Page:Ruffhead - The Statutes at Large, 1763.djvu/204

FIRST, We have ordained for our selves and our Heirs, that all Trespasses hereafter to be done in our Forests of Green-hugh, and of Hunting, the Foresters within whose Bailiwicks such Trespasses shall happen to be committed, shall present the same at the next Swanimote before the Foresters, Verdors, Regardors, Agistors, and other Ministers of the same Forest; and upon such Presentations there before the Foresters, Verdors, and all other Ministers aforesaid, by the Oath as well of Knights as of other lawful and honest Men of the nearest Parts where the Trespass so presented shall be done, not suspected, the Truth of the Matter shall be lawfully enquired of; and the Truth so enquired of, the same Presentations by the common Accord and Assent of all the Ministers aforesaid, shall be solemnly confirmed and sealed with their Seals. And if an Indictment be in any other Manner, it shall be adjudged void.

AND if it happen any of the said Foresters, Regardors, or other Ministers of the same Forests do die, or by Sickness or other Means to be hindred, whereby he cannot be present at the same Swanimote, presently the Justice of the same Forest, or his Lieutenant, shall put another in his Place, so that the Indictment may be made by all in Form aforesaid; (2) and that the Officers which are to be placed, shall be put in as heretofore it hath been used to be, except the Verderors, who shall be ordained by Election, and by our Writ.

AND we will, That none of the foresaid Ministers shall hereafter be put in any Assises, Juries, or Enquests to be taken without the Forest.

AND if there be any Surcharge found of the Foresters, or by such other as take upon them to be Officers of the Forests, such Surchargers shall be removed and imprisoned according to the Discretion of the Justice of the Forest, or his Lieutenant; (2) and they by whom they were placed shall be also punished at our Pleasure. (3) And at every Swanimote Inquisition shall be made of Surcharges of Foresters, and other Ministers of the Forest, and of their Oppressions done to our People; and Reformation and Punishment shall be done as it is ordained before.