House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 21 February 1689

Jovis, 21 die Februarii; 1° Willielmi & Mariæ, Annoque 1688.

Prayers.

Leave of Absence.

ORDERED, That Sir Edmund Warnford have Leave to go into the Country.

Old Sarum Election.

Ordered, That the Matter of the Return, and the Merits of the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament, for the Borough of Old Sarum in the County of Wilts, be heard at the Bar of this House, on Monday Fortnight.

Wallingford Election.

Colonel Birch reports from the Committee of Elections and Privileges, to whom the Matter of the Double Returns of Members to serve in this present Parliament, for the Borough of Wallingford in the County of Berks, That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration, the State of the Case appeared to be;

That there were Three Persons who stood Candidates; viz. Thomas Tipping, Esquire, William Jennens, Esquire, and John Dormer, Esquire.

That the Mayor made a Double Return, viz. of Mr. Tipping and Mr. Jennens in One Certificate; and Mr. Tipping and Mr. Dormer in the other Certificate.

That it appeared, that, of the Poll, Mr. Jennens had 94 Voices; and Mr. Dormer 87: All which were charged in the Books to Church and Poor.

That Mr. Dormer's Counsel alledged, that he had 37 more good Voices; which the Mayor refused to admit to the Poll: But these 37 were such as did not receive Alms, nor pay to the Church and Poor.

That it was proved, by several Witnesses, that the Right of Election was in those that pay Scot and Lot to the Church and Poor; and no Instance could be produced to the contrary, except once in the Year 1659, and then it was by the Consent of the Candidates.

That it was proved, that the Mayor and the rest of the Corporation met on Monday, the Day before the Election; and all the Three Candidates were present at the same time, when the Usage was declared, that none but such as paid Scot and Lot, viz. such as paid to Church and Poor, had Right of Election; and thereupon, an Order was made by the Corporation, that those only should be admitted, who are charged to the Church and Poor: And that all the Three Candidates were satisfied there with; and did then agree thereto.

That it was also proved to the Committee, That, at the Time of the Election, several Soldiers did return back to the Town, although they were before ordered to march out, to prevent all Disturbances in the Election; which Soldiers, as proved by divers Witnesses, did make great Menaces to the Mayor, in case he did not return Mr. Dormer, some of them threatening to cut off his Ears, and burn down his House, in case Mr. Dormer should lose the Election: And under this Terror, the Mayor was induced to make a Double Return.

That, upon the whole Matter, the Committee came to Two Resolves; which they directed to be reported to the House: And he read the same in his Place, and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same being again read, are as followeth;

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, that the Right of Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament, for the Borough of Walling sord in the County of Berks, is in the Inhabitants of the said Borough paying Scot and Lot to the Church and Poor, and in no others.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, that William Jennens, Esquire, is duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament, for the Borough of Wallingford.

The first of the said Resolves being read a Second time;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, that the Right of Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament, for the Borough of Walling ford in the County of Berks, is in the Inhabitants of the said Borough paying Scot and Lot to the Church and Poor, and in no other.

The Second of the said Resolves being read a Second time;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, that Wm. Jennens, Esquire, is duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament, for the Borough of Walling ford.

The Clerk of the Crown being called in, amended the said Return, by taking off, from his Highness the Prince of Orange his Letter, the Certificate, whereby Mr. Dormer was returned a Burgess for the said Borough.

Derby Writ.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant, directed to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a Writ for the Electing of a Knight of the Shire to serve in this present Parliament, for the County of Derby, in the room of Sir John Gell, deceased.

A Donative to be bestowed on Troops which came with the King.

Resolved, That his Majesty be humbly desired by this House, that he would be pleased to bestow a Donative upon those Forces which came over into this Kingdom with him, and are now returning into foreign Service.

Ordered, That the Lord Wiltshire and Sir Rowland Gwyn do wait upon his Majesty with such the Desires of this House.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That * Blowfield, Esquire, have Leave to go into the Country, for a Fortnight.

Graham and Burton's Accounts.

Ordered, That Sir Robert Howard do bring in a particular Account of all such Sums of Money as have been paid out of the Exchequer to Mr. Graham and Mr. Burton for Prosecution of Law Suits; and also, of the particular Times of Payment of the same.

Secret Service Money in Car. 2. and Jac. 2. Reigns.

Ordered, That Sir Robert Howard do bring in an Account of all the Monies paid out of the Exchequer, for secret Service, in the Reigns of King Charles the Second, and King James the Second.

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