QUEEN ANNE ROYAL PROCLAMATION CONCERNING STRAGGLING SEAMEN, LONDON1705 An original broadside royal proclamation issued "By the Queen," Anne R., dated 18 January 1704/5, at the Third Year of her reign, printed in London by Charles Bill and the Executrix of Thomas Newcomb, Printers to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. The proclamation directs lieutenants, justices of the peace, and civil magistrates throughout the kingdom, particularly near sea-port towns, to apprehend "straggling" seamen who had deserted or gone into hiding rather than serve aboard the Royal Navy's ships of war, offering a reward of twenty shillings to constables or officers for each seaman delivered aboard. The sheet is headed with the royal coat of arms and features a decorative woodcut cartouche with cherubs supporting the royal cipher. Printed on laid paper. Framed. Not examined out of frame. 15.25 x 12 inches; frame: 22 x 18 inches $200-300
