House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 19 December 1644

Die Jovis, Decembris 19, 1644.

PRAYERS.

Negotiations with the King.

RESOLVED, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons formerly appointed to meet with the Commissioners of Scotland, concerning the Reception of the Lords that are come from Oxon, speedily to dispatch away those Messengers: And that the Lords be desired, that this Committee may presently meet with the Scotts Commissioners to this Purpose.

Sir Robert Pye is appointed to go up to the Lords with this Message.

Cavaliers starved in Prison.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of Prisoners, to examine that particular printed in the Bill of Mortality, of Three Cavaliers starved in the New Prison in Clerkenwell.

Duke of Richmond's &c. Servants.

Ordered, That Sir Oliver Flemming do forthwith repair to the Lords that are come from Oxon, to desire that the List of their Servants that are come with them upon the Liberty of the Safe Conduct granted unto them, may be perfected, by naming all the Christian Names and Surnames of their Followers.

Ordered, That the List of the Followers of the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton be delivered unto the Provost Marshal of the City of London; to apprehend such Persons as are come from Oxon, and are not within this List.

Preachers thanked.

Ordered, That Mr. Recorder, Mr. Sam. Browne, and Sir Jo. Trevor, do return the Thanks of this House to Mr. Marshall, Mr. Hill, and Mr. Sedgewick, for the great Pains they took in the Sermons they Yesterday preached before the Two Houses at Lincolne's Inn Chapel, at the Desire of both Houses.

Agent from Sweden.

A Letter from Mr. Hugh Movatt, employed by Commission from the Queen of Sweden, and Regents of that Kingdom, to bring Letters to the High Court of Parliament, the Representative Body of this Kingdom; desiring that some Persons might be appointed to receive them; was this Day read.

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to receive the Letters that are brought from the Crown of Swede by their Commissioners; and to hear what he has to say from that Crown.

The Lords to be acquainted herewith; and to desire them to concur.

Sir Roger North went up with this Message.

He likewise carried up the Ordinance for discharging of the Delinquency of the Earl of Thanett.

London Petition.

The humble Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commoners of the City of London, in Common Council assembled, for the continuing the Ordinance of June 15, &c. was this Day read.

Searching for Arms, &c.

An Ordinance for the Militia of London to have Power to impose the Finding of Arms, and the Searching for Arms, and suspicious Persons, was this Day read the First time.-

Answer from Lords.

Sir Robert Pye brings Answer; That the Lords will send Answer by Messengers of their own.-

London Petition.

The Citizens were called in: And Mr. Speaker, by the Command of the House, acquainted them, That the House had received their Petition; and they do find in it, as in all other your Actions, a great Care, both of the Parliament and the Kingdom; and is commanded from this House, not only to take Notice of, but to return you Thanks. As to the Ordinance you desire in your Petition, they have once read it; and will speedily take it into further Consideration: As for the Recourse to Sommersett House, and of such as are come from Oxon to London, and to lie there; that they will take Notice of such as have Recourse to Somersett House; and of such as have their Meetings in London; and of such as give them Entertainment; and to present their Names to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations: And herein the House desires your Diligence. They thought further to declare unto you, That they had sent a List of the Names presented by the Lords that are come from Oxon, of their Followers, to the Provost Marshal of the City.

Publick Fast.

An Ordinance for declaring and enjoining the Publick Fast to be kept on Wednesday next, although it be the Day on which the Feast of the Nativity of our Saviour was wont to be solemnized, was this Day read; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence.

Blasphemy.

Ordered, That the Examination of the Blasphemy informed of concerning our Saviour Jesus Christ, be referred to the Committee of plundered Ministers; to sit upon it this Afternoon; and to give an Account of their Proceedings herein with all Speed.

Answer from Lords.

Sir Roger North brings Answer, That the Lords will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whittfield and Serjeant Finche;

Upon Consideration of the Message from his Majesty, brought by the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton, the Lords think fit to refer it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, with Addition of Three Lords (as concerning this Business only); that they may advise what Answer is fit to be given to his Majesty's Message, and report it to the Houses: And do desire the Concurrence of the House of Commons therein; and that they would appoint a proportionable Number of their House.

They have received a Petition from the Lord of Cherbery; which they have thought fit to refer to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations and desire the Concurrence of this House.

Lord Herbert.

Ordered, That the Petition of Edw. Lord Herbert of Cherbury be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations, to order him some Monies for the Disengaging of his Goods sold to Mr. John Spencer; and of some way for his present Maintenance and Subsistence.

Letters from Sweden.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Robert Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords desire a present Conference, by Committees of both Houses, presently, in the Painted Chamber, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, concerning Two Letters they have received from the Commissioners of the Crown of Sweden; one directed to the Speaker of their House; the other directed to the Speaker of this House: sent up to them from this House.

