House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 02 March 1642

Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 2, 1640-1643. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1802.

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'House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 02 March 1642', in Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 2, 1640-1643, (London, 1802) pp. 463-466. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol2/pp463-466 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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In this section

Die Mercurii, 2 Martin 1641.

PRAYERS.

Grayes-inn Students.

THE humble Petition of the Ancients, Barristers, and Students of Grayes-inn, was this Day read: And

It was Resolved, upon the Question, that the Petitioners should be called in, to avow their Petition.

Which they did: And

It is Ordered, That it should be referred to the Committee appointed for the former Graies Inn Petition: Which Committee is appointed to meet To-morrow, at Eight of Clock.

St. Leonard, Shortditch, Lecturer.

The humble Petition of some of the Inhabitants of St. Leonard, Shortditch, complaining of their Minister, and Articles annexed unto it, were read.

And the Petitioners were called in; and did avow their Petition; and said, That some of the Articles they knew themselves; and that they had sufficient Proof to make good the rest of the Articles: And

It is Ordered, That the Petition and the Articles be referred to the Committee of the scandalous Ministers.

And it is farther Ordered, That Mr. Ger. Smyth, an orthodox Divine, be recommended to the Parish of St. Leonard's, to be their Lecturer; the Parishioners maintaining him: And Mr. Squire, and his Curate, are hereby required to permit him the free Use of the Pulpit, to exercise his Ministry every Sunday in the Afternoon.

London Petition.

The humble Petition of some of the Subscribers to the Petition, in the Name of the Citizens of London, concerning the Militia, was read.

And some of the Petitioners that subscribed it were called in, to avow the Petition: And Mr. Speaker told them, "That the House does accept of your Petition in good Part, and will take a Care to make a Difference between those that were Actors and Contrivers of the former Petition, and those that were drawn in to subscribe, without any evil Intention."

They withdrew.

And the House being informed, that they desired to speak;

They were again called in; and did desire that their Innocency and Humiliation, expressed in their Petition, might be made known to the Lords.

Clearing the impeached Members.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde, according to the Order Yesterday, carried up to the Lords the Bill concerning the Clearing of the Members of both Houses, impeached; and the Message ordered Yesterday, concerning * * * *

Capuchins.

Mr. Holles brings this Answer from the French Ambassador, That the Capuchins being sent hither by Articles of Treaty between the Two Crowns, he durst not of himself send them without Order from the King his Master, or the King and Queen here: And said further, That the Queen had left an express Command for their Stay here; and that he would be ever ready to do any good Office for this House, and to keep a good Correspondency between the Two Crowns; and if this House pleased he would undertake to keep them safe Prisoners at Somersett House; and that the Chapel there shall have the Doors locked, and no Mass be said there.

Ordered, That Mr. Hollis do acquaint the French Ambassador, that this House doth accept of his Offer in securing the Persons of the Capuchins, till this House take further Order; and that the Doors be locked, and made fast, at the Chapel at Somersett House; and that no Mass be said there.

Hieth Petition.

The humble Petition of the Mayor, Jurats, and Inhabitants of Hieth, was read; and referred to the Committee for Dover Petition.

King's Answer concerning the Militia, &c.

The Lord Cramborne reports from the Committee appointed to wait on his Majesty with a Committee of the Lords House, with the Answer of both Houses, concerning the Militia of the Kingdom, "That, after the Earl of Warwicke had read the Petition, we stayed awhile; but his Majesty said, He would give it in Writing: And this Morning delivered us this Writing; the which Writing did contain his Majesty's Answer to the Petition of both Houses, concerning the Militia: Which was read.

I AM so much amazed at this Message, that I know not what to answer: You speak of Jealousies and Fears: Lay your Hands to your Hearts, and ask yourselves, Whether I may not likewise be disturbed with Fears and Jealousies; and, if so, I assure you this Message hath nothing lessened them.

For the Militia, I thought so much of it before I sent That Answer, and am so much assured that the Answer is agreeable to what in Justice or Reason you can ask, or I in Honour grant, that I shall not alter it in any Point.

