House of Lords Journal Volume 27: November 1748

November 1748

Anno 22^o Georgii Secundi.

DIE Martis, 29^o Novembris, 1748.

DIE Martis, 29^o Novembris, 1748, Annoque Regni Serenissimi Domini Nostri Georgii Secundi, Der Gratia, Magnæ Britanniæ, Franciæ, et Hib'niæ Regis, Fider Defensoris, &c. Vicesimo Secundo, in quem Diem hæc Secunda Sessio Parliamenti, per separales Prorogationes, continuata fuerat, in Superiori Domo Parliamenti Magnæ Britanniæ apud Westmonaster convenere Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum Nomina subscriburtur, et præsentes fuerunt.

REX.

Fredericus Princeps Walliæ.

King present.

His Majesty, being seated on the Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments, and attended by His Officers of State, the Prince of Wales (in his Robes) sitting in his Place on His Majesty's Right Hand, the Lords being also in their Robes, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod received His Majesty's Commands to let the Commons know, "It is His Majesty's Pleasure, that they attend Him immediately, in this House."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

His Majesty spake as follows;

His Majesty's Speech.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"I acquainted you, at the Close of the last Session of Parliament, that Preliminary Articles for a General Pacification had been signed by My Minister, and those of the Most Christian King and The States General of the United Provinces, to which the Empress Queen of Hungary, the Kings of Spain and Sardinia, and the other Powers engaged in the War, soon afterwards acceded.

"I lost no Time, in taking the proper Measures, with My Allies, for effectuating a general Peace, by a Definitive Treaty, in which all Parties were to concur And, notwithstanding the Difficulties which must attend so extensive a Work, wherein the respective Interests of so many Powers were to be finally adjusted by common Consent, I have been able, by the Blessing of God, in the Course of the Summer, to complete it, and I have the Pleasure to acquaint you, that a Definitive Treaty, previously concerted with My Allies, has been signed by My Ministers, and those of France and The States General, to which all the other Powers concerned in the War have acceded without Reserve. (fn. 1)

"It has been My chief Endeavour, in putting an End to the Calamities of War, to make the most effectual Provision for securing the Rights and Interests of My own Subjects, and to procure the best Terms and Conditions for My Allies that the Situation of Affairs would admit And I take much Satisfaction in being able to tell you, that I have found a general good Disposition in all the Parties engaged in the War, to bring this Negotiation to a happy Conclu sion. From these Circumstances, we may promise ourselves, under God, a long Enjoyment of the Blessings of Peace, provided we make the right Use and Improvement of it.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

"As great a Progress has been made towards reducing the public Expences, is the Nature of the Case will allow, and I only desire you to grant Me such Supplies as may be requisite for the current Service of the You, for your own Security, and for making good such Engagements as have been already entered into, and laid before you Times of Tranquillity are the proper Seasons for lessening the National Debt, and strengthening ourselves against future Events, and, as the necessary Means for these Purposes, I must recommend to you the Improvement of the public Revenue, and the maintaining our Naval Force in proper Strength and Vigour.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"It is impossible for Me to speak to you, on this Subject of the happy Re-establishment of the public Tranquillity, without returning you My sincerest Thanks, for the great and affectionate Support you have given Me, in carrying on this just and necessary War, in which not only the common Cause of Europe, but our own Independency and essential Interests were highly concerned As the extraordinary Burdens which it brought upon My good Subjects gave Me much Uneasiness, so I could not but wish to see as speedy an End put to them as possible. Whatever the Events of War may have been, the Bravery of My Troops has distinguished itself, on every Occasion, to their lasting Honour and our signal Successes at Sea must ever be remembered, to the Glory of the British Fleet, and entitle it to the particular Attention and Support of this Nation. You will further consider, that those brave Men who have served well by Sea or Land, and cannot now be employed, justly deserve to be the Objects of your Favour and Protection.

"As My First Care has been, to take the most early Measures that My People may as soon as possible reap the Benefits of Peace, so I doubt not of your chearful Assistance in perfecting this good Work. Let Me earnestly recommend to you the Advancement of our Commerce, and cultivating the Arts of Peace, in which you may depend on My hearty Concurrence and Encouragement. It shall be My Endeavour to continue these Blessings, by a punctual Execution of the Engagements now taken, and by maintaining the most perfect Harmony and good Correspondence with the Friends and Allies of Great Britain.

"The Experience I have had of you makes Me rely on the Zeal, Unanimity, and Dispatch, of your Proceedings, and you may be assured, that nothing shall be wanting on My Part, to make you a flouishing and happy People"

The Speech being ended, His Majesty was pleased to reture, and the Commons withdrew.

PRAYERS.

