House of Commons Journal Volume 6: 25 October 1650

Die Veneris, 25 Octobris, 1650.

Prayers.

Preacher appointed.

RESOLVED, That Mr. Nye be desired to preach before the Parliament at Margarett's Church, in Westminster, on Tuesday the Fifth Day of November next, being a Day of Thanksgiving, for the Deliverance from the Gunpowder Treason: And that Mr. Strickland do give him Notice hereof.

Law Proceedings.

The House, according to former Order, took into Debate the Regulation of Proceedings in the Law, and Delays and Charges in Courts of Justice; as also of exorbitant Fees, and other Grievances, &c.

Resolved, That all the Books of the Laws be put into English: And that all Writs, Process, and Returns thereof and all Patents, Commissions, Indictments, Inquisitions, Certificates, Judgments, and Records whatsoever, and all other Rules and Proceedings in Courts of Justice within the Commonwealth of England, shall be in the English Tongue only; and not in Latin or French, or any other Language than English.

Resolved, That the same be written in an ordinary, legible Hand; and not in any Court Hand: And that it be referred to a Committee, to bring in an Act upon these Votes.

Resolved, That Mr. Miles Corbet do bring in an Act, on Wednesday next, for taking away the superstitious Observation of All Saints Day, and other Days in Term, not Juridical; and making them Court Days; and for making the Fifth Day of November no Court Day.

Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee, to consider of the Salaries and the Fees of Judges and Officers; and what Offices or Fees are fit to be retrenched; and to bring in One or more Bills to the House, touching the same.

Resolved, That it be referred to the same Committee, to consider of the Delays, and unnecessary Charges, in Proceedings in the Law; and to present one or more Bills to the House, for Redress thereof.

Resolved, That this Committee hath Power to pursue the Direction of an Order of the Seventh of November 1649, touching Juries; and to report their Opinion to the House; and likewise what Laws are fit to be repealed.

Publick Register.

Resolved, That the Bill for Registring of Conveyances, &c. be read the Second time, on This-day-sevennight.

Law Proceedings.

Resolved, That Friday in every Week be set apart till Eleven of the Clock, to receive Reports from this Committee; viz. to this Committee following: Sir Henry Vane, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Lord Commissioner Lisle, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Hill, Mr. Love, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. Blagrave, Mr. Carew, Mr. Lechmere, Mr. Say, Major General Harrison, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Garland, Sir Tho. Widdrington, Mr. Scott, Colonel Jones, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Thomas Challoner, Mr. Dove, Mr. Cawley, Colonel Marten, Mr. John Corbett, Sir Henry Mildmay, Mr. Ralegh, Alderman Allen, Sir Michael Livesey: And all that come to have Voices: And this Committee are to meet on Tuesday at Two of Clock in the Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber; and so de die in diem: And Colonel Marten and Mr. Strickland are to take care of it: With Power to this Committee to send for Persons, Papers: And that they do give an Account to the House of their Proceedings on This-day-fortnight.

Resolved, That the Lord Commissioner Whitlock, and the Lord Commissioner Lisle, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor General, Mr. Serjeant Widdrington, Mr. Hill, and the rest of the Members of the Long Robe, be enjoined to give their constant Attendance on this Committee.

Highways.

Resolved, That the Committee for the Bill for Highways do meet at Two of the Clock this Afternoon; and report the same to the House on Wednesday next.

And Mr. Garland is to take care thereof.

Abuses in Prisons.

Resolved, That the Committee to whom the Business touching Captain Welby, and others, was committed, be enjoined to sit this Afternoon, in Mr. Speaker's Chamber; and so de die in diem.

The House, according to former Order, adjourned itself to Tuesday Morning next, Eight of Clock.