House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 17 July 1643

Die Lunæ, 17 Julii, 1643.

PRAYERS.

Committee to Scotland.

ORDERED, That the Committee for preparing Instructions for the Committee appointed to go into Scotland, do prepare some Instructions upon the Business of the Earl of Antrim, and the Evidences and Papers sent up concerning that Business: And that the Papers received from Scotland, and now read, be communicated to the Lords: And that the Committee do prepare a Letter to be sent into Scotland, to the Assembly of Divines; and bring it in To-morrow Morning.

Committees to Scotland.

Mr. Pym reports, from the Conference, the Lords Amendments to the Ordinance, Instructions, &c. for the Committees appointed to go into Scotland.

The House doth agree to the Amendment in the Ordinance; and to all the Amendments in the Instructions for the Committees, except that in the Thirteenth Article: The which is committed unto the Committee appointed to prepare the Instructions; who are presently to withdraw into the Court of Wards upon it.

He further reported, that the Lords do agree to the Letters to the Lords, and other Commissioners for the Conservation of the Peace; and to the other to the Lords of the Secret Council.

He further reported, that the Lords had altered the Letter to the Earl of Leven, in the Beginning and Ending: The which was read, so altered; and agreed unto.

He further reported, that the Lords desired Thursday might be the Day peremptorily, for the Committees to go into Scotland.

Resolved, &c. That, in the Commissions, the Name of Tho. Hatcher Esquire shall be inserted, in the stead of Jo. Hampden Esquire, deceased.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth agree with the Lords, that the Committees appointed to go into Scotland, shall go on Thursday next, peremptorily.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth declare, that they will defray the Charges and Expences of the Committees appointed to be sent into Scotland: And that it be referred to the Committee for the Safety, to take Order for the furnishing of the said Committee with so much Monies, upon Account, as they can spare.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Collins Auditor, be required to go into Scotland, to audite the Accounts of the Scottish Army in Ireland.

Resolved, &c. That the Names of Sir Anth. Irby and Mr. Ashherst be inserted in the Commission for Conservation of the Peace between England and Scotland; in the stead of Sir Jo. Hotham and Mr. Hotham.

Colonel Goring, a Prisoner.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leech and Dr. Heath;

The Lords do understand, that Colonel Goring is brought up to the Town a Prisoner; and that he is in the Red Lion in Holbourne: They think it not a Place safe for him, and therefore desire that he may be committed to the Tower.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; that this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Message to Lords.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde is appointed to go to the Lords, to desire them to speed their Answer to the additional Ordinance to the Ordinance for Sequestrations; and likewise, to the Ordinance concerning Monuments of Superstition and Idolatry: And likewise, to acquaint the Lords, that the Committee for the Safety have already, by their Warrant, removed Colonel Goringe, and the other Prisoners with him, to the Lord Peter's House: And that this House doth refer the further Commitment of him, as Occasion shall be, to the said Committee for the Safety.

Excise.

Mr. Noble reports the Second Part of the Conference, which concerns the Excise:

That whereas this House had named Seven Com missioners, and Two Treasurers; they did not allow of any one of them; but gave a Note of Seven others: They said, they did conceive, the raising, charging, and disposing of Monies, did, in a sort, belong to the House of Commons; but, in way of Ordinance, they do think fit to have some Power. Then they took Exceptions to the Latitude given to place or displace; and of the Liberty to the House of Commons to place, and displace any of the chief Officers, if any miscarry: And do propound a Committee of Lords and Commons, to take care of that.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Rolle, a Member of this House, at his own Intreaty, shall be excused from having any Employment in the Matter of Excise; and that his Name shall be omitted in the Ordinance concerning that Business.

The Question was propounded, whether this House should concur with the Lords, in the Seven Commissioners and Treasurer named by them;

And then the Question was put, whether this Question should be now put;

It was resolved affirmatively:

And then the Question itself was put: And thereupon it was

Resolved, &c. That this House doth agree and concur with the Lords, in the Seven Commissioners and One Treasurer named by them, to be named and employed in and by the Ordinance for Excise.

Answer from Lords.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde brings Answer, that the Lords will take the Two Ordinances, mentioned in his Message, into their speedy Consideration; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leech and Dr. Heath;

The Lords have received another Petition from the Earl of Portland: They have taken some Resolution upon it, which they have thought fit to put in Writing.

They have likewise received a Petition from the Lieutenant of the Tower, who desires to go into the Low Countries for three Months, leaving such a Deputy in his Absence as he will answer for: The Lords have considered of this Petition; and think fit to grant him his Desires; and that he shall put in such a Deputy, as shall be approved of by the Committee for the Safety of the Kingdom.

Their Lordships think fit, that, if within few Days the House of Commons do not make a further Accusation against the Earl of Portland; or further make use of his Examination; their Lordships intend to grant him that Liberty, for himself and his Family, as is desired in the Petition.

