December 1741, 1-10

JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE of LORDS.

Anno 15^o Georgii Secundi.

DIE Martis, 1^o Decembris.

REX.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

King present:

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

Who being come;

The Lord Chancellor said,

Commons directed to choose a Speaker.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"I have it in Command from His Majesty, to acquaint you, that He is pleased to defer declaring the Causes of calling this Parliament, till there shall be a Speaker of the House of Commons.

"It is, therefore, His Majesty's Pleasure, that you, Gentlemen of the House of Commons, do immediately repair to the Place where the Commons usually sit, and there choose a fit Person to be your Speaker; and that you present the Person who shall be so chosen, to His Majesty, here, for His Royal Approbation, on Friday next, at Two of the Clock."

Then His Majesty was pleased to retire; and the Commons withdrew.

PRAYERS.

L. Chancellor takes the Oaths.

The Lord Chancellor, singly, in the First Place, took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

Return of Peers for Scotland read.

Then the Certificate of the Clerk of the Crown of the Names of the Sixteen Peers, chosen to sit and vote in this House, for that Part of Great Britain called Scotland, delivered by the said Clerk of the Crown the 25th of June last, was, pursuant to a Direction in the Roll of Standing Orders, read.

After which;

Lords sworn.

The Lords following took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes:

John Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lancelot Lord Archbishop of York.

Lionel Duke of Dorset, Lord Steward of His Majesty's Household.

Charles Duke of Richmond.

Henry Duke of Beaufort.

Charles Duke of St. Albans.

Charles Duke of Bolton.

Thomas Duke of Leeds.

John Duke of Bedford.

John Duke of Montagu.

Evelin Duke of Kingston.

Thomas Duke of Newcastle.

William Duke of Portland.

John Duke of Greenwich.

James Duke of Chandos.

Scroop Duke of Bridgewater.

William Marquis of Lothian.

Theophilus Earl of Huntingdon.

Henry Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery.

Henry Earl of Lincoln.

Henry Earl of Suffolk.

James Earl of Northampton.

Edward Earl of Warwick and Holland.

John Earl of Westmorland.

Harry Earl of Stamford.

Daniel Earl of Winchilsea and Nottingham.

George Earl of Cardigan.

Richard Earl of Burlington.

Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury.

George Earl of Litchfield.

Montagu Earl of Abingdon.

Robert Earl of Holderness.

Thomas Earl of Scarbrough.

William Earl of Rochford.

William Earl of Albemarle.

William Earl of Jersey.

Henry Earl of Grantham.

John Earl Poulet.

Francis Earl Godolphin.

George Earl Cholmondeley.

John Earl of Craufurd.

William Earl of Sutherland.

James Earl of Morton.

William Earl of Home.

John Earl of Loudoun.

John Earl of Dunmore.

Charles Earl of Portmore.

Archibald Earl of Ilay.

Lewis Earl of Rockingham.

George Earl of Halifax.

William Earl Cowper.

Philip Earl Stanhope.

Thomas Earl of Pomfret.

Robert Earl Ker.

James Earl Waldegrave.

Benjamin Earl Fitzwalter.

Francis Earl of Effingham.

Thomas Earl of Malton.

Price Lord Viscount Hereford.

Thomas Lord Viscount Fauconberg.

Thomas Lord Viscount Weymouth.

Richard Lord Viscount Cobham.

Hugh Lord Viscount Falmouth.

John Lord Viscount Lymington.

Simon Lord Viscount Harcourt.

Patee Lord Viscount Torrington.

Edmund Lord Bishop of London.

Benjamin Lord Bishop of Winchester.

Richard Lord Bishop of Lincoln.

Joseph Lord Bishop of Rochester.

Richard Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry.

(fn. 1) Nicholous Lord Bishop of St. Davids.

Robert Lord Bishop of Ely.

George Lord Bishop of Carlisle.

Martin Lord Bishop of Glocester.

Thomas Lord Bishop of Oxford.

Isaac Lord Bishop of St. Asaph.

Thomas Lord Bishop of Norwich.

Thomas Lord Bishop of Bristol.

Matthias Lord Bishop of Chichester.

John Lord Bishop of Landaff.

William Lord Harrington, One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.

William Lord Abergavenny.

