House of Lords Journal Volume 35: April 1778 8-10

Journal of the House of Lords Volume 35, 1776-1779. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.

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'House of Lords Journal Volume 35: April 1778 8-10', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 35, 1776-1779, (London, 1767-1830) pp. 426-439. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol35/pp426-439 [accessed 27 April 2024]

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In this section

April 1778 8-10

DIE Mercurii, 8o Aprilis 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Archiep. Cantuar.
Archiep. Ebor.
Epus. Duresm.
Epus. Eliens.
Epus. Cicestrien.
Epus. Asaphen.
Epus. Carliol.
Epus. Landaven.
Epus. Petriburg.
Epus. Wigorn.
Epus. Litch. & Cov.
Epus. Bangor.
Epus. Oxon.
Epus. Exon.
Dux Cumberland.
Comes Bathurst, Cancellarius.
Dux Richmond.
Dux Beaufort.
Dux Bolton.
Dux Devonshire.
Dux Marlborough.
Dux Portland.
Dux Manchester.
Dux Montagu.
March. Rockingham.
Comes Talbot, Senescallus.
Comes Hertford, Camerarius.
Comes Derby.
Comes Huntingdon.
Comes Pembroke.
Comes Exeter.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Stamford.
Comes Winchilsea.
Comes Thanet.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Doncaster.
Comes Berkeley.
Comes Abingdon.
Comes Plymouth.
Comes Coventry.
Comes Jersey.
Comes Cholmondeley.
Comes Eglintoun.
Comes Cassillis.
Comes Loudoun.
Comes Aberdeen.
Comes Dunmore.
Comes March.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Oxford.
Comes Strafford.
Comes Aylesford.
Comes Macclesfield.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Ashburnham.
Comes Effingham.
Comes Harrington.
Comes Fitzwilliam.
Comes Egremont.
Comes Harcourt.
Comes Ilchester.
Comes Northington.
Comes Radnor.
Comes Spencer.
Comes Hillsborough.
Comes Ailesbury.
Comes Clarendon.
Comes Mansfield.
Viscount Hereford.
Viscount Say & Sele.
Viscount Townshend.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Bolingbroke.
Viscount Falmouth.
Viscount Wentworth.
Viscount Courtenay.
Viscount Dudley & Ward.
Ds. Le Despencer.
Ds. Abergavenny.
Ds. De Ferrars.
Ds. Willoughby Br.
Ds. Willoughby Par.
Ds. Clifton.
Ds. Craven.
Ds. Boyle.
Ds. Onslow.
Ds. Cadogan.
Ds. Monson.
Ds. Godolphin.
Ds. Edgcumbe.
Ds. Sandys.
Ds. Ravensworth.
Ds. Ponsonby.
Ds. Walpole.
Ds. Lyttelton.
Ds. Wycombe.
Ds. Grosvenor.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Pelham.
Ds. Beaulieu.
Ds. Camden.
Ds. Digby.
Ds. Cardiff.
Ds. Amherst.
Ds. Rivers.
Ds. Harrowby.
Ds. Foley.

PRAYERS,

Stokes and Wagner against Paterson.

The Answer of John Paterson, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Robert Paterson deceased, to the Appeal of Nehemiah Stokes and Christian Wagner, was this Day brought in.

Order relating to Judges Reports read.

Moved, "That the Order of the 8th of December last, relating to the Time limited for receiving Reports from the Judges on Petitions for Private Bills, might be read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk, as follows, (videlicet,)

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."

Darby et al. Petition to receive Judges Report:

Then, A Petition of George Darby, on Behalf of himself and Ann his Wife, and of Richard Jackson, was presented and read; setting forth, "That from some unavoidable Accident a material Witness was not able to attend the Judges to be examined on the Petition, so as to enable them to make their Report within the Time limited by their Lordships, for receiving Reports on Petitions for Private Bills; but such Witness has since attended and given Evidence upon the said Petition: That the Judges have now agreed upon and signed a Report, and also a Bill, for the Purposes mentioned in the said Petition;" and therefore praying their Lordships, "That the said Report and Bill may be now received."

Ordered, That the Petitioners be at liberty to present their said Report and Bill as desired, notwithstanding the Time limited for receiving Reports from the Judges on Petitions for Private Bills is expired.

Leave given:

Accordingly, After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of George Darby and Ann his Wife, 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 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting in Trustees, certain Messuages, Lands and Tenements, in the County of Surrey, settled in and by the Will of Thomas Bridges Esquire, deceased, to be sold and conveyed pursuant to Articles; and for laying out the Purchase Money in other Lands and Tenements, to be settled to the Uses of the said Will."

Broad Wheels Bill,

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing so much of an Act, made in the Thirteenth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act to explain, amend and reduce into One Act of Parliament, the General Laws now in being for regulating the Turnpike Roads in that Part of Great Britain called England, and for other Purposes," as is to subject Carriages, having the Fellies of the Wheels thereof of less Breadth or Gauge than Six Inches, to the Payment of Double Tolls; and for vacating Contracts for leasing Tolls; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

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. Pechell and Mr. Montagu:

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

Deane's Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Settled Estate of Anthony Deane the Younger, Esquire, in the County of Worcester, in Trustees to be sold; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale, together with other Monies therein mentioned, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled in lieu thereof, to the several Uses therein expressed," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereto."

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

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

Martin's Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Settled Estates of Henry Martin Gentleman, and Elizabeth his Wife, in Elton, in the County of Huntingdon, in Trustees to be exchanged or to be sold; and the Money laid out in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the same Uses," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Whitchapel, Paving Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for paving Parts of the Foot Paths on the Sides of the Great Road called Whitechapel Road, in the County of Middlesex; and also the several Streets, Lanes, Roads and Passages, opening into the same; and for preventing Obstructions, Nuisances, and Annoyances therein, and near thereto," 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."

Rye Harbour Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for further continuing so much of certain Duties, as have by several Acts of Parliament been granted and continued, for repairing and maintaining the Harbours of Dover and Rye, as are applicable to completing and keeping in Repair, the said Harbour of Rye, in the County of Sussex," was committed.

