House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 20 January 1642

Die Jovis, 20 Januarii, 1641.

PRAYERS.

Poll-money.

ORDERED, That all, that will come, shall have Voices at the Committee for Poll Money.

Tendering the Oaths.

Ordered, That the Lord Keeper be moved to grant a Commission to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Gloucester, to some of the Justices of Hereford, Worcester, the County of Monmouth, and all the Port Towns of England and Wales, to enable them to tender the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, to all suspected Persons, as they shall think fit, that come, reside, or pass through their Towns: And that the like Letter be written to these Places as was written to Berwick.

Mr. Brett and Mr. Pury are appointed to attend the Lord Keeper, for such a Commission.

Goods imported, &c.

Ordered, That the Commissioners for the Treasury shall have Power to give Allowances for such Merchandize as were imported, and exported again, before the Passage of the last Bill of Tonage and Poundage, as have been made formerly unto the Merchants, by virtue of former Privy Seals.

Book of Rates.

Ordered, That, on Monday next peremptorily, Mr. Green shall report the Book of Rates: And Mr. Speaker is appointed to put the House in mind of this Order.

Printing.

Ordered, That the Committee for Printing, and the Bill, be revived; to meet To-morrow, post meridiem, in the Star Chamber: And the Speech printed, with Sir Edw. Deering's Name to it, be referred to the Consideration of this Committee:

Papists Arrears.

That the Committee for the Arrears of Papists be revived; to meet To-morrow at Two, post meridiem, in the Exchequer Chamber: And they are to consider of those Papists that are lately gone over into Ireland, and have left great Estates here behind them.

Offley's Petition.

Ordered, That the humble Petition of Sir John Offley Knight, this Day presented to the House, be referred to the Committees for Poll-money.

Search for Arms.

Ordered, That Clifton Catesby Esquire, John Sawyer, Rich. Knightly Esquire, and Sir Rich. Samwell Knight, Justices of Peace for the County of Northampton, or any Two of them, shall have Power, and shall search the House of the Lord Vaux in that County, and such other suspected Places, for Recusancy, as they shall think fit, in that County, for Arms; and shall seize and take such as they shall find, and put them into safe Custody, according to and in pursuance of the former Ordinance of Parliament.

Ditto.

Ordered, That Mr. Blower, One of the Justices of Peace for the County of Midd', taking to his Assistance Mr. Hill of Fulham, do make a diligent Search forthwith, in the House of Mr. Garrett, at Fulham, the Queen's Goldsmith, for Arms and Ammunition; and to seize the same; and inform this House thereof.

Disarming Recusants.

Mr. Whitlocke, Mr. Whistler, Mr. Young, Mr. Hill, Mr. Rigby, Sir Edw. Pratriche, Sir Hugh Owen, Mr. Browne, Sir Jo. Franklyn, Mr. Moore, Sir Sam. Roll, Mr. Reinolds, Mr. Cary, Sir Sam. Ofeild;

This Committee is to consider of some Order, for the Reviving and Putting in Execution the Ordinance of Parliament, for the Disarming of Recusants: And are to meet To-morrow, at Two . . Clock, in the Court of Wards.

Shipwrights, &c.

The humble Petition of a great Number of Shipwrights, Caulkers, and others, employed in his Majesty's Navy, was this Day read: And

It is Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee for the Navy, to take into Consideration some Course for their Relief.

Farmers of Customs.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Committee for the Customers shall have Power to treat and accept of a Composition, apart from the several Farmers and Sharers of the Petty Farms.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Committee for the Customers shall have Power to accept of a Fifth Part, or more, for Composition, from the several Farmers and Sharers of the Petty Farms.

Ordered, That if the Farmers and Sharers of the Petty Farms, shall not come in to the Committee, and make their Composition, before the First of Feb. next, that they shall have no Advantage of the Favour and Order of this House, for a Composition; but shall pay their full Shares and Proportions, according to their several Dividends presented to this House.

