House of Lords Journal Volume 36: December 1782 1-10

December 1782 1-10

Anno 23^o Georgii Tertii.

DIE Jovis, 5^o Decembris 1782.

DIE Jovis, 5^o Decembris 1782, Annoque Regni Serenissimi Domini Nostri Georgii Tertii, Dei Gratia Magnæ Britanniæ, Franciæ, et Hiberniæ Regis, Fidei Defensoris, &c. Vicesimo Tertio; in quem Diem hæc Tertia Sessio Parliamenti, per separalia Adjournamenta et Prorogationes, continuata fuerat; in Superiori Domo Parliamenti Magnæ Britanniæ apud Westmonaster. convenere Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum Nomina subscribuntur, et præsentes fuerunt:

REX.

King present.

His Majesty being seated on the Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments, and attended by His Officers of State (the Lords being 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,

His Majesty was pleased to say,

My Lords and Gentlemen,

His Majesty's Speech.

Since the Close of the last Session, I have employed My whole Time in the Care and Attention which the important and critical Conjuncture of Public Affairs required of Me.

I lost no Time in giving the necessary Orders to prohibit the further Prosecution of Offensive War upon the Continent of North America; adopting, as My Inclination will always lead Me to do, with Decision and Effect, whatever I collect to be the Sense of My Parliament, and My People. I have pointed all My Views and Measures, as well in Europe as in North America, to an entire and cordial Reconciliation with those Colonies.

Finding it indispensable to the Attainment of this Object, I did not hesitate to go the full Length of the Powers vested in me, and offered to declare them free and independent States, by an Article to be inserted in the Treaty of Peace. Provisional Articles are agreed upon to take Effect whenever Terms of Peace shall be finally settled with the Court of France.

In thus admitting their Separation from the Crown of these Kingdoms I have sacrificed every Consideration of My own to the Wishes and Opinion of My People. I make it My humble and earnest Prayer to Almighty God, that Great Britain may not feel the Evils which might result from so great a Dismemberment of the Empire, and that America may be free from those Calamities which have formerly proved in the Mother Country how essential Monarchy is to the Enjoyment of Constitutional Liberty, Religion, Language, Interest. Affections may, and I hope will yet prove a Bond of permanent Union between the Two Countries: To this End, neither Attention nor Disposition shall be wanting on My Part.

While I have carefully abstained from all offensive Operations against America, I have directed My whole Force by Land and Sea against the other Powers at War, with as much Vigour as the Situation of that Force at the Commencement of the Campaign would permit. I trust that you feel the Advantages resulting from the Safety of the great Branches of Our Trade. You must have seen with Pride and Satisfaction the gallant Defence of the Governor and the Garrison of Gibraltar; and My Fleet, after having effected the Object of their Destination, offering Battle to the Combined Force of France and Spain on their own Coasts; those of My Kingdoms have remained at the same Time perfectly secure, and your Domestic Tranquillity uninterrupted. This respectable State under the Blessing of God I attribute to the entire Confidence which subsists between Me and My People, and to the Readiness which has been shewn by My Subjects in My City of London, and in other Parts of My Kingdoms, to stand forth in the general Defence. Some Proofs have lately been given of public Spirit in private Men, which would do Honour to any Age and any Country.

Having manifested to the whole World by the most lasting Examples, the signal Spirit and Bravery of My People, I conceived it a Moment not unbecoming My Dignity, and thought it a Regard due to the Lives and Fortunes of such brave and gallant Subjects, to shew Myself ready on My Part, to embrace fair and honourable Terms of Accommodation with all the Powers at War.

I have the Satisfaction to acquaint you, that Negotiations to this Effect are considerably advanced, the Result of which, as soon as they are brought to a Conclusion, shall be immediately communicated to you.

I have every Reason to hope and believe that I shall have it in my Power in a very short Time to acquaint you, that they have ended in Terms of Pacification, which I trust you will see just Cause to approve. I rely, however, with perfect Confidence on the Wisdom of My Parliament, and the Spirit of My People, that if any unforeseen Change in the Dispositions of the Belligerent Powers should frustrate my confident Expectations they will approve of the Preparations I have thought it adviseable to make, and be ready to second the most vigorous Efforts in the farther Prosecution of the War.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

I have endeavoured by every Measure in My Power to diminish the Burthens of My People; I lost no Time in taking the most decided Measures for introducing a better Œconomy into the Expenditure of the Army.

