House of Lords Journal Volume 35: December 1777

December 1777

DIE Martis, 2^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

King's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty with their Lordships Address of Friday last for the Accounts therein mentioned, and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Arfwidsson's Nat. Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson," 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.

De Beaune's Nat. Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing David Henry De Beaune," was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Luttrell's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Temple Simon Luttrell Esquire, praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and Mr. Justice Blackstone, who are forthwith to summon all Parties concerned in the Bill; and, after hearing them, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon under their Hands, and whether all Parties who may be concerned in the Consequences of the Bill have signed the Petition; and also that the Judges, having perused the Bill, do sign the same.

Account of Marines at Home, &c. Address to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "An Account of His Majesty's Marine Forces on Shore at Home, to be taken from the last Returns received at the Admiralty Office."

Also, "A particular Account of disposeable Men, who are Supernumeraries, not borne as Part of the Complement of any of His Majesty's Ships, to be taken from the last Accounts received at the Admiralty Office."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Long for a Nat. Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of Francis Long, praying that Leave may be given 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 Earl of Sandwich presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Long."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

The Order of the Day being read for the Lords to be summoned:

State of the Nation to be considered.

Ordered, That this House do take into Consideration the State of the Nation on Monday the 2d Day of February next; and that the Lords be summoned.

North America, Account of Men in His Majesty's Land Service, disabled, &c. in:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that the proper Officer do lay before this House, "An Account of all the Men lost and disabled in His Majesty's Land Service, including Marines serving on Shore, and all Foreign Troops in British Pay, by Desertion, Captivity, Death, Wounds or Sickness, in any Province of North America, since the 1st Day of August 1774; distinguishing each Year, Corps, and Service."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

North America, Account of Ships and Men in His Majesty's Service, lost, &c. in:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "A List of the different Ships and Vessels of War, and hired armed Vessels in His Majesty's Service, which have been employed in North America since the 1st Day of August 1774, together with the Number of Men lost or rendered unserviceable in each Ship or Vessel respectively, by Desertion, Captivity, Death, Wounds or Sickness, distinguishing each Head."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

