House of Commons Journal Volume 9: 25 April 1679

Veneris, 25 die Aprilis, 1679.

Prayers.

Lord Mohun's Estate.

ORDERED, That the ingrossed Bill, sent down from the Lords, intituled, An Act to enable Trustees of the Manors and Lands, late of Charles Lord Mohun, therein named, to fell and sell Timber; and to make Leases for Payment of his and his Father's Debts; and to raise a Portion for his Daughter; be read on Monday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock.

Illegal Exactions.

A Bill for the better Prevention of illegal Exaction of Money from the Subject, was read the First time.

Resolved, &c. That the Bill be read a Second time.

Exporting Cloth to Turky.

A Bill for exporting Cloth to Turky, was read the First time.

Resolved, &c. That the Bill be read a Second time.

Earl Danby's Impeachment.

Ordered, That Sir Thomas Clarges be added to the Committee of Secrecy appointed to prepare and draw up further Articles against the Earl of Danby.

Privilege- Libellous Publications.

The House being informed, That there is a false and scandalous Pamphlet dispersed abroad, under the Name of the Speech of the Lord Cavendish;

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Committee appointed to inquire into the Authors and Publishers of a Pamphlet dispersed under the Name of Sir Francis Winnington's Speech, to inquire likewise into the Authors and Publishers of this Pamphlet; and make Report thereof to the House.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees which were discontinued, be revived; and do sit this Afternoon in the Places formerly appointed.

Defaulters to Call of the House.

Ordered, That all such Members as shall be absent at the Calling over of the House, whose Excuses shall not be allowed, be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House; and shall not be admitted to take their Places in the House, till they have paid the Serjeant his Fees and Charges.

Impeachment of Earl Danby, &c.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Timothy Baldwyn and Sir William Beversham;

Mr. Speaker, We are to acquaint you, from the Lords, That Thomas Earl of Danby, and John Lord Bellasis, have this Day appeared in Person, at the Bar of the House of Lords; and that Thomas Earl of Danby hath put in his Plea, and the Lord Bellasis his Answer, to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against them by this House: Which the Lords have sent to this House, desiring they may be returned with all convenient Speed.

Call of the House.

The House then proceeded to Call-over the House:

And Mr. William Williams, Sir George Strode, Sir John Bowyer, Sir Edward Baynton, Sir Scroope Howe, and Mr. Thomas Wharton, being absent; and their Excuses being not allowed;

Ordered, That Mr. William Williams, Sir George Strode, Sir John Bowyer, Sir Edward Baynton, Sir Scrope How, and Mr. Thomas Warton, be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, for making Default in not attending the Service of this House; and not be admitted to take their Places in the House, till they have paid the Serjeant his Fees and Charges.

Resolved, &c. That all such Members as shall depart the Service of the House, without Leave first asked and obtained, between the Hours of Ten and Twelve of the Clock in the Morning, be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House; and shall not be admitted to take their Places in the House, till they have paid the Serjeant his Fees and Charges.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Sir Eliab Harvey, and his Son, Mr. Sandys, and Sir John Sydenham, have Leave to go into the Country.

Ordered, That Sir Edward Harvey and Sir James Rushout have Leave to go into the Country till Tuesday next.

Earl Danby's, &c. Impeachment.

The House then took into Consideration the Plea of Thomas Earl of Danby, and the Answer of John Lord Bellasis, to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against them by this House.

And the said Plea and Answer being read;

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of Secrecy appointed to draw up further Articles against Thomas Earl of Danby, to examine the Matter of the Plea of the said Earl to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him by this House; and to search and inquire how Precedents stand in Relation to the Pardon; and in what Manner, and by what Means, the same was obtained; and make Report thereof to the House with all Expedition: And that all the Members of the Long Robe be added to the said Committee: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Four of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Supply Bill; disbanding the Army.

Resolved, &c. That this House will, To-morrow Morning, the first Business, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, further to proceed in the Consideration of the Bill for paying off and dismissing the Army.

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