Whitechapel Paving Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for paving Parts of the Foot Paths on the Sides of the Great Road called Whitechapel Road, in the County of Middlesex; and also the several Streets, Lanes, Roads and Passages, opening into the same; and for preventing Obstructions, Nuisances and Annoyances therein, and near thereto."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Rye Harbour Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for further continuing so much of certain Duties, as have by several Acts of Parliament been granted and continued, for repairing and maintaining the Harbours of Dover and Rye, as are applicable to completing and keeping in Repair, the said Harbour of Rye, in the County of Sussex."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

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

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

House 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 to His Majesty certain Duties upon all Inhabited Houses, within the Kingdom of Great Britain;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Wine and Vinegar Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty several additional Duties upon Wines and Vinegar, imported into this Kingdom;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Halliwell and Finsbury Sewers Bill.

Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making proper Drains and Sewers for the Purpose of carrying off the Water from the Prebendal Estate of Halliwell and Finsbury, in the Suburbs of the City of London; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

Morpeth, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Twenty fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from the Town of Morpeth; by or through Mitford, Thropple, Long Witton and by the North Side of Rothley Park Wall, to Sting Cross, and to the High Cross in Elsdon, in the County of Northumberland."

Hanslop Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures and Common Meadows, within the Parish of Hanslop, in the County of Buckingham."

House Tax Bill.

Moved, "That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon all Inhabited Houses, within the Kingdom of Great Britain," be read a Second Time To-morrow; and the Lords summoned."

Then it was moved, "That the Standing Order No. 24. might be read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

The Question was put, "Whether the said Bill shall be read a Second Time To-morrow?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

Moved, "That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon all Inhabited Houses, within the Kingdom of Great Britain," be printed."

Which being objected to,

After short Debate;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Message from His Majesty relating to a Provision for His Younger Children, &c:

The Lord Viscount Weymouth acquainted the House, That he had a Message from His Majesty, under His Royal Sign Manual, which His Majesty had commanded him to deliver to their Lordships."

And the same was read by the Lord Chancellor, and is as follows, (videlicet,)

GEORGE R.

His Majesty being restrained by the Laws now in being from making Provision for His Younger Children out of the Hereditary Revenues of the Crown, and being desirous that competent Provisions may be made for the Honourable Support and Maintenance of His dearly beloved Sons, Prince Frederick Bishop of Osnaburgh, Prince William Henry, Prince Edward, Prince Ernest Augustus, Prince Augustus Frederick, Prince Adolphus Frederick; and of His dearly beloved Daughters, Princess Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Augusta Sophia, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary and Princess Sophia; and for the Honourable Maintenance and Support of Prince William Frederick and Princess Sophia Matilda, the Son and Daughter of His dearly beloved Brother William Henry Duke of Gloucester; His Majesty relies on the constant Zeal and Affection of the House of Lords, and hopes, that He shall have their Concurrence and Support in such Measures as shall be most proper to assist His Majesty in this Design.

G. R.

Then the said Message was again read by the Clerk.

Address thereupon.

Ordered, Nemine Dissentiente, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return the Thanks of this House for His most gracious Message; and to assure His Majesty in the most dutiful Manner, of the hearty Zeal of this House, to testify their earnest Desire to concur in such Measures as shall be most proper to assist His Majesty in His Design of making a competent Provision for the Honourable Support and Maintenance of His Majesty's Royal Children, and of the Son and Daughter of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester."

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

Debate on Motion of Yesterday for an Address to His Majesty resumed and negatived:

The Order of the Day being read for resuming the Debate upon the Motion made Yesterday for an Address to His Majesty;

The House proceeded to take the said Motion into further Consideration.

After Debate;

The Question was put, "Whether to agree with the said Address?

It was resolved in the Negative.

DISSENTIENT.

Protest thereupon.

Because, We think the Rejection of the proposed Address at this Time, may appear to indicate in this House a desire of continuing that Plan of Ignorance, Concealment, Deceit and Delusion, by which the Sovereign and His People have been already brought into so many and so grievous Calamities. We hold it absolutely necessary that both Sovereign and People should be undeceived; that they should be distinctly and authentically made acquainted with that State of their Affairs, which is faithfully represented in the proposed Address, at a Time when our Existence as a Nation may depend upon our conceiving a just Idea of our real Situation, and upon our Wisdom in making a proper Use of it."

Richmond.
Abergavenny.
Thanet.
Abincdon.
Harcourt.
De Ferrars.
Fitzwilliam.
J. St. Asaph.
Devonshire.
Bolton.
Portland.
Effingham.
Radnor.
Rockingham.
Stamford.
Manchester.
Ponsonby.
Craven.
Spencer.
Hereford.
E. Carlisle.

L. Foley's Estate Bill referred to Judges.

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for settling a Jointure upon the Right Honourable Harriot Lady Foley, to take effect from the Death of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Foley her Husband (in case she shall survive him) in pursuance of Articles executed previous to their Marriage; and to enable the Trustees and Executors named in the last Will and Testament of Thomas Lord Foley, lately deceased, to raise Money by Sale of Part of his Lordship's Real Estates, and by Sale of Timber growing thereon, and by other Means, for Payment of certain Debts and Engagements of the said Thomas now Lord Foley, and of the Honourable Edward Foley Esquire, his Brother; and for other Purposes;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

Moved, "That a Copy of the said Bill be referred to the Judges, to consider and report."

Which being objected to;

After Debate;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Bill 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 therein, and after hearing them and perusing a Copy of the Bill attested by the Clerk of the Parliaments, are to report to the House, the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon, under their Hands.