E of Powis introduced:

Henry Arthur Lord Herbert of Chirbury, being, by Letters Patent, dat 27^o Die Man, 21^o Georgii 2^di created Baron Powis of Powis-Castle in the County of Montgomery, Viscount Ludlow in the County of Salop, and Earl of Powis in the said County of Montgomery, was (in his Robes) introduced, between the Earl of Lincoln and the Earl of Jersey (also in then Robes), the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Garter King at Arms, and the Deputy Earl Marshall, preceding.

The said Earl, on his Knee, presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor, at the Woolsick, who delivered it to the Clerk, and the same was read, at the Table.

His Writ of Summons was also read, as follows, (videlicet,)

His Writ of Summons.

"George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c To Our Right Trusty and Right Wellbeloved Cousin Henry Arthur Earl of Powis, Greeting Whereas, by reason of certain arduous and urgent Affairs, concerning Us, the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and the Church, We did lately, with the Advice and Consent of Our Council, ordam Our present Parliament to be held at Our City of Westminster, on the Thirteenth Day of August, in the Twentyfirst Year of Our Reign, which Parliament hath been from that Time, by several Adjournments and Prorogations, adjourned, prorogued, and continued, to and until the Twenty-ninth Day of this Instant November, at Our City aforesaid, to be then there held We, strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegrance by which you are bound to Us, that, considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs, and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present, at the said Day and Place, with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers, of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice, and this you may in no wise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and Dispatch of the said Affairs.

"Witness Ourself, at Westminster, the Twentythird Day of November, in the Twenty second Year of Our Reign.

"Yorke and Yorke."

Then, his Lordship having, at the Table, taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes, was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Earls Bench.

L. Monson takes his Seat, and V Leinster sworn.

John Lord Monson sat first in Parliament, after the Death of his Father John Lord Monson, who, together with James Lord Viscount Leinster, also took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

Select Vestries regulating, Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better regulating Select Vestries."

King's Speech reported.

The Lord Chancellor reported His Majesty's Speech.

And the same being read by the Clerk.

Order for an Address.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, "To return Him the Thanks of this House, for His most Gracious Speech from the Throne.

"To testify our Joy on His Majesty's safe and happy Return into this Kingdom, and to congratulate His Majesty on the successful Conclusion of a general Peace, with the Concurrence of all His Allies.

"To express our great Satisfaction in His Majesty's Wisdom and indefatigable Labours in carrying on the late just and necessary War, and in the Re-establishment of the public Tranquillity, and to thank His Majesty for the tender Regard He has shewn to His own Subjects, by effectuating a Pacification, and by His early Care to ease His People, and to enable them to reap the Benefits of Peace.

"To assure His Majesty of our hearty Concurrence in all such Measures as may tend to perfect this good Work, to improve our Commerce, and to make the Blessings of Peace extensive and lasting to His Subjects.

"To express our just Sense of the distinguished Behaviour of His Majesty's Forces by Sea and Land, and of that particular Attention which ought to be had for the Maintenance and Encouragement of the British Fleet, from which such signal Advantages have accrued during the War.

"To give His Majesty the strongest Assurances of our Duty and Affection to His Sacred Person, and of our Zeal for the Preservation of the Protestant Succession in His Royal House, and that we will never be wanting in our Endeavours to support His Majesty, in maintaining that Repose which He has restored to His Kingdoms, and in preserving the most perfect Correspondence and Union with the Friends and Allies of Great Britain, and in promoting the Glory and Happiness of His Reign."

Then the Lords following were appointed a Committee, to draw an Address, pursuant to the said Order, and report to the House; (videlicet,)

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet immediately, in the Prince's Lodgings near the House of Peers, and to adjourn as they please.

Then the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Committee withdrew, to prepare the Address.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

And the Earl of Powis reported from the said Committee, "That they had prepared an Address, pursuant to the foregoing Order."

And the same, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to by the House, and is as follows, (videlicet,)

Address reported.

"Most Gracious Sovereign,

"We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, return Your Majesty our humble Thanks, for Your most Gracious Speech from the Throne.

"The Joy which all Your faithful Subjects feel on Your Majesty's safe and happy Return into this Kingdom is incapable of any Addition, but it gives us, at this Time, a peculiar Satisfaction, as it is accompanied with a general Peace, effectuated by Your Majesty's Prudence and Firmness, and with the Concurrence of all Your Allies On the successful Conclusion of this great Work, we heartily congratulate Your Majesty, and, with the utmost Thankfulness, acknowledge Your Wisdom and indefatrgable Labours in carrying on the late just and necessary War, entered into for supporting the Liberties of Europe, and securing the Independency and most essential Interests of this Kingdom We are equally sensible of the tender Regard Your Majesty has shewn for Your People, in the Re-establishment of the public Tranquillity.

