House of Commons Journal Volume 6: 19 November 1650

Die Martis, 19 Novembris, 1650.

Prayers.

Army Pay.

MR. Scott reports from the Council of State, Some Proposals for providing Money for Six Months Pay, for the Forces in Ireland; viz. Three Months Arrear, and Six Months to come; as followeth:

Army Pay.

THAT, upon Consideration had of the State of the Army in Ireland, as well in respect of the Pay already due unto them, as of what is necessary to be provided for the Carrying on of the War there, the next Spring; the Council finds, That, from the Two-and-twentieth of September last, until the Three-and-twentieth of December next, there will be Thirteen Weeks Pay due unto them; which, at the Rate of Thirty-four thousand Five hundred Pounds per mensem, being the established Pay for Eight Regiments of Foot, Six Regiments of Horse, a Regiment of Dragoons, and the Train of Artillery, that went with the Lord General into Ireland, amounts unto One hundred and Twelve thousand One hundred Twenty-five Pounds: And considering that, if the said Thirteen Weeks Pay were already provided to be sent thither, it will be requisite, that Thirteen Weeks Pay more be ascertained, and in readiness to go thither, to enable them to take the Field as early in the Spring, as the Weather will permit, for the timely and effectual Prosecuting of that War: Both which Sums amount unto Two hundred Twenty-four thousand Two hundred and Fifty Pounds.

It is offered by the Council, That the Parliament be moved, as followeth:

First, That, over and above the Fifty thousand Pounds charged for the Supplies of the Stores, and the Fifty thousand Pounds already charged upon Doubling upon Delinquents Estates, for the Pay of the Armies in England and Ireland, there be Fifty thousand Pounds more charged, to be raised upon the Sale of Delinquents Estates, as aforesaid.

Secondly, That the Two last Fifty thousand Pounds, making One hundred thousand Pounds, be appropriated for and towards the Pay of the Forces in Ireland, as aforesaid.

Thirdly, And whereas the Parliament have voted One hundred and Twenty thousand Pounds per mensem, for Four Months, to be raised for the Pay of their Forces; the Council are of Opinion, That Twenty thousand Pounds per mensem, of the said Four Months Assessments, at the least, may be set apart towards the Pay of the Army in Ireland, as aforesaid.

Fourthly, Whereas the Two last Sums of One hundred thousand Pounds, and Fourscore thousand Pounds, fall short Forty-four thousand Two hundred and Fifty Pounds to make up the said Half Year's Pay, that the said Remainder be placed, to be paid out of the Arrears due, and not yet collected, upon the Ordinances of the Eighteenth of October 1644, and Fifteenth of August and Ninth of March 1645, for weekly Assessments for the Supply of the British Armies in Ireland: And that the Parliament be moved to order, for the Purposes aforesaid, the effectual Putting in Execution of the said Ordinances.

Fifthly, Whereas it is apprehended to be exceedingly conducing to the speedy Conclusion of the War of Ireland, and Lessening of the Parliament's Charge there, that Ten thousand or Twelve thousand Foot more be raised, and ready to ship by the Middle of February, or First of March next; That the Parliament be moved to order Monies for the Discharge of that Service; which, is conceived, will amount unto above Twenty thousand Pounds, over and above Arms and Ammunition, from time to time to be sent thither; which are to be done out of the publick Stores here.

Lastly, Whereas the Fifty thousand Pounds, formerly charged upon Delinquents Estates, to be received by the Treasurers at Wars, for the Use of the Armies of England and Ireland, is desired to be only applicable to the Army in Ireland; and for that some Monies have been made Use of for the Armies in England, out of the Monies set apart for Ireland, which are to be repaid; That the Parliament be moved to assign to the Treasurers at Wars Fifty thousand Pounds, upon the Receipts of Goldsmiths Hall, in lieu thereof, and for the better Enabling of them to supply the Forces in England and Scotland, until the next Four Months Assessments commence.

Army Pay.

Resolved, That the Sum of Two hundred Twenty-four thousand Two hundred and Fifty Pounds be provided for carrying on the War of Ireland for Six Months Pay for the Forces there; viz. for Three Months, from the Two-and-twentieth of September last, until the Three and-twentieth of December next; and Three Months to come, ending the Five-and-twentieth of March next.

Resolved, That, over and above the Fifty thousand Pounds charged for the Supplies of the Stores, and the Fifty thousand Pounds already charged upon Doubling upon Delinquents Estates, for the Pay of the Armies in England and Ireland, there be Fifty thousand Pounds more charged to be raised upon the Sale of Delinquents Estates.

Resolved, That the Two last Fifty thousand Pounds, making One hundred thousand Pounds, be appropriated for the Pay of the Forces in Ireland, as aforesaid.

Resolved, That Twenty thousand Pounds per mensem, at least, of the Four Months Assessment of One hundred and Twenty thousand Pounds, be set apart towards the Pay of the Army in Ireland, as aforesaid.

The Question being propounded, That the Two last Sums of One hundred thousand Pounds and Fourscore thousand Pounds falling short Forty-four thousand Two hundred and Fifty Pounds to make up the said Half Year's Pay, that the said Remainder be placed to be paid out of the Arrears due, and not yet collected, upon the Ordinances of the Eighteenth of October 1644, and the Fifteenth of August and Ninth of March 1645, for weekly Assessments for the Supply of the British Armies in Ireland, &c.;

It passed with the Negative.

Resolved, That, in Satisfaction of the Remainder of the Pay, to make up the Six Months Pay, over and above the Monies formerly charged upon Delinquents Estates, the Sum of Fifty thousand Pounds more be charged upon the Sale of the said Estates, for the Service of Ireland, as aforesaid.

The Question being propounded, That from henceforth no more Money shall be levied upon the Ordinances of the Eighteenth of October 1644, and the Fifteenth of August and Ninth of March 1645, for weekly Assessments for the Supply of the British Armies in Ireland;

And the Question being put, That that Question be now put;

The House was divided.

The Noes went forth.

So it passed with the Negative.

The Question being propounded, That it be referred to the Committee formerly appointed, to consider of the several Ordinances for the Assessments for the British Army in Ireland; and to state the Matter of Fact; and report it to the House;

And the Question being put, That these Words, "and, in the mean time, the Collection of the said Assessment be suspended," be added to the Question;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

So it passed with the Negative.

Resolved, That it be referred to the former Committee, appointed to consider of the several Ordinances for the Assessments of the British Army, to state the Matter of Fact; and report it to the House.

Resolved, That this Committee have Power to call before them all Persons who have any Monies charged upon those Assessments by Order or Ordinance of Parliament; and to examine how much the Sums so charged do amount unto; and what hath been by them received; and how much is still due, if any be; and report it to the House.

Resolved, That this Committee have Power to receive the Complaints of the Abuses in the collecting these Assessments; and present them to the House: And the special Care hereof is referred to Mr. Fry, and Mr. Edward Ash: And the Committee is to meet this Afternoon at Two of the Clock, in the Star Chamber; and so de die in diem: And all that come to have Voices.

Ordered, That the further Debate upon this Report be adjourned till To-morrow Morning Eight of Clock.