House of Commons Journal Volume 9: 6 December 1678

Veneris, 6 die Decembris, 1678.

Prayers.

Restraint on Mr. Oates.

SIR Trevor Williams acquaints the House, That, in pursuance of the Order of the House, he went to Mr. Oates: Who told him, That he was not permitted to discourse with any Person, but in the Presence of his Guard: That thereupon he went to Col. Howard, who commands the said Guards; and shewed him his Majesty's Message to this House concerning Mr. Oates: And that Col. Howard told him, That he had never been made acquainted with his Majesty's Pleasure therein: And that Col. Howard did immediately go to his Majesty, to receive his Commands: And that Col. Howard did acquaint him, That his Majesty was pleased, that any Member of the House of Commons, or any Person by Order from the House of Commons from any Committee, or any of the Clerks belonging to the House, might have free Liberty to discourse with him in private; but his Majesty did not think fit that any loose or idle Persons should be admitted to come to him.

Vote respecting Restraint on Oates.

Resolved, That, this House being informed That, notwithstanding his Majesty's gracious Condescension to the Address of this House in relation to Mr. Oates, he hath still been deprived of the Benefit thereof, That it is therefore the humble Desire of this House, That Mr. Oates may be at full Liberty to converse with all Persons whatsoever in private; and that he may not be interrupted or overheard by the Guards, or any other Person whatsoever; and that all Restraint may be taken off from him, unless the Guard which may attend him, for the Security of his Person only, without his Chamber.

Resolved, That this Vote be presented to his Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of his Majesty's Privy Council.

Committee of Privileges.

Resolved, That the Committee of Elections and Privileges do not sit, in order to the Hearing of any Cause upon any Election, until after Christmas.

Popish Recusants.

A Bill for the more easy and speedy Conviction of Popish Recusants, and for the more effectual Execution of the Laws against them, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time Tomorrow Morning.

Lords agree to Address.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Timothy Baldwyn and Sir Andrew Hackett:

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to acquaint you, That they have agreed to the last Address sent from this House: And have appointed the Lords of the White Staves to attend his Majesty, to know his Pleasure when both Houses may present the said Address. Which, when they know, they will communicate to this House.

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