House of Commons Journal Volume 4: 28 December 1644

Die Sabbati, Decembris 28, 1644.

Prayers.

An Ordinance for paying the Arrears, and maintaining the Guards upon the River of Thames, was this Day read; and, upon the Question, passed; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence.

Ordered, That Mr. Green, Mr. Vassell, Mr. Spurstoe, and Mr. Edw. Ashe, do speak with the Committee of the Militia, and the Treasurers for Plate and Monies at Guildhall, concerning the Loan and Advance of Two thousand Pounds remaining in their Hands of the Monies raised upon the Ordinance of Wednesday April 3d, 1644, intituled, An Ordinance for the Encouragement and Security of all such well-affected Persons, as shall forthwith advance any Sums of Money, to enable the Committee of the Militia speedily to send forth and maintain a considerable Number of Horse and Foot, for the Pursuit of that great Victory, which Almighty God hath given the Parliament-Forces under Command of Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Wm. Balfour.

The Question being put, Forconsenting to a Clause in the Paper delivered in from the Assembly of Divines concerning Fasts, touching Fasts in private Congregations, and private Families;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

So that the Question passed with the Negative.

Mr. Rouse reported, from the Committee, the Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning the Visitation of the Sick; the which was re-committed unto the said Committee: And the House proceeded to the Consideration of the particular Clauses: The which were particularly read; and, upon the Question, assented unto. And then the whole Directory, together with the Ordinance establishing the same, were put to the Question, and passed; and ordered to be ingrossed in Parchment; and to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence.

Mr. Rouse is appointed to carry it up.

A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Page and Doctor Heath;

The Lords have appointed a Committee of Seven of their Lordships to meet this Afternoon, at Three of the Clock, in the Prince's Lodgings, for the Drawing up of a Letter to be sent to the Parliament of Scotland for the keeping of a good Correspondence between the Two Parliaments.

Mr. Recorder, Mr. Holles, Sir Hen. Mildmay, Sir Hen. Vane junior, Mr. Sollicitor, Sir Phil. Stapilton, Mr. Green, Colonel Morley, Sir Wm. Strickland, Sir Tho. Widdrington, Colonel Cromwell, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Dudley North, Mr. Whitlock;

This Committee is appointed to meet with a Committee of a proportionable Number of the Lords this Afternoon, at Three of Clock, in the Prince's Lodgings, to draw up a Letter to be sent to the Parliament of Scotland, for the keeping of a good Correspondence between the Two Parliaments.

The Members of this House, of this Committee, are likewise to consider of fit Persons to be sent as Commissioners to the Parliament of Scotland; and to present their Names to the House; and to consider of Instructions for them.

A Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whitfeild and Serjeant Finch;

The Lords, having taken into Consideration, that the Reference concerning the Matter and Manner of the Treaty hath long hung in Suspense; in regard that the Committee to whom it should be referred is not agreed upon, and that it greatly concerns them to have it dispatched; do agree therefore to referr it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, according to a former Order and Message from this House; and do desire That Committee may meet; and from time to time give Account to both Houses of their Proceedings herein.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edward Leech and Doctor Aylett;

The Lords have commanded us to deliver unto you this Petition: It is from Sir John Hotham. The Lords are of Opinion, That his Life should be spared; and desire your Concurrence.

Answer returned by the First Messengers; That this House has appointed a Number of Fourteen to meet this Afternoon, as is desired.

Answer returned by the Second Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree, That the Committee of both Kingdoms shall, from time to time, give an Account to both Houses of their Proceedings upon the Manner and Matter of the Treaty, according to the Reference of both Houses, unto them.

The Question being put, For giving Leave to speak against the Order made on Thursday last for the entertaining no private Business;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

So that the Question passed with the Negative.

Answer returned by the last Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

The Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall are ordered and authorized to send Ten thousand Pounds to Carickfergus, in Ireland, for the Scotts Army there, in such Ship or Ships as are in the Parliament Service; and shall be appointed, either by the Committee of both Kingdoms, or the Earl of Warwick: And the Captain and Commander of such Ship or Ships are ordered and required to perform the same accordingly.

Ordered, That the House do proceed with the Report concerning the Scotts and Northern Armies on Monday next.