House of Commons Journal Volume 11: 15 November 1693

Mercurii, 15 die Novembris;

5° Gulielmi et Mariæ.

Prayers.

Hawkers and Pedlars.

ORDERED, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill against Hawkers and Pedlars: And that Mr. Sandford do prepare and bring in the same.

Miscarriages of the Fleet.

Then the Order of the Day, for enquiring into the Miscarriages of the Fleet the last Summer; and the Orders, relating to the Commissioners of the Admiralty, and the Admirals that commanded the Fleet the last Summer, and the Turkey Company, were read.

The Lord Falkland, from the Commissioners of the Admiralty, presented to the House, An Account of what Directions had been given concerning the Streights Squadron since the 8th Day of January 1692-3, the time Sir George Rooke was appointed Admiral and Commander in Chief of the said Squadron; and Copies of the Orders and Instructions given by the Commissioners of the Admiralty to the Admirals of the Fleet the last Summer; and a List of the Ships and Vessels which were employed in their Majesties Service the last Summer, both in the main Fleet, and as Convoys and Cruisers, with their several Stations.

And the same were read.

And Mr. Speaker acquainted the House that he had received a Letter from Sir Geo. Rooke, that he was very ill, and could not at present attend the House:

Which Letter was also read.

The House being informed, That the Turkey Company attended, according to Order;

They were called in; and were, at the Bar, asked several Questions in relation to the Turkey Fleet; to which they gave their Answers; and afterwards presented to the House a Copy of the Petition which they had formerly presented to the Queen; with Copies of several Petitions and Applications, before that time, presented to her Majesty, and the Commissioners of the Admiralty.

And being withdrawn,

The same were read.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Admiralty do, on Friday Morning next, lay before this House all the several Applications made by the Turkey Company to them, and their Answers thereunto; and Copies of all Instructions and Orders, that the Commissioners of the Admiralty have received, or made, relating to the Turkey Fleet, since August 1691.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Admiralty do, on Friday Morning next, lay before this House, in Writing, the Reasons why the Streights Fleet was stopt till the main Fleet went out.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Admiralty do, on Friday Morning next, lay before this House a Lift of all their Majesties Ships, and hired Ships, employed in their Majesties Service, from the First of January last to the First of October last, in Harbour and out of Harbour. Then the Turkey Company being called in again, they gave some further Account of Matters relating to the Miscarriage of the Turkey Fleet.

And being withdrawn;

Ordered, That the Turkey Company do, on Friday Morning next, present to this House a Narrative, in Writing, of what they have declared this Day, at the Bar of this House, concerning the Miscarriages of the Turkey Fleet the last Summer.

And being called in again, Mr. Speaker acquainted them therewith.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, that his Majesty will please to command, that the Examinations and Informations before the Committee of the Council, appointed to enquire into the Miscarriages of the Turkey Fleet the last Summer, be laid before this House.

Ordered, That the Admirals, that commanded the Fleet the last Summer, who attended this Day, and also Sir George Rooke, do attend this House upon Friday Morning next.

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