DIE Jovis, videlicet, 29 die Aprilis.
PRAYERS.
Mr. St. John's Argument, to maintain the Bill of Attainder of the E. of Strafford.
* * * * * * *
Examination about the Ship prepared for the Escape of the E. of Strafford.
Then Robert Clements was called in, and asked what
he could inform concerning Mr. Slyngesbye's Ship, that
lies in Tilbury-hope. He said, "He sold the Ship to
Mr. Slyngesby, who told him she was to go for Ireland,
to be laded with Pipe-staves at Washford; that she
hath lain Five Weeks in The Hope, and hath now
Fourteen Men in her, and Victuals for a Month; but
for any Intention of the Earl of Strafford to use her,
he knows nothing of it."
Edward Clements, Master of the said Ship, was likewise called in, and witnessed to the same Effect.
Next the Lieutenant of The Tower was called in, and
asked whether it is possible for the Earl of Strafford to
make an Escape out of The Tower; and whether he will
be answerable for him.
He answered, "It was impossible for him to judge
that; and, though he is very careful, yet he will not
be answerable for him, having that Liberty he hath;
but will do what lies in him; and what Directions their
Lordships will give him, he will observe them."
The Lieutenant withdrew.
And, after some Debate, it was thought fit, That this
House should not any Ways undertake, or be charged
with, the Custody of the Earl of Strafford, but be disengaged; therefore it was Ordered, That this House
having committed the Earl of Strafford to the Custody
of the Lieutenant of The Tower of London to be his Prisoner, their Lordships do hold him to be responsible for
him, according to the Law, upon his own Peril, if the
Earl of Strafford shall escape, without any Liberty or
Restraint prescribed unto him by this House; but do
leave it wholly to him to take such Course as he shall
think best for his safe Custody.
Lieut. of the Tower charg'd to look after him.
The Lieutenant of The Tower was called in; and the
Speaker told him what the House had Ordered concerning the Earl of Strafford; and their Lordships expected from him the Performance thereof.
Adjourn.
Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius de Communi Banco,
Locum tenens Domini Custodis Magni Sigilli, declaravit
præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in diem
Veneris, videlicet, 30m diem instantis Aprilis, hora 9a,
Dominis sic decernentibus.