House of Lords Journal Volume 34: May 1774, 11-20

Die Mercurii, 11^o Maii 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Potton Enclosure Bill.

The Duke of Portland reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for enclosing the Open and Common Fields, and Common and Waste Grounds, within the Parish of Potton, in the County of Bedford, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Stoke Hammond Enclosure Bill.

The Duke of Portland made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Common and Waste Grounds, and also a Stinted or Common Pasture, called the Cow Common, within the Manor and Parish of Stoke Hammond, in the County of Bucks, was committed.

Sir Edward Swinburnes Estate Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable Sir Edward Swinburne Baronet, to charge certain Moors and Waste Lands, within the Parishes of Edlingham and Simonburne, in the County of Northumberland, or either of them, late the Estate of Sir John Swinburne Baronet, deceased after he shall have cultivated and improved the same, in the Manner and after the Rate in the Bill mentioned, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Harringworth Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Harringworth, in the County of Northampton,was committed.

Milton Lilburne, &c. Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields and Common Downs in the Tithings of Milton Lilburne, Milton Abbots, and Milton Havering, in the Parish of Milton, in the County of Wilts, as committed.

Ayr Roads Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term of an Act, made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Ayr, and other Roads therein mentioned, in the County of Ayr; and for repairing and widening certain other Roads within the said County of Ayr, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee bad gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House without any Amendment.

Hinckley to Woeful Bridge, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Aft to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Thirty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the High Roads from Hinkley to Woeful Bridge; and also from Hoo-ash Lane, through Old Lane, and from Swannington to Lee Gutter, and from thence to Melbourne Common; and from Ibstock to Measham, in the Counties of Leicester and Derby; and for repairing, and widening the Road from Phineys House, in the Liberty of Osbaston, to Chesires House, in the Liberty of Carlton; and also the Road from, the Turnpike Road at Swannington, along Burtons Lane, to the Coal Fields; and also the Road from the Toll-Gate in Old Lane to the Leicester and Ashby-de-la-zouch Turnpike Roads, was committed.

L Coleraines Estate Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estate of the Honourable William Hanger, situate in the County of Kent, entailed by the Will of the Right Honourable Gabriel Lord Coleraine, in the Kingdom of Ireland, deceased, in Trustees to be sold; and for applying the Monies arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the same Uses.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H.C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Holford and Mr. Leeds:

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Indemnity Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to indemnify such Persons as have omitted to qualify themselves for Offices and Employments; and to indemnify Justices of the Peace, or others, who have omitted to register or deliver in their Qualifications within the Time limited by Law, and for giving further Time for those Purposes; and to indemnify Members and Officers in Cities, Corporations, and Borough Towns, whose Admissions have been omitted to be stamped according to Law, or, having been stamped, have been lost or mislaid; and for allowing them Time to provide Admissions duly stamped; and to give further Time to such Persons as have omitted to make and file Affidavits of the Execution of Indentures of Clerks to Attornies and Solicitors.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Turnpike Roads Act, to amend, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to explain and amend an Act, made in the Thirteenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, intituled, An Act to explain, amend, and reduce into One Act of Parliament, the General Laws now in being for regulating the Turnpike Roads in that Part of Great Britain called England, and for other Purposes, so far as the same relates to the continuing and granting an additional Term of Five Years to Acts made for amending Turnpike Roads.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hats, &c. Manufactures, to prevent Frauds, &c. in, Bill:

Hodie 3 ^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to amend an Act, made in the Twenty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for the more effectual preventing of Frauds and Abuses committed by Persons employed in the Manufacture of Hats, and the Woollen, Linen, Fustian, Cotton, Iron, Leather, Fur, Hemp, Flax, Mohair, and Silk Manufactures; and for preventing unlawful Combinations of Journeymen Dyers and Journeymen Hot Prefers, and of all Persons employed in the said several Manufactures; and for the better Payment of their Wages.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill mall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Insurances on Lives, regulating, Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for regulating Insurances upon Lives, and for prohibiting all such Insurances, except in Cases where the Persons insuring shall have an Interest in the Life or Death of the Persons injured.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ellington Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Manor, Parish, and Liberties, of Ellington, in the County of Huntingdon.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H.C. that the Lords have agreed to the five preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Carstairs Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act. for empowering the Judges of the Court of Session in Scotland to sell the Whole or such Parts and Portions of the Estate and Barony of Kinross, in the County of Kinross, belonging to James Bruce Carstairs Esquire, as shall be sufficient for Payment of the Debts affecting the same; and for settling the Remainder of the said Estate and Barony in Tail, on the fame Persons and to the same Uses and Purposes, as mentioned in a Deed of Entail, made by Sir William Bruce Baronet, bearing Date the Sixteenth Day of February in the Year One thousand six hundred and eighty-three.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Thursday the 26th Day of this instant May, at Ten oClock in the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Oxenton, Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Hills, Meadow, Pastures, Lot Grounds, and Commonable Lands, within the Parish of Oxenton, in the County of Gloucester.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Friday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Rudston Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Arable Fields, and other un-enclosed Grounds, within the Township of Rudston, in the East Riding of the County of York.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Tewksbury, Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of so much of an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening several Roads therein mentioned, from the Town of Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester, as relates to the Second District of Roads therein mentioned; and to amend the Road from Elstone Church to the Turnpike Road from Cirencester to Gloucester, near a Place called Comb End Beeches, in the said County of Gloucester.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Kingston upon Hull Bill; the Kings Consent signified to it.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, That His Majesty, having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, An Act for making and establishing publick Quays or Wharfs at Kingston upon Hull, for the better securing His Majestys Revenues of Customs, and for the Benefit of Commerce in the Port of Kingston upon Hull; for making a Bason or Dock, with Reservoirs, Sluices, Roads, and other Works, for the Accommodation of Vessels using the said Fort; and for appropriating certain Lands belonging to His Majesty, and for applying certain Sums of Money out of His Majestys Customs at the said Port for those Purposes; and for establishing other necessary Regulations within the Town and Port of Kingston upon Hull was pleased to consent (as far as His Majestys Interest is concerned) that their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, Ah Act for making and establishing publick Quays or Wharfs at Kingston upon Hull for the better securing His Majestys Revenues of Customs, and for the Benefit of Commerce in the Port of Kingston upon Hull; for making a Bason or Dock, with Reservoirs, Sluices, Roads, and other Works, for the Accommodation of Vessels using the said Port; and for appropriating certain Lands belonging to His Majesty, and for applying certain Sums of Money out of His Majestys Customs at the said Port for those Purposes; and for establishing other necessary Regulations within the Town and Port of Kingston upon Hull.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Colebrookee Bill, Committee shortened.

The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Motion made Yesterday, for dill penfing with the Standing Order requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Time of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, so far as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estates late of James Colebrooke Esquire, in the County of Kent, in Trustees; to be fold, and for purchasing other, Estates, to be settled to the same Uses, subject to the Annuities and other Charges and Incumbrances thereon; and for other Purposes therein mentioned, stands committed, may meet on an earlier Day than is appointed in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session.

And Consideration being had thereof accordingly.

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be dispensed with in this Case, and that the Committee may meet to consider the said Bill on Tuesday next.

Carstairs Bill, Motion for shortening the Committee on it.

The House was moved, That the Standing Order requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, may be so far dispensed with as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for impowering the Judges of the Court of Session in Scotland to fell the Whole or such Parts and Portions of the Estate and Barony of Kinross, in the County of Kinross, belonging to James Bruce Carstairs Esquire, as shall be sufficient for Payment of the Debts affecting the same; and for setting the Remainder of the said Estate and Barony, in Tail, on the same Persons, and to the same Uses and Purposes, as mentioned in a Deed of Entail, made by Sir William Bruce Baronet, bearing Date the Sixteenth Day of February, in the Year One thousand six hundred and eighty-three, stands committed, may proceed upon the said Bill on an earlier Day than is appointed in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session:

It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken into Consideration To-morrow, and the Lords summoned.

Ayr Roads Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to, enlarge the Term of an Act, made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Ayr, and other Roads therein mentioned, in the County of Ayr; and for repairing and widening certain other Roads, within the said County of Ayr.

the Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H C that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent f o the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

Dickerdine, for a Bill to take the Name of Rice Fellowe.

Upon reading the Petition of Rice Esllowc Esquire, lately called George Dickerdine Esquire; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to enable him, and his Heirs, to take and use the Name and Surname of Rice Fellowe, and to bear the Arms of Fellowe, pursuant to the Will of Rice Fellowe Esquire, deceased:

It is Ordered; That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition.

Bill read.

Whereupon, The Lord Boston presented to the House a Bill, intituled, An Act to enable George Dickerdine Esquire, and his Heirs, to take and use the Name and Surname of Rice Fellowe, and to bear the Arms of Fellowe, pursuant to the Will of Rice Fellowe Esquire, deceased.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Easton Encosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Ludlow and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Township, Parish, and Liberties; of Easton, in the County of Huntingdon; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Exeter Work House, &c. Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. John Walter and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to explain and amend Two several Acte of Parliament for erecting Hospitals and Workhouses within the City and County of the City of Exon, for the better employing and maintaining the Poor there, and to raise further Sums of Money for the more effectually carrying the Purposes of the said Aus into Execution; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Massachusetts Bay, Government and Administration or Justice in, Bills.

Upon reading the Petition of several Persons, Natives of America, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, taking Notice of Two Bills depending in this House, the First, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of The Massachusetts Bay, in New England;, and the other, intituled, An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Act done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults in the Province of The Massachusetts Bay, in New England; and praying, That the said Bills may not pass into (fn. 1) a Law:

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Massachusetts Bay, Government of, Bill

Upon reading the Petition of William Bollan Esquire, Agent for the Council of His Majestys Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, taking Notice of. a Bill depending in this House, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of The Massachusetts Bay, in New England ; and praying, This Right Honourable House will be pleased to suspend all further Proceedings therein, until he can give the Council Notice thereof, and they can prepare their Defence, and give proper Corporate Authority for the regular Defence of their Corporate Rights and Privileges; and that he may be heard by their Lordships in Support of this Petition:

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Moved, That Mr. Bollan be called in, and heard at the Bar.

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon ?

It was resolved in the Negative.

The, Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of The Massachusetts Bay, in New England; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Moved, That the Bill, with the Amendments, do pass.

Which being objected to;

After long Debate,

The Question was put, Whether this Bill, with the Amendments, shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative

DISSENTIENT.

Protest ort parting it.

Because this Bill, forming a principal Part in a System of Punishment and Regulation, has been carried through the House without a due Regard to those indispensable Rules of Public Proceeding, without the Observance of which no Regulation can be prudently made, and no Punishment justly inflicted. Before it can be pretended, that those Rights of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in the Election of Councillors, Magistrates, and Judges, and in the Return of Jurors, which they derive from their Charter, could, with Propriety, be taken away, the definite legal Offence, by which a Forfeiture of that Charter is incurred, ought to have been clearly stated and fully proved; Notice of this adverse Proceeding ought to have been given to the Parties affected; and they ought to have been heard in their own Defence. Such a Principle of Proceeding would have been inviolably observed in the Courts below. It is not technical Formality, but substantial Justice. When therefore the Magnitude of such a Cause transfers it from the Cognizance of the inferior Courts to the high Judicature of Parliament, the Lords are so far from authorized to reject this equitable Principle, that we are bound to an extraordinary and religious Srtircteless in the Observance of it. The Subject ought to be indemnified by a more liberal and beneficial Justice in Parliament, for what he must inevitably suffer by being deprived of many of the Forms which are wifely established in the Courts of ordinary Resort, for his Protection against the dangerous Promptitude of arbitrary Discretion:

2dly. Because the Necessity alledged for this precipitate Mode of judicial Proceeding cannot exist. If the numerous Land and Marine Forces which are ordered to assemble in Massachusetts Bay, are not sufficient to keep that single Colony in any tolerable State of Order, until the Cause of its Charter can be fairly and equally tried, no Regulation in this Bill, or in any of those hitherto brought into the House, are sufficient for that Purpose; and we conceive that the mere Celerity of a Decision against the Charter of that Province, will not reconcile the Minds of the People to that Mode of Government which is to be established upon its Ruins:

3dly. Because Lords are not in a Situation to determine how far the Regulations, of which this Bill is composed, agree or disagree with those Parts of the Constitution of the Colony that are not altered, with the Circumstances of the People, and with the whole Detail of their municipal Initiations. Neither the Charter of the Colony, nor any Account whatsoever of its Courts and judicial Proceedings their Mode or their Exercise of their present Powers, have been produced to the House. The slightest Evidence concerning any One of the many Inconveniencies stated in the Preamble of the Bill to have arisen from the present Constitution of the Colony Judicatures, has not been produced, or even attempted. On the same general Allegations of a declamatory Preamble, any other Right, or all the Rights, of this or any other public Body, may be taken away, and any visionary Scheme of Government substituted in their Place:
4thly. Because we think that the Appointment of all the Members of the Council, which by this Bill is veiled in the Crown, is not a proper Provision for preserving the Equilibrium of the Colony Constitution. The Power given to the Crown of occasionally increasing or lessening the Number of the Council on the Report of Governors, and at the Pleasure of Ministers, must make these Governors and Ministers Mailers of every Question in that Assembly; and by destroying its Freedom of Deliberation, will wholly annihilate its Use. The Intention avowed in this Bill of bringing the Council to the Platform of other Colonies, is not likely to answer its own End; as the Colonies, where the Council is named by the Crown, are not at all better disposed to a Submission to the Practice of taxing for Supply without their Consent, than this of Massachusetts Bay. And no Pretence of bringing it to the Model of the Englist Consitution can be supported, as none of those American Councils have the least Resemblance to the House of Peers. So that this new Scheme of a Council stands upon no Sort of Foundation, which the Proposers of it think proper to acknowledge:
5thly. Because the new Constitution of Judicature provided by this Bill is improper and incongruous with the Plan of the Administration of Justice in Great Britain, All the Judges are to be henceforth nominated, (not by the Crown), but by the Governor; and all, except the Judges of the superior Court, are to be removeable at his Pleasure, and expressly without the Consent of that very Council which has been nominated by the Crown. The Appointment of the Sheriff is by the Will of the Governor only; and without requiring in the Person appointed any local or other Qualification; that Sheriff, a Magistrate of great Importance to the whole Administration and Execution of all Justice Civil and Criminal, and who in England is not removeable even by the Royal Authority during the Continuance of the Term of his Office, is by this Bill made changeable by the Governor and Council, as often, and for such Purposes as they shall think expedient. The Governor and Council thus entrusted with Powers with which the British Constitution has not trusted His Majesty and His Privy Council, have the Means of returning such a Jury, in each particular Cause, as may best suit with the Gratification of their Passions and Interests. The Lives, Liberties, and Properties of the Subject, are put into their Hands without Controul; and the invaluable Right of Trial by Jury, is turned into a Snare for the People, who have hitherto looked upon it as their main Security against the Licentiousness of Power:
6thly. Because we see in this Bill the same Scheme of strengthening the Authority of the Officers and Ministers of State, at the Expence of the Rights and Liberties of the Subject, which was indicated by the inauspicious Act for shutting up the Harbour: of Boston. By that Act, which is immediately, connected with this Bill, the Example was set of a large important City, containing vast Multitudes of People, many of whom must be innocent, and all of whom are unheard by an arbitrary Sentence, deprived of the Advantage of that Port, upon which all Means of acquiring their Livelihood did immediately depend. This Proscription is not made determinable on the Payment of a Fine for an Offence, or a Compensation for an Injury; but is to continue until the Ministers of the Crown shall think fit to advise the King in Council to revoke it. The legal Condition of the Subject (standing unattainted by Conviction for Treason or Felony) ought never to depend upon the arbitrary Will of any Person whatsoever. This Act, unexampled on the Records of Parliament, has been entered on the Journals of this House as voted nemine Dissentient, and has been stated in the Debate of this Day to have been sent to the Colonies, as passed without a Division in either House, and therefore as conveying the uncontroverted universal Sense of the Nation: The Despair of making effectual Opposition to an unjust Measure, has been construed into an Approbation of it: An. unfair Advantage has been taken on the final Question for passing that penal Bill, of the Absence of those Lords who had debated it for several Hours, and strongly dissented from it on the Second Reading, that Period on which it is moil usual to debate the Principle of a Bill. If this Proceeding were to pass without Animadversion, Lords might think themselves obliged to reiterate their Debates at every Stage of every Bill which they oppose, and to make a formal Division whenever they debate.
7thly. Because this Bill, and the other Proceedings that accompany it, are intended for the Support of that unadvised Scheme of taxing the Colonies in a Manner new and unsuitable to their Situation and constitutional Circumstances. Parliament has asserted the Authority of the Legislature of this Kingdom supreme and unlimited over all the Members of the British Empire. But the legal Extent of this Authority furnishes no Argument in favour of an unwarrantable Use of it. The Sense of the Nation on the Repeal of the Stamp Act was, that, in Equity and found Policy, the Taxation of the Colonies for the ordinary Purposes of Supply, ought to be forborn; and that this Kingdom ought to satisfy itself with the Advantages to be derived from a flourishing and encreasing Trade, and with the free Grants of the American Assemblies, as being far more beneficial, far more easily obtained, less oppressive, and more likely to be lasting, than any Revenue to be acquired by Parliamentary Taxes, accompanied by a total Alienation of the Affections of those who were to pay them. This Principle of Repeal was nothing more than a Return to the antient Standing Policy of this Empire. The unhappy Departure from it has led to that Course of shisting; and contradictory Measures, which have since given rise to such continued Distractions; by which unadvised Plan, new Duties have been imposed in the very Year after the former had been repealed. These; new Duties afterwards in Part repealed, and in Part continued in Contradiction to the Principles upon; which those repealed were given up; all which, with many weak, injudicious, and precipitate Steps, taken; to enforce a Compliance, have kept up that Jealousy, which on the Repeal of the Stamp Act was subsiding;: revived dangerous Questions, and gradually estranged; the Affections of the Colonies from the Mother Country, without any Object of Advantage to either. If the Force proposed should have its full Effect,: that Effect we greatly apprehend may not continue longer than whilst the Sword is held up. To render the Colonies permanently advantageous, they must be satisfied with their Condition: That Satisfaction we fee no-Chance of restoring, whatever Measures may be pursued, except by recurring, in the Whole, to the wife and salutary Principles on which the Stamp Act was repealed.

Richmond.
Effingham
Leinster.
Portland.
Ponsonby.
Craven.
Abingdon.
Rockingham.
Fltzwilliam.
King.
Abergavenny.

Message to H. C. with Amendments to the Bill.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To return the said Bill, and acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the fame, with some Amendments, to which their Lordships desire their Concurrence.

Pophams Divorce Bill.

Ordered, That the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stepheny Popham Gentleman with Ann Yate Whiteside, his now Wise, and to enable him to marry again; and for, other Purposes therein mentioned, which stands appointed for To-morrow, be put off to Tuesday next, and the Lords summoned; and that the several Persons who were ordered to attend as Witnesses on that Day, do then attend.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prfens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, duodecimum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis fie decernentibus.

Die Jovis, 12^o Maii 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS

St. Saviour Southwark Workhouse &c. Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for enlarging the present, or providing a new Workhouse for the Use of the Parish of Saint Saviour, Southwark, and for regulating the Poor in such Workhouse; for widening King Street, at the Entrance into the High Street, Southwark ; for making a Carriage Way from the said High Street, through the Greyhound Inn, into Queen Street ; and for improving the Passage from thence into Gravel Lane, leading towards the Black Friars Bridge Road, in the Parish of Christ Church, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment,

Gees Bill

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting the Manor of Thorngumbald, and certain Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, in Thorngumbald and Paul, or One of them, in Holderness, in the East Riding of the County of York, late the Estate of Thomas Gee Esquire, deceased, in Trustees, to be fold; and for applying Part of the Monies thereby arising in discharging the Incumbrances affecting the same Estate; and for laying out the Residue in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the same Uses, was committed:That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereto:

Which Amendments, being read Twice by the Clerk, were agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be engrossed.

Sir Edward Swinburnes Estate Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable Sir Edward Swinburne Baronet to charge certain Moors and Walle Lands, within the Parishes of Edlingham and Simonburne, in the County of Northumberland, or either of them, late the Estate of Sir John Swinburne Baronet, deceased, after he shall have cultivated and improved the fame, in the Mannet and after the Rate in the Bill mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Gees Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for vesting the Manor of Thorngumbald, and certain Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, in Thorngumbald and Paul, or One of them, in Holderness, in. the East Riding of the County of York; late the Estate of Thomas Gee Esquire, deceased, in Trustees to be fold, and for applying Part, of the Monies thereby arising in discharging the Incumbrances affecting the same Estate; and for laying out the Residue in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the same Uses.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C with the Two preceding Bills.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr; Holford and Mr. Leeds :

To carry down the said Bills, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Potton Enclosure Bills

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enclosing the Open and Common Fields, and Common and Waste Grounds, within the Parish of Potton, in the County of Bedford.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Harringworth Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, and Common. Grounds, within the Parish of Harringworth, in the County of Northampton.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Stoke Hammond Ende tine Bill

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Common and Waste Grounds, and also a Stinted or Common Pasture, called The Cow Common, within the Manor and Parish of Stoke Hammond, in the County of Bucks.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hinckley to Woeful Bridge, &c. Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Thirty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the High Roads from Hinckley to Woeful Bridge; and also from, Hooash Lane, through Old Lane, and from Swannington to Lee Gutter, and from thence to Melbourne Common; and from Ibstock to Measham, in the Counties of Leicester and Derby; and for repairing and widening the Road from Phines House, in the Liberty of Osbaston, to Chesthires House, in the Liberty of Carlton; and also the Road from the Turnpike. Road at Swannington, along Burtons Lane, to the Coal Fields; and also the Road from the Toll-gate in Old Lane to the Leicester and Ashby-de-la-zouch Turnpike Roads.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Milton Lilburne, &c. Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields and Common Downs, in the Tithings of Milton Lilburne, Milton Abbotts, and Milton Havering, in the Parish of Milton, in the County of Wilts

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Kingston upon Mull Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for making and establishing publick Quays or Wharfs at Kingston upon Hull, for the better securing His Majestys Revenues of Customs, and for the Benefit of Commerce in the Port of Kingston upon Hull; for making a Bason or Dock, with Reservoirs, Sluices, Roads, and other Works, for the Accommodation of Vessels using the said Port; and for appropriating certain Lands belonging to His Majesty, and for applying certain Sums of Money out of His Majestys Customs at the said Port for those Purposes; and for establishing other necessary Regulations within the Town and Port of Kingston upon Hull

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C that the Lords have agreed to the Six preceding Bill.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the farmer Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Quebec Papers delivered.

The Earl of Dartmouth (by His Majestys Command) laid before the House more Papers relating to the Province of Quebec, together with a List thereof; which was read by the Clerk, as follows:

N^o 1. An Ordinance concerning the licensing of Public Victualling Houses.
Passed February 23d, 1768.
N^o 2. An Ordinance for preventing Accidents by Fire.
Passed February 23d, 1768.
3. An Ordinance to amend a former Ordinance of this Province relating to the Assize of Bread.
Passed April 5th, 1768.
4. An Ordinance repealing a Clause in a former Ordinance of this Province, dated the 15th Day of May, in the Year of our Lord 1765, concerning the Currency of this Province.
Passed April 5th, 1768.

5. An Ordinance for appointing Pilots, and for establishing certain Rules and Regulations to be observed by all Masters or Commanders of Ships or Vessels failing up or down the. River Saint Lawrence, to or from the City and Port of Quebec.
Passed May 5th, 1768.
6. An Ordinance to amend and enforce a former Ordinance for preventing Accidents by Fire.
passed November 3d, 1768.
7. An Ordinance to restrain the Keepers of Publick Victualling Houses from selling Liquors by Retail upon Credit beyond the. Sum of Half a Spanish Dollar.
passed May 30th, 1769.
8. An Ordinance concerning the Bakers of Bread in the Towns of Quebec and Montreal.
passed May 30th, 1769.
9. An Ordinance in Aid of, and Addition to, Two former Ordinances for preventing Accidents by Fire.
passed May 22d 1773.
And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk,

Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the Table.

Acomb and Holdgate Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, Ings, Commons, and other Waste Lands and Grounds, within the Townships of Acomb and Holdgate, in the County of the City of York.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordship, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow, at Ten oClock in the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Easton Enclosure Bill

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled An Act for dividing, allotting, and; enclosing, the. Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Township, Parish; and Liberties of Easton, in the County of Huntingdon.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees, afore named:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Bricklehampton Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within and belonging to the Chapelry or Township of Bricklehampton, in the County of Worcester.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Message H. C to return Macclesfield School Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by (fn. 2) Mr. Wilbraham Bootle and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act: to confirm certain Sales and Purchases of Estates made by the Governors of the Free Grammar School of King Edward the Sixth, in Macclessfield, in the County of Chester, to enable them to make other Sales, Purchases, and Exchanges; and to improve and extend the Benefits of the Foundation of the said School; and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made thereto.

Colebookes Bill; Motion to dipense with Standing Order oa it.

The House being moved, That the Standing Order of this House, No. 126, concerning Bills for felling Lands in One Place, and buying Lands in another Place, to be settled in Lieu thereof, may be so far dispensed with, as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estates late of James Colebrooke Esquire, in the County of Kent, in Trustees, to be fold; and for purchasing other Estates, to be settled to the same Uses, subject to the Annuities and other Charges and Incumbrances thereon; and for other Purposes therein mentioned, stands committed, may proceed on the said Bill, notwithstanding the said Order should not be complied with:

It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken inco Consideration To-morrow; and the Lords summon: d.

Carstairs Bill, Committee shortened.

The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Motion made Yesterday for dispensing with the Standing Order, requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Time of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, so far as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for empowering the Judges of the Court of Session in Scotland, to fell the Whole, or such Parts and Portions of the Estate and Barony of Kinross, in the County of Kinross, belonging to James Bruce Carstairs Esquire, as mall be sufficient for Payment of the Debts affecting the fame, and for setting the Remainder of the said Estate and Barony, in Tail, on the same Persons, and to the same Uses and Purposes as mentioned in a Deed of Entail made by Sir William Bruce Baronet, bearing Date the Sixteenth Day of February, in the Year One thousand fix hundred and eighty-three, stands committed, may meet on an earlier Day than is appointed in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session.

And Consideration being had thereof accordingly:

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be dispensed with in this Case; and that the Committee may meet to consider the said Bill on Wednesday next.

Quebec, Government of, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read a Second Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow; and that the Lords be summoned.