I have carried into strict Execution the several Reductions in my Civil List Expences, directed by an Act of the last Sessions. I have introduced a farther Reform into other Departments, and suppressed several Sine Cure Places in them. I have, by this Means, so regulated My Establishments, that My Expence shall not in future exceed my Income.

I have ordered the Estimate of the Civil List Debt, laid before you last Sessions, to be completed. The Debt proving somewhat greater than could be then correctly stated, and the proposed Reduction not immediately taking place, I trust you will provide for the Deficiency, securing, as before, the Re-payment out of My annual Income.

I have ordered Enquiry to be made into the Application of the Sum voted in Support of the American Sufferers; and I trust that you will agree with Me, that a due and generous Attention ought to be shewn to those who have relinquished their Properties or Professions from Motives of Loyalty to Me or Attachment to the Mother Country.

As it may be necessary to give Stability to some Regulations by Act of Parliament, I have ordered Accounts of the several Establishments, incidental Expences, Fees, and other Emoluments of Office, to be laid before you. Regulations have already taken place in some, which it is my Intention to extend to all, and which, besides expediting all public Business, must produce a very considerable Saving, without taking from that ample Encouragement which ought to be held forth to Talents, Diligence and Integrity, wherever they are to be found.

I have directed an Enquiry to be made into whatever regards the Landed Revenue of My Crown, as well as the Management of My Woods and Forests, that both may be made as beneficial as possible, and that the latter may furnish a certain Resource for supplying the Navy, Our great National Bulwark, with its first Material.

I have directed an Investigation into the Department of the Mint, that the Purity of the Coin, of so much Importance to Commerce, may be always adhered to; that by rendering the Difficulty of counterfeiting greater, the Lives of Numbers may be saved, and every needless Expence in it suppressed.

I must recommend to you an immediate Attention to the great Objects of the Public Receipts and Expenditure, and above all to the State of the Public Debt. Notwithstanding the great Increase of it during the War, it is to be hoped that such Regulations may still be established, such Savings made, and future Loans so conducted, as to promote the Means of its gradual Redemption by a fixed Course of Payment. I must, with particular Earnestness, distinguish for your serious Consideration, that Part of the Debt which consists of Navy, Ordnance, and Victualling Bills; the enormous Discount upon some of these Bills shews this Mode of Payment to be a most ruinous Expedient.

I have ordered the several Estimates, made up as correctly as the present Practice admits, to be laid before you. I hope that such further Corrections, as may be necessary, will be made before the next Year. It is My Desire, that you should be apprized of every Expence before it is incurred, as far as the Nature of each Service can possibly admit. Matters of Account can never be made too public.

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

The Scarcity and consequent high Price of Corn requires your instant Interposition.

The great Excess to which the Crimes of Theft and Robbery, in many Instances accompanied with personal Violence, particularly in the Neighbourhood of this Metropolis, (fn. 1) has called of late for a strict and severe Execution of the Laws. It were much to be wished that these Crimes could be prevented in their Infancy, by correcting the Vices become prevalent in a most alarming Degree.

The liberal Principles adopted by you, concerning the Rights and the Commerce of Ireland, have done you the highest Honour, and will, I trust, insure that Harmony, which ought always to subsist between the Two Kingdoms. I am persuaded that a general Increase of Commerce throughout the Empire, will prove the Wisdom of your Measures with regard to that Object. I would recommend to you a Revision of Our whole Trading System upon the same comprehensive Principles, with a View to its utmost possible Extension.

The Regulation of a vast Territory in Asia opens a large Field for your Wisdom, Prudence and Foresight. I trust that you will be able to frame some fundamental Laws, which may make their Connection with Great Britain a Blessing to India; and that you will take therein proper Measures to give all Foreign Nations, in Matters of Foreign Commerce, an entire and perfect Confidence in the Probity, Punctuality and good Order of Our Government. You may be assured that whatever depends upon Me, shall be executed with a Steadiness which can alone preserve that Part of My Dominions, or the Commerce which arises from it.

