House of Lords Journal Volume 35: February 1778 1-10

February 1778 1-10

DIE Lunæ, 2^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

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 Thursday last, for the several Accounts therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Bp. Exeter takes the Oaths.

This Day John Lord Bishop of Exeter took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

Thanks to Bp. Chester, for his Sermon.

Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be, and are hereby given, to the Lord Bishop of Chester, for the Sermon by him preached before this House on Friday last, in the Abbey Church Westminster; and he is hereby desired to cause the same to be forthwith printed and published.

Oxford, &c. Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Terms and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts, One passed in the Seventh, and the other in the Eighth Years of His present Majesty's Reign, for repairing and widening the Roads from Oxford, over Botley Causeway, to Fifield, in the County of Berks, and Witney, in the County of Oxford," 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."

Humsrey & al. Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of Lebbeus Humfrey, and others; 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 establishing an Agreement for discharging the Manor of Laughton, in the County of Leicester, and certain Lands and Hereditaments in the Parish of Laughton, from the Payment of Tythes, or any Modus or Rate for Tythe; and for vesting other Lands and Hereditaments in the Rector of the said Parish and his Successors, as a Compensation for the said Tythes, and in lieu thereof."

State of Forces under Gen. Howe delivered.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 23d Day of January last, for that Purpose,

State of the British and Foreign Troops under the Command of General Sir William Howe, including those at New York, and Posts depending. Philadelphia, 14th December 1777."

And the Title thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Tait against Keiths.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Tait, Minister of the Gospel at Old Aberdeen; complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lords of Session in Scotland of the 22d of January last; 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 George Skene Keith and Alexander Keith, elder and younger, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said George Skene Keith and Alexander Keith, elder and younger, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Monday, the 2d Day of March next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon any of their Counsel, Agent or Solicitor, in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Dean and Chapter of Durham Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of the Right Worshipful William Digby Doctor of Laws, Dean, and the Chapter of Durham, of the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin; 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 the Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, and Mr. Baron Hotham, 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.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein Sir Lawrence Dundas Baronet is Appellant, and Patrick Honeyman and others are Respondents, which stands appointed for Wednesday next, be put off to Monday next; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in Course.

Bulwick Enclosure Bill:

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

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. Eames and Mr. Montagu:

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

Royal Artillery, Monthly Return of, delivered.

The House being informed, "That a Person from the Ordnance Office attended;"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 29th of January last, for that Purpose,

"Monthly Return of the Four Battalions of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Woolwich, 1st January 1778."

And then he withdrew.

And the Title thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Orphn Fund, &c. Accounts delivered.

The House being informed, "That the Chamberlain of the City of London attended;"

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

An Account of the Surplus of the Fund for the Relief of the Orphans and other Creditors of the City of London, on the 5th Day of July 1777.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for the repairing the Royal Exchange, in the City of London, from the 28th Day of September 1776 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for embanking Part of the North Side of the River Thames, from the 28th Day of September 1776 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for building and completing the Bridge at Blackfriars, from the 28th Day of September 1776 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for the Re-building the Gaol of Newgate, in the City of London, from the 28th Day of September 1776, to the 28th Day of September 1777.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for completing the Bridge at Blackfriars, and other Purposes therein mentioned; and for further continuing the Tolls upon London Bridge, and other Purposes therein mentioned, from the 28th Day of September 1776 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of the Act for more effectually completing the Navigation on the River Thames, from the 30th Day of April 1777 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

An Account of Money received and paid in pursuance of an Act for making, enlarging, &c. the Vaults, Drains, and Sewers, within the City of London, and for paving, cleansing, and enlightening the said City, from the 28th Day of September 1776 exclusive, to the 28th Day of September 1777 inclusive.

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Regiments, newly raised, Returns of, delivered.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty on Thursday last, for that Purpose,

Returns of all the Regiments, &c. raised, or ordered to be raised from the 10th of December 1777, to the 29th of January 1778, &c. together with a Schedule thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows, (videlicet)

No. 1. List of the Corps which have been ordered to be raised between the 10th December 1777, and the 29th January 1778, with the Names of the Officers appointed to command those Corps.