Whitstable Oyster Fishery Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Oyster Fishery at Whitstable, in the County of Kent;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

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

Harrington's Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable the Reverend Richard Harrington, and the Receiver for the Time being of the Estates of Arthur Champernowne Esquire, an Insant, to grant Leases and Setts of the same Estates, during his Minority."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

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

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

Dobbin's Divorce Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Cloiworthy Dobbin Esquire, with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned;" and for hearing Counsel for and against the same; and for the the Lords to be summoned;

Counsel were accordingly called in:

And Mr. Hollist appearing as Counsel for the Bill; and Mr. Kenyon as Counsel for Mrs. Dobbin:

The said Bill was read a Second Time.

And Mr. Hollist was heard in Support of the Bill, and to make out the Allegations thereof; and in order to prove the Marriage, called James Lee, who being sworn, produced an Extract from the Register of Marriages of the Parish of Saint Catherine, in the Island of Jamaica, and declaring "That the same was a true Copy, he having examined it with the Original:" The same was read, whereby it appeared, that the said Clotworthy Dobbin and Mary Macnamara Davis Spinster, were married at the said Parish Church, on the 12th of November 1771.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then James Walker was called in, and being sworn, produced an Office Copy of the Judgement obtained in the Court of King's Bench, against Francis Duffield, for Criminal Conversation with the said Mrs. Dobbin.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mark Holman, Deputy Register of the Consistory Court of the Bishop of London, was called in, and being sworn, produced the Original Definitive Sentence of Divorce in the said Court, against the said Mrs. Dobbin, for Adultery.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mary Smith was called in; and being sworn, acquainted the House, " That she lived with Mr. Duffield and Mrs. Dobbin for Six Months, in Upper Brook Street: That they lived together as Man and Wife; and that she has often seen them in Bed together: That she left them about Five Months ago: That during the Time she lived with them she never saw Mr. Dobbin: That Mrs. Dobbin went by the Name of Duffield, and that the Servants used to call her Mrs. Duffield: That Mrs. Dobbin had then no Child by Mr. Duffield, but that about Six Weeks ago, she was brought to bed of a Child."

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Henry Monk was called in; and being sworn, acquainted the House, "That on the 17th of April 1777, he failed in the same Ship from Jamaica with Mr. Duffield and Mrs. Dobbin, and left Mr. Dobbin behind: That they arrived in England on the 20th of May following; and that he has seen Mr. Duffield and Mrs. Dobbin together frequently since his Arrival in England."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Mary Ellis was called in; and being sworn, acquainted the House, "That Mr. Duffield and Mrs. Dobbin came to lodge at her House in May last, and staid there Three Months: That during that Time she never saw Mr. Dobbin."

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Mr. Kenyon, Counsel for Mrs. Dobbin, acquainted the House, "That he was instructed to consent to the Provision made in the Bill for Mrs. Dobbin."

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

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

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

Adjourn.

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

DIE Jovis, 9o Aprilis 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Archiep. Cantuar.
Archiep. Ebor.
Epus. Londin.
Epus. Duresm.
Epus. Cicestrien.
Epus. Bath. & Wells.
Epus. Landaven.
Epus. Petriburg.
Epus. Wigorn.
Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Litch. & Cov.
Epus. Cestrien.
Epus. Oxon.
Epus. Exon.
Comes Bathurst, Cancellarius.
Dux Bolton.
Dux Ancaster, Magnus Camerarius.
Dux Portland.
Dux Manchester.
Dux Montagu.
March. Rockingham.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Stamford.
Comes Winchilsea.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Doncaster.
Comes Cassillis.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Loudoun.
Comes Dalhousie.
Comes Dunmore.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Oxford.
Comes Strafford.
Comes Aylesford.
Comes Macclesfield.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Ashburnham.
Comes Effingham.
Comes Fitzwilliam.
Comes Radnor.
Comes Spencer.
Comes Hillsborough.
Comes Ailesbury.
Comes Clarendon.
Viscount Hereford.
Viscount Montague.
Viscount Say & Sele.
Viscount Weymouth.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Falmouth.
Viscount Dudley & Ward.
Ds. Le Despencer.
Ds. Abergavenny.
Ds. Willoughby Br.
Ds. Willoughby Par.
Ds. Craven.
Ds. Onslow.
Ds. Cadogan.
Ds. Edgcumbe.
Ds. Fortescue.
Ds. Ravensworth.
Ds. Ponsonby.
Ds. Grosvenor.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Brownlow.
Ds. Harrowby.
Ds. Foley.

PRAYERS.

Billinghay Drainage Bill.

Moved, "That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for authorizing the Commissioners appointed by an Act of the last Session of Parliament, for draining and improving Lands and Grounds in the Parish of Billinghay, in the County of Lincoln, to raise and complete certain Banks and Works which are under the Jurisdiction of the General Commissioners for draining Lands on both Sides the River Witham; and for reimbursing the Money expended therein, not exceeding a Sum therein mentioned;" be read a Second Time on the First Day of August next."

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on the First Day of August next.

Martin's Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Settled Estates of Henry Martin Gentleman, and Elizabeth, his Wife, in Elton, in the County of Huntingdon, in Trustees to be exchanged or to be sold, and the Money laid out in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the same Uses."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Deane's Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Settled Estate of Anthony Deane the Younger, Esquire, in the County of Worcester, in Trustees to be sold; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale, together with other Monies therein mentioned, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled in lieu thereof, to the several Uses therein expressed."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

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

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

Westhay Moor Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing a certain Common or Tract of Commonable Land, called or known by the Name of Westhay Moor, within the Parish of Mear, in the County of Somerset."

