DIE Martis, 30 die Januarii.

PRAYERS.

Lords present this Day:

Ds. Grey de Warke, Speaker.

Report of the Conference concerning the Scottish Affairs.

Scotch Army of 21,000 Men near Alnwick.

The Speaker reported the Effect of the Conference with the House of Commons last Night, where Sir Henry said, "That they had received an Express from the Commissioners in Scotland; and the Messenger that brought this Express made a Narrative at this Bar of the marching of the Scottish Army into this Kingdom; and that he laft the Scottish Army within Seven Miles from Anwicke, consisting of Eighteen Thousand Foot, Three Thousand Horse and Dragoons:

"And next these Particulars were read,

"1. A Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons, written from the Committees of Parliament, dated at Barwicke, the 22 January, 1643.

(Here enter it.)

"2. Was read, A Letter sent to Sir Thomas Glemham, Governor of Newcastle, from the Committees at Barwicke. (Here enter it.)

"3. Was read, A Declaration of the Kingdom of Scotland, for Information and Satisfaction to their Brethren of England, concerning the present Expedition into England. (Here enter it.)

"4. A Paper of the Commissioners of Scotland was read. (Here enter it.)

"5. Was read, The Declaration of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, joined in Arms for the Vindication and Defence of their Religion, Liberties, and Laws, against the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Party.

"This Declaration hath passed the Convention of the Kingdom of Scotland, and the House of Commons; and their Lordships Concurrence herein was desired."

Scotch Commissioners coming up.

Next, it was reported, "The Lord Lowdon Chancellor of Scotland, the Lord Warriston, and Mr. Barckley, are come to Yarmouth; and the House of Commons thinks it fit that some Members of both Houses may be appointed to meet the said Commissioners, to shew the Respect and Honour to them as the Houses bears to them.

"The Lord Maitland is One other of the Commissioners; and the Lord Lowdon will not come yet this Twenty Days."

Lords appointed to meet them.

Hereupon this House Ordered, That the Earl of Stamford and the Lord Howard are appointed to go, with a proportionable Number of the House of Commons, to meet the Scottish Commissioners; and to take their own Time.

Declaration of both Kingdoms joined for Defence of Religion, &c.

Ordered, That the Declaration of the Two Kingdoms is referred to the Consideration of these Lords following, who are presently to consider of it:

Message from the H. C. to tender the Covenant to Officers in Courts of Justice;

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

To desire their Lordships (fn. *) Concurrence in these Particulars following:

1. For the tendering the Covenant to Officers in Courts of Justice.

and with Orders, &c.

2. An Order concerning Salt-petre.

3. An Order for taking the Accompts of the Kingdom.

4. An Ordinance for bringing Currants.

5. An Ordinance for securing Eight Thousand Pounds to the Merchants trading in the Levant Seas.

6. An Ordinance for appointing of Worcester-House to be for the Commissioners of Scotland.

Agreed to, with a small Addition.

Committee for the Revenues of the King, &c.

And it is Ordered, That these Lords following be added to be Committees, with the House of Commons, for to be Committees for the King's and Queen's and Prince's Revenue:

And to send to the House of Commons, to desire their Concurrence.

Declaration of both Kingdoms joined in Defence of Religion, &c.

The Lord Wharton reported from the Committee, That they have considered of the Declaration of the Two Kingdoms; and they (fn. *) think that it may (fn. †) pass as it is, without any Alterations; and they think it fit that it may be printed by Directions of this House, and by no other Printer, and subscribed by the Clerk of the Parliament; and they think it fit that a Committeee be appointed, to consider of what Ways and Means are fit to divulge it through the Kingdoms."

To be printed.

And this House agreed to this Declaration with a general Consent; and that it be printed by the Printer of this House, and none other upon their Peril.

(Here enter it.)

Committee to open a Packet sent from Oxford to the Lord General.

The Lord General acquainted this House, "That he received a Packet, by a Trumpeter, from the King; which being not opened, he desired the Direction of this House what to do herein, he perceiving that some Hands (fn. ‡) of Lords and Gentlemen at Oxford were in it:"

And this House Ordered, That
The Earl of Northumb.
Lord General,
Lord Admiral,
Earl Manchester, and
The Lord Wharton,

With a Committee of the House of Commons, shall meet, and open the Packet; and have hereby Power to do what they think fit to be done in this Business.