Dickerdtne to take the Name of Rice Fellow?, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable George Dickerdtne Esquire, and his Heirs, to take and use the Name and Surname of Rice Fellowe, and to bear the Arms of Fellowe, pursuant to the Will of Rice Fellowe Esquire, deceased.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Exeter Work House, &c. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act: to explain and amend Two several Acts of Parliament for erecting Hospitals and Workhouses within the City and County of the City of Exon; for the better employing and maintaining the Poor there; and to raise further Sums of Money for the more effectually carrying the Purposes of the said Acts into Execution.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Grolivenor Square Paving, &c Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by General Howard and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act: to enable the Inhabitants of Grosvenor Square, in the County of Middlesex, to pave, cleanse, light, water, and embellish, the said Square; and for other Purposes therein mentioned to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

St. Stephen Bristol Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Brickdale and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act: for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol; and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Message from H C to return Busing Nat. Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Whitworth and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act: for naturalizing Victor Busigny; and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the fame, without any Amendment.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declavarit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum tertium diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis fie decernentibus.

Die Veneris, 13^o Maii 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales praesentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Carlton Bridge Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act forbuilding. a Bridge cross the River Air, at Carlton, in the Weil Riding of the County of York.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at Ten oClock in the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Members of H C. and Electors, to repeal Acts touching the Residence of, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Popham and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for repealing an Act, made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth, and so much of several Acts of the Eighth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Years of King Henry the Sixth, as relates toy the Residence of Persons to be elected Members to serve in Parliament, or of the Persons by whom they are to be chosen: to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Gaol Distemper, to prevent, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Hotham and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for preferring the Health of Prisoners in Gaol, and preventing the. Gaol Distemper; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Six Clerks Office, to rebuild, &c. Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Ambler and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Office of the Six Clerks-of the Kings Court of Chancery, and for erecting Offices for the Register and Accountant General of the said Court, for the better preserving the Records, Decrees, Orders, and Books of. Account, kept in such Offices; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two lait mentioned Bills were read the First Time.

Leicester, &c Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Wyldbore and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-seventh Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Borough of Leicester to and by the North Side of the Town of Uppingham, in the County of Rutland, and to Wansford, in the County of Northampton, and from thence to Peterborough, in the said County of Northampton; and for repairing the Road from the Termination of the said Road at Peterborough to the Market Place there; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Carlton Bridge Bill the Kings Cousent signified to it.

The Lord Hyde acquainted the House, That His Majesty, having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, An Act for building a Bridge cross the River Air, at Carlton, in the West Riding of the County of York, was pleased to consent (as far as His Majestys Interest is concerned) that their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit.

North Amend, quartering I roops. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for the better providing suitable Quarters for Officers and Soldiers in His Majestys Service in North America.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Gold Coin, Conference desired by H. C. concerning it.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Beauchamp and others:

To desire a Conference with this House upon a Matter of great Importance concerning the Preservation of the Coin of this Kingdom.

To which the House agreed:

Conference agreed to.

And the Messengers were called in again, and told, That the Lords agree to a Conference, as is desired; and appoint it presently in the Painted Chamber.

Then the Lords following were named Managers of the Conference

The House being informed, That the Managers for the Commons were ready for the Conference in the Painted Chamber:

The Names of the Managers for the Lords were called over:

And the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Lords went to the Conference:

Which being ended,

The House was resumed:

Conference reported:

And the Lord President reported, That they had met the Managers for the Commons at the Conference, which on the Part of the Commons was managed by the Lord North who acquainted the Managers for the Lords, That upon Consideration of a Matter of great Importance to the Revenue and Commerce of this Kingdom, and to the Preservation of the Gold Coin of this Realm, they had agreed to an Address to be presented to His Majesty, to which they desire the Concurrence of this house; and had delivered at the said Conference several Papers-relating to the Gold Coin of this Kingdom, which had been referred to a Committee of mat House; and also delivered, at the said Conference, some of the Resolutions agreed to by that House, relating to the Gold Coin; and also the Names of such Persons as had been examined before the Committee in relation thereto.

Then his Lordship read the Address delivered at the said Conference, as follows:

Address to His Majesty on the Subject

Most Gracious Sovereign,
We Your Majestys most dutiful and loyal Subjects the Commons, in Parliament assembled, having, in pursuance of Your Majestys most Gracious Recommendation in Your Speech to Your Parliament at the Opening of this Session, taken into our moil serious Consideration the present State of the Gold Coin of this Realm, and having called for several Accounts, and examined Evidence touching the fame, we find that the Gold Coin of this Realm has been greatly diminished, by clipping, filing, and other evil Practices, particularly of late Years, in Violation of the Laws of this Realm; and it appears to us, that it hath been a Practice to export and melt down the new and perfect Coin soon after it has been issued, for private Advantage, to the great Detriment of the Public: And that the like Practices will continue while Pieces differing greatly in Weight are current under the same Denomination, and at the same Rate and Value: And having with great Attention deliberated on this important Subject, in which the Commerce and Interests of Your Majestys Subjects are so essentially concerned, and on the Measures that ought to be pursued for preventing the Mischiefs to which the Publick are thus exposed, we are humbly of Opinion, that, in the First Place, it is proper that all Guineas weighing less than Five Penny Weights Eight Grains, and all Half Guineas weighing less than Two Penny Weights Sixteen Grains, and all Quarter Guineas weighing less than One Penny Weight Eight Grains, be called in, and recoined according to the established Standard of the Mint, both as to Weight and Fineness; and that it is proper that the said Guineas, Half Guineas, and Quarter Guineas, be called in by Degrees, and as fail as the Occasions of Circulation will allow, and as the Officers of the Mint are able to recoin the same; and that the Publick do bear the Loss arising from the Deficiency and Recoinage of the said Guineas, Half Guineas, and Quarter Guineas, provided such Deficiency does hot exceed the Rates settled by the Commissioners of Your Majestys Treasury in their Order of the Twenty-third of July last; and provided they be offered in Payment to the Receivers or Collectors of the Publick Revenues, or are brought to such Person or Persons as Your Majesty /hall authorize to receive and exchange the fame, within certain Times to be appointed for that Purpose.
We do therefore moil humbly beseech Your Majesty, that Your Majesty would be graciously pleased to issue Your Royal Proclamation or Proclamations, and thereby appoint such Days as to Your Majesty shall seem meet, after which the said Guineas, Half Guineas, and Quarter Guineas, be not allowed in Payment, or to pass, except only to the Collectors and Receivers of the Publick Revenues, or to such Persons as Your Majesty shall authorize to receive and exchange the fame; and that Your Majesty would appoint certain other Days after which the said Guineas, Half Guineas, and Quarter Guineas, be not allowed to pass in any Payment whatsoever, or to be exchanged in Manner before mentioned.

Ordered, That the said Address, together with the several Papers delivered at the Conference, be taken into Consideration on Monday next; and the Lords summoned.

Persons to attend to be examined on the State of the Gold Coin.

Ordered, That Mr. William Chamberlayne Solicitor to the Mint, Mr. Samuel Etheridge the Principal Officer of the Bullion Office at the Bank, Mr. Joseph Lucas Kings Assay Mailer of the Mint, Mr. Stainsby Alchorne the Mailers Assay Master of the Mint, and Mr. Kemp Provost of the Managers of the Mint, do attend this House on Monday next.

Standing Order, No. 40, Motion to take it into Consideration.

Moved, That the Standing Order, N^o 40, be taken into Consideration on Wednesday next.

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

An Amendment was proposed to be made to the said Motion, by leaving out the Words (Wednesday next), and instead thereof inferring (this Day Two Months),

Which being objected to;

The Question was put, Whether the Words (Wednesday next) shall stand Part of the Motion?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be taken into Consideration on this Day Two Months.

Quebec, Government of, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be in a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was accordingly adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereto, which he was ready to report when the House will please to receive the fame.

Ordered, That the said Report be received on Monday next.

Massachusetts Bay, Administration of Justice in, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Second Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Coiebrookes Bill Standing Older dispensed with

The Order of the Day being read for taking into Consideration the Motion made Yesterday for dispensing with the Standing Order, No. 126, so far as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estates late of James Colebrooke Esquire, in the County of Kent, in Trustees, to be sold; and for purchasing other Estates, to be settled to the same Uses, subject to the Annuities, and other Charges and Incumbrances thereon; and for other Purposes therein mentioned, stands committed, may proceed on the said Bill, notwithstanding the said Order should not be complied with.

And Consideration being had thereof accordingly:

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be dispensed with in this Case.

Plymouth Dock, Sale of Lands, &c. at Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable certain Persons, during the Minority of Sir John Saint Aubyn Baronet, to renew and grant Leases of Lands, and to fell other Lands, all at Plymouth Dock, in the County of Devon, for the Use of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Tewkesbury, &c Road Bill

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of so much of an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening several Roads therein mentioned from the Town of Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester as relates to the Second District of Roads therein mentioned; and to amend the Road from Elstone Church, to the Turnpike Road from Cirencester to Gloucester, near a Place called Comb End Beeches, in the said County of Gloucester was committed.

Bricklehampton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within and belonging to the Chapelry or Township of Bricklehampton, in the County of Worcester, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents, to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Rudston Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Aft for dividing and enclosing the several Open Arable Fields, and other unenclosed Grounds, within the Township of Rudston, in the East Riding of the County of fork was committed.

Easton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Township, Parish, and Liberties of Easton, in the County of Huntingdon was committed.

Dickerdine to take the Name of Rice Fellowe, Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable George Dickerdine Esquire, and his Heirs, to take and use the Name and Surname of Rice Fellowe, and to bear the Arms of Fellowe, pursuant to the Will of Rice Fellowe Esquire, deceased, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which, were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Grosvenor Square Paving, &c. Bill.

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Inhabitants of Grosvenor Square, in the County of Middlesex, to pave, cleanse, light, water, and embellish, the said Square; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Bewdley Roads Bill

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for continuing, altering, and amending, an Act, made and passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled An Act for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Bewdley, in the County of Worcester, to the several Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Worcester and Salop respectively.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Bude Canal Bill

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for making a navigable Cut or Canal from the Port or Harbour of Bude, in the Hundred of Stratton, in the County of Cornwall, to the River Tamer, in the Parish of Calstoke, in the said County.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Battersea Church Bill

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Parish Church of Battersea, in the County of Surrey; and for enlarging the Church Yard of the said Parish Church.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Confederation of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

North Shields to Newcastle upon Tyne Road Bill

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-second Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road from North Shields, in the County of Northumberland, to the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

St Stephen Bristol Bill

Hodie 2 vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol; and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Adjourn

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit praesens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunae, decimum sextum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Aurorae, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Die Lunae, 16 Maii 1774

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales praesentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Message from H. C. to return the Bill for the Government of Massachusetts Bay.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Cooper and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England;and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made thereto.

Dickerdine to take the Name of Rice Fellowe, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable George Dickerdine Enquire, and his Heirs, to take and use the Name and Surname of Rice Fellowe, and to bear the Arms Fellowe, pursuant to the Will of Rice Fellowe Enquire, deceased.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Anguish and Mr. Browning:

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Tewkesbury &c. Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of so much of an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening several Roads therein mentioned, from the Town Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester, as relates to the Second District of Roads therein mentioned; and to amend the Road from Elstone Church to the Turnpike Road from Cirencester to Gloucester, near a Place called Comb End Beeches, in the said County of Gloucester.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Plymouth Dock, Sale of Lands, &c. at, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable certain Persons, during the Minority of Sir John Saint Aubyn Baronet, to renew and grant Leases of Lands, and to sell other Lands, all at Plymouth Dock, in the County of Devon, for the Use of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successor.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

St. Saviour Southwark, Workhouse, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enlarging the present, or providing a new Workhouse for the Use of the Parish of Saint Saviour Southwark, and for regulating the Poor in such Workhouse; for widening King Street, at the Entrance into the High Street, Southwark; for making a Carriage Way from the said High Street, through the Greyhound Inn, into Queen Street; and for improving the Passage from thence into Gravel Lane, leading towards the Black Friars Bridge Road, in the Parish of Christ Church.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Bricklehampton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within and belonging to the Chapelry or Township of Bricklehampton, in the County of Worcester.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Rudston Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Arable Fields, and other un-enclosed Grounds, within the Township of Rudston, in the East Riding of the County of York.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Easton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Township, Parish, and Liberties of Easton, in the County of Huntingdon.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Six preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Six Clerks Office, to rebuild, &c. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Offices of the Six Clerks of the Kings Court of Chancery; and for erecting Offices for the Register and Accountant General of the said Court, for the better preserving the Records, Decrees, Orders, and Books of Account, kept in such Offices.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Gaol Distemper, to prevent, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners in Gaol, and preventing the Gaol Distemper.

Ordered, That the said, Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Leicester &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-seventh Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Borough of Leicester, to and by the North Side of the Town of Upping bam, in the County of Rutland, and to Wansford, in the County of Northampton, and from thence to Peterborough, in the said County of Northampton; and for repairing the Road from the Termination of the said Road at Peterborough to the Market Place there.

Members of H C. and Electors, to repeal Acts touching the Residence of, Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for repealing an Act, made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth, and so much of several Acts of the Eighth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Years of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the Residence of Persons to be elected Members to serve in Parliament, or of the Persons by whom they are to be chosen.

D. Devonshire, Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of the Most Noble William Duke of Devonshire; praying Leave to bring in a Private Bill for the Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, pursuant to the said Petition and Report.

Bill read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for empowering the Most Noble William Duke of Devonshire, to make Leases of Mines and Quarries within the Estates late of Richard Earl of Burlington and Corke, deceased, in the County of York.

Bude Canal Bill; Kings Consent signified to it.

