House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 22 January 1689

Martis, 22 die Januarii, 1688.

Meeting of Convention.

Mr. Powle chosen Speaker.

HIS Highness the Prince of Orange having, at the Desire of divers of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, of the Parliaments in the Reign of the late King Charles the Second, assembled at Westminster on the Twenty-sixth Day of December 1688, issued out his Letters for calling a Convention to meet and sit at Westminster on Tuesday the Two-and-twentieth Day of January next following; upon which Day a great Number of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, who were returned in to the Clerk of the Crown, to serve as Members of the House of Commons in the said Convention, pursuant to his Highness's said Letters, met accordingly about Nine of the Clock in the Morning, in the Commons House of Parliament at Westminster: And the said Members having taken their Places, the Right honourable the Earl of Wiltshire rose up, and put the House in mind, that the first Business to be done was, to choose their Speaker; and that there was an honourable Person in his Eye, whom he conceived very well experienced in Methods of Parliament, and every way qualified for that Place; and therefore proposed the Right honourable Henry Powle, Esquire: Who, being fully approved of, by a general Call upon him to the Chair, was, by the said Earl, and the honourable Sir Vere Fane, Knight of the Bath, conducted to, and placed in, the Chair of the said House (the usual Place of the Speaker:) Where being sat he spake to this Effect:

Gentlemen,

"I know very well, that Excuses from this Place are looked upon only as Formalities; but I am so sensible of my own defects, and so desirous, that this House may not receive any Prejudice by them, that I most earnestly intreat you, that, amongst so many worthy and experienced Members, as are met here this Day, you would make Choice of one that is better able to perform the Duty of this Place."

But his Excuse not being allowed, the Mace was called for, and placed upon the Table.

Officers chosen.

Afterwards the House proceeded to the Choice of their Officers: And,

It was Resolved, upon the Question, That Paul Jodrell, Esquire, be Clerk of this House to attend the same.

Resolved, &c. That Samuel Guillym, Esquire, be Clerk Assistant, to attend this House.

Resolved, &c. That John Topham, Esquire, be Serjeant at Arms, to attend this House.

And the said several Officers, being within the House, took their Places accordingly.

Members called over.

The Clerk of the Crown having delivered to the Clerk of this House the Book of Returns of the Members chosen to serve in this Convention;

The House was called over; and each Member present, upon his being named, stood up in his Place, and answered thereunto; and the whole Book being gone through, the Defaulters were noted down.

Prince of Orange's Letter.

Mr. Jepson, Secretary to his Highness the Prince of Orange, acquainted the House, that he had a Letter directed to them from his Highness, which he carried up, and presented to Mr. Speaker: Which Mr. Speaker read to the House, and is as followeth:

Gentlemen,

I have endeavoured, to the utmost of my Power, to perform what was desired from me, in order to the publick Peace and Safety; and I do not know, that any Thing hath been omitted, which might tend to the Preservation of them, since the Administration of Affairs was put into my Hands: It now lieth upon You to lay the Foundations of a firm Security for your Religion, your Laws, and your Liberties.

I do not doubt, but that, by such a full and free Representative of the Nation as is now met, the Ends of my Declaration will be attained: And since it hath pleased God hitherto to bless my good Intentions with so great Success, I trust in Him, that he will complete His own Work, by sending a Spirit of Peace and Union to influence your Councils, that no Interruption may be given to a happy and lasting Settlement.

The dangerous Condition of the Protestant Interest in Ireland requiring a large and speedy Succour, and the present State of Things abroad oblige me to tell you, that, next to the Danger of unseasonable Divisions amongst yourselves, nothing can be so fatal as too great Delay in your Consultations.

The States, by whom I have been enabled to rescue this Nation, may suddenly feel the ill Effects of it, both by being too long deprived of the Service of their Troops, which are now here, and of your early Assistance against a powerful Enemy, who hath declared War against them: And as England is, by Treaty, already engaged to help them, upon any such Exigencies, so I am confident, that their chearful Concurrence to preserve this Kingdom, with so much Hazard to themselves, will meet with all the Returns of Friendship and Assistance, which may be expected from you as Protestants and Englishmen, whenever their Condition shall require it.

