Whereas we are credibly informed y"^ diverse persones upon y" liite news of y® approach of y® french and there Indians are laakeing Preparation to Transport themselfs out of this County by which means and bad Example of such Timerous and Cowardly People others will be Discouraged to stay and Defend there Maj^ [ntrest in this Frontier part of y^ Province, and Forasmuch there is no setled government for y^ p'sent in this Province, and that thereby it is a duty Incumbent upon us to Prevent any Danger and Inconvenience y' might happen y® Inhabitants of our County wti may arise by suffering men to Depart y* are able to do there Maj^ service if any attempt should be made wee Therefore doe hereby Declare That no Person or Persones (except masters of sloops & Boats) being fit & able to bear arms who have been setled or liveing in this County for these six monthes last past shall in ye space of three monthes Presume to Depart or absent themselfs out of this County of albany whither they are under y® Roll or List of y^ Respective Capt^^ or not without a Passe from one Justice of y^ Peace of this County upon ye Penalty to be Esteemed Pursued & followed after as fugitives Cowards Runnaways & Vagabonds, & as such to be Prosecuted by ye utmost Severity of ye Law, & y* all People take notice thereof accordingly, given at ye Cetty hall of Albany ye 7th dav of ?ugust 1689 in ye first year of there Maj^ Reign --