8. That they shall have power to build Walls, and raise Bulwarks and Castles upon their own Land for the defence, and security of their own plantations, and also to arme themselves, and servants, and to lead, and conduct them against any Enemies, or Rebels within the said Island; Subject nevertheless to such Orders, and directions as they shall on this behalf receive from the Governour or Commander in chief of the said Island for the time being.
9. That all and every person and persons, that shall hereafter happen to be born within the said Island, shall be, and shall be deemed, and accounted to be free Denizons of England, and shall have and enjoy all and every such benefits, privileges, advantages and immunities whatsoever, as any of the Natives or People of England born in England now have and enjoy in England.
That all such professing the Protestant Religion, who shall transport themselves into the aforesaid Island within two years to be accounted from the said 29. day of September 1656. and shall make a beginning therein by transporting to the said Island one third part of their number before the 29. day of September next, shall have, and enjoy the aforesaid Privileges, and Advantages. And for the more certain carrying on of this businesse, and answering Our intentions herein, We do hereby authorize and require Our Commander in chief of the said Island, for the time being, and also the aforesaid Commissioners that they take notice of the Premisses, and cause a due and effectual execution of the same from time to time as there shall be occasion, according to the purport, et true meaning hereof, for which these presents shall be their sufficient warrant. Given at White-Hall the 10. of October 1655.
London Printed by Henry Hills and John Field, Printers to His Highness, MDCLV.
2 pp. folio. Copy in Guild. Manuscript draft in P. R. O., State Papers, Dom. Interreg. 76A, pp. 152-154. Printed in Thurloe's "State Papers," iii, 753, and in "Interesting Tracts relating to the Island of Jamaica," 1800, p. 1.
FOOTNOTE:
[1] The English forces, soon after the declaration of war against Spain, sailed for the conquest of the Spanish West Indies. After an unsuccessful attack on Hispaniola, they landed at Jamaica and on May 10, 1655, took possession of the island. It now became the cherished plan of Cromwell to settle Jamaica, especially with the colonists of the other plantations in America. Numerous entries regarding Jamaican affairs are to be found in the records of the Council of State during this period. In the Interregnum Entry Book, p. 328, there is an order of October 10, 1655, approving the draft of this particular proclamation (Cal. State Papers, Colonial, 1574-1660, p. 431).