House of Lords Journal Volume 9: 11 June 1647

Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 9, 1646. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.

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'House of Lords Journal Volume 9: 11 June 1647', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 9, 1646, (London, 1767-1830) pp. 252-259. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol9/pp252-259 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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In this section

DIE Veneris, 11 die Junii.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Ash.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Comes Warwicke.
Comes Pembrooke.
Comes Mulgrave.
Comes Sarum.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Stamford.
Comes Lyncolne.
Comes Suffolke.
Comes (fn. 1) Midd.
L. Viscount Say & Seale.
Comes (fn. 2) Northumb.
Comes Rutland.
Ds. North.
Ds. Maynard.
Ds. Hunsdon.
Ds. Willoughby.
Ds. La Warr.
Ds. Howard.

Answer from the H. C.

Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they will give a Conference, in the Painted Chamber, this Day, as desired.

Message to them, about bringing the King to Oatlands.

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the House of Commons, to desire that, at the next Conference, they may communicate to them something concerning the Vote formerly sent down, for bringing the King from Holdenby to Oatlands.

And accordingly a Message was sent down to the House of Commons, by Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath.

Ordinance to empower the Committee of the London Militia to raise Forces, to suppress Tumults.

The Earl of Warwicke reported from the Committee, an Ordinance in Pursuance of the Desires in the City Petition; which was read Twice, and Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Then the House was adjourned into a Committee during Pleasure, to take the same into Consideration.

The House was resumed.

And the said Ordinance was read the Third Time.

And the Question being put, "Whether to agree to this Ordinance now read?"

It was Resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to the H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Doctor Heath and Mr. Sadler:

To deliver to them the Ordinance of giving Power to the Militia of the City, to raise Horse, &c. for Preservation of the Parliament and City; and to desire their Concurrence therein.

Letter, &c. from the Committee with the Army.

A Letter, with Papers inclosed, from the Earl of Nottingham, were read. (Here enter it.)

Likewise a Declaration of the Army, was read.

Ordinance for Indemnity for the Officers who have left the Army; and One for paying their Arrears, &c.

Ordered, That the same Committee appointed to draw up an Ordinance in Pursuance of the Desires of the City do draw up an Ordinance for Indemnity for those Officers and Soldiers that are come from the Army, that they may not be tried by a Council of War; and likewise to draw up another Ordinance, for providing Quartering for them, and giving them Satisfaction for their Arrears; and the same to be brought in To-morrow Morning.

Message from the H. C. to defer the Conference.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Giles Greene Esquire, &c.; who brought up divers Orders, Votes, and Ordinances, wherein they desire their Lordships Concurrence.

2. To desire that their Lordships would be pleased to put off the Conference till another Time, in regard of great Importance of Business now in Agitation.

to sit P. M.

3. To desire their Lordships would please to sit this Afternoon.

Ordered, To sit this Afternoon, at of the Clock.

and with Ordinances, &c.

The Votes for taking off the Excise of Flesh and of Salt of this Kingdom, after the 24th of this Instant June, were read, and Agreed to. (Here enter them.)

The Ordinance concerning the Dutch Officers to have paid them Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, and Eight Pence Half-penny, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

The Ordinance for paying Five Thousand Pounds, out of Weavers Hall, to Soldiers and Officers, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

The Ordinance for paying to Private Soldiers Five Thousand Pounds, Part of the Ten Thousand Pounds formerly granted, was read, and Agreed to.

(Here enter it.)

An Order for Marshall and Mr. Carryll to come Home from the King, was read, and Agreed to.

(Here enter it.)

An Ordinance for Scholars and Apprentices to have Days of Recreations allowed them in Lieu of the Holidays, was read; and, being put to the Question, was Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Ordered, That this Ordinance be printed and published.

An Order, That a Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to go to The States Ambassador, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Ordered, That the Earl of Denbigh is appointed to go, as a Committee from this House, to The States Ambassador, as is desired.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees in all the Votes and Ordinances now brought up; and do intend to sit this Afternoon; and that this House hath appointed One Lord to go to The States Ambassador.

E. of Holland versus Symonds, Hill, & al.

Upon reading the Petition of Ellin Shemonds, Ric'd Hill, and others, now in Custody of the Gentleman Usher, upon Complaint of the Earl of Holland:

It is Ordered, That the Petitioners shall be heard To-morrow.

Letter from the Commissioners with the Army, that they will read the Votes of the Houses at the Head of each Regiment.

"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore. Present these.