Algernon Lord Percy.

John Lord Delawarr.

Richard Lord Willoughby de Brooke.

Hugh Lord Willoughby of Parrham.

Francis Lord North and Guildford.

William Lord Hunsdon.

Edward Lord Clifton.

John Lord Poulet.

James Lord Strange.

Charles Lord Bruce.

John Lord Ward.

John Lord Berkeley of Stratton.

Fuller Lord Craven.

John Lord Carteret.

Charles Lord Weston.

Maurice Lord Haversham.

Francis Lord Conway.

James Lord Somerville.

John Lord Boyle.

George Lord Hay.

Thomas Lord Foley.

Richard Lord Onslow.

Robert Lord Romney.

Charles Lord Cadogan.

Mathew Lord Ducie.

Peter Lord King.

John Lord Hobart.

John Lord Monson.

Thomas Lord Lovel.

Robert Lord Raymond.

William Lord Talbot.

E. of Lincoln takes his Seat.

This Day Henry Earl of Lincoln sat first in Parliament, after the Death of his Father Henry Earl of Lincoln.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 4^o Decembris.

REX.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Lords sworn.

The Lords following took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes:

Spencer Earl of Wilmington, Lord President of the Council.

John Lord Hervey, Lord Privy Seal.

Charles Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household.

Charles Duke of Marlborough.

John Duke of Rutland.

William Earl of Denbigh.

Philip Earl of Chesterfield.

Sackville Earl of Thanet.

William Earl of Essex.

Henry Earl of Carlisle.

Augustus Earl of Berkeley.

William Earl of Coventry.

James Earl of Moray.

John Earl of Breadalbane.

Henry Earl of Uxbridge.

Thomas Lord Bishop of Sarum.

Thomas Lord Bishop of Bangor.

Francis Lord Brooke.

Charles Lord Cornwallis.

Herbert Lord Montjoy.

Thomas Lord Mansel.

Allen Lord Bathurst.

Robert Lord Walpole.

Henry Lord Montfort.

Stephen Lord Ilchester.

John Lord Chedworth.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, to robe.

The House was resumed.

King present:

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

Who being come;

Mr. Onslow said,

Mr. Onslow, speaker of H. C. presented, and approved of.

"May it please Your most Excellent Majesty,

"The Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled, have, in Pursuance of Your Majesty's Commands, and according to their ancient Right to make Choice of One of their Members to be their Speaker, once more elected me to this high and painful Office; but how properly for me, for themselves, and for the Publick, is now with Your Majesty to judge: And to Your Royal Judgement, Sir, do I, with all Humbleness and Resignation, submit myself; being well assured, that, should Your Majesty think fit to disapprove of this their present Choice, Your Commons will have no Difficulty to find some other Person among them, to be presented to Your Majesty on this Occasion, to whom none of those Objections can be made, which, I fear, may too justly, from my Imperfections, arise in Your Royal Breast, upon my being again the Subject of Your Majesty's Consideration for this important Charge."

Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving Directions from His Majesty, said,

"Mr. Onslow,

"The King has had so many eminent Proofs of your Ability and Zeal for the Service of Himself and of your Country (which is always the same) in the high Station to which you are now a Third Time called, that His Majesty has commanded me to let you know, that He entirely approves the Choice which His faithful Commons have made; and therefore allows and confirms you to be their Speaker."

Then Mr. Speaker said,

"Since Your Majesty has been pleased to ratify the Choice Your Commons have made of me to be their Speaker; it is my Duty, Sir, to submit myself to Your Royal Determination, and to return Your Majesty my humblest Thanks for this Mark of Your Royal Grace and Favour to me; and to assure You, Sir, of my best Endeavours, to discharge as I ought this great Trust which the Commons have committed to, and Your Majesty has now confirmed upon, me. And for my Encouragement therein, suffer me, Great Sir, to hope for Your Majesty's Pardon of my Failings and Infirmities; at least, that Your Majesty will not impute them in any Wise to your faithful Commons. And, that they may be the better enabled to perform their Duty to Your Majesty and their Country, I do, in their Name, and on their Behalf, by humble Petition to Your Majesty, lay Claim to all their ancient Rights and Privileges; particularly,

"That they, their Servants, and Estates, may be free from Arrests, and all Molestations:

"That they may enjoy Freedom of Speech in all their Debates; and have Liberty of Access to Your Royal Person when Occasion shall require it.

