House of Lords Journal Volume 35: November 1777

November 1777

Anno 18^o Georgii Tertii.

DIE Jovis, 20^o Novembris 1777.

DIE Jovis, 20^o Novembris 1777, Annoque Regni Serenissimi Domini Nostri Georgii Tertii, Dei Gratia, Magnœ Britanniœ, Franciœ, & Hib'niœ Regis, Fidei Defensoris, &c. Decimo Octavo; in quem Diem hæc Quarta Sessio Parliamenti, per seperalia Adjournamenta et Prorogationes, continuata fuerat, in superiori Domo Parliamenti Magnœ Britanniœ apud Westmonaster. convenere, Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum Nomina subscribuntur, & præsentes fuerunt:

REX.

King present.

His Majesty being seated on the Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments, and attended by His Officers of State, (the Lords being in their Robes), commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to let the Commons know, "It is His Majesty's Pleasure they attend Him immediately in this House."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

His Majesty was pleased to say:

His Majesty's Speech.

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

It is a great Satisfaction to Me, that I can have Recourse to the Wisdom and Support of My Parliament in this Conjuncture, when the Continuance of the Rebellion in North America demands Our most serious Attention. The Powers which you have entrusted Me with for the Suppression of this Revolt have been faithfully exerted; and I have a just Confidence that the Conduct and Courage of My Officers, and the Spirit and Intrepidity of My Forces, both by Sea and Land, will, under the Blessing of Divine Providence, be attended with important Success. But as I am persuaded that you will see the Necessity of preparing for such further Operations as the Contingencies of the War and the Obstinacy of the Rebels may render expedient, I am, for that Purpose, pursuing the proper Measures for keeping My Land Forces complete to their present Establishment; and if I should have Occasion to increase them by contracting any new Engagements, I rely on your Zeal and Publick Spirit to enable Me to make them good.

I receive repeated Assurances from foreign Powers of their pacifick Dispositions: My own cannot be doubted; but, at this Time, when the Armaments in the Ports of France and Spain continue, I have thought it adviseable to make a considerable Augmentation to My Naval Force, as well to keep My Kingdoms in a respectable State of Security, as to provide an adequate Protection for the extensive Commerce of My Subjects; and as, on the one Hand, I am determined that the Peace of Europe shall not be disturbed by Me, so, on the other, I will always be a faithful Guardian of the Honour of the Crown of Great Britain.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

I have ordered the Estimates for the ensuing Year to be laid before you. The various Services which I have mentioned to you will unavoidably require large Supplies; and nothing could relieve My Mind from the Concern which I feel for the heavy Charge which they must bring on My faithful People, but the perfect Conviction that they are necessary for the Welfare and the essential Interests of My Kingdoms.

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"I will steadily pursue the Measures in which We are engaged for the Re-establishment of that Constitutional Subordination which, with the Blessing of God, I will maintain through the several Parts of My Dominions. But I shall ever be watchful for an Opportunity of putting a Stop to the Effusion of the Blood of My Subjects, and the Calamities which are inseparable from a State of War; and I still hope that the deluded and unhappy Multitude will return to their Allegiance, and that the Remembrance of what they once enjoyed, the Regret for what they have lost, and the Feelings of what they now suffer under the arbitrary Tyranny of their Leaders, will rekindle in their Hearts a Spirit of Loyalty to their Sovereign, and of Attachment to their Mother Country; and that they will enable Me, with the Concurrence and Support of My Parliament, to accomplish what I shall consider as the greatest Happiness of My Life, and the greatest Glory of My Reign, the Restoration of Peace, Order, and Confidence, to My American Colonies."

Then His Majesty was pleased to retire.

And the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, to unrobe.

The House was resumed.

PRAYERS.

E. Harcourt and Ld. Percy sat first in Parliament:

This Day George Simon Earl Harcourt sat first in Parliament, after the Death of his Father Simon Earl Harcourt; his Lordship having first at the Table taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes:

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordship's Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.

This Day Hugh Lord Percy sat first in Parliament, after the Death of his Mother Elizabeth Duchess of Northumberland Baroness Percy; his Lordship having first at the Table taken the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also taken and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration pursuant to the Statutes, was afterwards placed in his due Place, next above the Lord De Ferrers.

Pedigrees delivered.

