The Diary of Thomas Burton: 19 April 1659

Tuesday, April, 19, 1659.

Resolved, that all bonds taken of English merchants for any duty to be paid by them, by virtue of the late Act of Parliament, giving license for transporting fish in foreign bottoms, for any fish laden by any such English merchants, lading any fish in the bottoms of this Commonwealth, and manned with the people of the same, be made void, and delivered up to the respective persons, who have entered into any of the said bonds, their heirs or assigns, to be cancelled. And that all recognizances entered into his Highness's Exchequer, by any persons, upon any writ or writs of delivery, issued out of the said Court, for restoring any fish, or ships laden by English merchants, in any of the bottoms of this Commonwealth, and manned with the people of the same, for non-payment of the duty by the aforesaid Act, appointed to be paid by Englishmen, be likewise made void and cancelled.

Mr. Annesley reported from the Committee appointed to attend his Highness, touching Lady Worcester; that his Highness was pleased to give the Committee this answer; that he assured him the House had considered of her interest, and that himself was therewith satisfied, and did take notice of the orders; and would give speedy direction for her satisfaction accordingly.

He also reported from the Committee appointed to propose an effectual way for security against the Cavaliers. A Declaration requiring all such persons to depart the cities of London and Westminster, and late lines of communication, by the space of twenty miles. The which was read first intirely; and afterwards, in parts.

The preamble was first read, and upon the question, assented unto. (fn. 1)

I came late, and found the House in debate upon the Declaration to send the dangerous Cavaliers twenty miles out of London, till the 20th of October.

Several amendments were offered to it. Some offered that in case of their contempt of the Declaration, they might forfeit a third part of their estates; but all this was waved, and a great deal more.

Some thought it was very wide, and too loose. Sir Arthur Haslerigge and Sir Henry Vane, never meddled in it. Mr. Annesley was the most active; but to qualify. (fn. 2)

While this was in debate, Mr. Stephens, accompanied with about thirty or forty members, went to the other House, foi their concurrence to the votes passed yesterday, touching the meetings of the officers.

We were presently called in by the Usher of the Black Rod; and the Lords came to the bar after the same ceremony, as before.

Mr. Stephens opened the votes, how that the knights, citizens, &c. took notice of the general meetings of the officers, and had made these votes against them, which he read and concluded "whereunto they humbly desire your concurrence."

This word "humbly," was a little too far, and too many legs were made.

Mr. Grove did manage his message otherwise.

We were presently called in again, and received this answer from them, that they will take the same into consideration, and return an answer thereunto by messengers of their own.

Mr. Stephens reported this answer from the other House.

It seems they put it to the question, whether it should be debated; and it was resolved to be debated, and carried but by one vote. Else it had slept I know not how long.

Resolved, that this House doth agree to this Declaration, as amended.

Resolved, that this House do determine of, and give their judgment in, the cause between Mr. Henry Neville, and Mr. Strowde, late Sheriff of the County of Berks, (fn. 3) on Saturday next. (fn. 4)

Sir Arthur Haslerigge reported from the Committee of Trade.

Resolved, that, after the ending of this present week, the Grand Committee for Grievances and Courts of Justice, do sit on every Thursday, and on every Friday, in the afternoon, weekly; and that the Grand Committee for Trade do sit and meet, on every Wednesday, in the afternoon, weekly.

Mr. Scawen reported from the Committee for inspecting into the accounts and revenue of the Commonwealth, a collection of what debts are owing to the Commonwealth, and of money in cash, and of monies received by the Treasurer of the Navy, for the supply of this year's service out of the Customs and Excise, unto March 25,1659, and since the report delivered in to the House, from the same Committee of the debts of the Commonwealth, which sum of money will lessen the debt of the Commonwealth for so much as they come unto. The which Report was delivered in writing at the table and read. (fn. 5)

Resolved, that this paper of debts owing to the Corn monwealth, be referred to the consideration of a Grand Committee of the whole House; who are also to consider how the arrears of the Armies and Navies may be speedily satisfied.

Resolved, that the House be forthwith resolved into a Grand Committee to consider of the premises, and also concerning the particulars and the accounts reported by Mr. Scawen on Saturday last, (fn. 6) and other particulars.

Mr. Speaker left the chair.
Mr. Reynolds took the chair.
Mr. Speaker resumed the chair.
Upon the report of Mr. Reynolds,

Resolved, that the Grand Committee of the whole House have leave to sit upon the business referred to them, to-morrow morning, at eight o'clock, and that Mr. Speaker do then forbear coming to the chair until eleven o'clock; till which time the House is adjourned.

The House rose at one o'clock. (fn. 7)
The Committee of Privileges sat.
Mr. Hewley was in the chair.

It was upon the business of Southwark, between Thompson and Lenthall, and a brewer, Colonel Rich and others; a very foul election. Thompson sits, the brewer is dead, Lenthall's election voted null, and so I think will the whole be.

Baynes managed it for Rich. Mr. Hewley tells me Baynes is a most plundering fellow.

The Committee for Mr. Serjeant Wylde against Lord Widdrlngton (fn. 8) sat in the Inner Court of Wards, and heard Wylde's title.

Mr. Bacon was in the chair.

The Committee for ministers' maintenance (fn. 9) met and adjourned till Thursday.

The Committee for Wales (fn. 10) sat in the Exchequer Chamber.

Lord Lambert's Committee (fn. 11) sat in the Court of Wards.