The Most Christian Kings Edict or Proclamation, Concerning Scotish, English, and Irish Ships that shall be met at Sea by his said Majesty's Ships, or By Privateers Acting by His Commission, Translated out of the French, and Published by Authority.  
By the King.  
HIS Majesty being informed of divers Complaints made by the Scotish, English, and Irish, that the Vessels belonging to them are stopped in their Voyages, and brought into the Ports of this Kingdom under divers pretences, by his Majesty's Ships, or those of his Subjects acting as Privateers against his Enemies; and that although they do obtain the Release of their said Ships, yet nevertheless their Commerce is thereby extremely retarded, by reason of the long stay of their Ships in Port, before they have their Orders of Release: His Majesty being willing to provide against the same, and likewise to evidence upon all occasions the particular consideration He hath for the Subjects of the King of Great Britain, hath prohibited and forbidden, and doth straightly prohibit and forbid all His Officers Commanding His Ships of War, and all Captains of Ships and Vessels of His Subjects acting as Privateers, that they do not Stop or Detain any Scotish, English and Irish Vessels met by them at Sea, which shall be furnished with Passports signed by the King of Great Britain, or by the Commissioners of the Admiralty at London, and with Passports or Sea-Briefs signed by the Majors and other Chief Magistrates, or the Commissioners of the Customs of the Maritime Towns of Scotland, England, and Ireland. And His Majesty doth require, that when the said Ships of War or Privateers shall meet at Sea any the Ships of the foresaid Nations, they send their Boat on board them to demand the said Passports; Which when they have seen, they are to leave them at liberty to continue their course, without giving them any molestation or hindrance: And all this under pain of being punished according to the rigour of the Laws. And His Majesty doth require and command the Count of Vermandois Admiral of France, the Vice admiral's, Lieutenant's General, Intendants, Commanders of Squadrons, Commissaries General, and Captains of His Ships at Sea, that they see this present Order put in execution. And His Majesty doth enjoin the Officers of the Admiralty to cause the same to be read, published, and affixed in all places requisite, to the end no one may pretend ignorance.  
Given at St. german en Say, the 16th day of November, 1676. Signed, LOVIS.  
And Countersigned, COLBE●T.   

Edinburgh, reprinted by the Heir of Andrew Anderson, Printer to His most Sacred Majesty: Anno DOM. 1676.