Garter King at Arms delivered in at the Table his Lordship's Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Bill proforma read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better regulating Select Vestries."

The Lord Chancellor reported His Majesty's Speech.

And the same being read by the Clerk:

Motion for Address:

Moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return His Majesty our Thanks for His Most Gracious Speech from the Throne.

To offer our Congratulations to His Majesty on the Increase of His Domestick Happiness by the Birth of another Princess, and the Recovery of His Royal Consort; who is most highly endeared to this Nation, as well by Her Majesty's eminent and amiable Virtues, as by every new Pledge of Security to our Religious and Civil Liberties.

To assure His Majesty that we are duly sensible of His Majesty's Goodness in recurring to the Advice and Support of His Parliament in the present Conjuncture, when the Rebellion in North America still continues; and to return His Majesty our unfeigned Thanks for having communicated to us the just Confidence which His Majesty reposes in the Zeal, Intrepidity, and Exertions of His Majesty's Officers and Forces, both by Sea and Land: That at the same Time that we entertain a well-founded Hope of the important Successes which, under the Blessing of Providence, may be expected, we applaud His Majesty's unwearied Vigilance and Wisdom, in recommending to us to prepare, at all Events, for such farther Operations as the Contingencies of the War and the Obstinacy of the Rebels may render expedient: That we are therefore gratefully sensible of His Majesty's Consideration in pursuing the Measures necessary to keep His Land Forces complete to the present Establishment; and that we owe it both to His Majesty and ourselves to say, that we shall cheerfully concur in enabling His Majesty to make good such new Engagements with Foreign Powers for the Augmentation of the Auxiliary Troops, as the weighty Motives His Majesty has stated to us may induce Him to contract.

To assure His Majesty, that it is with great Satisfaction we learn that His Majesty receives repeated Assurances from Foreign Powers of their pacifick Dispositions; and that, with Hearts full of Gratitude and Admiration, we acknowledge His Majesty's humane, steady, and dignified Conduct, which is equally well calculated to demonstrate to the World His Majesty's Wish to preserve the general Tranquillity of Europe, and His Determination to maintain the Honour of the Crown, the Security of these Kingdoms, and the Commercial Interests of His Subjects.

That we thankfully receive His Majesty's Declaration of Perseverance in the Measures now pursuing for the Re-establishment of a just and constitutional Subordination through the several Parts of His Majesty's Dominions; and that we beg Leave to assure His Majesty, that we participate the Desire which at the same Time animates His Royal Breast, to see a proper Opportunity for putting an End to the Effusion of Blood, and the various Calamities inseparable from a State of War.

"That the constant Tenor of His Majesty's Reign has shewn that His whole Attention is employed for the Safety and Happiness of all His People; and that, whenever our unhappy Fellow-Subjects in North America shall duly return to their Allegiance, we shall readily concur in every wise and salutary Measure which can contribute to restore Confidence and Order, and to fix the mutual Welfare of Great Britain and her Colonies on the most solid and permanent Foundations."

An Amendment proposed and disagreed to:

Then an Amendment was proposed to be made to the said Motion, by leaving out from the End of the Second Paragraph to the End of the Motion, and instead thereof inserting the following Words; videlicet:

["And that this House does most humbly advise and supplicate His Majesty to be pleased to cause the most speedy and effectual Measures to be taken for restoring Peace in America; and that no Time may be lost in proposing an immediate Cessation of Hostilities there, in order to the opening of a Treaty for the final Settlement of the Tranquillity of those invaluable Provinces, by a Removal of the unhappy Causes of this rainous Civil War, and by a just and adequate Security against the Return of the like Calamities in Times to come. And this House desire to offer the most dutiful Assurances to His Majesty, that they will, in due Time, chearfully co-operate with the Magnanimity and tender Goodness of His Majesty for the Preservation of His People, by such explicit and most solemn Declarations and Provisions of fundamental and irrevocable Laws, as may be judged necessary for ascertaining and fixing for ever, the respective Rights of Great Britain and her Colonies."]

Which being objected to:

After long Debate;

The Question was put, "Whether the Words proposed to be left out shall stand Part of the Motion?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Protest thereupon.

DISSENTIENT.

Because this Address is a Repetition of, or rather an Improvement on, the fulsome Adulation offered, and of the blind Engagements entered into by the House on former Occasions, relative to this unhappy Civil War.