Message to the H. C. to appoint a Committee to join them.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page:

To let them know, that the Lord General hath received a Packet from the King; and this House hath appointed a Committee of Five Lords, to open the Packet, and have Power to do what they think fit upon the reading of them; and to desire the House of Commons to appoint a proportionable Number of their House to meet, with the like Power; and to meet presently.

Message to them, about Worcesterhouse; and the Committee for the King's, &c. Revenues;

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Serjeant Fynch and Dr. Aylett:

To let them know, that this House agrees to the Ordinance for appointing Wor'ster House for the Scotts Commissioners, with a few Alterations, wherein they desire Concurrence; and that the Committee of Five Lords may be added to the Committee for the King's Revenue.

for publishing the Declaration of the Two Kingdoms;

2. To let them know, that the Declaration of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland hath been passed this House with an unanimous Consent; and that their Lordships have Ordered the same to be printed, and that none shall print the same but the Printer of this House; and that their Lordships think it fit that a Committee of both Houses may be appointed to consider of what Way and Means (fn. ||) is fittest to disperse and publish the said Declaration through the Kingdoms.

to sit P. M.

3. To desire them to sit at Four of the Clock this Afternoon.

The Messengers return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

Answer from the H. C.

That they have appointed a Committee to join with the Five Lords, to open the Packet of Letters sent from the King; and they will meet presently.

Ordinance from the H. C. for Concurrence.

Next was read, The Order for the Covenant (fn. *) to be tendered to all Officers of Courts of Justice; and it was Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Next was read, An Ordinance for the securing of Eight Thousand Pounds to the Merchants trading in the Levant Seas. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

Next was read, an Ordinance for the bringing of Currants. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to, with this Alteration; in the 21th Line, instead of ["November"], put in ["February."]

Next was read, The Ordinance concerning Mr. Courten's Salt-petre. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

Answer from thence.

Serjeant Fynch and Dr. Aylett return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they agree to the Printing of the Declaration of both Kingdoms; and that none do print the same but such as their Lordships have appointed; and that they have nominated a Committee, to join with the Committee of Five Lords, to consider of the divulging of it.

(Here enter it.)

And concerning the Order for Worcester House, they do agree with their Lordships in the Alterations; but concerning the adding of the Committee of Lords to the Committee for the Revenue, they will send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

And lastly, that they intend to sit at Four of the Clock this Afternoon.

Curnock's Petition.

Upon reading the Petition of Symon Curnock: It is Ordered, That this House grants the said Petition accordingly as is desired. (Here enter it.)

Report of the opening the Packet sent from Oxford to the L. General.

The Earl of Northumb. reported, "That the Committee have opened the Packet to the Lord General, wherein is a large Parchment, signed by divers Lords and Gentlemen at Oxford, with a Letter from the Earl of Forth; and because it is without Directions to the Parliament, the Opinion of the Committee is, That it be left to the Lord General, to return an Answer to the Earl of Forth; and that, in his Packet, he send inclosed the Two Declarations passed this Day:" Which Opinion this House approved of, and Ordered the same accordingly. (Here enter the Order.)

Commissioners Letter from Berwick, that the Scotch Army is advancing towards Alnwick.

"SIR,

"By the Letters which herewith you shall receive, it may appear that no Neglect of ours, but the Crossness of the Winds, hath hindered your expected Intelligence, which we have been, and shall be, careful to give you of our Proceedings, as Opportunity shall permit. His Excellency the Earl of Leven came to Barwick the 11th of this Instant, and the Marquis of Argyll with others of the Committee the 13th, and had been here sooner had not some unexpected Business required their Presence at the Convention for some Time longer than they intended; some further Impediments have arisen by contrary Winds, hindering the bringing of the Ordnance and Ammunition which was to come by Sea, and by Snowy Weather something retarding the Marches of the Foot; yet a considerable Number both of Horse and Foot are already entered upon the 19th of this Instant, some by the Way of Berwick, others by Kelsay with Lieutenant General Bayley. The Enemy gives Way, and are retired to Alnewick, where Sir Thomas Glemham now is, to whom the Committees thought fit to send a Letter, the Copy whereof, together with his Answer, we send herewith. You may confidently expect all possible Endeavours from this Army, and (with God's Blessing) a Success: The Country stands well disposed to their Entertainment; and divers of them have already joined themselves to Colonel Welden, whose Horse wait upon the Lieutenant General. The Major General of the Horse this Day marches on towards Alnewick, as his Intelligence shall give him Leave; and the Foot follow on as fast as may be, to make good what the Horse gain; but, in regard of the Impossibility of lying abroad in this Extremity of Weather, the Army cannot march in a Body; but, so as they may have some reasonable Quarters, the Soldiers go on very chearfully; and we hope shortly (especially if Order be taken that some little Passage Vessels be sent to us, whereof we have none at present) to give you a good Account of their Proceedings.