For My Residence near you, I wish it might be so safe and honourable, that I had no Cause to absent Myself from Whitehall: Ask yourselves whether I have not.

For My Son, I shall take that Care of him which shall justify Me to God as a Father, and to My Dominions as a King.

To conclude, I assure you upon My Honour, that I have no Thought but of Peace and Justice to My People, which I shall by all fair Means seek to preserve and maintain; relying upon the Goodness and Providence of God for the Preservation of Myself and Right.

Vindicating the impeached Members.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde reports, That he had delivered the Bill for vindicating and clearing the Members of both Houses, impeached: That likewise he had delivered the Message concerning Mr. Attorney; and that the Lords had appointed Friday next for his Trial; and desired this House would be then ready to make good their Impeachment.

King's Answer concerning the Militia.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leech and Doctor Bennet.

That the Lords had sent them with a true Copy of his Majesty' Answer to the humble Petition presented unto him from both Houses, concerning the Militia.

The which was read; and was the same with that delivered from the Lord Cramborne.

Door locked.

That the Door be locked, and the Key brought up.

Exceptions to a Member's Speech.

Mr. Pleddall spoke many Things upon the Occasion of this Message; to which divers Members took great Exceptions.

Mr. Pleddall rose up; and, in his Place, did profess his hearty Sorrow, that he should let fall any thing that should seem to lay any Imputation upon the House; and did seriously profess he had no Intention to lay the least Imputation upon this House; and did desire the Pardon of the House.

Defence of the Kingdom.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Kingdom be forthwith put into a Posture of Defence, by Authority of both Houses, in such a Way as is already agreed on by both Houses of Parliament.

Resolved, upon the Question, That a Message be forthwith sent to the Lords, to desire the Lords to join with this House in this Vote: And Mr. Martin is appointed to go to the Lords with this Message.

Declaration of Parliament.

Resolved, upon the Question, That a Committee shall be appointed to prepare a Declaration upon these Two Heads, viz. To lay down the just Causes of the Fears and Jealousies given to this House; and to clear this House from any Jealousies conceived against it.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee formerly appointed to prepare the Message that was Yesterday sent to his Majesty, concerning the Militia, to prepare this Declaration; and that the Message this Day sent from his Majesty be referred to this Committee.

Ordered, That Mr. Martin shall desire a Conference, by a Committee of both Houses, concerning the Message this Day sent from his Majesty; and that the Resolutions this House hath taken thereupon, be delivered at this Conference: And that Mr. Pym do manage this Conference.

Trial of Mr. Attorney.

Ordered, That Mr. Serjeant Wilde, Mr. Peard, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Browne, Mr. Hill, Mr. White, Sir H. Vane, junior, and Sir Ph. Stapilton, do manage the Evidence at the Trial of Mr. Attorney, on Friday next.

Supply Bill.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde reports the Bill of Four hundred thousand Pounds, with the Alterations, Amendments, and Additions: The which Alterations, Additions, and Amendments, were twice read.

Martii.

And the Question being put for the Recommitment;

It passed with the Negative.

Resolved, That this Bill shall be ingrossed, with the several Additions and Amendments.

Conference.

Mr. Martin brings Answer, That the Lords will give a present Meeting, as is desired.

Ordered, That it shall be referred to the same Committee, to consider of all Matters that may arise upon this Message of his Majesty; and to declare their Opinions what is fit to be done thereupon.

Examining Murrey, &c.

Ordered, That Mr. Cromwell do go with this Message to the Lords; to desire their Lordships to appoint the Committee of their House to meet this Afternoon at Five... Clock, to take the Examination of Mr. Murrey and others.

Ship to be stayed.

Ordered, That the Ship put in at Feymouth, in the County of Cornewall, which came out of France, and bound for Ireland, be stayed; and the Goods therein safely kept, and the Ship searched, and the Master, and all others that came therein, be kept in safe Custody, till this House give further Order.

