House of Lords Journal Volume 10: 1 December 1648

DIE Veneris, 1 Decembris.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Hodges.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Andrews, Thompson, & al. Leave to send a Ship to the E. Indies.

It is Ordered, That Thomas Andrewes Alderman, Maurice Thompson, Samuell Moyer, Stephen Estwicke, James Russell, and Company, shall have Liberty to set out for India the Ship Ruth, and Pinnace, with Four Thousand Pounds Value, in Royalls of Eight, Gynne Gold, or Bullion, to recover their Estates stopped there, unless the East India Company shew Cause to the contrary by Tuesday next; present Notice being given unto them of the East India Company.

Bridges' Petition.

Upon reading the Petition of John Bridges:

It is Ordered, That it be recommended to Sir Nath. Brent, to do what shall be reasonable and just therein.

Hawling to be instituted to Wrangle.

Ordered, That Doctor Aylett give Institution and Induction unto Wm. Hawling Clerk, Master of Arts, to the Vicarage of Rangle, in Com. Lincolne, void by Death; salvo Jure, &c.: Jo. Baily Esquire, Patron.

Libbe's Petition, for Writings out of the Court of Wards.

Upon reading the Petition of Anthony Libbe and Mary his Wife, Daughter and Heir of Leonard Keate deceased, and late His Majesty's Ward; desiring, "to have a Lease and Mean Assignments out of the Court of Wards, to be made Use at the next Assizes at Oxford:"

It is Ordered, That the Clerk of the Court of Wards do certify the Truth of the Matter to this House; and if it be as is alledged in the Petition, that then he deliver the said Writings as is prayed in the Petition.

Papers concerning the Treaty.

The Earl of Northumb. delivered in divers Papers concerning the Treaty.

The original Letter of the King's to the Earl of Ormond, was read: (Here enter it.) And Ordered, A Copy to be taken, and the Original to be sent to the House of Commons.

The rest of the Papers concerning the Treaty were read. (Here enter them.)

Thanks to the Commissioners for their Service in it.

The Speaker, by Direction of the House, gave the Commissioners Thanks, for their great Care and Pains in the Treaty.

Commissioners to state the Business concerning the Treaty.

Ordered, That the Lords Commissioners do meet, and peruse all the Papers of the Treaty, and state the Business, so as it may be the more fit for the Consideration of the Houses; and that the House of Commons be desired to give the like Power to the Members of their House that are Commissioners, to meet with the Lords, that so it may be reported to both Houses To-morrow.

Message to the H. C. about it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath:

To desire the Commissioners of the House of Commons for the Treaty may meet the Lords Commissioners this Afternoon, at Three of the Clock, in the Prince's Lodgings, to consider of the Papers of the Treaty; and to state the Contents thereof, that so Things may be more ripe and fit for the Consideration of the Houses; and to report the same to the Houses To-morrow.

Message from the Common Council, with a Letter from L. Fairfax to them.

Mr. Alderman Avery and Mr. Alderman Byde acquainted this House, "That they were appointed, by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London, to let their Lordships know, that, (fn. 1) at a Common Council this Morning, the Lord Mayor did communicate a Letter to them, which he received from the Lord General this Morning, at Three of the Clock; which the Common Council thought of such Concernment, as to have the Two Houses of Parliament made acquainted therewith, and receive their Directions touching the same, before they give any an Answer to it: That the Common Council have resolved to sit this Afternoon, at Two of the Clock, to receive the Resolutions of both Houses therein."

A Copy of the Letter was delivered in, and read openly. (Here enter it.)

The Aldermen being withdrawn, the House commanded the said Letter to be read again; and the House was adjourned into a Committee during Pleasure, to debate and consider of it.

The House being resumed;

It was Resolved, upon the Question, That this Answer following shall be returned; (videlicet,)

Answer to the Common Council.

"The Lords return Thanks to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, for the Respects shewed to this House. As to the Forty Thousand Pounds mentioned to be secured upon Arrears to the Army from the City, they leave it to themselves, to do therein as they shall think most fit, for preventing of Inconveniencies."