The Earl of Rochford acquainted the House, That His Majesty, having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, An Act for making a navigable Cut or Canal from the Port or Harbour of Bude, in the Hundred of Stratton, in the County of Cornwall, to the River Tamer, in the Parish of Calstoke, in the said County, was pleated to consent (as far as His Majestys Interest is concerned) that their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit.

Lange for a Nat. Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of John Michael Lange; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for his Naturalization:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill according to the Prayer of the said Petition.

Bill read.

Accordingly, The Lord Viscount Say and Sele presented to the House a Bill, intituled, An Act for naturalizing John Michael Lange.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Westminster Streets, Proceedings of Commissioners for paving, delivered.

The House being informed, That Mr. Box from the Commissioners for paving Westminster Streets attended:

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to Act of Parliament, the Proceedings and Accounts of the said Commissioners.

Copy of the Proceedings of the Commissioners for putting in Execution the several Acts of Parliament, made in the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Years of His present Majestys Reign, for paving, cleansing, and lighting the Squares, Streets, Lanes, and other Places, within the City and Liberty of Westminster, and Parts adjacent, from the 1st Day of December 1772 to the 16th Day of November 1773, both inclusive.

Also, An Act Account of all Contracts and Agreements made by the said Commissioners, from the 1st Day of December 1772 to the 16th Day November 1773, both inclusive.

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

Ordered, That the said Accounts do lie on the Table.

Borthwick Claim of Peerage.

Upon reading the Petition of John Borthwick of Crookston, Enquire, (claiming the Title of Lord Borthwick); setting forth, That the Petitioner having now printed and lodged an additional Case, he therefore humbly prays, Their Lordships to appoint this Claim of Peerage to be heard before the Lords Committees for Privileges on the 30th Day of this instant May, or on such other Day in the present Session, as to their Lordships shall seem proper:

It is Ordered, That the said Committee of Privileges be revived, and do meet to consider further of the said Claim on Monday the 30th Day of this instant May, as desired.

Quebec, Government of, Bill.

The Lord Boston (according to Order) reported the Amendments made by the Committee of the whole House to the Bill, intituled, An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America.

The said Amendments were read by the Clerk, as follow:

Fol. 5. L. 6. Fill up the First Blank with the Word [First], and after [of] insert [May]; Leave out [next], and insert [One thousand seven hundred and seventy-five].
Fol. 6. L. 6. After [Clergy] leave out [and other Religious].
Fol. 6. L. 12. After [from] leave out [the], and after [Provision] insert [for the Encouragement of the Protestant Religion, and].
Fol. 7. L. 5. After [Quebec] leave out [and the Territories thereunto belonging], and instead thereof insert [the Religious Orders and Communities only excepted].
Fol. 7. L. 12. After [to] leave out [the], and after [Rights] leave out [of any of His Majestys Subjects, whether Canadian or English].
Fol. 7. L. 14. Leave out [and not to the Laws of England].
Fol. 8. L. 7 & 8. Leave out [and by no other Laws, Customs, or Usages whatsoever].
Fol. 8. L. 9 & 10. After [Person] leave out [in the said Province, whether Canadian or English].
Fol. 8. L. 10. After [the] leave out [same], and insert [said Province].

Fol. 9. L. 1 & 2. After [Testament] leave out [to such Persons, and in such Manner as he or the shall think fit].
Fol. 9. L. 11 & 12. After [Quebec] leave out [and its Dependencies].
Fol. 11. L. 8. After [Quebec] leave out [and its Dependencies].
Fol. 12. L. 7. After [also] insert [And be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid].
Fol. 12. L. 8. After [within] insert [Six].
Fol. 13. L. 2. After [Quebec] leave out [And].
Fol. 13. L. 5. After [Approbation] leave out [And].
Fol. 13. L. 7. After [the] insert [First], and after [of] insert [January].
Fol. 13. L. 8. After [the] insert [First], and after [of] insert [May].
Fol. 13. L. 10. After [within] insert [Fifty].
Fol. 14. L. 5. After [Quebec] leave out [and its Dependencies].

And the said Amendments, being read a Second Time, were severally agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be engrossed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Third Time To-morrow, and that the Lords be summoned.

Massachusetts Bay, Administration of Justice in, Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Third Time on Wednesday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

North America, quartering Troops in, Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for the better providing suitable Quarters for Officers and Soldiers in His Majestys Service in North America.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a third Time on Wednesday next, and that the Lords be summoned.

V. Dudley and Waid takes his Seat:

This Day John Lord Viscount Dudley and Ward sat first in Parliament after the Death of his Father John Lord Viscount Dudley and Ward: His Lordship having first 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.

His Pedigree delivered.

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table the Pedigree of John Lord Viscount Dudley and Ward, pursuant to the Standing Order.

St. Stephen Bristol Bill; Kings Consent signified to it.

The Earl of Rochford acquainted the House, That His Majesty having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, An Act for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol, and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish, was pleased to consent (as far as His Majestys Interest is concerned) that their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit.

Battersea Church Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Parish Church of Battersea, in the County of Surry, and for enlarging the Church Yard of the said Parish Church, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Bude Canal Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for making a navigable Cut or Canal from the Port or Harbour of Bude, in the Hundred of Stratton, in the County of Cornwall, to the River Tamer, in the Parish of Calstoke, in the said County, was committed.

Bewdley, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for continuing, altering, and amending, an Act made and passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Bewdley, in the County of Worcester, to the several Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Worcester and Salop respectively, was committed.

Exeter Hospitals, &c. Bill.

The Lord Viscount Say and Sele made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to explain and amend Two several Acts of Parliament for erecting Hospitals and Workhouses within the City and County of the City of Exon, for the better employing and maintaining the Poor there; and to raise further Sums of Money for the more effectually carrying the Purposes of the said Acts into Execution, was committed.

Oxenton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Hills, Meadow, Pastures, Lot Grounds, and Commonable Lands, within the Parish of Oxenton; in the County of Gloucester, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Acombe and Holdgate Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, Ings, Commons, and other Waste Lands and Grounds, within the Townships of Acombe and Holdgate, in the County of the City of York, was committed.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein Dr. John Roebuck and Samuel Garbett are Appellants; and Messrs. William and Andrew Stirling, Merchants in Glasgow, are Respondents, which stands appointed for To-morrow, be put off to the first Cause Day After the Recess at Whitsuntide; and that the Rest of the Causes on Cause Days and Bye Days be heard in Course after this Cause.

Gold Coin, Papers relating to, delivered by H C. at a Conference; considered, and Persons examined.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into Consideration the Address delivered by the Commons at the Conference on Friday last; and also the several Papers delivered by them at the same Conference; and for the Attendance of the several Persons mentioned to have been examined before the Commons relating to the Gold Coin; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Address and Papers were read by the Clerk.

Then Mr. William Chamberlayne Solicitor to the Mint was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House, That in July 1757, Information was given against a Boy, in whose Possession a small Quantity of Gold Filings was found, but there not being sufficient Evidence he was acquitted: That in October 1757, one Wood was taken up, and upon searching his House, Quantities of Gold Filings were found, and also Bills of Exchange to the Amount . 100,000, which he intended to have got Cash for, in order to diminish it; that the said Wood was prosecuted and convicted: That one Palmer was in that Year convicted of diminishing the Portugal Gold Coin: That in 1758, several Poor Irish People were taken up for diminishing the Gold Coin, and Two of them were convicted and executed: That in January 1761, one Leigh was taken up, and upon searching his House, a Parcel of Gold Filings was found there: That in 1765, he received Accounts from Yorkshire, that the Practice of diminishing the Gold Coin had got to a great Height in that County, and received several Letters from His Majestys Justices there, complaining of the great Mischiefs that would follow, unless some Steps were immediately taken to put a stop to this Practice, stating the Evidence upon which they proposed to try the Offenders; that in his Answer to these Letters he acquainted them, that the Evidence they had was not sufficient to convict them upon: That one Lyster being taken up, was confined in Gaol for a Year; but the Pretender dying, his Trial was obliged to be put off till the next Assizes, as the Act of Parliament directed all Treasons to be tried in the old Way upon the Pretenders Death; that the said Lyster having been so long confined, it was thought a sufficient Punishment for his Crime, and he was discharged: That in September 1766, one Clark was tried for filing of the Gold Coin, and convicted: That in 1767, one Guest, a Clerk of the Bank, was suspected of diminishing the Gold Coin, taken up, and upon searching his Lodgings, 40 or 50 Ounces of Gold Filings were found in his Apartments, and he was convicted: That in February 1768, one Hull, in Yorkshire, was taken up, and convicted of filing the Gold Coin: That in January 1770, upon frequent Representations from the Noblemen and Gentlemen in Yorkshire to the Treasury, he was ordered to go there, and give the Justices all the Assistance in his Power, and to prosecute the Offenders: That he accordingly went to Yorkshire, where, by the Assiduity of the Justices, Eighty of these Filers were taken up, but the Evidence they were able to get, could only convict Three out of that Number, One of which Three was a David Hartley, called by way of Eminence in his Wicked Profession, King David; that these Convictions seemed rather to encrease than lessen the Evil, as the People concerned, by attending the Trials, learnt the Means of avoiding Conviction; that the only Instruments necessary for the Purpose of diminishing Guineas, being only a Pair of Scissars and a File, the Wool-combers there practised the Trade of diminishing the Gold Coin, and would give Five Shillings for the Loan of Five Guineas for an Hour; that the great Scarcity of Cash in all the trading Towns in Yorkshire, was a great Cause of the Circulation of Light Money in that County; that several Mints were established there for the Purpose of coining Gold Filings; that at these Mints, the Practice was to deliver a coined Half Guinea, Nine Shillings in Value, for the Weight of Half a good Guinea in Gold Filings; that one of these Mints was so situated as that any Person coming there, might be seen a Quarter of an Hour before they got to the Mint; that they made use of Dies and a Sledge Hammer, and upon any One coming whom they suspected, they hid these Dies under a Stone; that upon the Conviction of Three of the Eighty of those who had been taken up for Filing, at the Assizes in Yorkshire, the Counsel for the Crown undertook to represent to the Crown, that the Rest might be discharged at the next Assizes, in Hopes this Lenity would in some Measure lessen this Mischiefs; that the Guineas then circulating there, were in general from 2 s. 6 d. to 4 s. 6 d. wanting in Weight; that since the Act of last Session relating to the Gold Coin, he has received no Complaints of this Mischief; that it is his the Witnesss Opinion, that no Method can be found out sufficient to prevent this Evil, but that of making Guineas go by Weight; that the Gold Coin under the present Regulations is kept good, but thinks the Regulation of giving a Recompence for those at 5 dwt. 6 grs. will be a Means of their diminishing all Guineas to that Weight; that no new Guineas since 1773; have been diminished that he has heard of, but some new Guineas have been coined out of Filings; that in Yorkshire the Guineas were diminished, upon an Average, 3 s. or 3 s.6 d. each; that it was customary for the People there to keep Two Bags, One for the very light Guineas, the other for those that were tolerable; that in 1769, Gold was at 3 l 19 s. or 4 l. per Ounce; that when the last Act relating to the Gold Coin passed, Gold was at 3 l. 17 s. 10 d. per Ounce; that if the Impression on the Guineas was quite flat, it would certainly be less liable to wear, and not more liable to be sweated, as the Guinea would come out of the Pickle rough, but the Wear of a Guinea in a Number of Years is very trifling.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Etheridge, of the Bullion Office, was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House, That the medium Average of the Cut Money received at the Bank was about . 9 per Cent. Loss; that the Cut Money received there, amounted to . 3,700,000, of which . 2,000,000 had been recoined; that the Loss upon the Cut Money received at the Bank since February last, was about . 8 per Cent.; that the greatest Quantity of Cut Money was brought to the Bank before Christmas last, the Loss upon which was about . 13 per Cent.; that he takes the Loss upon the Whole of the Cut Money brought into the Bank to be about . 9 per Cent. upon an Average; that he can only account for the seeming Contradiction of this Calculation, by the Money coming in heavier since February last that the diminished Guineas now in Circulation, are in general from 5 dwts. 6 grs. to 5 dwts. 3 grs; that upon weighing some of the Single Bags of Cut Money delivered before Christmas last, he found the Loss to be . 13 per Cent. and upon those delivered since February last, . 8 per Cent; that the general Average Loss cannot be stated with Precision, but thinks . 9 per Cent. (fn. 3) in the lowest; that he did not receive any Directions to make Experiments before Christmas, but Mr. Payne had made Enquiry of a Person who had bought great Quantities of light Guineas, what the Average Loss might be, who said, he supposed it to be about . 9 per Cent.; that he was not directed to make Experiments till Three Weeks ago; that he cannot ascertain the Quantity of Gold now in Circulation, but thinks it may be about . 10,000,000 that it may be more, but cannot speak with Precision, as he only calculates upon the Quantity of Cut Money delivered in at the Bank having occasioned no Apparent Diminution of the Currency; that he has heard that the Directors of the Bank gave Directions to the Tellers, for the Accommodation of the Publick, to take Guineas coined before the Reign of His present Majesty, at 5 dwts. 5 grs. and 5 dwts. 3 grs.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Chamberlayne was again called in, and being further examined, acquainted the House, That he had no Information or a Mint for coining English Guineas in France, but that he has heard that great Quantities of diminished Money have been imported from Holland, but not since he had been in Office; that it was his Opinion, that the Compensation to be allowed for Guineas weighing 5 dwts. 6 grs. would be a Means of setting the Filers to work, but if no great Time is allowed for bringing them in, the Mischief will not be so great; that before issuing the Proclamation in 1717, there was no Complaint of diminishing the Coin; that any Attempt to coin Guineas with a greater Alloy than is customary, so as to make it equal with filing, would soon be discovered by weighing the Guineas in Water.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Lucas was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House,That there is no Contrivance that the Mint can devise to prevent the Diminution of Guineas, but by making them go by Weight; that the Mint coins about 91,000 Guineas per Week, but cannot coin faster; that the Profits on the Coinage are divided amongst the Moniers, Melters, and Dye-forgers; that the Expence of coining is 6 s. 8d. for every Pound of Gold coined, which is paid by the Publick out of the Coinage Duties; that in 1773, the Mint coined . 1,317,645, and in 1774, to Wednesday last the 11th May, . 1,647,090; that the Expence of coining On Million is . 7,156; that the Head upon the Guinea being raised, occasioned very little Diminution in Wear; that new Money loses more in Weight by Wear in the first Year, than in Twenty Years Afterwards; that if more Alloy was to be put in the Guinea, it would appear larger, and son be discovered; that the Hydrostatick Balance will not discover the Alloy in a Guinea within a Shilling, unless the Alloy is Copper; that in Yorkshire they had found out a new Alloy, which they used in mixing with the Gold, which could not be detected by the said Balance, which was Platina, which in Weight is so near Gold as not to be discovered.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Alchorne was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House,That a Guinea will, in Twenty Years Wear, lose about 2 grs. in Weight, and not more than 3 grs. in a Century; that he knows of no Contrivance to alter the Mint Marks in such a Manner as to prevent the Diminution of the Coin; that the Quantity of diminished Money at present in the Mint, amounts to . 750,000, which will be re-coined in about Two Months; that great Quantities of good Guineas have been fraudulently exported, and great Quantities of light Guineas have been imported; that the Reason why Silver is at present not so scarce as formerly, is owing to the calling in of the light Gold Coin, no Silver having been imported while the light Guineas were taken.

