House of Commons Journal Volume 12: 12 December 1698

Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 12, 1697-1699. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1803.

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Citation:

'House of Commons Journal Volume 12: 12 December 1698', in Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 12, 1697-1699(London, 1803), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol12/pp349-354 [accessed 30 April 2025].

Lunæ, 12 die Decembris;

10° Gulielmi Tertii.

Prayers.

Members take Oaths.

SEVERAL other Members took the Oaths; and made and subscribed the Declaration; and signed the Association.

Seizures upon Outlawries.

A Bill for discharging Seizures upon Outlawries in the Exchequer upon Civil Causes was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

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 Trade do sit every Saturday in the Afternoon, in the House.

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

Committee of Privileges.

Ordered, That a Committee of Privileges and Elections be appointed of Sir Rowland Gwynne, Sir John Philipps, Mr. Fox, Lord Cheine, Mr. Gerrard, Lord Pawlett, Mr. Mounstevens, Mr. Harcourt, Lord Ranelagh, Mr. Tredenham, Sir Wm. Cowper, Mr. Eyre, Sir Sam. Barnardiston, Sir Henry Parker, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Cowper, Mr. Blofeild, Sir Cha. Carteret, Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Pye, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Chetwyn, Sir John Packington, Mr. Probert, Sir Robert Edon, Mr. Lowther, Mr. Rowney, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Boscawen, Lord Norris, Sir Owen Buckingham, Sir Edward Leighton, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Freke, Mr. Culliford, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Robert Davers, Mr. Poultney, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Beake, Sir Tho. Willoughby, Sir Wm. Robinson, Colonel Rolls, Sir' John Wynn, Mr. Heveningham, Sir Robert Masham, Mr. England, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Price, Mr. Ireton, Mr. Pelham, Sir Chr. Hales, Sir Fra. Molyneux, Sir Wm. Cook, Lord Dysert, Sir Wm. Coriton, Sir Wm. Ashurst, Mr. Dore, Mr. Vernon, Lord Bulkly, Sir Edw. Hussey, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Offley, Lord Coningsby, Mr. Dyott, Sir Cha. Hedges, Sir Rich. Onslow, Mr. Vincent, Sir Henry Ashurst, Mr. Sloane, Mr. Lee, Mr. Perry, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Popham, Mr. Gorges, Sir Edward Blackett, Mr. Woollaston, Mr. Thurland, Mr. Worsley, Mr. St. John, Mr. Davey, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Carter, Sir Wm. St. Quintin, Mr. Phippard, Sir Abstrupus Danby, Sir Richard Cox, Mr. Cook, Mr. Packhurst, Sir Edward Hungerford, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Yates, Mr. Freeman, Sir Cha. Sidley, Sir John Austin, Mr. Pitfeild, Mr. Pynnell, Sir Jo. Lev. Gower, Sir Jacob Ashley, Mr. Gower, Mr. Montague, Sir Rich. Farrington, Sir Hen. Goodrick, Sir Wm. Norreys, Mr. Robert Bertie, Mr. Culliford, Mr. York, Mr. Henley, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Yate, Sir Barth. Shore, Mr. Ogle, Mr. Ashurst, Sir James Houblon, Lord Hartington: And they are to meet upon Wednesday next, at Three a Clock in the Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber; and to sit every Friday, Monday, and Wednesday, in the Afternoon: And all that come are to have Voices: And they are to take into 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 Opinion 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 within Fourteen Days next after any new Return that shall be brought in: And the Committee is to have Power to send for Persons, Papers, and Records, for their Insormation: 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 that Place: And if any thing shall come in Question touching the Return, Election, or Matter of Privilege, of any Member, he is to withdraw during the time the Matter is in Debate: And that all Members returned upon Double Returns do withdraw, till their Returns are determined.

Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, That they do admit but Two Counsel of a Side to be heard in any Cause before them.

Apprehension for Breach of Privilege.

Resolved, That no Person be taken into Custody of the Serjeant at Arms, upon any Complaint of Breach of Privilege, until the Matter of such Complaint have been examined by the Committee of Privileges; and reported to the House.

Members Privilege.

Resolved, That no Member have Privilege of Parliament in any Case where he is only Trustee.

Aylesbury Election.

