House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 8 April 1644

Die Lunæ, Aprilis 8, 1644.

PRAYERS.

Irish Report.

ORDERED, That the Irish Report shall be taken into Consideration so soon as my Lord General's Ordinance, and Sir Philip Stapilton's Report, shall be made.

Message to Lords.

Mr. Ellis is appointed to carry up to the Lords, the Ordinance concerning the Militia of London sending forth of Forces; and concerning Timber, in the King's Woods, for the Navy; and the Ordinance for Mr. Charles Fleetewood to be Receiver General of the Court of Wards.

Excise.

An Ordinance for continuing the Receipts of the Excise or new Impost, in the Manner as now they are settled by the Ordinance of the Eleventh of September 1643, or any other Ordinance since made, or now in Force, upon the same Persons as now it is, to commence and continue for one whole Year, from the Eleventh of September next, was this Day read the First and Second time; and, upon Question, committed unto Mr. Recorder, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Green.: Who are presently to withdraw upon it.

Army Affairs.

Sir Philip Stapilton reports from the Committee of both Kingdoms, that, upon the Recommendation of this House, the Committee had sent forth their Letters for gathering all the Forces of this Side Trent into a Body, and had appointed a Day and a Place for their Rendezvous; viz. Friday-come-sevennight, for the Day; and Aylisbury, for the Rendezvous: That they refer it to the House, the Manner of recommending it to the City, to encourage them at this Time to send what Force they can, of Horse and Foot, to the general Rendezvous; to recommend it to the several Counties, that send not Horse or Foot, to send Provisions, and some Horse for Draught Horse, and Dragoons; to consider of providing of Ammunition, that there may be no Want of that.

Resolved, &c. That the Lords be desired to join with this House in a Message to the Lord Mayor, to desire him to call a Common Hall, to meet To-morrow at Four of Clock.

Resolved, &c. That the Lords be desired to nominate a Committee to join with a Committee of this House, to go to the Common Hall To-morrow at Four of Clock, to acquaint the City with the Resolutions of the Parliament, of gathering their Forces together, to pursue their late Victory, and to endeavour, by putting it to a Day, by God's Blessing, to put a speedy Issue to these lingering Miseries; and to encourage the City to send-forth what Assistance and Force they can, for the Advance of this so important Service.

Mr. Solicitor, * Holles, * Barrington, Sir Jo. Clottworthy, Mr. Crewe, are appointed to prepare Letters to be sent into the several Counties, to acquaint them with the great Expedition the Parliament is now upon; and to desire them, in regard their Persons will be excused, to send unto the Army Provisions of Corn, Butter, and Cheese, and Horses for Draught Horses; in such Proportions, and at such Time and Places as they shall be required and directed by the Committee of both Kingdoms, or by my Lord General.

Ordered, That Mr. Lisle do bring in a Letter of Thanks to be written to the Inhabitants of the Isle of White, for their Forwardness in sending Provisions to Sir W. Waller's Army.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to confer and consult with my Lord General; and to appoint, from time to time, the Proportions, Times, and Places, that the Counties shall be required to send unto the Army the Provisions of Corn, Cheese, Butter, and Horses.

Excise.

Mr. Recorder reports the Amendments to the Ordinance for continuing the Excise for a Twelve-month longer, from the Eleventh of September next: The which were read, and assented unto; and the Ordinance, with the Amendments, passed, upon the Question; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords, by Mr. Recorder, for their Concurrence: Who likewise carried up the Order for Eleven Pounds to the Widow Reston.

Lords to sit.

Sir Rob. Pye went up to the Lords, to desire them to sit awhile, in regard this House shall have Occasion to come up to them, upon Matters of great Importance, that much concern the Safety of the Kingdom.

New Impost.

An Ordinance for imposing a new Impost upon several Commodities, was this Day read the First time: And

It is Ordered, That Mr. Whittacre do make his Report concerning that Business, before the said Ordinance be read the Second time.

Lords agree to Ordinances.

Mr. Ellis brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to the Three Ordinances carried up by him; viz. For the Militia; Timber for the Navy; for Mr. Charles Fleetewood to be Receiver General of the Court of Wards.