He was directed to withdraw.

Which done,

Address, delivered by H. C. at the Conference, agreed to.

It was moved, To agree with the Commons in the said Address, by filling up the Blank with (Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and).

Ordered accordingly.

Ordered, That the said Agreement be communicated to the Commons at a Conference, and that the Papers communicated by the Commons be returned to them.

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 what Time His Majesty would please to appoint to be attended with the said Address.

Message to H. C. for a further Conference.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To desire a Conference with that House To-morrow, at Two oClock, in the Painted Chamber, upon the Subject Matter of the Conference on Friday last.

Ordered, That the Managers of the last Conference be the Managers of this.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, decimum septimum diem instantis May, hora undecima Auror, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Die Martis, 17^o May 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Conference concerning the Gold Coin, agreed to by H.C.

The Messengers sent to the House of Commons to desire a Conference this Day with that House on the Subject Matter of the Conference on Friday last, acquainted the House, That the Commons do agree to a Conference with their Lordships, as desired.

Six Clerks Office, to rebuild, &c. Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Offices of the Six Clerks of the Kings Court of Chancery, and for erecting Offices for the Register and Accountant General of the said Court, for the better preserving the Records, Decrees, Orders, and Books of Account, kept in such Offices.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Earl of Northington reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Pophams Divorce Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stephen Popham Gentleman, with Ann Yate Whiteside his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again, and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and for hearing Counsel for and against the same:

Counsel were accordingly called in:

And Mr. Serjeant Adair appearing as Counsel for Mr. Popham and Mr. Kennion as Counsel for Mrs. Popham:

The said Bill was read the Second Time.

And Mr. Serjeant Adair was heard in Support of the Bill; and to make out the Allegations thereof, and in order to prove the Marriage, called the Reverend Mr. Fountain; who, being sworn, acquainted the House, That on the 5th of April 1768, he married Mr. and Mrs. Popham at the Ambassadors Chapel at Paris he being then Chaplain to the Ambassador.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Daniel Williams was called in; and, being sworn, acquainted the House, That he lived as Servant with a Mr. Hanser; that he knows Mrs. Popham; that about the 1st of June last, Mr. Hanser and Mrs. Popham lived together at Ringwood in Hampshire for Two Months; that during that Time they lived together as Man and Wife; and that he had seen them in Bed together several Times during that Time.

Then Ann Roe, was called in; and, being sworn, acquainted the House, That the has known Mrs. Popham since February 1773; that the also knows Mr. Hanser: That one Afternoon Mrs. Popham and Mr. Hanser met together at Mr. Hanser Uncles in Gerard Street; that they drank Tea, supped, and lay there; that the made up Two Beds for them; that the Bed in which Mr. Hanser was to have lain appeared the next Morning as if it had not been lain in, but that Mrs. Popham Bed appeared as if Two Persons had lain in it; that the said Two Pillows on Mrs. Pophams Bed, both of which appeared to have been lain on, but that she did not see them in Bed together.

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Daniel Norcott was called in; and, being sworn, acquainted the House, That he lived as Clerk with Mr. Popham; that Mr. and Mrs. Popham have lived separate and apart he believes since December 1772, when they parted in consequence of the Informations Mr. Popham received from his Servants, relative to Mrs. Pophams Connexions with Mr. Hanser; that he believes Mr. Popham has not seen her since, except once upon executing a Deed about Twelve Months ago, but he is not certain that Mr. Popham then met Mrs. Popham.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Thomas Holland was called in; and, being sworn, produced an Office Copy of the Judgement obtained in the Court of Kings Bench against Mr. Hanser, for Criminal Conversation with the said Mrs. Popham.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Joseph Walker, Clerk to Mr. Mark Holman, Deputy Register of the Consistory Court of the Bishop of London, was called in; and, being sworn, acquainted the House, That the said Deputy Register being obliged to attend the Lord Bishop of London in his Visitation, he appeared for him, and produced the Original Definitive Sentence of Divorce, dated the Fourth of this instant May, in the said Court against Mrs. Popham for Adultery; and the same was read.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Kennion, who appeared as Counsel on Behalf of Mrs. Popham, acquainted the House, That he admitted the Evidence brought in Support of the Bill.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Timberland Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Brownlow Bertie and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Commons, Fens, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Timberland, in the County of Lincoln; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Highwaymen, &c. in Durham, apprehending of, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Thomas Clavering and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Commissioners for executing the Office of Treasurer of His Majestys Exchequer, or the Lord High Treasurer for the Time being, to pay out of the Revenue of the Crown certain Rewards for apprehending Highwaymen and other Offenders in the County Palatine of Durham; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Hodie 1^a & 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled An Act to enable the Commissioners for executing the Office of Treasurer of His Majestys Exchequer, or the Lord High Treasurer for the Time being, to pay out of the Revenue of the Crown certain Rewards for apprehending Highwaymen and other Offenders, in the County Palatine of Durham.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Third Time To-morrow.

Innkeepers, &c. of Godley, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Francis Vincent and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for indemnifying the Innkeepers and Victuallers within the Hundred of Godley, in the County of Surrey, against the Penalties to which they are or may be liable, for felling Ale, Beer, Wine, or Spirituous Liquors, without Proper Licences upon certain Conditions; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Rotheram to Tankersley Park Road, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Cholmley and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of so much of an Act made in the Fourth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to the Road from the Town of Rotheram, in the County of York, to the Turnpike Road at the East End of Tankersley Park in the said County; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were severally read the First Time.

Message from H. C. to return Wilsons Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. (fn. 4)Cholmondeley and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act for Sale of the Freehold and Copyhold Estates, late of John Wilson Enquire deceased, situate in the County of Surrey; and for laying out the Money to arise by such Sale for the Benefit of John Wilson, an Infant, his eldest Son and Heir at Law; and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Turnpike Side Gates Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Salt and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to repeal so much of an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, for reducing into One Act the General Laws relating to Turnpike Roads, as exempts Persons from the Payment of Tolls at Side Gates erected at Places specified in any Act of Parliament; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Conference on Coin reported.

The House being informed, That the Managers for the Commons were ready for the Conference in the Painted Chamber:

The Names of the Managers for the Lords were called over:

And the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Lords went to the Conference.

Which being ended, the House was resumed:

And the Lord President reported, That the Managers for the Lords had met the Managers for the Commons at the Conference, and had acquainted them as they were directed; and had also returned to them the Papers communicated by the Commons to the Lords at the Conference on Friday last,

America, Papers relating to Disturbances in, delivered.

The Earl of Dartmouth (by His Majestys Command) said before the House more Papers relating to the Disturbances at Boston, together with a List thereof; which was read by the Clerk, as follows:

N^o 1. Copy of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to the Earl Dartmouth, dated Boston, 9th March 1774, received 13th of May, enclosing,
N^o 2. Extracts from the Boston Gazettes.

N^o 3. Copy of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to the Earl Dartmouth, dated Boston 21st March 1774, received 13th May, enclosing,
N^o 4. Copy of the Resolution of the House of Representatives concurred in by the Council.
N^o 5. Copy of a Message from the House of Representatives to Governor Hutchinson.
N^o 6. Copy of Governor Hutchinsons Message to the House of Representatives.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk,

Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the Table.

Baliol College, Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Master and Scholars of Baliol College, in the University of Oxford, in their Collegiate Capacity, to convey certain Lands and Possessions belonging to the said College, in the Counties of Salop and Radnor, to William Pearce Hall and John Woodhouse, Enquires, in Exchange for other Lands in the County of Radnor, of greater Value, to be conveyed to and held by them respectively, to the Uses and upon the Trusts therein mentioned, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Sternes Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for amending and rendering effectual the Powers of Sale and Revocation of Uses contained in the Marriage Articles and Settlement of Richard Sterne Enquire, and Mary his Wife, of divers Messages, Lands, and Hereditaments, in the County of York, therein comprised, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Smiths Bill.

The Lord Viscount Falmouth made the like Report from the Lords Commitees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable certain Trustees therein named to raise Money by Sale of certain Estates of John Smithy and James Smith his Son, in the City of Coventry, and County of the same City, for the Payment of Debts and Incumbrances, and other Purposes therein expressed, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

St. Stephen Bristol Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol; and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Grosvenor Square Paving, &c. Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Inhabitants of Grosvenor Square, in the County of Middlesex, to pave, cleanse, light, water, and embellish; the said Square; and for other Purposes therein mentioned, was committed.

Pulteney et Ux. Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of William Pulteney Enquire, and Frances his Wife, for themselves, and on Behalf of their infant Daughter; praying Leave to bring in a Private Bill for the Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, pursuant to the said Petition and Report.

Bill read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, passed in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act for giving further Powers to the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act to empower the Trustees of the Will of the late General Pulteney, and other Trustees appointed by this Act, to purchase and exchange Lands and Grounds in the Manor of Bathwick, in the County of Somerset, for the Purpose of making certain Roads and Ways to and from a free Bridge by them intended to be built over the River Avon, in the said County; and also to empower the Persons in Possession of the said Estate for the Time being, under the said Will, to grant Leases of certain Lands and Houses in the said Manor; and likewise to enable the said Trustees to grant certain Grounds and Springs of Water, within the said Manor of Bathwick, to the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Bath; and for extending the Jurisdiction of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens, over Part of the said Manor of Bathwick; and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and for enlarging the Powers of Leasing, given by the said Act to the Persons therein named; and for other Purposes; to raise a Sum of Money for the Purposes therein mentioned.

D. Devonshires Estate Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for empowering the Most Noble William Duke of Devonshire to make Leases of Mines and Quarries within the Estates late of Richard Earl of Burlington and Corke, deceased, in the County of York.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Wednesday the 1st Day of June next, at Ten oClock m the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Motion for shortening of the Committee on it.

The House was moved, That the Standing Order, requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, may be so far dispensed with as that the Committee, to whom the last-mentioned Bill stands committed, may proceed on the said Bill on an earlier Day than is appointed, in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session:

It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken into Consideration To-morrow, and the Lords summoned.

Bewdley, &c. Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for continuing, altering, and amending an Act, made and passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for repairing and widening several Reads leading from the Town of Bewdley, in the County of Worcester, to the several Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Worcester and Salop respectively.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Battersea Church Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Parish Church of Battersea, in the County of Surrey; and for enlarging the Church Yard of the said Parish Church.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Acombe and Holdgate Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, Ings, Commons, and other Waste Lands and Grounds, within the Townships of Acombe and Holdgate, in the County of the City of York.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Oxenton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Hills, Meadow, Pastures, Lot Grounds, and Commonable Lands, within the Parish of Oxenton, in the County of Gloucester.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Bude Canal Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for making a navigable Cut or Canal from the Port or Harbour of Bude, in the Hundred of Stratton, in the County of Cornwall, to the River Tamer, in the Parish of Calstoke, in the said County.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Exeter Hospitals, &c. Bill:

Hodie, 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to explain and amend Two several Acts of Parliament, for erecting Hospitals and Workhouses within the City and County of the City of Exon, for the better employing and maintaining the Poor there; and to raise further Sums of Money for the more effectually carrying the Purposes of the said Acts into Execution.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Six preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Anguish and Mr. Browning:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Members of H. C. and Electors, to repeal Acts touching the Residence of, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for repealing an Act made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth, and so much of several Acts of the Eighth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Years of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the Residence of Persons to be elected Members to serve in Parliament, or of the Persons by whom they are to be chosen.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Lange takes the Oaths for his Naturalization.