2. List of Officers proposed for the Manchester Regiment.

3. List of Officers proposed for Colonel Mackenzie's Regiment.

4. List of Officers proposed for Colonel Murray's Regiment.

5. List of Officers proposed for Colonel Maclean's Regiment.

6. List of Officers proposed for Lieutenant Colonel Mac Donell's Corps.

7. List of Officers proposed for the Edinburgh Regiment.

8. List of Officers proposed for the Liverpoole Regiment.

9. List of Officers proposed for Nine Welch Companies.

10. List of Officers proposed for the Glasgow Regiment.

11. Copy of the Beating Orders for the several Corps ordered to be raised between the 10th of December 1777, and the 29th January 1778.

12. Copy of a Letter from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which the Manchester Regiment is to be raised.

13. Copy of Letters from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which Colonel Gordon's, Colonel Mackenzie's, Colonel Murray's, and Colonel Maclean's Corps are to be raised.

14. Copy of Letters from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which Lieutenant Colonel Campbell's and Lieutenant Colonel Mac Donnell's Corps are to be raised.

15. Copy of Letters from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which the Edinburgh and Glasgow Regiments are to be raised.

16. Copy of a Letter from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which Lord Seaforth's Corps is to be raised.

17. Copy of a Letter from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which the Liverpoole Regiment is to be raised.

18 and 19. Copies of a Letters from the Secretary at War, containing the Terms on which the Nine Welch Companies are to be raised."

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

State of the Nation, House to be in a Committee on:

The Order of the Day being read for taking into Consideration the State of the Nation; and for the Lords to be summoned:

It was moved, "That the House be adjourned, and put into a Committee thereupon; and that the several Papers laid before the House, be referred to the Committee."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Motion for D. Portland to be Chairman, refused:

Then it was moved, "That the Duke of Portland be the Chairman of the Committee:"

Which being objected to:

After Debate,

The Question was put, "Whether the Duke of Portland shall be the Chairman of the Committee?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ld. Scarsdale Chairman.

Then it was moved, "That the Lord Scarsdale be the Chairman of the said Committee."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

Then it was moved, "That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Friday next, and the Lords summoned."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

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,

Clarke against Hodgson.

John Fenton Clarke Esquire is Plaintiff, and John Hodgson Clerk, Defendant.

And in the other,

Staveley against Batson et al.

Richard Staveley is Plaintiff, and Edward Buckley Batson and others, are Defendants.

Victuallers, Accounts of &c. delivered.

The Earl of Suffolk (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 27th of November last for that Purpose, Papers relating to the Freight of Victuallers, together with a Schedule thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

An Account of the Expence of the Freight of Victuallers hired to carry Provisions to North America, from the 1st Day of October 1775, to the 30th Day of September 1777."

Also, "No. 1. An Account of the Expence of the Freight of Victuallers and Store-ships hired to carry Provisions and Stores to North America for the Use of His Majesty's Forces, from the 1st Day of October 1775, to the 30th Day of September 1777."

Also, "2. A particular Account of the Name and Tonnage of each Ship, of which the General Account is given in No. 1."

And also, "3. A List of the Ships remaining in the Service on the 1st Day of January 1778, shewing how each Ship was employed, according to the then latest Advices; and also shewing some subsequent Variations."

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

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, quartum diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 4^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Bridges against Gilbert et al.

The Answer of Jane Gilbert Spinster, and others, to the Appeal of William Bridges Esquire, was this Day brought in.

Laughton Manor Estate Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for establishing an Agreement for discharging the Manor of Laughton, in the County of Leicester, and certain Lands and Hereditaments in the Parish of Laughton, from the Payment of Tythes, or any Modus or Rate for Tythe; and for vesting other Lands and Hereditaments in the Rector of the said Parish and his Successors, as a Compensation for the said Tythes, and in lieu thereof."