"We have also herewith sent you a Result of both Committees concerning a Declaration, and together with it a Copy of the Declaration itself, as it hath been read and approved in the Convention of Estates, that it may receive the Resolution of both Houses; which is all we have to trouble you with at this Time: So we remain,

"Your humble Servants,

Barwick, 22th January, 1643.

"To Our Honoured Friend Wm. Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the House of Commons."

Letter from the Commissioners at Berwick, to Sir Thomas Glemham, &c. not to oppose the Scotch Army going to the Assistance of the Two Houses.

"Gentlemen,

"Although we justly presume that the Solemn mutual Covenant entered into by both Kingdoms hath long since come to your Hands, and likewise that you have had Notice of the raising of this Army desired by the Parliament of England for the Prosecution of those Ends therein expressed; videlicet, the Preservation and Reformation of Religion, the true Honour and Happiness of the King, and the Public Peace and Liberty of His Dominions; yet, that it may appear both to you and all the World, how unwilling we are to make a forceable Use of those Arms which we have been constrained (by the Disappointment of all other Means of Safety) to take up, we the Commissioners and Committees of both Kingdoms have thought fit, besides that Declaration (a Copy whereof we herewith send) lately (fn. *) emitted in the Name of the Kingdom of Scotland, for the Satisfaction of the People concerning the Entrance of this their Army, to take more particular Notice of you the Chief Gentlemen and Commanders; hoping likewise that Things of so great and considerable Consequence will find with you such Entertainment as may answer the Weight and Importance of them.

"We will not so much wrong the Cause we have undertaken, as to go about, after so many evident Demonstrations of the Necessity of our present Posture, to dispute it with you; but rather, instead of Arguments, we think it reasonable to acquaint you with our well-weighed Resolutions, which are, through the Assistance of that God in whose Cause we are engaged, and whose Strength alone we trust in, with our utmost Industry and Hazard, to endeavour the Prevention of that imminent Danger, not only of Corruption, but of Ruin, which we see evidently intended to the true Protestant Religion, by the Popish and Prelatical Faction, who never wanted Will, but now think they want not Strength and Opportunity, to accomplish it; as also the rescuing His Majesty's Person and Honour, so deeply and unhappily entangled in the Counsels and Practices of them whose Actions speak their Ends to be little better than Popery and Tyranny; and the redeeming the Peace and Liberty of His Dominions, in which the Irish Rebellion and the sad and unnatural Divisions in England have made so great a Breach.

"To the Accomplishment of these so just and honourable Designs, we have Reason to expect the Concurrence of all Men, who either owe or pretend a due Love to their Religion, King, and Country; and shall be very sorry to want yours: But if Misinformation, or any other unhappy Grounds, shall so far prevail with you as to reckon us in the Number of your Enemies (which certainly we are not, if you be Friends to those Ends mentioned in our Covenant); and if, instead of that Concurrence with us, which we with, and hope to deserve, we find from you Opposition and Acts of Hostility; the Law of Nature and your own Reason will tell you what you are to expect.

"We only add, that, though it will not a little trouble us to see Men withstanding not only us, but their own Good and Happiness, yet it doth in good Measure satisfy us, that we have not neglected this or any other Means, to the best of our Power or Understanding, to prevent their Inconveniencies and Mischiefs that may arise from the Acts of Force which we shall be necessitated unto.

"Subscribed at Barwick, the 20th of January, 1643, by the Warrant, and in the Name, of the Committees of both Kingdoms, by us,

"Your Friends,
A. Argyle.
Wm. Armyne.
Superscribed,

"For Sir Tho. Glemham, and the rest of the Commanders with him at Anwick, or elsewhere: These."

Another to Colonel Grey.

The like was also sent, with a printed Declaration inclosed, unto Colonel Grey, directed, "For Colonel Edward Grey, and the rest of the Gentlemen of Northumberland: These."

Vera Copia,
Wm. Roe, Secr. Commiss.