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

D. Bolton.
D. Ancaster.
D. Portland.
D. Manchester.
D. Montagu.
M. Rockingham.
E. Denbigh.
E. Stamford.
E. Winchilsea.
E. Sandwich.
E. Doncaster.
E. Cassillis.
E. Abercorn.
E. Galloway.
E. Loudoun.
E. Dalhousie.
E. Dunmore.
E. Marchmont.
E. Oxford.
E. Strafford.
E. Aylesford.
E. Macclesfield.
E. Waldegrave.
E. Ashburnham.
E. Effingham.
E. Fitzwilliam.
E. Radnor.
E. Spencer.
E. Hillsborough.
E. Ailesbury.
E. Clarendon.
V. Hereford.
V. Montague.
V. Say & Sele.
V. Weymouth.
V. Stormont.
V. Falmouth.
V. Dudley & Ward.
L. Abp. Canterbury.
L. Abp. York.
L. Bp. London.
L. Bp. Durham.
L. Bp. Chichester.
L. Bp. Bath & Wells.
L. Bp. Landaff.
L. Bp. Peterborough.
L. Bp. Worcester.
L. Bp. Rochester.
L. Bp. Litch. & Cov.
L. Bp. Chester.
L. Bp. Oxford.
L. Bp. Exeter.
L. Le Despencer.
L. Abergavenny.
L. Willoughby Br.
L. Willoughby Par.
L. Craven.
L. Onslow.
L. Cadogan.
L. Edgcumbe.
L. Fortescue.
L. Ravensworth.
L. Ponsonby.
L. Grosvenor.
L. Scarsdale.
L. Brownlow.
L. Harrowby.
L. Foley.

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.

Halliwell and Finsbury Sewers Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making proper Drains and Sewers for the Purpose of carrying off the Water from the Prebendal Estate of Halliwell and Finsbury, in the Suburbs of the City of London; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

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

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

Hanslop Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures and Common Meadows, within the Parish of Hanslop, in the County of Buckingham."

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.

Morpeth, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from the Town of Morpeth, by or through Mitford, Thropple, Long Witton, and by the North Side of Rothley Park Wall to Sting Cross, and to the High Cross in Elsdon, in the County of Northumberland."

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.

Wine and Vinegar Duty Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty several additional Duties upon Wines and Vinegar, imported into this Kingdom.'

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.

Darby or Bridge's Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting in Trustees certain Messuages, Lands and Tenements in the County of Surrey, settled in and by the Will of Thomas Bridges Esquire, deceased, to be sold and conveyed pursuant to Articles; and for laying out the Purchase Money in other Lands and Tenements, to be settled to the Uses of the said Will."

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 the 27th Day of this Instant April, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Poole against Mather:

Upon reading the Petition of James Mather, Defendant in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein Samuel Gower Poole is Plaintiff, setting forth, "That the Plaintiff has not assigned Errors within the Time limited by their Lordships Standing Order;" and therefore praying, "That the said Writ of Error may be Non-pros'd with such Costs, as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

Writ of Error Non-pros'd with Costs.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner do forthwith enter a Non-pros. on the said Writ of Error as desired; and that the Record be remitted to the Court of King's Bench, to the End Execution may be had upon the Judgement given by that Court, as if no such Writ of Error had been brought into this House; and further, that the Plaintiff in Error do pay, or cause to be paid, to the Defendant in Error, the Sum of Forty Pounds for his Costs, by reason of the Delay of the Execution of the said Judgement.

Dirs takes the Oaths for his Naturalization.

Court Dirs took the Oaths appointed in order to his Naturalization.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Court Dirs."

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

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

Besnard takes the Oaths for his Naturalization.

Philippe Besnard took the Oaths appointed in order to his Naturalization.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Philippe Besnard."

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.

Dobbin's Divorce Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Clotworthy Dobbin Esquire, with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord 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."

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Gratley Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting certain Open and Common Fields, in the Manor and Parish of Gratley, in the County of Southampton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Northampton Fields Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parishes of Saint Gyles, Saint Sepulchre, Saint Lawrence and Saint Andrew, in or near the Town of Northampton, in the County of Northampton, some or one of them, and which are commonly called or known by the Name of Northampton Fields;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

House Tax Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon all Inhabited Houses, within the Kingdom of Great Britain;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read a Second Time.

Moved, "To commit the Bill."

Which being objected to;

After short Debate;

The Question was put thereupon ?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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.

King's Answer to Address.

The Lord Onslow reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty with their Lordships Address of Yesterday; and that His Majesty was pleased to receive the same very graciously."

Whitstable Oyster Fishery Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Oyster Fishery at Whitstable, in the County of Kent;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

It was moved, "That the said Bill be now read the Third Time."

Which being objected to;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That the said Bill be re-committed to the Committee to whom the said Bill stood committed; and that they do meet to consider the same To-morrow.

Otley, &c. Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir George Savile, and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Commons and Waste Lands, within the Townships of Otley and Newall with Clifton, in the West Riding of the County of York;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Parish Apprentices Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to amend such Part of an Act, made in the Forty-third Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Poor," as relates to the binding of Parish Apprentices;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

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 To-morrow, be put off to the First Cause Day after the Recess at Easter; and that the rest of the Causes, on Cause Days, be removed in course.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 10o Aprilis 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Archiep. Cantuar.
Epus. Fliens.
Epus. Cicestrien.
Epus. Carliol.
Epus. Bangor.
Epus. Exon.
Comes Bathurst, Cancellarius.
Comes Dartmouth, C. P. S.
Dux Portland.
March. Rockingham.
Comes Exeter.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Berkeley.
Comes Plymouth.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Louaoun.
Comes Dalhousie.
Comes Breadalbane.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Oxford.
Comes Aylesford.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Hillsborough.
Viscount Weymouth.
Viscount Falmouth.
Ds. Le Despencer.
Ds. Willoughby Br.
Ds. Willoughby Par.
Ds. Clifton.
Ds. Onslow.
Ds. Cadogan.
Ds. Sandys.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Amherst.
Ds. Brownlow.

PRAYERS.

Penrith, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir James Lowther, and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing and amending an Act, made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty for repairing the Road leading from the Town of Penrith, in the County of Cumberland, by Hutton Hall, over Skelton and Castle Sowerby Pastures and Sebraham Bridge, to Chalk Beck, in the said County; and also the Road which branches and separates from the same Road upon Castle Sowerby Pasture aforesaid, and leads from thence through Hesket, otherwise Hesket Newmarket, to Caldbeck, in the said County;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Message from H. C. to return Campbell's Divorce Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Hooke Campbell Esquire, with Elizabeth Eustacia his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Bridges against Gilbert, etal.