Payment for Arms.

Resolved, &c. That the Words "or Collector" be added to the Order of Octobris 14, 1644, concerning the Payment for Arms for the associated Counties.

Message to Lords.

Sir Wm. Lewes is appointed to go to the Lords, to desire, that, at this Conference, this House may propound something concerning the Substance of the Message, and Dispatch of the Messengers that are come from Oxon; and to desire, that the Lords would sit at Four of Clock: And carried up an Ordinance for Monies out of Serjeant Glanvil's Composition, to Portesmouth, &c.

House to sit.

Ordered, That the House sit at Four of Clock.

Conference with Lords.

Ordered, That the House give a present Conference, as is desired.

Ordered, That, at the next Conference, the Lords be desired, that it may be referred to the Committee of both Houses, and the Scotts Commissioners, formerly appointed to receive the Message from Oxon: to consider what Answer is fit to be given to the said Message; and speedily to dispatch the Messengers away; and to meet presently; and to report this Afternoon to the House.

Answer from Lords.

Answer returned by the First Messengers; That, as to That Part of the Message that concerns that Message brought from Oxon by the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton, they will send Answer by Messengers of their own speedily; and do agree to the referring of the Petition of the Lord of Cherbery to the Committee of Sequestrations.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the Second Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will give a present Conference, as is desired.

Military Affairs.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to remove the Horse Quarters nearer to the Enemies Garisons; to streighten their Quarters, and enlarge the Parliament's Quarters, and to ease the neighbouring Counties; and so to dispose them, that they may be applied to the best Relief and Succours of the Garisons of Abingdon and Redding, and other Garisons of the Parliament.

Counties of Oxford, &c.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of the Three Counties of Oxon, Bucks, and Berks, to receive the Petitions and Complaints of the Inhabitants of those Counties; and to consider of some way for their Redress, and Relief; and to report it to the House.

Answer from Lords.

Sir Wm. Lewes brings Answer; That the Lords do agree to the Three Messages carried up by him; both concerning sitting at Four of Clock, and the Conference; and to the Ordinance for * * * .

Conference.

Mr. Prideaux, Sir Hen. Vane junior, Mr. Solicitor, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Sir Wm. Lewes, are appointed Reporters and Managers of this Conference.

Merchant Adventurers.

Ordered, That Mr. Whitelock, Mr. Rolls, Mr. Green, Mr. Bedingfeild, Mr. Trenchard, and Mr. Nicoll, do go to the Commissioners of Excise this Afternoon, to settle the Days of Payment concerning the Merchant Adventurers, according to the Order of 12 Decembris; and to report To-morrow to the House.

Glanvile's Fine, &c.

Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, assembled in Parliament, That the First Two thousand Pounds arising out of the Fine laid, or to be laid, upon Serjeant Glanvile, by the Committee of Haberdashers Hall, for Composition for his Delinquency, shall be issued forth for the Use of the Garison of Portesmouth: And that, until such Time as the said Money shall be paid in, that the Committee at Haberdashers Hall do advance Five hundred Pounds for the Garison of Portesmouth, to be repaid out of the Two thousand Pounds assigned, out of Serjeant Glanvil's Fine, for the Use of That Garison; and Two hundred Pounds to Mr. Richard Jones a Cutler: And the rest of the Monies that shall come in upon his Composition, to be disposed of for the Service of the West, by the Committee of Lords and Commons for the West.

Die Jovis, Decembris 19, 1644; Post Meridiem.

Proceedings concerning Lo Strange, &c.

A MESSAGE from the Lords, by Sir Robert Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords have commanded us to deliver unto you a Commission from the King to Mr. Roger Le Strange, for the Delivery of the Town of Lynne to the King: They have thought fit to refer the Examination, Proceedings, and Tryal of this Business to the Commissioners for Martial Affairs here in London; the Party and Witnesses being now in Town.

This House had been formerly acquainted with this Business; but that it lay with the Committee of both Kingdoms; who have not sat this Two or Three Days.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth agree with the Lords, in referring Mr. Roger Le Strange to the Commissioners for Martial Affairs, to be proceeded with according to the Course of Martial Law.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Roger Le Strange be forthwith committed Prisoner to the Provost Marshal of the City of London; being taken with a Commission from the King for the Delivery of the Town of Lynne.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree to the referring of Mr. Roger Le Strange, for his Tryal, to the Commissioners for Martial Affairs.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Paston of Appleton be forthwith sent for, as a Delinquent; for receiving and harbouring of Roger Le Strange, in Arms against the Parliament.

Search Warrant.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do grant his Warrant to Henry Wallis, for searching such Houses, and apprehending such Persons, as Mr. Corbett shall deliver the Names of unto him.

Protection to Beddingfield.

