WHereas the Port of Dunkirk (which while it hath been in the hand of the Ene­mies of this Commonwealth, hath been very prejudicial to the Merchants and Trade of these Nations) is now straitly besieged both by Sea and Land, by the English and French Forces; and for that, during the said Siege, in respect of the greatness of that Army, there is and will be need of Supplies of Bread, Beer, Beef, Butter, Cheese, Hay, Oats, and other Provisions for Man and Horse, the want whereof may prolong the work intended, being of so great concernment to this Commonwealth: His Highness the Lord Protector, with the advice and consent of His Council, hath thought fit to publish, and Declare the same, inviting all Merchants, and o­thers to send, with what expedition they may, for supply of the said Forces, such provisions as aforesaid, for which His Highness hath received assurance, that, upon delivery thereof, there shall be satisfaction in ready money, provision being already made therein, which as it may be of advantage to such Merchants, or other persons, in venting the said Commodities, so it will be esteemed as an acceptable service, and of great advantage to the Commonwealth. And therefore His Highness doth Order, that this Declaration be published, and posted up in all the Ports and Sea Towns of this Commonwealth, that notice may be taken thereof.

Given at White-Hall the 18th. of May, 1658.