Journal of the House of Lords Volume 23, 1727-1731. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.
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'House of Lords Journal Volume 23: July 1727', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 23, 1727-1731( London, 1767-1830), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol23/pp150-159 [accessed 6 October 2024].
'House of Lords Journal Volume 23: July 1727', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 23, 1727-1731( London, 1767-1830), British History Online, accessed October 6, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol23/pp150-159.
"House of Lords Journal Volume 23: July 1727". Journal of the House of Lords Volume 23, 1727-1731. (London, 1767-1830), , British History Online. Web. 6 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol23/pp150-159.
In this section
July 1726
DIE Martis, 4o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lords take the Oaths.
William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, John Duke of Greenwich, James Earl of Northampton, Hugh Lord Viscount Falmouth, William Lord Bishop of Durham, and Thomas Lord Foley, took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; the several Lords abovementioned having first delivered Certificates of their receiving the Sacrament, and produced Witnesses, who were sworn, and examined to the Truth of the Contents of the said Certificates.
Also, Henry Earl of Berkshire, Hugh Earl of Loudoun, and Charles Earl of Hoptoun, took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and likewise took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.
Tooke & al. formerly guilty of Breaches of Privilege, to here-attached.
The House was informed, "That certain Persons were last Session of Parliament ordered to be taken into Custody, for Breaches of Privilege of Parliament, who had not made their Submission to the House, nor satisfied the Officers their Fees."
And thereupon the Yeoman Usher, being called upon, acquainted the House, "That one Thomas Tooke, an Attorney, formerly taken into Custody by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for a Breach of Privilege against the Earl of Strafford, had not only refused to pay his Fees, but had not paid even for his Lodging or Diet."
Then the Serjcant at Arms, also at the Bar, acquainted the House, "That, last Session of Parliament, pursuant to their Lordships Orders, he took into his Custody one Christopher Boughton Clerk, for a Breach of Privilege, in speaking scandalous Words of the Earl of Bristol; and likewise John Heather a Miller, and his Son, for a Breach of Privilege against the Duke of Somerset; which said Mr. Boughton had not paid him his Expences or Fees; nor the Miller and his Son for their Diet or Lodging, as well as Fees."
Ordered, That the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do forthwith re-attach the Body of the said Thomas Tooke; and that the Serjeant at Arms do likewise forthwith re-attach the Bodies of the said Christopher Boughton, John Heather Senior, and John Heather Junior; and keep them in safe Custody until further Order of this House; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf.
To Sir Charles Dalton Knight, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod; and to Francis Jephson Esquire, Serjeant at Arms attending this House; their Deputy and Deputies, and every of them.
Committee Privileges to consider of making Orders more effectual.
Ordered, That the Lords Committees for Privileges do meet on Thursday Morning next; and consider of proper Ways and Means for making the Orders of this House, for taking Persons into Custody, more effectual.
Accounts of prohibited East India Goods and Naval Stores, delivered.
The House being informed, "That some of the Commissioners of the Customs attended:"
They were called in; and delivered, at the Bar, pursuant to certain Acts of Parliament, several Papers.
And then they withdrew.
And the Titles of the said Papers were read, as follow:
"The Return of the Commissioners of the Customs, to the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, with the Accounts of prohibited East India Goods, and Naval Stores, from Michaelmas 1726, to Lady-day 1727.
1. An Account of prohibited East India Goods remaining in the Warehouses at St. Hellens at Michaelmas 1726; with what has been brought in since that Time, what exported, as also what remained at Lady-day 1727.
2. An Account of prohibited East India Goods remaining in the Warehouses at Leadenhall at Michaelmas 1726; with what has been brought in since that Time, what exported, as also what remained at Lady-day 1727.
3. An Account of prohibited East India Goods remaining in His Majesty's Warehouse in the Port of London at Michaelmas 1726; with what has been brought in since that Time, what exported, as also what remained at Lady-day 1727.
4. An Account of prohibited East India Goods remaining in the respective Warehouses in the Outports, at Michaelmas 1726; with what has been brought in since that Time, what exported, as also what remained at Lady-day 1727.
5. An Account of Naval Stores imported from Russia into the Port of London, from Michaelmas 1726, to Lady-day 1727.
"6. An Account of Naval Stores imported from Russia into the Ports commonly called the Out-ports from Michaelmas 1726, to Lady-day 1727."