Forts and Castles.

Ordered, That the Committee for all the Forts and Castles be revived; and do meet To ..... Morning, at Eight of Clock, in the Court of Wards; and that they do bring in their Report, with all Expedition, concerning these Places; and that they consider how to raise Monies for the Repair and Supply of those Places: And the Barons and Burgesses of the Ports, and Mr. Law. Whittacre, Mr. Whitehead, Sir Theobald Gorge, are added to this Committee: And the Supplying and Providing of Dover Castle is especially committed to their Care.

Essex Petition.

Some Gentlemen of the County of Essex being called in; at the Bar delivered a Petition, in the Name of the whole County of Essex; and did withal desire to deliver some Particulars.

They were first commanded to withdraw.

And then their Petition was read:

And the Gentlemen that preferred the Petition were again called in: And Mr. Speaker told them, they had Liberty to deliver those Particulars:

Which Mr. Bacon, in the Name of the rest, did declare, being the Substance of the Particulars of their Petition.

The Gentlemen, after they had withdrawn a while, were again called in: And Mr. Speaker told them, that the House did take in good Part their Petition; and had read it; and would take it into serious Consideration in due time: And did give them Thanks for the Expressions of their Desires to serve the King and Parliament; and of their Care of the Church and Commonwealth: And that this House will continue their Care for them in the best Manner they can.

Coulchester Petition.

Some Gentlemen of Coulchester were called in; and did present a Petition from the Mayor, Aldermen, and other Inhabitants of the said Town: Which was read.

And the Gentlemen that preferred the Petition were again called in: And Mr. Speaker did thank them for their Expressions to serve the King, the Commonwealth, and the Parliament: And, for the Particulars of their Petition they will take them into Consideration in due time.

Letters read.

A Letter from the Mayor of Hull to Sir John Hotham, and one to Mr. Pelham; and a Copy of a Letter to the Lords and Commons; were this Day read.

Person sent for.

Resolved, upon the Question, That Captain Legg shall be forthwith sent for.

Earl of Newcastle.

Resolved, upon the Question, That the Lords shall be moved to send for the Earl of Newcastle.

Message from the King.

A Message from the Lords, by Justice Foster and Justice Heath;

The Lords have received a most gracious Message from his Majesty, which they do entertain with all Joy and Contentment: They do not desire to withhold it from this House longer than of Necessity they must; it being so gracious an Address to both Houses: And therefore they desire a present Conference, by a Committee of both Houses, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, for the Communicating of this Message.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; that this House has taken their Lordships Message into Consideration; and will give a present Meeting, as is desired.

Mr. Pym, Mr. Hollis, Mr. Hampden, Lord Falkland, are appointed Reporters of this Conference.

Mr. Hollis reports this Conference:

That the Lord Keeper told them, that the Lords had received from his Majesty a gracious Message; which filled all their Hearts with Joy and Comfort. The Message being read; the Lord Keeper desired them to fall into a serious Consideration of the Matters mentioned in the said Message.

Mr. Pym, Mr. Fynes, Mr. Bridgman, Mr. Hollis, Sir H. Vane, junior, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Solicitor, Sir Ralph Hopton, Mr. Hampden, Sir Phil. Stapleton, Mr. Hide, Mr. Glyn;

This Committee is presently to withdraw into the Court of Wards; and to take his Majesty's Message into Consideration; and to draw an Answer to his Majesty's Message, upon the Debates discussed here in the House, concerning the Particulars expressed in the said Message.

Adjournment.

Resolved, &c. That this House shall adjourn itself till Monday next, at Nine of Clock: And that the Committees shall have the same Power as they formerly had, and last sat upon: And that they shall sit there, according to their several Adjournments: And that the former Orders, concerning the Committees, be continued.

Resolved, &c. That the Lords shall be acquainted with this Resolution of this House by the next Message.

Message from the King.