"May it please your Lordship,

"The Committee got last Night to Cambridge, and immediately applied themselves to the General; and about Ten of the Clock did acquaint him and his Officers with our Instructions, and your Votes and Resolutions; and left Copies of them in Writing. The General appointed Eight of the Clock in the Morning to give his Answer, which were received by Word of Mouth about Eleven of the Clock; but the Committee desired to have in Writing: And about One of the Clock the Committee received the inclosed Answer, from the General and his Officers, by Mr. Rushworth; upon which we have taken our Instructions into Consideration, and find ourselves obliged thereby to cause your Votes and Resolutions to be read this Day at the Rendezvous, in the Head of every Regiment, (fn. 3) as you may find by our Answer inclosed. The General's Answer having Relation to an Engagement of the Army; we finding the same in Print, I have sent it your Lordship inclosed: And this Afternoon we have attended the Rendezvous, and imparted your Votes and Resolutions to the Army; and find the general Sense of the Army conformable to that Engagement. I have nothing else to add, but that I am,

"My Lord,

Roysterne, 10th June, 1 of the Clock in the Morning.

"Your Lordship's Humble Servant,

"C. Nottingham."

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax to them, that he, will attend them on that Service.

"The Answer of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax, with the Officers of the Army there attending him, unto the Desire of the Earl of Nottingham and the rest of the Commissioners of Parliament, in order to the Prosecution of their Instructions.

"By Agreement of the Army at the last General Rendezvous near Newmarkett, your Lordship and the rest of the Commissioners may see what Way the Army has put themselves into, for avoiding the Confusion or Uncertainties. And in order to a general Satisfaction in the Point of Disbanding, you may perceive by that a ready and sure Way to bring that Affair unto an Issue, without any Course that may endanger Disorders, or other Inconveniency. But if you be by your Instructions bound up, or shall of yourselves think fit, to see the Votes and Resolutions of both Houses communicated immediately to the several Regiments; the Army being now at a Rendezvous, I shall with my Officers be ready there to attend your Lordship and the rest of the Commissioners, in Pursuance of your Instructions.

"By Command of his Excellency.

"Jo. Rushworth, Secretary."

They desire he will attend accordingly.

"Cambridge, 10th June, 1647.

"The Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to resort to the Army having taken into Consideration the General's Answer sent unto them by Mr. Rushworth:

"It is the Opinion of this Committee, That, by their Instructions, they are to cause the Votes and Resolutions of the Houses, which last Night they communicated to the General and his Officers, to be read this Day at the Rendezvous, in the Head of every Regiment: Which accordingly they resolve to do; and do desire the General and his Officers Assistance for the more effectual and orderly communicating thereof.

"By Command of the said Commissioners.

"George Pyke, Secretary."

Order for taking off the Excise on Flesh and Salt.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Excise of Flesh be taken off, from and after the Four and Twentieth Day of this Instant June; and that, from and after the said Day, the said Excise cease, and be no longer paid.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Excise of Salt made in this Kingdom be taken off, from and after the Four and Twentieth Day of this Instant June; and that, from and after the said Day, the said Excise cease, and be no longer paid.

Order for 7852l. 5s. 8d. ½ for the Dutch Officers.

"Be it Ordained, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, and Eight Pence Half-penny, be charged upon the Receipts of the Excise, upon the Grand Ordinance, together with Interest, after the Rate of Eight Pounds per Cent. payable at the End of every Six Months, from the 14th Day of May last, until the same shall become due, to be paid in Course, unto Major Samuell Boza Esquire, Treasurer for the Dutch Officers reported in a List by Sir Samuell Luke from the Committee of Petitions, containing the several Proportions due to the said Officers; whose Receipt or Receipts shall be the Commissioners of Excise their sufficient Warrant and Discharge in that Behalf: And it is further Ordained, for the more speedy Payment thereof, if any Person or Persons shall advance or lend all or any Part or Parcel of the said Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, Eight Pence Half-penny, by Way of Loan, shall do an acceptable Service therein; and every such Person or Persons, their Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, shall be paid and reimbursed the several and respective Sum and Sums of Money which he or they shall so advance, together with Interest of Eight Pounds per Centum, for so long Time as the said Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, and Eight Pence Half-penny, or any Part thereof, shall be forborn, out of the Receipts of the Excise, in Manner and Form aforesaid: And it shall be lawful for the said Treasurer to assign over the said Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, and Eight Pence Half-penny, or any Part or Parcel thereof, with Interest, unto such Person or Persons, their Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, who shall advance the same, or any Part thereof; whose Assignation or Assignations shall be to the said Advancer or Advancers their sufficient Warrant to receive the said Sum, with Interest, from the Commissioners of Excise, from Time to Time, as the same or any Part thereof shall become due and payable, with Interest as aforesaid; and the Receipt or Receipts of the said Advancer or Advancers shall be the Commissioners of Excise their sufficient Warrant and Discharge, for the Payment of the said Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-two Pounds, Five Shillings, and Eight Pence Half-penny, and Interest for the same, and every Part and Parcel thereof; and the said Committee are to apportion and distribute the same amongst the said Officers accordingly."