A Petition of Simon Mayne Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the major Part of the legal Voters to choose Parliament-men, at the last Election of Aylesbury, in the County of Bucks, would have polled for the Petitioner; but the Constables of the said Town, who were the proper Officers, refused to Poll many of them; by which, and many other undue Practices, James Herbert Esquire got himself returned by the said Constables; who ought to have returned the Petitioner: And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration, and to do therein as they shall think meet.

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

Ditto.

A Petition of Richard Cockman, and others, Inhabitants of the Borough of Ailesbury, in the County of Bucks, on behalf of themselves, and others, of the said Borough, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That many Inhabitants of the said Borough, who had a Right to choose Members at the last Election of Parliament, were arbitrarily refused by the Constables, to poll for Simon Mayne Esquire; and many other illegal Practices were used to choose James Herbert Esquire, who was returned; though Mr. Mayne of Right ought to have been so; by reason more qualified Voters would have polled for him, if they might, than Mr. Herbert: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Haslemers Election.

A Petition of George Rodny Bridges Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth that the Petitioner stood as one of the Candidates of the Borough of Haslemere, in the County of Surry, to serve as a Burgess in this present Parliament; and was duly elected, as he conceives, by the Majority of legal Voters: But, in Prejudice of the Petitioner's Right, Sir Theophilus Oglethorp was returned as duly elected; the contrary whereof the Petitioner doubts not to make appear: And praying, That hi Cause, relating to the said Election, may be heard; and that he may be relievod according to the Merits thereof.

Ludlow Election.

A Petition of the Honourable Thomas Newport Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the last Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Ludlow, in the County of Salop, several Burgesses offered to poll for the Petitioner, but were refused; and others, who had no Votes, and objected against by the Petitioner, were polled for Mr. Gowre; who is returned, to the manifest Prejudice of the said Borough, and the Petitioner: And praying the Relief of the House in the Premises.

Ditto.

A Petition of Thomas Farmer, and others, Burgesses of the Town of Ludlow, in the County of Salop, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That, by ancient Custom of the said Town, every Son, and the Husband of every Daughter of a Burgess, hath a Right of Burgessship within the said Corporation; and, upon Request to the Bailiffs, Aldermen, and Common-Council, of Ludlow, have been always admitted sworn Burgesses: That the Petitioners are under those Qualifications; and long since, by their several Petitions, as in like Cases, requested to be admitted sworn Burgesses of the said Town; but were refused the same: And, on the 30th of July 1698, they went to give their Votes for Members to serve in this present Parliament; but they were refused to poll, although they demanded it, in behalf of Mr. Newport against Mr. Gower; who is returned as a Representative for the said Borough, to their manifest Prejudice: And praying the Consideration of the House, and Relief in the Premises.

Ludgershall Election.

A Petition of John Webb Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, with Thomas Neal Esquire, and Mr. Kent, were Candidates to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Ludgershall, in the County of Wilts; and that the Petitioner was duly elected to be one of the Burgesses for the said Borough, by a Majority of Votes, fairly obtained; notwithstanding which, Edward Flory, the then Bailiss of the said Borough, hath returned the said Mr. Neal, and Mr. Kent, in Prejudice to the Petitioner: And praying the Justice and Relief of the House in the Premises.

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

Medhurst Election.

A Petition of Sir Henry Peachy Knight, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly elected a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Medhurst, in the County of Sussex, with John Lewkner Esquire; but, by undue Practices, Sir Wm. Morley hath procured himself to be returned with Mr. Lewkner: And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration.

St. Mawes Election.

A Petition of Sir John Hawles Knight, and Hugh Fortescue Esquire, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Right of electing Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the Borough of St. Mawes, in the County of Cornwall, was always in the Freeholders and Inhabitants thereof; by the Majority of whom, the Petitioners were duly chosen, on the First of August last; and yet, the Port-reeve returned, That Sir Joseph Tredenham, and John Tredenham Esquire, were chosen Burgesses for the said Borough: And praying the Redress of the House in the said Matters.

St. Mitchell Election.

A Petition of several of the Inhabitants of the ancient Borough of Mitchell, alias St. Michael, in the County of Cornwall, on behalf of themselves, and other Inhabitants of the said Borough, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough, Sir John Hawles, Sir Richard Blackham, Antony Row, and John Povey, Esquires, stood as Candidates; and Sir Richard Blackham was duly elected to serve; but, by reason of divers illegal Practices at the said Election, Frederick Vincent, Deputy Port-reeve of the said Borough, hath returned Sir John Hawles and Mr. Povey, as Burgesses, in great Violation of the Petitioners Right: And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration.