Ordered, That the Committee at Grocers-hall shall have Power to receive any Message that shall come from his Majesty: And shall consider and prepare what is fit to be done thereupon; and to present it to the House.

Bailing a Prisoner.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Ravenscroft, now in the Serjeant's Custody, shall be forthwith bailed, upon such Security as shall be tendered to the Committee; to consider and allow of it as they shall see Cause.

Adjournment.

Mr. Hampden is appointed to go to the Lords, to acquaint them with the Resolutions of this House, concerning the Adjournment: And to desire the Lords to sit a while; in regard this House conceives, that they shall come unto them upon Matters of great Importance.

Town of Hull, &c.

Mr. Hampden, Mr. Strode, Mr. Martin, Sir Phil. Stapleton, Sir Jo. Hotham, are appointed to manage the Conference concerning Hull: And, at That Conference, to present unto the Lords the Letter from Mr. Hotham; and the Desires of this House concerning their Lordships sending for the Earl of Newcastle: And to desire their Lordships to take some such Course, that the former Orders of both Houses, concerning Hull, may be put in Execution.

Adjournment.

Mr. Hampden brings Answer, the Lord did likewise resolve to adjourn till Monday next: That they had given the same Power unto their Committees as formerly they had: And that they should meet To-morrow at Grocers-hall.

Town of Hull.

Mr. Baynton went up to the Lords, to desire a free Conference, by a Committee of both Houses, concerning Hull.

Loan from Merchant Adventurers.

Resolved, &c. That, of the Fifty thousand Pounds, lent by the Company of Merchants Adventurers, the First Thirty thousand Pounds shall be paid to the Scotts; and the other Twenty thousand Pounds for the Affairs of Ireland; as was formerly ordered: And that the said Company shall have Interest for the last Twenty thousand Pounds (Part of the said Fifty thousand Pounds) from this Day; and, for the other Thirty thousand Pounds, from such Days as the same was lent; according to former Orders: And all the said Interest Money to be paid from Six Months to Six Months.

Resolved, &c. That the Twenty thousand Pounds, formerly ordered to be paid to Nicholas Loftus Esquire, for the Affairs of Ireland, shall be paid to him, or his Assignees.

Ordered, That the Chamber of London shall receive the Fifty thousand Pounds, lent by the Merchant Adventurers, and pay over the last Twenty thousand Pounds of it to Nicholas Loftus Esquire, Assignee to the Treasurer at Wars for Ireland, or his Assignees; to be by him issued forth, in Pursuance and Execution of such Orders and Warrants, as have been already agreed upon by the Committees for Irish Affairs, and this House.

King's Message.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Robert Rich and Mr. Page;

That the Lords have given Power, and recommended to their Committee at Grocers-hall, the Consideration of the King's gracious Message; and to prepare an Answer unto it: And they desire, that the Committee of this House might have the like Power.

Ordered, That the Committee of this House, appointed to sit at Grocers-hall, shall have Power to take into Consideration his Majesty's gracious Message; and to prepare an Answer unto it.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has given Power to their Committee, concerning his Majesty's Message, as was desired.

Message to Lords.

Sir Phil. Stapleton went up to the Lords, to acquaint their Lordships, that this House had been informed * *

The Five Members.

Ordered, That the Committee, appointed to sit at Grocers-hall, shall have Power to receive any thing that shall come, concerning the Five Members.

Conference.

Mr. Baynton brings Answer, That the Lords will give a present Meeting, as is desired.

Articles against the Queen.

Sir Phil. Stapleton brings Answer, That the Lords did concur with this House, to desire her Majesty to make known unto the Parliament, who it was that presented unto her Majesty the Articles that they pretend her Majesty should be charged with; and likewise that her Majesty would be pleased to send a Copy of those Articles: And, to that Purpose, their Lordships had appointed some Members of their House to repair unto her Majesty.

Arms for Munster.