Sir Thomas Glemham's Answer to the Commissioners.

"My Lord,

"I have received, by your Trumpeter, a Letter from your Lordship and Sir Wm. Armyne: It is long, and of great Concernment; and the other directed to Colonel Grey, who, for the Reason beforementioned, and for that here are none but Officers, he cannot return you an Answer so suddenly by your Trumpeters: But I will send presently to Gentlemen of the Country, to come hither; and then you shall receive my Answer with the Officers, and theirs by themselves, by a Trumpeter of mine own. So I rest

"Your Servant,
Tho. Glemham."

Alnewick, 20th January, 1643.

His Pass for their Messengers.

"Thomas Glemham Knight, Governor of the City and Garrison of Yorke, Colonel General of the Foot, and Commander in Chief of the Four Northern Counties:

"To all Officers and Soldiers under my Command.

"You, and every of you, are hereby required to permit and suffer the Bearer hereof, Symond Stevens, Trumpeter to the Earl of Argyle, to pass all your Guards, Scouts, and Centinels, to Barwick, with a Letter to the said Earl and Sir William Armyne, without any of your Molestation or Interruption: Hereof you may not fail at your Perils.

"Given under my Hand and Seal at Alnewick, the 20th Day of January 1643.

"Tho Glemham."
Vera Copia,
William Roe, Secr. Commiss.

"A short Declaration of the Kingdome of Scotland, for Information and Sattisfaction to their Brethren of England, concerning the present Expedition into England.

Declaration of the Kingdom of Scotland, concerning the marching their Army into England.

"Although wee have Reason to beleeve that the bloody and barbarous Attempts of the Papists and theire Faction, both in England and Ireland, and the manifould Oppressions and Miseryes indured by those that stand well-affected to the Protestant Religion and theire Countryes Liberty, have made Way in the Hearts of Men for the ready Entertainment of Assistance from theire Brethren, whose earnest Desire it is, and whose utmost Endeavour it shall bee, to preserve and restore both unto them: yet, knowing how industrious the Malice of the Devill and his Instruments are, in raiseing Prejudices and fomenting Jealousyes betwixt them whose Hearts and Mindes ought to bee One, because theire Happines is the same, and particulerly betwixt us and our Brethren of England, that, by dividing us from each other, they might destroy us both; and that this our Second Expedition into England (which wee doubt not but God will blesse to the Advantage of that Nation, as He did our First to the Happines of our owne), instead of Wonder and Opposition, may finde the cheerefull Concurrence of all those, who, together with us, desire the Preservation and Reformation of Religion, the Honnor and Happines of the King, the Peace and Liberty of the Kingdomes; wee thought fitt to permitt this short, but free and ingenuous Declaration of our Grounds and Intentions in this our present Undertakeing, that soe wee may meete with none but such as wee may either finde peaceable or leave inexcusable.

"Whereas, therefore, the greatest Questions that are like to arise in this Busines may bee reduced to these Three Particulers; videlicet, the Justnes of our Cause, the Lawfullness of our Calling thereto, and for the Faithfullnes of our Carriages therein; wee shal (fn. *) hereby endeavour to give Sattisfaction in them all, and doubt not to doe it, unlesse there remaine some whose inveterate Malice hath produced in them a Resolution to bee unsattisfyed.

"As for the Cause and Ground of this Undertakeing, wee are not ignorant with how much Earnestnes the Sons of Slander and Perdition (whose Custome is to traduce those Proceedings which they knowe not how to disappointe) doe endeavor to possesse the Hearts of our Brethren, that wee are comeing to fish in the troubled Waters of England, to seeke and take our owne Advantages in the Midest of your Necessityes: But suffer not your Eares, much lesse your Hearts, to bee open to any such Delusions, whereof wee trust (fn. †) your Eyes shall shortly wittnes the Falshood: For as heareafter wee doubt not to appeale to our Carriages and your Consciences, besides your late Experience of our Religious Observance of our former Declarations of this Kinde; soe in the meane Tyme give us Leave to appeale to the Greate Searcher of Hearts, who knowes that, had not the Love of Christ, requireing Christians to beare one annother's Burden, and the Lawe of Nature, challenging our utmost Care and Endeavor for the Prevention of our owne Danger and Ruine, which an ordinary Understanding will easily see to bee wrapped upp in our Neighbours, and our Duty and Desire of rescueing the King from the Dangers wherein Hee is involved by the Company and pernicious Councell of those who are Enemyes to Religion, His Majesty's Happinesse, and Peace of His Dominions, called and compelled us to this Service, wee could with farre more Content and Sattisfaction to ourselves have enjoyed with Quietnesse our dry Morsell, then entered into your Houses full of Sacrifices of Striffe; which yet since wee are required and necessitated to, by that just Calling heareafter to bee mentioned, wee professe before God and the World, That our Hearts and Thoughts are cleane and free from any other Intentions then those expressed in our Solemne League and Covenant, in which wee are confederate with England; videlicet, the Preservation and Reformation of Religion, the Honnor and Happinesse of the King, and the Peace and Libertyes of the Kingdomes; all which wee now apprehend to be deepely indangered, by the Councells and Confederacyes of Papists, Prelats, Malignants, and theire Adherents, soe prevalent in England and Ireland; and wee shall noe otherwise desire a Blessing upon our Endeavors, then as they shal bee directed to the Conservation and Establishment thereof.