North America, Returns of the Hospitals in:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "General Returns of the Hospitals in North America, made up from the 1st Day of August 1774, to the Time of the last Returns; distinguishing the Numbers of Men of all Denominations which have died or recovered, during the above-mentioned Period."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Accounts of Convoys and Ships employed as Cruizers, since passing the Prohibitory Act:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, An Account of the Ships of War and armed Vessels appointed as Convoys to the Trade of this Kingdom and Ireland, since the passing of an Act in the Sixteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act to prohibit all Trade and Intercourse with the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, the Three lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, during the Continuance of the present Rebellion within the said Colonies respectively; for repealing an Act made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue the landing and discharging, lading or shipping of Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, at the Town and within the Harbour of Boston, in the Province of Massachusets Bay; and also Two Acts made in the last Session of Parliament, for restraining the Trade and Commerce of the Colonies in the said Acts respectively mentioned; and to enable any Person or Persons appointed and authorized by His Majesty, to grant Pardons, to issue Proclamations, in the Cases and for the Purposes therein mentioned;" distinguishing the Names and Force of the Ships appointed, and the particular Services upon which they were so appointed as Convoys, together with the Notices given to the Traders of the Time prefixed for their sailing, and the Times at which they sailed respectively.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "An Account of His Majesty's Ships of War which have been employed since the passing of an Act in the Sixteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, An Act to prohibit all Trade and Intercourse with the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, the Three lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, during the Continuance of the present Rebellion within the said Colonies respectively; for repealing an Act, made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue the landing and discharging, lading or shipping, of Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, at the Town and within the Harbour of Boston, in the Province of Massachusets Bay; and also Two Actsmade in the last Session of Parliament, for restraining the Tradeand Commerce of the Colonies in the said Acts respectively mentioned; and to enable any Person or Persons appointed and authorized by His Majesty, to grant Pardons, to issue Proclamations, in the Cases and for the Purposes therein mentioned," as Cruizers for the Protection of the Trade of this Kingdom and Ireland, the Stations of such Ships, and how long ordered to continue on such Cruizes, with the Times of their going to Sea and returning into Port; as far as relates to such Ships as are actually returned into Port."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Monthly Returns of Forces in Great Britain, Ireland, North America, &c.:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "Copies of the last General Monthly Return of the Forces in Great Britain."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "Copies of the last General Monthly Return of the Forces in Ireland."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Ordered, That an humble Address be pesented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "Copies of the last General Monthly Reurns of His Majesty's Forces, as well Foreign as British, in North America and the West Indies."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "Copies of the last Monthly Returns of His Majesty's Forces, as well Foreign as British, in Gibraltar and Minorca."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Account of Steps taken by the Commissioners appointed by the Prohibitory Act:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that the proper Officer do lay before this House, "Such Papers as relate to any Steps taken for the fulfilling that Part of an Act, intituled, "An Act to prohibit all Trade and Intercourse with the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, the Three lower Counties on the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, during the Continuance of the present Rebellion within the said Colonies respectively; for repealing an Act made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue the landing and discharging, lading or shipping of Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, at the Town and within the Harbour of Boston, in the Province of Massachusets Bay; and also Two Acts made in the last Session of Parliament, for restraining the Trade and Commerce of the Colonies in the said Acts respectively mentioned; and to enable any Person or Persons appointed and authorized by His Majesty, to grant Pardons, to issue Proclamations, in the Cases and for the Purposes therein mentioned," by which Persons appointed and authorized by His Majesty are empowered, under certain Conditions, to declare any Colony or Province, Colonies or Provinces, or any County, Town, Port, District or Place, in any Colony or Province, to be at the Peace of His Majesty; and also that His Majesty would be pleased to direct that a Return of the Colonies or Provinces, or any County, Town, Port, District or Place, so declared to be at the King's Peace (pursuant to the Powers of the said Act), be laid before this House.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Account of National Debt from 1770 to 1777, Addresses to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to direct that the proper Officer do lay before this House, "A full and particular Account of the National Debt as it stood on the 5th of January 1770; and likewise Accounts of the same made up to the same Day in the Years 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, and 1777, together with all Bills issued and current on the different Services of the Navy and Victualling, since the last-mentioned Period.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Appeals left with the Clerk to be read next Sitting Day.

It being proposed, "to adjourn beyond the Time limited by their Lordships Standing Order for presenting Appeals (being Fourteen Days from the First Day of every Session):"

It is Ordered, That all such Appeals as shall be left at the Parliament Office with the Clerk, within the Time limited by the said Standing Order, during the Adjournment of the House, be read the next Sitting Day of the House.

Writs of Error delivered:

The Earl of Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, in the usual Manner, delivered in at the Table Two Writs of Error:

In the First of which,

Rann and Taylor against Hughes:

Joseph Rann Clerk and Arthur Taylor, Executors of Mary Hughes deceased, are Plaintiffs, and Isabella Hughes, Administratrix of John Hughes, is Defendant:

And in the other,

Steel against Fryer.

Thomas Steel is Plaintiff, and John Fryer is Defendant.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, quintum diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 5^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Ld. Foley takes his Seat:

This Day Thomas Lord Foley sat first in Parliament after the Death of His Father Thomas Lord Foley: 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.

Pedigree delivered.

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table the Pedigree of Thomas Lord Foley, pursuant to the Standing Order.

De Beaune's Nat. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing David Henry De Beaune."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Arfwidsson's Nat. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with the Two preceding Bills.

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

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

King's Answer to Addresses reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to order) waited on His Majesty with their Lordships Addresses of Tuesday last, for the several Accounts therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, " He would give Directions accordingly."

