WHereas complaints have been made to His Majesty by the Mini­sters of several Princes and States now in Amity with His Majesty, That divers of His Subjects have lately taken Com­missions from some Princes and States now in Amity with His Majesty, to serve at Sea against others, who are likewise His Majesties Allies; His Majesty for the preservation and continuance of Friendship and Amity between Him and His respective Allies, doth by this His Royal Proclamation (with the Advice of His Privy Council) strictly Prohibit and Forbid all His Subjects whatsoever, to take any Commission at Sea from any Foreign Prince or State, against any other Foreign Prince or State now in Amity with His Majesty, their Vassals or Subjects, or by vertue or colour of any such Com­mission already taken, or hereafter to be taken, to set out, or imploy any Ship or Vessel of War, or to serve as Mariners or Seamen in any Ship or Vessel which shall be imployed against any Prince or State now in Amity with His Majesty, their Vassals or Subjects, during the present War. And all His Majesties Sub­jects are required to take notice of this His Royal Command, and to conform them­selves to the same, as they tender His Majesties high displeasure, and upon pain of being punished with the utmost severity of Law and Iustice.

Given at Our Court at Whitehall the 17^th day of May 1676. In the Eight and twentieth year of Our Reign.

God save the King.