John Michael Lange took the Oaths appointed, in order to his Naturalization.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for naturalizing John Michael Lange.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Quebec, Government of, Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Proposed to insert the following Proviso, at the End of the Bill:

[Provided, That this Act shall be in Force for the Space of Seven Years, and to the End of the then next Session of Parliament, and no longer.]

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Moved, That the Bill do pass.

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, decimum octavum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Die Mercurii, 18^o Maii 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

His Majesty to be attended with the Address of both Houses.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty will please to appoint to be attended with the Address of both Houses of Parliament; and that His Majesty hath appointed To-morrow at Half an Hour past Two oClock, at His Palace of Saint James.

Message to H. C. to acquaint them therewith.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Anguish and Mr. Browning:

To acquaint them, That His Majesty had appointed To-morrow at Half an Hour past Two oclock, at His Palace of Saint James, to be attended with the Address of both Houses; and that the Lords intend to be there at that Time.

Highwaymen, &c in Durham, apprehending of, Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Commissioners for executing the Office of Treasurer of His Majestys Exchequer, or the Lord High Treasurer for the Time being, to pay out of the Revenue of the Crown, certain Rewards for apprehending Highwaymen and other Offenders, in the County Palatine of Durham.

The Question was put; Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

Baliol College Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Master and Scholars of Baliol College in the University of Oxford, in their Collegiate Capacity, to convey certain Lands and Possessions belonging to the said College in the Counties of Salop and Radnor, to William Pearce Hall and John Woodhouse Esquires, in Exchange for other Lands in the County of Radnor of greater Value, to be conveyed to and held by them respectively to the Uses and upon the Trusts therein mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Smiths Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable certain Trustees therein named to raise Money by Sale of certain Estates of John Smith, and James Smith his Son, in the City of Coventry, and County of the same City, for the Payment or Debts and Incumbrances, and other Purposes therein expressed.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Sternes Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for amending, and rendering effectual, the Powers of Sale and Revocation of Uses contained in the Marriage Articles and Settlement of Richard Sterne Esquire, and Mary his Wife, of divers Messuages, Lands, and Hereditaments, in the County of York, therein comprised.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. with the Three preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To carry down the said Bills, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Six Clerks Office, &c to rebuild, Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for rebuilding the Offices of the Six Clerks of the Kings Court of Chancery; and for erecting Offices for the Register and Accountant General of the said Court, for the better preserving the Records, Decrees, Orders, and Books of Account, kept in such Offices.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Grosvenor Square Paving, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Inhabitants of Grosvenor Square, in the County of Middlesex, to pave, cleanse, light, water, and embellish, the said Square; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

St Stephen Bristol Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol, and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Three preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to said Bills, without any Amendment.

Leicester, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-seventh Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Borough of Leicester, to and by the North Side of the Town of Uppingham, in the County of Rutland, and to Wansford, in the County of Northampton, and from thence to Peterborough, in the said County of Northampton; and for repairing the Road from the Termination of the said Road at Peterborough to the Market Place there.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow at Ten oClock in the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Timberland Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Commons, Fens, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Timberland, in the County of Lincoln.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees afore-named:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Pulteneys Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enable the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, passed in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act for giving further Powers to the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act to empower the Trustees of the Will of the late General Pulteney, and other Trustees, appointed by this Act, to purchase and exchange Lands and Grounds in the Manor of Bathwick, in the County of Somerset, for the Purpose of making certain Roads and Ways to and from a Free Bridge, by them intended to be built, over the River Avon, in the said County; and also to empower the Persons in Possession of the said Estate for the Time being, under the said Will, to grant Leases of certain Lands and Houses in the said Manor; and likewise to enable the said Trustees to grant certain Grounds and Springs of Water, within the said Manor of Bathwick, to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Bath; and for extending the Jurisdiction of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens over Part of the said Manor of Bathwick; and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and for enlarging the Powers of Leasing, given by the said Act to the Persons therein named; and for other Purposes; to raise a Sum of Money for the Purposes therein mentioned.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees afore-named:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Thursday the 2d Day of June next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Motion for shortening the Committee on it.

The House was moved, That the Standing Order, requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, may be so far dispensed with, as that the Committee, to whom the last-mentioned Bill stands committed, may proceed on the said Bill on an earlier Day than is appointed, in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session:

It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken into Consideration To-morrow, and the Lords summoned.

D. Devonshires Bill. Committee Shortened.

The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Motion made Yesterday for dispensing with the Standing Order, requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Time of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, so far as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for empowering the Most Noble William Duke of Devonshire, to make Leases of Mines and Quarries, within the Estates late of Richard Earl of Burlington and Corke, deceased, in the County of York, stands committed, may meet on an earlier Day than is appointed in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session.

And Consideration being had thereof accordingly:

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be dispensed with in this Case, and that the Committee may meet to consider the said Bill on Friday next.

Innke pers, &c. of Godley Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for indemnifying the Innkeepers and Victuallers within the Hundred of Godley, in the County of Surrey, against the Penalties to which they are or may be liable, for selling Ale, Beer, Wine, or Spirituous Liquors, without proper Licences, upon certain Conditions.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Hollowell Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir William Dolben and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Heath, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, of and within the Hamlet and Liberties of Hollowell, in the Parish of Guilsborough, in the County of Northampton; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Turnpike Side Gates Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to repeal so much of an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, for reducing into One Act the General Laws relating to Turnpike Roads, as exempts Persons from the Payment of Tolls at Side Gates erected at Places specified in any Act of Parliament.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Carlton Bridge Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for building a Bridge cross the River Air, at Carlton, in the West Riding of the County of York, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

North Shields to Newcastle upon Tyne Road Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-second Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road from North Shields, in the County of Northumberland, to the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne; was committed.

St Neot. Enclosure, &c. Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to explain and amend an Act made in the Tenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parish of Saint Neots, in the County of Huntingdon; and for regulating the Usage and Stocking of divers Commonable Lands and Commons, within the said Parish, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents, to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Langes Nat. Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for naturalizing John Michael Lange, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Takers Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for enabling and empowering Trustees to accept, grant, and make, Building and other Leases, Contracts, and Agreements, of certain Messuages, Lands, and Premises, late of William Baker Esquire, deceased, during the Minority of his Son Peter William Baker, an Infant; and also during such Minority to receive the Rents and Profits thereof, and all other his Personal Estate, and the Interest, Dividends, and Proceed thereof, and apply the same as in the Act mentioned; and for other Purposes, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Carstairss Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for empowering the Judges of the Court of Session in Scotland, to sell the Whole, or such Parts and Portions of the Estate and Barony of Kinross, in the County of Kinross, belonging to James Bruce Carstairs Esquire, as shall be sufficient for Payment of the Debts affecting the same; and for settling the Remainder of the said Estate and Barony in Tail, on the same Persons, and to the same Uses and Purposes, as mentioned in a Deed of Entail made by Sir William Bruce Baronet, bearing Date the Sixteenth Day of February in the Year One thousand six hundred and eighty-three, was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Coebrookes Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estates, late of James Colebrooke Esquire, in the County of Kent, in Trustees to be sold, and for purchasing other Estates to be settled to the same Uses, subject to the Annuities, and other Charges and Incumbrances thereon; and for other Purposes therein mentioned, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereto.

Which Amendments, being read Twice by the Clerk, were agreed to by the House.

Ordered that the said Bill, with the Amendments, be engrossed.

St. Neots Enclosure, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to explain and amend an Act, made in the Tenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parish of Saint Neots, in the County of Huntingdon; and for regulating the Usage and Stocking of divers Commonable Lands and Commons within the said Parish.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

St. Leonard Shoreditch, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Charles Whitworth and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for empowering the Trustees for repairing the Road from the Stones End in Saint Leonard Shoreditch, to the furthermost Part of the Northern Road in the Parish of Enfield, in the County of Middlesex; to cause Part of the said Road to be lighted, watched, and watered; and for lighting, watching, and watering, the Parish of Saint Mary Stoke Newington, in the said County; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Gaol Distemper, to prevent, Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners in Gaol, and preventing the Gaol Distemper.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Members of H. C. and Electors, to repeal Acts touching the Residence of, Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for repealing an Act, made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth; and so much of several Acts of the Eighth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Years, of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the Residence of Persons to be elected Members to serve in Parliament, or of the Persons by whom they are to be chosen.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Foxteth Park new Church Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Pennant and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for establishing as new Church or Chapel, erecting at Foxteth Park in the Parish of Walton near Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the first Time.

Pophams Divorce Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be in a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stephen Popham, Gentleman, with Ann Yate Whiteside his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Massachusetts Bay, Administration of Justice in, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice, in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England; and for the Lords to be summoned.

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Petition against it:

Upon reading the Petition of William Bollan Esquire, Agent for the Council of His Majestys Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice, in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England; and praying this Right Honourable House, That the same may not pass into a Law; and that he may be heard by their Lordships in Support of his Petition:

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Moved, That Mr. Bollan be called in, and heard at the Bar.

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved, That the Bill do pass?

Which being objected to;

After long Debate,

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

DISSENTIENT,

Protest on passing it:

1st. Because no Evidence whatsoever has been laid before the House tending to prove, that Persons acting in Support of publick Authority, and indicted for Murder, cannot receive a fair Trial within the Province; which is the Object of this Bill. On the contrary, it has appeared that an Officer of the Army, charged with Murder, has there received a fair and equitable Trial, and been acquitted. This Fact has happened even since the Commencement of the present unhappy Dissensions.

2dly. Because, after the Proscription of the Port of Boston, the Disfranchisement of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, and the Variety of Provisions which have been made in this Session for new modelling the whole Polity and Judicature of that Province, this Bill is an humiliating Confession of the Weakness and Inefficacy of all the Proceedings of Parliament. By supposing that it may be impracticable by any Means that the Publick Wisdom could devise, to obtain a fair Trial there, for any who act under Government, the House is made virtually to acknowledge the British Government to be universally odious to the whole Province. By supposing the Case that such Trial may be equally impracticable in every other Province of America, Parliament does in Effect admit, that its Authority is, or probably may, become hateful to all the Colonies. This we apprehend is to publish to the World, in Terms the most emphatical, the little Confidence the Supreme Legislature reposes in the Affection of so large and so important a Part of the British Empire. If Parliament believed that any considerable Number of the People in the Colonies were willing to act in Support of British Government, it is evident that we might safely trust the Persons so acting to their Fellow Colonists, for a fair Trial for Acts done in consequence of such Support. The Bill therefore amounts to a Declaration, that the House knows no Means of retaining the Colonies in due Obedience, but by an Army rendered independent of the ordinary Course of Law, in the Place where they are employed.

3dly. Because we think, that a Military Force, sufficient for governing upon this Plan, cannot be maintained without the inevitable Ruin of the Nation.

Lastly. Because this Bill seems to be One of the many Experiments towards an Introduction of essential Innovations into the Government of this Empire. The virtual Indemnity provided by this Bill, for those who shall be indicted for Murders committed under colour of Office, can answer no other Purpose. We consider that to be an Indemnity which renders Trial, and consequently Punishment, impracticable; and Trial is impracticable, when the very Governor, under whose Authority Acts of Violence may be committed, is empowered to send the Instruments of that Violence to Three thousand Miles Distance from the Scene of their Offence, the Reach of their Prosecutor, and the local Evidence, which may tend to their Conviction. The Authority given by this Bill, to compel the Transportation from America to Great Britain, of any Number of Witnesses at the Pleasure of the Parties prosecuting and prosecuted, without any Regard, to their Age, Sex, Health, Circumstances, Business, or Duties, seems to us so extravagant in its principle, and so impracticable in its Execution, as to confirm us farther in our Opinion of the Spirit which animates the whole System of the present American Regulations.

Richmond.

Rockingham.

Leinster.

Fitzwilliam.

Portland.

Manchester.

Ponsonby.

Craven.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

North America, quartering Troops in, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, An Act for the better providing suitable Quarters, for Officers and Soldiers in His Majestys Service in North America; and for the Lords to be summoned:

Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time, on Thursday the 26th Day of this instant May; and that the Lords be summoned.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, decimum nonum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Die Jovis, 19^o Maii 1774.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Writs of Error:

The Lord Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice of the court of Kings Bench, in the usual Manner, delivered in at the Table Three Writs of Error.

In the First of which,

Dillon against Collins:

Charles Billon Esquire is Plaintiff, and Benjamin Collins is Defendant.

In the Second,

Smith against Coaner:

Samuel Smith is Plaintiff, and James Conner is Defendant.

And in the Last,

Cardinaux against Lowry and Newton.

Francis Lewis Cardinaux is Plaintiff, and Edward Lowry and Thomas Newton are Defendants.

Colebrookes Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for vesting the Estates, late of James Colebrooke Esquire, deceased, in the County of Kent, in Trustees, to be sold, and for purchasing other Estates to be settled to the some Uses, subject to the Annuities, and other Charges and Incumbrances thereon; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Carstairs Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for empowering the Judges of the Court of Session in Scotland, to sell the Whole, or such Parts and Portions of the Estate and Barony of Kinross, in the County of Kinross, belonging to James Bruce Carstairs Esquire, as shall be sufficient for Payment of the Debts affecting the same; and for settling the Remainder of the said Estate and Barony in Tail, on the same Persons, and to the same Uses and Purposes as mentioned in a Deed of Entail, made by Sir William Bruce Baronet, bearing Date the Sixteenth Day of February in the Year One thousand six hundred and eighty-three.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Bakers Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enabling and empowering Trustees to accept, grant, and make, Building and other Leases, Contracts, and Agreements, of certain Messuages, Lands, and Premises, late of William Baker Esquire, deceased, during the Minority of his Son Peter William Baker, an Infant; and also during such Minority to receive the Rents and Profits thereof, and all other his Personal Estate, and the Interest, Dividends, and Proceed thereof, and apply the same as in the Act mentioned; and for other Purposes.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Langes Nat. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for naturalizing John Michael Lange.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. with the Four preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Anguish and Mr. Browning:

To carry down the said Bills, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Silver Coin Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Jenkinson and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to prohibit the Importation of light Silver Coin of this Realm from Foreign Countries into Great Britain or Ireland, and to restrain the Tender thereof beyond a certain Sum; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Hodie 1^a & 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to prohibit the Importation of light Silver Coin of this Realm from Foreign Countries into Great Britain or Ireland, and to restrain the Tender thereof beyond a certain Sum.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time To-morrow.

