House of Commons Journal Volume 5: 23 July 1647

Die Veneris, 23 Julii, 1647.

Prayers.

Newcastle Election.

MR. Swinfen reports the Case concerning the Election of Mr. Warmouth, to serve as a Burgess for the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Resolved, &c. That the House shall now proceed in this Report.

House to sit.

Resolved, &c. That the House do meet this Afternoon at Two of Clock: And that the Lords be acquainted herewith: and desired to sit likewise, if it may stand with their Conveniency.

Message to Lords.

Sir John Evelyn went to the Lords with the Message and Orders he was Yesterday appointed to carry to the Lords for their Concurrence: The Order Yesterday made, of Reference to the Commissioners with the Army, to treat with the General and Commissioners, upon the sending spcedily Forces into Ireland: The Ordinance for pardoning the Delinquency, and taking off the Sequestration, of one Mr. Richard Earnley: And was to acquaint the Lords, That this House hath resolved to sit this Afternoon at Two of Clock; and to desire their Lordships to do the like, if it may stand with their Conveniency.

Newcastle Election.

Resolved, &c. That the Election of Mr. Warmouth, to be Burgess for Newcastle, is void, and ought to be null: And that a new Writ ought to issue forth.

Newcastle Writ.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Speaker issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, for issuing forth a Writ for a new Election of a Burgess, to serve for the Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Engagement by trained Bands, &c.

The printed Paper, stiled, The humble Petition of the Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers of the Trained Bands and Auxiliaries, &c.; and the Engagement annexed; Yesterday read; was this Day again read.

A solemn Engagement of the Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers of the Trained Bands and Auxiliaries, the young Men and Apprentices of the Cities of London and Westminster, Sea Commanders, Seamen, and Watermen; together with divers others, Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers, within the Lines of Communication, and Parishes mentioned in the weekly Bills of Mortality.

WHEREAS we have entered into a solemn League and Covenant, for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honour and Happiness of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland: All which we do evidently perceive not only to be endangered, but ready to be destroyed: We do therefore, in pursuance of our said Covenant, Oath of Allegiance, Oath of every Freeman of the Cities of London and Westminster, and Protestations, solemnly engage ourselves, and vow unto Almighty God, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, cordially endeavour, that his Majesty may speedly come to his Two Houses of Parliament with Honour, Safety, and Freedom; and that without the nearer Approach of the Army; there to confirm such Things as he hath granted in his Message of the 12th of May last, in Answer to the Propositions of both Kingdoms: And that by a personal Treaty with his Two Houses of Parliament, and the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland, such Things as are yet in Difference, may be speedily settled; and a firm and lasting Peace established.

For Effecting hereof, we do protest and re-oblige ourselves, as in the Presence of God the Searcher of all Hearts, with our Lives and Fortunes, to endeavour, what in us lies, to preserve and defend his Majesty's Royal Person and Authority, the Privileges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Subject, in their full and constant Freedom; the Cities of London and Westminster, Lines of Communication, and Parishes mentioned in the weekly Bills of Mortality and all others that shall adhere with us to the said Covenant, Oath of Allegiance, Oath of every Freeman of London and Westminster, and Protestation: Nor shall we, by any means, admit, suffer, or endure, any kind of Neutrality, in this common Cause, of God, the King, and Kingdoms; as we do expect the Blessing of Almighty God, whose Help we crave, and wholly devolve ourselves upon, in this our Undertaking.

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to a Committee, to prepare a Declaration against this Engagement, upon the Debate now had in this House.

Mr. Selden, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Marten, Mr. Wm. Pierrepont, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Snellinge, Sir John Evelyn, Mr. Nath. Fiennes;

This Committee, or any Three of them, are to prepare this Declaration; and to bring it in this Afternoon.

Grant for Irish Service.

Ordered, &c. That the Disposing of the Seven thousand Pounds, now to be sent into Munster, shall be by the Lord President and Council, according to such Instructions as they shall receive from the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Affairs of Ireland, at Derby House: And that the War be carried on in that Province, by Direction of the said President and Council.

Answer from Lords.

Sir John Evelyn brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to the Declaration against the calling or drawing any Forces into this Kingdom: to the Order of Reference to the Commissioners with the Army, concerning the lessening the Charge, and disposing the Forces, in relation to Ireland; and to the Ordinance for the taking off Mr. Ernlye's Delinquency; and to all the other Orders and Ordinances carried to them by him.

London Militia.

An Ordinance for restoring the Militia of the City of London into the same Hands it was formerly in, before the last Change, was read the First and Second time.

Resolved, &c. That the Time for continuing this Ordinance shall be, during the Pleasure of both Houses.