It is the fixed Object of My Heart to make the general Good, and the true Spirit of the Constitution the invariable Rule of My Conduct; and on all Occasions to advance and reward Merit in every Profession.

To insure the full Advantage of a Government conducted on such Principles, depends on your Temper, your Wisdom, your Disinterestedness, collectively and individually.

My People expect these Qualifications of you, and I call for them."

Then His Majesty was pleased to retire;

And the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure to unrobe.

The House was resumed.

PRAYERS.

V. Howe introduced:

Richard Viscount Howe of the Kingdom of Ireland, being by Letters Patent bearing Date the 20th of April, in the Twenty-second Year of His present Majesty, created Viscount Howe of Langar, in the County of Nottingham, was (in his Robes) introduced between the Lord Viscount Falmouth and Lord Viscount Hampden (also in their Robes), the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, and the Deputy Earl Marshal of England preceding: his Lordship, on his Knee, presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor at the Woolsack, who delivered it to the Clerk, and the same was read at the Table: His Writ of Summons was also read as follows; (videlicet)

George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth: To Our right trusty and wellbeloved Cousin and Counsellor Richard Viscount Howe, of Langar, in the County of Nottingham, Greeting: Whereas Our Parliament, for arduous and urgent Affairs concerning Us, the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Church, is now met at Our City of Westminster, We strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, That, considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs, and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present at Our aforesaid Parliament, with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles and Peers of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice: And this You may in no wise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs.

Witness Ourself at Westminster, the Twentieth Day of April, in the Twenty-second Year of Our Reign.

"Yorke."

Then his Lordship took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Viscounts Bench.

Pedigree delivered.

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordship's Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Lords take the Oaths.

This Day Shute Lord Bishop of Salisbury, also Richard Lord Bishop of Landaff, took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

E. Scarborough sat first in Parliament:

This Day George Earl of Scarborough sat first in Parliament after the Death of his Father Richard Earl of Scarborough: his Lordship having first at the Table taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

Pedigree delivered.

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordship's Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Bill pro formâ read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better regulating Select Vestries."

His Majesty's Speech reported:

The Lord Chancellor reported His Majesty's Speech; and the same being read by the Clerk;

Motion for Address thereon.

Moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return the Thanks of this House for His most gracious Speech from the Throne.

To acknowledge with the sincerest Gratitude His Majesty's constant Care and Attention to the true Interests of His People, and the critical State of Public Affairs since the last Session; and particularly for having been graciously pleased to direct His Measures towards promoting a cordial Reconciliation between Great Britain and America.

To express our great Satisfaction that His Majesty in the Exercise of the Powers which were vested in His Majesty, has laid the Foundation of a Peace with that Country, and has actually agreed upon Articles, to take Effect whenever the Terms with the Court of France shall be finally settled, thereby affording to His People a reasonable Expectation of being delivered from the Burdens of a most expensive War.

That we unite with His Majesty most heartily, in wishing that Religion, Language, Interests and Affection, may yet be the Means of effecting a permanent Union between the Two Countries; and that we will use every Means in our Power to effect so laudable a Purpose.

To assure His Majesty how sensible we are of the important Advantages resulting from the successful Exertions of His Majesty's Fleet, owing to the Skill and Bravery of His Officers and those serving under them, in protecting His distant Colonies and Settlements, as well as the great Branches of our Trade; and that we are fully sensible how much is owing to the Spirit of His Majesty's Governor and Garrison of Gibraltar.

That we set a just Value on the uninterrupted Continuance of our domestic Tranquillity, and shall always reflect with particular Satisfaction on the Instances of Public Spirit called forth by the Occasion.

That we rejoice to learn, a considerable Progress has been made in Negotiations for a general Peace, at a Moment so suitable to His Majesty's Dignity; and that we are truly sensible of the Regard His Majesty has shewn for the Lives and Fortunes of his brave and gallant Subjects.

To thank His Majesty for His gracious Promise that His Majesty will communicate to us the Terms with the several belligerent Powers, as soon as they are concluded; and to assure His Majesty that if any unforeseen Change in the Dispositions of those Powers, should disappoint His Majesty's confident Expectations of Peace, we will most chearfully use our utmost Exertions to assist His Majesty in a vigorous Prosecution of the War.