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 19th Day of this instant February, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Stevenage to Biggleswade, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, passed in the Sixth and Twelfth Years of King George the First, the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majesty, and the Ninth Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Stevenage in the County of Hertford, to Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, and other Roads 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 Friday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Oxford, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Terms and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts, One passed in the Seventh, and the other in the Eighth Years of His present Majesty's Reign, for repairing and widening the Roads from Oxford over Botley Causeway, to Fifield, in the County of Berks, and Witney, in the County of Oxford."

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. Eames and Mr. Montagu:

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

Coltart against Maxwell et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of John Coltart, of Areeming, Esquire, complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 5th of March 1777; and also of another Interlocutor of the said Lords of the 13th and 17th of January last, in so far as it finds the Petitioner only entitled to the Retour Duties of the Lands preceding the Date of this Interlocutor; 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 Winifred Maxwell of Nithsdale, and William Hoggerstone Constable Esquire, her Husband, John Frazer of Upper Barr, John Maxwell of Terraughty, William Joseph Frazer Son of Joseph Frazer, Robert Dun of Corse, John Bushby, Writer in Dumfries, Thomas Stothart Writer there, Elizabeth M^cNaught and Robert Walker her Husband, Agnes M^cNaught and James Calland her Husband, James Frazer younger, of Upper Barr, Margaret Tait and William Gordon her Husband, Robert Gordon their only Son, and his Administrator at Law, and John Gordon of Kenmore, may be required to answer the said Appeal:

It is Ordered, That the said Winifred Maxwell and William Hoggerstone Constable Esquire, her Husband, and the said several other Persons last named, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Wednesday the 4th Day of March next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon any of their Counsel or Agents in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Spottiswoode to enter into Recognizance on Tait's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That John Spottiswoode of Northumberland Street, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for the Reverend Mr. Thomas Tait, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he living in Scotland:"

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

Head to take the Name of James, Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Walter James Head Esquire, a Minor, and his Issue, to take and use the Surname of James only, and to bear the Coat Armour of the Family of John James 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.

Rann & Taylor against Hughes; in Error.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing Counsel to argue the Errors assigned upon the Writ of Error, wherein Joseph Rann Clerk, and Arthur Taylor are Plaintiffs, and Isabella Hughes is Defendant:"

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

Rumball for Bill to take the Name of Quilter.

Upon reading the Petition of John Woodhouse Esquire, Richard Woodhouse Gentleman, and James Quilter, late James Rumball, Gentleman; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to enable the Petitioner James Quilter, late James Rumball, and his younger Brothers and their Heirs Male, to take the Name and use the Arms of Quilter only, pursuant to the Will of James Quilter Esquire, deceased:

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

Wyndham for a Bill to take the Name of Edwin:

Upon reading the Petition of Charles Wyndham Esquire, now called Charles Edwin, praying Leave to bring in a Bill to enable him and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Sirname of Edwin only:

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 Scarsdale presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire, now called Charles Edwin, and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Sirname of Edwin only."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

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

Motion that granting Money as private Aids without the Sanction of Parliament is against Law, negatived.

It was moved to resolve, "That it is the Opinion of this House, That the giving or granting of Money as private Aids or Benevolences, without the Sanction of Parliament, for the Purpose of raising Armies for His Majesty's Service, is against the Spirit of the Constitution and the Letter of the Law."

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Motion that the obtaining Money by Subscription, &c. is a Breach of Privilege, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it is the Opinion of this House, That the obtaining of Money by Subscription, and under the Direction of a Committee of the Subscribers, to be applied in raising Men for His Majesty's Service in such Manner as His Majesty shall think fit, is not only unconstitutional and illegal, but a direct Infringement of the Rights, and an absolute Breach of the Privileges of Parliament."

Which being objected to;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Instructions to General Burgoyne, &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 give Directions, that there be laid before this House, "Copies of all Instructions and other Papers relative to the Expedition from Canada, under Lieutenant General Burgoyne; and also a Copy of such Parts of the Instructions given to General Sir William Howe, as relate to any intended Co-operation with Lieutenant General Burgoyne."