Effingham.

Richmond.

Then it was moved, "To agree to the said Motion for an Address as at first proposed:"

Which being objected to;

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the Lords following were appointed a Committee to prepare an Address pursuant thereto; (videlicet),

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet immediately in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure:

And the Committee withdrew to prepare the Address.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

Address reported.

And the Lord Percy reported from the Committee an Address, drawn by them, as follows; (videlicet),

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, in Parliament assembled, beg Leave to return Your Majesty our humble Thanks for Your most gracious Speech from the Throne.

Permit us, Sir, to offer our Congratulations to Your Majesty on the Increase of Your Domestick Happiness by the Birth of another Princess, and the Recovery of Your Royal Consort; who is most highly endeared to this Nation, as well by Her Majesty's eminent and amiable Virtues, as by every new Pledge of Security to our Religious and Civil Liberties.

We are duly sensible of Your Majesty's Goodness in recurring to the Advice and Support of Your Parliament in the present Conjuncture, when the Rebellion in North America still continues: And we return Your Majesty our unfeigned Thanks for having communicated to us the just Confidence which Your Majesty reposes in the Zeal, Intrepidity, and Exertions of Your Majesty's Officers and Forces, both by Sea and Land. But at the same Time that we entertain a well-founded Hope of the important Successes which, under the Blessing of Providence, may be expected, we cannot but applaud Your Majesty's unwearied Vigilance and Wisdom in recommending to us to prepare, at all Events, for such farther Operations as the Contingencies of the War and the Obstinacy of the Rebels may render expedient; we are therefore gratefully sensible of Your Majesty's Consideration in pursuing the Measures necessary to keep Your Land Forces complete to the present Establishment: And we owe it both to Your Majesty and ourselves to say, that we shall cheerfully concur in enabling Your Majesty to make good such new Engagements with Foreign Powers for the Augmentation of the Auxiliary Troops, as the weighty Motives Your Majesty has stated to us may induce You to contract.

It is with great Satisfaction we learn that Your Majesty receives repeated Assurances from Foreign Powers of their pacifick Dispositions; and with Hearts full of Gratitude and Admiration, we acknowledge Your Majesty's humane, steady, and dignified Conduct, which is equally well calculated to demonstrate to the World Your Majesty's Wish to preserve the general Tranquillity of Europe, and Your Determination to maintain the Honour of the Crown, the Security of these Kingdoms, and the Commercial Interests of Your Subjects.

We thankfully receive Your Majesty's Declaration of Perseverance in the Measures now pursuing for the Re-establishment of a just and constitutional Subordination through the several Parts of Your Majesty's Dominions: And we beg Leave to assure Your Majesty that we participate the Desire which at the same Time animates Your Royal Breast, to see a proper Opportunity for putting an End to the Effusion of Blood, and the various Calamities inseparable from a State of War.

The constant Tenor of Your Majesty's Reign has shewn that Your whole Attention is employed for the Safety and Happiness of all Your People: And whenever our unhappy Fellow-Subjects in North America shall duly return to their Allegiance, we shall readily concur in every wise and salutary Measure which can contribute to restore Confidence and Order, and to fix the mutual Welfare of Great Britain and her Colonies on the most solid and permanent Foundations."

Which Address, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the whole House.

Ordered, That the Lords with White Staves do wait on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty will please to appoint to be attended therewith.

Congratulatory Message to Her Majesty on the Birth of a Princess.

Ordered. That a Message be sent to the Queen from this House, to congratulate Her Majesty on her safe and happy Delivery, and on the Birth of another Princess; and to assure Her Majesty that this House takes a zealous and dutiful Part in an Event which, at the same Time that it augments Her Majesty's Domestick Happiness, gives a fresh Security to the Civil and Religious Liberties of this Country, the Guardianship of which is auspiciously vested, by the Protestant Succession, in His Majestys's Illustrious Family.

Ordered, That the said Message be presented to Her Majesty by the Earl of Winchilsea and the Earl of Powis.

Committee of Privileges.

Lords Committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of this House, and Privileges of Parliament, and of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament:

Their Lordships, or any Seven of them, to meet on Monday next, at Ten o'Clock, in the House of Peers, and every Monday after; and to adjourn as they please.