Douglas against Craigie et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of William Douglas, eldest Son of Archibald Douglas, late of Dornock, now deceased; complaining of Two Interlocutors of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 28th of February, and 27th of June 1777; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that William Charles Cragie Writer to the Signet, William Alexander and John Walker, Trustee for the Creditors of the said William Alexander, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said William Charles Craigie, William Alexander, and John Walker, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Friday the 2d Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon any of their known Agents or Procurators in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Countess of Wemys against Wemys et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Janet Countess Dowager of Wemyss, complaining of Two Interlocutors of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 2d and 20th of February 1776; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that James Wemyss of Wemyss, John Hamilton of Bargeny, Walter Wemyss of Lathorker, James Wemyss of Winthank, David Anderson Writer to the Signet, and the Lord Advocate for Scotland for the Time being, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said James Wemyss, John Hamilton, Walter Wemyss, James Wemyss, David Anderson, and the Lord Advocate for Scotland for the Time being, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Friday the 2d Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents or upon any of their Procurators or Agents in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Bridges against Gilbert et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of William Bridges of Wallington House, in the Parish of Beddington, in the County of Surry Esquire; complaining of an Order of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland of the 18th of April 1777; and praying, "That the same may be reversed or varied, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that Jane Gilbert Spinster, and Richard Symes Esquire, and Susannah Vigors Symes, otherwise Gilbert, his Wife, may be required to answer the said Appeal:

It is Ordered, That the said Jane Gilbert Spinster, Richard Symes Esquire, and Susannah Vigors Symes, otherwise Gilbert, his Wife, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Friday the 9th Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the respective Solicitor or Solicitors, Clerk or Clerks in Court, of the said Respondents, in the said Court of Exchequer in Ireland, shall be deemed good Service.

Bateman et Ux. against Murrays.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of John Bateman Esquire, and Olivia Countess of Rosse his Wife; complaining of Two Orders or Decrees of the Court of Chancery in Ireland, of the 20th of July 1772, and 22d of April 1777; 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 Sophia Murray, Widow and Administratrix of George Murray deceased, and William Murray, Son and Heir of the said George Murray a Minor, by the said Sophia his Mother and next Friend, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Sophia Murray and William Murray, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Friday the 9th Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon their Clerk in Court, or Solicitor in the said Court of Chancery in Ireland, shall be deemed good Service.

Westminster Bridge Accounts delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Seddon, from the Commissioners of Westminster Bridge, attended:"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to Acts of Parliament, Two Books, containing,

"A State of the Proceedings of the Commissioners for building Westminster Bridge, from the 5th Day of November 1776, to the 25th Day of November 1777, inclusive:

Also, "Accounts of the Treasurer to the Commissioners for building Westminster Bridge, from the 10th Day of October 1776, to the 10th Day of October 1777, together with a Rent Roll and an Account of Bridge Rents from 5th July 1776 to 5th July 1777."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Rowlls et al. Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of John Rowlls of Kingston upon Thames in the County of Surry Esquire, and Elizabeth his Wife; and of John Rowlls the younger, of Kingston aforesaid, Esquire, eldest Son of the before named John Rowlls; and also of Elizabeth Rowlls of Kingston aforesaid, Spinster, only Daughter of the said John Rowlls and Elizabeth his Wife (on Behalf of themselves, and of William Peter Rowlls and Charles Edward Rowlls, the Two Infant Sons of the said John Rowlls the elder and Elizabeth his Wife), and Charles Legh of Adlington, in the County of Chester Esquire; praying Leave to bring in a Bill, for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be and is hereby referred to Mr Justice Ashhurst and Mr. Justice Nares, who are forthwith to summon all Parties concerned in the Bill; and after hearing them, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon under their Hands, and whether all Parties who may be concerned in the Consequences of the Bill have signed the Petition; and also that the Judges having perused the Bill do sign the same.

Johnson to enter into Recognizance on Vickar's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Hugh Johnson of London, Merchant, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Jeremiah Vickars of the City of Dublin, Merchant, and another, on Account of their Appeal depending in this House, they residing in Ireland:"

It is Ordered, That the said Hugh Johnson may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellants as desired.

Wallis to enter into Recognizance on Bateman et Ux. Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Albany Wallis of Norfolk Street, Westminster, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for John Bateman Esquire, and Olivia Countess of Rosse, his Wife, on Account of their Appeal depending in this House, they residing in Ireland:"

It is Ordered, That the said Albany Wallis may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellants as desired.

Chalmer to enter into Recognizance on Stewart's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That James Chalmer of Leicester Fields, in the County of Middlesex Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for John Shaw Stewart of Greenock Esquire, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he living in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said James Chalmer may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant as desired.

Francis Long, took the Oaths appointed in order to his Naturalization.