A Petition of William Bridges Esquire, Appellant in a Cause depending in this House, to which Jane Gilbert Spinster, and others, are Respondents, which stands appointed for hearing, was presented and read; setting forth, "That the Petitioner did, on the 5th of December last, present his Petition of Appeal to their Lordships, from an Order of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland, by which he conceived himself to be much aggrieved: That since presenting the same, the Petitioner hath been advised to withdraw his said Appeal;" and therefore praying their Lordships, "That he may be at liberty to withdraw his said Appeal in this Cause."

And thereupon the Agents on both Sides were called in, and heard at the Bar; and being withdrawn:

Appeal withdrawn with Costs.

Ordered, That the Petitioner be at liberty to withdraw his said Appeal as desired, upon Payment of £. 100 Costs of lawful Money of Great Britain to the Respondents.

Kirton Small Debts Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to repeal an Act, passed in the last Session of Parliament, for the Recovery of Small Debts within the several Parishes of Surfleet, Gosberton, Quadring, Donnington, Bicker, Swineshead, Wigtoft, Sutterton, Algarkirke, Fosdike, Kirton, Frampton, Wiberton and Brothertost, within the Hundred of Kirton, and County of Lincoln;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Bills passed by Commission.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That His Majesty had been pleased to issue a Commission to several Lords therein named, for declaring His Royal Assent to several Acts agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament."

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Then Three of the Lords Commissioners, being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, the Lord Chancellor in the Middle, with the Archbishop of Canterbury on his Right Hand, and the Earl of Marchmont on his Left; commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to signify to the Commons, "The Lords Commissioners desire their immediate Attendance in this House, to hear the Commission read."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

The Lord Chancellor said,

My Lords, and Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

His Majesty not thinking sit to be personally present here at this Time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, and thereby given his Royal Assent to divers Acts, which have been agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament, the Titles whereof are particularly mentioned; and by the said Commission hath commanded us to declare and notify His Royal Assent to the said several Acts, in the Presence of you the Lords and Commons, assembled for that Purpose; which Commission you will now hear read."

Then the said Commission was read by the Clerk, as follows:

GEORGE R.

