House of Commons Journal Volume 4: 23 August 1645

Die Sabbati, 23 Augusti, 1645.

Prayers.

Mr. Whitelock reports, from the Committee for the Three Counties of Oxon, Bucks, and Berks, several Proportions of Forces to be drawn out of the Garisons in that Association; viz.

Out of Readeing, Captain Blagrave's Company to be drawn out for Basing.

Captain Goddard's and Captain Burmingham's Companies to be placed in the Garison of Henley, when the Forces there are drawn out.

Out of Ailesbury, Colonel Marten and his Company, Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke and his Company, Major Hookes and his Company, Captain Harrison and his Company, Captain Collingwood and his Company; and, instead thereof, to put in Three new-raised Companies of Colonel Fleetewood's Regiment.

Out of Henley, Captain Arnotts and his Company, Captain Humphreys and his Company, the late Governor's Company, now commanded by Lieutenant Hall.

This Garison to be supplied with the Two Reading Companies, consisting of Two hundred and Forty, besides Townsmen.

Out of Newport-Pagnell, Captain Oxford and his Company, Captain Blodwell and his Company, Captain Fishe and his Company.

Ordered, That Major-General Browne shall draw such of the Forces out of the several Garisons, within the Counties of Oxon, Bucks, and Berks, whereof he is MajorGeneral, except the Garison of Newport-Pagnell, as he shall think fit, or as shall be, from time to time, advised and recommended unto him, by the Committee of Lords and Commons for the said Three Counties; and, out of the Garison of Newport-Pagnell, such Forces as he shall think fit, or as shall be, from time to time, advised and recommended unto him, by the Committee of the House of Commons, appointed to consider of the Establishment of the several Garisons in the Eastern Association, and in the said Three Counties; leaving such Numbers to remain in the said Garisons, as may be sufficient, in his or their respective Opinions, to secure the said Garisons: And the several Governors, Commanders, and Forces, in all those Garisons, are hereby commanded to obey the said MajorGeneral Browne herein, accordingly.

Ordered, That the Business concerning the Repairing of Cobham-Bridge in the County of Surrey, by Mr. Drake, which was heretofore (as is alleged) usually repaired by the King, be referred to the Committee of the Revenue; to consider of, and to examine, Whether the King ought to repair it, or not; and to give Mr. Drake an Allowance for what he hath justly expended for the Repair thereof.

The humble Petition of the Scotts Officers, as well Conformadoes as Reformadoes, whose Names were entered upon the said Petition, was this Day read: And

It is thereupon Ordered, That Five hundred Pounds shall be forthwith provided for the said Petitioners.

Mr. Long, Mr. Lane, Mr. Weston, Sir Thomas Soame, Mr. Harris, Sir Beauchamp St. John, Mr. Arundell, Sir Edward Askew, Mr. Blakiston, Mr. Noble, Lord Moun son, Mr. Drake, Mr. Gallop, Mr. Bell, Sir Simon D' Ewes, Colonel Boswell, Sir Wm. Constable, Mr. Peregrine Pelham, Mr. Scawen, Sir John Curson, Sir John Burgoune;

This Committee, or any Four of them, are to examine and state the several Cases of the Petitioners, who are to present their Cases to them; and who of them are Reformadoes, and who are Conformadoes; and when they were reduced; and who amongst them have received Monies, and who have not; and how much any of them have received; and to report what Sums are now to be paid to any of them, out of the Five hundred Pounds to be provided for them: And are to confer with the Committee of the West, the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall, and the Committee of the Army, herein: And are to meet at Two of the Clock this Afternoon, in the ExchequerChamber: And Mr. Noble is to take care of this Business.

Mr. Wheeler reports, from the Committee for plundered Ministers, the Amendments to the Ordinance for Mr. Case, a Minister, and one of the Assembly of Divines, to be Rector of Stopporte in Cheshire: Which were twice read; and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be sent to the Lords for their Concurrence.

Sir William Brereton is appointed to carry it to the Lords.

Ordered, That the Committee to whom the Examination of the Words, spoken by Sir John Boteler against the Parliament, was referred, do hear him: And that the Sale of his Goods be stayed for Ten Days: And

It is further Ordered, That Sir George Sandys be likewise heard by the said Committee.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of the West, to confer with the Committee of the Revenue, and the Committee of Gloucester; and to state the Case concerning the Iron-Mills, and Works in the Forest of Deane, granted by former Orders of this House to Major-General Massie; and to prepare an Ordinance thereupon, accordingly.