That we will not omit, on our Part, to considerwith the most unremitting Attention, the several important Points which His Majesty has been pleased to mention; and that we will apply ourselves to consider of the most effectual Means for remedying the Evils which may be apprehended from the present Scarcity of Corn, and for preventing, as far as possible, the Crimes of Theft and Robbery which have lately prevailed to a very alarming Height.

To express our Satisfaction at the Measures which have been adopted with Respect to Ireland, for securing its Rights and Commerce, which, we trust, will have the Effect of ensuring that Harmony which ought always to subsist between the Two Kingdoms; and to assure His Majesty that we shall be ready to direct our Attention to a Revision of our whole trading System, guided by the same liberal Principles which His Majesty has been graciously pleased to commend.

That we are deeply impressed with a Sense of the important Subject which the State of our National Affairs in the East Indies offers for our most serious Consideration; and to assure His Majesty, we are fully sensible of His Royal Goodness in thus extending His anxious Regard to the good Government of the distant Territories in Asia, and to the Welfare and Happiness of the People: That we will shew ourselves zealous to answer His Majesty's gracious Expectations by assisting in the framing some fundamental Laws, which may make their Connection with Great Britain a Blessing to India, and may give to other Nations, in Matters of Foreign Commerce, an entire Confidence in the Probity, Justice, and good Order of the British Government.

"To express to His Majesty our warmest Gratitude for His very gracious Assurances, that he will make the general Good and the true Spirit of the Constitution, the invariable Rule of His Conduct, and on all Occasions to advance and reward Merit in every Profession; and to assure His Majesty, that we will do all that in any Way depends on us, to ensure the full Advantage of a Government conducted on such Principles."

Amendment negatived.

Then an Amendment was proposed to be made to the said Motion, by inserting after the Words ("To acknowledge with the sincerest Gratitude") in the Second Paragraph thereof, the following Words; (videlicet)

["The Sacrifice which His Majesty has been graciously and affectionately pleased to make to the Wishes and Opinions of His People, fully convinced, that His Majesty's own Conduct has always been actuated by a similar Disposition: To acknowledge"]

The Question was put, "Whether the Words proposed, shall be inserted in the said Motion?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the said Motion as amended was agreed to.

Then the Lords following were appointed a Committee to prepare an Address pursuant thereto: (videlicet)

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet immediately in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Committee withdrew to prepare the Address.

After some Time the House was resumed:

And the Lord Osborne reported from the Committee, an Address drawn by them as follows; (videlicet)

Address reported and agreed to.

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg Leave to return Your Majesty our humble Thanks for Your most gracious Speech from the Throne.

It is with the sincerest Gratitude we acknowledge the Sacrifice which Your Majesty has been graciously and affectionately pleased to make to the Wishes and Opinions of Your People, fully convinced that Your Majesty's own Conduct has always been actuated by a similar Disposition; we acknowledge likewise Your Majesty's constant Care and Attention to the true Interest of Your People, and the critical State of Public Affairs since the last Session of Parliament; and in a particular Manner for Your Majesty having been graciously pleased to direct Your Measures towards promoting a cordial Reconciliation between Great Britain and America.

Permit us, Sir, to express our great Satisfaction, that Your Majesty in the Exercise of the Powers which were vested in You, has laid the Foundation of a Peace with that Country, and that You have actually agreed upon Articles to take Effect when the Terms with the Court of France shall be finally settled; thereby affording to Your People a reasonable Expectation of being delivered from the Burdens of a most expensive War: As well as to unite our Hopes with Your Majesty's, that Religion, Language, Interests, and Affection may yet be the Means of effecting a permanent Union between the Two Countries, to obtain which Purpose, so highly laudable, our most earnest Endeavours shall not be wanting.

Your Majesty may be assured, we are sensible of the important Advantages resulting from the successful Exertions of Your Majesty's Fleets, owing to the Skill and Bravery of Your Officers, and those serving under them, in protecting your distant Colonies and Settlements, as well as the great Branches of our Trade; and that we are impressed with a due Sense of what is owing to the Spirit and good Conduct of Your Majesty's Governor and Garrison of Gibraltar.

