House of Commons Journal Volume 5: 12 November 1647

Die Veneris, 12 Novembris, 1647.

PRAYERS.

The King's Escape.

A LETTER from Lieutenant General Cromwell, of November 11, Twelve at Night, was read, signifying the Escape of the King; who went away about Nine of Clock Yesterday Evening.

Ordered, That the Committee of the Admiralty and Cinque Ports do give strict Order forthwith for stopping all the Ports, Creeks and Passages, until the House take other Order; and to stop and seize the King, and all that shall come with him, and all Passengers whatsoever, notwithstanding any Pass whatsoever.

Ordered, That the Committee of the Admiralty do give Order and Directions to the Rear Admiral, and all other Commanders at Sea, to stop and search all Ships, Barks, and Boats, whatsoever; and to make stay of the King, and all with him, and of all other Passengers whatsoever, notwithstanding any Pass whatsoever, until further Order.

Resolved, &c. That Sir Edward Forde be forthwith sent for in safe Custody.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. * Ashburnham and Sir John Berkeley be forthwith sent for in safe Custody.

Resolved, &c. That Dr. Goff be forthwith sent for in safe Custody.

Resolved, &c. That the Door of the House be kept locked.

Resolved, &c. That a Committee of Three, or Four, be nominated, to take the Information of Mr. Westrowe, a Member of this House: And that they shall have the Power to search such particular Places as he shall nominate unto them; and to send for and examine the Parties that he shall give them Information of, if they shall see Cause.

Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Marten, Colonel White, Sir Peter Wentworth, are this Committee: And are presently to withdraw.

Resolved, &c. That the Thanks of this House be given to the Commissioners appointed by Parliament to reside with the King, in Acknowledgment of the faithful Discharge of their Trust.

Mr. Speaker did accordingly give the Thanks of this House, in Acknowledgment of the Discharge of their Service, to Sir John Cook, Sir James Harrington, Mr. Crew, and Major General Browne, then present.

Resolved, &c. That the Commissioners appointed to reside with the King do take care to discharge the Debts that are incurred, concerning the Expences of the King's Family: And that the Committee of the Revenue do enable them thereunto, according to former Order.

Mr. Grimston, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Swynfen, Mr. Knightley, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir John Danvers, Sir Henry Mildmay, Mr. Edwards, Sir Walter Erle, Sir Edmond Fowell, Mr. Gell, Sir Benjamin Rudyard, Mr. Povey, Mr. Green, Sir John Evelyn, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Bowyer, Mr. Lane, Colonel Rosseter, Sir Martin Lister, Sir Sam. Luke, Mr. Rose, Major Scott, Mr. Lisle, Mr. Annesley, Sir Anthony Irby, Mr. Jesson, Sir John Northcott, Colonel Rainborough, Lord Grey, Mr. Rolle, Mr. Thistlethwayte, Mr. Allen, Mr. Fowell, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Aldworth, Mr. Nathaniell Fienis, Sir Christofer Yelverton, Mr. Marten;

This Committee is appointed to examine the whole Business concerning the King's withdrawing from Hampton Court; and by whose Default or Neglect this is happened. They are likewise to examine concerning any Design of Danger against the Person of the King: And have Power to send for Parties, Witnesses, and Papers: And are to meet this Afternoon at Two of Clock, in the Queen's Court; and so de die in diem: And the Care of this Business is more particularly referred to Mr. Grimston.

Papers concerning the King.

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

The Lords have received some Papers concerning the King, from my Lord Mountague, one of the Commissioners appointed to attend the King: Which they thought fit to communicate to this House.

Army Pay, &c.

Ordered, That the House do sit this Afternoon, to proceed in the Consideration of the Papers late sent inclosed in a Letter from the General.

Post meridiem.

The King's Escape.

A LETTER from the Scotts Commissioners, from Worcester House, of Novembris 1647, was read; desiring to be informed, Whether, according to the Report, the King be gone from Hampton Court.

Army Pay, &c.

Ordered, That the House do proceed, To-morrow Morning, the first Business, in the Debate and Consideration of the Paper inclosed in the last Letter from the General.