Order for Payment of the 20,000l. ordered for the Private Soldiers.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Five Thousand Pounds, Part of the Twenty Thousand Pounds assigned for the Pay of the Private Soldier upon the Moiety of the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall, be paid, by Alderman Bunce and the rest of the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, to Mr. Pococke, Mr. Greenhill, and the Treasurers for maimed Soldiers, to be issued to such Private Soldiers at present as shall appear to the Auditors sitting at Christ Church to have served the Parliament, by Order of the Committee where Mr. John Goodwin has the Chair, in such Proportion as that Committee shall appoint: And the Houses do Declare, That, when the Accompts of the said Private Soldier shall be stated by the said Auditors, that the Fifteen Thousand Pounds, Remainder of the said Twenty Thousand Pounds, shall be provided in ready Cash, to be paid unto them according as shall appear due upon the stating their Accompts: It is further Ordered, That the said Five Thousand Pounds be re-paid to the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, out of the Moiety of the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall, as it shall grow due, according to the former Engagements; and that the Acquittance of Mr. Greenhill and Mr. Pocock, aud the rest of the Treasurers sitting at Christ Church, shall be a sufficient Discharge to the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, for Payment of the said Five Thousand Pounds accordingly."

Order for Payment of 5000l. in Part for Officers.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Five Thousand Pounds, Part of the Ten Thousand Pounds charged by former Order, of 5 Junii, 1647, upon the Moiety of the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall, for the Relief of the present Necessities of Officers comprehended within the said former Order, be paid forthwith, by Alderman Bunce and the rest of the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, out of the Treasury there, and paid to such Person or Persons as the Committee appointed by the former Order shall appoint to receive the same, and paid by the Order of the said Committee, in such Proportions as they shall think fit, for the present Relief of the instant Necessities of the said Officers; and that the said Five Thousand Pounds be re-paid to the Treasury at Weavers Hall, out of the Moiety of the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall, as it shall come due, according to the former Engagement; and that the Acquittance of such Person or Persons as shall be appointed by the said Committee to receive the same shall be a sufficient Discharge to the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, for the Payment of the said Five Thousand Pounds accordingly."

Ministers attending the Commissioners with the King to return.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,

"That Mr. Marshall have Leave to come Home, from the Commissioners with the King.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Mr. Caryll shall have Leave to come Home, from the Commissioners with the King.

Committees of both Houses to visit Joachimi, The States Ambassador, upon his being recalled.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That a Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to go to the Heer Joachimi, Resident Ambassador from The States of The United Provinces, upon the Occasion of his being re-called; and express the Respects of both Houses unto him; and hear and receive from him such Matters as he shall propound, for the Preservation and Continuing of a good Amity and Correspondency between this Kingdom and The States."

"An Order concerning the Privileges of New Sarum.

Order to stay the Sale of the Privileges of New Sarum.

"On reading of the Certificate, of the 19th of May last, of the Contractors for Sale of Bishops Lands; and it being now informed, That there is an extreme Undervalue in the Survey, (that is to say,) the Survey being but Eight Pounds per Annum, the Things surveyed are of above Eighty Pounds Value; and that such Undervaluation happened by reason that divers Persons, who are since interested in the Contract, were employed as Jurors to make the Survey, being Inhabitants of Salisbury; and the Clause of the Ordinance to free Purchasers from Pretence of Question doth not in the Letter extend till there be a Purchaser, which is not till the Conveyances be passed: It is Ordered, by the Lords in Parliament assembled, That the Passing of the said Assurances be stayed till the Truth of the Premises be examined, that such further Order be taken therein as shall be just."

Ordinance for Days of Recreation, in Lieu of Holidays.

"Forasmuch as the Feasts of The Nativity of Christ, Easter, Whitsuntide, and other Festivals, commonly called Holy-days, have been heretofore superstitiously used and observed: Be it Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the said Feasts of The Nativity of Christ, Easter, and Whitsuntide, and all other Festival-days commonly called Holy-days, be no longer observed as Festivals or Holidays, within this Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales; any Law, Statute, Custom, Constitution, or Canon, to the contrary, in any Wise notwithstanding: And to the End there may be a convenient Time allotted to Scholars, Apprentices, and other Servants, for their Recreation, be it Ordained, by the Authority aforesaid, That all Scholars, Apprentices, and other Servants, shall have such convenient reasonable Recreation and Relaxation from their constant and ordinary Labours, on every Second Tuesday in the Month throughout the Year, as formerly they have used to have on such aforesaid Festivals commonly called Holy-days; and that all Masters of all Scholars, Apprentices, and Servants, shall grant unto them respectively such Time for their Recreations, on the aforesaid Second Tuesdays in every Month as they may conveniently Spare from their extraordinary and necessary Services and Occasions: And it is further Ordained, by the said Lords and Commons, That if any Difference shall arise between any Master and Servant concerning the Liberty hereby granted, the next Justice of Peace shall have Power to hear and determine the same."