"And that all their Proceedings may receive from Your Majesty the most favourable Construction."

Then the Lord Chancellor, by His Majesty's further Commands, said,

"Mr. Speaker,

"The King has an entire Confidence in the Prudence and Temper of this House of Commons, as well as in their Duty and Affection to His Person and Government; and His Majesty does most readily grant to them all their Privileges, in as full and ample Manner as they have at any Time heretofore been granted or allowed by His Majesty, or any of His Royal Predecessors.

"As to the Suit which you, Sir, have made on your own Behalf; your former Conduct is the clearest Evidence how little you stand in Need of it: But, for your greater Encouragement and Support in the Execution of so important a Trust, His Majesty, agreeably to His wonted Goodness, has commanded me to assure you, that He will always put the most favourable Construction both upon your Words and Actions."

Then His Majesty spake as follows:

His Majesty's Speech.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"It is always a great Satisfaction to Me, to meet you assembled in Parliament; and especially at this Time, when the Posture of Affairs makes your Counsel and Assistance so necessary, and when, by Means of the new Elections, I may have an Opportunity of knowing the more immediate Sense and Disposition of My People in general, from their Representatives, chosen during a Season which has been attended with great Variety of Incidents of the highest Consequence and Expectation, and during the Course of the War in which we are engaged against the Crown of Spain; a War in itself just and necessary, entered into by the repeated Advice of both Houses of Parliament, and particularly recommended to Me to be carried on in America, which has been My principal Care: I can therefore make no Doubt but that you are met together fully sensible of our present Situation, and prepared to give Me such Advice as shall be most conducive to the Honour and true Interest of My Crown and Kingdoms.

"You cannot but have observed, with an Attention suitable to the Occasion, the impending Dangers that threaten Europe, and more immediately such Parts of the Continent as shall withstand or resist the formidable Powers which are confederated for the Subversion or Reduction of the House of Austria. The Apprehension of these Things was communicated to the last Parliament; when both Houses expressed their great Concern for the Troubles which were broke out in the Austrian Dominions, and came to the strongest Resolutions in Favour of the Queen of Hungary, for the Maintenance of the Pragmatick Sanction, and for the Preservation of the Balance of Power, and the Peace and Liberties of Europe. And had other Powers, that were under the like Engagements with Me, answered the just Expectations they had so solemnly given, the Support of the common Cause had been attended with less Difficulty.

"I have, pursuant to the Advice of My Parliament, ever since the Death of the late Emperor, exerted Myself in the Support of the House of Austria. I have endeavoured, by the most proper and early Applications to induce other Powers that were equally engaged with Me, and united by common Interest, to concert such Measures as so important and critical a Conjuncture required. And where an Accommodation seemed to Me to be necessary, I laboured to reconcile those Princes whose Union would have been the most effectual Means to prevent the Mischiefs that have happened, and the best Security for the Interest and Safety of the Whole.

"Although My Endeavours have not hitherto had the desired Effect; I cannot but still hope that a just Sense of the common and approaching Danger will produce a more favourable Turn in the Councils of other Nations. In this Situation, it is incumbent upon us to put ourselves in a Condition to improve all Opportunities that shall offer, for maintaining the Liberties of Europe; and to assist and support our Friends and Allies, at such Times, and in such Manner, as the Exigency and Circumstances of Affairs shall require; and to deseat any Attempts that shall be made against Me and My Dominions, or against those whom we are most nearly concerned for, and in Honour and Interest engaged to support and defend.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

"I have ordered Estimates to be laid before you, for the Service of the ensuing Year; and I must desire you to grant Me such Supplies as the Circumstances of Affairs require; which, you may depend upon it, shall be duly applied to the Purposes for which they shall be given.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"I have, during the Course of My Reign, had so much Experience of the Duty and Affection of My Parliaments to My Person and Government, and of their Zeal for the Good of their Country, and the Support of the common Cause; that I do, with the greatest Reason, rely upon the Continuance of them in the present Conjuncture. There never was a Time in which your Unanimity, Vigour, and Dispatch, were necessary to so many great Ends as those which are now before you. I will do My Part; let it appear, by your Proceedings and Resolutions, that you have that just and hearty Concern for them, which their Importance requires."