Given at St. James's, this Two-and-twentieth Day of January, 1688-9.

To the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, assembled at Westminster, in this present Convention.

Address to the Prince of Orange.

A Motion being made, That the humble Thanks of this House be returned to his Highness the Prince of Orange, for the great Deliverance he hath (by God's Assistance) wrought for this Nation, and, for the Care he hath taken in the Administration of Affairs till this Time; and that his Highness be desired to continue the same, till further Application be made unto him;

A Debate arose in the House thereupon.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw up and prepare an humble Address unto his Highness the Prince of Orange, upon the Debate of the House:

And it is referred to Mr. Hampden, Mr. Finch, Mr. Polexfen, Sir Thom. Clarges, Sir Edw. Seymour, Colonel Birch, Mr. Garway, Sir Rich. Temple, Sir Tho. Lee, Sir Edw. Harley, Mr. How, Sir James Oxenden, or any Three of them, to prepare the same: Who are immediately to withdraw into the Speaker's Chamber for that Purpose; and to bring the same into the House with all convenient Speed.

Grand Committees.

Ordered, That the Grand Committee for Religion do sit every Tuesday, in the Afternoon, in the House.

Ordered, That the Grand Committee for Grievances do sit every Thursday, in the Afternoon, in the House.

Ordered, That the Grand Committee for Courts of Justice do sit every Saturday, in the Afternoon, in the House.

Ordered, That the Grand Committee for Trade do sit every Monday, in the Afternoon, in the House.

Committee of Privileges.

Resolved, That a Committee of Elections and Privileges be appointed of the Persons following; viz.

Sir Henry Capell, Sir John Lowther, Sir Edw. Harley, Lord Castleton, Sir Tho. Littleton, Marquis of Worcester, Sir Rich. Onslow, Sir Scroope How, Sir Mich. Wharton, Sir George Treby, Lord Ranelagh, Colonel Sidney, Sir Hen. Winchcombe, Sir Rich. Temple, Mr. Thomas Wharton, Mr. Arnold, Sir Fran. Russell, Sir Wm. Ellis, Lord Colchester, Mr. Leveson Gower, Sir Roger Cave, Mr. Done, Mr. Windham, Sir Robert Sawyer, Lord Falkland, Sir Patience Ward, Sir Wm. Williams, Mr. Love, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Philip Foley, Mr. Paul Foley, Lord Coote, Alderman Pilkington, Mr. Hen. Polexfen, Sir Wm. Poultney, Mr. Godolphin, Sir Tho. Clarges, Mr. Howe, Mr. Eyres, Mr. Denzile Onslow, Mr. Bockland, Mr. Garway, Sir Rowland Gwynne, Mr. Stockdale, Mr. Sommers, Sir Will. Gregory, Sir Peter Rich, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Mr. Tho. Foley, Lord Wiltshire, Sir Fran. Ware, Sir Fran. Drake, Mr. Gwynne, Mr. Wortley, Sir James Rushot, Mr. Tho. Howard, Mr. John Polexfen, Sir Wm. Strickland, Mr. Hampden, Mr. Wallopp, Mr. Kendall, Mr. Gee, Lord Cornbury, Mr. Forrester, Mr. Cary, Major Wildman, Mr. Etricke, Sir James Hayes, Col. Birch, Sir John Knatchbull, Mr. Bromley, Mr. St. John, Sir Robert Clayton, Mr. Dolben, Mr. Parker, Mr. Freake, Sir Edw. Acton, Mr. Jephson, Sir John Moreton, Sir Vere Fane, Mr. Ash, Colonel Lee, Mr. Buscowen, Mr. Churchill, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Harbord, Sir Walter Young, Mr. Chadwick, Lord Sherrard, Mr. Dowdeswell, Mr. Courtney, Sir Christopher Nevile, Mr. Papillion, Mr. Herbert, Colonel Strangewayes, Mr. Foot Onslowe, Mr. Grey, Sir Richard Newdigate: And all that come are to have Voices: And they are to meet To-morrow in the Afternoon, at Three of the Clock in Speaker's Chamber; and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at the Time and Place before-mentioned; and to take into their Consideration all such Matters as shall or may come in Question, touching Returns, Elections, and Privileges; and to proceed upon double Returns in the first Place; and to report their Proceedings, with their Opinions therein, to the House from time to time: And all Persons that will question Returns are to do it in Fourteen Days next, and so in Fourteen Days after any new Return shall be brought in: And that all Members upon double Returns do forbear to sit until the Point of the double Return is determined, unless they be returned in the several Certificates, or Indentures; and that all such who are so returned in the several Certificates, or Indentures, may sit: And the said Committee is impowered to send for Witnesses, Persons, Papers, and Records, for their Information: And all Members who are returned for Two or more Places, are to make their Elections by this Day Three Weeks, for which of the Places they will serve, provided there be no Question upon the Return for either Place. And if any thing shall come in Question touching the Return, Election, or Matter of Privilege, of any Member of this Committee, he is to withdraw during the Time the Matter is in Debate.