"We cannot be ignorant of the many Difficulties which must have attended this important and extensive Negotiation, and we look upon it as a great Instance of Your Majesty's vigilant and active Care for the public Welfare, that it has been brought to Perfection, in Concert with, and with the Concurrence of, so many Powers, in so short a Time.

"With Hearts full of Duty and Affection, we offer our Thanks to Your Majesty, for Your Paternal Goodness, in considering with so much Tenderness the Burdens of Your Subjects, and in taking the very First Opportunity to give them Ease, and to enable them to reap the Benefits of the Pacification. Excited by Your Gracious Example and our Love to our Country, we assure Your Majesty of our chearful and hearty Concurrence in all such Measures as may tend to perfect what Your Majesty has so prudently begun, may improve our Trade and Commerce, promote Quiet and Harmony at Home, and render the Blessings of Peace, under the Divine Protection, general and lasting to Your People. In doing this, we will never fail to have the utmost Attention to the Honour of Your Majesty's Crown, the Stability of Your Throne, and the Safety of Your Kingdoms.

"We have a just Sense of the distinguished Behaviour of Your Majesty's Forces by Sea and Land during the War We look upon them as an Honour and Strength to their Country, and we applaud that Goodness which Your Majesty has expressed, in recommending such of them as cannot now be employed to the Favour and Protection of Parliament. Your Majesty's Sentiments concerning the Naval Force of this Kingdom are highly worthy of a King of Great Britain, who has the Honour and Interest of this Nation entirely at Heart, and the signal Success that has attended it in the War, as well as the Consequences to be derived from it for maintaining the Peace, cannot fail to shew the Necessity of giving the utmost Attention to the Support and Encouragement of the Fleet.

"Permit us, Sir, to make use of this happy Occasion of approaching Your Royal Throne, to give Your Majesty the strongest Assurances of our inviolable Duty and Fidelity to Your Sacred Person, and our Zeal for the Preservation of the Protestant Succession in Your Illustrious House, the great Bulwark of our Religion and Liberties To these Principles we will always stedfastly adhere, and we faithfully promise Your Majesty, to exert our utmost Endeavours to support You in maintaining that Repose which Your Majesty has restored to Your Kingdoms, as well as to preserve and cultivate the most perfect Correspondence and Union with the Friends and Allies of Great Britain, and to promote the Glory and Happiness of Your Reign."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the whole House.

Ordered, That the Lords with White Staves do wait on His Majesty, humbly to know when He will be pleased to be attended therewith.

Committee Privileges.

Lords Committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of the House, and the Privileges of Parliament, and of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament.

Their Lordships, or any Seven of them, to meet on Monday next, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the House of Peers, and every Monday after, and to adjourn as they please.

Committee for the Journal.

Lords Sub-committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of the House and Privileges of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament, and to peruse and perfect the Journal of this and former Sessions of Parliament.

Their Lordships, or any Three of them, to meet when, where, and as often as, they please.

Stopproges in the Streets, Order to prevent.

The House taking Notice, "That there is such an Interruption, by Hackney Coaches, Carts, and Drays, in the Streets and Passages between Charing Cross and The Old Palace Yard in Westminster, that the Lords and others are frequently hindered from coming to this House, to the great Inconventency of the Members of both Houses"

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the High Steward of the City of Westminster, or his Deputy, together with the Justices of the Peace for the said City, shall, by their Care and Directions to the Constables and other Officers within the said Limits, take special Order, that no empty Hackney Coaches be suffered to make any Stay, between Whitehall and The Old Palace Yard in Westminster, from Eleven of the Clock in the Forenoon until Five of the Clock in the Afternoon of the same Day, during the Sitting of this Parliament, and that no Carriages, Drays, or Carts, be permitted to pass through the said Streets and Passages, between Charing Cross and The Old Palace Yard, between the Hours aforesaid, during the Sitting of this Parliament, and herein special Care is to be taken, by the said Deputy Steward, Justices of the Peace, Constables, and all other Officers herein concerned, as the contrary will be answered to this House And it is further Ordered, That the High Bailiff of the City of Westminster, and the Justices of the Peace for the City and Liberty thereof, or some of them residing in Westminster, be served with the Order of this House, made this Day, for the Purposes aforesaid.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad & in diem Mercurii, tricesimum diem instantis Novembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 30^o Novembris.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt.

PRAYERS.

His Majesty to be attended with the Address:

The Lord Steward acquainted the House, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time He would be pleased to appoint to be attended with their Lordships Address, and that His Majesty had been pleased to appoint this Day, at Two of the Clock, at His Palace of St. James's."

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, sextum diem Decembris jam prox. sequen. hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.