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

Ditto.

A Petition of Antony Row Esquire, was presented to the House and read; setting forth, That at the last Election of Members to serve in this Parliament for Mitchell, in Cornwall, the Petitioner had a very great Majority of legal Votes for him; but the Port-reeve of the said Borough, hath unduly returned Sir John Hawles, and John Povey Esquire, to the Prejudice of the Petitioner's Right: And praying the House to take the Matter into Consideration, and to give him such Relief as the House shall think fit.

Ditto.

A Petition of Sir Richard Blackham Baronet was presented to the House and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly elected to serve as a Member in this present Parliament for the Borough of Mitchell, in Cornwall; but, by reason of divers illegal Practices at the said Election, the Port-reeve hath, contrary to Right, returned Sir John Hawles, and John Povey Esquire, as Burgesses for the said Borough, in great Violation of the Petitioner's Right: And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration.

Bramber Election.

A Petition of John Hudson and Jerom Beale, Burgesses, of the Borough of Bramber, in the County of Susex, on behalf of themselves, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough was on the 25th Day of July last; and that Sir Henry Furnesse, by Bribery, and other indirect Means, did procure himself to be returned one of the Burgesses for the said Borough, in Wrong of the Petitioners; And praying such Relief therein as the House shall in Justice, think sit

Tamworth Election.

A Petition of Sir Henry Gough Knight was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the Election of Burgesses to serve in this Parliament for Tamworth, in the Counties of Warwick and Stafford, the Majority of Voters, duly qualified, were for the Petitioner; and he ought to have been returned; but the Bailiffs of the said Borough, refusing to poll the Petitioner's due Voters, and admitting others unqualified to poll against him, by adjourning the Poll, when several Voters for the Petitioner demanded to be polled, without the Petitioner's Consent; and by other undue Practices; returned John Chetwynd and Thomas Guy Esquires, as Burgesses, in Wrong to the Petitioner; And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration.

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

Malmsbury Election.

A Petition of Craven Howard Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That Mr. Michael Weeks, and Mr. Edward Pansford, did, by divers indirect and corrupt Practices of William Adye, an Officer of the Borough of Malmsbury, in the County of Wilts, and other their Agents, procure themselves to be returned as Members to serve in this Parliament for the said Borough, in Prejudice to the Petitioner's Right; who had a Majority of Votes duly qualified: And praying, That the House will examine and inquire into the said corrupt Practices; and do such Right to the Petitioner, as the House shall think fit.

Abingdon Election.

A Petition of William Hucks Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly chosen Burgess for Abingdon, in the County of Berks, to serve in this Parliament, according to the last Determination of this House, touching the Right of Election for Abingdon; yet, John Selwood, the Mayor, hath falsly returned Simon Harcourt Esquire: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises, and Relief therein.

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

Corf-Castle Election.

A Petition of Richard Fownes Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner stood Candidate for the Borough of Corf-Castle, to serve in this Parliament, against William Culliford Esquire, who is wrongfully returned; and who, by Treating at and before the Election, and by divers other indirect Practices, procured several Votes, to the Petitioner's Prejudice, who otherwise had been chosen and returned: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Ditto.

A Petition of Edward Clavell Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, and John Banks Esquire, stood Candidates to serve in this present Parliament, at a late Election of Burgesses, for Corf-Castle, in the Isle of Purbeck; where Mr. Banks, and his Friends, in order to get a Majority of Voters, by several Conveyances, multiplied Voices, contrary to a late Act of Parliament; and the Mayor of the said Borough admitted such to vote for Mr. Banks; by which means, he hath returned him, in Prejudice to the Petitioner, who was duly elected: And praying the House to examine the Matter, and relieve him therein.

Reading Election.

A Petition of Sir Thomas Stamp Knight was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner and others stood Candidates, at the last Election of Burgesses to serve in this Parliament for the Borough of Reading; and had the Majority of legal Voters; and ought to have been returned with Sir Owen Buckingham; and yet, John Dolby Esquire is returned with him: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Agmondesham Election.

