House of Commons Journal Volume 4: 2 July 1645

Die Mercurii, Julii 2, 1645.

Prayers.

THE Grand Committee of the whole House sat, and took into further Consideration the Matter of the Church.

Mr. Whittacre in the Chair.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Ordered, That the Members of this House, that are of the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to peruse the Letters and Papers to be communicated to the City, do meet this Afternoon.

Sir Henry Mildmay went to the Lords, to desire their Concurrence for the Continuance of the Commissioners of the Great Seal for Six Months: And that the Commission to the Master of the Rolls may likewise be continued for Six Months.

He was likewise to desire the Lords to sit awhile.

A Message from the Lords, by Dr. Aylett and Dr Heath;

The Lords have commanded us to bring unto you this Paper: It is concerning the Spanish Ambassador: In which they desire the Concurrence of this House, and their speedy Answer, in regard of the Sessions.

The Paper was read; and was in hæc verba; viz.

The Spanish Ambassador hath made a further Address, this Day, to the House of Peers; to desire that his Servant Lusher may be restored unto him; the said Ambassador engaging his Honour, that the said Lusher shall be sent out of the King's Dominions within Ten Days; and that he shall not return into any of the King's Dominions again. Which their Lordships are the rather inclined unto, in regard that the said Ambassador hath shewed himself very respectful to the Parliament, on several Occasions.

The Question for Concurrence with the Lords was propounded:

And then the Question was put, Whether this Question should be now put:

It passed with the Affirmative.

And then the Question being put, Whether this House would concurr with the Lords;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

So that the Question passed with the Affirmative.

Sir Henry Mildmay brings Answer from the Lords, That the Lords do agree, That the Commissioners for the Great Seal shall be continued for Six Months: And that the Commission to the Master of Rolls for Hearing of Causes be likewise continued for Six Months: And that the Lords will sit awhile.

Ordered, That Mr. Holles and Mr. Reynolds do go to the Spanish Ambassador; and acquaint him, from this House, That they have agreed with the Lords for the Delivery of his Servant, upon his Affirmation, That he is no Priest; and that they do declare, That they do expect, that, for the future, he entertain not, nor harbour in his Family, any Lay Person, being a Papist, that is a Subject of the Crown of England; or any Subject of this Crown, that is a Priest; and that, according to his Engagements to the Parliament, this his Servant be sent out of the King's Dominions, within Ten Days; and to signify unto him, That they are content, out of Respect to his Person, to restore this his Servant; but cannot conceive, that he can have any Pretence of Right to have this Servant delivered; or that he should have any Cause to complain, if he were proceeded against according to the Laws of the Land, he being a Subject of this Crown.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House hath considered their Lordships Message; and do agree with the Lords in their Desire concerning the Spanish Ambassador's Servant.

A Letter from the Lord Savile, from the Tower, of Julii 2, 1645, directed to Mr. Gurdon, a Member of this House, with a Paper inclosed, concerning Mr. Holles and Mr. Whitelock, Members of this House, were this Day read; and appointed to be read again To-morrow Morning when Mr. Whitelock shall be present.