Payment to Martyn.

Ordered, That upon Certificate from Sir Adam Loftus Knight, Treasurer at Wars for Ireland, That the Sum of Six hundred Pounds is paid unto him, by Mr. Martyn's Direction, this House doth undertake to pay the said Sum of Six hundred Pounds unto the said Mr. Martyn, within Six Days after Sight of the said Certificate.

Lords Committee.

Mr. Cronwell reports, The Lords have appointed the Committee to sit as is desired.

Conference.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leeche and Dr. Bennett;

The Lords have agreed to these Votes sent up at this last Conference; and that they have appointed the same Committee that was formerly appointed for the King's Message, to consider of this Message; and did desire that the Committees may meet presently in the Painted Chamber.

Answer returned by the same Messengers: That this House has taken their Lordships Message into Consideration; and has resolved, That the same Committee shall meet presently in the Painted Chamber, as is desired.

Answer.

Mr. Cromwell brings Answer * * * *

Militia.

The Ordinance concerning the Militia was read: And

It is Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee formerly appointed to prepare the Ordinance, where Mr. Pierrepoint has the Chair, to consider of it; and to bring it in To-morrow Morning: And they are to meet Tomorrow at Eight of Clock, in the Court of Wards: And Mr. Lisle and Mr. Reignolds are added to this Committee; and are to acquaint the Committee with the Exceptions.

Receivers of Money for Ireland.

Ordered, That Alderman Warner and Alderman Andrewes be recommended to the City of London, to be Commissioners to receive the Names and Sums of Money, subscribed and brought in, upon the Propositions for Reducing of Ireland, in the Place of Mr. Alderman Garrett, and the Chamberlain of London.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leeche and Dr. Bennett;

That the Lords had conceived an Order, for the present Providing and Setting of Ships to Sea; which they have sent to this House; and desire your Concurrence.

They likewise have Ordered, That the Committee of their House, appointed to consider of a Declaration, and the King's last Message, to sit To-morrow at Nine of the Clock, in Merchant Taylors Hall, in London; and all of their House that will come to have Voices; and likewise to have Power to consider of any thing for the Safety of England or Ireland, or for the Defence of either: And that the Lords intend to adjourn their House till Friday at Nine of the Clock.

Navy.

This Order sent from the Lords, concerning the Ships was read; and assented unto, upon the Question.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers: That this House does fully agree to the Order, concerning the Setting forth of Ships; and, as for the other Business, they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Ordinance of Parliament.

Mr. Browne, Mr. Whistler, Mr. Lisle, Mr. Reynolds, are appointed presently to withdraw, to consider of the Ordinance of Parliament, and to bring it in.

Letter to Sheriffs.

Ordered, That Sir Wm. Brereton do prepare a Letter to be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Counties respectively, through which the Arms from Hull to Chester are to pass, to be assistant in the safe Conducting of the said Arms.

Levant Company.

The humble Petition of the Levant Company was read; And

It is Ordered, That this Petition be referred to the Committee for the Customers.

Message to Lords.

Mr. Hollis is appointed to go to the Lords, to acquaint their Lordships, That this House has resolved to meet To-morrow Morning; and to desire, that their Lordships would do the like.

Messenger recalled.

Ordered, That Mr. Strode do go and call back the Messenger that went up last, to desire the Lords to sit To-morrow.

Safety of the Kingdom.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Committee of this House appointed to meet with the Committee of the Lords House, to consider of a Declaration, and the King's last Message, do sit To-morrow, at Nine of the Clock, at Merchant Taylors Hall, in London: And have further Power to consider of any thing else, that concerns the Peace and Safety of England and Ireland: And all that will come are to have Voices at that Committee.

Committees.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Committee of formerly appointed to sit at Grocers Hall and Merchant Taylors Hall, in London, shall be revived; to sit at Merchant Taylors Hall, in London, To-morrow at Nine of the Clock with the like Power as formerly.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed to consider of the Londoners Petition, do sit To-morrow, at Nine of the Clock, in Merchant Taylors Hall.