Whereas, upon the Desire of both Houses, his Majesty was pleased to grant a Warrant for the Delivery of Two thousand Arms, for the Service of Munster; the House doth declare, that their Intention is, that these Arms should be the spare Arms to be sent over to the Province of Munster: And that the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland be moved to deliver them accordingly to the Lord Inchiquine and Mr. Jepson, who are to receive them by Indenture; and to take care for the Transporting of them.

Answer to King's Message.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Robert Rich and Mr. Page;

The Lords have taken into Consideration an Answer to his Majesty's gracious Message; that they have conceived it in Writing, and sent it to this House; and desire this House would join with them in it.

It was read, in hæc verba:

"Whereas the Houses of Parliament have received from Your Majesty a Message, expressing much Grace and Favour to all Your Majesty's Subjects, they have thought fit to return to Your Majesty most humble Thanks for the same; and to let Your Majesty know, that they will take it into speedy and serious Consideration, as a Proposition of that Importance doth require."

Ld. Lieut. &c. of Ireland.

Ordered, That the Lords be moved to fix a Day certain, when the Lord Lieutenant, and the Marshal of Ireland, shall repair unto their several and respective Charges.

Petition to the King.

Mr. Prediaux delivered unto the House the Draught of a Petition, to be presented from the Lords and Commons to his Majesty, concerning some Members of both Houses, accused of High Treason [a.]

Mr. Arthur Goodwyn carried up the Petition: And was further ordered to desire the Lords, if they assented unto it, to appoint some Members of their House speedily to carry it to his Majesty.

The Protestation.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde presented, from the Committee that sat at Grocers-hall, the Copy of a Letter to be signed by Mr. Speaker, and sent to the several Sheriffs of the several Counties respectively: Which was read, in hæc verba:

"Gentlemen,

It is now some Months since that the Protestation taken by the Lords and House of Commons was sent down into the Country, with an Expectation, that it should be generally taken throughout the Kingdom, for a Testimony of their good Concurrence with the Parliament; but, through the Remissness of some of those that had the Care of recommending it to others, very many there be that have not hitherto taken it: Now the House of Commons, having discovered many dangerous Designs plotted against the Parliament, and especially that of the Fourth of this Instant January, which, had it taken Effect, would have strucken not only at the Privileges, but the very Being of Parliament (as will more appear by the Declaration herewith sent unto you, which the House desires you to publish throughout all Parts of the County) have thought fit once again to recommend the Taking of this Protestation; and have therefore commanded me, in their Name, to desire you the High Sheriff and the Justices of the Peace of that County to meet together in One Place, as soon as possible you may, and there to take the Protestation yourselves; and then, dispersing yourselves into your several Divisions, that you will call together the Minister, the Constables, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor of every Parish, and tender unto them the Protestation, to be taken in your Presence; and to desire of them, that they will very speedily call together the Inhabitants of their several Parishes, both Householders and others, being of Eighteen Years of Age and upwards, into One or more Places, according to the Largeness of their Parishes, and to tender unto them the same Protestation, to be taken in their Presence; and to take their Names, both of those, that do take it, and do refuse to take the same Protestation; and to return them to yourselves, at such time as you shall appoint; which the House desires may be so speedily, as that you likewise may return such Certificate, as you receive from them, to the Knights and Burgesses serving for that County, before the Day of; Wherein the House desires your greatest Care and Diligence, as a Matter very much importing the Good both of the King and Kingdom: Which being all I have in Command, I rest Your very loving Friend."

"London, January 19th, 1641."Ordered, That the Printer shall be required forthwith to print a sufficient Number of Protestations and Declarations touching the late Breach of our Privileges: And the Knights, Burgesses, &c. to send them down into their several Counties, Cities and Boroughs respectively, with all Speed.

Resolved, &c. That this Letter shall pass, and be signed by the Speaker, and sent to the several Sheriffs.