Wallingford Election.

A Petition of John Dormer, Esquire, complaining of an undue Return of Members, for the Borough of Wallingford in the County of Berks, to serve in this present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Rygate Election.

A Petition of Thomas Vincent, Esquire, complaining of an undue Return made of Burgesses, to serve in this Convention, for the Borough of Rygate in the County of Surrey, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee for Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Taunton Election.

A Petition of John Trenchard, and Edward Clarke, Esquires, complaining of great Riots and Abuses, committed at the Election of Burgesses, to serve in this present Convention, for the Borough of Taunton in the County of Somersett; and of an undue Return made thereupon, in Injury of the Petitioners.

Ordered, That the Matter of the said Petition be heard at the Bar of this House on Tuesday the Fifth Day of February next.

Devizes Election.

A Petition of Sir John Eyles, and Wm. Trenchard, Esquire, complaining of an undue Return of Burgesses, to serve in this present Convention, for the Borough of Devizes, in the County of Wilts, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

East Grinstead Election.

A Petition of John Conyers, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Members, for the Borough of East Grinstead in the County of Sussex, to serve in this present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Malbrough Election.

A Petition of Nath. Bailey, Gentleman, and others, on the Behalf of themselves, and the major Part of the Burgesses and Inhabitants of the Borough of Malbrough, in the County of Wilts, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Members for the said Borough, to serve in the present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Andover Election.

A Petition of Sir Robert Henley, Knight, and John Venables, Esquire, on Behalf of themselves, and the Body of the Burgesses of the Borough of Andover in the County of Southampton, complaining of an undue Return, made by the Bailiff of the said Borough, of Burgesses to serve in this present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Essex Election.

A Petition of John Lamott Honeywood, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Knights, for the County of Essex, to serve in this present Convention; and also of undue Practices of the Coroners of the said County, in relation thereunto, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

New Sarum Election.

A Petition of Samuel Ayres, Esquire, and David Thomas, Doctor in Physick, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Citizens for the City of New Sarum in the County of Wilts, to serve in this present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and to report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Wallingford Election.

A Petition of William Jennens, Esquire, complaining of a double Return made, of Members, for the Borough of Wallingford in the County of Berks, to serve in this present Convention, in Prejudice of the Petitioner, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Manner of filling up Vacancies.

John Arnold, Esquire, a Member of this House, being elected and returned, to serve in this present Convention, as well for the Borough of Monmouth, as for the Borough of Southwarke; and having this Day made his Election, to serve for the Borough of Southwarke; and the House being also informed, that, by reason of the Promotion of the Lord Houghton to the House of Peers, upon the Death of his Father the Earl of Clare, there is a Vacancy for the County of Nottingham, for which his Lordship was chosen One of the Knights;

A Motion was made, That the House would consider of a proper Way for filling up Vacancies; which have already happened, or shall hereafter happen.

And a Debate arising thereupon in the House;

Ordered, That the Debate be adjourned.

Colchester Election.