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 Jovis, quintum diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Jovis, 5^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

North America, Embarkation Returns, &c. delivered.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 26th of January last, for that Purpose;

"Embarkation Returns of Troops, and also Returns of Recruits sent to North America, &c."; together with a Schedule thereof.

Which was read by the Clerk, as follows; (videlicet),

No. 1. Abstract of the Embarkation Returns of all the British Corps which have been sent from Great Britain or Ireland, to any Part of North America, in the Years 1774, 1775, 1776, and 1777, exclusive of Marines.

2. Abstract of the Embarkation Returns of Hessian Troops sent to North America in the Year 1776.

3. Abstract of the Embarkation Returns of the Brunswick and Waldeck Troops sent to North America in the Year 1776.

4. Abstract of the Embarkation Returns of the Troops of Hanau and Anspach, and of Hessian Chasseurs, sent to North America, in the Years 1776 and 1777.

5. Return of all the Recruits which have been sent to North America in the Years 1774, 1775, 1776, and 1777, British and Foreign; distinguishing each Corps.

6. Copy of the Monthly Return of the Forces in North America, dated 1st August 1774; being also the Return of the greatest Number of Land Forces in North America during the Year 1774.

7. Return of the greatest Number of Land Forces in North America during the Year 1775, dated the 1st of August.

8 and 9. Returns of the greatest Number of British and Foreign Land Forces in North America, under Sir William Howe, in the Year 1776, dated the 1st December and 22d November.

10 and 11. Returns of the greatest Number of British and Foreign Troops, in the Year 1776, under the Command of Sir Guy Carleton, dated the 1st November.

12 and 13. Returns of the greatest Number of British and Foreign Troops, under the Command of Sir Guy Carleton, during the Year 1777, dated the 1st February and 1st January.

"N. B. The Return of the additional Companies in Canada, dated the 1st July 1777, and the State of the Troops British and Foreign under Sir William Howe, dated the 14th December 1777, being the greatest Number of Troops under his Command in that Year; as also the Monthly Return of his Army, dated 1st July 1777, are already before the House of Lords."

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

Letters from Commanders of Ships, &c. relating to Merchants Ships, 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, "Extracts of such Letters as have been received by the Secretary of the Admiralty from the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships, charged with the Care of the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects to and from Great Britain, so far as relates to the Separation of any of the Merchant Ships from their Convoy without Leave."

And also,

An Extract of a Letter from Vice Admiral Gayton, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Jamaica, to the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated the 2d July 1776; so far as relates to the Opinion he gave to the Merchants of the Danger to which their Ships would be exposed, if they proceeded on their Voyage without Convoy."

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

Head to take the Name of James, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable Walter James Head Esquire, a Minor, and his Issue, to take and use the Surname of James only, and to bear the Coat Armour of the Family of John James Esquire, 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. Eames and Mr. Montagu:

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

Sapcote Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, Commons, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Kimcoate and Walton Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Hungerford 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, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptost, in the County of Leicester;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Titchmarsh Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Messages from H. C. to return De Beaune's Nat. Bill:

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing David Henry de Beaune;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

And Arfwidsson's Nat. Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Loudonsack's Nat. Bill.

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

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

Wilcken's Nat. Bill.

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

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

Bockhampton Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tithing of Bockhampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Several Persons ordered to attend Tomorrow.

Ordered, That Abraham Hake, No. 4, Sun Court Cornhill, or No. 77, Cornhill; William Creighton Esquire, Brabant Court, Philpot Lane; Beeston Long Esquire, Bishopsgate Street; Edward Payne Esquire, King's Arms Yard, Coleman Street; John Shoolbred Esquire, Mark Lane; Mr. Alderman Woolridge, No. 11, Crescent; Gregory Olive Esquire, Suffolk Lane; and Robert Hunter Esquire, No. 12, Coleman Street, do attend this House To-morrow.

Worsop's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of John Arthur Worsop, (heretofore called John Arthur) of Doncaster, in the County of York, Esquire; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to empower the Petitioner to limit a Jointure for the Benefit of any Woman he may marry, out of the Estates devised by the Will of Richard Worsop Esquire, deceased:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to Mr. Justice Willes 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.

