or others, to impress, or by force take, any Horses or Mares, from any person or persons whomsoever, to their own, or any others use, upon any pretence whatsoever, unless it be by sufficient warrant under the hand of the captain or other Officer lawfully authorized thereunto: And that they do likewise forthwith forbear to demand, take, or compel any person, where they quarter, to give them any money, upon any pretence whatsoever, either whilst they remain at their several quarters, or at their removals, upon such penalty and several punishment as may be inflicted upon every such as shall be found offenders therein, by a council of War. And I do hereby require all Officers of the Army, in their several places, to use all possible care and diligence, to prevent the soldiers under their respective Commands, from committing the aforesaid or any other the like misdemeanours. And upon discovery of such as shall be found offenders therein, to bring them to a council of war in the Regiment to which they belong respectively, according to a Commission to that purpose granted, to the end they may be brought to condign punishment for the same. And if any Office shall wilfully neglect his duty herein, such Officer shall be responsible for the misdemeanours of his respective Soldiers.  
Given under my hand & seal at Wickham the 1. of July, 1647. THO: FAIRFAX.  
To the marshal general, to be published at the Head of every Regiment of Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, by Sound of Trumpet and Beat of Drum.   

A Commission granted by his Excellency to the Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, or Major, of every Regiment in the Army, for the punishment of offences by a council of war in each Regiment, in pursuance of this Proclamation.  
WHereas divers misdemeanours and offences are daily committed by some Soldiers of the Army in their several quarters, and other places, which cannot conveniently be brought to a council of War at the Head-quarter: I do hereby give you full power and authority (by the Commission Officers of your Regiment) to call a council of War from time to time, and as often as need shall require, for the trial of such persons of your Regiment (according to the laws and Ordinances of War established) as shall be found guilty of misdemeanour: And to inflict such punishment upon them (according to the said laws and Ordinances) as they shall be adjudged unto for the same by the said council. Provided that this Commission shall not extend to the trial of any Officers in Commission, nor to the inflicting any punishment to the taking away of life or member, without first acquainting me therewith.  
Given under my hand and seal the first day of July, 1647. THO: FAIRFAX.  
To Col: Lieutenant Col: or Major of his Regiment.   

LONDON Printed for Humphrey Harward. 1647.