Mr. Strode is to go with this Message; to desire the Lords to appoint their Two Committees concerning these Matters, to sit at the same Time.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed to draw a Bill concerning the Irish Propositions do meet To-morrow, at Nine . . . Clock, at Merchant Taylors Hall.

Examining Murrey, &c.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Committee appointed for the Examination of Mr. Murrey and others, may have Power to go on with the Examinations: And, that the Committee appointed to prepare an Answer to his Majesty's Reply, concerning Licences granted, in his Majesty's Name, to Persons to pass into Ireland, may have Power to sit To-morrow, at Nine of the Clock, in Merchant Taylors Hall.

Militia.

Mr. Reynolds reports the Ordinance, concerning the Militia: And

It is Resolved, upon the Question, That this House doth assent to this Ordinance; and doth order, that the Lords be desired to join with this House in this Ordinance.

Sir Walter Erle carried up the Ordinance accordingly.

Innovations.

Mr. Salloway, Sir Wm. Masham, Sir Rob. Harley, Mr. Skinner, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Ashton, Mr. Martyn, are added to the Committee for Innovations.

Militia.

Sir Walter Erle doth report from the Lords that they have agreed to the Ordinance, concerning the Militia.

Marquis of Argile's Commission.

Resolved, upon the Question, That these Words "in the same Manner the rest of the said Ten thousand Men are to be by the Articles of the Treaty," to be added to the Amendment of the Lords in the Thirteenth Line of the Ninth Folio of the Marquis of Argile's Commission.

King's Answer concerning the Militia, &c.

I am so much amazed at this Message, that I know not what to answer: You speak of Jealousies and Fears: Lay your Hands to your Hearts, and ask yourselves, whether I may not likewise be distracted with Fears and Jealousies; and if so, I assure you, this Message hath nothing lessened them.

For the Militia, I thought so much of it, before I sent that Answer; and am so much assured, that the Answer is agreeable to what, in Justice or Reason, you can ask, or I, in Honour, grant, that I shall not alter it, in any Point.

For my Residence near you, I wish it might be so safe and honourable, that I had no Cause to absent myself from Whitehall: Ask yourselves whether I have not.

For my Son, I shall take that Care of him, which shall justify Me to God, as a Father; and to My Dominions, as a King.

To conclude, I assure you, upon my Honour, that I have no Thought but of Peace, and Justice to my People, which I shall, by all fair Means, seek to preserve and maintain; relying upon the Goodness and Providence of God, for the Preservation of Myself and Rights.

Copia vera. Jo. Browne, Cler' Parl'

Navy.

The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, having received Advertisement of extraordinary. Preparations made by the neighbouring Princes, both by Land and Sea; the Intentions whereof have been so represented, as to raise an Apprehension in both Houses, that the publick Honour, Peace, and Safety of his Majesty, and his Kingdom, cannot be secured unless a timely Course be taken for the Putting of this Kingdom into a Condition of Defence, at Sea as well as Land; it is therefore Ordered, by the Lords and Commons aforesaid, That the Earl of Northumberland, Lord High Admiral of England, do forthwith give effectual Direction and Order, that all and every the Ships belonging to his Majesty's Navy, which are fit for Service, and not already abroad, nor designed for this Summer's Fleet, be, with all Speed rigged, and put in such a Readiness, as that they may soon be fitted for the Sea; and that his Lordship do also make known unto all the Masters and Owners of such Ships, as now are in or about any the Harbours of this Kingdom, and may be of use for the publick Defence thereof, that it will be an acceptable Service to the King and Parliament, if they likewise will cause their Ships to be rigged, and so far put in a Readiness, as they may be, at a short Warning, set forth to Sea upon any emergent Occasion; which will be a means of great Security to his Majesty and his Dominions.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth assent to this Order.

Adjournment.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the House shall be adjourned till Friday Morning next, at Nine of Clock.

The House doth adjourn itself till Friday Morning next, at Nine of Clock.