Post Meridiem.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Clayton.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Comes Pembrooke.
Comes Warwicke.
Comes Mulgrave.
Comes Suffolke.
Comes Rutland.
Comes Midd.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Stamford.
Comes Lyncolne.
Ds. North.
Ds. Willoughby.
Ds. Hunsdon.
Ds. Maynard.
Ds. Howard.
Ds. Grey.

Message from the H. C. with Orders.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye;

To desire Concurrence in divers Votes:

1. An Order concerning such as shall come off from the Army. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to, and Ordered to be printed.

2. An Order for Two Hundred Pounds, out of Weavers Hall, for Captain Farmer's Company of Dragoons. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

3. An Order for Ten Thousand Pounds to be issued, by Order of the Committee at Derby House, for such as come off from the Army.

Agreed to, and Ordered to be printed.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to all the Votes now brought up.

Pardon for Convicts on the Oxford and Western Circuits.

A Pardon of Course for Twenty-two poor Prisoners, condemned the last Circuit of the Counties of Berks, Oxon, Hereford, Salop, Staff. and Wigorn, was read, and passed; and Ordered to be sent to the House of Commons for Concurrence.

A like Pardon for Seven condemned the last Circuit in the Western Circuit, was read, and passed; and Ordered to be sent to the House of Commons for Concurrence.

Ordinance for the Committee at Derby House to have Power to raise Forces for the Safety of the Kingdom.

(fn. 4) The Ordinance which was put to the Question is entered afterwards verbatim.

The Lord Hunsdon brought into this House an Ordinance to refer to the Committee at Derby House for the Irish Affairs, to consult, advise, and put in Execution, all Ways and Means which in their Judgements may be necessary, for the Safety and Defence of the Kingdom, Parliament, and City, with Power to raise Horse and Foot for that Purpose; and to send to the Common Council and Militia of London, and all Committees, Deputy Lieutenants, or other Person or Persons, as they shall think fit:

Which was read Twice: and, for the Debate of it, the House was adjourned into a Committee during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

And the said Ordinance was read the Third Time.

The Question being put, "Whether to agree to this Ordinance now read?"

It was Resolved in the Affirmative.

Protest against it.

Memorandum, That these Lords following, before the putting the aforesaid Question, desired Leave to enter their Dissent and Protestation, if the Question was carried in the Affirmative; apprehending lest this might be an Occasion to cast the Kingdom into a new War: Which was granted; and accordingly they entered their Dissent and Protestation.

"B. Denbigh.
Mulgrave.
W. Say & Seale.
Lawarr.
Grey of Werke."

Message to the H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Doctor Aylett and Mr. Sadler:

To deliver to them the Ordinance for referring to the Committee at Derby House, to consult, advise, and put in Execution, all Ways and Means, for the Safety and Defence of the Kingdom, &c. and desire their Concurrence therein.

Message from thence, for Committees to go into the City, about ordering their Militia;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Harley Knight of the Bath, &c.

To communicate to their Lordships a Vote, wherein they desire their Lordships Concurrence; and that their Lordships would please to nominate a Number of Lords, that so the House of Commons may nominate a Committee of a proportionable Number; and that they may go to the City this Night.

and to sit a while.

2. They desire their Lordships would please to sit a while, in regard of the urgent Occasions.

The Vote was read, and Agreed to upon the Question. (Here enter it.)

Committee to go into the City, about their Militia.

These Lords following were nominated to be of the Committee, to go to the City, with the Members of the House of Commons:

Comes Pembrooke.
Comes Lyncolne.
Comes Suffolke.
Comes Warwicke.
Comes Midd.
Comes Manchester.
Comes Rutland.
Comes Stamford.
Ds. Willoughby.
Ds. Grey.
Ds. Maynard.
Ds. Hunsdon.

Any Three.

The Answer returned was:

Answer to the H. C.

That this House agrees to this Vote now brought up; and have nominated Twelve Lords to be of the Committee.

Ordinance for the Committee at Derby House to have Power to raise Forces for the Safety of the Kingdom.

(fn. 5) This is the Ordinance that was put to the Vote.

"Be it Ordained, by the Lords and, That the Members of both Houses, who are of the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland sitting at Derby House, shall be, and are hereby made and appointed, a Committee to consult and advise, and put in Execution, all Ways and Means which in their Judgements may be necessary, for the Safety and Defence of the Kingdom, Parliament, and City, with Power to raise Horse and Foot for that Purpose; and to send unto the Common Council and Militia of the City of London, all Committees, Deputy Lieutenants, or other Person or Persons, such as they shall think fit, for their Advice and Assistance in order thereunto."