Corn and Grain exported, to ascertain the Prices of, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Charles Whitworth and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to explain so much of an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, (intituled, An Act to regulate the Importation and Exportation of Corn, ) as relates to the Method of ascertaining the Prices of Corn and Grain exported; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

Lewisham Church, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons by Sir Charles Farnaby and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for re-building the Church of the Parish of Lewisham, in the County of Kent; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Message from H. C. to return Palmess Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Colonel Saint Lever and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting Part of the Estates late of George Palmes Esquire, deceased, in the Lordship or Township of Nabourn, otherwise Naburn, in the East Riding of the County of York, in Trustees, to be sold, and to apply the Monies thereby arising in Payment of the Debts of the said George Palmes deceased; and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Great Stoughton, &c. Road Bill

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Ludlow and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for continuing the Term, and enlarging the Powers, granted by an Act, passed in the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majestys Reign, for repairing the Road from the North End of Browns Lane, in Great Stoughton, in the County of Huntingdon, through Kimbolton and Higham Ferrers, to the Way Post near Wellingborough Bridge, in the County of Northampton, and from the Pound in Kimbolton to the Way Post in Great Catworth Field, near Brington Bridge, in the said County of Huntingdon; and for repealing so much of an Act of the Tenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, as relates to the Road between the North End of Browns Lane, and the South End thereof; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Pophams Divorce Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stephen Popham Gentleman, with Ann Yate Whiteside, his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereto, which he was ready to report when the House will please to receive the same.

Ordered, That the said Report be received Tomorrow.

L. Chedworths Estate Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting a Messuage and Lands called East Leach Grove, (Part of the Settled Estate of the Right Honourable Frederick Henry Lord Chedworth, in the County of Gloucester), in Trustees, in Trust to sell and convey the same, pursuant to an Agreement for that Purpose; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands, to be settled to the like Uses, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents, to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Timberland Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Commons, Fens, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Timberland, in the County of Lincoln, was committed.

Leicester, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Boston also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom, the Bill, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Twenty-seventh Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Borough of Leicester, to and by the North Side of the Town of Uppingham, in the County of Rutland, and to Wansford; in the County of Northampton; and from thence to Peterborough, in the said County of Northampton; and for repairing the Road from the Termination of the said Road at Peterborough to the Market Place there, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Pulteneys Bill; Committee shortened.

The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Motion made Yesterday, for dispensing with the Standing Order, requiring Fourteen Days Notice to be given of the Time of the Meeting of Committees upon Private Bills, so far as that the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, passed in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act for giving further Powers to the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act to empower the Trustees of the Will of the late General Pulteney, and other Trustees appointed by this Act, to purchase and exchange Lands and Grounds in the Manor of Bathwick, in the County of Somerset, for the Purpose of making certain Roads and Ways to and from a free Bridge, by them intended to be built over the River Avon, in the said County; and also to empower the Persons in Possession of the said Estate for the Time being, under the said Will, to grant Leases of certain Lands and Houses in the said Manor; and likewise to enable the said Trustees to grant certain Grounds and Springs of Water within the said Manor of Bathwick, to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Bath; and for extending the Jurisdiction of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens, over Part of the said Manor of Bathwick, and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and for enlarging the Powers of Leasing, given by the said Act, to the Persons therein named, and for other Purposes; to raise a Sum of Money for the Purposes therein mentioned, stands committed, may meet on an earlier Day than is appointed, in regard of the approaching Conclusion of the Session:

And Consideration being had thereof accordingly:

Ordered, That the said Standing Order be dispensed with in this Case; and that the Committee may meet to consider the said Bill on the Second Day of Meeting after the Recess at Whitsuntide.

L. Dawson et al. against Doran.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of the Right Honourable William Henry Lord Baron Dawson, of the Kingdom of Ireland, John Pavey and Dudley Fitz-Gerald, both of said Kingdom, Gentlemen, complaining of an Order of the Court of Chancery in Ireland, of the 11th Day of this instant May; and praying, That the same may be reversed, or that the Appellants may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that Laughlin Doran may be required to answer the said Appeal:

It is Ordered, That the said Laughlin Doran may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereto in Writing, on or before Thursday, the 23d Day of June next; and Service of this Order upon the Clerk in Court, Attorney, or Solicitor for the said Respondent, in the said Court of Chancery in Ireland, shall be deemed good Service.

Message from H. C. to return Newcastle upon Tyne Vicarage Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Matthew White Ridley and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Vicar of the Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, in the Town and County of the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne, to demise or lease Part of the Land belonging to the said Vicarage to William Lowes Esquire, for the Purposes, and upon the Conditions, in such Lease to be mentioned; and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Rawmarsh Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Thomas Frankland and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common Fields, Common Ings, Mesne Inclosures, Commons, or Waste Grounds, within the Parish of Rawmarsh, in the West Riding of the County of York; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, vicesimum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Die Veneris, 20^o Maii 1774.

R E X.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales prsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

The Kings Answer to Address of both Houses.

The Lord Chancellor reported, That both Houses of Parliament did Yesterday present to His Majesty their humble Address, to which his Majesty was pleased to return the following most Gracious Answer:

My Lords and Gentlemen,

The Attention you have given to a Matter in which the Commerce and Revenue of My Kingdoms are so nearly concerned, affords Me the highest Satisfaction; and you may depend upon My giving the necessary Orders for carrying the Measures you recommend into immediate Execution.

Ordered, That the said Address of both Houses to His Majesty, and His Majestys most Gracious Answer thereunto, be forthwith printed and published.

Silver coin Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to prohibit the Importation of light Silver Coin of this Realm, from Foreign Countries into Great Britain or Ireland, and to restrain the Tender thereof beyond a certain Sum.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Anguish and Mr. Browning:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure to robe.

The House was resumed.

King present.

His Majesty, being seated on the Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments, and attended by His Officers of State, (the Lords being in their Robes), commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to let the Commons know, It is His Majestys Pleasure they attend Him immediately in this House:

Who being come, with their Speaker,

The Deputy Clerk of the Crown read the Titles of the Bills, to be passed severally as follow; (videlicet),

Bills passed.

1. An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of The Massachusetts Bay, in New England.

2. An Act for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England.

3. An Act to prohibit the Importation of light Silver Coin of this Realm from Foreign Countries into Great Britain or Ireland; and to restrain the Tender thereof beyond a certain Sum.

4. An Act to indemnify such Persons as have omitted to qualify themselves for Offices and Employments; and to indemnify Justices of the Peace, or others, who have omitted to register or deliver in their Qualifications within the Time limited by Law, and for giving further Time for those Purposes; and to indemnify Members and Officers in Cities, Corporations, and Borough Towns, whose Admissions have been omitted to be stamped according to Law, or, having been stamped, have been lost or mislaid; and for allowing them Time to provide Admissions duly stamped; and to give further Time to such Persons as have omitted to make and file Affidavits of the Execution of Indentures of Clerks to Attornies and Solicitors.

5. An Act for regulating Insurances upon Lives, and for prohibiting all such Insurances, except in Cases where the Persons insuring shall have an Interest in the Life or Death of the Persons insured.

6. An Act for further continuing so much of Two Acts, made in the Sixth and Thirteenth Years of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to the opening and establishing certain Free Ports in the Island of Jamaica.

7. An Act to amend an Act, made in the Twenty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for the more effectual preventing of Frauds and Abuses committed by Persons employed in the Manufacture of Hats, and the Woollen, Linen, Fustian, Cotton, Iron, Leather, Fur, Hemp, Flax, Mohair, and Silk Manufactures; and for preventing unlawful Combinations of Journeymen Dyers and Journeymen Hot Pressers, and of all Persons employed in the said several Manufactures; and for the better Payment of their Wages.

8. An Act for making and establishing publick Quays or Wharfs at Kingston upon Hull, for the better securing His Majestys Revenues of Customs, and for the Benefit of Commerce in the Port of Kingston upon Hull; for making a Bason or Dock, with Reservoirs, Sluices, Roads, and other Works, for the Accommodation of Vessels using the said Port; and for appropriating certain Lands belonging to His Majesty, and for applying certain Sums of Money out of His Majestys Customs at the said Port for those Purposes; and for establishing other necessary Regulations within the Town and Port of Kingston upon Hull.

9. An Act to enable certain Persons, during the Minority of Sir John Saint Aubyn Baronet, to renew and grant Leases of Lands, and to sell other Lands, all at Plymouth Dock, in the County of Devon, for the Use of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors.

10. An Act, for regulating Madhouses.

11. An Act to enable the Commissioners for executing the Office of Treasurer of His Majestys Exchequer, or the Lord High Treasurer for the Time being, to pay out of the Revenue of the Crown certain Rewards for apprehending Highwaymen, and other Offenders, in the County Palatine of Durham.

12. An Act for recovering, improving, and maintaining, the Navigation of the Haven of Hedon, in Holdernesse, in the East Riding of the County of York.

13. An Act to explain and amend an Act, made in the Thirteenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, intituled, An Act to explain, amend, and reduce into One Act of Parliament, the general Laws now in being for regulating the Turnpike Roads in that Part of Great Britain called England; and for other Purposes; so far as the same relates to the continuing and granting an additional Term of Five Years to Acts made for amending Turnpike Roads.

14. An Act for making a navigable Cut or Canal from the Port or Harbour of Bude, in the Hundred of Stratton, in the County of Cornwall, to the River Tamer, in the Parish of Calstoke, in the said County.

15. An Act for rebuilding the Offices of the Six Clerks of the Kings Court of Chancery; and for erecting Offices for the Register and Accountant General of the said Court, for the better preserving the Records, Decrees, Orders, and Books of Account, kept in such Offices.

16. An Act to explain and amend Two several Acts of Parliament for erecting Hospitals and Workhouses within the City and County of the City of Exon; for the better employing and maintaining the Poor there; and to raise further Sums of Money for the more effectually carrying the Purposes of the said Acts into Execution.

17. An Act for better governing and employing the Poor, and making and collecting the Poors Rates, within the Parishes of Saint Giles in the Fields and Saint George Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex.

18. An Act for rebuilding the Parish Churchy of Battersea, in the County of Surrey, and for enlarging the Church Yard of the said Parish Church.

19. An Act for making commodious Ways and Passages within the Parish of Saint Stephen, in the City of Bristol, and for enlarging the Burying Ground belonging to the said Parish.

20. An Act for enlarging the present, or providing a new Workhouse for the Use of the Parish of Saint Saviour Southwark, and for regulating the Poor in such Workhouse; for widening King Street, at the Entrance into the High Street, Southwark; for making a Carriage Way from the said High Street, through the Greyhound Inn, into Queen Street, and for improving the Passage from thence into Gravel Lane, leading towards the Black Friars Bridge Road, in the Parish of Christ Church.

21. An Act to enable the Inhabitants of Grosvenor Square, in the County of Middlesex, to pave, cleanse, light, water, and embellish, the said Square; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

22. An Act to confirm certain Sales and Purchases of Estates, made by the Governors of the Free Grammar School of King Edward the Sixth, in Macclesfield, in the County of Chester; to enable them to make other Sales, Purchases, and Exchanges; and to improve and extend the Benefits of the Foundation of the said School.

23. An Act for draining and preserving the Low Grounds and Carrs, within the Parishes, Townships, and Places, of Winestead, Pattrington, South Frodingham, Hollym, Rimswell, Owthorne otherwise Seathorne, Withernsea, England Hill, and Walker Fields, in Holderness, in the East Riding of the County of York.

24. An Act to enlarge the Term of an Act, made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Ayr, and other Roads therein mentioned, in the County of Ayr; and for repairing and widening certain other Roads within the said County of Ayr.

25. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Thirty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the High Roads from Hinckley to Woeful Bridge; and also from Hoo-ash Lane, through Old Lane, and from Swannington to Lee Gutter, and from thence to Melbourne Common; and from Ibstock to Measham, in the Counties of Leicester and Derby; and for repairing and widening the Road from Phineys House, in the Liberty of Osbaston, to Chesires House, in the Liberty of Carlton; and also the Road from the Turnpike Road at Swannington, along Burtons Lane, to the Coal Fields; and also the Road from the Toll-Gate in Old Lane to the Leicester and Ashby-de-la-zouch Turnpike Roads.

26. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of so much of an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening several Roads therein mentioned, from the Town of Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester, as relates to the Second District of Roads therein mentioned; and to amend the Road from Elstone Church to the Turnpike Road from Cirencester to Gloucester, near a Place called Comb End Beeches, in the said County of Gloucester.

27. An Act for continuing, altering, and amending, an Act, made and passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for repairing and widening several Roads leading from the Town of Bewdley, in the County of Worcester, to the several Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Worcester and Salop respectively.