Wyndham to take the Name of Edwin, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire, now called Charles Edwin, and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Sirname of Edwin only."

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.

Spottiswoode to enter into Recognizane on Coltart's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That John Spottiswoode, of Northumberland Street, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for John Coltart Esquire, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he living in Scotland:"

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

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 6^o Februarii 1778.

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 Yesterday, for the Papers therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Letters from Captains of Ships relating to Merchantmen delivered.

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

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar, several Papers, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of Yesday for that Purpose; together with a Schedule thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

No. 1. Extract of a Letter from Captain Fielding, of His Majesty's Ship Diamond, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated off New York, 7th November 1776.

2. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Captain Cornwallis, of His Majesty's Ship Pallas, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 21st November 1776.

3. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Captain Cornwallis, of His Majesty's Ship Pallas, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 22d November 1776.

4. Extract of a Letter from Captain Douglas, of His Majesty's Ship Squirrel, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 28th December 1776.

5. Extract of a Letter from Captain Cotton of His Majesty's Ship Pallas, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Yarmouth, 5th March 1777.

6. Extract of a Letter from Captain Gardner, of His Majesty's Ship Maidstone, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, June 10th, 1777.

7. Extract of a Letter from Captain Chapman, of His Majesty's Ship Shark, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 22d June 1777.

8. Extract of a Letter from Captain Bishop, of His Majesty's Ship Lively, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 12th August 1777.

9. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Captain Finch, of His Majesty's Ship Camel, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 4th October 1777.

10. Extract of a Letter from Captain Thompson, of His Majesty's Ship Boreas, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Spithead, 5th October 1777.

11. Extract of a Letter from Captain Parker, of His Majesty's Ship Invincible, to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, dated St. Helen's, 2d December 1777."

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

Mr. Jackson also delivered in at the Bar, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of Yesterday for that Purpose:

"Extract of a Letter from Vice Admiral Gayton, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Jamaica, to the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated 2d July 1776, so far as relates to the Opinion he gave to the Merchants of the Danger to which their Ships would be exposed, if they proceeded on their Voyage without Convoy."

And then he withdrew.

And the Title thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Stevenage to Biggleswade, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, passed in the Sixth and Twelfth Years of King George the First, the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majesty, and the Ninth Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Stevenage in the County of Hertford, to Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, and other Roads therein mentioned," 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."

Whitehead et. al against Travis.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Thomas Whitehead, William Whitehead, John Bowker, Ralph Davies, and Elizabeth Bateman; complaining of a Decree or Decretal Order of the Court of Exchequer, of the 18th of December 1775; and also of another Order or Decree of the said Court, of the 1st of July 1777, affirming the same, which said last-mentioned Order or Decree was not entered the 23d of January last; made in a certain Cause, wherein the Reverend George Travis Clerk, was Plaintiff, and John Oxton and John Healing, and also Thomas Whitehead, William Whitehead, and John Bowker, (Executors of William Whitehead deceased), and Ralph Davies and Elizabeth Bateman were Defendants; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, so far as the same relate to the Petitioners, 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 the Reverend George Travis Clerk, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said George Travis Clerk, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereunto, in Writing, on or before Friday, the 20th Day of this instant February.

Horne against the King; in Error.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing Counsel to argue the Errors assigned upon the Writ of Error, wherein John Horne Clerk, is Plaintiff, and The King is Desendant:"

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

Sapcote Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, Commons, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester."

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

Titehmarsh Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton."

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.

Kimcoate and Walton Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptost, in the County of Leicester."

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.

Loudonfack's Nat. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Charles Frederick Loudonsack."

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.

Great Billing Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Dean and Hippius's Nat. Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

State of the Nation further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation, and for the Lords to be summoned; and for the Attendance of several Persons:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee thereupon.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Monday next, and the Lords summoned.

Mr. Hake ordered to attend.