Message to the H. C. that the Lords have appointed a Committee to go into the City.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Doctor Aylett and Mr. Sadler:

To let them know, that this House hath nominated Twelve Lords, to join with a Committee of the House of Commons, to go to the Militia of London, at the Rising of the House. The Quorum to be any Three.

E. of Pembroke, Leave to export Horses.

Ordered, That the Earl of Pembrooke hath Leave to transport Two Geldings into France, in Exchange for a Barb; Custom-free.

Message from the H. C. with an Ordinance.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye Knight, &c; who brought up an Ordinance concerning the Militia of the City of London, wherein their Lordships Concurrence is desired.

Read, and Agreed to; and Ordered to be printed and published. (Here enter it.)

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Ordinance now brought up.

Answer from the H. C.

Doctor Aylett and Mr. Sadler return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they have nominated a proportionable Number to the Twelve Lords, to go to the Militia of London: To the other Particular, they will send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

Sheriffs attend, with a Letter from the Army to the L. Mayor.

The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod acquainted this House, "That there were some Persons at Door, that had something to communicate to their Lordships from the City of London."

Being called in, Sheriff Cullum and others acquainted the House, "That the Lord Mayor received a Letter this Day, about Twelve of the Clock at Noon, by Two Gentlemen that came from the Army; whereupon he called a Common Council, and communicated the same unto them; a Copy whereof they have presented to their Lordships, with some Desires."

Which were received, and read, as follows.

(Here enter it.)

Letter to be sent to Sir T. Fairfax, not to bring the Army within Thirty Miles of London.

Ordered, That a Letter be sent to the General, to command him that he quarter no Part of the Army within Thirty Miles of London; and that the same be sent to the House of Commons for their Concurrence.

The Messengers that came from the City were called in again.

Thanks to the Sheriffs, &c. from the City.

And the Speaker, by the Directions of the House, gave them this Answer: "That this House receives Daily Expressions of the Fidelity of the City of London, for which their Lordships return them Thanks; and will speedily send a Letter to Sir Tho. Farefax, not to quarter the Army within Thirty Miles of the City; and their Lordships will speedily give them Advice in relation to the whole Business."

Message from the H. C. with a Vote for additional Power to the Committee going into the City.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Bainton, &c.

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in a Vote of additional Power to be given to the Committee that is to go to the Militia of London.

Read, and Agreed to upon the Question.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Vote now brought up.

No Part of the Army to come within Forty Miles of London.

Ordered, That the Army, or any Part of it, under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairefax, shall not be within Forty Miles Distance from the City of London.

Message from the H. C. with a Letter from Sir T. Fairfax.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir John Clatworthy Knight; who brought up a Letter to be sent to Sir Tho. Fairfax, wherein their Lordships Concurrence is desired. (Here enter it.)

Read, and Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees in this Letter to be sent to Sir Thomas Fairefax.

Message from thence, about the Ordinance for the Committee at Derby House to raise Forces;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Wm. Lewis Knight, &c.

That they have considered of the Ordinance sent down to them, concerning raising of Horse and Foot, for the Preservation of the Parliament; and they agree to the same, with some Amendments and Alterations, wherein their Lordships Concurrence is desired.

(Here enter.)

Read, and Agreed to.

and that they sit To-morrow.

2. To let their Lordships know, that, in regard of the pressing Occasions of the Kingdom, they have adjourned their House till Seven a Clock To-morrow Morning.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Ordinance now brought up, with the Alterations.

Petition from the Common Council, that Orders may be given for the Army not to come near London.

"Communi Concil. tent. in Cam. Guild. Civitatis Lond.

11 Die Junii, 1647.

"Forasmuch as this Court of Common Council hath received a Letter, bearing Date the 10th of this Instant June, subscribed by his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax and other Commanders of the Army, a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed, signifying (for Reasons therein expressed) the drawing the Army near the City; the which, in this dear Time, may occasion great Scarcity of Provisions therein; which we hope is not the Meaning, nor will be Matter of Contentment to the said Army: For Prevention of which, this Court doth humbly pray, if it may seem good to the Honourable Houses, to send to the General his Excellency, not to quarter the Army, or any Part thereof, within Five and Twenty Miles of this City, hoping there shall be no just Cause given them to do otherwise; and that it may please the Houses to give to this Court such further Directions, in this so weighty a Business, as in their grave Wisdoms shall seem fit.