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

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, to unrobe.

The House was resumed.

L. Montfort introduced:

Henry Bromley Esquire, being, by Letters Patent, dated the 9th Day of May, in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, created Lord Montfort, Baron of Horseheath in the County of Cambridge, was (in his Robes) introduced, between the Lord Walpole and the Lord Lovel, also in their Robes; the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Garter King at Arms, and the Deputy Earl Marshal, preceding.

The Lord Montfort presented his Patent, on his Knee, to the Lord Chancellor, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.

His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:

His Writ of Summons.

"George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Henry Bromley, of Horseheath, in the County of Cambridge, Ch'r, Greeting. Whereas, by reason of certain arduous and urgent Affairs, concerning Us, and the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and of the Church, We did lately, with the Advice and Consent of Our Council, ordain Our present Parliament to be held, at our City of Westminster, on the Twenty-fifth Day of June, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign; which Parliament hath been from that Time prorogued, by Our several Writs, to and until the First Day of December next, at Our City aforesaid, to be then there held: We, strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, that, considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs, and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present, at the said Day and Place, with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers, of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice; and this you may in no wise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs.

"Witness Ourself, at Westminster, the Nineteenth Day of November, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign.

"Bisse."

The Writ being read; and the Lord Montfort, at the Table, having taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; his Lordship was placed at the lower End of the Barons Bench.

L. Ilchester introduced:

In like Manner, Stephen Fox Esquire, being, by Letters Patent, dated the 11th Day of May, in the Fourteenth Year of His present Majesty, created Lord Ilchester, Baron of Woodsford Strangeways, in the County of Dorset, was (in his Robes) introduced, between the Lord Delawarr and the Lord Cornwallis, also in their Robes; preceded by the same Officers as before.

The Lord Ilchester presented his Patent, on his Knee, to the Lord Chancellor, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.

His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:

His Writ of Summons.

"George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To Our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Stephen Fox, of Woodsford Strangeways, in the County of Dorset, Ch'r, Greeting. Whereas, by reason of certain arduous and urgent Affairs, concerning Us, and the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and of the Church, We did lately, with the Advice and Consent of Our Council, ordain Our present Parliament to be held, at Our City of Westminster, on the Twenty-fifth Day of June, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign; which Parliament hath been from that Time prorogued, by Our several Writs, to and until the First Day of December next, at Our City aforesaid, to be then there held: We, strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, that, considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs, and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present, at the said Day and Place, with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers, of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice; and this you may in no wise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs.

"Witness Ourself, at Westminster, the Nineteenth Day of November, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign.

"Bisse."

The Writ being read; and the Lord Ilchester, at the Table, having taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; his Lordship was placed on the lower End of the Barons Bench.

L. Chedworth introduced:

In like Manner, John How Esquire, being, by Letters Patent, dated the 12th Day of May, in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, created Lord Chedworth, Baron of Chedworth, in the County of Gloucester, was (in his Robes) introduced, between the Lord Brooke and the Lord Conway, also in their Robes; preceded by the same Officers as before.

The Lord Chedworth presented his Patent, on his Knee, to the Lord Chancellor, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.

His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:

His Writ of Summons.

"George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To Our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved John Howe, of Chedworth, in the County of Gloucester, Ch'r, Greeting. Whereas, by reason of certain arduous and urgent Affairs, concerning Us, and the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and of the Church, We did lately, with the Advice and Consent of Our Council, ordain Our present Parliament to be held, at Our City of Westminster, on the Twenty-fifth Day of June, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign; which Parliament hath been from that Time prorogued, by Our several Writs, to and until the First Day of December next, at Our City aforesaid, to be then there held; We, strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, that, considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs, and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present, at the said Day and Place, with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers, of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice; and this you may in no wife omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs.

"Witness Ourself, at Westminster, the Nineteenth Day of November, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign.

"Bisse."

The Writ being read; the Lord Chedworth, at the Table, having taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; his Lordship was placed on the lower End of the Barons Bench.

Select Vestries regulating, Bill.

