blazon or coat of arms  
❧ By the Major.  
FOrasmuch as it is conceived and apprehended by the Court of common-council, that the city at the present is in great danger; And that the same doth require more than ordinary care for the preventing thereof: And for that purpose the said Court of common-council hath entered into consideration of what may conduce to the safety of the city; and in pursuance thereof, These are in His majesty's name straightly to charge and command you, and every of you, That some of yourselves in your own persons, with some of your Constables, do presently upon sight hereof repair to every householder within your Ward, and give them strict charge and command (as they will answer the contrary) that during this Night, to Morrow, to morrow at Night, Monday next, and Monday at night next, they do not suffer any of their Children, Servants, or others under their command, to go abroad out of their Houses, but only to morrow in their own company to Church. And further, that this Night, and to Morrow at night, some of yourselves, with some of your Constables do make diligent search in all places within your Ward, where you shall think fitting, for all persons that do now lodge within the same; And that you cause their Names to be taken, and to inquire of them the cause of their lodging there: And such as you shall find to be soldiers, to know of them where their Quarters are, and to require them presently to repair thither according to their duties: And such as are dangerous people, to secure their persons, and cause them the next morning to be carried before some of the Justices of the Peace within the City, to be examined and disposed of according to Law; and that you return the Names of all you shall so find. And further that during the time aforesaid, you cause all the Gates and Posterns within your Ward to be kept shut; And that some of the Common-councel-men of the Ward within and without the Gate, may attend at the same, and have the Keys of the Gate, and give directions for the opening of the same, as occasion shall require, and not otherwise. And further, that you do appoint one or more that you may trust, to see the chains within your Ward, during the said Three nights, to be put up and locked at Eleven of the clock in the night; and opened at Five of the clock in the morning: And that some be appointed to guard the same chains, that may be able to maintain them against any violence that may be offered. And lastly, That you take special Order, that during the time aforesaid, you cause a good and substantial double Watch and Ward, to be constantly kept, of good and substantial householders of your Ward within the same; and especially at the Gates and Landing-places within your Ward: And that they so order themselves, that the one Watch and Ward may continue until the other be set. And that they be careful to see the Peace and safety of the City preserved: And that you be careful that all these things be put in execution and duly observed, as you will answer the contrary at your peril.  
Dated this 29. of April, 1648. To the Alderman, Deputy, and common-council-men, in the Ward of Michael.   

Printed by Richard Cotes, Printer to the honourable City of London, 1648.