We set a just Value on the Continuance of our domestic Tranquillity, and shall always reflect with peculiar Satisfaction on the signal Instances of Public Spirit called forth by the Occasion; we learn with great Joy, that a considerable Progress is made in the Negotiations for a general Peace at a Moment so suitable to Your Majesty's Dignity, and we cannot omit to acknowledge the paternal Regard Your Majesty has shewn for the Lives and Fortunes of Your brave and gallant Subjects.

We return Your Majesty our hearty Thanks for Your gracious Promise to communicate to us the Terms with the several Belligerent Powers as soon as they are concluded; and we give Your Majesty the strongest Assurances that if any unforeseen Change in the Dispositions of those Powers should disappoint Your Majesty's confident Expectations of Peace, we will most chearfully exert our utmost Endeavours to assist Your Majesty in a vigorous Prosecution of the War.

We will not omit on our Parts, to apply ourselves with the most unremitting Attention to the several important Points which Your Majesty has been pleased to mention, and to consider of the most effectual Means for remedying the Evils which may be apprehended from the present Scarcity of Corn, and for preventing, as far as possible, the Crimes of Theft and Robbery, which have lately prevailed to a very alarming Height.

We beg Leave to express our Satisfaction at the Measures which have been adopted with respect to Ireland, for securing its Rights and Commerce, which we trust, will have the Effect of ensuring that Harmony, which ought always to subsist between the Two Kingdoms; and we do assure Your Majesty, we shall be ready to direct our Attention to a Revision of our whole Trading System, guided by the same liberal Principles which Your Majesty has been graciously pleased to commend.

We are deeply impressed with a Sense of the important Subject, which the State of our National Concerns in the East Indies offers for our most serious Deliberation; and Your Majesty may be persuaded we have a due Impression of Your Royal Goodness, in thus extending Your anxious Regard to the good Government of the distant Territories in Asia, and to the Welfare and Happiness of the People there: We will in return shew ourselves zealous to answer Your Majesty's gracious Expectations, by assisting to frame some fundamental Laws, which may make their Connection with Great Britain a Blessing to India, and may give to other Nations, in Matters of Foreign Commerce, an entire Confidence in the Probity, Justice, and good Order of the British Government.

"Allow us to express, in the most servent and grateful Manner, our warmest Gratitude for Your Majesty's gracious Assurances, that You will make the general Good, and the true Spirit of the Constitution, the invariable Rule of Your Majesty's Conduct; and that You will, on all Occasions, advance and reward Merit in every Profession. Your Majesty may rely, with the utmost Confidence, that every Measure will be adopted on our Part to secure the full Advantages of a Government conducted on such Principles."

Which Address, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the whole House.

Ordered, That the Lords with White Staves do wait on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty will please to appoint to be attended therewith.

Earl of Lauderdale as a Scots Peer.

This Day the Deputy Clerk of the Crown in Chancery delivered in a Certificate of the Name of the Peer of Scotland, who, by virtue of His Majesty's Proclamation, is chosen to sit and vote in this House in the Room of John Earl of Loudoun, deceased; which was read by the Clerk, as follows; (videlicet)

May it please your Lordships,

I do hereby certify, that, by virtue of His Majesty's Royal Proclamation, dated the 5th Day of June 1782, a Certificate, under the Hands and Seals of Alexander Robertson and Alexander Menzies Esquires, Two of the Principal Clerks of Session attending the Election after mentioned, in virtue of the Lord Clerk Register's Commission to them granted, hath been delivered into the Crown Office in Chancery, whereby it appears that James Earl of Lauderdale was elected and chosen to sit and vote in the House of Peers in this present Parliament, in the Room of John Earl of Loudoun deceased. Given under my Hand, this Twenty-ninth Day of July 1782.

"John Yorke, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery."

Committee for Privileges.

Lords Committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of this House and Privileges of Parliament, and of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament:

Their Lordships, or any Seven of them, to meet on Monday next, at Ten o'Clock, in the House of Peers, and every Monday after; and to adjourn as they please.

Committee for the Journals.

Lords Sub-Committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of this House, and of the Privileges of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament, and to peruse and perfect the Journals of this and former Sessions of Parliament.