A Petition of Sir Roger Hill Knight was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Lord Cheyne, and the Petitioner, were duly elected to serve in this present Parliament, as Burgesses, for the Borough of Agmondesham, in the County of Bucks; yet, the Constables of the said Town, by polling several who had no Right, and refusing others that had, and polling some whose Votes were procured by ill Practices, pretended that Sir John Garrard had more Voices than the Petitioner; and have returned him, to the Petitioner's Wrong: And praying Relief therein.

Ditto.

A Petition of Timothy Wingfeild, and others, on behalf of themselves, and divers others, Inhabitants of the Borough of Agmondesham, in the County of Bucks, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the late Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough, the Lord Viscount Cheyne, and Sir Roger Hill, were duly elected by the Majority of legal Voters; yet, John Wingfeild and William Hopper, who were then Constables of the said Borough, polled some Persons who had no Voices, others illegally obtained; and refused others who had a Right; and have returned Sir John Garrard, with the Lord . . .: And praying a speedy Hearing of the Matter, at the Bar of the House, or otherwise, as the House shall think fit.

Great Bedwin Election.

A Petition of Patrick Bird and John Morgan, on behalf of themselves, and other legal Voters, Inhabitants of the Borough of Great Bedwin, in the County of Wilts, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the last Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the said Borough, Doctor Charles Davenant, by illegal Practices, and Corruption, procured himself to be chosen and returned; so that, thereby, the said Election as to him, is become void, and the Petitioners unduly are represented: And praying, That the Premises may be examined, and the Petitioners relieved therein.

Ditto.

A Petition of Thomas Neale Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That several indirect Means were used, by Charles Davenant, and his Agents, to gain Votes at the last Election of Members to serve in this Parliament for the Borough of Great Bedwyn; otherwise the Petitioner would have had the Majority of legal Voters, from all the Candidates; and ought to have been returned: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Wigan Election.

A Petition of Sir Alexander Rigby Knight was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the last Election of Members to serve in Parliament for the Borough of Wigan, in the County of Lancaster, many undue Practices were used by Sir Roger Bradshaw, and Orlando Bridgman, or their Agents; viz. by making Persons free, after the Dissolution of the last Parliament, who were not only Strangers to the Town, but many dwelling in other Counties, and altogether unqualified, purposely to vote for them; and denying others their Freedom, both before and after, who were of the Corporation, and had a Right to, and did claim it, because they would vote for the Petitioner; and though he had a sufficient Majority, upon Casting up of the Poll, yet the Mayor hath returned the said Mr. Bridgman, in Wrong to the Petioner: And praying the Justice of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition he referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections: And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Aldborough Election.

A Petition of Cyrill Arthington Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, and Sir Abstrupus Danby, stood Candidates to serve as a Burgess in this present Parliament for the Borough of Aldborough, in the County of York; and the Petitioner was legally chosen to serve; but Sir Abstrupus Danby did, by divers illegal Practices, contrary to an Act of Parliament to prevent Charge in Elections, procure several Votes for himself: And praying a short Day for hearing the Merits of the said Election.

Ditto.

A Petition of Christopher Tankard Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the last Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Aldborough, in the County of York, the Petitioner did offer himself to be one of their Burgesses; and, verily believes, should have been chosen, had it not been for most notorious Bribery, and repeated Menaces, before, at, and since, the said Election; which the Petitioner doubts not to make out, by unquestionable Testimony: And praying the Justice of the House for Relief in the Premises.

Dartmouth Election.

A Petition of John Whitrow the younger, Merchant, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of CliftonDartmouth Hardnesse, in the County of Devon; yet, the Mayor hath returned Sir Joseph Herne and Frederick Herne as chosen: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Bedford Election.

A Petition of William Duncomb and Thomas Bromsall Esquires was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the late Election of Knights of the Shire for the County of Bedford, Edward Lord Russell, and Sir William Gostwick, were returned: by reason that Votes were procured them by Entertainments, and other illegal Means; and by reason many Freeholders, who offered to poll for the Petitioners, were prevented by the Sheriff, and his Officers; all which Proceedings were to the Injury of the Petitioners, who stood Candidates at the said Election, and ought to have been returned: And praying Relief in the Premises, according to Justice.

Hastings Election.