Committee for the Journals.

Lords Sub-committees appointed to consider of the Orders and Customs of this House, and of the Privileges of the Peers of Great Britain and Lords of Parliament; and to peruse and perfect the Journals of this and former Sessions of Parliament:

Their Lordships, or any Three of them, to meet when, where, and as often as they please.

Stoppages in the Streets, Order to prevent.

The House taking Notice, "That there is such an Interruption by Hackney Coaches, Carts, and Drays, in the Streets and Passages leading to this House, that the Lords and others are frequently hindered from coming thereto:"

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the High Steward of the City of Westminster, or his Deputy, together with the Justices of the Peace of the said City, shall, by their strict Care and Directions to the Constables and other Officers within their Jurisdiction, take special Order, that no empty Hackney Coaches be suffered to make any Stay between Whitehall and the End of Abingdon Street in Westminster, from Twelve of the Clock at Noon until Five of the Clock in the Afternoon of the same Day, during the Sitting of this Parliament; and that no Carriages, Drays, or Carts, be permitted to stop in the Streets and Passages between the End of Market Lane in Pall Mall, and the End of Abingdon Street, between the Hours aforesaid; or to pass through the Old Palace Yard from One of the Clock in the Afternoon until One Hour after the rising of this House, during the Sitting of this Parliament; and that all Carriages, Drays, or Carts, hereby permitted to pass through the said Streets and Passages, be obliged to go One after another, in the Manner following; (that is to say), All Carriages, Drays, or Carts, going towards Westminster, to keep on the Side of the Street or Passage next to Saint James's Park; and all those going the contrary Way, to keep on the other Side of the Street; and upon no Account whatsoever to presume to go Two or more a-breast during the Sitting of this Parliament: And herein special Care is to be taken, by the said Deputy Steward, Justices of the Peace, Constables, and all other Officers herein concerned, as the contrary will be answered to this House: And it is further Ordered, That the High Bailiff of the City of Westminster, and the Justices of the Peace for the City and Liberty thereof, or some of them, residing in Westminster, be served with the Order of this House made this Day, for the Purposes aforesaid.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, vicesimum primum diem instantis Novembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 21^o Novembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

His Majesty to be attended with Address.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty would please to appoint to be attended with their Lordships Address; and that His Majesty had appointed this Day, at Two o'Clock, at His Palace of Saint James."

Haldane against Keith.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of George Haldane Esquire, of Gleneagles, complaining of Part of an Order of the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, of the 5th of August 1777, in so far as the same disallows the Prayer of his Petition with Regard to the Interest on the Debentures; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that George Keith, late Earl Marischall, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said George Keith, late Earl Marischall, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereunto in Writing, on or before Friday the 19th Day of December next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondent, or upon his known Counsel, Agent or Solicitor, before the said Court of Exchequer in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause, wherein Sir Lawrence Dundas Baronet, is Appellant, and Patrick Honeyman and others are Respondents, which stands appointed for Wednesday next, be put off to Monday the 1st Day of December next; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in Course.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, vicesimum septimum diem instantis Novembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Jovis, 27^o Novembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

His Majesty's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chancellor reported. "That the House did, on Friday last, present their Address to His Majesty, to which His Majesty was pleased to return the following Most Gracious Answer."

My Lords,

I thank you for this very loyal and dutiful Address, as well as for your Congratulations on the Increase of My Family, and for the Regard you express on this Occasion for the Queen.

"The Assurances you give Me of your firm and temperate Sentiments respecting the Measures in which we are engaged, are highly agreeable to Me; and I persuade Myself that salutary Effects must be the natural Result of Deliberation, conducted on such Principles. You will ever find, that the favourite Wish of My Heart is, to promote and effectuate the common Happiness and Welfare of all My Dominions."

Ordered, That the said Address, together with His Majesty's Most Gracious Answer thereto, be forthwith printed and published.

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause, wherein Sir Lawrence Dundas Baronet, is Appellant, and Patrick Honeyman and others are Respondents, which stands appointed for Monday next, be put off to the First Cause Day after the Recess at Christmas; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in Course.

East India Goods, Naval Stores, &c. Accounts delivered.