Their Lordships, or any Three of them, to meet when, where, and as often as they please.

Stoppages in the Streets, Order to prevent.

The House taking Notice, "That there is such an Interruption by Hackney Coaches, Carts, and Drays, in the Streets and Passages leading to this House, that the Lords and others are frequently hindered from coming thereto:"

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the High Steward of the City of Westminster, or his Deputy, together with the Justices of the Peace for the said City, shall, by their strict Care and Directions to the Constables, and other Officers within their Jurisdiction, take special Order that no empty Hackney Coaches be suffered to make any Stay between Whitehall and the End of Abingdon Street in Westminster, from Twelve of the Clock at Noon, until Five of the Clock in the Afternoon of the same Day, during the Sitting of this Parliament; and that no Carriages, Drays, or Carts, be permitted to stop in the Streets and Passages between the End of Market Lane in Pall Mall, and the End of Abingdon Street, between the Hours aforesaid, or to pass through the Old Palace Yard from One of the Clock in the Afternoon, until One Hour after the Rising of this House during the Sitting of this Parliament; and that all Carriages, Drays, or Carts, hereby permitted to pass through the said Streets and Passages, be obliged to go one after another in the Manner following; (that is to say), all Carriages, Drays, or Carts going towards Westminster, to keep on the Side of the Street or Passage next to Saint James's Park; and all those going the contrary Way to keep on the other Side of the Street, and upon no Account whatsoever to presume to go Two or more abreast during the Sitting of this Parliament; and herein special Care is to be taken by the said Deputy Steward, Justices of the Peace, Constables, and all other Officers herein concerned, as the contrary will be answered to this House: and it is further Ordered, That the High Bailiff of the City of Westminster, and the Justices of the Peace for the City and Liberty thereof, or some of them residing in Westminster, be served with the Order of this House made this Day for the Purposes aforesaid.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, sextum diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 6^o Decembris 1782.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

His Majesty to be attended with the Address.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty would please to appoint to be attended with their Lordships Address; and that His Majesty had appointed this Day, at Three o'Clock, at His Palace of Saint James."

Duncan et al. against Magistrates of Aberdeen.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of George Duncan junior, Boxmaster of the Society of Shipmasters in Aberdeen, and the other Members of that Society, complaining of Three Interlocutors of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 5th of December 1781, and 22d of February and 8th of August 1782; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, or that the Appellants may have such other Relief in the Premises as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that the Magistrates and Town Council of Aberdeen, and the other Pursuers in the Process of Reduction may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Magistrates and Town Council of Aberdeen, and the said other Pursuers, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer, or respective Answers thereunto, in Writing, on or before Friday the 3d Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon their Agent or Solicitor in the Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

D. Queensberry against Sir W. Douglas et al.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of William Duke of Queensberry, complaining of Two Interlocutors of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the 18th of January and 7th of August 1782; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or amended, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that Sir William Douglas of Killhead Baronet, and Charles Archibald William Johnston, John, Mary, Christiana and Catherine Douglas his Children, and Alexander Mackonochie Writer in Edinburgh, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Sir William Douglas, and the said several other Persons last named, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer, or respective Answers thereunto, in Writing, on or before Friday the 3d Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon any of their known Counsel or Agents in the Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

L. Rodney's Answer to Thanks of the House.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That, in pursuance of the Order of this House of the 27th of May last, he had transmitted their Lordships Resolutions of that Day, giving the Thanks of the House to Sir George Brydges Rodney Baronet, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for his able and gallant Conduct in the late most brilliant and decisive Victory obtained over the French Fleet in the West Indies by the Fleet under his Command; and also giving the Thanks of this House to Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, Rear Admiral Drake, Commodore Affleck, and Sir Charles Douglas, and to the several Captains and Officers of the Fleet under the Command of Sir George Brydges Rodney, for their Bravery and gallant Conduct on the said late most glorious Occasion; and that Sir George Brydges Rodney do signify the same to them, and also the Resolution, that this House doth highly approve of and acknowledge the Services of the Seamen, Marines and Soldiers, on board the Ships under the Command of Sir George Brydges Rodney in the late glorious Victory over the French Fleet, and that the Captains of the several Ships do signify the same to their respective Crews, and do thank them for their gallant Behaviour:

"And that he had received a Letter from the said Sir George Brydges Rodney Baronet, since created Lord Rodney, dated the 21st of July 1782, in which he returns an Answer to the said Resolution."

