House of Commons Journal Volume 5: 1 September 1647

Die Mercurii, 1 Septembris, 1647.

PRAYERS.

Leave of Absence.

ORDERED, &c. That Mr. Edward Thomas, and Mr. John Blackeston, Members of this House, shall have Leave to go into the Country.

Irish Protestants.

Mr. Knightley reports, That, according to former Order, he carried to the Lords the Ordinance for a Contribution for Relief of the Protestants that are come from Ireland: The Order for One hundred Marks, out of Haberdashers Hall, to Captain Thelloall and Captain Piers: And that the Lords do concur in both.

Propositions to the King.

Resolved, &c. That the Members of this House, that are of the Committee of both Kingdoms, do meet this Afternoon, to desire and receive the Answer of the Scotts Commissioners, concerning their joining in presenting the Propositions for Peace to the King: And that the Lords be desired, that their Members, that are of that Committee, may meet to this Purpose; and that Report be made to both Houses respectively To-morrow Morning.

Ordered, &c. That Notice be forthwith given to the Commissioners of Scotland, to acquaint them, that the Members of both Houses, that are of the Committee of both Kingdoms, are appointed to meet this Afternoon, to receive their Answer touching their joining in presenting the Propositions for Peace to the King; and are appointed to report it To-morrow Morning.

Ordered, &c. That the Lords Concurrence be desired herein.

Sir Robert Pye is appointed to go to the Lords with this Message.

Plymouth Garison.

A Letter from the Governor of Plymouth, of 28 Augusti 1647, was this Day read; representing the extreme crying Wants and Necessities of that Garison.

Ordered, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of the West, to consider, How Monies may be speedily advanced, for Relief of the crying and instant Necessities of the Garison of Plymouth: And have Power to confer with any Merchants upon the speedy Advance of Eight thousand Pounds, upon the Credit of the Sixty thousand Pounds per mensem, for that Garison: And that they report To-morrow Morning.

Forces for Ireland.

A Letter from the General, from Kingston, of 25 Augusti 1647, giving notice, That Six thousand Foot, and Two thousand Horse, are ready, upon Command, to go for the Service of Ireland, if they may be encouraged, and have Monies, and other Necessaries, provided for them, was this Day read.

Goldsmiths Hall Revenue.

Ordered, &c. That the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall do meet, and sit constantly upon the usual Days; and that they consider of some effectual Course for levying and bringing in the Monies that are owing there, and present it to the House forthwith.

Ordered, That the Lords Concurrence be desired herein. Sir Robert Pye carried it to the Lords.

Excise.

Ordered, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of Excise, to consider of the State of the Excise, in unnecessary Monies charged thereupon; and of some effectual and speedy Course for the due and orderly bringing in the Monies upon the Excise; and to report it to the House forthwith.

Raising Monies.

Mr. Greene, Mr. Nath. Stephens, Mr. Ashhurst, Mr. Edw. Ash, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. Leman, Mr. Swinsen, Sir Robert Pye, Mr. John Corbett, Mr. Vassall, Mr. Rolle, Mr. John Browne, Sir Tho. Middleton, Mr. Beddingfield, Sir John Temple, Mr. Pury, Sir William Brereton, Mr. Brewster.

This Committee, or any Three of them, are appointed to consider of all Ways and Means, as they shall think fit, for the raising and advancing Monies for the carrying on the Service of Ireland: And have Power to confer with Merchants, and such other Persons as they shall think fit, that may conduce any thing to this Service: And have Power to receive Propositions from any Persons for the Raising and Bringing in of Monies: And are to meet this Afternoon at Two of Clock, in the Star Chamber; and so de die in diem, as they shall think fit: And have Power to send for Parties.

Bringing in Bullion.

Ordered, &c. That it be referred to the Committee aforesaid, to prepare and bring in a Declaration, for the Security of such Merchants as shall bring in any Bullion into the Tower: And are to confer with Spanish Merchants and others, as they shall think fit, herein.

Transporting Bullion.

Ordered, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of the Navy, to consider of, and take some effectual Course to prevent the Transportation of Bullion out of the Kingdom; and speedily to report, what they have done herein, to the House.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, &c. That Mr. John Gurdon, Mr. Tolson, and Sir William Brereton, Members of this House, shall have Leave to go into the Country.

Army, &c.

Colonel Birch gave the House an Account of the Monies assigned for him, and his Men, that were to go for Ireland, according to his Engagement for that Service; and of the Obstructions he met with.

An Acquittance, of 23 Julii 1647, under the Hand of Thomas Rawlins, Treasurer to the Committee of the County of Hereford, for Two thousand Pounds received by him of Colonel Birch, was read; and immediately returned to Colonel Birch.

