PROCLAMATION, Indemnifying Deserters, who shall return betwixt and the First Day of January next to come.  
WILLIAM by the Grace of GOD, King of Great-Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, to _____ Macers of Our Privy Council, Messengers at Arms Our Sheriffs in that part, conjunctly and severally, specially constitute, Greeting; Forasmuch as We are informed, that several Soldiers belonging to Our Forces within this Our Ancient Kingdom, have Deserted; And We being desirous rather to reclaim Transgressors by Clemency, than to punish them with the outmost Severity; Therefore We, with Advice of the Lords of Our Privy Council, have thought fit to Require, and do hereby Require all Soldiers that have Deserted, to return to their Colours, and to Our Service, betwixt and the First day of January next to come, promising to Indemnify, likeas We do hereby fully Indemnify for their by past deserting, all that shall return in manner foresaid; But on the other hand, certifying such as shall not return betwixt and the day foresaid, that both they and their Resetters shall be prosecute with the outmost severity, conform to the Laws and Proclamations emitted against them. And farther, We do hereby Empower and Require all Officers whatsomever, belonging to Our Forces, either at home or abroad, to seize and apprehend after the day foresaid, all such Deserters as shall not accept of this Our gracious offer, to the effect they may be condignly punished, as said is. Our Will is herefore, and We Charge you strictly, and Command that incontinent these Our Letters seen, ye pass to the Mercat-Cross of Edinburgh, and to the Mercat-Crosses of the remanent Head-Burghs of the several Shires and Stewartries within this Kingdom, and there in Our Name and Authority, by open Proclamation, make Publication of the Premises, that none pretend ignorance; And Ordains these presents to be Printed.  
Given under Our Signet at Edinburgh, the Twelfth day of November, and of Our Reign the Eighth Year, 1696. Per Actum Dominorum Secreti Concilii. GILB. ELIOT Cls. Sti. Concilii.   

Edinburgh, Printed by the Heirs and Successors of Andrew Anderson, Printer to His most Excellent Majesty, Anno DOM. 1696.