"And because it is not sufficient to bee ingaged in a good Cause, unlesse by a good Calling; wee doe hereby further Declare, That though the inseperable Interests of both Nations in theire Religion and Libertyes, which haveing the same comon Enemyes must looke to stand and fall together, might have given us sufficient Warrant to have endeavoured the Prevention of our owne Ruine, by preserving our Freinds and Brethren from Destruction; yet, that wee might bee the more fully and formaly obliged to this Christian Duty and Service, and soe the Mouth of Slander and Malice bee stopped, God hath soe Ordered Things in His wise and just Providence, that the Parliament of England, who (beside theire Interest in the Preservation and Reformation of Religion, and the Defence of the Lawes and Libertyes of the Kingdome, to which our Helpe is required) have a particular Obligation upon this Nation (as wee have formerly declared our Intentions published before our last Expedition) for refuseing to countenance or maintaine a Warre against us in the Yeare 1640, have thought fitt, by theire Commissioners enabled to that Effect, to desire a firme Union with us, and this just and necessary Assistance from us: And whereas it is to obyious to an Objection, that, the King's Commaund or Consent being noe Ingredient, our Calling is thereby rendred deficient; wee answere, that though, through the Injury of mischeivous Councells, both His Person and Personall Commaunds are withheld from us, yet His Honnor, His Happinesse, His Posterity, His Greate Councell, and the Welfare of His Kingdomes, call importunately to us for this tymely interposeing; soe that, unlesse wee can (which God forbidd) blott out of our Thoughts the Sence of Piety and Religion towards God, of Honnor and Duty towards our Soveraigne, and of Gratitude toward the Parliament and Kingdome of England, wee can in noe Wise resist our present Call to this Undertakeing. And lastly, for what concernes the Manner of the Pursuance of this just Cause and lawfull Calling; although the many frustrate Petitions and Remonstrances from both Kingdomes presented to His Majesty have left us only this Way, which yet is not intended against His Majesty's Person, nor any of His good Subjects, but those Enemyes of the King and Kingdomes with whome noe other Meanes can prevaile; yet wee shall dilligently endeavor soe to order the Affaires of our Army, that all Insolencyes, Rapines, Plunderings, and those other Calamityes that usually attend upon Warre, may bee prevented; and herein as with noe small Content to ourselves, soe with noe less Sattisfaction to you, are wee able to referre you to the Experience of our former Expedition (when our owne Necessity drove us into England, as now yours doe call us), to consider how little Damage was occasioned by our Meanes, how little Disorder was committed by us in any Place where wee came; and wee hereby promise the like Care and Dilligence shall bee renewed, and if possible double to that Effect: And that wee may not bee looked (fn. *) on with the Prejudice of Strangers, which wee hope the firme Union of this mutuall Covenant will weare out, there is a Committee of your owne Nation, the most of which are Parliament Men, such to whome you have committed the Trust and Care of your Religion, Lawes, and Libertyes, joyned with us, without whose Concurrence nothing that concernes you is to bee transacted: And to free you of all unjust Suspition, which if your Mindes are not ready to conceive, yet the malicious Mouthes of our Adversaryes and yours are ready to suggest, that, notwithstanding this Declaration, wee have some sinister and secrett Ends, which may prove prejudiciall to your Rights and Happines, bee it hereby made knowne unto you, That wee have freely ingaged ourselves, by an Article of the late Treaty betwixt the Nations, to give the Publique Faith of the Kingdome of Scotland unto the Kingdome of England, that neither our Enterance into, nor Continuance in, that Kingdome shall bee made Use of to any other Ends then expressed in the Covenant, and that Treaty subscribed to us by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes, which wee are resolved, to the Honnor of God and of this Nation, to keepe inviolate. And as our Freinds and Brethren may looke for Actions conforme to the Expressions of this Declaration, soe (fn. *) must the Malignants and implacable Opposers of the Ends declared in our Covenant expect nothing but an impartiall and vigorous Prosecution of the same; in which if any Evill befall them, wee are confident that the Judgment of wise and indifferent Men will reduce it to themselves, as the willfull Authors thereof.