A Petition of Sir Walter Clarges, Baronet, complaining of an undue Return and Election of Mr. Samuel Reignalds and Mr. Isaac Rebow, for the Borough of Colchester, in Injury of the Petitioner, who ought to be returned to serve in this present Convention, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Cricklade Election.

A Petition of Thomas Freake, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Members, for the Borough of Cricklade, in the County of Wills, to serve in this present Convention; and of divers undue Proceedings at the Time of the said Election; was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Day of Thanksgiving.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Robert Atkyns and Mr. Whitlock;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have sent us to acquaint this House with an Order; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House;

The Messengers being withdrawn; the Order was read; and is as follows:

"Die Martis, 22 Januarii, 1688."

"Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and That Thursday the 31th of January instant be and is hereby appointed for the City of London, and Ten Miles Distance, for a Day of public Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for having made his Highness the Prince of Orange the glorious Instrument of the great Deliverance of this Kingdom from Popery and Arbitrary Power: And that Thursday the 14th of February next be and is hereby appointed, for a public Thanksgiving, throughout the whole Kingdom, for the same."

Resolved, &c. That the Blank be filled up with the Word "Commons."

And the said Order being read a Second time, with the said Amendment.

Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Order, with the said Amendment.

The Messengers being called in, Mr. Speaker acquainted them with the Concurrence of the House to the said Order, with the said Amendment.

Message from Lords to continue Sitting.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cooke and Sir John Francklin;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords do desire, that this House will be pleased to continue sitting some time longer.

The Messengers being withdrawn;

Resolved, That this House will continue sitting for some time longer.

The Messengers being again called in; Mr. Speaker acquaints them with the said Resolve of the House.

Old Sarum Election.

A Petition of Sir Thomas Mompesson and Sir Eliab Hervey, Knights, complaining of illegal Practices committed in the Election of Members to serve in this present Convention for the Borough of Old Sarum in the County of Wilts; and of undue Return made thereupon, in Injury of the Petitioner; was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Address to the Prince of Orange.

Mr. Hampden reports from the Committee appointed to draw up an Address to his Highness the Prince of Orange, upon the Debate of the House, an Address agreed to by the Committee: Which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same being again read, was, upon the Question, agreed to by the House; and is as followeth;

WE the Commons, now assembled at Westminster, do, with all Thankfulness, acknowledge the great Deliverance this Nation has received by the seasonable Assistance which it has pleased Almighty God to put into your Highness' Heart, to bring unto us against that Power which had introduced Popery and Slavery; and for the Care your Highness has been pleased to take in the Administration of publick Affairs, in pursuance of the Advice of divers Commoners of England, lately assembled at your Highness' Desire, in this extraordinary Conjuncture.

In pursuance of the same Advice, we are now met, and do sit, at Westminster this 22th Day of January, being chosen upon your Highness's Letters, directed to the several Counties, Cities, Universities, Boroughs, and Cinque Ports, who have Right to send Members to Parliament, according to such Right; and observing that the Desire and Advice of that late Assembly to your Highness, to take upon you the Administration of publick Affairs, extended no farther in Time than this present 22th Day January; but, having in our Eyes the same desirable Ends, for which that Advice was given, the Preservation of our Religion; Laws, and Liberties, and the Peace of the Nation; do make it our unanimous Request to your Highness, that you will continue the same Administration in all Particulars, in the aforesaid Advice expressed, until further Application, in reference thereto, shall be made to your Highness by us the Commons now assembled at Westminster, as aforesaid.

Resolved, That the Lords Concurrence be desired to the said Address.

Ordered, That Mr. Hampden do carry up the said Address to the Lords for their Concurrence.

State of the Nation.

A Motion being made, that the House would appoint a Day to take into Consideration the Condition and State of the Nation;

Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That this House do, on Monday next, at Ten of the Clock in the Morning, take into Consideration the Condition and State of the Nation.