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

The Report of His Majesty's Speech being called for:

It was insisted on, "That the Lords should take their due Places."

Accordingly the House was called over, beginning at the lowest Baron.

And the Lords having regularly seated themselves:

The Lord Chancellor reported His Majesty's Speech.

And the same being afterwards read by the Clerk:

Resolution for an Address.

It was proposed, "To resolve, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return Him the Thanks of this House, for His most Gracious Speech from the Throne; and to congratulate His Majesty on His safe and happy Return into this Kingdom.

"To declare our Thankfulness, for the great Concern His Majesty has expressed, for carrying on the just and necessary War against Spain; and how fully sensible we are of the impending Dangers to which Europe is exposed in the present Conjuncture; and particularly of the evil Consequences arising from the Designs and Enterprizes formed and carrying on for the Subversion or Reduction of the House of Austria, which threaten such apparent Mischiefs to the common Cause.

"To acknowledge His Majesty's great Goodness, in expressing so earnest a Desire to receive the Advice of His Parliament; and to assure His Majesty, that this House will not fail to take the important Points which He has recommended to us into our most serious Consideration; and, in the most dutiful Manner, to offer His Majesty such Advice as shall appear to us to be most conducive to the Honour and true Interest of His Crown and Kingdoms.

"To give His Majesty the strongest Assurances of our inviolable Duty, Fidelity, and Affection, to His Person and Government, and of our Zeal for the Preservation of the Protestant Succession in His Royal House; and that we will vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary Measures, for the Defence and Support of His Majesty, the Maintenance of the Balance and Liberties of Europe, and the Assistance of our Allies."

Which being objected to; in order to confine it to an Address of Thanks in general for the Speech; to congratulate His Majesty on His Return into this Kingdom; and Assurances of Fidelity, Affection, Zeal, and Support:

After long Debate;

The Question was put, upon the Proposition as at first made.

And it was Resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the Lords following were appointed a Committee, to prepare an Address, pursuant thereto; (videlicet,)

Their Lordships, or any Five of them; to meet presently, in the Prince's Lodgings; and to adjourn as they please.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure; and their Lordships withdrew, to prepare the Address.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

And the Earl of Malton reported from the said Committee, "That they had drawn an Address, pursuant to the foregoing Resolution, as follows; (videlicet,)

Address.

"Most Gracious Sovereign,

"We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg Leave to return Your Majesty our humble Thanks, for Your most Gracious Speech from the Throne; and at the same Time to present unto Your Majesty our sincere and joyful Congratulations, on Your safe and happy Return into this Kingdom.

"The just and necessary War in which Your Majesty is engaged, against the Crown of Spain, is of such high Importance to the Trade and Navigation of Your Subjects, and to the Welfare of Your Kingdoms, that it is with the utmost Thankfulness we observe the great Concern which Your Majesty has been pleased to express for carrying it on; which we hope, by the Divine Blessing upon Your Majesty's Arms, will be attended with Success, equal to the Justice of your Cause, and the ardent Wishes of Your People.

"Your Majesty has so truly represented the impending Dangers to which Europe is exposed in the present critical Conjuncture, as must awaken in every one an Attention suitable to the Occasion; and we cannot but be fully sensible of the evil Consequences arising from the Designs and Enterprizes formed and carrying on for the Subversion or Reduction of the House of Austria, which threaten such apparent Mischiefs to the common Cause.

"In this Situation, it becomes us, with Hearts full of Gratitude to Your Majesty, to acknowlege Your Royal Goodness, in expressing so earnest a Desire to receive, and so high a Regard for, the Advice of Your Parliament. Your Majesty, secure of the Loyalty and Affections of Your People, may rely upon that, with the best-grounded Confidence. And we beg Leave to assure Your Majesty, that we will not fail to take the important Points which You have been pleased to mention to us, into our most serious Consideration; and, in the most dutiful Manner, to offer to Your Majesty such Advice as shall appear to us to be most conducive to the Honour and true Interest of Your Crown and Kingdoms.

"We have a due Sense how much the present Posture of Affairs calls upon us, for that Unanimity, Vigour, and Dispatch, which Your Majesty has so wisely recommended to us: And we do most unfeignedly give Your Majesty the strongest Assurances, that we will vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary Measures, for the Defence and Support of Your Majesty, the Maintenance of the Balance and Liberties of Europe, and the Assistance of our Allies.