Long's Naturalization Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Long."

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 o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Popham's Nat. Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Popham;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Meyer and Martens Naturalization Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Meyer and Christopher Henry Martens;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Sherson et al. Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Robert Sherson of London, Apothecary, and Mary his Wife; Richard Rooke of London Worm Maker, Richard Burfoot of London aforesaid, Woollen Draper, Peter Robinson of Whitechapel London, Coppersmith, the Reverend Henry Wilder of Purley Hall, in the County of Berks Clerk, and Joane his Wife; and the Reverend James Morgan of Oakfield, in the said County of Berks Clerk, and Mary Ann his Wife; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be and is hereby referred to Mr. Justice Nares and Mr. Baron Perryn, who are forthwith to summon all Parties concerned in the Bill; and, after hearing them, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon under their Hands, and whether all Parties who may be concerned in the Consequences of the Bill have signed the Petition; and also that the Judges, having perused the Bill, do sign the same.

American Habeas Corpus, &c. Act, Suspension Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Grey Cooper and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy:" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Vice Treasurer of Ireland, &c. Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable the Right Honourable Robert Craggs, Earl Nugent, and the Right Honourable Charles Townshend, to take in Great Britain, the Oath of Office as Vice Treasurer and Receiver General, and Paymaster General of all His Majesty's Revenues in the Kingdom of Ireland, and to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of the said Offices;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Cantley, &c. Enclosure Act, to rectify a Mistake in, Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for rectifying a Mistake in the Name of One of the Commissioners appointed to put in Execution an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Townships of Cantley, Brampton, Bessacarr, and High Ellers, within the several Manors of Brampton and Bessacarr, in the Parish of Cantley, in the West Riding of the County of York;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

North America, &c. Account of Courts Martial held in, Addresses to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to give Orders, that the proper Officer do lay before this House, "An Account of all Courts Martial which have been held in any Parts of North America and the West Indies, since the 1st of August 1774, to the latest Accounts, specifying the Charges, the Punishments which have been ordered by such Courts Martial, and those which have been inflicted."

"Also, An Account of all Courts Martial which have been held in any Part of Great Britain or Ireland, or in the Garrisons of Gibraltar or Minorca, during the same Period, specifying the Charges, the Punishments which have been ordered by such Courts Martial, and those which have been inflicted.

Ordered. That the said Address be presented to His Majesty, by the Lords with white Staves.

Instructions to General Burgoyne, Addresses for, refused.

Moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, most humbly beseeching His Majesty to be graciously pleased to give Directions, that the proper Officer do lay before this House, "Copies of all Orders and Instructions to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, relating to the Operations of that Part of His Majesty's Forces in North America, under his Command."

Which being objected to; and a Question stated thereupon.

After long Debate.

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, most humbly beseeching His Majesty to be graciously pleased to give Directions that the proper Officer do lay before this House, Copies of all Orders and Instructions to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, for employing any of the Indian Savage Nations against the Inhabitants of the British Colonies in North America."

Which being objected to; and a Question stated thereupon.

After Debate.

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, sextum diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Sabbati, 6^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Land Tax Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Grey Cooper and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting an Aid to His Majesty by a Land Tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Malt Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Grey Cooper and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing and granding to His Majesty, certain Duties upon Malt, Mum, Cyder, and Perry, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Vice Treasurer of Ireland, &c. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable the Right Honourable Robert Craggs Earl Nugent, and the Right Honourable Charles Townshend, to take in Great Britain the Oath of Office as Vice Treasurer and Receiver General, and Paymaster General of all His Majesty's Revenues in the Kingdom of Ireland, and to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of the said Offices."

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 o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Cantley, &c. Enclosure Act, to rectify a Mistake in, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for rectifying a Mistake in the Name of One of the Commissioners appointed to put in Execution an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Townships of Cantley, Brampton, Bessacarr, and High Ellers, within the several Manors of Brampton and Bessacarr, in the Parish of Cantley, in the West 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.

Popham's Nat. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Popham."

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.

Meyer and Martens Nat Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Meyer, and Christopher Henry Martens."

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.

Ordered, That all the Lords who have been present this Session, be added to the Committee, to whom the Four last-mentioned Bills stand committed.