Ordered, That Mr. Abraham Hake do attend this House on Monday next.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein Sir Lawrence Dundas Baronet, is Appellant, and Patrick Honeyman and others are Respondents, which stands appointed for Monday next, be put off to Monday the 16th of this instant February; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in course.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Lunæ, 9^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Several Persons ordered to attend immediately.

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Enderby, Merchant of London, Mr. George Davis, Newfoundland Merchant, and Mr. George Gosling Proctor, do attend this House immediately.

Cecil et Ux. Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Henry Cecil Esquire, and Emma his Wife, praying Leave to bring in a Bill for Sale of Part of the Estate late of Thomas Vernon Esquire, deceased, which lies at a Distance from his Mansion House in the County of Worcester; and for laying out the Money to arise by Sale thereof in the Purchase of other Hereditaments more convenient, to be settled to such of the Uses declared by his Will as are now subsisting:

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 the Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, 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.

Sir Sampson Gideon's Estate Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting certain Messuages, Lands, and Hereditaments in the County of Kent, Part of the Estates devised and settled by the Will of John Thoyts deceased, in Trustees, to be sold and conveyed to Sir Sampson Gideon Baronet, and his Heirs; and for laying out the Monies arising by such Sale, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be conveyed and settled to and upon the like Uses and Trusts in the said Will," 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.

Titchmarsh Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton," was committed.

Kimcoate and Walton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale 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 Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptoft, in the County of Leicester," was committed.

Wyndham to take the Name of Edwin, Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire, now called Charles Edwin, and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Sirname of Edwin only," 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.

Loudonsack's Naturalization Bill.

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

Great Billing Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton."

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

Bp. Oxford to preach on Fast Day.

Ordered, That the Lord Bishop of Oxford be, and he is hereby desired, to preach before this House, on Friday, the 27th Day of this instant February, in the Abbey Church Westminster, being the Day appointed by His Majesty's Royal Proclamation for a General Fast.

Wilcken's Naturalization Bill.

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

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.

Dean and Hippius's Naturalization Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius."

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.

Stevenage to Biggleswade, &c. Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, passed in the Sixth and Twelfth Years of King George the First, the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majesty, and the Ninth Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Stevenage, in the County of Hertford, to Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, and other Roads therein mentioned."

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. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

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

Crawfurd against Lockhart et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Dame Robina Crawfurd, otherwise Pollock, the Wife of Sir Hew Crawfurd, of Jordanhill, Baronet, and of the said Sir Hew Crawfurd for his Interest; complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 28th of January 1778; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, 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 Mary Lockhart, otherwise Porterfield, Widow of John Lockhart, of Lee, Thomas Miller of Barskimming, Esquire, Lord Justice Clerk, James Lockhart of Castlehill, Esquire, Allen Lockhart of Cleghorn, Esquire, John Russell Clerk to the Signet, John Russell junior, eldest Son of the said John Russell, David Russell, Accomptant in Edinburgh, Mr. Robert Sinclair Advocate, Ann Hamilton Widow of Mr. James Bogle, Secretary to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Anne Lockhart, Wife of the said Thomas Miller Esquire, and her said Husband for his Interest, Isabel Lockhart, the Wife of William Muerhead of Herbertshire. Esquire, and her said Husband for his Interest, Maria Teresa Lockhart, Daughter of General James Lockhart, late of Carnwath now of Lee, and the Tutors and Curators of the said Maria Teresa Lochkart, Matthew Morthland Writer to the Signet, the Chancellor, Rector, Principal and Professors of the University of Glasgow, George Earl of Aberdeen, Robena Alston, Relict of Alexander Birnie of Broomhill, James Birnie of Broomhill, Esquire, and Brisbane, Daughter of Doctor Thomas Brisbane, Physician in Glasgow, deceased, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Mary Lockhart, otherwise Porterfield, and the said several other Persons last named, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Monday the 9th Day of March next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon their known Counsel or Agents in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

De Bruges for a Naturalization Bill.

Upon reading the Petition of Pierre Theodore de Bruges, 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.