"As Duty and Affection to Your Majesty are in us fixed and unalterable Principles; so we feel the Impressions of them at this Time so strong and lively in our Breasts, that we cannot omit to lay hold on this Opportunity of approaching Your Royal Presence, to renew the most sincere Professions of our constant and inviolable Fidelity: And we do, with a Zeal and Firmness never to be shaken, promise Your Majesty, that we will, at the Hazard of all that is dear to us, exert ourselves, for the Defence and Preservation of Your Sacred Person and Government, and the Maintenance of the Protestant Succession in Your Royal House, on which the Continuance of the Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of Great Britain, doth, under God, depend."

Which, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to.

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

Ordered, That the Lords with White Staves do wait on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time He would please to appoint to be attended therewith.

Committee of Privileges.

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

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

Committee for the Journal.

Lords Sub-committees appointed to consider of the Orders of the House, and the Privileges of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament; and to peruse and perfect the Journal of this and the last Session of Parliament.

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

Stoppages in the Streets, Order to prevent.

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

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

Adjourn.

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

DIE Sabbati, 5^o Decembris.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Receivers and Triers of Petitions.

Les Recevours des Petitions de la Grand Bretagne et d'Ireland.

Messire Gulielme Lee, Chevalier et Chief Justicer.

Messire Gulielme Chapple, Chevalier et Justicer.

Messire Edmond Sawyer Ecuyer.

Et ceux qui veulent delivre leur Petitions les baillent dedans Six Jours procheinment ensuivant.

Les Recevours des Petitions de Gascoigne, et des autres Terres et Pais de par la Mer et des Isles.

Messire Jean Willes, Chevalier, et Chief Justicer de Banc Commune.

Messire Thomas Parker Ecuyer, et Justicer.

Messire Henry Montague Ecuyer.

Et ceux qui veulent delivre leur Petitions, les baillent dedans Six Jours procheinment ensuivant.

Les Triours des Petitions de la Grand Bretagne et d'Ireland.

Le Duc de Somerset.

Le Duc de Richmond.

Le Duc de Montagu.

Le Duc de Newcastle.

Le Duc de Portland.

Le Duc de Greenwich.

Le Duc de Bridgewater.

Le Count de Pembroke et Montgomery.

Le Count de Chesterfield.

Le Count de Abingdon.

Le Count de Macclesfield.

Le Viscount Hereford.

Le Viscount Harcourt.

Le Baron Delawarr.

Le Baron Willoughby de Parham.

Le Baron Boyle.

Le Baron Bathurst.

Touts eux ensemble, ou Quatres de Seigneurs avanditz; appellant aux eux les Sergeants du Roy quant sera Besoigne; tiendront leur Place en la Chambre du Tresorier.

Les Triours des Petitions de Gascoigne, et des autres Terres et Pais de par la Mer et des Isles.

Le Duc de Beaufort.

Le Duc de Leeds.

Le Duc de Bedford.

Le Duc de Chandos.

Le Count de Northampton.

Le Count de Winchilsea et Nottingham.

Le Count de Sandwich.

Le Count de Halifax.

Le Viscount Falmouth.

Le Viscount Torrington.

Le Baron Clifton.

Le Baron Talbot.

Touts eux ensemble, ou Quatres de Seigneurs avanditz; appellant aux eux les Serjeants du Roy quant sera Besoigne; tiendront leur Place en la Chambre du Chambellan.

His Majesty to be attended with the Address.

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

Ld. Kingston against Damer.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of James Lord Baron of Kingston in the Kingdom of Ireland; complaining, "That certain Depositions in a Cause in the Court of Exchequer in that Kingdom, wherein the Appellant was Plaintiff, and John Damer Esquire Defendant, taken in the said Damer's Behalf, were allowed to be read; and that several Exceptions taken to the Report of the Remembrancer of the said Court were not allowed;" and also complaining of Part of an Order of the same Court, of the 4th of December 1735, and the Affirmance thereof on the 23d of November 1737; and praying, "That the same may be reversed or rectified; and that the Appellant may be relieved as to this House in their great Wisdom shall seem meet:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Damer may have a Copy of the said Appeal; and do put in his Answer thereunto, in Writing, on or before Saturday the 9th Day of January next; and that Service of this Order on his Clerk in Court shall be deemed good Service.