A Letter from the General to Colonel Birch, from Readinge, of 18 Julii 1647, concerning some Pretences and Differences between Colonel Birch and some of his Officers and Soldiers, was read; and immediately returned to Colonel Birch.

Hereford Castle.

A Letter from the Committee of Hereford, of 10 Julii 1647, directed to Sir Robert Harley, and the Gentlemen of that County that serve in Parliament, concerning the Surprizing the Castle of Hereford, was this Day read; and immediately returned to Mr. Crowder, that delivered it in.

Answer from Lords.

Sir Robert Pye brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to all the Three Orders carried by him, concerning the Propositions of Peace, and concerning the Meeting of the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall.

Forces for Ireland.

Ordered, &c. That it be referred to the Members of this House that are of the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, at Derby House, or any Three of them, to consider and confer with such Officers as the General shall appoint, according to the Letter from him this Day read, upon the whole Business touching the speedy Transporting of Six thousand Foot, and Two thousand Horse, into Ireland; and to know what Regiments they are; upon what Terms they will go; and when they will be at their Rendezvous; and to clear all Obstructions that may hinder the Proceedings in that Business: And are to report To-morrow.

Irish Affairs.

Ordered, &c. That Sir John Evelyn of Wiltes, and Mr. Annesley, be added to the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, at Derby House.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Preacher appointed.

Ordered, &c. That Mr. Frayzer be desired to preach before the Commons the next Day of Publick Humiliation, in the Place of Mr. Bateman, formerly desired to preach, and hath excused himself.

Mr. Ball is to desire him to preach.

Preachers thanked.

Ordered, &c. That Sir John Temple and Mr. Blackeston do, from this House, give Thanks unto Dr. Temple and Mr. Simpson, for their great Pains they took in their Sermons, Yesterday preached before the House of Commons, it being a Day of Publick Thanksgiving: And that they do desire them to print their Sermons: Wherein they are to have the like Privilege in Printing thereof, as others in like kind usually have had.

Invalid Soldiers.

The Petition of above Two hundred wounded and sick Soldiers, in the Savoy Hospital, was this Day read.

Ordered, &c. That the Committees at Goldsmiths Hall, and Haberdashers Hall, do constantly and duly pay the weekly Sums of One hundred Pounds per Week, and Thirty Pounds per Week, charged upon the said Receipts respectively, for the Relief of wounded and sick Soldiers: And it is referred to the Committee for maimed Soldiers, to take care, that these respective Sums may be duly paid: And if there shall be any Obstructions in the Payment of the said respective Sums, that they do consider of some effectual Course for removing the said Obstructions.

The humble Petition of divers maimed Officers and Soldiers, in behalf of themselves, and many poor Widows, whose Husbands have been slain in the Parliament's Service, was this Day read: And

It is Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee for maimed Soldiers, with the Addition of these Members following; Mr. John Browne, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Priestly, Mr. Copley, Mr. Lemman, Mr. Say, Sir Thomas Dacres, Colonel Venn, Sir Tho. Middleton, Mr. Whittacre; who are added to the said Committee of maimed Soldiers: And they are to state the Matter of the Petition; and to present some orderly and effectual Course for Relief of the Petitioners, as in Justice shall be fitting.

Army Accompts.

An Ordinance for stating the Accompts of divers Officers and Soldiers of the Kingdom was this Day read the First time; and ordered to be read the Second time on this Day Sevennight.

Clipped Monies.

An Ordinance concerning clipped Monies was this Day read the First time; and ordered to be read the Second time To-morrow Morning.

Seal of Wales.

Mr. Dodderidge reports the Amendments to an Ordinance, sent from the Lords, concerning the original Seal of some Counties of Wales: The which were read; and, upon the Question, with those Amendments, assented unto.

Letter to Col. Jones.

A Letter, to be sent to Colonel Michaell Jones, Governor of Dublyn, from both Houses, to take notice of his late good Service, was read, and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be sent to the Lords for their Concurrence.

Assemblage of People about the Houses.