George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth; To Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and to Our Trusty and Well-beloved the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, and the Commissioners for Shires and Burghs, of the House of Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, Greeting. Whereas, We have seen and perfectly understood divers and sundry Acts agreed and accorded on by you Our Loving Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons, in this Our present Parliament assembled, and endorsed by you as hath been accustomed, the Titles and Names of which Acts hereafter do particularly ensue; (that is to say), "An Act for allowing the Re-importation of unmanufactured Tobacco from Foreign Parts, although the same may have been sold Abroad; and the Importation of Tobacco, the Growth and Product of the Island of Dominica, under certain Regulations and Restrictions." "An Act for appointing Commissioners to put in Execution an Act of this Session of Parliament, 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," together with those named in Two former Acts, for appointing Commissioners of the Land Tax." "An Act for allowing Corn, Grain and Flour, imported into the Ports of Portsmouth, Sandwich, Chichester and Chester, to be landed without Payment of the Duties under the like Restrictions as Corn, Grain and Flour, is allowed to be landed at the several Ports mentioned in an Act made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to regulate the Importation and Exportation of Corn." "An Act for repealing so much of an Act made in the Thirteenth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act to explain, amend and reduce into One Act of Parliament, the General Laws now in being for regulating the Turnpike Roads in that Part of Great Britain called England, and for other Purposes," as is to subject Carriages, having the Fellies of the Wheels thereof of less Breadth or Gauge than Six Inches, to the Payment of double Tolls; and for vacating Contracts for leasing Tolls." "An Act for empowering the Commissioners and Governors of the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich, in the County of Kent, to exchange certain Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Tithes and Hereditaments, belonging to them, in the Parishes of Alnwick, Embleton and Warkworth, in the County of Northumberland, for other Lands belonging to the Most Noble Hugh Duke of Northumberland, in some one or more of the Open Common Fields at Corbridge, in the said County; and to empower the said Commissioners and Governors to grant Leases in Manner therein mentioned." "An Act for further continuing so much of certain Duties, as have by several Acts of Parliament been granted and continued for repairing and maintaining the Harbours of Dover and Rye, as are applicable to completing and keeping in Repair the said Harbour of Rye, in the County of Sussex." "An Act for the better Preservation of Fish, and regulating the Fisheries in the Rivers Severn and Verniew." "An Act for the more casy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts, within the Soake of Bolingbrooke and Wapentake of Candleshoe, in the Parts of Lindsey, in the County of Lincoln." "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor within the Hundred of Stow, in the County of Suffolk." "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts, within the Isle of Ely, in the County of Cambridge." "An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Chippenham Bridge in the County of Wilts, to the Top of Togg Hill, in the County of Gloucester; and from the Stone Pillar to the Top of Old Sodbury Hill, in the said County of Gloucester." "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for renpairing and widening the Roads from Donington High Bridge to Hale Drove, and to the Eighth Mile Stone in the Parish of Wigtoft, and to Langret Ferry, in the County of Lincoln." "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, for repairing the Road from Leeds to Sheffield, in the County of York, so far as the same relates to the Road from Wakefield to Sheffield; and also One other Act made in the First Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for amending and rendering more effectual the said Act." "An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Tetbury in the County of Gloucester, to and through Malmesbury to Chippenham Bridge, in the County of Wilts, and from Malmesbury to the Turnpike Road at or near Jackament's Bottom, in the said County of Gloucester; and also the Road from Farringdon to Cricklade, from thence to Malmesbury and to the Turnpike Road at Acton Turville; and also from Sherstone to the Turnpike Road leading from Tetbury to Bath." "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts passed in the Fourth Year of King George the First, and the Ninth and Thirtieth Years of King George the Second, for repairing the Highways from Crown Corner, in the Town of Reading, leading by and through the several Parishes of Shinfield and Heckfield, in the several Counties of Berks, Wilts and Southampton, to Basingstoke, in the said County of Southampton." "An Act for paving Parts of the Foot Paths on the Sides of the Great Road called Whitechapel Road, in the County of Middlesex; and also the several Streets, Lanes, Roads and Passages opening into the same; and for preventing Obstructions, Nuisances and Annoyances therein, and near thereto." "An Act for vesting the several yearly Rents and Copyhold Fines payable to the Lord Bishop of Durham, and his Successors, and issuing out of the several Messuages, Lands and Tenements within the Manor of Howden, in the East Riding of the County of York, in Trustees to be sold; and for enabling the said Lord Bishop of Durham, and his Successors, to enfranchise the several Customary or Copyhold Messuages, Lands and Tenements within the said Manor; and for applying the Money arising from such Sale and Enfranchisement, in the Manner therein mentioned." "An Act for establishing and confirming an Agreement made between the Dean and Chapter of Durham and General Cuthbert Ellison, for the Partition and Division of a Tract of unimproved Land in the Parish of Jarrow, in the County Palatine of Durham, and the Partition and Division made in pursuance thereof." "An Act to enable John Arthur Worsop (heretofore called John Arthur Esquire) to settle a Jointure upon any Woman or Women he may hereafter marry, on the Terms therein mentioned." "An Act to empower John Bond Merchant, and Sarah his Wife, or the Survivor of them, during their respective Lives, to grant Leases of their Settled Estate, in the County of Surrey." "An Act for vesting the Settled Estate of John Bullock Esquire, and Elizabeth his Wife, in the County of Chester, in Trustees to be sold, for raising Money to discharge an Incumbrance thereon, and laying out the Surplus in the Purchase of Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the Uses limited of the said Settled Estate." "An Act for exemplifying or enrolling the Will of George late Lord Bingley deceased, and making such Exemplification, or attested Copies of the Enrolment thereof, Evidence as well in Ireland as in Great Britain." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, within the Parish and Manor of Hitcham, in the County of Buckingham." An Act for dividing, allotting and laying in Severalty, the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste Lands and Commonable Places, within the Manor and Tithing of Coate, in the Parish of Bishop's Cannings, in the County of Wilts." " An Act for dividing and enclosing a certain Common Moor or Tract of Waste Land called Acomb Common, within the Regality or Manor of Hexham, in the County of Northumberland." " An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Barby, in the County of Northampton." An Act for confirming a Division and Enclosure of the Common Fields, Common Meadows and Common Pastures, within the Parish of Little Berkford, in the County of Bedford, and certain Exchanges of Lands and Estates within the said Parish." " An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons and Waste Grounds, in the Township of Kersall, in the Parish of Kneesall, and County of Nottingham." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows and Pasture, Waste Grounds and other Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Leckhampton, in the County of Gloucester; and several small Parcels of the said Fields, which extend into the Parish of Cheltenham, in the same County." "An Act for confirming, establishing and making effectual, certain Articles of Agreement made and entered into, for enclosing and dividing the several Commons called Ealing Common, Ealing Green and Cook's Hill, in the Parish of Hampstead Norreys, in the County of Berks; and for exchanging certain Lands in the said Parish." " An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows and Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parish and Liberties of Napton upon the Hill, in the County of Warwick." " An Act for naturalizing Pierre Theodore de Bruges." "And albeit, the said Acts by you Our said Subjects the Lords and Commons in this Our present Parliament assembled, are fully agreed and consented unto, yet nevertheless the same are not of Force and Effect in the Law, without Our Royal Assent given and put to the said Acts: And forasmuch as for divers Causes and Considerations We cannot conveniently at this Time be present in Our Royal Person, in the Higher House of Our said Parliament, being the Place accustomed to give Our Royal Assent to such Acts as have been agreed upon by you Our said Subjects the Lords and Commons, We have therefore caused these Our Letters Patent to be made, and have signed the same, and by the same do give and put Our Royal Assent to the said Acts, and to all Articles, Clauses, and Provisions therein contained, and have fully agreed and assented to the said Acts; Willing that the said Acts, and every Article, Clause, Sentence, and Provision therein contained, from henceforth shall be of the same Strength, Force and Effect, as if We had been personally present in the said Higher House, and had openly and publickly in the Presence of you all, assented to the same: And We do by these Presents declare and notify the same Our Royal Assent, as well to you the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons aforesaid, as to all others whom it may concern; commanding also by these Presents Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor Henry Earl Bathurst, Our Chancellor of Great Britain, to seal these Our Letters Patent with Our Great Seal of Great Britain; and also commanding the Most Reverend Father in God, Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Counsellor Frederick Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of all England; Our said Chancellor of Great Britain; Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, Granville Earl Gower, President of Our Council; William Earl of Dartmouth, Keeper of Our Privy Seal; Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, Augustus Henry Duke of Grafton, Thomas Duke of Leeds, John Duke of Rutland, Peregrine Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven; Great Chamberlain of England; Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousms and Counsellors, William Earl Talbot, Steward of Our Household; Francis Seymour Earl of Hertford, Chamberlain of Our Household; Henry Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, One of Our Principal Secretaries of State; John Earl of Sandwich, First Commissioner of Our Admiralty; Robert Earl of Holdernesse, William Henry Earl of Rochford, Hugh Earl of Marchmont, John Earl of Ashburnham, Groom of Our Stole; Wills Earl of Hillsborough, William Earl of Mansfield, Our Chief Justice assigned to hold Pleas before Us; Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, George Viscount Townshend, Thomas Viscount Weymouth, One other of Our Principal Secretaries of State; and Our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Counsellor Jessery Lord Amherst, or any Three or more of them, to declare and notify this Our Royal Assent, in Our Absence in the said Higher House, in the Presence of you the said Lords and the Commons of Our Parliament, there to be assembled for that Purpose; and the Clerk of Our Parliaments to endorse the said Acts, with such Terms and Words in Our Name as is requisite, and hath been accustomed for the same, and also to enrol these Our Letters Patent and the said Acts in the Parliament Roll; and these Our Letters Patent shall be to every of them a sufficient Warrant in that Behalf: And finally, We do declare and will that, after this Our Royal Assent given and passed by these Presents, and declared and notified as is aforesaid, then and immediately the said Acts shall be taken, accepted, and admitted good, sufficient, and perfect Acts of Parliament and Laws, to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes, and to be put in due Execution accordingly; the Continuance or Dissolution of this Our Parliament, or any other Use, Custom, Thing or Things, to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. In Witness whereof, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent.

