By His Excellency Collonel Benjamin Fletcher captain general and governour in chief of His Majesties province of New-York, &c. A proclamation[.] : Whereas many of the souldiers of His Majesties four companys, appointed for the security and defence of this province, have deserted His Majesties service ... I have therefore thought fit ... to prohibit all persons whatsoever from harbouring or entertaining any of the said souldiers ... And all justices of the peace, sheriffs, bailiffs ... are strictly required to examine and take up all persons whatsoever, that are strangers ... Given at His Majesties fort in New York, the 4th day of November ... annoq; Domini 1697.