Ordered, That the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Barons, of the Counties, Cities, Boroughs, and Cinque Ports respectively, shall write their Letters to the Justices of the several Counties, to do their best Endeavours, that the Protestation may be taken through the several Counties, Cities, Boroughs and Ports respectively.

Ordered, That a Letter shall be sent to the Vice-chan-cellors of the Universities, and to the Benchers of the Inns of Court, and to the Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, that the Protestation may be taken in the Universities, the Inns of Court, and Chancery, and in all the Cathedral and Collegiate Churches.

Arms for Ireland.

Sir John Clotworthy carried up to the Lords, this Order concerning the Delivery of these Arms here specified:

It is this Day Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, in Parliament, That his Majesty shall be humbly moved to grant Warrants to the Earl of Newporte, Master of his Majesty's Ordnance, for the Delivery, out of the Tower of London, unto the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, these Arms here specified; One hundred and Thirty-two Carabines, Thirty-two Pair of Pistols, Three hundred and Thirty-two Backs, Breasts, and Pots, which want yet to complete the Three hundred Horse already raised; Three hundred and Forty complete Arms, for Carabines for them that are now to be raised, and for their Officers; Three hundred and Twenty-four Arms, for the Three Companies of Dragooners, and their Officers; Three thousand Arms for the Three thousand Foot; One-third whereof to be Pikemen, and the rest Musqueteers, with Bandaliers, Corslets, Swords, and Belts; which are to be raised, and to be sent to Dublin, with Arms for the Officers; One thousand Arms for Foot, at the same Proportion, for Munster, besides the Two thousand for which his Majesty hath already given Warrant, there being Three thousand Men appointed for that Province, and Arms for Officers; Two hundred Arms for Foot, for the Garison of Duncannon, viz. for Fifty Pikemen and One hundred and Fifty Musqueteers, with the Officers Arms for Two Companies; One hundred Arms for Horse, Four hundred Arms for Foot, to be sent to the Earl of Thomond; Fourteen Pieces of Iron Ordnance, with Shot, Carriages, and other Equipage, viz. Seven Demi-culverins and Seven Sacres, for the Defence of Knockfergus; and other Places of Ulster; Eight small Pintle Pieces for the Lough, in Ulster; with Shot for all the Ordnance, and full Equipage; with Bandaliers, Rests, Belts for the Thousand Musquets, and Fifteen hundred Swords, formerly issued out of the Stores for Ulster; Arms for the Three hundred Horse, for the Service of Munster; Arms for Five hundred Foot, for Conaght, viz. Two-thirds Musquets, and One-third Pikes, Five hundred Swords and Belts and Rests for the Musquets, and Bandaliers.

Resolved, upon the Question, That this House doth assent unto this Order.

Sir Jo. Clotworthy brings Answer, that the Lords do assent to this Order; and that his Majesty be moved for a Warrant for all these Arms and Ammunition.

The Tower, &c.

Mr. Fynes presented from the Committee, a Clause concerning the Putting the Tower, and the Forts of the Kingdom, into such Hands as the Parliament may confide in.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House hath taken into Consideration their Lordships Message; and will forthwith send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Answer to King's Message.

Resolved, upon the Question, That Mr. Fynes do go to the Lords with this Message; To acquaint the Lords, that this House agrees to the Answer to the King's Message, delivered by a Message from their Lordships to this House, with this Addition thereunto following:

"And to the Intent that they may be enabled with Security to discharge their Duties herein, they humbly beseech Your Sacred Majesty to raise up unto them a sure Ground of Safety and Confidence, by putting the Tower and other principal Forts of the Kingdom, and the whole Militia thereof, into the Hands of such Persons as Your Parliament may confide in, and as shall be recommended unto Your Majesty, by both Houses of Parliament; that, all Fears and Jealousies being laid aside, they may, with all Chearfulness, proceed to such Resolutions, as they hope will lay a sure Foundation of Honour, Greatness, Glory, to Your Majesty and Your Royal Posterity, and of Happiness and Prosperity unto Your Subjects, throughout all Your Dominions."