The Answer from the Committee of the Militia of 15 Augusti 1645, concerning the Non-payment of the Waggoners, for their Service in several Expeditions, was this Day read.

The Orders of this House, of 15 Augusti 1644; and of 2 Maii 1645; and an Ordinance of 11 Junii 1645; were all likewise read.

Mr. Scawen further reported a former Answer given by Mr. Alderman Gibbs, in the Name of the said Committee, concerning their not Payment of the Waggoners employed under Sir James Harrington; and what Sums of Money were then in the Hands of the said Committee; and what was uncollected, which were liable to the Payment of the said Waggoners.

It is thereupon Ordered, That (this House being unsatisfied with the said Answers) the said Committee of the Militia (all Excuses set apart) do forthwith pay the said Waggoners, which went out under Sir James Harrington, what is yet remaining due to them, according to their several Contracts, and the former Orders and Directions from the Parliament.

Sir William Brereton carried to the Lords, for their Concurrence, the Ordinance for Mr. Case to be Rector of Stopport in Cheshyre: The Votes for Colonel Pointz to be Governor of Yorke, and for Colonel Boynton to be Governor of Scarborough-Castle: The Votes declaring, That the Committee of the North-Riding in the County of Yorke hath no Power to place a Governor in Scarborough-Castle; and that the Committee for Military Affairs in the Northern Association have no Power to place a Governor in any Garison in the said Association: The Ordinance for charging Ten thousand Pounds upon the Excise, for Payment of the supernumerary reduced Forces in the County of Yorke: The Declaration concerning the Clubmens assembling in Arms without Authority of Parliament: The Vote for Major-General Browne to put the said Declaration in Execution, in the Counties of Oxon, Bucks, and Berks: He was also to put the Lords in mind of the Committee's Names for the Eastern Association, and of the Ordinance for the Duchy-Seal.

The humble Petition of above Threescore poor Waggoners, that did several Services in the London Brigades, was this Day read; and the Answer of the Committee of the Militia of London, of 15 Augusti 1645, concerning their Non-payment.

The House being informed, That the WaggonmasterGeneral was at the Door;

He was called in; and acquainted the House, That, by the Warrants issued by the said Committee of the Militia, the said Waggoners were promised Payment; and that some small Sums, upon all their Journies (as AdvanceMonies), were paid to them by the said Committee: He further informed the House, That there remains about Three thousand Pounds yet due to the said Waggoners for their several Services.

Ordered, That the Committee of the Militia, London, do forthwith pay unto the poor Waggoners, what is yet remaining due to them, for their several Journies and Services, according to their several Contracts: And that such Monies as the said Committee shall so pay, in pursuance of this Order, shall be allowed them, upon their Account: And that, in case they shall, by this Order, pay more Monies than is now in their Hands, they shall be repaid the same out of the Excise, in Course.

Mr. Scawen acquainted the House with the Desires and Purposes of the Earl of Devonshyre to submit himself to the Parliament.

Ordered, That, upon the Submission and Coming in of the Earl of Devonshyre to the Parliament, he be referred to make his Composition with the Committee at HaberdashersHall.

And it is further Ordered, That one Moiety of the Fine to be paid by the said Earl shall be for the Use of Sir Thomas Fairfaxe's Army; and the other Moiety for the Use of the Forces of Hants, for Reducing of the Garisons of Basing, Winchester, and Langford: And it is referred to the Committee of Hants, and of the West, to distribute the said Moiety to the Forces employed for the Reducing of the said Three Garisons proportionably.

Ordered, That Sir John Hewett (all Excuses set apart) do pay, according to the former Orders, the Sum of One thousand Pounds, on Thursday Morning next: And that the Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall do report what is done herein, to the House, on Saturday Morning.

Mr. Whittacre reports, from the Committee of Examinations, to whom it was referred, the Opinion of the said Committee, for a new Excise to be set upon several Commodities, for Payment of the poor Artificers: And

It is thereupon Resolved, &c. That no Excise at all shall be laid upon any Commodities to be exported.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Five Shillings shall be paid by the first Buyer for every Fodder of Lead, either to be exported, or spent in the Kingdom.