Resolved, &c. That this Ordinance be committed to the Committee that brought it in; with the Addition of Mr. Miles Corbett, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Selden, Mr. Hill, Mr. Bulkley, Sir Robert Harley, Mr. Whitelocke, Mr. Fenwick, or any Three of them: And they are to meet presently, in the Inner Court of Wards.

Post meridiem.

Lane's Petition.

ORDERED, &c. That Mr. Lane's Petition be read, on Tuesday next: And that Mr. Doyly, whom it concerns, have notice hereof.

London Militia.

Mr. Wm. Stephens reports the Alterations and Amendments to the Ordinance, concerning the Militia of the City of London: The which were twice read; and, upon the Question, assented unto.

Resolved, &c. That the Time limited for this Ordinance shall be, during the Pleasure of both Houses.

And then the Ordinance, so amended, upon the Question, passed; and is ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence.

Lords to sit.

Sir Robert Harley is appointed to go to the Lords, to desire them to sit a while; in regard this House will suddenly be ready to come to them, with Business of Importance.

Message from Lords.

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

The Lords have commanded us to bring you this Ordinance, for Dr. Clerke to be Judge of the Admiralty: There were some Defects in the former, which are supplied in this. They recommend unto the Consideration of this House the Petition of Dame Alice Moore, Viscountess Dowager of Drogheda; with some Papers annexed: A Report from the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, made by the Earl of Warwicke; in which they desire the Concurrence of this House: A Report from the Committee of Lords and Commons for Plymouth, concerning one Stephen Evans, of Plymouth, Merchant, to have Satisfaction for bringing up divers Prisoners from Plymouth to the Downes; in which they desire the Concurrence of this House: An additional Ordinance for the true Payment of Tythes, and other Duties.

Admiralty Judge.

The Order for appointing Dr. Wm. Clerke to be Judge of the Admiralty was read; and, upon the Question, passed.

Ly. Moore.

The humble Petition of the Lady Moore was read: And

It is Ordered, That this House will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Grant for Irish Service.

The Report from the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Affairs of Ireland, at Derby House, was read; and, upon the Question, assented unto: And was the same that was made to this House, this Morning, and passed; viz.

"That the Seven thousand Pounds, now to be sent into Munster, be disposed by the Lord President and Council, according to such Instructions as they shall receive from the Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, at Derby House: And that the War be carried on in that Province, by the Direction of the said President and Council.

Evans' Claims.

Ordered, &c. That Mr. Stephen Evans, of Plymouth, Merchant, shall have Satisfaction for the Hire of his Ship, and the Expence of his Provisions therein, in bringing up divers Prisoners from Plymouth into the Downes; with some Consideration for his Care and Pains; being employed with Letters and Instructions from the Governor and Mayor of that Place to the Parliament: And that it be referred to the Committee of the Navy, to make Satisfaction to the said Mr. Stephen Evans, accordingly.

Tythes.

The additional Ordinance for the true Payment of Tythes, and other Duties, was this Day read.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message: And do agree to the Ordinance for appointing Dr. Wm. Clerke to be Judge of the Admiralty; and to the Order concerning the Disposing of the Seven thousand Pounds now to be sent into Munster; and concerning carrying on the War there: To the rest they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

Message to Lords.

Sir John Evelyn carried to the Lords, for their Concurrence, the Ordinance now passed, concerning the Militia of the City of London: And was to desire the Lords to sit awhile.

Engagement by trained Bands.

Mr. Marten reports a Declaration, concerning the printed Paper, containing an Engagement, read in the Morning: The which was read; and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for their Concurrence: And

It is Ordered, That this Declaration be published by Beat of Drum, and Sound of Trumpet, in the Cities of London, Westminster, Liberties, and Lines of Communication: And that it be referred to the Care of the Lord Mayor, to have it published within the City of London, and Liberties; and to the Care of the Sheriffs for the Places within Middlesex.

Sir Henry Mildmay is appointed to carry it to the Lords; and to desire their Concurrence in the Publishing of it.

London Militia.

Ordered, &c. That the Members of this House that are of the Committee of the Militia of London, do take care, That the Ordinance concerning the Militia of the City of London, now passed both Houses, be communicated to the Committee of the Militia: And that the said Committee do meet this Night; and take some speedy and effectual Course to provide for the Quiet and Safety of the City, and the safe Sitting of the Houses of Parliament.

Parliament Guard.

Ordered, &c. That Captain White be required to draw forth his Company; and to have it in Readiness to prevent any Tumults in these Parts; and to be a Guard for the safe and quiet Sitting of the Houses To-morrow: And Mr. Wheeler, and Mr. Gurdon are desired to acquaint Captain White with this Order; and to take care, that this be so done accordingly.

Ordered, &c. That Colonel Robert Manwaringe do attend and guard the Houses To-morrow with his Troop of Horse.