The Aldermen were called in; and had the said Answer returned to them.

To fit P. M.

The Question being put, "Whether to have the House sit this Afternoon again at Five of the Clock?"

It was Resolved in the Affirmative.

Letter from L. Fairfax to the Common Council, that he is coming up to London with the Army;—desiring they will provide 40,000 l. for it; and that he will dispose the Forces in empty Houses, &c. so as to incommode the City as little as possible.

"My Lord and Gentlemen,

"Being upon an immediate Advance with the Army towards London, we thought good hereby to give you Notice thereof: For the Grounds and Necessity leading us hereunto, we refer you to out late Remonstrance, and to our latter Declaration concerning the same. We have only this further to add, that, as we are far from the least Thought of Plunder or other Wrong to your City, or any the Places adjoining (which we hope your former Experiences of us will give you Cause enough to credit us in); so, for the better Prevention of any Disorder in the Soldiery, or of any Abuse or Inconvenience to the Inhabitants in the Quartering of the Soldiery at private Houses, we earnestly desire that you would take a present Course for the Supply of Money to pay those Forces while we shall be necessitated to stay there; upon which, we shall assure you, we shall so dispose of them into great and void Houses about the City, as much as may be possible, as that few or none of the Inhabitants shall be troubled with Quartering of any Soldiers at all. And, for this Purpose, we desire that Forty Thousand Pounds may be forthwith provided, upon the Security of your Arrears, to be ready to be paid out to the Forces To-morrow Night if possible; and we shall be ready to receive from you any Intimations for the further Prevention of Hurt or Inconvenience to the City in this Business. I remain

Windsor, 30th Nov. 1648.

"Your Lordship's

"Most assured Friend and Servant,

"T. Fairefax.

"Directed, For the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the City of London."

Letter from the King to the E. of Ormond, not to proceed in the Treaty with the Consederate Roman Catholics in Ireland.

CHARLES R.

"Right Trusty and Entirely Beloved Cousin and Counsellor, We greet you well: Whereas We have received several Informations from our Two Houses of Parliament concerning your Proceedings with the Consederate Roman Catholics in the Kingdom of Ireland (the several Votes and Extracts whereof We do herewith transmit unto you); and forasmuch as We are now engaged in a Treaty of Peace with Our Two Houses, wherein We have made such large Concessions as We hope will prove the Foundation of a blessed Peace; and We having consented by Our Article (if the said Treaty take Effect) to intrust the Prosecution and Management of the War in Ireland to the Guidance and Advice of Our Two Houses; We have therefore thought fit hereby (fn. 2) to require you to desert from any further Proceeding upon the Matters contained in the said Papers. And We expect such Obedience unto this Our Command, that Our Two Houses Desires may be fully satisfied.

Given at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, the 25th of November, in the 24th Year of Our Reign.

"To Our Right Trusty and Entirely Beloved Cousin and Counsellor, James Marquis of Ormond."

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Vote of the House for Continuance of the Treaty till Saturday.

"1. Newport, 23 Nov. 1648.

"We are commanded, by the Houses of Parliament, to acquaint Your Majesty with this their ensuing Vote, concerning the Continuance of the Treaty:

"Die Mercurii, 21 Nov. 1648.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Treaty be continued till Saturday next at Night, the 25th of this Instant November.

"Ex'r,

* * The King's Paper, consenting to the Continuance of the Treaty till Saturday Night.

"2. CHARLES R.

His Majesty doth consent to the Continuation of this Treaty until Saturday next, at Night, the 25th of this Month, according to the Votes of both Houses of Parliament of the 21th present, mentioned in your Paper of the 23th of the same.

"Newport, 23 Novembr. 1648.

"Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Votes and Orders concerning Delinquents.

"3. Newport, 23 Novembr. 1648.

