_An Act for the better protecting and securing of the trade and
navigation of this kingdom in times of war._
"Whereas it is necessary, in times of war, that a sufficient number of
ships should be appointed, and kept constantly employed, as cruisers, in
proper stations, for the protection and security of the trade and
navigation of this kingdom; be it enacted by the king's most excellent
majesty, by and with the advice and consent of both houses of the senate
in this present council assembled, and by the authority of the same,
that when and as often as this kingdom shall be engaged in war with any
kingdom or state in Europe, (over and above the ships of war for the
line of battle, and for convoys to remote parts,) such a number of ships
of war as shall be sufficient for the protection and security of the
merchant-ships, in their going out and returning home, shall be
constantly employed as cruisers, or for convoys, in and near the British
Channel and soundings, and in such other stations on this side cape
Finisterre, as shall by the lord high admiral, or commissioners for
executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain for the time
being, be judged most proper for that purpose; the aforesaid ships of
war to be careened at least [three] times in the year, or oftener, if
there be occasion; and that the seamen on board any such cruisers shall
not be turned over into any other ship or ships, but such only as shall
be appointed for cruising, or home convoys, according to the tenour of
this act.
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