Declaration against the Engagement.

THE Lords and Commons, having seen a printed Paper, intituled, A Petition to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons, of the City of London, in the Guildhall assembled, under the Name of divers Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers, of the Trained Bands, Auxiliaries, and others, young Men and Apprentices, Sea Commanders, Seamen, and Watermen; together with a dangerous Engagement of the same Persons, by Oath and Vow, concerning the King's present coming to the Parliament, upon Terms far different from those which both Houses, after mature Deliberation, have declared to be necessary for the Good and Safety of this Kingdom; casting Reflections upon the Proceedings both of the Parliament and Army, and tending to the embroiling the Kingdom in a new War; and the said Lords and Commons take notice of great Endeavours, used by divers ill-affected Persons, to procure Subscriptions thereunto; whereby well-meaning People may be misled; do therefore Declare, That whosoever, after Publication or Notice hereof, shall proceed in, or promote or set his Name to, or give Consent that his Name be set unto, or any Way join in the said Engagement, shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of High Treason; and shall forseit Life and Estate, as in Cases of High Treason is accustomed.

London Militia.

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons, assembled in Parliament, for Constituting and Settling of the Committee of the Militia of the City of London.

THE Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, taking into their serious Consideration the present State and Condition of the Kingdom of England, and particularly of the City of London, do Ordain and Declare; and be it Ordained and Declared, by the Authority of Parliament, That the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London for the Time being, Sir John Wollaston, Isaac Pennington, Thomas Atkins, John Warner, James Bunce, John Fowke, William Gibbes, John Kendrick, John Langham, and Richard Chambers, Aldermen: Field Marshal Skippon; Randall Manwaring, Francis Peck, Samuell Warner, James Russell, Nathaniell Wright, Wm. Barkley, Alexander Normington, Stephen Estwick, Owen Rowe, Richard Turner senior, William Hobson, Richard Bateman, Richard Turner junior, Robert Tichborne, Tempest Milner, Wm. Antrebus, Thomas Player senior, Samuel Harsnett, Francis Allen, Colonel Wilson, Colonel John Bellamy, Alexander Jones, Citizens, or any Nine or more of them, be, and are hereby constituted and appointed a Committee for the Militia of the City of London, and Liberties thereof, and all other Places within the Lines of Communication, and weekly Bills of Mortality: And shall have Power, and are hereby authorized, to assemble and call together all and singular Person and Persons of the said City of London, and Liberties thereof, within the Lines of Communication, and weekly Bills of Mortality, that are meet and fit for the Wars: and them to train, exercise, and put in Readiness; and them, after their Abilities, and Faculties, well and sufficiently, from time to time, to cause to be arrayed and weaponed; and to take the Musters of them in Places most fit for that Purpose: And that they shall have Power to lead, conduct and employ, the Persons aforesaid, arrayed and weaponed, for the Suppression of all Rebellions, Insurrections, and Invasions, that may happen with the said City and Liberties thereof, or within the Lines of Communication and weekly Bills of Mortality: And likewise shall have further Power and Authority to lead, conduct, and employ, the Persons aforesaid, arrayed and weaponed, as well within the said City, as within any other Part of this Realm of England, or Dominion of Wales, for the Suppression of all Rebellions, Insurrections, and Invasions, that may happen, according as they shall, from time to time, receive Directions from the Lords and Commons, assembled in Parliament: And that the said Committee, or any Nine or more of them, as aforesaid, shall have Power, and are hereby authorized, to constitute and make Colonels, Captains, and other Officers; and shall have Power to remove and displace Colonels, Captains, and other Officers, from time to time, as they or any Nine of them, as aforesaid, shall see Cause, and think fit: And that the said Committee, or any Nine or more of them, as aforesaid, shall have the same Powers and Authorities, to all Intents and Purposes, and in the same Manner and Form, as any Committee for the Militia of the City of London had, the 20th Day of July, Anno Domini 1647, by any Order or Ordinance of Parliament: And that all and every Person and Persons, who have heretofore acted or done, or hereafter shall act or do, any Act or thing whatsoever, by virtue of this or any former Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament, concerning the said Militia, shall be saved harmless, and indemnified for and concerning the same by Authority of Parliament. And it is hereby further Ordained, That no Citizen of the City of London, nor any of the Forces of the said City, and Liberties thereof, shall be drawn forth, or compelled to go, out of the said City, or Liberties thereof, for Military Service, without his or their free Consent. And it is lastly Ordained and Declared, by Authority aforesaid, That the Ordinance of Parliament, of the Fourth Day of May 1647, for the Militia of London, shall from henceforth cease, and be determined, to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever: And this present Ordinance is to continue during the Pleasure of both Houses of Parliament.

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