A Petition of Robert Austen Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That John Poultney Esquire, and the Petitioner, were duly elected Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Port of Hastings; but the Mayor hath returned Peter Gott Esquire, instead of the Petitioner, to his manifest Injury: And praying the House to take the Matter into Consideration.

Newark Election.

A Petition of John Rayner Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for Newark, in the County of Nottingham; but many illegal Practices were used by Edward Hobson, Mayor of the said Town, and others, in favour of Sir Francis Molyneux; who polled several for him that were not qualified; and refused several that were qualified, who would have polled for the Petitioner; so that the said Mayor hath falsely returned Sir Francis Molyneux, in Wrong to the Petitioner: And praying the House to do him Justice in the Premises.

Hindon Election.

A Petition of Robert Hyde and George Morley Esquires was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, and Sir James How, Reynolds Calthorp, and others, stood Candidates at the Election of Burgesses to serve in this Parliament for Hindon, in the County of Wilts; and the said Sir James How, and Mr. Calthorp, by several indirect and unlawful Practices at and before the Election, procured many Voices, in Prejudice of the Petitioners Right, who otherwise would have been chosen, and ought to have been returned: And praying such Relief in the Premises, as the House shall think fit.

Fowye Election.

A Petition of Shadrack Vincent and Henry Ashurst Esquires was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That, at the Election of Members to serve in this Parliament for the Borough of Fowye, in Cornwall, the Petitioners were duly chosen, by a great Majority, yet such was the Partiality of Jonathan Tincomb, Port-reeve of Fowey, that, before the Election, he declared he would not return the Petitioners, though they had never so many Votes: but would return One of the Sitting Members, if he had but Four Votes; and, accordingly, did falsly return Sir Bevil Greenvill and Mr. Vivian: and being told, That the Petitioners might recover great damages against him, for such false Return, he said, He hoped to get 500£. by the Bargain; and several other corrupt Practices were used in behalf of the Sitting Members: And therefore the Petitioners pray the Relief of the House in the Premises.

Orford Election.

A Petition of Sir Edmund Bacon Baronet, and Wm. Johnson Esquire, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners were duly chosen, by a Majority of Electors rightly qualified, to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Orford, in the County of Suffolk; and yet Sir Tho. Felton, and Sir Charles Hedges, have gotten themselves to be returned, to the Petitioners Prejudice; And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Weobley Election.

A Petition of Thomas Foley Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was, by a clear Majority of legal Voters, duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Weobley, in the County of Hereford; and was returned, as such, with Robert Price Esquire, who was also chosen; but John Jones, one of the Constables of the said Borough hath, by Procurement and ill Practices of John Birch Esquire, returned him with the said Mr. Price, to the Petitioner's Prejudice: And praying Relief therein.

Ditto.

A Petition of John Birch Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was duly elected to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Weobly, in the County of Hereford, and was returned, as such, by one of the Constables; yet Tho. Foley Esquire, who used divers indirect Practices to get himself elected, hath prevailed with the other Constable to return him as duly elected, to the Petitioner's Prejudice: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Guilford Election.

A Petition of John Weston Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That John Randyll, and the Petitioner, were duly chosen Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Guilford, in Surry; but the Mayor of Guilford hath returned Foot Onslow Esquire, instead of the Petitioner, to his Prejudice: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Coventry Election.

A Petition of Thomas Hopkins Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the late Election of Members to serve in this Parliament for the City of Coventry, the Majority of the Electors appeared, and would have polled, for the Petitioner, and Richard Hopkins Esquire, had they not been prevented by Threats, and riotous Practices, of those that appeared for Sir Christopher Hales; for whom many were polled, that were not qualified; and a Scrutiny of the Poll was denied the Petitioner; by which, and other undue Means, Sir Christopher got himself returned as duly elected, to the Petitioner's Wrong, who ought to have been returned in his stead: And praying the House to take the Premises into Consideration.

Ditto.

A Petition of Thomas Gery Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the late Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Coventry, the Petitioner, Richard and Tho. Hopkins Esquires, and Sir Christopher Hales, stood Candidates; and Samuel Hunt, one of the then Sheriffs of the said City, carried himself with great Partiality against the Petitioner; and adjourned the Poll, without the Petitioner's Consent; and several indirect Means were used, by the said Richard and Tho. Hopkins, to gain Votes for them; otherwise, the Majority would have fell on the Petitioner, who ought to have been returned: And praying the House to consider the Premises, and to do what they shall think just therein.