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, sextum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Jovis, 6o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lords take the Oaths.
Charles Duke of Bolton and John Duke of Roxburgh took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; they having first delivered in Certificates of their receiving the Sacrament, and produced Witnesses, who were severally sworn, and examined to the Truth of the Contents of the said Certificates.
Also, William Lord Berkeley of Stratton took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.
Lady Dowager Abergavenny, Privilege:
Complaint being made to the House, "That a Writ has been lately sued out of the Palace Court, in the Name of Henry Pearson, for arresting Anne Nevel, &c.:"
And Oath being made at the Bar, by John rates, Servant to the Lady Dowager Abergavenny, "That the said Writ was a few Days since personally served on the said Lady Dowager, in Breach of the Privilege of Peerage:"
And the said Yates being withdrawn:
It was proposed, "That the said Henry Pearson be ordered to attend this House To-morrow:"
Which being objected to;
And it being moved, "That he be taken into Custody:"
Pearson attached, for serving her with a writ.
After Debate; and reading the Standing Order of this House, of the Eleventh of January 1699, "That no Person shall be taken into Custody, upon Complaint of a Breach of Privilege, but upon Oath made at the Bar:"
The Question was put, "Whether the said Henry Pearson shall attend this House To-morrow Morning?"
It was Resolved in the Negative.
Ordered, That the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do forthwith attach the Body of the said Henry Pearson, and bring him to the Bar of this House, to answer for his Offence; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf.
To Sir Charles Dalton Knight, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod attending this House, his Deputy or Deputies, and every of them.
Ordered, That Edward Wilson, supposed to be concerned in suing out the Writ against the said Lady Dowager Abergavenny, do attend this House To-morrow Morning.
Lascelles attached, for being concerned in procuring written Protections.
The House being informed, "That one Philip Lascelles, who, on the Twenty-first of January 1724, was ordered to be taken into Custody by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for being concerned in procuring written Protections, in Breach of their Lordships Standing Orders, and who has since absconded, so as not to be taken, was now in the House:"
It is Ordered, That the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do immediately attach the Body of the said Philip Lascelles, and keep him in safe Custody, until further Order.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, septimum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 7o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Pearson examined; and Thompson to be attached, for serving the Writ on Lady Abergavenny.
The Order of Yesterday, for attaching Henry Pearson;
As also, the Order for the Attendance of Edward Wilson; being read:
The said Pearson was brought to the Bar, by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod.
And one James Head, Clerk to the said Wilson, who is out of Town, attended at the Bar; and, being examined upon Oath, in relation to the Writ sued out against the Lady Dowager Abergavenny, was directed to withdraw, and dismissed any further Attendance.
And the said Henry Pearson, being asked what he had to say, acknowledged, "That he caused the said Writ to be sued out against the said Lady Dowager Abergavenny;" and informed the House, "That one Robert Thompson, a Bailiff belonging to The Marshalsea, was the Person who served the Writ upon the said Lady."
The said Pearson was directed to be taken from the Bar.
And the following Order was made:
"Ordered, That the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do forthwith attach the Body of the said Robert Thompson, and bring him to the Bar of this House, to answer for his Offence; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf."
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, decimum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Lunæ, 10o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lords take the Oaths
James Duke of Montrose and Henry Earl of Uxbridge took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; they having first delivered in Certificates of their receiving the Sacrament, and produced Witnesses, who were sworn, and severally examined to the Truth of the Contents of the said Certificates.
Also, William Earl of Aberdeen took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.
Lascelles to be brought to the Bar.
A Petition of Philip Lascelles, in Custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for being concerned in procuring written Protections, was presented, and read; expressing his utmost Sorrow and Contrition for any Offence he may have given; and praying, "That the House will be pleased to ease him from the Weight of their Lordships Displeasure, and discharge him from his Consinement, on Payment of his Fees."
It is Ordered, That the Petitioner be brought to the Bar To morrow Morning, in order to his Discharge.
Lady Abergavenny's Privilege;
A Petition of Henry Pearson, in Custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for causing a Writ of Arrest to be served upon the Lady Dowager Aber gavenny, was presented to the House, and read; expressing his hearty Sorrow for his Offence; and praying to be discharged, he being in mean Circumstances, and having a Wife and several Children:
Pearson to be discharged.
It is Ordered, That the said Henry Pearson be brought to the Bar on Friday Morning next, in order to his Discharge.