Military Stores.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Lieutenant of the Ordnance to inform himself, what quantities of Powder may be had in the City, and upon what Terms a Thousand Barrels of Powder, and Ammunition proportionable, may be had: He is likewise to consider how One hundred Barrels of Powder, Match and Bullet proportionable, may be speedily had, and sent away to Sir Wm. Waller.

Lords agree to Ordinances.

Mr. Recorder brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to the Ordinance for Continuance of the Excise; and to the Eleven Pounds out of Haberdashers Hall, to the Widow Reston.

Aylisbury Garison.

Ordered, That Mr. Winwood, Mr. Fountaine, Lord Wenman, Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Pet. Temple, Mr. Holland, Mr. Whitlocke, Sir Gilb. Gerard, Mr. Drake, Mr. Lane, do, this Afternoon, meet and consider with the Committee of the Revenue, and employ their best Endeavours for sending of Three thousand Pounds immediately to the Garison of Aylisbury: And are to make Report on Wednesday Morning: And the Care of this is referred to Mr. Holland and Mr. Fountaine.

Conference desired.

Sir Walt. Erle is to desire a Conference concerning the speedy sending out of Forces, and concerning other things for the Safety of the Kingdom; and concerning the Ordinance for excluding certain Members of both Houses.

Payment to Lord Grey.

Ordered, That my Lord Grey do confer with the Committee of Examinations, and consider how Five hundred Pounds may be speedily raised, to be paid to the Lord Grey, in pursuance of a former Order for the same.

Subscriptions for Ireland.

Ordered, That Mr. Maynard do turn the Act of Parliament, for compelling such as have subscribed for Ireland, to pay in their Subscription-money, into an Ordinance of Parliament; and present the same to the House.

Conference.

Sir Walter Erle brings Answer, That the Lords will give a present Meeting, as is desired.

Mr. Lisle, Sir Philip Stapelton, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Crewe, Mr. Whitelock, Sir Jo. Clottworthy, are appointed Managers, and Reporters of this Conference.

Forces in Ireland.

Ordered, That the Propositions concerning the Scottish and British Forces in Ireland, be resumed, after the Conference, this Afternoon, at Three of Clock if it may be, or otherwise, on Wednesday Morning.

States Ambassadors.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Ro. Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords desire, that they may impart something unto you at this Conference, that they have received from the States Ambassadors.

House to sit.

A Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whittfield and Sir Edw. Leeche;

The Lords have resolved to adjourn their House till Three of Clock this Afternoon, and to sit then, concerning some Answer to be given to the States Ambassadors; and desire this House, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, to sit then also.

Resolved, &c. That this House shall meet this Afternoon at Three of Clock.

Answers to Lords.

Answer returned by the First Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do consent, that the Lords should communicate That at this Conference, which they have received from the States Ambassadors.

Answer returned by the Second Messengers; That this House has resolved to sit this Afternoon at Three of Clock.

County of Pembroke.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Ro. Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords desire, that they may likewise impart something unto you, at this Conference, concerning the County of Pembroke.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree, that the Matter concerning the County of Pembroke should be imparted at this Conference.

Supplying Provisions.

Mr. Crewe reports, from the Committee, the Letter to be sent into the several Counties, for the sending in Provisions of Corn, Victual, Horses, &c.: The which was read; and assented unto, and referred to my Lord General and the Committee, to direct how these Provisions shall be brought in; how received; and how paid for.

Publick Thanksgiving.

Ordered, That the Ministers within the several Parishes of London and Westminster, Line of Communication, and Bills of Mortality, do, To-morrow, being the Day of Thanksgiving for the great Victory over Sir Ralph Hopton's Forces, publish, in their several Churches, the Resolution taken by the Parliament, to draw all their Forces together, to pursue this Victory, and to put it to a Day, and to fight with the Enemy; to put a speedy Issue, by the Blessing of God, to these lingering Miseries: And to exhort the People to contribute to their utmost, for the sending forth what possible Strength can be had.

Scotts Army, &c.