Anderson against Lauder.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of George Anderson, Merchant in Haddington; complaining of several Interlocutors of the Lord Ordinary, of the 15th and 23d of February 1738/9, the 4th and 18th of July following; and also of an Interlocutor of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 16th of January 1739/40; and also complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary, of the 22d of the same Month; and likewise complaining of an Interlocutor of the said Lords, of the 21st of February following, whereby they adhered to their former Interlocutor; and also complaining of another Interlocutor of the said Lords, of the 27th of the same February, whereby they adhered to the said Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary of the 22d of January; and further complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary, of the 4th of June 1740; the last Part of an Interlocutor of the 18th, and of another Interlocutor of the 26th, of the same Month; and of Two Interlocutors of the said Lords of Session, of the 3d of July and 21st of November following, whereby they adhered to the Lord Ordinary's Interlocutor; and further complaining of another Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary, of the 3d of February 1740/41, and of his Adherence thereto the 18th of June following; and of another Interlocutor of the said Lord Ordinary, of the 18th of July last, made on the Behalf of Charles Lauder; and praying, "That the said several Interlocutors may be reversed, varied, or amended; and that this House will give the Appellant such Relief as to their Lordships Wisdom shall seem fit:"

It is Ordered, That the said Charles Lauder may have a Copy of the said Appeal; and do put in his Answer thereunto, in Writing, on or before Saturday the Second Day of January next; and that Service of this Order on any One of his Procurators, or his Agent in the Court of Session, be deemed good Service.

Veitch against Carruthers & al.

A Petition of William Veitch, was presented, and read; setting forth, "That, last Session of Parliament, the Hearing of the Cause wherein the Petitioner is Appellant, and John Carruthers and others are Respondents, was put off, in order that the Matters in Difference might be determined by Arbitration; but the same is not quite compleated;" and praying, "That the hearing the said Cause may be put off till two Months after the Recess at Christmas."

And thereupon the Agents on both Sides were called in, and heard, at the Bar.

And being withdrawn:

Ordered, That the said Hearing be put off, according to the Prayer of the Petition.

Sir J. Gordon against Blair & al.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed, for hearing the Cause wherein Sir John Gordon Baronet is Appellant, and John Blair and his Guardians are Respondents:"

It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, on the First Day for Causes after the First Day of February.

Baily peremptorily to answer Denham's Appeal.

The House was informed, "That Alexander Bailley had not put in his Answer to the Appeal of Archibald Denham, alias Stewart, Advocate, though duly served with the Order of this House for that Purpose."

And thereupon an Affidavit, made by William Crawfurd, of the due Service of the said Order, being read:

Ordered, That the Respondent do peremptorily put in his Answer to the said Appeal, in a Week.

Vernon against Vernon; and E. Anglesey against Annesley:

The House being informed, "That Mr. Clancey attended, in order to deliver in several Papers, Pleadings, and Proceedings, in the Cause wherein Jane Vernon Widow is Appellant, and Captain John Vernon and others are Respondents; and in the Cause wherein Richard Earl of Anglesey is Appellant, and Charles Annesley Respondent:"

Pleadings proved.

He was called in; and delivered, at the Bar, the said Papers and Proceedings; and attested upon Oath, The same were true Copies, he having examined them with the Originals in the proper Offices in Ireland."

And then he was directed to withdraw.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Mercurii, 9^o Decembris.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Thwaites & al. against Vernon.

The Answer of Jane Vernon, Widow and Executrix of Thomas Vernon Esquire, deceased, One of the Respondents to the Appeal of Ephraim Thwaites and Anne his Wife, and Francis Huysh Clerk Appellant, was brought in:

E. of Anglesey against Annesley.

As was also, the Answer of Charles Annesley Esquire, to the Appeal of Richard Earl of Anglesey:

Gainer against Dalrymple.

Asw as also, the Answer of Captain James Dalrymple, to the Appeal of Mary Gainer and others:

Mercer against French.

And likewise, the Answer of Walter French Gentleman, Administrator of Francis French Gentleman, deceased, One of the Respondents, to the amended Appeal of Robert Mercer.