Resolved, &c. That there shall be an Excise of Twelvepence, laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Gold, Silver, and Copper Thread, and Gold and Silver Wire, made in the Kingdom; to be paid by the first Buyer.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Twelve-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Glass and Glasses of all Sorts, made within the Kingdom; to be paid by the Maker.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Twelve-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Linseed-Oil, Whale-Oil, Pilchard-Oil, and all other Oil, made and spent in the Kingdom; to be paid by the Maker.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Twelve-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Starch, besides the Six-pence already imposed: And that the first Imposition of one Halfpeny in every Pound Weight be taken off.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Three-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Silk in the Gum ready Thrown, besides the Nine-pence already imposed.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Six-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of all other Silks dyed, either imported, or to be exported, besides the Twelvepence already imposed.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise shall be laid upon Three several Sorts of Soap, made in this Kingdom, viz. Upon the first Sort, which already payeth Ten-pence the Firkin, an Addition of Six-pence, to make it Sixteen-pence; upon the Second Sort, which payeth Nine-pence the Firkin, an Addition of Five-pence, to make it Fourteen-pence; upon the Third Sort, which payeth Eight-pence the Firkin, an Addition of Four-pence, to make it Twelve-pence; to be all respectively paid by the first Buyer: And likewise an Addition of Eighteen-pence the Firkin, to be made to the Eighteen-pence which is already imposed, upon Soap imported; to be also paid by the first Buyer.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Twelve-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of Woolen Cloth to be imported; and to be paid by the Importer.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Ten Shillings in the Hundred shall be laid upon all Lamperns bought by Strangers for Bait of Cod-fish; to be paid by the first Buyer.

Resolved, &c. That an Excise of Twelve-pence shall be laid upon every Twenty Shillings Value of all Stockings, and half Stockings, made of Silk.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of Examinations, to consider of an Allowance to be made out of the new Excise, voted this Day to be laid upon several Commodities, towards the Maintenance of poor maimed Soldiers, and of the poor Widows of such Soldiers as have been slain in the Parliament's Service.

Ordered, That the Printer, employed by this House, be added to the List of poor Artificers; and be paid what is due to him from this House out of the new Excise, with the other poor Artificers.

Ordered, That Mr. Whittacre do prepare and bring in an Ordinance for imposing a new Excise upon the several Commodities voted this Day in the House, according to the said Votes, for the Use of the Commonwealth, and for Payment of the poor Artificers, out of the said new Excise; and for an Allowance towards the Maintenance of poor maimed Soldiers, and of the poor Widows of such Soldiers as have been slain in the Parliament's Service.

The Question being put, Whether the Debt, due to Major Wollaston, shall be now charged upon this new Excise; to be paid after the poor Tradesmen and Artificers shall be first satisfied;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

And so the Question was resolved with the Negative.

Sir William Brereton brings Answer from the Lords, That as to the Ordinance concerning Mr. Case; the Ordinance for charging Ten thousand Pounds upon the Excise, for the supernumerary reduced Forces in Yorkeshire; the Votes for Colonel-General Pointz to be Governor of Yorke; for Colonel Boynton to be Governor of Scarborough-Castle; for declaring the Power of the Committee of the NorthRiding in the County of Yorke; and of the Committee for Military Affairs in the Northern Association, concerning Placing of Governors; the Vote concerning Major-General Browne; and the Declaration concerning the Clubmen; they do agree: And as to the Names of Committees in the Eastern Association, and the Ordinance concerning the Duchy Seal, they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

An Ordinance for Payment of several Sums of Money to Mr. John Davies, in pursuance of several Contracts formerly made with him, for Provisions by him delivered, and to be delivered, for the Service of the Brittish and Scottish Armies in Ireland; and containing the Names of several Persons to be made Committees in several Counties; and divers Powers to the said Mr. John Davyes; was this Day read the First time; and ordered to be read the Second time on Monday next.

Ordered, That the Committees of the Militia do give Leave to Colonel Jeptson, or such as he shall appoint, to beat up Drums in any Place in and about London, and within the Lines of Communication, for Volunteers, to go in the Service of the Parliament into Ireland.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edward Leech and Mr. Page;

The Lords have returned this Ordinance concerning the Directory: To which they do agree; with these Additions and Alterations: Wherein they desire your Concurrence. They have passed this Ordinance concerning the Lord Coventry: To which they desire your Concurrence. They have agreed to these Names to be Deputy-Lieutenants of the County of Stafford: They were recommended by the Earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant of that County; and they desire your Concurrence to them. They have sent you these Two Petitions, the one from Sir George Muschamp, the other from Captain John Copley: The Lords do think them reasonable; and refer them to your Consideration.