"And finally wee Declare (against all false and artificall Relations), That wee are soe farre from desireing Harme or Losse to any of our Brethren of England, that our sincere and reall Intentions are not to add Fuell, nor bring Oyle, but Water to extinguish these lamentable Combustions and Fires, which wee have with soe much Duty and Love laboured to quench; that our takeing of Armes is not to make Warres (if wee be not necessitated), but to obtaine a better Ground and a more durable Peace, for enjoying of our Religion and Libertyes in all the Three Kingdomes; and that, the Wicked (who are the unworthy Authors of all our Troubles) being removed from our King, a right Understanding may bee established betwixt His Majesty and His People: And as wee have solemnely sworne to protect and defend all who shall enter in and adhere to this Covenant, soe doe wee certainly expect that our Brethren in England, who are zealous for the true Protestant Religion, loyall to the King, and faithfull for theire Country, will joyne and concurre with us in the most noble and just Wayes of procureing these just Desires; which being obtained, wee shall bee most willing and ready to retourne to our native Country; esteeming it our greatest Happines, that Truth with Peace may bee established in all His Majesty's Dominions.

"Arch. Primerose."

"Edinburgh, 26 December, 1643.

Paper from the English Committee and Scotch Commissioners, for a Declaration to be drawn, to avoid shedding Blood, and to distinguish Malignants from those that are misguided.

"Whereas the Two Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Convention of Estates of Scotland, have conferred special Power and Trust upon us their respective Committees and Commissioners, in those Things that concern the Conduct of the Scottish Army, raised conform to the Articles of the Treaty, in Pursuance of the Ends contained in the Covenant; we the said Commissioners and Committees, esteeming it agreeable to the Rules of Piety, that all possible Means may be used to avoid the shedding of Blood, and to reduce those that are misguided from such Errors as are so prejudicial to Religion, the Honour and Happiness of the King, the Liberties and Peace of the Kingdoms; and also thinking it agreeable to the Rules of Justice and Policy, that a due Distinction be made and observed, as betwixt the well-affected and those that have been or are malignant Opposers of those Ends declared in our Solemn Covenant, so likewise betwixt those Malignants themselves, according to their several Degrees of Enmity; have agreed, that a Declaration to the Ends and Purpose aforesaid be drawn, and also that this annexed Form be presented to the Houses of Parliament in England, and the Convention of Estates of Scotland, to the End it may receive their respective Resolution; and if they shall approve thereof, it may be forthwith published by them, in the Name of both Kingdoms.

"Ja. Primerose."
Wm. Roe, Secr. Commiss.

Ordinance for securing 8000 l. advanced by the Turkey Company.

"Whereas the Governor and Company of Merchants of London, trading into The Levant, have advanced, by Way of Loan, the Sum of Eight Thousand Pounds, for the Supply of the pressing Wants and Necessities of the Navy: It is therefore Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the said Eight Thousand Pounds, with Interest after the Rate of Eight per Cent. per Annum, shall be repaid and reimbursed out of the Excise or new Impost on Flesh and Salt, being appropriated for the Use of the Navy, within Six Months after the Date of this Ordinance, unto the said Governor and Company of Merchants trading into The Levant, or unto their Treasurer for the Time being; whose Receipt, with the Common Seal of the said Governor and Company, shall be a sufficient Discharge for the whole or any Part or Parcel thereof, unto the Commissioners of the said Excise or new Impost, who are hereby authorized to make due Payment thereof accordingly."

Ordinance for the Officers of the Courts of Justice, Lawyers, &c. to receive the Covenant.

