House of Commons Journal Volume 6: 18 March 1651

Die Martis, 18 Martii, 1650.

Prayers.

Army Accompts.

MR. Holland reports, An Act for Explanation of former Acts, touching passing the Accompts of Officers and Soldiers, and allowing of their Debentures.

Which was this Day read the First and Second time; and, upon the Question, committed to the Committee of the Army: And

Ordered, That the Committee of Obstructions be joined to the Committee of the Army, as to this Purpose: Who are to view and consider of the former Acts: With Power to call for the Trustees and Auditors, and for any other Persons; and for what else may conduce to the Business; and to report it on Thursday Morning next.

And the particular Care hereof is referred to Mr. Holland.

Lilburne's Claims.

Mr. John Corbett reports from the Committee of Obstructions, touching One thousand Pounds to be paid to Colonel Robert Lilburne, for the good Service done by him to the Commonwealth, as followeth:

Whereas this Committee, upon special Reference from the Parliament, by their Order of 7 Novembris, 1650, having taken into Consideration the Petition of Colonel Robert Lilburne; and that which hath been proposed; whereby the said Colonel may be satisfied for the good Service done by him to the Commonwealth about the time Hamilton invaded this Nation; do order, That it be reported to the House, as the Opinion of this Committee, That out of some Delinquent or Delinquents Estates, who were active against the Parliament in 1642, or since, and have not yet been sequestred, and, by his or their Delinquency, is or are sequestrable, as Colonel Robert Lilburne, or any on his Behalf, shall discover, the Sum of One thousand Pounds be allowed and paid to the said Colonel: And that a Fifth Part of the Composition or Compositions of such Delinquent or Delinquents be allowed to the Discoverer: And that the Commissioners for Compounding for Delinquents Estates be authorized to proceed accordingly.

Resolved, That the House doth agree with the Committee herein.

Resolved, by the Parliament, That the Commissioners for Compounding be and are authorized and required to proceed upon such Discovery, as shall be made by Colonel Robert Lilburne, or any for him; and to pay the said Thousand Pounds to the said Colonel Robert Lilburne, or his Assigns; and likewise a Fifth Part to the Discoverer, out of such Monies as shall be brought in upon such Discovery: And the Acquittance and Acquittances of the said Colonel Robert Lilburne, or his Assigns, testifying the Receipt thereof, shall be a sufficient Discharge in that Behalf.

Resolved, That Mr. Speaker take the Chair To-morrow Morning at Eight of Clock, notwithstanding the former Order.

Mr. Scott reports from the Council of State, A Letter from Major General Lambert.

Which was read; and, by Order of the House, was re-delivered to Mr. Scott: Who likewise made a Narrative of the present Design, discovered by several Papers, Letters, and Commissions, taken with an Agent from the King of Scotts.

Which, being read, were, by Order of the House immediately delivered back to Mr. Scott.

Resolved, That it be referred to the Council of State, to prepare such a Narrative of this Business, and to publish the same, at such Time, and with such Circumstances, as they shall think sit; and likewise to consider of a Declaration, to be set forth upon this Occasion by the Parliament; and to present the same to the House forthwith.

Resolved, That it be referred to the Council of State, and that they have Power to send Major General Harrison into any Part or Places of this Commonwealth, as they shall see Cause for the greatest Advantage of the Publick Service, and the Safety of the Commonwealth; and to present to the Parliament, for their Approbation, the Name of some sit Person to command, during his Absence in that Service, for the Security and Safety of these Parts.

Ordered, That the Council of State do consider of something to be presented to the House, for Sending of such Officers, whose Time of Leave is elapsed, to their several Charges and Commands; and likewise such Soldiers as have staid beyond their Time of Leave, to the Places of Duty; and present it to the House with all Speed.

Militia.

Resolved, That Mr. Say do bring in the Bill for better regulating the Militia, on This-day-sevennight, the first Business; nothing to intervene.

Capt. Packer.

Resolved, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be given to Captain Packer, to buy him a Horse: And that the Council of State be authorized and required to give Order for the speedy Payment thereof to him, accordingly.

Army and Navy Supply.

Major Salwey reports from the Council of State;

That, in pursuance of their Order of the Six-andtwentieth of February, the Council hath taken into Consideration what Ammunition and other Things, are necessary to be provided for the next Summer's Fleet; and what Treasury is open, out of which the same may be supplied; with the State of the Treasury of the Commonwealth, for defraying the Charge of the Army and Navy, and other publick Business; and do find, That it is necessary there should be provided,