"We are commanded, by the Houses of Parliament, to communicate unto Your Majesty these their ensuing Votes and Resolutions, concerning the Proposition for Delinquents; and to desire Your Majesty's Consent to the Particulars therein expressed:

"Die Mercurii, 1 Nov. 1648.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That the King's Answer to the Proposition concerning Delinquents is unsatisfactory in all the Clauses thereof, except that Clause wherein His Majesty gives His Consent, That all Persons who have had any Hand in plotting, designing, or assisting, the Rebellion of Ireland, shall expect no Pardon, as is expressed in the First Branch of the said Proposition.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Sir John Strangewayes be taken out of the Proposition concerning Delinquents.

"Resolved, &c.

"That those Persons named in the First Branch of the Proposition concerning Delinquents that are Protestants (except those that shall be excepted from Pardon) shall be admitted to Composition.

"Resolved, &c.

"That those Persons named in the First Branch of the Proposition concerning Delinquents that are Protestants (except those that shall be excepted from Pardon) shall be admitted to compound at a full Moiety of their Estates.

"Resolved, &c.

"That all Papists and Popish Recusants, who have been, or now are, actually in Arms, or voluntarily assisting, against the Parliament of England (except such who have had any Hand in the plotting, designing, or assisting, the Rebellion of Ireland, and except such as shall be excepted from Pardon), shall be admitted to Composition.

"Resolved, &c.

"That all Papists and Popish Recusants, who have been, or now are, actually in Arms, or voluntarily assisting, against the Parliament of England (except such who have had any Hand in the plotting, designing, or assisting, the Rebellion of Ireland, and except such as shall be excepted from Pardon), shall be admitted to compound at Two full Third Parts of their Estates.

"Resolved, &c.

"That the Persons named and comprised within the Proposition concerning Delinquents, who by the said Proposition were to compound at Two Thirds of their Estates, and are not discharged, shall be admitted to compound at a full Third Part of their Estates.

"Resolved, &c.

"That those Persons who, by the Proposition concerning Delinquents, were to pay the full Moiety of their Estates, shall be admitted to compound at a full Third Part of their Estates.

"Resolved, &c.

"That the Houses do insist upon that Part of the Proposition that appoints that all Lawyers, Clergymen, and Scholars, shall pay a full Third Part of the Value of their Estates.

"Resolved, &c.

"That the Houses do insist, that the Persons appointed by the Proposition concerning Delinquents to pay a full Sixth Part of the Value of their Estates shall so continue to compound at a full Sixth Part.

"Resolved, &c.

"That the Houses insist upon the rest of the Proposition concerning Delinquents, in all the Parts wherein the Houses have made no Alterations, as before it was.

"Resolved, &c.

"That the First of February, 1648, is now the Day limited for the Persons to come in, that are admitted by the Proposition concerning Delinquents to compound.

"Die Sabbati, 11 Nov. 1648.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That all Persons named and comprised in the First Branch of the Proposition concerning, Delinquents, be removed from His Majesty's Councils, and be restrained from coming within the King's, Queen's, and Prince's Court; and that they may not, without Advice and Consent of both Houses of the Parliament of England, bear any Office, or have any Employment, concerning the State or Commonwealth: And in case any of them shall offend therein, to be guilty of High Treason, and incapable of any Pardon from His Majesty; and their Estates to be disposed of as both Houses of the Parliament of England shall think fit.

"Die Sabbati, 11 Nov. 1648.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Persons expressed and contained in the First Branch of the Proposition concerning Delinquents be proceeded with, and their Estates disposed of, as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit or appoint; and that their Persons shall not be capable of Pardon by His Majesty, without Consent of both Houses of Parliament; the Houses declaring, That they will not proceed (as to the taking away of Life of any One of them, to above the Number of Seven Persons): Provided, That this Declaration for proceeding (as to the taking away of Life only of Seven of the said Persons) shall not extend to pardon any Persons for Life or Estate, who have had any Hand in the plotting, designing, or assisting, the Rebellion of Ireland.

"Die Martis, 21 November. 1648.