The said Letter was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet)

"Montague, Port Royal Harbour, July 21st, 1782.

"My Lord,

I Yesterday had the Honour to receive by the Lively Sloop your Lordship's most obliging Letter, enclosing the Thanks of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, to me, and the Officers I had the Honour to command on the 12th of April last.

This transcendant and flattering Mark of their Lordships Approbation to me as an Individual, is highly enhanced by the Indulgence afforded me of communicating their Sentiments to the Officers and Seamen of the Squadron, to whose unparalleled Bravery and Conduct the Success of His Majesty's Arms on that Day is principally owing; their glorious Exertions have impressed on me a feeling of Gratitude to them, far above my Capacity to express.

I have to request that your Lordship will be pleased to lay before your august Assembly mine and my Associates most grateful Acknowledgements for so kind a Mark of their Approbation; an Honour which cannot fail to inspire us with a zealous Ardour to approve ourselves in future not undeserving of so signal a Distinction.

To your Lordship I feel myself more particularly indebted for those kind Gratulations of private Friendship upon which I shall reflect with a secret Pleasure to the latest Period of my Life; and I beg Leave to assure your Lordship, that nothing could more effectually contribute to the Completion of my Happiness on this Occasion, than the flattering Communication of your Lordship's partial Approbation of my Services on that Day.

I have the Honour to remain,

with the profoundest Respect,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant,
Rodney."

"The Right Honourable Lord Thurlow, &c. &c. &c."

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause, wherein James Bruce Esquire is Appellant, and the Carron Company are Respondents, et e contra, which stands appointed for Wednesday next, be put off to Wednesday the 18th of this Instant December; and that the other Causes be removed in Course.

Appeals, Time for prosecuting extended to next Sitting Day.

Notice was taken, "That the Time limited by the Standing Orders of this House of the 5th of April 1720, requiring Appeals to be prosecuted within Eight Days from the First Day of every Session or Meeting of Parliament expires on Thursday next:"

Ordered, That the Time limited for that Purpose be extended to the next Sitting Day of the House.

Chalmer to enter into Recognizance on D. Queensberry's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That James Chalmer of Leicester Fields, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for William Duke of Queensberry, on account of his Appeal depending in this House, he being in the Country:"

It is Ordered, That the said James Chalmer may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant, as desired.

Sir T. Rumbold and Perring's Property, Account of, delivered.

The Lord Chancellor in pursuance of an Act of last Session, for restraining Sir Thomas Rumbold Baronet, and Peter Perring Esquire, from going out of this Kingdom for a limited Time, and for discovering their Estates and Effects, and preventing the transporting or alienating the same, acquainted the House, "That the Lord Chief Baron and other the Barons of the Court of Exchequer had delivered to him,

"Inventory and Account of the Real and Personal Estate of Sir Thomas Rumbold Baronet, delivered to the Right Honourable Sir John Skynner Knight, Lord Chief Baron of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer, in Obedience to an Act of Parliament passed in the last Sessions:"

Also, "A Particular or Inventory of all and singular the Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Debts, and Personal Estate whatsoever, in Europe, the East Indies, China, or elsewhere, which Peter Perring Esquire was seized or possessed of, or entitled to in his own Right, and which any other Person or Persons was or were seized or possessed of in Trust for him, or to or for his Use or Benefit, upon the 1st Day of April in the Year of our Lord 1781, or at any Time after (the Wearing Apparel of his Person and of his Wife, the Furniture of his House, and the Stock upon his Farm, excepted;) and also a particular Inventory or Account of what Part of such Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Debts, and Personal Estate as aforesaid, hath or have been conveyed, aliened or transferred by him, or any Person or Persons in Trust for him with his Privity since the said 1st Day of April 1781, and to what Person or Persons by Name, at what Time, and for what Price or Consideration; which, in pursuance of the said Act, his Lordship delivered in to the House."

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

Ordered, That the said Accounts do lie on the Table.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum tertium diem instantis Decembris, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.