Upon a Report this Day made by Sir Henry Vane jun. from the Committee of both Kingdoms, touching the Scotts Army in England and Ireland;

It was Resolved, upon the Question, That effectual Course be taken, for the due and speedy Collection of the Sequestrations appointed by both Houses, for the Payment of the Sixty thousand Pounds to the Scotts Army in Ireland; and that this be recommended, in an especial Manner, to the Committee for taking the Accounts of all the Kingdom.

Resolved, &c. That to enable the speedy raising of a considerable Sum of Monies for the Supply of the Scotts Army in England and Ireland, an Ordinance be passed by both Houses, to the same Effect as formerly, to levy, by way of Assessment, Sixty-six thousand Six hundred sixty-six Pounds Six Shillings Eight-pence, being another Third Part of the Two hundred thousand Pounds, appointed by both Houses for the Purposes aforesaid, to our Brethren of Scotland; for which the publick Faith of both Kingdoms is engaged.

Resolved, upon the Question, That, as another Means for the raising of Monies for the Affairs of Ireland, the Bill, presented by both Houses to his Majesty, for compelling the Adventurers to pay the Monies due by their Subscriptions, upon the Acts of Parliament for that Purpose, be turned into an Ordinance of Parliament: And

It is Ordered, That Mr. Maynard do turn the same into an Ordinance, and present it to the House.

Resolved, &c. That out of the Ways and Means abovementioned, or otherwise, or by the Credit thereof, that the Sum of Thirty thousand Pounds, by the Fifteenth of May next coming, be shipped from hence to Carrickfergus, upon which the said Army may depend; and that the Remainder of the said Sixty thousand Pounds be shipped away by the last of June next: And it is referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall, to consider of the Means of raising of these Monies, and to offer to the House the probablest Way of bringing them in; and to take care, with the Treasurers of the Sequestrations, that the Sequestration-monies may not be diverted to any other Use, upon any Pretence whatsoever.

Die Lunæ, 8 Aprilis, 1644; Post Meridiem.

Gloucester Garison.

AN Ordinance for Supply and Relief of the Garison of Gloucester, and for reducing the other Parts of Gloucestershire to the Obedience of the King and Parliament, by taking the voluntary Subscriptions of Persons well-affected, for the raising of Forces to these Purposes; and for giving the publick Faith for Repayment of the said Subscriptions; was this Day read the First time; and ordered to be read the Second time on Wednesday Morning next.

Conference reported.

Mr. Whitelock reports from the Conference this Day had on the Lords Part, touching the States Ambassadors, and the County of Pembroke.

" My Lord General was pleased to say, That the Dutche Ambassadors were with him on Saturday last; and seemed to be much troubled and discontented, that, after so long Stay, they had no Return of their Paper; and therefore desired a Pass for their going to Oxforde; which my Lord General was unwilling to grant, though not willing to deny them; and therefore desired Time to consider of it, to receive the Direction of both Houses; at which they seem to be much troubled and discontented."

" That his Excellency had acquainted the Lords with it; who commanded him to acquaint the House of Commons with it."

" My Lord General likewise told us, that it had pleased God to give us good Success in Pembrokeshire, by the Care and Valour of Mr. * a Servant of the Earl of Pembroke's, to whom his Lordship gave a Commission at the Beginning of these Troubles, whereby those Places have been preserved and defended for the Parliament. He was, in his whole Strength, Sixty Foot, and Thirty Horse, till of late he was assisted, by Captain Swanley, with some Seamen, who have done brave Service."

And then my Lord Admiral said, That divers Garison Towns were taken in by them, and the whole County of Pembroke reduced in Obedience to the Parliament; and are now Twelve hundred Foot, and Three hundred Horse: That, in all this time, in doing such Service to the Parliament, he hath had no Supplies hence; and now, in regard the Ships were to come away thence, that you would think of sending some Supplies; and that Colonel Daves, whom my Lord General hath nominated for to command in Chief there, may be enabled to go down, which would be to the great Advantage of the Service.

Court of Wards.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Ro. Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords have sent down an Ordinance for changing an Officer in the Court of Wards, from Mr. Mostyn, who has deserted his Place, and is in Arms against the Parliament, one Mr. Tho. Shadwell; and desire the Concurrence of this House therein.