Earl of Portland.

Ordered, That a Conference shall be desired with the Lords To-morrow Morning, concerning the Earl of Portland; and that it be referred to the Committee for the Examinations of the late horrid Plot, to prepare Heads for this Conference: And Mr. Speaker is to put the House in mind hereof.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; that this House has considered of their Lordships Message; and will return Answer by Messengers of their own.

Warden of the Tower.

Ordered, That Mr. Wm. Spencer be forthwith sworn, by the Lieutenant of the Tower, into the Place of Wm. Michaelson deceased, late one of the Wardens of the Tower; and that it be referred to the Committee for the Tower to take care herein.

Pass Warrants granted.

Resolved, &c. That the Lieutenant of the Tower shall have Mr. Speaker's Warrant to go into Holland.

Resolved, &c. That the Lady, Wife to the Lieutenant of the Tower, with Six Men, and Four Women Servants, and ordinary Baggage (provided they transport no prohibited Goods) shall have Mr. Speaker's Warrant to pass into the Low Countries.

Resolved, &c. That the Lieutenant of the Tower shall have Mr. Speaker's Warrant to transport with him, into the Low Countries, a Coach and Six Horses.

Clerk of the Ordnance.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. White, Clerk to the Office of the Ordnance, shall have some convenient Rooms assigned in Sir Jo. Heydon's House in the Minories; and that it be referred to the Committee of the Tower to take care herein.

Sussex Petition.

The humble Petition of divers Gentlemen, Ministers, and other Inhabitants of the County of Sussex, was read; and ordered to be referred unto the Knights and Burgesses for Sussex and Surrey; and to Mr. Morley, Mr. Cauley, Mr. Ravenscroft, Mr. Marlett, Mr. Hill, Sir Pet. Wentworth, Mr. Ph. Smith:

And they, or any Four of them, are to meet this Afternoon, at Four Clock, in the Court of Wards.

Committee for Supplies.

Resolved, &c. That in the Order to the Committee for Supplies, named July 13, these Words "and put in Execution," shall be added to that Order, and to the Power of that Committee, between the Word "consider," and the Word "what."

Excise.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth adhere to all the Clauses of the Ordinance for the Excise, as they were sent from hence, except those that concern the Commissioners and Treasurer, in which they concur with the Lords.

Lieutenant of the Tower.

Ordered, That the House shall take into Consideration To-morrow Morning the naming and substituting a fit Person to take the Charge of the Lieutenant of the Tower upon him, in the Absence of Sir Jo. Conyers Knight; and that Sir Peter Wentworth do, in the mean time, confer with my Lord Mayor concerning a fitting Person for this Charge; and offer it to the House To-morrow Morning.

Reducing Newcastle.

Mr. Corbett presented from the Committee the Ordinance concerning the reducing of Newcastle, with some Amendments: And the Ordinance, with the Amendments, was read; and, by Vote upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords, for their Concurrence.

Thompson's &c. Indemnity.

Upon the humble Petition of Maurice Thompson, Gregory Clement, and others, shewing, that Two thousand Pounds of theirs lieth in the Possession of Mr. Wyan, Deputy Register of the Admiralty, upon the Hazard of the Petitioners, unless a final Sentence be given; and that, in the mean time, the Petitioners are, by Writ or Process, summoned to appear at Oxford, before the Judge of the Admiralty, the Twentieth of this instant Month, to shew Cause why a definitive Sentence, or interlocutory Decree, ought not to be given there in this Cause; and, that in case of Non-appearance, that he will proceed to end and determine the Cause: It is therefore this Day Ordered, That the Petitioners shall be saved harmless, and indemnified, by this House, for their not going to Oxford, or making Appearance there, according to the said Summons: And the Deputy Judge of the Admiralty is hereby required to give Sentence in the Cause, according to Law and Justice. And it is further Ordered, That the said Two thousand Pounds, or thereabouts, lying upon the Hazard of the Petitioners, shall be fetched by Captain Manwaringe from Mr. Wyan's House, and left with the Treasurers at Grocers Hall, for the Relief of Ireland, until Sentence be given in this Cause: And that the like Sum of Money shall be issued out, by the said Treasurers, for Repayment of the same, upon the giving of Sentence, as aforesaid.

Earl of Portland, &c.

Ordered, That a Conference be desired To-morrow, concerning the Earl of Portland and Lord Conway.

Dome's Information.

Ordered, That the Information of Tho. Dome be referred to the Committee for Examinations, to give Warrant for seizing of the same.

Excise.

Ordered, That the Ordinance of Excise, and the Schedule thereunto annexed, shall be printed; and that Mr. Noble do take care for the printing of them; and that none shall print or reprint them, or either of them, but such as Mr. Noble shall appoint.