Messages from H. C. with Bills.
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Farrer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Support of His Majesty's Household, and of the Honour and Dignity of the Crown of Great Britain;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
Also, a Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the same Mr. Farrer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea Company;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Attorney General and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Imprisonment of Robert Blackburne and others, for the horrid Conspiracy to assassinate the Person of His late Sacred Majesty King William the Third, of Glorious Memory;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
King's Household Support, Bill.
Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Support of His Majesty's Household, and of the Honour and Dignity of the Crown of Great Britain."
His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea company, Bill.
Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea Company."
Blackburne & al. to continue imprisoned, Bill:
Hodie 1a, 2a, & 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Imprisonment of Robert Blackburne and others, for the horrid Conspiracy to assassinate the Person of His late Sacred Majesty King William the Third, of Glorious Memory."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Assirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords agree to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Lightboun and Mr. Kinaston:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, undecimum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Martis, 11o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
D. Bridgewater takes the Oaths.
This Day Scroop Duke of Bridgewater took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; his Grace having first delivered in a Certificate of his receiving the Sacrament, to the Truth whereof Witnesses were sworn and examined.
Lascelles discharged.
Philip Lascelles, in Custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for being concerned in procuring written Protections, was (according to Order) brought to the Bar; where he, upon his Knees, receiving a Reprimand from the Lord Chancellor for his Offence, was discharged out of Custody, paying his Fees.
King's Household Support, Bill.
Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Support of His Majesty's Household; and of the Honour and Dignity of the Crown of Great Britain:"
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, presently.
Accordingly the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.
And, after some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Lord Guilford reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the said Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea Company, Bill:
Hodie 2a & 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea Company."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill, shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Lightboun and Mr. Kinaston:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, duodecimum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Mercurii, 12o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Lords take the Oaths.
Richard Viscount Cobham took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; his Lordship having first delivered in a Certificate of his receiving the Sacrament, to the Truth whereof Witnesses were sworn, and examined.
Also, James Earl of Findlater and Maurice Lord Haversham took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.
King's Household Support, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Support of His Majesty's Household, and of the Honour and Dignity of the Crown of Great Britain."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Kinaston and Mr. Mosham:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Mr. Boughton, for speaking scandalous Words of the Earl of Bristol, discharged.
A Petition of Cbristopher Boughton Clerk, Rector of Barrow, in the County of Suffolk, in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, for speaking insolent, scandalous, and contemptuous Words, of the Earl of Bristol, was presented, and read; acknowledging his hearty Sorrrow for having incurred the Displeasure of this House; and humbly begging Pardon of their Lordships and the said Earl for his Offence, promising never to offend again in the like kind; and praying "to be discharged out of Custody, paying his Fees, that he may be in a Capacity to exercise his Function, according to the Duty of his Sacred Office:"
It is Ordered, That the Petitioner be discharged out of Custody, paying his Fees, as well upon his Commitment in the last as this Session of Parliament.
Qualifying Persons in Offices, Bill.
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Edgecumbe and others:
With a Bill, intituled "An Act for making further Provisions, to enable Persons possessed of Offices at the Demise of His late Majesty, to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of such Offices; and for altering and explaining the Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, in relation to qualifying Persons for continuing in Offices; and to the Continuance of the Sheriffs of the County of Cornwall and County Palatine of Chester, and several other Officers therein mentioned, after the Demise of His late Majesty, His Heirs and Successors; and for continuing such Laws as would expire at the End of this Session of Parliament;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
The said Bill was read the First Time.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum quartum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 14o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Pearson discharged.
Henry Pearson, in Custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, for causing a Writ of Arrest to be served on the Lady Dowager Abergavenny, was (according to Order) brought to the Bar; where he, on his Knees, receiving a Reprimand from the Lord Chancellor for his said Ossence, was discharged out of Custody, paying his Fees.
Qualifying Persons in Offices, Bill.
Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making further Provisions, to enable Persons possessed of Offices at the Demise of His late Majesty, to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of such Offices; and for altering and explaining the Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, in relation to qualifying Persons for continuing in Offices; and to the Continuance of the Sheriffs of the County of Cornwall and County Palatine of Chester, and several other Officers therein mentioned, after the Demise of his late Majesty, His Heirs and Successors; and for continuing such Laws as would expire at the End of this Session of Parliament."