"And it is Ordered by this Court, That Mr. Alderman Warner, Mr. Alderman Fowke, and the Two Sheriffs, and Mr. Peter Jones, Mr. Lowther, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Cheston, Colonel Player, Mr. Antrobus, Major Chamberlaine, and Mr. Samuell Langham, shall present this Order and Copy of the Letter to the Parliament.

"Michell."

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax and other Officers, to the L. Mayor, &c. that they are drawing the Army towards London, to obtain their Demands of the Parliament; but will not injure the City if they do not take Part against them.

"Right Honourable and Worthy Friends,

"Having, by our Letters and other Addresses, presented by our General to the Honourable House of Commons, endeavoured to give Satisfaction of the Clearness of our just Demands, and also in Papers published by us remonstrated the Grounds of our Proceedings in Prosecution thereof; all which having been exposed to Public View (we are confident) have come to your Hands, and at the least received a charitable Construction from you: The Sum of all which our Desires, as Soldiers, are no other than a Desire of Satisfaction to our Demands as Soldiers, and Reparation upon those who have to the uttermost improved all Opportunities and Advantages, by false Suggestions, Misrepresentations, and otherwise, for the Destruction of this Army, with a perpetual Blot of Ignominy upon it; which we should not value if it singly concerned our own Particulars, being ready to deny ourselves in this, as we have done in other Cases, for the Kingdom's Good. But, under this Pretence, finding no less involved in it than the Overthrow of the Privileges both of Parliament and People, wherein rather than they shall fail in their Designs, or we receive what in the Eyes of all good Men is just, endeavour to engage the Kingdom in a new War, and this singly by those who, when the Truth of these Things shall be made to appear, will be found the Authors of those Evils that are feared, as having no other Way to protect themselves from Question and Punishment but by putting the Kingdom into Blood, under Pretence of the Honour of and their Love to the Parliament, as if that were dearer to them than us, or as if they had given greater Proof of their Faithfulness to it than we. But we perceive that, under these Veils and Pretences, they seek to interest their Design (fn. 6) in the City of London, as if that City ought to make good their Miscarriages, and should prefer a few selfseeking Men before the Welfare of the Public: And indeed we have found these Men so active to accomplish their Designs, and to have such apt Instruments for their Turn in that City, that we have Cause to suspect they may engage many therein upon Mistakes, which are easily swallowed in Times of such Prejudice, against Men that have given (we may speak it without Vanity) the most Public Testimony of their good Affection to the Public, and to that City in Particular.

"For the Things we insist upon as Englishmen, and surely our being Soldiers hath not stripped us of that Interest, although our malicious Enemies would have it so; we desire a Settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, and of the Liberties of the Subject, according to the Votes and Declarations of Parliament, which, before we took up Arms, were by the Parliament used as Arguments and Inducements to invite us and divers of our dear Friends out (some of which have lost their Lives in this War); which being by God's Blessing finished, we think we have as much Right to demand and desire to see a happy Settlement, as we have to our Money, or the other common Interest of Soldiers which we have insisted upon. We find also the ingenuous and honest People, in almost all the Parts of the Kingdom where we come, full of the Sense of Ruin and Misery, if the Army should be disbanded before the Peace of the Kingdom and those other Things before mentioned have a full and perfect Settlement. We have said before, and professed now, we desire no Alteration of the Civil Government; we desire not to intermeddle with, or in the least to interrupt, the Settling of the Presbyterian Government, nor do we seek to open a Way to licentious Liberty, under Pretence of obtaining Ease for tender Consciences: We profess (as ever) in these Things (when the State has once made a Settlement) we have nothing to say, but submit or suffer. Only we could wish that every good Citizen, and every Man that walks peaceably in a blameless Conversation, and is beneficial to the Commonwealth, may have Liberties and Encouragements; it being according to the just Policy of all States, even to Justice itself.

"These in brief are our Desires, and the Things for which we stand; beyond which we shall not go: And, for the obtaining these Things, we are drawing near your City; professing sincerely from our Hearts, we intend not Evil towards you; declaring with all Confidence and Assurance, that, if you appear not against us in these our just Desires, to assist that wicked Party that would embroil us and the Kingdom, nor we nor our Soldiers shall give you the least Offence. We come not to do any Act to prejudice the Being of Parliaments, or to the Hurt of this in order to the present Settlement of the Kingdom. We seek the Good of all; and we shall here wait, or remove to a further Distance, there to abide (if once we be assured that speedy Settlement of Things be in Hand) until they be accomplished; which done, we shall be most ready, either all of us or so many of the Army as the Parliament shall think fit, to disband or go for Ireland. And although you may suppose that rich City may seem an enticing Bait to poor hungry Soldiers, to venture for to get the Wealth thereof, yet, if not provoked by you, we do profess, rather than any such Evil should fall out, the Soldiers shall make their Way through our Blood to effect it. And we can say this for most of them, for your better Assurance, that (fn. 7) they so little value their Pay in comparison of higher Concernments to a Public Good, that, rather than they will be unrighted in the Matter of their Honesty and Integrity, which has suffered by the Men they aim at and desire Justice upon, or want the Settlement of the Kingdom's Peace, and theirs with their Fellow-subjects Liberties, they will lose all; which may be a strong Assurance to you, that it is not your Wealth they seek, but the Things tending in common to your and their Welfare; which that they may obtain, you shall do like Fellow-subjects and Brethren, if you solicit the Parliament for them, and on their Behalf.