Cursitor of York, &c.

Whereas the Office of Cursitor for and in the Counties of York and Westmerland, the City of York, and Towns of Kingston upon Hull and Scarborough, is become void, through the Death of Wm. Lambe Gentleman, late Cursitor for and in the same Places; The Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, being willing to give Encouragement to such Persons of Ability as are found faithful and diligent in the Service of the State; and well approving the many faithful Services of John Rushworth of Lincolne's Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, out of their assured Confidence of his Integrity, Care, and Industry, have made, Constituted, ordained, and appointed, and do hereby make, constitute, ordain, and appoint him, the said John Rushworth, Cursitor, for and in the said Counties of York, and Westmerland, the City of York, and Towns of Kingston upon Hull and Scarborough; in the Place and Stead of the same Wm. Lambe: And they do hereby further ordain, and declare, that the said John Rushworth shall and may have, hold, exercise, and enjoy, the said office of Cursitor, together with all Fees, Rewards, Privileges, Authorities, Commodities, and Advantages, thereunto belonging; or heretofore any ways due, or accustomed, during his natural Life, in as large, and ample Manner, to all Intents and Purposes, as the above named Wm. Lambe, or any other Cursitor, for or in the same Places, formerly had, or enjoyed the same. And, because his Majesty's Subjects, within the said Places, or any of them, may have no Cause to complain for the want of Justice, in defect of such Officers as aforesaid; the Lords and Commons do hereby further ordain and declare, that Sir Robert Rich, one of the Masters of the Chancery, or some one of the said Masters, shall, and may, in the Absence of the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, administer such Oath unto the said John Rushworth, for the due Execution of the said Place, as the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, for the Time being, hath usually administered in that Behalf; and that the said Oath, so administered, shall be as valid, and effectual, for the Denefit of the said John Rushworth, to all Intents and Purposes, as if the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England had given or administered the same; any Ordinance, Provision, Restraint, or other Matter, Cause, or Thing, to the contrary hereof in anywise notwithstanding.

Huntingdon Assessments.

Whereas the weekly Assessments for the County of Huntingdon, have not yet been proceeded upon, because of the Fears and Distractions of that County: And whereas also the said County, being now become a Frontier to the associated Counties of Cambridge, &c. are enforced, through the emergent Dangers, to make extraordinary Provisions of Horse and Foot, for the Safeguard of the said County, and the other associated against the Incursions of the plundering Enemy; which occasioneth extraordinary Disbursements of Money (of which the Committee for the County is utterly unprovided): All which, we, the Lords and Commons, now assembled in Parliament, takeing into serious Consideration, do hereby grant full Power and Authority to the Deputy Lieutenants and Committee of the said County, to proceed upon the weekly Assessment, according to the former Ordinance; and what Sum or Sums of Money shall be gathered, levied, or collected, by virtue thereof, by them, or their Agents, to be employed and disposed for the Maintenance of such Forces, and for such other Affairs for the Safeguard of that County, as they, in their Discretions, shall think requisite and fit: And what Monies shall be so disbursed, to be accompted for, to both Houses of Parliament.

Aid to the Army.

It is this day Ordered, upon the Question, by the Commons, in Parliament assembled, that the Aid and Assistance, of my Lord General, Sir Wm. Waller, and my Lord Fairfax, shall be especially and respectively recommended to the Committee of the Militia in London: And the House doth declare, that it is and shall be held an acceptable Service, in any Man that will give any Assistance, in Men, Monies, Horse, or Ammunition, to my Lord General, Sir Wm. Waller, my Lord Fairfax, or any of them respectively: And this House doth engage the publick Faith for Repayment: And the House doth further declare, that it shall be held an acceptable Service, in all such as have or shall encourage others to a chearful Assistance to the Persons aforesaid, or any of them.

And it is further Ordered, That the respective Mayors, or other chief Officers, of the several Cities, and Towns corporate, within the Counties of Kent, and Sussex, and Hampshire, and Surrey, shall have Power to receive the several Suns of Money, Plate, and Horses, already subscribed, or hereafter to be Subscribed, as abovesaid; and to appraise the said Horses, and to give Acquittances and Receipts for the same: Which Receipts shall be presented to the Treasurers at Guildhall, London, to be by the said Treasurers received and entered, in as full and beneficial a manner, as if the several Subscribers had actually paid in the said several Sums subscribed, unto the said Treasurers at Guildhall, London; whereby the several Contributors may have the Security of the publick Faith for their Repayment, as was upon of the former Propositions for the Subscriptions of Money, Horse, and Plate, &c.: The which Money, Plate, and Horse, the said Mayors shall discharge themselves of, by Order from his Excellency my Lord Fairfax, or Sir Wm. Waller, or any of them, according to their several Subscriptions, and the Intents of the Subscribers therein.