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, To-morrow.
Settling a Revenue on the Queen, Bill.
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Robert Walpole Chancellor of the Exchequer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for enabling His Majesty to settle a Revenue, for supporting the Royal Dignity of the Queen, in case She shall survive His Majesty;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
Hodie 1a & 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enabling His Majesty to settle a Revenue, for supporting the Royal Dignity of the Queen, in case She shall survive His Majesty."
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, To-morrow.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, decimum quintum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Sabbati, 15o Julii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Bp. of Bristol's Privilege:
Complaint was made to the House, and Oath made at the Bar, "That one James Wintle, a Bailiff belonging to The Marshalsea, did a few Days since serve a Writ of Process, out of the Palace Court, on William Marston, a menial Servant of the Lord Bishop of Bristol, at the Suit of Isaac Smith; and that the said Bailiss did, at the Time of such Service, utter contemptuous Expressions of the said Lord Bishop, in Breach of his Lordship's Privilege, and the Privilege of this House."
Wintle and Smith to be attached, for assessing Marston, his Servant.
It is Ordered, That the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do forthwith attach the Bodies of the said James Wintle and Isaac Smith, and bring them in safe Custody to the Bar of this House, to answer for their Offences; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf.
To Sir Charles Dalton Knight, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod attending this House, his Deputy or Deputies, and every of them.
Qualifying Persons in Offices, Bill:
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making further Provisions, to enable Persons possessed of Offices at the Demise of His late Majesty, to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of such Offices; and for altering and explaining the Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, in relation to qualifying Persons for continuing in Offices; and to the Continuance of the Sheriffs of the County of Cornwall and County Palatine of Chester, and several other Officers therein mentioned, after the Demise of His late Majesty, His Heirs and Successors; and for continuing such Laws as would expire at the End of this Session of Parliament."
And, after some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Lord Delawarr reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the said Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
The said Bill was read the Third Time.
And the Question being put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. John Bennet and Mr. Kinaston:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Settling a Revenue on the Queen, Bill:
The House also (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enabling His Majesty to settle a Revenue, for supporting the Royal Dignity of the Queen, in case She should survive His Majesty."
And, after some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Lord Delawarr reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the said Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
The said Bill was read the Third Time.
The Question being put, "Whether this Bill, shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. John Bennet and Mr. Kinaston:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, decimum septimum diem instantis Julii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Lunæ, 17o Julii.
REX.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
The House was adjourned during Pleasure, to robe.
The House was resumed.
King Present:
His Majesty, being seated on His Royal Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments; and attended with His Officers of State; the Lords being also in their Robes; commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to let the Commons know, "It is His Majesty's Pleasure, they attend Him immediately, in this House."
Who being come, with their Speaker; He, in a large Speech to His Majesty, presented the Civil Lift Bill, and that relating to the Queen's Jointure.
And delivering the said Bills to the Clerk; he brought the same to the Table; where the Clerk of the Crown read the Titles of those and the Titles of the other Bills to be passed, severally, as follow:
Bills passed.
"1. An Act for the better Support of His Majesty's Household, and of the Honour and Dignity of the Crown of Great Britain."
"2. An Act for enabling His Majesty to settle a Revenue, for supporting the Royal Dignity of the Queen, in case She shall survive His Majesty."
To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, severally, in these Words; (videlicet,)
Le Roy remercie ses bons Sujets, accepte leur Benevolence, et ainsi le veult."
"3. An Act to enable His Majesty to be Governor of the South Sea Company."
"4. An Act for continuing the Imprisonment of Robert Blackburne and others, for the horrid Conspiracy to assassinate the Person of His late Sacred Majesty King William the Third, of Glorious Memory.
"5. An Act for making further Provisions, to enable Persons possessed of Offices at the Demise of His late Majesty, to qualify themselves for the Enjoyment of such Offices; and for altering and explaining the Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, in relation to qualifying Persons for continuing in Offices; and to the Continuance of the Sheriffs of the County of Cornwall and County Palatine of Chester, and several other Offices therein mentioned, after the Demise of His late Majesty, His Heirs and Successors; and for continuing such Laws as would expire at the End of this Session of Parliament."
To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, severally, in these Words; (videlicet,)
"Le Roy le veult."