Witness Ourself at Westminster, the Tenth Day of April, in the Eighteenth Year of Our Reign.

By the King Himself, signed with His own Hand.

"Yorke."

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

In Obedience to His Majesty's Commands, and by virtue of the Commission which has been now read, We do declare and notify to you, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty hath given His Royal Assent to the several Acts in the Commission mentioned; and the Clerks are required to pass the same in the usual Form and Words."

"1. An Act for allowing the Re-importation of unmanufactured Tobacco from Foreign Parts, although the same may have been sold Abroad; and the Importation of Tobacco, the Growth and Product of the Island of Dominica, under certain Regulations and Restrictions."

"2. An Act for appointing Commissioners to put in Execution an Act of this Session of Parliament, 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," together with those named in Two former Acts, for appointing Commissioners of the Land Tax."

3. An Act for allowing Corn, Grain and Flour, imported into the Ports of Portsmouth, Sandwich, Chichester and Chester, to be landed without Payment of the Duties, under the like Restrictions as Corn, Grain and Flour, is allowed to be landed at the several Ports mentioned in an Act, made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, " An Act to regulate the Importation and Exportation of Corn."

4. An Act for repealing so much of an Act made in the Thirteenth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, " An Act to explain, amend and reduce into One Act of Parliament, the General Laws now in being for regulating the Turnpike Roads in that Part of Great Britain called England, and for other Purposes," as is to subject Carriages, having the Fellies of the Wheels thereof of less Breadth or Gauge than Six Inches, to the Payment of double Tolls; and for vacating Contracts for leasing Tolls."

5. An Act for empowering the Commissioners and Governors of the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich, in the County of Kent, to exchange certain Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Tithes and Hereditaments belonging to them, in the Parishes of Alnwick, Embleton and Warkworth, in the County of Northumberland, for other Lands belonging to the Most Noble Hugh Duke of Northumberland, in some one or more of the Open Common Fields at Corbridge, in the said County; and to empower the said Commissioners and Governors to grant Leases in Manner therein mentioned."

6. An Act for further continuing so much of certain Duties, as have by several Acts of Parliament been granted and continued for repairing and maintaining the Harbours of Dover and Rye, as are applicable to completing and keeping in Repair the said Harbour of Rye, in the County of Sussex."

7. An Act for the better Preservation of Fish, and regulating the Fisheries in the Rivers Severn and Verniew."

8. "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts, within the Soake of Bolingbrooke and Wapentake of Candleshoe, in the Parts of Lindsey, in the County of Lincoln."

9. An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor within the Hundred of Stow, in the County of Suffolk."

10. An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts, within the Isle of Ely, in the County of Cambridge."

11. An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Chippenham Bridge, in the County of Wilts, to the Top of Togg Hill, in the County of Gloucester, and from the Stone Pillar to the Top of Old Sodbury Hill, in the said County of Gloucester."

12. An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, An Act for repairing and widening the Roads from Donington High Bridge to Hale Drove, and to the Eighth Mile Stone, in the Parish of Wigtost, and to Langret Ferry, in the County of Lincoln."

13. An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, for repairing the Road from Leeds to Sheffield, in the County of York, so far as the same relates to the Road from Wakefield to Sheffield; and also One other Act made in the First Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for amending and rendering more effectual the said Act."

14. An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Tetbury, in the County of Gloucester, to and through Malmesbury to Chippenham Bridge, in the County of Wilts, and from Malmesbury to the Turnpike Road at or near Jackament's Bottom, in the said County of Gloucester; and also the Road from Farringdon to Cricklade, from thence to Malmesbury, and to the Turnpike Road at Acton Turnville; and also from Sherstone to the Turnpike Road leading from Tetbury to Bath."

15. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts passed in the Fourth Year of King George the First, and the Ninth and Thirtieth Years of King George the Second, for repairing the Highways from Crown Corner, in the Town of Reading, leading by and through the several Parishes of Shinfield and Heckfield, in the several Counties of Berks, Wilts and Southampton, to Basingstoke, in the said County of Southampton."

16. An Act for paving Parts of the Foot Paths on the Sides of the Great Road called Whitechapel Road, in the County of Middlesex; and also the several Streets, Lanes, Roads and Passages opening into the same; and for preventing Obstructions, Nuisances and Annoyances therein, and near thereto."

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

Le Roy le veult.

17. An Act for vesting the several yearly Rents and Copyhold Fines, payable to the Lord Bishop of Durham, and his Successors, and issuing out of the several Messuages, Lands and Tenements within the Manor of Howden, in the East Riding of the County of York, in Trustees to be sold; and for enabling the said Lord Bishop of Durham, and his Successors, to enfranchise the several Customary or Copyhold Messuages, Lands and Tenements within the said Manor; and for applying the Money arising from such Sale and Enfranchisement, in the Manner therein mentioned."

18. An Act for establishing and confirming an Agreement made between the Dean and Chapter of Durham and General Cuthbert Ellison, for the Partition and Division of a Tract of unimproved Land, in the Parish of Jarrow, in the County Palatine of Durham, and the Partition and Division made in pursuance thereof."

19. An Act to enable John Arthur Worsop (heretofore called John Arthur Esquire) to settle a Jointure upon any Woman or Women he may hereafter marry, on the Terms therein mentioned."

20. An Act to empower John Bond Merchant, and Sarah his Wife, or the Survivor of them, during their respective Lives, to grant Leases of their Settled Estate, in the County of Surrey."

21. An Act for vesting the Settled Estate of John Bullock Esquire, and Elizabeth his Wife, in the County of Chester, in Trustees to be sold, for raising Money to discharge an Incumbrance thereon, and laying out the Surplus in the Purchase of Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the Uses limited of the said Settled Estate.

