House of Commons Journal Volume 9: 18 November 1685

Mercurii, 18 die Novembris, 1685.

Prayers.

Gloucester Election.

THE House being informed, That Sir John Guise, Baronet desired to withdraw his Petition he had formerly presented to the House, complaining of an undue Election of a Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Gloucester;

And he being called in to the Bar of the House, and owning such his Desire;

Leave was given for him to withdraw his said Petition.

Leicester's Estate.

A Petition of Ralph Leicester Esquire, for Leave to bring in a Bill to enable him to sell Part of his Estate for Payment of his Debts, and Raising of Portions, was read.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, as is desired.

Answer to Address.

Mr. Speaker acquaints the House, That the House having Yesterday attended his Majesty; and he having read and presented to his Majesty the Address of this House; his Majesty was pleased to give his gracious Answer thereto: Which, to prevent Mistakes, he had obtained a Copy of: Which he read to the House; and is as followeth; viz.

I did not expect such an Address from this House of Commons; having so lately recommended to your Consideration the great Advantages a good Understanding between us had produced in a very short time, and given you Warning of Fears and Jealousies amongst ourselves:

I had Reason to hope, that the Reputation God hath blessed Me with in the World, would have created and confirmed a greater Confidence in you of Me, and of all I say to you; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and be very just to My Word in every one of My Speeches.

Militia.

The House then, according to the Order made on Monday last, resolved into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of Heads for a Bill to render the Militia more useful.

Mr. Speaker left the Chair.

Sir Thomas Meres took the Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Sir Thomas Meres reports from the Committee of the whole House, That they having taken into Consideration the Matters to them referred, they had made some Progress therein: But that they had directed him to move the House, That the House would resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, on Saturday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, to consider further of the Heads for a Bill to render the Militia more useful.

Resolved, That this House will, on Saturday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to proceed further in the Consideration of Heads for a Bill to render the Militia more useful.

A Member committed for offensive Words.

A Motion being made, That this House do take into their Consideration his Majesty's gracious Answer to the Address of this House;

And John Cooke Esquire, a Member of this House, thereupon standing up in his Place; and saying the Words following; which were directed by the House to be set down in Writing at the Table; viz.

"We are Englishmen; and we ought not to be frighted out of our Duty by a few high Words;"

And the said Mr. Cooke endeavouring to excuse himself; and being afterwards ordered to withdraw;

And a Debate arising in the House thereupon;

Resolved, That Mr. John Cooke, a Member of this House, for his indecent, and undutiful Reflecting on the King, and this House, be committed to the Tower.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, to take into his Custody the Body of the said Mr. John Cooke; and him to deliver into the Hands of the Lieutenant of his Majesty's Tower of London, to be there kept in safe Custody, during the Pleasure of this House.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning at Ten of the Clock.