Bishops-Castle Election.

A Petition of Sir Gilbert Gerrard Baronet was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner ought to have been returned as a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Bishops-Castle, in the County of Salop; but Walter Woollaston, Bailiff of the said . . . . . . ., in an arbitrary and unusual manner, hath unduly returned Sir William Brownlow; and many other illegal Practices were used at the said Election, to the Petitioner's Prejudice: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Thetford Election.

A Petition of Edmund Soame Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the late Election of Members to serve in this Parliament for the Borough of Thetford, in Norfolk, Sir Joseph Williamson and the Petitioner had the Majority of legal Voters, but Robert Caudle, the Mayor of Thetford, did refuse to poll several, that had a Right to poll, for the Petitioner; and admitted others, that had none, to vote; and by many partial Proceedings, and unlawful Practices, James Sloane Esquire procured himself to be returned with Sir Joseph, in Wrong to the Petitioner, and the said Borough: And praying such Relief in the Premises, as the House shall think fit.

Lostwithie Election.

A Petition of John Hicks Esquire was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner was invited, by the Electors of the Borough of Lostwythiell, in the County of Cornwall, to be One of their Representatives in this present Parliament; but a Peer of this Realm, of great Place and Trust in the said County, did not only persuade, and influence, the said Electors not to choose the Petitioner, before the Election, but appeared there, and recommended, for Burgesses, Geo. Booth and Samuel Travers Esquires, for whom his Lordship declared he would be answerable; by means whereof, and many corrupt Practices of the Agents of Mr. Booth and Mr. Travers, several of the said Electors, who had invited the Petitioner, as aforesaid, were prevailed on to vote against him: and yet he doubts not to prove, That he had the Majority of legal Votes for him; but William Taprell, the Mayor of the said Borough, refused to return him: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises, and Relief therein.

Buckingham Writ.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and Parish of Buckingham, in the room of Alexander Denton Esquire, deceased.

Sudbury Writ.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ, for electing a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Sudbury, in the County of Suffolke, in the room of Sir Tho. Barnardiston Baronet, deceased.

Printing the Votes.

Ordered, That the Votes of the House be printed: And that Mr. Speaker do peruse the same, and appoint the Printing thereof; and that no other do presume to print the same, but such as he shall appoint.

The King's Speech reported.

Mr. Speaker reported, That his Majesty did, on Friday last make a most gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament: And that, to prevent Mistakes therein, he had desired and obtained a Copy thereof; which he read to the House; and is as followeth; viz.

My Lords and Gentlemen.

I HAVE no Doubt but you are met together with Hearts fully disposed to do what is necessary for the Safety, Honour and Happiness, of the Kingdom; and That is all I have to ask of you.

In order to this, Two Things seem, principally, to require your Consideration:

The One is, what Strength ought to be maintained at Sea, and what Force kept up at Land, for this Year: All I shall observe to you upon this Head is, That the Flourishing of Trade, the Supporting of Credit, and the Quiet of Peoples Minds, at Home, will depend upon the Opinion they have of their Security; and, to preserve to England the Weight and Influence it has, at present, on the Councils and Affairs abroad, it will be requisite Europe should see you will not be wanting to yourselves:

The Second Thing I shall mention to you, as of great Consequence, is, the making some further Progress towards discharging the Debts, which the Nation has contracted by reason of the long and expensive War: In this, the publick Interest, as well as Justice, is concerned; and, I think, an English Parliament can never make such a Mistake, as not to hold sacred all Parliamentary Engagements.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

I do earnestly recommend these Things to you, that you may provide such Supplies as you shall judge necessary for these several Occasions.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I think it would be happy, if some effectual Expedient could be found for employing the Poor: which might tend to the great Increase of our Manufactures, as well as remove a heavy Burden from the People.

I hope also, you will employ your Thoughts about some good Bills for the Advancement of Trade; and for the further Discouraging of Vice and Prosaneness.

The Things I have mentioned to you being of common Concern, I cannot but hope for Unanimity and Dispatch.

The King's Speech to be considered.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday Morning next, take into Consideration his Majesty's most gracious Speech.

And then the House adjourned till Wednesday Morning next, Eight a Clock.