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, severally, by the Clerk Assistant in these Words; (videlicet),

Le Roy le veult.

28. An Act for vesting the Settled Estates of Francis Creuz and Sarah his Wife, in the County of Worcester, in Trustees, to be sold; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands, to be settled to the same Uses.

29. An Act for Sale of the Freehold and Copyhold Estates, late of John Wilson Esquire, deceased, situate in the County of Surrey, and for laying out the Money to arise by such Sale for the Benefit of John Wilson, an Infant, his eldest Son and Heir at Law.

30. An Act for vesting Part of the Estates, late of George Palmes Esquire, deceased, in the Lordship or Township of Nabourn, otherwise Noburn, in the East Riding of the County of York, in Trustees, to be sold; and to apply the Monies thereby arising in Payment of the Debts of the said George Palmes, deceased; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

31. An Act to enable the Vicar of the Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, in the Town and County of the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne, to demise or lease Part of the Land belonging to the said Vicarage to William Lowes Esquire, for the Purposes, and upon the Conditions, in such Lease to be mentioned.

32. An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open and Common Fields; Commonable Down Lands, and other Commonable Places, in the Parish of Titcombe, otherwise Tidcombe, in the County of Wilts.

33. An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other un-enclosed Grounds, within the Township of Bainton, in the East Riding of the County of York; and for making a Compensation in Lieu of the Tithes of all the said Township, and of the Township of Neswick, in the Parish of Bainton aforesaid.

34. An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open and Common Fields, and Common Meadows, within the Hamlet or Chapelry of Desford, in the County of Worcester; and for draining and levelling, and also for regulating the Stocking with Cattle, a certain Common called Desford Common.

35. An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing, the Open un-enclosed Fields and Parcels of Land, within the Manor and Parish of Garton, in the East Riding of the County of York.

36. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Finningley, in the Counties of Nottingham and York.

37. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Manor, Parish, and Liberties of Ellington, in the County of Huntingdon.

38. An Act for enclosing the Open and Common Fields, and Common and Waste Grounds, within the Parish of Potton, in the County of Bedford.

39. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Harringworth, in the County of Northampton.

40. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Common and Waste Grounds, and also a Stinted or Common Pasture, called The Cow Common, within the Manor and Parish of Stoke Hammond, in the County of Bucks.

41. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, and Common Downs, in the Tithings of Milton Lilburne, Milton Abbotts, and Milton Havering, in the Parish of Milton, in the County of Wilts.

42. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within and belonging to the Chapelry or Township of Bricklehampton in the County of Worcester.

43. An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Arable Fields, and other un-enclosed Grounds, within the Township of Rudston, in the East Riding of the County of York.

44. An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Commons, within the Township, Parish, and Liberties of Easton, in the County of Huntingdon.

45. An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, Ings, Commons, and other Waste Lands and Grounds, within the Townships of Acombe and Holdgate, in the County of the City of York.

46. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Hills, Meadow, Pastures, Lot Grounds, and Commonable Lands, within the Parish of Oxenton, in the County of Gloucester.

47. An Act to explain and amend an Act, made in the Tenth Year of His present Majestys Reign, for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parish of Saint Neots, in the County of Huntingdon; and for regulating the Usage and Stocking of divers Commonable Lands and Commons within the said Parish.

48. An Act to enable John Medows the elder, Gentleman, and his Issue Male, to take, use, and bear, the Surname and Arms of Theobald, pursuant to the Will of Elizabeth Theobald, Widow, deceased.

49. An Act for naturalizing Paul Burnand.

50. An Act for naturalizing Luder Hoffham and Nicholas Hane.

51. An Act for naturalizing Victor Busigny.

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, severally, by the Clerk Assistant, in these Words; (Videlicet),

Soit fait comme il est desir.

Then His Majesty was pleased to retire:

And the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure to unrobe.

The House was resumed.

Hope, buying and selling of, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Marsham and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to prevent Frauds in the buying and felling of Hops; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Longitude Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Stephens and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for the Repeal of all former Acts concerning the Longitude at Sea, except so much thereof as relates to the Appointment and Authority of the Commissioners thereby constituted; and also such Clauses as relate to the constructing, printing, publishing, vending, and licensing of Nautical Almanacks, and other useful Tables; and for the more effectual Encouragement and Reward of such Person and Persons as shall discover a Method for finding the same, or shall make useful Discoveries in Navigation; and for the better making Experiments relating thereto; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Message from H C. to return the Bill for Sale of Lands at Plymouth Dock.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons by Mr. Laroche and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting Lands One Moiety of the Bridge built cross Stonehouse Creek, near Plymouth Dock, in the County of Devon, in Trustees in Trust to raise a Moiety of the Expences. of building the same; and also for enabling certain Persons to grant Building and other Leases, during the Minority of Sir John Saint Aubyn Baronet. of the respective Estates devised to him by the Wills of his Father, and Sir William Morice Baronet, deceased; and likewise for vesting certain Houses in Middlesex and London, in Trustees in Trust to sell the same; and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the same, without any Amendments.

Hellidon Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Knightley and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, of and within the Parish and Liberties of Hellidon, in the County of Northampton; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

D. Devonshires Estate Bill.

The Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for empowering the Most, Noble William Duke of Devonshire, to make Leases of Mines and Quarries within the Estates late of Richard Earl of Burlington and Corke, deceased, in the County of York, was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Barbors Bill.

The Lord Boston made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for vesting divers Freehold Estates, late of Robert Barbor Esquire, deceased, in Trustees, to be sold, to raise Money, to be applied under the Direction of the Court of Chancery in Payment of the Debts, Legacies, and Charges, charged upon and affecting the same; and for other the Purposes therein mentioned, was committed:

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Pophams Divorce Bill.

The Lord Boston (according to Order) reported the Amendments made by the Committee of the Whole House, to the Bill, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stephen Popham Gentleman, with Ann Rate Whiteside, his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

The said Amendments were read by the Clerk, as follow: (videlicet,)

Fol. 2. L. 26. After [the], leave out [thirtieth Day of September One thousand seven hundred and seventy-three], and insert [First Day of January One thousand seven hundred and seventy-four].

Fol. 3. L. 3. Leave out from [said] to [nor] in the Fourth Line in the same Folio, and insert [First Day of January One thousand seven hundred and seventy-four].

L. 11. Leave out from [Inheritance] to [And] in Line 15, in the same Folio.

L. 19. Leave out [at any Time before the said Month of December One thousand seven hundred and seventy-two].

L. 21. Leave out from [effect] to the End of the Bill, and instead thereof insert [and that the said Ann Yate shall and may, from henceforth, have, hold, retain, possess, and enjoy all such Estates, Real and Personal, as now are, or shall or may hereafter come to or vest in her, as fully and effectually as if the said Marriage between the said Stephen Popham and Ann Yate had never taken effect].

And the said Amendments, being read a Second Time, were severally agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be engrossed.

D Devonshire, Estate Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for empowering the Most Noble William Duke of Devonshire to make Leases of Mines and Quarries within the Estates late of Richard Earl of Burlington and Corke, deceased, in the County of York.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Barbors Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for vesting divers Freehold Estates late of Robert Barbor Esquire, deceased, in Trustees, to be sold, to raise Money to be applied under the Direction of the Court of Chancery, in Payment of the Debts, Legacies, and Charges, charged upon and affecting the same; and for other the Purposes therein mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Pophams Divorce Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Stephen Popham Gentleman, with Ann Yate Whiteside, his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

L. Chedworths Estate Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for vesting a Messuage and Lands, called East Leach Grove, (Part of the Settled Estate of the Right Honourable Frederick Henry Lord Chedworth, in the County of Gloucester), in Trustees, in Trust, to sell and convey the same, pursuant to an Agreement for that Purpose; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands, to be settled to the like Uses.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. with the Four proceeding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To carry down the said Bills, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Members of H. C. and Electors, to repeal Acts touching the Residence of Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for repealing an Act made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth, and so much of several Acts of the Eighth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Years of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the Residence of Persons to be elected Members to serve in Parliament, or of the Persons by whom they are to be chosen.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative

Gaol Distemper, to prevent, Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners in Gaol, and preventing the Gaol Distemper.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

North Shields to Newcastle upon Tyne Road Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in Twenty-second Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road from North Shields, in the County of Northumberland, to the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Carlton Bridge Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for building a Bridge cross the River Air, at Carlton, in the West Riding of the County of York.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Timberland Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Field Common Fens, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Timberland, in the County of Lincoln.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Leicester, &c. Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Twenty-seventh Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Borough of Leicester, to and by the North Side of the Town of Uppingham, in the County of Rutland, and to Wansford, in the County of Northampton, and from thence to Peterborough, in the said County of Northampton; and for repairing the Road from the Termination of the said Road at Peterborough, to the Market Place there.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Six preceding Bills.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Pulteneys Bill.

Ordered, That all the Lords who have been present this Sessions be added to the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act to enable the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament, passed in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act for giving further Powers to the Trustees named in a certain Act of Parliament made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, An Act to empower the Trustees of the Will of the late General Pulteney, and other Trustees, appointed by this Act, to purchase and exchange Lands and Grounds in the Manor of Bathwick, in the County of Somerset, for the Purpose of making certain Roads and Ways to and from a Free Bridge, by them intended to be built over the River Avon, in the said County; and also to empower the Persons in Possession of the said Estate for the Time being, under the said Will, to grant Leases of certain Lands and Houses in the said Manor; and likewise to enable the said Trustees to grant certain Grounds and Springs of Water, within the said Manor of Bathwick, to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Bath; and for extending the Jurisdiction of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens over Part of the said Manor of Bathwick; and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and for enlarging the Powers of Leasing, given by the said Act to the Persons therein named; and for other Purposes; to raise a Sum of Money for the Purposes therein mentioned, stands committed.

Innkeepers, &c. at Godley, Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act for indemnifying the Innkeepers and Victuallers within the Hundred of Godley, in the County of Surrey, against the Penalties to which they are or may be liable, for selling Ale, Beer, Wine, or Spirituous Liquors, without proper Licences, upon certain Conditions.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Turnpike Side Gates Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, An Act to repeal so much of an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, for reducing into One Act the General Laws relating to Turnpike Roads, as exempts Persons from the Payment of Tolls at Side Gates, erected at Places specified in any Act of Parliament.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, That they had gone, through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to repeal so much of an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, for reducing into One Act the General Laws relating to Turnpike Roads, as exempts Persons from the Payment of Tolls at Side Gates, erected at Places specified in any Act of Parliament.

The Question was put, Whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Innkeepers, &c. at Godley, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for indemnifying the Innkeepers and Victuallers, within the Hundred of Godley, in the County of Surrey, against the Penalties to which they are or may be liable, for selling Ale, Beer, Wine, or Spirituous Liquors, without proper Licences, upon certain Conditions.

The Question was put, whether this Bill shall pass?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Lewisham Church, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for re-building the Church of the Parish of Lewisham, in the County of Kent.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Tuesday, the 31st Day of this instant May, at Ten oClock in the Forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Rawmarsh Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing, the Common Fields, Common Ings, Mesne Enclosures, Commons, or Waste Grounds, within the Parish of Rawmarsh, in the West Riding of the County of York.

Stephen et al. against Duff et al.:

Upon reading the Petition of Thomas Stephen and others, Appellants, in a Cause depending in this House, to which John Duff and others are Respondents, setting forth, That the Parties in this Cause having come to a Compromise, the present Appeal falls to be withdrawn; and, therefore, praying their Lordships, That they may be at Liberty to withdraw their Appeal, without Payment of any Costs, the Agent for the said Respondents having signed the said Petition as consenting thereto.

Appeal withdrawn.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioners be at Liberty to withdraw their said Appeal, without Payment of any Costs, as desired.

Corn and Gram exported, to ascertaining the Prices of, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, An Act to explain so much of an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, (intituled, An Act to regulate the Importation and Exportation of Corn), as relates to the Method of ascertaining the Prices of Corn and Gram exported.

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House:

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee on the said Bill, on Thursday next.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause, wherein Messrs. Douglas, Heron, and Company, Bankers, in Ayr, are Appellants, and Mr. Baron Grant is Respondent, which stands appointed for the First Bye-Day after the Recess at Whitsuntide, be put off to the Second Bye-Day; and that the Rest of the Causes on Bye-Days be removed in Course.

American Rice Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Charles Whitworth and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to continue the several Laws therein mentioned, for granting Liberty to carry Rice from His Majestys Provinces of Carolina and Georgia, in America, directly to any Part of Europe, Southward of Cape Finisterre; for granting the like Liberty to export Rice from South Carolina and Georgia, directly to any Part of America to the Southward of the said Provinces; for granting the like Liberty in the Exportation of Rice from East and West Florida, and from any Part of America, Southward of South Carolina and Georgia; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Scotland, forfeited Estates in, Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Advocate for Scotland and others:

With a Bill, intituled, An Act to alter and amend an Act, passed in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, (intituled, An Act for annexing certain forfeited Estates in Scotland to the Crown unalienably, and for making Satisfaction to the lawful Creditors thereupon, and to establish a Method of managing the same, and applying the Rents and Profits thereof for the better civilizing and improving the Highlands of Scotland, and preventing Disorders there for the future), so far as the same relates to the granting Leases of the said Estates; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Fitz Edward against Ryves.

The Answer of William Ryves Esquire, to the Appeal of Robert Ryves Fitz Edward, was this Day brought in.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit prsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, vicesimum sextum diem instantis Maii, hora undecima Auror, Dominis sic decernentibus.