At a council of War held aboard, the 17 of October, 1654. Swiftsure. Present Vice-Admiral John Lawson, Rear Admiral Dakins, Capt. Ionas Poole, Capt. Benjamin Blake, Capt. John Lambert, Capt. Leon Harris, Capt. William Crispin, Capt. Rich. Lions, Capt. Edward Morcock, Capt. John White, Capt. Richard Hodges, Capt. William Hannum, Capt. Clark, Capt. William Vessey, Capt. Henry Fen, Capt. Robert Story, Capt. Hawkes, Capt. Lightfoot, Capt. Hubart, Lieut. Haward, Lieut. Pride, Lieut. Trafford, Lieut. Hall, Lieut. Wilkinson, and Mr. John Bear Master of the Falmouth.  
UPon notice had of a certain Petition drawn and signed by many seamen of the Fleet at this place, and intended to be presented to the Lord Protector; as also, of several Petitions presented by certain Ships Companies, to their respective Commanders; it was debated of, and resolved as followeth.  
Quest. 1. Whether it be lawful for seamen to tender their grievances by way of pension?  
Resolved in the affirmitive, none dissenting.  
Quest. 2. Whether the things alleged in the Petition be real grievances, or no?  
Resolved in the affirmative, none dissenting, that we own them for grievances, except that clause in the fifth head, concerning foreign service, which we take for no grievance; in case provision be made for them, as is desired: only Capt. Poole, Capt. Blake, Capt. Lambert, and Lieut. Haward, are not satisfied that impressing is a grievance.  
Quest. 3. The Question being put, Whether the seamen Petitioning their private Commanders, and delivering their forementioned Petition, with desires that they would please to move the Generals and chief-Officers, be so far owned by us, as to present the same to our Generals with these foregoing votes, leaving it to their honour's consideration for proceeding in it as they shall see cause.  
Resolved in the affirmative by all; only Capt. Blake, and Capt. Lambert, are not satisfied as to the sea-mens' presumption, in Petitioning the Lord Protector; all the rest understand the Lord Protector is not immediately Petitioned by the same.  
Resolved, That the Vice Admiral of the Fleet be desired to send these Votes, together with the said Petition and subscriptions, to the Generals.  
This was signed by all the abovesaid Persons.