THE Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, taking into their serious Consideration the great Inconvenience and Danger which daily doth or may accrue, by the Resort of divers Persons to the Doors of both Houses under Pretence of Arrears to them due (the greatest Part of them being Persons evil-affected to the Parliament and Kingdom; and their coming thither being for the most part, though under other Pretence, to disturb them in their Proceedings); and likewise, remembering the effectual Course by them taken, by their late Instructions, bearing Date the 28th of May last, for the Determining of all Accompts; so that there can be no Colour of any such Resort, as aforesaid, except it be of such who are unwilling the Truth of their Accompts should appear; do hereby Order and Declare, That henceforth no Person or Persons shall presume to resort thither under any such Pretence; both Houses having formerly ordered, That the Committee for the Accompts of the whole Kingdom, or other Committees authorized for that Purpose, shall present Rolls of such Accompts so determined to both Houses, and not otherwise, where those Persons concerned therein shall receive such further Assurance and Satisfaction as both Houses shall find to be just. And in case, after the Publication hereof, any Persons shall presume, contrary to this Declaration, the Guards attending on either or both Houses are hereby required to seize upon them, and keep them in safe Custody: And if, upon Examination by the Committee of Complaints, it be found, that there is any Arrear due to any such Persons, every such Sum of Money shall be and is forfeit for his or their Contempt: And such further Punishment . . . upon others, as both Houses shall appoint.

Soldiers Widows.

THE Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, taking into their serious Consideration the Complaints of the Widows of such Officers or Soldiers who have died or been slain in their Service; and though many of these Widows have had, and yet have a weekly Allowance; and besides that, several Sums of Money, as is conceived to be so much as can be due unto them; yet, being willing all Ways should be taken, that every such Person should receive just and full Satisfaction; and likewise considering, that the Committee for the Accompts of the whole Kingdom are so pressed with the Accompts of others, that they are not able to attend them; the said Lords and Commons do hereby Order and Ordain, That the Committee sitting at the Military Garden in London, shall have Power, and are hereby authorized, to take, examine, and determine, according to the late Rules and Instructions, bearing Date the 28th Day of May last, and not otherwise, the Accompts of all such Widows now living within the Lines of Communication; and, in convenient Time, to present a Roll of what they shall find remaining due to such Persons; which both Houses do declare shall be satisfied accordingly: And the said Committee are hereby authorized and required to send for all such Books, Papers, or Accompts, now in the Custody of any Person or Persons, as may enable them for the effectual Discharge hereof: And, for the Pains and Charge herein, they shall receive Satisfaction from both Houses.

Violence offered to Parliament.

Ordered, &c. That Sir Wm. Armyn, Sir John Evelyn of Wilts, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Nath. Fyennes, be added to the Committee for Examination of the late Tumult and Force committed upon the Houses; the Two former in Proportion to the Lord added by the Lords.

The Concurrence of the Lords to be desired in the Addition of these.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Page and Mr. Sadler;

The Lords have commanded us to bring unto you several Things; in which they desire the Concurrence of this House:

The First is, For the Propositions to be presented to the King on Tuesday next.

They have received a Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland, and a Letter inclosed from the Parliament of Scotland: They have sent some Directions concerning these Letters; in which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

An Ordinance for Mr. Batchelor to have a Fellowship in Eaton College; in which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The humble Petition of Mr. Peter Pett: Which they have granted; and desire the Concurrence of this House.

The Lords have added One Lord more to the Committee for examining the Tumult: And desire a proportionable Number of this House to be added.

Propositions for Peace.

The Order concerning presenting the Propositions on Tuesday next was read, and assented unto; and was in hæc verba; viz.

Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That the Propositions of both Kingdoms for a safe and well-grounded Peace shall be presented to the King on Tuesday next: And that the Scotts Commissioners be acquainted herewith; and they desired to go along with such a Committee of Lords and Commons, as shall be appointed by both Houses to present the same.

Resolved, &c. That the Commissioners of both Houses with the King shall be the Persons appointed by both Houses to present the Propositions to the King.

Ordered, &c. That the Members of both Houses, that are of the Committee of both Kingdoms, do acquaint the Commissioners of Scotland with this Vote.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired in these Votes.

Sir Thomas Dacres carried them to the Lords.

The Letters were read; one from the Commissioners of Scotland, from Worcester House, of 30 Augusti, 1647; the other from the Parliament of Scotland, from Edenburgh, of 21 Augusti 1647.

The Lords Direction upon the said Letters was read; viz. That the Consideration of the Scotts Letters be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons of both Kingdoms: Who are to consider of the Matter of Fact, and what is fit to be done thereupon; and to make Report to both Houses respectively.

Ordered, &c. That the Consideration of these Letters be referred to the Commissioners of both Houses with the Army: Who are to acquaint the General with these Letters; and to represent to the House the Matter of Fact.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Eaton College, &c.

Ordered, That the Ordinance for making Mr. Batchellor Fellow of Eaton College, and the Petition of Mr. Peter Pett, be read on Tuesday next.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House hath considered their Lordships Message: And as to the Order for presenting the Propositions to the King on Tuesday next; and to the Addition of a proportionable Number to the Committee concerning the Tumult; they do agree: To the rest they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.