"Resolved, upon the Question, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That William Earl of Newcastle shall be One of the Seven excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Sir Marmaduke Langdale shall be One of the Seven that shall be excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That George Lord Digby shall be One of the Seven that shall be excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Sir Richard Greenvile shall be One of the Seven that shall be excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That David Jenkins Esquire be One of the Seven that shall be excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Sir Francis Doddington shall be One of the Seven excepted from Pardon.

"Resolved, &c.

"That Sir John Byron be One of the Seven that shall be excepted from Pardon.

"To all these Particulars, we humbly desire your Majesty's Consent.

"Ex'r,

** The King's Answer to the Commissioners Paper, touching Delinquents.

"4 CHARLES R.

"For an Answer to your Paper of the 23th of November, containing the Votes and Resolutions of both Houses concerning Delinquents; His Majesty faith, That He is well pleased to find thereby that the Two Houses have lessened the Extent of their former Propositions in the several Particulars exprest in the said Votes: But, since His Majesty and His Two Houses have now agreed that an Act of Oblivion and Indemnity shall pass, to extend to all Persons, for all Matters, with such Limitations and Provisions as shall be agreed upon, His Majesty conceives that the Subject-matter of these Votes and Resolutions will, upon drawing up of the said Act, most properly come in Debate; and therefore desires that His further Answer may be respited until that Time.

"Newport, 24 Novembr. 1648.

"Ex'r,

"5. Newport, the 24th of Nov. 1648.

* * The Commissioners Reply to the King's Paper of the 24th, concerning Delinquents.

"Whereas Your Majesty, in Answer to our Paper of the 23th Instant, containing the Votes and Resolutions of the Houses of Parliament, upon Your Majesty's former Answer concerning Delinquents, is pleased to say, That You conceive the Subject-matter of these Votes and Resolutions will properly come in Debate upon drawing up the Act of Oblivion, and therefore desire Your further Answer may be respited until that Time; we humbly say; That this is no Answer to what is desired as Part of this Treaty, but a putting off to another Time, and (as we humbly conceive) that which is most proper to be agreed on before the drawing up of that Act, in regard the Houses (in their Answer to Your Majesty's Proposition for such an Act) have declared, That it be specially provided, that nothing in Your Majesty's Propositions (of which this Act of Oblivion is One) shall any Ways weaken or impair any Agreement in this Treaty: Wherefore we humbly pray Your Majesty's Consent to our Paper Yesterday delivered, containing these Votes and Resolutions.

"Ex'r,

* * His Majesty's final Answer to the Proposition touching Delinquents.

"CHARLES R.

"For a final Answer to you, as to your Paper of the 23th of November Instant, and the Votes therein mentioned concerning Delinquents;

"His Majesty faith, That, though the Matter of that Paper might more properly have come in Debate upon drawing up of the Act of Oblivion, and the Limitations and Provisions therein, as in His former Paper is expressed; yet, to evidence His Desire of Compliance with His Two Houses, as well in Circumstances as in all other Matters of this Proposition, so far as with Honour and Conscience He can, His Majesty further faith, That He doth agree that Sir John Strangewayes shall be taken out of the Proposition concerning Delinquents.

"And that those Persons named in the First Branch of the Proposition which are Protestants shall be admitted to Compositions.

"And that all Papists and Popish Recusants, who have been, and now are, actually in Arms, or voluntarily assisting against the Parliament (except those who have any Hand in the plotting, designing, or assisting, the Rebellion in Ireland) shall be admitted to Compositions.

"And His Majesty doth consent that the several Persons comprised in the said Proposition shall submit to moderate Compositions, according to such Rates and Proportions as they and the Two Houses shall agree upon; the Particulars whereof His Majesty leaves wholly to such Agreement, desiring only that the Rates and Values may be mitigated and reduced to a more moderate Proportion.