The Additions and Amendments to the Ordinance concerning the Directory were read; and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be forthwith printed and published.

The Ordinance concerning the Lord Coventry was read; and was, for Discharging him of his Delinquency and Sequestration, and for restoring him to his Estate, and to all Privileges of a Peer, except only to his Place, and Vote in Parliament, during this Session; and was, upon the Question, assented unto.

The Names of the Deputy-Lieutenants for the County of Stafford were read; and were, Michael Noble Esquire, Simon Rugeley Esquire, Edward Leigh Esquire, John Bowyer Esquire, Thomas Crompton Esquire, and Philip Jackson Esquire.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth agree with the Lords; and approve of Michael Noble Esquire to be one of the Deputy-Lieutenants for the County of Stafford.

Resolved, &c. That, as to the rest of the Names, sent from the Lords to be approved Deputy-Lieutenants for the County of Stafford, this House will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Ordered, That Sir Ralph Hare, now in France, be summoned to return into England by the First Day of November next, upon Penalty of the Sequestration of his Estate: And that the Leaving of this Order at his Dwelling-House, in the County of Norfolke, shall be a sufficient Summons to him, in this Behalf.

Answer returned by the same Messengers;

The House hath considered your Messages: And as to the Additions to the Ordinance concerning the Directory; the Ordinance concerning the Lord Coventry; and for Mr. Noble to be one of the Deputy-Lieutenants for the County of Stafford; they do agree: And, as to the rest of the Messages, they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Elyott, who was sent up Prisoner from Sir Thomas Fairfax, be forthwith committed a Prisoner to the Tower.

Ordered, That Mr. Rose do report the Ordinance for Relief of the Western Merchants, the first Business after Mr. Speaker comes to the Chair, on Monday.

Ordered, That the Committee of Lords and Commons for Ireland shall give Commissions to Colonel Jeptson, and his Officers, and the other Regiment designed for the Province of Munster.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Ordered, That the Business concerning Cheshire and Lancashire be reported, the first Business, on Tuesday, after Mr. Speaker comes to the Chair: And Mr. Speaker is to put the House in mind thereof.

Ordered, That the Letters from Leicestershire and Darbyshyre be read, the first Business after Mr. Speaker comes to the Chair, on Monday Morning.

A Letter from Captain Batten the Vice-Admiral, from on board his Ship at Plymouth-Sound, of 19 Augusti 1645, was read; wherein the Defeat given to the Enemy near Haverford-West, by Colonel Langherne, was related.

A Letter from Colonel Langherne, from Pembroke, of 9 Augusti 1645; relating the Victory he had obtained against the Enemies Forces near Haverford-West; and desiring a further Supply of Money and Horses; was this Day read: And

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of Pembrokeshire, to present, What they think fit to be done thereupon, to the House. And Colonel Moore, Mr. Millington, Sir John Price, Mr. Hilsworth, Sir William Brereton, are added to That Committee.

Ordered, That the Sum of Five Pounds per Week, over and above the Five Pounds per Week appointed to be paid by the Treasurers at Campden-House for Sequestrations, by Order of 23 Julii 1645, shall be weekly paid to Colonel Langherne's Wife, or to such as the shall appoint to receive the same, towards the Maintenance of herself and Family, and the Education of her Children. And

It is further Ordered, That these Two several Sums, of Five Pounds and Five Pounds per Week, shall be paid by the said Committee for Sequestrations at Campden-House, and by the Committee for Sequestrations at Westminster, proportionably: And that this last Five Pounds shall be deducted out of the Pay of the said Colonel Langherne, upon Account, as for so much Money paid to him for his Pay, as the same shall amount unto: And Mr. Recorder and Mr. Wheeler are to take care hereof.

Ordered, &c. That Mr. Gourdon and Mr. Bond do, from this House, give Thanks to Mr. Case and Mr. Bond, for their great Pains they took in the Sermons they preached Yesterday, before the Commons, at St. Margaret's, Westminster, it being a Day set apart for Publick Thanksgiving: And that they be desired to print their Sermons; and to have the accustomed Privilege in Printing of them.