Then His Majesty was pleased to speak as follows:
His Majesty's Speech.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
I cannot but express the greatest Satisfaction in the convincing Proofs you have given Me, in this Session, of your Duty and Affection to My Person, and Zeal for My Government.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"I must particularly thank you for your Unanimity and Dispatch, in granting Me the Revenues necessary for the Support of My Family, and the Occasions of My Civil Government; which you have done in a Manner so very agreeable, and with such a due Regard to the Honour and Dignity of the Crown, that, if any Thing could add to My own Inclinations of making the Happiness of My Subjects My principal Care and Study, this Instance of your particular Confidence in Me would engage Me more strongly to make Use of the Power you have given Me of doing Good, in promoting the Honour and Interest of My People.
"The ample Provision you have made for the Queen is another Instance of your Regard for Me; which I am confident She will very well deserve, and I shall always acknowledge.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"It is a great Happiness to Me, to see the Nation in so prosperons and flourishing a Condition, at the highest Pitch of Glory and Reputation, of great Weight in holding the Balance of Europe, defending themselves in their just Privileges and Possessions, and viadicating the Honour of the Crown of Great Britain.
"At Home, I find among My Protestant Subjects such mutual Charity and Forbearance dissused throughout the Kingdom, that the National Church repines not at the Indulgence given to scrupulous Consciences; and those that receive the Benefits of the Toleration envy not the Established Church the Rights and Privileges which they by Law enjoy.
From these happy Causes and favourable Conjunctures has flowed that general Tranquillity, that Rise of Public Credit, and that Improvement of Trade and Commerce, which have greatly increased our Wealth and Power; and given us that Respect and Influence Abroad, which has so much advanced the Glory and Happiness of this Nation.
But all these Blessings, great and valuable as they are, had not been secured and transmitted to us, without your having carefully avoided all Occasions of Strise and Division, without a strict Regard to Public Faith, a constant Care and Attention towards discharging the National Debt, and without that singular Steadiness and Resolution which this Parliament has shewed upon all proper and necessary Occasions.
I can therefore make no Doubt, but that your Behaviour, and the Temper you have shewn, will sufficiently recommend this Parliament to the Esteem and good Opinion of their Country; who, from the same Conduct, and by pursuing the same Measures, may promise themselves all future Prosperity.
The Expiration of this Parliament now drawing near, I will give Orders for issuing the Writs, for calling and electing a new Parliament, as soon as it can conveniently be done; and I am persuaded, that the general Contest and Emulation in Expressions of Duty and Affection to Me, which, to My great Satisfaction, I have universally met with, will be further demonstrated, by the Choice of a Parliament zealously affected to our present happy Establishment in the Protestant Succession; and, in Return, nothing shall be wanting on My Part, that can contribute towards improving a good Correspondence and Harmony between Me and My People, and that can tend to perfect and perpetuate the Happiness of Great Britain."
His Majesty's Speech being ended; the Lord Chancellor, by His Majesty's Command, said,
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
Parliament prorogued.
"It is His Majesty's Royal Will and Pleasure, that this Parliament be prorogued to Tuesday the Twentyninth Day of August next: And this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the Twenty-ninth Day of August next."
26o Die Februarii, 1728, examined by us,
Jo. Carliol.
De Lawarr.
Bingley.
(fn. 1) By the KING.
"A Proclamation for dissolving this present Parliament, and declaring the calling of another.
"GEORGE R.
"Whereas We have thought fit, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, to dissolve this present Parliament, which now stands prorogued to Tuesday the Twenty-ninth Day of this instant August; We do for that End publish this Our Royal Proclamation; and do hereby dissolve the said Parliament accordingly: And the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, and Commissioners for Shires and Boroughs, of the House of Commons, are discharged from their Meeting and Attendance on Tuesday the said Twenty-ninth Day of this Instant August.
"And being desirous and resolved, with the First Opportunity, to meet Our People, and have their Advice, in Parliament, do hereby make known to all Our loving Subjects, Our Royal Will and Pleasure, to call a new Parliament; and do hereby further declare, that, with the Advice of Our Privy Council, We have this Day given Order to Our Chancellor of Great Britain, to issue out Writs, in due Form, for calling a Parliament; which Writs are to bear Teste on Thursday the Tenth Day of this Instant August; and to be returnable on Tuesday the Twenty-eighth Day of November next.
"Given at Our Court at Kensington, the Fifth Day of August, 1727, in the First Year of Our Reign.
"GOD save the KING!"