"And His Majesty will give Way, that the Persons insisted upon by His Two Houses in the First Branch of this Proposition shall be removed from His Councils, and be restrained from coming within the Verge of the King's, Queen's, and Prince's Court; and that they may not bear any Office, or have any Employment, in the State or Commonwealth, without Advice and Consent of both Houses of Parliament: But His Majesty cannot agree that those who do the contrary shall incur such several Penalties as to be guilty of High Treason, and forfeit their Lives and Estates, without any Capacity of Pardon, as in the Proposition is contained; there being a Penalty legally implied upon the Breach of any Act of Parliament, which His Majesty intends not to dispense withal.

"As to the Seven Persons mentioned in the said Votes to be excepted from Pardon: His Majesty, for the Peace of the Kingdom, will consent that they may absent themselves out of the Kingdom for such Time as the Two Houses shall think fit; desiring nevertheless that they may be admitted to Compositions for their Estates: And if any of them shall be proceeded against according to the ancient established Laws of this Kingdom, His Majesty will not interpose, to hinder any legal Proceedings thereupon.

"But that His Majesty should join in any Act for the taking away of the Life or Estate of any that have adhered to Him, or for the condemning of any of His own Party; His Majesty cannot in Justice and Honour agree thereunto.

"As to all other Persons mentioned in your Proposition, His Majesty will farther consent, that they shall not sit or vote, as Members or Assistants, in either House of Parliament, nor continue or be of His Majesty's Privy Council, Officers of State, or Judges, or in other Offices, without Consent of both Houses.

"As for all Clergymen, against whom scandalous Life can be proved, or other legal Charge; His Majesty will remit them to the Law: For all others, who shall conform to what His Majesty and his Two Houses shall agree upon, His Majesty conceives fit, where their Livings are void, they may be restored to them; and where any other is Incumbent in any of their Preferments, that the Party now outed out of his Livings may receive a Third Part of the Profits for his Maintenance, until he be otherwise provided, that thus the one may not want a Livelihood, nor the other be outed out of any Living, until some fitting Preferment be found for either.

"And to all other Particulars, His Majesty a heres to His former Answers of the 17th of October.

"Newport, 25th Nov. 1648.

"Ex.

* * The Commissioners Paper upon Receipt of the King's final Answer concerning Delinquents.

"Having received Your Majesty's final Answer to us, as to our Paper of the 23th of this Instant, and the Votes therein mentioned concerning Delinquents; we shall communicate the same to both Houses of Parliament; and go on in the Treaty, according to our Instructions.

"Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Vote touching those that have engaged since January, 1647.

"8. Newport, 23 November. 1648.

"We are commanded, by the Houses of Parliament, to acquaint Your Majesty with their ensuing Vote, concerning such Persons as have engaged, or been aiding and assisting, in this late War against the Parliament."

"Die Sabbati, 11 Novembr. 1648.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That no Person that hath been engaged or aiding or assisting in this late War against the Parliament either by Sea or Land since the 1st of January last, 1647, shall be admitted to Composition for his Delinquency, but at a full Year's Value more than other Persons that shall be in the same Qualification with them, to which we humbly desire Your Majesty's Consent.

"Ex'r,

* * The King's final Answer to the Proposition, touching the new Delinquents.

"9. CHARLES R.

"For a final Answer to you, as to your Paper of the 25th of this Month, concerning such Persons as have engaged in the late War since January, 1647;

"His Majesty saith, That He will give Way, that the Persons intended in this Proposition may compound for their Estates, as they and the Two Houses shall agree; and leaves the Rates and Proportions for the Compositions to such Agreement, desiring they may be moderate.

"Newport, 25 Novembr. 1648.

"Ex.

** The Commissioners Paper, upon Receipt of the King's final Answer to the Proposition concerning the new Delinquents.

"10. Newport, 25 Novemb. 1648.

Having received Your Majesty's final Answer to us, as to our Paper of the 25th of this Instant, concerning such Persons as have engaged in the late War, since January, 1647; we shall communicate the same to both Houses of Parliament; and go * on in the Treaty, according to our Instructions.

Ex's,

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Vote whereby the King's Answer touching the Ld. Ormond's Proceedings is unsatisfactory.

"11. Newport, 25 Novembr. 1648.