Ordered, That Mr. Strode, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Sam. Browne, or any Two of them, do acquaint the Earl of Manchester with this Warrant of Protection granted under his Hand, to Mr. Henry Beddingfield, a Papist; and to desire his Lordship to acquaint the House, upon whose Information or Desire this Warrant was granted.

Solicitor of Norfolk.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Beedle, Solicitor for the Sequestrations in the County of Norfolk, be forthwith discharged of his Employment as Solicitor for that County: And that the Lords Concurrence be desired herein.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Bedle be forthwith secured, until he has perfected and given in his Accounts.

Informations concerning Beddingfield.

Ordered, That Sir Jo. Potts be heard To-morrow, to give his Answer to the Informations given in concerning the Apprehending and Escape of Mr. Henry Beddingfield: And that Mr. Corbett do bring in To-morrow the Letter written to him concerning That Business.

Lynne Garisons.

Resolved, &c. That the Treasurers of the County of Norfolk do forthwith pay unto the Garisons of Lynne, upon Account, Five hundred Pounds: And that the Earl of Manchester be desired to give Order, that this Five hundred Pounds be accordingly forthwith paid.

Raising Money.

Ordered, That Mr. Corbett do bring in an Ordinance for raising of Monies, by Impositions upon Commodities, for the Maintaining of a North Guard.

Members not to hold Offices. [Self-denying Ordinance.]

The Proviso to be added to the Ordinance for disabling Members to bear any Office Military or Civil; "That none shall be employed, but such as will take the National Covenant, and submit to such Government and Discipline in the Church, as shall be settled by both Houses of Parliament, upon Advice with the Assembly of Divines;" was this Day read the Second time; and, upon the Question, rejected.

A Proviso to be added to the Ordinance for disenabling the Members to bear Office, &c. providing, That this Ordinance shall not extend to take away the Power and Authority of any Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenancy, of any Custos Rotulorum, or any Commission for Justice . . Peace, Oyer and Terminer, or Gaol Delivery, was this Day read; and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be added to the Ordinance.

The Ordinance for disenabling the Members of either House to have or execute any Office or Place, Military or Civil, during this War, was this Day put to the Question; and, upon the Question, passed; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence: And that all the Members of the House do go up with this Ordinance to the Lords.

And Mr. Pierrepont is appointed to carry it up.

Allowance to Members, &c.

Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Browne, Mr. Solicitor, Sir Martin Lister, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Sir Henry Vane, Sir Tho. Woodhouse, Mr. Goodwyn, Mr. Corbett, Sir Henry Mildmay, Sir Nevill Poole, Serjeant Wilde, Colonel Cromewell, Sir Wm. Allinson, Sir Christofer Wray, Mr. Trenchard, Sir Edward Aiscough, Captain Windgate, Mr. Ashurst, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir Peter Wentworth, Sir Thomas Widdrington, Mr. Holland, Sir Wm. Lewes, Mr. Bond, Sir John Evelyn, Sir Edmund Fowell, Mr. Purefoy, Mr. Holles, Mr. Crew, Mr. Heveningham, Sir Edward Hungerford, Sir Henry Heyman, Mr. Prideaux, Sir Peter Temple, Mr. Lisle, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Hill, Mr. Salloway, Mr. Blakiston, Mr. Scawen;

This Committee has Power to consider of the Necessities of the several Members of both Houses; and to present what Allowance they think fit to be made for their present Support and Maintenance: And this Committee is to consider what Salary is fit to be given to those that shall be deputed to execute the several Offices, in which they shall be intrusted: And are to meet on Saturday next, at Two post meridiem, in the Exchequer Chamber.

Agent from Sweden.

Sir Henry Vane junior reports the Conference with the Lords, the Resolution of the House of Peers concerning the Receiving of the Letter from the Agent of Sweden, in these Words:

That the Letter from the Agent of Swedland, mentioning some Matters of great Importance from the Queen his Mistress, and the Regents, to be communicated unto such as the Two Houses of Parliament should appoint; The Lords do conceive it most proper, first, to appoint; select Committees of both Houses to receive what he hath to deliver unto them; and afterwards, if they find Occasion for it, they shall consider of a Way to communicate it unto the Commissioners of Scotland: And are to meet at Nine of Clock To-morrow: And have appointed Twelve Lords of that Committee.

Negotiations with the King.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth concur with the Lords herein: And that the First Twenty-four of that Committee of this House, named, to receive the King's Answer sent by the Duke of Lenox, and . . . . . Southampton, do meet with a proportionable Number of the Lords.

London Common Council.

Sir Arthur Hasilrig presents an Ordinance, That wellaffected Persons may be elected of the Common Council in London at the next Election: Which was once read; and ordered to be referred to Sir Arthur Hasilrigge, Mr. Solicitor, and Mr. Strode; to make some Amendments therein.