American Habeas Corpus, &c. Act, Suspention Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy."

Moved, "That the said Bill be read a second Time on Monday next."

Which being objected to:

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Monday next.

Mackenzie to enter into Recognizance on Douglas's Appeal.

The House being moved, " That John Mackenzie, of the Inner Temple, London, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for William Douglas, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he residing in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Mackenzie may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant as desired.

Irvine to enter into Recognizance on Countess Wemyss's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That John Irving, of the Middle Temple, London, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Janet Countess Dowager of Wemyss, on Account of her Appeal depending in this House, she residing in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Irving may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant as desired.

Bridges to enter into Recognizance on Bridges's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Brook Allen Bridges, of Lincoln's Inn, London, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for William Bridges Esquire, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he living in the Country:"

It is Ordered, That the said Brook Allen Bridges may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant as desired.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamenum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, octavum diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Lunæ, 8^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

King's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, with their Lordships Address of Friday last, for the Accounts therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, " He would give Directions accordingly."

Admiralty Office, Accounts from, delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Jackson from the Admiralty Office attended:"

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar (pursuant to Addresses to His Majesty of the 28th of November last, and 2d of this instant December) for that Purpose;

"Copies of the last Weekly Accounts received at the Admiralty Office, from the Admiral or Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels of War at the several Ports of Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Chatham; together with Copies of the last Weekly Accounts received at the said Office of the State and Condition of the Ships and Vessels of His Majesty's Fleet employed on Channel Service, or on the Coasts of Great Britain and Ireland;" together with a Schedule thereof; which was read by the Clerk, as follows; (videlicet),

"No. 1. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in Plymouth Sound, dated 21st November 1777."

" 2. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in Hamoze, dated 21st November 1777."

"3 State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Spithead and in Portsmouth Harbour, dated 23d November 1777."

"4. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ship Russel, dated 23d November 1777."

" 5. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Sheerness and Blackstakes, dated 23d November 1777."

" 6. State and Condition of the Conquestador at the Nore, dated 23d November 1777."

"7. State and Condition of the Stirling Castle in the Downs, dated 23d November 1777."

"8. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Downs, dated 16th November 1777."

" 9. State and Condition of the Speedwell, dated 19th June 1777."

"10. State and Condition of the Greyhound Cutter, dated 8th September 1777."

"11. State and Condition of the Hawke, dated 17th October 1777."

" 12. State and Condition of the Arethusa, dated 23d October 1777."

"13. State and Condition of the Lurcher Cutter, dated 25th October 1777."

"14. State and Condition of the Alderney, dated 25th October 1777."

"15. State and Condition of the Wasp, dated 31st October 1777."

"16. State and Condition of the Folkstone Cutter, dated 2d November 1777."

"17. State and Condition of the Alert, dated 7th November 1777."

"18. State and Condition of the Esther Cutter, dated 13th November 1777."

"19. State and Condition of the Wells Cutter, dated 15th November 1777."

"20. State and Condition of the Cupid, dated 16th November 1777."

"21. State and Condition of the Harpy, dated 19th November 1777."

"22. State and Condition of the Rattlesnake Cutter, dated 19th November 1777."

"23. State and Condition of the Ruby, dated 22d November 1777."

"24. State and Condition of the Pelican, dated 23d November 1777."

"25. State and Condition of the Minerva, dated 23d November 1777."

"26. State and Condition of sundry Ships at Sea; videlicet,

"27. State and Condition of His Majesty's Hospital Ship the Orford, at Sheerness, dated 27th November 1777."

"28. State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the River Thames, dated 27th November 1777."

" 29. An Account of Ships and Vessels from which no Returns are received."

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Marine Forces on Shore, and disposeable Men, Accounts delivered.

Mr. Jackson also delivered in at the Bar, (pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 2d of this instant December), for that Purpose;

"An Account of His Majesty's Marine Forces on Shore at home, taken from the last Returns received at the Admiralty Office:"

And also, "A particular Account of disposeable Men who are Supernumeraries, not borne as Part of the Complement of any of His Majesty's Ships, taken from the last Accounts received at the Admiralty Office."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, &c. Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable the Right Honourable Robert Craggs Earl Nugent, and the Right Honourable Charles Townshend, to take, in Great Britain, the Oath of Office as ViceTreasurer and Receiver-General, and Paymaster-General of all His Majesty's Revenues in the Kingdom of Ireland; and to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of the said Offices," 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."

