CHARLES II, PIRACY AND IMPRESSMENT.


By the King. A Proclamation for Recalling and Prohibiting Seamen from Serving of Forein Princes and States. London: John Bill, Christopher Barker, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, Printers to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, 1677/8. Printed broadside, 548 x 351 mm. With woodcut device of King's arms ("Dieu et Mon Droit") at upper margin. Leaf halved horizontally and bound in volume (now disbound) with remnants at center, mild toning and thumbing.Charles II issues a decree ordering any natural born subject of England engaged in the maritime trade, including "Masters of Ships, Pilots, Mariners, Seamen and other Sea-faring men whatsoever and wheresoever," that they may not be engaged in the service of a foreign ship or vessel; if they are currently, they should withdraw themselves from such service. And if one of the king's ships should discover a natural born subject in the service of a foreign vessel, its officers are authorized to "seize upon, take and bring away" all such persons.