Ordered, That this Ordinance be taken into Consideration on Wednesday Morning next.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Rob. Riche and Mr. Page;

The Lords have agreed unto all the Votes delivered unto them at the last Conference, excepting that Vote that excludes the Members of both Houses: And that the Lords had nominated a Committee of their Members, of Eight, to go to the Common Hall To-morrow, at Four of Clock.

Committee to Common Hall.

Sir Arth. Hesilrig, Sir Hen. Vane jun. Sir Philip Stapilton, Mr. Holland, Sir Tho. Barrington, Mr. Holles, Sir H. Mildmay, Mr. Nicoll, Sir Jo. Clottworthy, Mr. Solicitor, Sir Tho. Cheeke, Mr. Ashe, Sir Wm. Strickland, Lord Lisle, Sir Peter Wentworth, Sir Anth. Irby;

This Committee is appointed to meet with a Committee of a proportionable Number of the Lords, to go To-morrow, at Four of Clock, to the Common Hall, upon the Order and Vote delivered unto the Lords at the Conference, and agreed unto by the Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and have appointed a Committee of a proportionable Number to go to the Common Hall To-morrow, at Four of Clock, as is desired.

Mr. Vassall, Mr. Spurstoe, Mr. Rolle, are appointed to go to the Lord Mayor, to desire him to call a Common Hall, to meet To-morrow, at Four of Clock; at which Time a Committee from both Houses will communicate something of great Importance unto them.

States Ambassadors.

Resolved, &c. That this Answer shall be returned to the States Ambassadors; That when the States Ambassadors shall, from and in the Name of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces, propose any thing to the Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England, they will do thereupon that which shall be fit.

This Question was proposed.

And then the Question was put, whether there should be any Addition to this Question: And

It passed with the Negative.

And then the Answer was put to the Question, and, by Vote, assented unto; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence.

Resolved, That a Preamble shall be added unto this Answer.

Sir Hen. Vane jun. Mr. Crew, Mr. Solicitor, are appointed presently to withdraw, to prepare a Preamble to this Answer.

Sir Peter Wentworth went up to the Lords, to desire a Conference concerning the Answer to the Papers from the States Ambassadors.

Informations against Hartop, &c.

Ordered, That the Committee to whom the Examination of the Informations against Sir Edward Hartop and Major Bingley is referred, do dispatch the Report of that Business with all Speed.

Pembrookshire, &c.

Ordered, That this Part of the Report of the Conference concerning Pembrookshire be taken into Consideration on Wednesday Morning: And that the Propositions for reducing South Wales, mentioned by Mr. Speaker, be then likewise taken into Consideration.

Lords agree to Conference.

Sir Peter Wentworth brings Answer, That the Lords will give a present Meeting, as is desired.

Maimed Soldiers.

Ordered, That the like Order as is usually made for applying the Collections made on the publick Fast Days for the poor maimed Soldiers, shall be made To-morrow, and applied to the same Purpose.

States Ambassadors.

Sir Henry Vane reported the Preamble and Introduction to the Answer to the States Ambassadors: The which were read; and assented unto; and carried up to the Lords at a Conference; and referred to them to deliver it in to the States Ambassadors, in such manner as they should think fit.

Delinquents Estates.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee for Examinations, where Mr. Corbett has the Chair, to inquire into, and secure, such Papists and Delinquents Estates as Sir William Brereton shall discover; and to report the State of the Business to the House.

Derby Committees.

Names allowed, added, and confirmed, Committees of the Town and County of Derby, for taking Subscriptions; and for sequestering the Estates of Papists and Delinquents; and for the Twentieth, and Fifth Part; according to the several Ordinances of Parliament; to sit at Derby, and not to be removed thence without the Consent of Sir John Gell and Mr. Hallowes; videlicet as followeth: Sir George Gresley, Sir John Gell, Mr. Nathan Hallowes, Mr. Henry Wigfall, Mr. Thomas Gell, Mr. John Wigley, Mr. Robert Eyre, Mr. Tho. Chaloner, Mr. Luke Whittington, and Mr. Robert Meller.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Yorkshire Committees.