Sir Arthur Hasilrig reports the Ordinance, with some Amendments: Which was read; and, upon the Question, assented unto: and ordered to be sent to the Lords for their Concurrence.

Ordered, That this Order be made an Order of this House.

And Colonel Ven is ordered to deliver it to the City.

The Commons, taking into Consideration that the Well Governing and Peace of the City of London, and the Liberties thereof, doth chiefly depend upon the Faithfulness and Integrity of the Persons that have and bear the publick Offices and Places of Trust therein; and that, in these Times of Trouble, more than Ordinary Care is to be taken in the Choice and Election of them; and that their good Affection to the true Protestant Religion, and the Parliament, and Peace of the City and Kingdom, should be openly testified, and made known, before they be admitted to any such Place or Office: And whereas, by ancient Customs and Usages of the said City, those of the Common Council, and some other Officers of the City, are to be chosen at or about the Twenty-fourth of this Instant December; the Commons do Order and Declare, That no Person shall be elected into any the said Offices, nor shall be capable thereof, who have not voluntarily contributed upon the Propositions, according to the Ordinance of the Twentieth of November 1642, or who have otherwise testified their Disaffection to the Parliament; or who hath not taken the late solemn League and Covenant. And further, That no Person shall have any Voice in such Election, whose Person hath been imprisoned or Estate sequestered, for Malignancy against the Parliament; or that hath not taken the said Solemn League and Covenant. And Tho. Atkins, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and the Aldermen in their several Wards, and all other Persons, to whom the Election of any the said Officers shall appertain, are hereby required to see this Order duly put in Execution.

Negotiations with the King.

Mr. Holles reports from the Committee appointed to consider of the Answer to the King's Message sent by the Duke of Lenox, and the Earl of Southampton, the Vote passed at that Committee:

"To report to both Houses, That this Committee, and the Commissioners of Scotland, are of Opinion, That there be a Treaty for a safe and well-grounded Peace, with such Instructions, and in such Manner, as shall be agreed upon by the Two Houses of Parliament, and the Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland."

Then he reported a Draught, prepared by the Committee, in Answer to the King's Answer: Which was likewise read:

"We, Your Majesty's humble and loyal Subjects of both Kingdoms, have considered of Your Majesty's Message of the Thirteenth of December 1644, sent by the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton, directed to the Lords and Commons, assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster, and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, now at London; and do, in all Humbleness, return this Answer; That we do consent there be a Treaty for a safe and well-grounded Peace; but find that it will require some time to resolve concerning the Instructions and Manner of that Treaty: And therefore, that your Majesty might not be held in Suspence touching our Readiness to make use of any Opportunity for attaining such a blessed and happy Peace in all Your Majesty's Dominions, we would not stay Your Majesty's Messengers till we did resolve upon all these Particulars, which we will take into our serious Consideration, and present our humble Desires therein to your Majesty, with all convenient Speed."

Ditto.

Message from the Lords, by Sir Robert Rich and Mr. Page;

That the Lords have sent to this House the Vote and Answer, prepared by the Committee and Commissioners of Scotland; which they approve of; and desire your Concurrence.

The Vote and Answer (being the same reported by the Committee of this House) were read; and, upon the Question, the Vote was assented unto.-

Agent from Swedland.

Sir Henry Mildmay went up to the Lords, to acquaint them, That this House doth agree that the Committee of a proportionable Number of this House shall meet, to receive what the Agent of Swedland hath to deliver.-

Negotiations with the King.

The Question was propounded, Whether there should be an Addition to This Answer.

And the Question being put, Whether that Question should be now put;

The House was divided.

The Noes went out.

So the Question passed with the Negative.

Resolved, &c. That the Commons do concur with the Lords in this Answer to be sent to his Majesty by the Duke of Lenox and the Earl of Southampton.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House doth concur with the Lords, both in the Vote and Answer.

Leave to visit Lords from Oxford.

Ordered, That the Members of this House, that were employed to Oxford, shall have Leave to make a Visit to the Two Lords that came from Oxford, before they do return.

Powell's Claims.

The humble Petition of Jonathan Powell, of London, Girdler, was read.

Grant to Powell.

Ordered, That the humble Petition of Jonathan Powell, of London, Girdler, was read.

Ordered, That, out of the Arrears to be paid out of Mr. Playter's Estate sequestered, or liable to Sequestration, according to his Composition, One hundred Thirtyone Pounds shall be paid to Jonathan Powell, Girdler: And it is referred to the Committee, where Mr. Scawen has the Chair, to see the rest of the Arrears disposed of to such other Persons in the like Condition, or whose Necessities are very great, in such Manner as they shall think fit: And Mrs. Heath, Thomas Bywater, Wm. Cave, and Mrs. Grimes, Mr. Babington, Cornet Palmer, and Mr. Povey, are recommended to this Committee.