Meyer and Martens Natualization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Meyer and Christopher Henry Martens," was committed.

Popham's Naturalization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Popham," was committed.

Long's Naturalization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Long," was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Cantley, &c. Enclosure Act, to rectify a Mistake in, Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for rectifying a Mistake in the Name of One of the Commissioners appointed to put in Execution an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, "for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Townships of Cantley, Brampton, Bessacarr, and High Ellers, within the several Manors of Brampton and Bessacarr, in the Parish of Cantley, 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; 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."

Time limited for receiving Judges Reports.

Ordered, That this House will not receive any Report from the Judges, upon Petitions presented to this House for private Bills, after Friday the 27th Day of March next.

Ordered, That the said Order be affixed on the Doors of this House, and Westminster Hall.

Line of Battle Ships at Home, &c. Address to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, A List of the Names of the Line of Battle Ships now in Commission at Home, and employed upon Home Services, with the State and Condition of each Ship, according to the last Accounts received at the Admiralty Office before the 27th Day of November last, and distinguishing the Time when each of the said Ships was commissioned:"

And also, "A List of the Names of all the Ships and Vessels under the Line of Battle, now in Commission at Home, and employed upon Home Services, with the State and Condition of each Ship, according to the last Accounts received at the Admiralty Office before the 27th Day of November last, and distinguishing the Time when each of the said Ships was commissioned."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Land Tax Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for granting an Aid to His Majesty by a Land Tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

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.

Malt Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing and granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon Malt, Mum, Cyder, and Perry, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

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.

American Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy:"

The said Bill was accordingly read a Second Time.

Moved, "That the Act of last Session, intituled, An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy," might be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

It was moved, "to commit the Bill:"

Which being objected to;

After Debate;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

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

Ships purchased for His Majesty's Service:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "A List of such Ships and Vessels, under the Line, as have been purchased into His Majesty's Service since 1st January 1766, distinguishing of whom purchased, and what Sum or Sums of Money was paid for each Ship or Vessel respectively."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Persons seized under the American Habeas Corpus Act, Addresses to His Majesty, for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to give Directions, that there be laid before this House, "A List of all such Persons who, since the passing of an Act of the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy," have been seized or taken in the Act of High Treason committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or in the Act of Piracy, or who have been charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason committed in any of the said Colonies, or on the High Seas, or of Piracy, and who have been committed in any Part of His Majesty's Dominions for such Crimes, or any of them, or for Suspicion of such Crimes, or any of them, by any Magistrate having competent Authority in that Behalf, to the Common Gaol or other Place of Confinement, together with Copies of the Warrants of such Commitments respectively, and of any Proceedings which have been had for the Bailing or Trial of any such Persons, by virtue of any Order from His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, together with Copies of every such Order."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, nonum Diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Martis, 9^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

American Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act, made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Land Tax Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting an Aid to His Majesty by a Land Tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Malt Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing and granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon Malt, Mum Cyder, and Perry, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

American Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Land Tax Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for granting an Aid to His Majesty by a Land Tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Malt Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing and granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon Malt, Mum, Cyder, and Perry, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable the Right Honourable Robert Craggs Earl Nugent, and the Right Honourable Charles Townsbend, to take, in Great Britain, the Oath of Office as Vice-Treasurer and Receiver-General, and Paymaster-General of all His Majesty's Revenues in the Kingdom of Ireland; and to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of the said Offices."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Cantley, &c. Enclosure Act, to rectify a Mistake in, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for rectifying a Mistake in the Name of One of the Commissioners appointed to put in Execution an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, "for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Townships of Cantley, Brampton, Bessacarr, and High Ellers, within the several Manors of Brampton and Bessacarr, in the Parish of Cantley, in the West Riding of the County of York."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Popham's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Popham."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Meyer and Martens Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Meyer and Christopher Henry Martens."

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 Seven preceding Bills.

