House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 2 December 1644

Die Lunæ, Decembris 2, 1644.

PRAYERS.

Appointing Sheriffs.

RESOLVED, &c. That this House doth approve of Thomas Lister Esquire, to be High Sheriff of the County of Lincolne.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of Nicholas Denton Esquire, to be High Sheriff of the County of Bedford.

Ordered, That the Sheriffs already named and appointed for the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somersett, and Dorsett, who have been scarce half a Year in their Places, shall continue, till their Year be out.

Ordered, That such Gentlemen as shall be named and appointed High Sheriffs by both Houses of Parliament, and shall refuse, upon Tender of their Commissions, to be sworn, and to execute thereupon, shall be sent up in safe Custody.

Ordered, That such Justices of Peace as shall be appointed by both Houses, and shall, upon Tender of their Commissions, refuse to be sworn, and to execute, shall be sent up in safe Custody.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of Sir Rich. Everard Knight, to be High Sheriff of the County of Essex.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of Sir John Reyney Baronet, to be High Sheriff of the County of Kent.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of John Bradshaw Esquire, to be High Sheriff of the County of Lancaster.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired in all these Votes.

Sheriff's Commission.

Ordered, That the Commission for High Sheriff be sent down to Sir Geo. Gresley: And that the Treasurer of the County of Devon do pay the Charges of taking out the Commission.

Indemnifying Sheriffs.

Ordered, That Mr. Browne do prepare and bring in an Ordinance for indemnifying of such Sheriffs as have done Service to the Parliament, and have continued in their Sheriffalties above a Year; and for indemnifying such Sheriffs whose Prisons have been broke open by the Violence of Soldiers.

Bywater's, &c. Claims.

Ordered, That the humble Petition of Tho. Bywater and William Cave, Cutlers, who have furnished Commodities to a great Value for the Service of the Parliament, for the which the Creditors of the Petitioners have gotten Judgments and Executions out against the Petitioners, and are threatened to be lain in Prison, be referred to the Consideration of the Committee where Mr. Scawen has the Chair; to think of some Gentlemen to be propounded to Goldsmiths Hall, to compound for their Delinquency; and that out of such Composition the Petitioners may be relieved.

Exchange of Prisoners.

The House, according to an Order made on Saturday last, resumed the Debate of the Business concerning the Exchange of Major Porter and Major Kerre.

After long Debate, the Question was propounded, for adhering to the former Vote made in this Business.

And the Question being put, Whether this Question should be now put;

It passed with the Affirmative.

The Question being put, Whether the House would adhere to their former Votes made in this Business;

The House was divided.

The Noes went forth.

So the Question passed with the Negative.

Resolved, &c. That it be left to my Lord General to proceed in the Exchange of Major General Porter, as he shall think fit.

Lords desire a Conference.

A Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whitefeild and Serjeant Finch;

The Lords do desire, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, a present Conference, by Committees of both Houses, in the Painted Chamber, concerning the Relation made to them by the Earl of Manchester, touching the Business of Dennington Castle; and, at the same Conference, likewise to acquaint the House, with something that concerns a Member of this House.

Scandalous Speeches by Griffith.

A Message from the Lords, by Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath;

The Lords have appointed a Committee of Four Members of their House; and desire this House to appoint a Committee of a proportionable Number; and that they meet To-morrow, at Three of Clock, in the Lord Keeper's Lodgings; to examine some scandalous Speeches and Miscarriages of Mr. Griffith.

Resolved, &c. That a present Conference shall be granted, as is desired.

Ordered, That, as to the Second Message, the House will return Answer by Messengers of their own.

Answers to Lords.

Answer returned by the First Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree to give a present Meeting, at a Conference, as is desired.

Answer returned by the Second Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Conference.

Mr. Holles, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Whitelock, Sir Wm. Lewes, are appointed Reporters of this Conference.

French Resident.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do, To-morrow Morning, acquaint the House with the Letters he this Day received from the French Resident.