House of Commons Journal Volume 7: 10 August 1653

Wednesday, the 10th of August, 1653.

Cardigan Magistracy.

THE Case of Cardiganshire, as to the Magistracy, was this Day read.

Ordered, That this Business be referred to the Committee for Justices of the Peace: And that they be required to make Report therein, with all Speed.

Col. Lilborne.

Ordered, That the Vote of this House of the 2d of August instant, for the close Imprisonment of Lieutenant Colonel John Lilborne, be taken off, in order to his Trial.

High Court of Justice.

Mr. Moyer reports from the Council of State, That the Council, having daily Intelligence of many Designs that are on Foot in this Commonwealth, on the Behalf of Charles Stewart; and that very many considerable Persons are engaged therein, some whereof are ordered to be apprehended; do think it necessary for the Safety of the Commonwealth, that a High Court of Justice be erected.

Ordered, by the Parliament, That there be a High Court of Justice erected for Trial of Offenders against the Commonwealth: And that the Council of State do bring in an Act To-morrow Morning, with the Names of Commissioners to be inserted therein.

Registering Marriages.

Colonel Blunt reports from the Grand Committee, That the Committee sat upon the Bill for Marriages, and Registering thereof; and touching Birth and Burials; and did pass one Amendment; and desire the Pleasure of the House, when the Committee shall sit again.

Resolved, That the House do resume the Bill for Marriages, and the Registering thereof.

Colonel Blunt reports, An Amendment to the Bill touching Marriages, and the Registering thereof; and also touching Births and Burials: Which was this Day read twice: And, upon the Question, agreed.

The House proceeded upon the said Bill.

Resolved, That these Words "City, or Town Corporate," be inserted in the Bill in the Eighteenth Line, next after the Word "County."

The Question being put, That there be an Addition to the First Clause in the Second Folio, after the Word "Husband;"

It passed in the Negative.

Ordered, That this Debate be adjourned till To-morrow Morning.

Scotch Affairs.

Sir Gilbert Pickering reports from the Council of State, A Paper intituled, A Breviate of the Proposals made to the honourable Council of State by the Commissioners from Scotland: Which was now read: Viz. 1. That the Cess of Scotland, which now exceeds the Fourth Part of the Rent, may be abated, and brought to a constant and competent Proportion with England.

2. That Commissions for Courts of Justice might be issued to Men of Conscience and Abilities, to judge according to the Law and Practice of the Nation; and that the Judicatories might be of that same Number as formerly, to be nominate by Advice and Consent of the Nation, conform to Acts of Parliament.

3. That Sequestrations and Confiscations might be taken off: And that the Interest of Scottish Men in England and Ireland might be preserved, as was intended by the Bill of Oblivion: And that Course might be taken for the Creditors and Cautionars of sequestrat Persons, who otherwise will presently be ruined inevitably.

4. That these, who had formerly Rights from Kings, may be continued in their Possessions, till their Right be discussed before the Judge Ordinar: And that Course may be taken for Payment of Debts contracted by the King, before these late Troubles.

5. That those who had obtained Conveyances and Possession from Persons who thereafter fell in Delinquency, may enjoy their Rights.

6. That Prisoners be released.

7. That the Mint in Scotland may be set up, as the only present Remedy against the extreme Scarcity of Money there.

8. That those who are engaged for Money, expended upon the publick Account of the Nation, or hath paid the same, may be relieved and indemnified.

9. That Customs and Impositions between England and Scotland may be taken off all Goods imported and exported betwixt the Nations.

It was also humbly desired, That some effective Course might be taken for Payment to the said Commissioners of their Salaries.

Commissioners from Scotland.

Ordered, by the Parliament, That the Council of State do give Order for the Payment of the Salaries of the Commissioners from Scotland, in order to their Dismission.

Resolved, That the Debate upon this Paper be adjourned till Friday next.