Piracy Act, 1613

Not to prejudice persons taking victuals, &c. that may be spared, compelled by necessity, so as they pay the value, or give an obligation payable in four months, if on this side the Straits of Morocco; if beyond, within twelve.

IV. Provided alway, that this act extend not to be prejudiciall or hurtfull to any person or persons for the taking any victualls, cables, ropes, anchors or sails, which any such person or persons, compelled by necessity, shall take of, or in any shippe which may conveniently spare the same; so as the same person or persons pay out of hand for the same victuals, cables, ropes, anchors, or sayles, money or money worth, to the value of the thing so taken, or doe deliver for the same a sufficient bill obligatorie to be payed in forme following, that is to say; if the taking of the same things be on this side of the streights of Morocco, then to be payed within foure moneths, and if it be beyond the streights of Morocco, then to be payed within twelve moneths next ensuing the making of such bills; and that the makers of such bills well and truely pay the same debt at the day to be limitted within the said bills; any thing in this present act to the contrarie notwithstanding.