"If, after all this, you, or a considerable Part of you, be seduced to take up Arms, in Opposition to, or Hindrance of, these our just Undertakings, we hope, by this brotherly Premonition, to the Sincerity whereof we call God to witness, we have freed ourselves from all that Ruin which may befal that great and populous City, having hereby washed our Hands thereof. We rest

"Your affectionate Friends to serve you,

"Th. Fairefax.
H. Ireton.
Oliv. Cromwell.
Tho. Rainsborough.
Ro. Hamond.
J. Lambert.
Tho. Hamond.
Rob. Lilborne.
Hardres Waller.
T. Harrison.
Nath. Rich.
Tho. Pride.
John Disborowe.

"Directed,

"For the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the City of London.

"These, Haste.

"Concordat cum Original.

"Michell."

Order for 200l. for Capt. Farmer's Company of Dragoons.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That it be referred to the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland at Derby House, to take Care and give Order for the Quartering of Captain Farmer's Company of Dragoons, who are come off from the Army; and that Alderman Bunce and the rest of the Treasurers at Weavers Hall do pay the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, upon Accompt, to such as the said Committee at Derby House shall appoint to receive the same, to be issued and employed, by Order of the said Committee, for the Service of the said Company, and Discharge of their Quarters; and that the Acquittance of the said Person or Persons as shall be appointed by the said Committee shall be a sufficient Discharge to the said Treasurers at Weavers Hall, for Payment of the said Two Hundred Pounds accordingly."

Committees to join with the Committee for the City Militia, to put the Forces about London into a Posture for suppressing Tumults;

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That a Committee of Lords and Commons do join with the Committee of the Militia of the City of London, to advise, order, and direct, how the Forces of London and Westm'r, Lines of Communication, and Weekly Bills of Mortality, may be put into a Posture, for the Suppression of all Insurrections and Tumults that may arise, within the Cities of London, Westm'r, Lines of Communication, and Weekly Bills of Mortality, and for the Safety of Parliament and City; and that the Power of this Committee shall continue for a Month."

and to call in the Forces come from the Army.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That it be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to join with the Committee of the Militia, to confer with the said Committee, and, upon Advice with them to call into the City, if they shall think fit, Colonel Greaves, Colonel Pye, and the other Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, that are come off from the Army; and that they inform the Houses, from Time to Time, what Forces they do call in."

Letter to Sir T. Fairfax, for the Army not to come within Forty Miles of London.

"SIR,

"The Houses having this Day received Information, from their Commissioners, of the Advance of the Army nearer the City of London, threatening thereby Danger to the Parliament and City; they have commanded us, in their Names, to require you so to dispose your Motions and Quarters, that no Part of the Army may quarter within Forty Miles of London; that so the dangerous Consequences which may arise by any Fact so highly prejudicial to the Kingdom may be timely prevented. This being all we have in Command, we rest

Junii, 1647.

"Your loving Friends."

Committee of Safety to raise Forces for Defence of the Parliament.

"Be it Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Committee of Lords and Commons this Day appointed to join with the Committee of the Militia of the City of London shall be, and are hereby made and appointed, a Committee, to consult, advise, and put in Execution, all Ways and Means which in their Judgements may be necessary, for the Safety and Defence of the Kingdom, Parliament, and City; with Power to raise Horse and and Foot for that Purpose, and to send unto the Militia and Common Council of the City of London, and all Committees, Deputy Lieutenants, or other Person or Persons, such as they shall think fit, for their Advice and Assistance in order thereunto: Provided, That this Ordinance shall continue for a Month, and no longer."

"An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the enabling of the Committee of the Militia of the City of London to make Searches, and raise Horses.

Ordinance for the City Militia Committee to search for ill-affected Persons and Arms, &c. within the Lines; and to raise Horse.