"It is this Day Ordered, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Commissioners for the Great Seal of England be authorized, and are hereby required, to call before them all and every the Officers and Ministers, and all other Attendants, on the Great Seal, or Court of Chancery, King's Bench, Common Pleas, Exchequer, and Court of Wards and Liveries, and to tender unto every of them the Solemn League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honour and Happiness of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and such as shall either refuse or neglect to take the same, and all such as shall not make their Appearance, and give their Personal Attendance, in their several Places and Offices, before the last Day of this Term, not having a just Excuse for their Absence, shall forfeit their several and respective Offices and Places; and the same shall be determined, and become absolutely void to all Intents and Purposes, as if such Persons, Officers, and Ministers, were naturally dead: And it is further Ordered, by the said Lords and Commons, That no Serjeant at Law, or other Lawyer, Attorney, Clerk, or Solicitor, shall be admitted to practise before the said Commissioners, in the Court of Chancery, or in the King's Bench, Common Pleas, Exchequer, or Court of Wards and Liveries, or to prosecute or solicit any Cause in any of the said Courts of [ (fn. *) Law or] Chancery, before he shall have taken the said Solemn League and Covenant; which the said Commissioners are hereby likewise authorized and required to tender and administer unto them."

Ordinance concerning Salt-petre.

"Whereas there is a present Use for Gunpowder for the Service of the State, both by Land and Sea; for providing whereof, the Committee for the Safety of the Kingdom have contracted with William Courten Esquire, for all the Salt-petre he now hath, being the whole Parcels brought from The East Indies in the Ships called The Loyalty and Unity, by Estimation 3600 (fn. *) Hundred Weight of rough Salt-petre, or thereabouts, which he the said William Courteene is to deliver Double-refined, fit to make serviceable Powder, according to The Tower Proof, at the Rate of Five Pounds the Hundred Weight, each Hundred containing One Hundred and Twelve Pounds Weight (as amongst other Articles hereunto annexed for the Delivery thereof, signed and agreed to both by the Committee for the Safety of the Kingdom and the said Mr. Courteene, more fully appeareth): It is therefore Ordained, by the said Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the said William Courteene, or his Assigns, shall be duly paid for his Saltpetre, according to the Articles aforementioned, out of the Monies arising by the several Excises of the 11th of September last, and of the 10th of January Instant; videlicet, Five Thousand Pounds shall be paid out of the Ordinance of Excise of the 11th of September, and Five Thousand Pounds more shall be paid out of the Ordinance of Excise of the 10th of January; and if the said Salt-petre shall amount unto a greater Sum than Ten Thousand Pounds, he shall be then further paid such Surplus out of the said Two Ordinances, equally to be divided as aforesaid; and the said Officers and Collectors of the said respective Excises are hereby authorized and required to make Monthly Payments to the said William Courteene, or his Assigns, after the Rate aforementioned, for such Quantities as shall be Monthly delivered in according to his Articles, and certified under the Hand-writing of Henry Parker Esquire, being appointed Register for that Purpose by the Committee aforesaid; whose Certificate of the Quantities delivered from Time to Time, together with the said Wm. Courteen's Receipts, or his Assigns, for the respective Sums of Money paid to him or his Assigns, shall be a sufficient Discharge to the said Officers or Collectors of the respective Excises, for Payment thereof.

"And to the End that the Salt-petre delivered in from Time to Time by Mr. Courteene may be refined to the just Height as is agreed upon by the Articles; (fn. †) it is further appointed, that Nathaniell Sickes a Salt-petre-man be authorized to make (fn. ‡) Proof thereof, who is to take Care that the several Quantities of the said Salt-petre be refined in all respects as by the Articles it ought to be."

"Articles agreed upon between the Honourable Committee for the Safety of the Kingdom and William Courteene Esquire, January 1643.

Courteen's Agreement; with the Committee of Safety for Salt-petre.

"That the said William Courteene shall, at his Cost and Charges, cause to be Double-refined, fit to make Gunpowder, the Parcels of East India Salt-petre, of about Weight, received and imported the last Summer, by the Ships Loyalty and Unity from The East Indias, and now lying (fn. ||) in Warehouses at Summers Key and Horsey Downes.