His Majesty's Answer to the Address.

The Lord Chancellor reported, "That the House did, on Saturday last, present to His Majesty their humble Address; to which His Majesty was pleased to return the following most Gracious Answer; (videlicet,)

"My Lords,

"I heartily thank you for this very loyal and dutiful Address. The Zeal which you have declared for My Defence and Support, and for the Maintenance of the Liberties of Europe, and the Assistance of our Allies, gives Me great Satisfaction. You may depend upon My constant Regard to the Advice of My Parliament, and My steady Adherence to the true Interest of My Crown and Kingdoms."

Ordered, That the said Address, and His Majesty's most Gracious Answer thereunto, be forthwith printed and published.

Odell to answer Badham's Appeal.

Upon reading the Petition of Bettridge Badham Esquire; setting forth, "That the Petitioner, last Session of Parliament, lodged an Appeal in this House, and thereupon obtained an Order for Thomas Odell and his Guardian to put in their Answer; but, by reason of the Death of the Respondents Attorney, could not serve the same;" and praying, "That the said Order may be renewed:"

It is Ordered, That the said Respondents may have a Copy of the said Appeal; and do put in their Answer thereunto, in Writing, on or before Wednesday the 13th Day of January next.

Admiral Vernon's Answer to the Thanks of the House.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That, pursuant to the Order of this House, of the First of December 1740, he had transmitted their Lordships Resolution of that Day, giving the Thanks of this House to Vice Admiral Vernon, for his gallant and successful Conduct in The West Indies, and for the Services he had done his King and Country, with the small Force he commanded there; and that, on the 25th of July last, he received a Letter from the said Vice Admiral, dated at Jamaica, May the 28th, 1741, in which he returned an Answer to the said Resolution."

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

"So great an Honour done to my Endeavours to serve His Majesty to the best of my Abilities, by being thought deserving of the Thanks of so Noble and August an Assembly as the House of Lords, could not but fill my Mind with the sincerest Joy, for being deemed worthy so high an Honour as to be recommended to Posterity by their Lordships, for having diligently and resolutely served His Majesty and my Country.

"I hope the grateful Sense of this Honour will ever fix so deep an Impression on my Mind, as, on all future Occasions, to animate me to preserve their Lordships good Opinion; and manifest my Inclinations to express my grateful Sense of it, by continuing to exert the utmost of my poor Abilities, in a diligent and faithful Discharge of my Duty to His Majesty and my Country."

M^cDowall to enter into Recognizance for Anderson;

The House being moved, "That Mr. Thomas M^cDowal, of Vine Street, St. James's, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for George Anderson of Haddington Merchant, on account of his Appeal depending in this House; he being absent:"

It is Ordered, That the said Thomas M^cDowal may enter into a Recognizance for the Appellant, as desired.

and Meighan for Ld. Kingston.

The like Motion and Order, for Patrick Meighan Bookseller to enter into a Recognizance for Lord Kingston.

E. Abingdon's Privilege;

The Serjeant at Arms being called upon, to give the House an Account of what he had done, in Pursuance of the Order of this House, of the 26th of January last, for taking into Custody the Bodies of Robert Rogers, Richard Tuck, and Robert Tuck, for a Breach of Privilege, in forcibly entering into a Hare-warren belonging to the Earl of Abingdon, and beating and bruising his Servants:

And he thereupon, at the Bar, acquainting the House, That he immediately sent down the Order of Attachment to the Habitations of the said Persons; but, by reason of their absconding, could not be taken:"

Order for attaching Rogers & al. revived.

Ordered, That the said Serjeant at Arms do forthwith attach the said several Persons abovementioned, and keep them in safe Custody until further Order of this House; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf.

To Francis Jephson Esquire, Serjeant at Arms attending this House, his Deputy or Deputies, and every of them.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

State of the Nation to be considered.

Moved, "To order, That the State of the Nation be taken into Consideration on this Day Sevennight."

The same was objected to.

And the 19th Day of January next was proposed for that Purpose.

After Debate;

The Question was put, upon the said Motion.

And it was Resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That this House will take into Consideration the State of the Nation, on Tuesday the 19th Day of January next.

Adjourn.

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

Footnotes