Besnard for a Naturalization Bill.

Upon reading the Petition of Philippe Besnard, 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.

Instructions to Gen. Burgoyne, &c. delivered.

The Earl of Suffolk (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty, of the 4th of this instant February, for that Purpose;

Copies of all Instructions and other Papers relative to the Expedition from Canada, under Lieutenant General Burgoyne; and also a Copy of such Parts of the Instructions given to General Sir William Howe, as relate to any intended Co-operation with Lieutenant General Burgoyne;" together with a List thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

No. 1. Extract of a Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir William Howe, dated Whitehall, 22d August 1776.

2. Extract of a Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Whitehall, 22d August 1776.

3. Extract of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, dated New York, 28th November 1776, received 30th December.

4. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Hertford Street, 1st January 1777, received same Day.

5. Copy of Memorandums and Observations relative to the Service in Canada, submitted to Lord George Germain.

6. Copy of Memoranda of General Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

7. Copy of a Letter from Major General Phillips to General Carleton, dated St. John's, 9th November 1776.

8. Copy of Disposition of Winter Quarters in Canada.

No. 9. Thoughts for conducting the War from the Side of Canada, by Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

10. Extract of a Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Whitehall, 26th March 1777.

11. Extract of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, dated New York, 2d April 1777, received 8th May; enclosing,

12. Copy of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Sir Guy Carleton, dated New York, 5th April 1777.

13. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, dated Quebec, 9th May 1777, received 2d July.

14. Extract of a Letter from ditto to ditto, dated Quebec, 26th June 1777, received 3d August; enclosing,

15. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Montreal, 10th June 1777.

16. Extract of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, dated New York, 5th July 1777, received 22d August.

17. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Camp on the River Bouquet, near Lake Champlain, 22d June 1777, received 3d August; enclosing,

18. Substance of a Conference between Lieutenant General Burgoyne, and Five hundred Indian Chiefs and Warriors.

19. Copy of a Manifesto issued by Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

20. Extract of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, dated New York, 15th July 1777, received 22d August; enclosing,

21. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe, dated before Ticonderoga, 2d July 1777.

22. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, dated Quebec, 9th July 1777, received 23d August, enclosing,

23. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Butler, Superintendant of Indian Affairs, dated Niagara, 15th June 1777.

24. List of Officers employed in the Indian Department, with their Rank and Pay.

25. List of Persons employed as Rangers in the Indian Department.

26. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Head Quarters, Skeemsborough House, 11th July 1777, received 23d August.

27. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Head Quarters, upon Hudson's River, near Fort Edward, 30th July 1777, received 24th September.

No. 28. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, dated Quebec, 20th September 1777, received 31st October; enclosing,

29. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Butler, dated Ontario, 28th July 1777.

30. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Butler to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Camp before Fort Stanwix, 15th August 1777.

31. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Oswego, 27th August 1777.

32. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, (without Date).

33. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Oswego, 27th August 1777.

34. Extract of a Letter from Daniel Claus Esquire, Superintendant on Brigadier St. Leger's Expedition, to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Oswego, 28th August 1777.

35. Copy of Beating Order to John Butler Esquire, appointed Major Commandant of a Corps of Rangers to serve with the Indians.

36. Copy of Instructions to Major John Butler, Commandant of a Corps of Rangers to serve with the Indians.

37. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Camp, nearly opposite to Saratoga, 20th August 1777, received 31st October; enclosing,

38. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated before Fort Stanwix, 11th August 1777.

39. Copie d'une Lettre du Baron de Reidesel, à Mi Lord George Germain, datée au Camp près de Jones Farm, 28^me Aout 1777, received 31st October.

40. Translation of said Letter.

41. Contenu des Instructions données au Lieutenant Colonel Beaum, par rapport à une Expedition qu'il doit commander.

42. Translation of said Instructions.

43. Account of an Affair which happened near Walloon Creek, 16th August 1777.

44. Relation of the Expedition to Bennington.

45. Extract of a Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, dated Philadelphia, 21st October 1777, received 1st December; enclosing,

46. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe, dated Camp Fort Edward, 6th August 1777.