22. An Act for exemplifying or enrolling the Will of George late Lord Bingley deceased, and making such Exemplification, or attested Copies of the Enrolment thereof, Evidence as well in Ireland as in Great Britain."

23. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, within the Parish and Manor of Hitcham, in the County of Buckingham."

24. An Act for dividing, allotting and laying in Severalty, the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste Lands and Commonable Places, within the Manor and Tithing of Coate, in the Parish of Bishop's Cannings, in the County of Wilts."

25. An Act for dividing and enclosing a certain Common Moor or Tract of Waste Land called Acomb Common, within the Regality or Manor of Hexham, in the County of Northumberland."

26. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Barby, in the County of Northampton."

27. An Act for confirming a Division and Enclosure of the Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Common Pastures, within the Parish of Little Berkford, in the County of Bedford, and certain Exchanges of Lands and Estates, within the said Parish."

28. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons and Waste Grounds, in the Townships of Kersall, in the Parish of Kneesall, and County of Nottingham."

29. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows and Pasture, Waste Grounds, and other Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Leckhampton, in the County of Gloucester, and several small Parcels of the said Fields which extend into the Parish of Cheltenham, in the same County."

30. An Act for confirming, establishing and making effectual, certain Articles of Agreement made and entered into for enclosing and dividing the several Commons called Ealing Common, Ealing Green and Cook's Hill, in the Parish of Hampstead Norreys, in the County of Berks; and for exchanging certain Lands in the said Parish."

31. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows and Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parish and Liberties of Napton upon the Hill, in the County of Warwick."

32. An Act for naturalizing Pierre Theodore de Bruges."

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

"Soit fait comme il est desiré."

Then the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Bunney to take the Name of Hartopp, Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Edmund Hartopp (lately called Edmund Bunney) Esquire, and the Heirs of his Body by Ann his Wife, to take and use the Surname, and bear the Arms of Hartopp;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Fourstones Common Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing a Common Moor or Tract of Waste Ground, called Fourstones Common, within the Barony or Manor of Langley, and in the Parish of Warden, in the County of Northumberland;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Indemnity Bill.

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

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

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

Dobbin's Divorce Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Clotworthy Dobbin Esquire, with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Pechell and Mr. Montagu

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

Parish Apprentices Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, " An Act to amend such Part of an Act, made in the Forty-third Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled, An Act for the Relief of the Poor," as relates to the binding of Parish Apprentices."

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

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

Northampton Fields Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, " An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Parishes of Saint Gyles, Saint Sepulchre, Saint Lawrence and Saint Andrew, in or near the Town of Northampton, in the County of Northampton, some or one of them, and which are commonly called or known by the Name of Northampton Fields."

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

Ld. Privy Seal.
D. Portland.
M. Rockingham.
E. Exeter.
E. Denbigh.
E. Sandwich.
E. Berkeley.
E. Plymouth.
E. Abercorn.
E. Galloway.
E. Loudoun.
E. Dalhousie.
E. Breadalbane.
E. Marchmont.
E. Oxford.
E. Aylesford.
E. Waldegrave.
E. Hillsborough.
V. Weymouth.
V. Falmouth.
L. Abp. Canterbury.
L. Bp. Ely.
L. Bp. Chichester.
L. Bp. Carlisle.
L. Bp. Bangor.
L. Bp. Exeter.
L. Le Despencer.
L. Willoughby Br.
L. Willoughby Par.
L. Clifton.
L. Onslow.
L. Cadogan.
L. Sandys.
L. Scarsdale.
L. Amherst.
L. Brownlow.

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.

Gratley Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, " An Act for dividing and allotting, certain Open and Common Fields, in the Manor and Parish of Gratley, in the County of Southampton."

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.

Besnard's Naturalization Bill.

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

Dirs Naturalization Bill.

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

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Morpeth, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from the Town of Morpeth, by or through Mitford, Thropple, Long Witton and by the North Side of Rothley Park Wall to Sting Cross, and to the High Cross in Elsdon, in the County of Northumberland," was committed.

Halliwell and Finsbury Sewers Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making proper Drains and Sewers for the Purpose of carrying off the Water from the Prebendal Estate of Halliwell and Finsbury, in the Suburbs of the City of London; and for other Purposes therein mentioned," was committed.

Floore Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported 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 and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Floore, otherwise Flower, in the County of Northampton," 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."

Byfield and Westrup 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 and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Byfield and Westrup, in the Parish of Byfield, in the County of Northampton," was committed.

Fenny Compton 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 and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Fenny Compton, in the County of Warwick," was committed.

Westhay Moor Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, " An Act for dividing and enclosing a certain Common or Tract of Commonable Land, called or known by the Name of Westhay Moor, within the Parish of Mear in the County of Somerset," was committed.

Hanslop Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also 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 and Common Meadows, within the Parish of Hanslop, in the County of Buckingham," was committed.

Bolnhurst Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open and Common Fields and Commonable Lands and Grounds, within the Manor and Parish of Bolnburst, in the County of Bedford; and for exonerating certain antient Enclosures, within the said Manor and Parish, from the Payment of Tithes;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Stuart against Magistrates of Greenock.

Upon reading the Petition of John Shaw Stuart Esquire, Appellant in a Cause depending in this House, and of the Magistrates and Town Council of Greenock, Respondents thereto, which stands appointed for hearing; setting forth, "That the Question between the Parties in this Cause, respects the allotting a certain Piece of Ground for burying the Dead, within the Town and Parish of Greenock; that it is of Consequence, and both Parties are anxious to have the Cause decided;" and therefore praying their Lordships, "That this Cause may be ordered to be heard on the Second Cause Day after the Recess at Easter:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be rejected.

House Tax Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon all Inhabited Houses, within the Kingdom of Great Britain."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Wines and Vinegar Duties Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, " An Act for granting to His Majesty several additional Duties upon Wines and Vinegar, imported into this Kingdom."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Adjourn.

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