"Having received this ensuing Vote of the Houses of Parliament, concerning Your Majesty's Answer of the 17th of November, to the Propositions for declaring against the Proceedings of the Lord of Ormond in Ireland;

"Die Martis, 21 Novembr. 1648.

"Resolved, upon the Question, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,

"That His Majesty's final Answer, contained in a Paper of 17 Novembr. 1648, to the Proposition for His declaring against the Proceedings of the Lord of Ormond in Ireland, is not satisfactory:

"We humbly desire Your Majesty's further Answer to the Desires of the Houses, expressed in that Proposition.

Ex'r,

* * The King's final Answer touching the Ld. Ormond.

"12. CHARLES R.

"For a final Answer to you, as to your Paper [ (fn. 3) of the] 25th of this Instant, concerning the Proceedings of the Lord Ormond in Ireland; His Majesty saith, That He well hoped, that by this Time such a happy Conclusion of this Treaty would have been made, that by His former Answers His Two Houses might have obtained what they desired in this Particular: But, assuring Himself that His large Concessions in this Treaty will ere long be the Foundation of a blessed Peace, His Majesty, to manifest the Clearness of His Intentions in that Matter, and to give His Two Houses Satisfaction, hath written, and delivers herewith unto you, His Letter to the Marquis Ormond, acquainting him with such Informations as He hath received from the Two Houses concerning His Proceedings in that Kingdom, and requiring him to desist from any further Prosecution of the same: And in case he shall refuse, His Majesty will then make such public Declaration against his Power (fn. 4) and Proceedings as is desired.

"Newport, 25th November, 1648.

"Ex.

* * The Commissioners Paper, upon Receipt of the King's Answer touching the Ld. of Ormond.

"13. Newport, 25 Novemb. 1648.

"Having received Your Majesty's final Answer unto us, as to our Paper of the 25th of this Instant, and the Vote therein contained, for declaring against the Proceedings of the Lord of Ormond in Ireland; we shall communicate the same to both Houses of Parliament; and go on in the Treaty, according to our Instructions.

"Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Vote for Continuance of the Treaty.

"14. Newport, 27 Novembr. 1648.

"We are commanded, by the Houses of Parliament, to acquaint Your Majesty with their ensuing Vote, concerning the Continuance of the Treaty:

"Die Veneris, 24 Novembr. 1648.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,

"That the Treaty be continued till Monday next, at Night, the 27th of this Instant November; and that the Commissioners be enjoined to come away on Tuesday Morning, with such final Answer as they shall receive from the King to what remains.

"Ex'r,

* * The King's Paper, consenting to the Continuance of the Treaty till this present Monday at Night.

"15. CHARLES R.

"In Answer to your Paper of this Day, His Majesty doth consent to the Vote of both Houses of the 24th of this Instant, for the Continuation of this Treaty until this present Monday at Night, being the 27th of November.

"Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Proposition concerning Scotland.

"Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

"Having received this ensuing Proposition of the Houses of Parliament;

"Die Mercurii, 22 Novembr. 1648.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That such Agreements as shall be made by both Houses with the Kingdom of Scotland, for the Security of all those of that Kingdom who have assisted or adhered to the Parliament of England, and for the settling and preserving an happy and durable Peace between the Two Nations, and for the mutual Defence of each other, be confirmed by Act of Parliament:

"We humbly desire Your Majesty's Consent to the said Proposition.

Ex'r,

* * The King's final Answer to the Proposition concerning Scotland.

"17. CHARLES R.

For a final Answer to you, as to the Paper of the 27th of November Instant, concerning Scotland; His Majesty saith, That though He finds, by your Commission, and Paper delivered together with it, at the opening of the Treaty, that you are confined to treat concerning the Kingdom of England and Ireland only, so as to this Proposition His Majesty conceives that you have no Qualification to treat with him; yet His Majesty (for the Satisfaction of His Two Houses) will consent to confirm, by Act of Parliament, such Agreement as shall be made by them, for the Security of all those of the Kingdom of Scotland who have assisted or adhered unto the Two Houses of the Parliament of England. And His Majesty will be most willing to join in any Agreement, to be confirmed by Act of Parliament, for the settling and preserving a happy and durable Peace between the Two Nations, and for the mutual Defence each of other under His Majesty, as King of both.

"Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

"Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, upon Receipt of the King's final Answer concerning Scotland.

"18. Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

"Having received Your Majesty's final Answer to us, as to our Paper of this 27th Instant, concerning Scotland; we shall communicate the same to both Houses of Parliament; and go on in the Treaty, according to our Instructions.

Ex.

* * The Commissioners Paper, presenting the Vote of the Houses, wherein the King's Answer to the Church is declared unsatisfactory.

"19. Newport, 27 Novembr. 1648.

"Having received this ensuing Vote of the Houses of Parliament, concerning Your Majesty's Answer of the 21th of November Instant, to our Papers of the 17th and 20th of the same Month, concerning the Church;

"Die Veneris, 24 Novembr. 1648.

"Resolved, upon the Question, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,

"That the King's Answer, contained in a Paper of the 21th of November Instant, concerning the Church, in all the Parts except wherein He hath declared His Consent, is not satisfactory.

"We humbly desire Your Majesty's Consent to the Desires of the Houses expressed in our said Papers.

Ex'r,

* * The Commissioners Paper, making known the Vote of both Houses upon the King's final Answer to the Church.

"20. Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

"Having received this ensuing Vote of the Houses of Parliament, concerning Your Majesty's Answer of the 21th of Nov. Instant to our Papers of the 17th and 20th of the same Month, concerning the Church;

"Die Veneris, 24 Novembr. 1648.

"Resolved, upon the Question, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,

"That the King's Answer, contained in a Paper of the 21th of November Instant, 1648, to the Proposition concerning the Church, in all the Parts (except wherein He hath declared His Consent) is not satisfactory:

"We humbly desire Your Majesty's Consent to the Desires of the Houses, expressed in our said Papers.

"Ex'r,

* * The King's final Answer to the Proposition of the Church.

"21. CHARLES R.

"For a final Answer to you, as to your Paper of the 27th of this Instant November, concerning the Church;

"His Majesty saith, That (after such Condescensions and well-weighed Resolutions in the Business of the Church) He did (fn. 5) not expect to have been farther pressed therein. It is His Judgement and Conscience, That He cannot, as He stands yet informed, abolish Episcopacy out of the Church.

"Yet, because He apprehends how fatal new Distractions may be to this Kingdom, and that He believes His Two Houses will yield to Truth if it shall be manifested to them, as He hath assured them He will comply with them if convinced; His Majesty doth again desire, That there be a Consultation with Divines (as He hath formerly proposed); and His Majesty will suspend the Episcopal Power, as well in Point of Ordination of Ministers as in that of Jurisdiction, until He and His Two Houses agree what Government shall be established in the future.

"As for the Bishops Lands; though He cannot consent to the absolute Alienation of them from the Church, yet He will agree that the Propriety and Inheritance of them shall, by Act of Parliament, be settled in the Crown, to be declared in Trust for the Use of the Church and Churchmen, to be employed by His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, with the Advice of His Two Houses, for the Use aforesaid; and that Leases shall be made for Lives or Years (not exceeding Ninety-nine Years), for the Satisfaction of the Purchasers and Contractors, according to His former Answers, reserving the old Rents or other moderate Rents, for the Maintenance of those to whom they did formerly belong, and for the future Benefit of the Church; and in all Things else, His Majesty refers Himself to His former Answers.

"Newport, 27 Nov. 1648.

Ex.

"Ro. Blackborne, Secr. Commiss."

* * The Commissioners Paper, upon Receipt of the King's Answer concerning the Church.

"22. 27 Nov. 1648.

"Having received Your Majesty's final Answer to us, as to our Paper of this 27th Instant concerning the Church; we shall transmit the same to both Houses of Parliament."

DIE Veneris, 1 die Decembris, [ (fn. 6) post Meridiem.]

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 10^a cras.