Address to the Prince of Orange.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Rob. Atkyns and Mr. Serjeant Holt;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to attend this House, with an Address to his Highness the Prince of Orange; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The Messengers being withdrawn; the Address sent down from the Lords was read; and is as followeth;

WE the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, assembled at Westminster, being highly sensible of the great Deliverance of this Kingdom from Popery and Arbitrary Power; and that our Preservation is (next under God) owing to your Highness; do return our most humble Thanks and Acknowledgments to your Highness, as the glorious Instrument of so great a Blessing to us.

We do further acknowledge the great Care your Highness has been pleased to take in the Administration of the publick Affairs of the Kingdom to this Time; and we do most humbly desire your Highness, that you will take upon you the Administration of publick Affairs both Civil and Military, and the Disposal of the publick Revenue, for the Preservation of our Religion, Rights, Laws, Liberties and Properties, and of the Peace of the Nation; and that your Highness will take into your particular Care the present Condition of Ireland, and endeavour, by the most speedy and effectual Means, to prevent the Dangers threatening that Kingdom: All which we make our Request to your Highness to undertake and exercise, till further Application shall be made by us; which shall be expedited with all convenient Speed; and shall use our utmost endeavours to give Dispatch to the Matters recommended to us by your Highness' Letter.

Resolved, That the Blank be filled up with the Word "Commons."

And the said Address, with the said Amendment, being again read;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Address, with the said Amendment.

Ordered, That Sir Henry Capell do carry up the Address to the Lords, and acquaint them with the Concurrence of this House thereunto, with the said Amendment.

Defaulters at Call of the House.

Ordered, That the Names of such Members of the House, certified by the Clerk of the Crown, who made Default this Day upon the Calling over the House, be again called over on Saturday next: And that the Clerk of the Crown do, upon Saturday Morning next, bring in a Certificate of all the Returns now wanting, that shall be brought in by that Time; and that the same be then called over also.

Message from Lords to continue sitting.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cooke and Sir John Francklyn:

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House, that they are sending to his Highness the Prince of Orange, to know what Time he will please to appoint this Evening to be attended by both Houses; and that their Lordships do desire, that this House will please to continue sitting, until they receive his Highness's Answer.

The Messengers being withdrawn;

Resolved, That this House will continue sitting, as the Lords do desire.

The Messengers being called in, Mr. Speaker acquaints them with the said Resolve.

Dr. Burnett to preach on 31 Jan.

Ordered, That the Reverend Dr. Gilbert Burnett be desired to preach before this House at St. Margaret's Westminster, the 31th of January instant, the Thanksgiving Day; and that Mr. Dalben do acquaint him with such the Desire of this House.

Rye Election.

A Petition of Sir John Austen, complaining of an undue Return of Barons to serve in this present Convention, for the Town of Rye, in the County of Sussex, in Injury of the Petitioner, was read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Privileges; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Stairs, &c. to be kept clear.

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms, attending this House, do take effectual Care to keep the Stairs and Passages to the House free from Interruption by Footmen and Lacqueys: And that no Footman or Lacquey do presume to stand or remain upon the Stairs; whereof they are hereby required to take special Notice, and demean themselves accordingly: And that this Order be affixed on the Doors of Westminster Hall, and the Posts, and other convenient Places adjacent to this House.

Buckingham Borough Election.

A Petition of Sir Peter Tyrrell, Baronet, and Rich. Atkyns, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election returned of Members to serve in this present Convention, for the Borough and Parish of Buckingham in the County of Buckingham, . . . read.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; to examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

A Motion being made, that the Votes of this House be printed;

And a Debate arising thereupon;

The Question was put, that they be printed, accordingly:

And it passed in the Negative.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cooke and Sir John Francklyn;

Prince of Orange appoints to be attended.

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House, That his Highness the Prince of Orange hath sent them an Answer to their Message, That he is ready to receive both Houses at St. James's: And that their Lordships are going immediately thither.

The Messengers being withdrawn;

Resolved, That this House do forthwith go in a Body, with Mr. Speaker, attended with the Mace, to accompany the Lords to his Highness the Prince of Orange.

The Messengers, being called in, were, by Mr. Speaker, acquainted with the said Resolve.

And then the House, adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Ten of the Clock.