Payment to Ld. Dungarven.

Ordered, That Mr. Loftus do pay, out of the Twenty thousand Pounds ordered to be paid unto him for the Irish Affairs, unto the Lord Dungarven, for his Troop of Horse, a certain Mark: But the Mark referred to is made in the Margin, against the King's Answer to that Petition. the Monies due for the same, according to the Rate of Twelve Pounds a Horse, as was formerly agreed upon; and that the Lord Lieutenant be desired to give Order for Payment of the same accordingly.

Skippon's Indemnity.

Mr. Serjeant Wilde reported from the Committee at Grocers-hall, the Order of the Committees of the Lords and Commons concerning Captain Skippon: And, by Vote, upon the Question, it was assented unto, and confirmed by the House; viz.

That Captain Skippon his Accepting of the Place of Serjeant Major General of the Forces of the City of London, and his directing and ordering the Trained Bands of the City and adjacent Parts to beat their Drums, to assemble together to their several Colours, to stand in Arms, to march, to watch, and disband; as also, his giving Order for the Issuing out and Distribution of the Ammunition to the said Trained Bands, or whatsoever besides he hath advised or done, according to the Votes of the Committee of the Common Council of the said City, approved by the Committee of the House of Commons, the Tenth of this present January 1641; is all and every Part thereof according to his Duty, and the late Protestation, and the Laws of this Kingdom, as tending to the good Service of his Majesty, the Safety of the Parliament, Kingdom, and City of London: And that, if any Person shall arrest or trouble him for so doing, he doth break the Privileges of Parliament, violates the Liberty of the Subject, and is hereby declared an Enemy to the Commonwealth.

Vavasor's Commission.

Whereas Sir Charles Vavasor was appointed to raise a Thousand Men for Munster, whereof Five hundred are in England, and Five hundred in Ireland; and that those Five hundred Men appointed to be raised in Ireland, are since designed to another: It is this Day Ordered, by the Commons now assembled in Parliament, That the said Sir Charles Vavasor shall have Commission to raise Five hundred Men more here in England, to make up his Regiment of One thousand.

Letter to Sheriffs, &c.

Ordered, That the Clerk make several Copies of the Letter to be sent to the several Sheriffs, &c.

Bailing a Prisoner.

Ordered, That Sir Wm. Flemming, now in the Serjeant's Custody, shall be forthwith bailed upon good Security; and That Security to be tendered to the Committee, to consider and allow of, if they shall think fit.

Summons not to protect from Arrest.

This House doth declare, and so order, that the Summoning of Sir Wm. Middleton to appear before this House is no Protection for him against any Arrest or Action.

Petition to the King.

Mr. Arthur Goodwyn brings Answer, that he had delivered the Petition to the Lords; and that they did assent unto it; and would appoint some Members of their House to present it to his Majesty.

Bisbich Petition.

Ordered, That the Committee for the Petition from Bisbich, do sit To-orrow at Grocers-hall.

Distressed Irish.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed to receive the Monies given by the Members of this House, for the Relief of the distressed People come out of Ireland, shall have Power to receive such Monies, as shall be brought unto them, upon the voluntary Contribution, collected in London, for their Relief.

Irish Commanders.

Resolved, &c. That the Two Irish Commanders taken at Chester, viz. Colonel Buttler, and the Son of the Lord Newtersfield, shall be brought up to the Parliament in safe Custody; and that all other Irish Commanders bound for Ireland, and coming to Chester, or into Cheshire, shall be apprehended and staid by the Mayor and Justices of the Peace of the said City and County of Chester, unless they have Authority from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or the Parliament, till the further Pleasure of this House be signified: And Sir Wm. Brereton is desired to take care that this Order may be performed.

The House adjourns itself till Monday Morning next at Nine of Clock.