Which Salt-petre, so refined, the said Mr. Courteen shall cause to be delivered in a Storehouse at Broken Wharse, in good and sufficient Cask, no Cask exceeding the Bulk of a Hogshead, and there to be weighed, at his Charge, likewise where it shall be proved by Nathaniell Sickes; and if upon Proof it be found defective of its aforesaid Goodnefs, then such Abatement of Weight to be made by the said William Courteene upon every Cask as by the said Mr. Henry Parker and Mr. Nathaniell Sickes shall be thought indifferent.

"That the said William Courteene give Notice Two or Three Days before he intend to deliver or weigh his Salt-petre, that Attendance may be given for Receipt and Weighing thereof accordingly.

"That the Delivery of the Salt-petre aforesaid be in Manner following; videlicet, One Quarter of the whole Parcel within after the Date of the Ordinance for Payment, One other Quarter within Two Months, One other Quarter within Three Months, and the Remainder within Four Months.

"That the Committee shall pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said William Courteene, or his Assigns, after the Rate of Five Pounds the Hundred Weight, containing One Hundred and Twelve Pounds of Doublerefined Salt-petre, fit to make Gunpowder, according to The Tower Proof.

"That the said William Courteene shall not sell or dispose of any Part of the said Parcels to any Persons whatsoever, without the Consent of the said Committee."

Order for Worcester House to be fitted up for the Scots Commissioners.

"It is this Day Ordered, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That Worcester House be forthwith fitted and prepared for the Receipt and Accommodation of the Commissioners and Committees sent from our Brethren of Scotland; and that all Manner of Household Stuff, Linen, and other Necessaries for the same, be provided and supplied out of any of His Majesty's Wardrobes and other Stores, to make up what is wanting at the present in the said House; and in case there be not found sufficient in all Particulars in the said Wardrobes, the Residue shall then be supplied out of the sequestered Goods at Cambden House, or elsewhere; and the [ (fn. *) Care of the] Premises is committed unto Cornelius Holland, Michaell Holdesworth, Esquires, Members of the House of Commons, and Mr. Kendall, Mr. Steele, and Mr. Ball; and they, or any Two or more of them, are, by virtue of this Order, to demand and receive such Household Stuff, Linen, and other Necessaries as aforesaid, out of the Wardrobes or Places abovementioned; and are to cause true Inventories to be made of what shall be delivered as aforesaid, which, subscribed by the said Committee, shall, by virtue hereof, be a sufficient Warrant to all Persons whom it may concern, for the Delivery of the Premises, for the Uses aforesaid: And the said Committee are hereby directed to require the Aid and Assistance of all such Persons in whose Charge the aforesaid Wardrobe Stuff and Stores are; and that the Committee for the King's Revenue do supply all such Monies as shall be found necessary for the said Service, by the Advice of this Committee."

Ordinance to allow the Importation of Currants from the Turks Dominions.

Whereas, by an Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament, made the 26th Day of August 1642 (for the Reasons in the said Ordinance mentioned), the Importation of Currants from any Part beyond the Seas was utterly inhibited and forbidden: Now forasmuch as the Lords and Commons in Parliament, upon the humble Petition of The Levant Company, are informed, that the Reasons upon which the said Ordinance was grounded doth not extend to the Currants of the Growth of The Morea, within the Dominions of the Grand Signior, where is a great Vent of many Thousand Broad Cloths Yearly of the Manufactures of this Kingdom, exported by the said Company, as well into The Morea as other Places within the Dominions of the Grand Signior, and the Rates and Taxes put on those Currants far more reasonable than those under the Government of the State of Venice: It is therefore Ordered, That it shall and may be lawful to and for The Levant Company, at all Time and Times, from and after the 1st Day of February 1643, to bring into this Kingdom all such Currants as are of the Growth of The Morea; and, after due Entries of the said Currants made in the Customhouse, and the Duties and Customs for the same duly paid, the said Company shall have Power to land and put to Sale all such Currants, any Act or Ordinances of Parliament to the contrary in any Wise notwithstanding: Provided, That Oath be made in the Custom-house where such Entries shall be made, that the said Currants so entered were laden from The Morea, or some other Place within the Grand Signior's Dominions."

Lord General to send the Declaration of Scotland, Covenant, and other Papers, to the Earl of Forth.

Ordered, That my Lord General shall be desired to send to the Earl of Forth the Declaration of the Kingdom of Scotland concerning their coming into England, and the Declaration lately passed both Kingdoms, and the National Covenant, and such other Matters as his Excellency in his Wisdom shall think fit.

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 9^a, Thursday next.

Footnotes