And Messages were severally ordered to be sent to the House of Commons by Mr. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

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

Long's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Francis Long."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was ordered to be 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 præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, decimum diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 10^o Decembris 1777.

REX.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

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 Majesty's Pleasure that they attend Him immediately in this House."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

He, after a Speech, in relation to the Money Bills to be passed, delivered them to the Clerk, who brought them to the Table, where the Deputy Clerk of the Crown read the Titles of those, and the other Bills to be passed, severally as follow; (videlicet),

Bills passed.

1. An Act for granting an Aid to His Majesty by a Land Tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

"2. An Act for continuing and granting to His Majesty, certain Duties upon Malt, Mum, Cyder, and Perry, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight."

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

"Le Roy remercie ses bons Sujets, accepte leur Benevolence, et ainsi le veult."

"3. An Act for continuing an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to empower His Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with or suspected of the Crime of High Treason, committed in any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of Piracy."

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

"Le Roy le veult."

"4. An Act to enable the Right Honourable Robert Craggs Earl Nugent, and the Right Ho nourable Charles Townshend, to take in Great Britain, the Oath of Office, as Vice Treasurer and Receiver General, and Paymaster General of all His Majesty's Revenues in the Kingdom of Ireland, and to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of the said Offices."

"5. An Act for rectifying a Mistake in the Name of One of the Commissioners, appointed to put in Execution an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Townships of Cantley, Brampton, Bessacarr, and High Ellers, within the several Manors of Brampton and Bessacarr, in the Parish of Cantley, in the West Riding of the County of York."

"6. An Act for naturalizing Francis Popham."

"7. An Act for naturalizing John Meyer and Christopher Henry Martens."

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

"Soit fait comme il est desiré."

Then His Majesty was pleased to retire:

And the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned, during Pleasure, to unrobe.

The House was resumed.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, undecimum diem instantis Decembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Jovis, 11^o Decembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Haldane against Keith and Elphingstone.

The Answer of George Keith, late Earl Marischall of Scotland, and of the Honourable John Elphingstone, Assignee of the said George Keith, to the Appeal of George Haldane of Gleneagles, Esquire, was this Day brought in.

King's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, with their Lordships Addresses of Monday last, for the several Lists therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Admiralty Office, Accounts from, delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Jackson, from the Admiralty Office attended;"

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar (pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 27th of November last) for that Purpose;

"An Account of the Transports taken up or contracted for, since September 1775 to September 1777, describing the Tonnage, and what has been paid or contracted to be paid for the same:"

Also, "An Account of the Number of Seamen and Marines, employed in the Service of the Royal Navy, from 1st March 1776 to 30th September 1777:"

And also, "An Account of Navy, Victualling, and Transport Bills, which were made out on or before the 30th September 1777, and which yet remain unpaid, distinguishing the Sums made out in each Month."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Haldane against Keith.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause, wherein George Haldane, Esquire, is Appellant, and George Keith, late Earl Marischall, is Respondent:"

It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel at the Bar, on the first vacant Day for Causes, after those already appointed.

Motion to adjourn:

Moved, "That this House do adjourn to Tuesday the 20th Day of January next."

Then another Motion being offered to be made,

The same was objected to, as contrary to Order.

Whereupon,

After short Debate,

Motion withdrawn.

The Motion for the Adjournment was (by Leave of the House) withdrawn.

Returns from Keepers of Houses of Consinement of American Prisoners, Address to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, requesting that He will be pleased to direct, that all Orders and Instructions which have been given, by the Officers whose Business it is, to the several Gaolers or Keepers of (fn. 1) other Houses of Consinement, from Time to Time, since the Commencement of Hostilities, and the bringing of American Prisoners into this County, down to the 1st of the present Month of December, respecting the Custody and Treatment of the said Prisoners, may be laid before this House; and that the Returns which have been made to Office from the said Prisons, of their Numbers and Deaths, together with the Accounts of each Article of Expence attending their Consinement, may likewise be produced.

Motion for Adjournment:

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty, by the Lords with white Staves.

Then it was moved, "To adjourn to Tuesday the 20th Day of January next."

Which being objected to:

After long Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Accordingly;

Adjourn.

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