47. Copy of a Note from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, dated 23d September 1777, received 5th October.

No. 48. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, dated 28th September 1777, received 5th October.

49. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Fort Montgomery, 8th October 1777.

50. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, dated 27th September 1777, received at Fort Montgomery, 9th October.

51. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Lord George Germain, dated Albany, 20th October 1777, received 15th December; enclosing,

52. Copy of a Note from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates, and his Answer.

53. Copy of a Message from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates, by Major Kingston.

54. Copy of Major General Gates's Proposal, and of Lieutenant General Burgoyne's Answer.

55. Copy of a second Message from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates, by Major Kingston.

56. Copy of Lieutenant General Burgoyne's Proposal, and of Major General Gates's Answer.

57. Copy of a third Message from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates's, by Major Kingston.

58. Copy of a Message from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates.

59. Copy of Articles of Convention between Lieutenant General Burgoyne and Major General Gates.

60. Copy of the Minutes of a Council of War held on the Heights of Saratoga, on the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th October 1777.

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

Ross's Petition claiming the Earldom of Ross.

The Earl of Suffolk (by His Majesty's Command) presented to the House, a Petition of Munro Ross, of Pitcalnie, Esquire, claiming the Title and Dignity of Ross Earl of Ross; and His Majesty's Reference thereof to this House:

The same were read by the Clerk, as follow:

To the KING's most Excellent MAJESTY.

The humble Petition of Munro Ross, of Pitcalnie, Esquire, claiming the Title and Dignity of Ross Earl of Ross.

SHEWETH,

That the Title and Dignity of Ross Earl of Ross is very antient; and was limited to, and held in the Male Line, until the Death of William Earl of Ross, which happened soon after October 1370.

That the said William Earl of Ross dying without Issue Male, left Two Daughters, Lady Euphame, who married Sir Walter Leslie, and Lady Johanna, married to Sir Alexander Fraser.

That the said Earl William left a Brother Hugh Ross, of Rarichies, who as Heir Male, was entitled to take the Title and Dignity of Ross Earl of Ross; but being opposed and oppressed by the Power and Influence of the Husbands of his Nieces, and also by the Duke of Albany, then Regent of the Kingdom of Scotland, he was obliged to submit to their Usurpation of the Title and Dignity.

That your Petitioner is the Male Descendant of the aforesaid Hugh Ross of Rarichies, Brother to the last Earl of Ross, and as such, is entitled to the aforesaid Honour and Dignity.

He therefore most humbly prays Your MAJESTY, That the aforesaid Title and Dignity of Ross Earl of Ross may of Right be declared to belong to him and his Heirs Male.

And your Petitioner shall ever pray,

"MUNRO ROSS."

"St. James's, February 9th, 1778.

His Majesty being moved upon this Petition, is graciously pleased to refer the same to the Right Honourable the House of Peers, to examine the Allegations thereof, as to what relates to the Petitioner's Title therein mentioned; and to inform His Majesty how the same shall appear to their Lordships.

"Suffolk."

Ordered, That the said Petition and Reference be referred to the Lords Committees for Privileges to consider thereof, and report their Opinion thereupon to the House; and that Notice thereof be given to His Majesty's Attorney General, and the Lord Advocate for Scotland.

State of the Nation further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation, and for the Lords to be summoned; and for the Attendance of several Persons:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee thereupon.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Wednesday next; and the Lords summoned.

State of Ships under the Line purchased since 1776, 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 the proper Officer do lay before this House, "An Account of the Tonnage, Number of Guns, State and Condition of all Ships and Vessels under the Line, as have been purchased into His Majesty's Service since the 1st of January 1776, at the Time they were purchased; together with Expences since incurred, in order to sit them for Sea; distinguishing each Ship."

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

Value of Cargoes of Ordnance Ships taken by Americans, 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 the Value of the Cargoes of such Ordnance Ships as have been taken by the Americans."

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 Mercurii, undecimum diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.