Resolved, &c. That Sir Matthew Bointon be added to the Committee for Sequestrations for the North Riding, and John Wastall and John Antaby Esquires to the same Committee for Sequestrations in the East and North Riding for Yorkshire.

Excise.

Whereas the Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, have found it necessary to continue the several Rates and Charges of Excise, and new Impost, mentioned and expressed in the Ordinance of both Houses, dated the Eleventh Day of September last; Be it hereby Ordained, by the said Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That the said Ordinance of the Eleventh of September last, and every Clause, Sentence, and Article, therein contained, and now in Force; and the several Rates of Excise and new Impost, imposed and directed by the said Ordinance, or any other Ordinance or Ordinances, concerning the Government and Ordering of the Excise, since made, which at present are in Force; shall continue, and be received upon all and every the Commodities therein mentioned and charged throughout the Realm of England, Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick, for One whole Year longer, to commence the Eleventh of September, next ensuing the Date hereof. And it is further hereby Ordained and Declared, That Jo. Towse Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, Thomas Foot Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, John Kendrick Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, Thomas Cullam Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, Symond Edmond, John Lamott, and Edward Claxton, of the said City of London, Esquires, the present Commissioners of the Excise, shall remain and continue Chief Commissioners and Governors of the whole Office and Receipts of the Excise, and new Impost, in and through the whole Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick; and shall and may do and execute, and cause to be done and executed, all and every the Clauses, Articles, and other Thing and Things whatsoever, ordained, mentioned, and contained, in the said Ordinance of the Eleventh of September last, or in any other Ordinance or Ordinances concerning the Excise which at present are in Force, in the same Manner and Form as they are directed and authorized thereby to do and execute, for and during the said Term of One Year longer, to commence from the Eleventh of September next following, as aforesaid; with the like Allowances, as at present, of Six-pence upon every Twenty Shillings raised and levied out of the Receipts of the Excise, and new Impost. And, forasmuch as the said John Towse Esquire, Alderman of the said City of London, and the rest of the said Commissioners of Excise, and new Impost, have, for and towards the present Recruit of the Army under the Command of his Excellency the Earl of Essex, advanced and lent the Sum of Ten thousand Pounds; Be it hereby Ordained, by the said Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That the said Commissioners of Excise shall and may pay the said Sum of Ten thousand Pounds unto Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight, Treasurer at Wars, for the Use aforesaid; whose Receipt shall be a sufficient Discharge unto them and every of them. And it is hereby further Ordained, That the said Commissioners of Excise shall, and are hereby authorized to, satisfy and reimburse themselves of the said Ten thousand Pounds, with Interest after the Rate of Eight Pounds per Cent. so long time as the same, or any Part thereof, shall remain unpaid, within such Interval of Time as other Assignments already charged by Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament upon the said Office of Excise, shall not happen to fall due, in such Order of Time as the same are to be paid: And for their so doing, This shall be their sufficient Warrant and Discharge; any Ordinance or Ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding.

States Ambassadors.

The Lords and Commons, assembled in the Parliament of England, having seen two Papers delivered to the Speakers of each House; the one with a Memorandum, in these Words; " Delivered by the Ambassadors of the said Lords States, unto Monsieur the Baron Grey of Wark, Speaker, to be communicated to the Lords of the Parliament, this Fourteenth of March, 1643;" the other with a Memorandum in these Words; " Delivered by the Ambassadors of the said Lords States, unto Wm. Lenthall Esquire, Speaker, to be communicated to Seiurs Commons of Parliament, this Fourteenth of March, 1643;" do think fit this Answer be returned thereunto; That the Lords and Commons, assembled in Parliament of England, will always, with due Respect, acknowledge such good Affections, as from the Lords the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countries, shall at any time be expressed to the King and his Kingdoms; professing they desire nothing more than such a Peace as may as well procure Honour and Happiness to the King, as the Preservation of the true Reformed Religion, the Privileges of the Parliament, and the Liberty of the Subject, in his Majesty's Three Kingdoms, according to the late solemn League and Covenant: And when they shall, from and in the Name of the said Lords the States General of the United Provinces, propose any thing to the Lords and Commons, assembled in Parliament of England, they will do thereupon that which shall be fit.