"The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament do hereby Declare and Ordain, That the Committee of the Militia of London shall have Power, and are hereby authorized, by themselves or such as they shall appoint, to search all Houses and Places, within the Lines of Communication and Parishes mentioned in the Weekly Bills of Mortality, and Hamlets of The Tower, where the said Committee shall have Cause to suspect that any Papists are, or other Persons who cannot give a good Account of their Business or Abode within the Limits aforesaid, or who have or shall discover their ill Affection to the Parliament, for any Offence for which they ought to be sequestered, questioned, or punished, by any Ordinance of Parliament; and likewise to search for Arms, Ammunition, and Materials for War, in the Custody of such Persons, and to seize and take away the same, and to commit such Persons to safe Custody, or to expel them out of the Limits aforesaid, if they shall see Cause; and, in Case of Resistance, to command any Constable or Constables to break open any House or Place, within the said Limits, where any Resistance shall be made.

"And it is further Declared and Ordained, That the said Committee shall hereby have Power and Authority to charge such Inhabitants who are constantly dwelling within the Lines of Communication, and Parishes mentioned in the Weekly Bills of Mortality, and Hamlets of The Tower, or such Persons who have any Stocks going in Trade within the Limits aforesaid, and absent themselves (as shall appear to them to be able), to find and maintain Horses, with Riders and Furniture, at their proper Charge, for the Defence of the City and Parts adjacent (so as no Person shall be charged for the raising and maintaining of more than Two Horses), to be put under such Commanders and Officers as the said Committee shall think fit; and if any Person or Persons who shall be charged to find Horses, Riders, and Furniture, as is aforesaid, and shall refuse or neglect to provide the same within Three Days after Notice thereof given to them, or left in Writing at their Dwellings, shall forfeit and pay Twenty Pounds; and if they shall neglect or refuse to send forth their Horse or Horses, with Riders, provided and furnished as is aforesaid, when and as often as he or they shall be summoned thereunto by the said Committee, or such Commanders or Officers as they shall appoint, in Default thereof, that then they shall forfeit and pay Ten Shillings upon every such Failing, or suffer Four Days Imprisonment, without Bail or Mainprize, to be inflicted upon every such Offender, in such Manner and Form, and by such Officers and Persons, as are appointed for the inflicting of Penalties upon the Failing of the Foot Soldiers of the Trained Bands, expressed in an Ordinance, dated the 2d Day of May, Anno Domini 1643; and the said Fines to be employed by the said Committee, towards the Payment of the Commanders and Officers of the said Horse, and for such other Uses as the said Committee shall find necessary for the better carrying on the said Service.

"And be it hereby further Declared and Ordained, That, for the better executing of this present Ordinance, and such former Ordinances which are now in Force concerning the Militia of the City of London and the Places aforesaid, Power and Authority be hereby given to the said Committee, to make One or more Sub-committee or Sub-committees, within the said Limits, as they shall think fit, for the executing of this and the said former Ordinances; and all Constables, Headboroughs, and other Inferior Officers, within the said Limits, and all Commanders and Soldiers of the said Militia, are hereby required to obey and execute such Warrants as they, from Time to Time, shall receive from the said Committee, or their Sub-committee or Subcommittees, for and concerning the executing of the same accordingly.

"And lastly, That no Privileged Place or Person, within the Limits aforesaid, shall be exempted from the Power of this Ordinance, except the Peers of this Realm, and Members of the House of Commons, and Assistants of the House of Peers, and Officers and Attendants of both Houses of Parliament respectively, who shall be exempted from this Ordinance, and all Things therein contained.

"Provided, That this Ordinance shall continue for a Month, and no longer."

Officers and Soldiers, that come off from the Army, not to be prejudiced thereby.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That all such Officers or Soldiers of the Army as shall come off, and conform to the Votes sent down to the Army, shall receive the Benefit and Advantage of those Votes."

Order for 10,000l. for those who disband, and engage for Ireland.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds be paid, upon Accompt, by Alderman Bunce and the rest of the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, to such Person or Persons as the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland at Derby House and the Committee of the Army joined as to this Business, or any Six of them, shall appoint to receive the same, and issued by Order and Direction of the said Committee so joined, or any Six of them, for the Payment of such Officers or Soldiers as shall come off from the Army, according to the Votes sent last to the Army, touching such as disband, or engage for the Service of Ireland, being such of the Army as were mustered upon the last Muster, before the Votes passed both Houses for Disbanding; and that the Acquittance of the Person or Persons appointed by the Committees so joined as aforesaid, or any Six of them, to receive the said Ten Thousand Pounds, shall be a sufficient Discharge to the said Treasurers at Weavers Hall, for the Payment of the said Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds accordingly."

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 7a cras.

Footnotes

  • 1. Bis in Originali.
  • 2. Origin. Northumb.
  • 3. Origin. to as.
  • 4. This Marginal Note is in the Original.
  • 5. This Marginal Note is in the Original.
  • 6. Sic.
  • 7. Deest in Originali.