The House being informed, "That some of the Commissioners of the Customs attended:"

They were called in, and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to the several Acts of Parliament,

The Return of the said Commissioners, with the following Accounts; (videlicet),

1. An Account of prohibited East India Goods imported into St. Helens and Private Trade Warehouse in the Port of London, from Michaelmas 1776 to Michaelmas 1777; what exported during that Time, and what remained in the Officers Charge at Michaelmas 1777.

2. An Account of prohibited East India Goods imported into Leadenhall Warehouses, in the Port of London, from Michaelmas 1776 to Michaelmas 1777; also what exported during that Time, and what remained in the said Warehouses at Michaelmas 1777.

3. An Account of prohibited East India Goods remaining in His Majesty's Warehouse, in the Port of London, at Michaelmas 1776; what have been since brought in, what exported, as also what remained at Michaelmas 1777.

4. An Account of East India Goods prohibited to be worn in this Kingdom, in the respective Warehouses in the Out-Ports, at Michaelmas 1776; what have been since brought in, what exported, as also what remained at Michaelmas 1777.

5. An Account of prohibited East India Goods which have been delivered out of the Warehouses at Saint Hellens, Leadenhall, Billiter Lane, and the Custom House, in the Port of London, since Michaelmas 1776, in order to be dyed, glazed, and refreshed; what have been since returned, and what remained at Michaelmas 1777.

6. An Account of Naval Stores imported from Russia into the Port of London, from Michaelmas 1776 to Michaelmas 1777.

7. An Account of Naval Stores imported from Russia into the Ports of England, commonly called the Out-Ports, from Michaelmas 1776 to Michaelmas 1777.

8. An Account of the Number of Ships which have been employed in the Whale Fishery to Davis's Streights and the Greenland Seas, with their respective Names and Burthens, from whence they were fitted out, and at what Port in Great Britain they were discharged; and also what Quantity of Oil or Whale Fins each Ship has imported in the Year 1777."

And then they withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

Ordered, That the said Accounts do lie on the Table.

D. Hamilton et al. against E. Selkirk and Douglas.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause, wherein Douglas Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, Marquis of Douglas, &c. and his Guardians, are Appellants, and Dunbar Earl of Selkirk and Archibald Douglas of Douglas, Esquire, are Respondents:"

It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause by Counsel, at the Bar, on the First vacant Day for Causes, after those already appointed.

E. Selkirk against Douglas et al.

A Petition of Dunbar Earl of Selkirk, Appellant, in a Cause depending in this House, to which Archibald Douglas Esquire, and others, are Respondents, was presented and read, setting forth, "That pending the hearing of this Cause, a Petition for a Delay having been presented by the Guardians of Douglas Duke of Hamilton, Brandon, &c. their Lordships (after hearing Counsel upon the said Petition) were pleased to order, That the hearing of the said Appeal be adjourned sine Die: And when any Judgement should be given upon the Writs or in the Suit to be brought by the Duke of Hamilton, or in case there shall be unnecessary Delay on his Part, that either of the Parties to this Appeal be at Liberty to apply to the House for Liberty to set down the Cause to be heard." That the Duke of Hamilton having accordingly proceeded to Judgement before the Court of Session in the Suit alluded to in their Lordships Order; and now appealed to their Lordships against such Judgement; and the Respondent having put in his Answer, and the Cause now set down for hearing," The Petitioner therefore prays their Lordships, "That this Cause, and the other Cause in which the Duke of Hamilton is Appellant, may be appointed to be heard on Wednesday the 25th of March next, or such other Day as to their Lordships may seem proper."

And thereupon the Agents on both Sides were called in and heard at the Bar; and being withdrawn:

Ordered, That this House will hear the said Causes together, by Counsel at the Bar, on Wednesday the 25th Day of March next, as desired; and that the Agents in the said Causes do deliver their printed Cases to the Clerk of this House, on or before Monday the 2d Day of March next.

Short against Munro et al. Petition to amend Appeal.

Upon reading the Petition of Thomas Short, Appellant in a Cause depending in this House, to which Donald Munro and others are Respondents, setting forth, "That the Petitioner, at the Time of presenting his Appeal, not being possessed of the Extract of the Decree, the Interlocutors complained of are not so fully recited as may appear necessary;" and therefore praying their Lordships, "That he may be at Liberty to amend his Appeal by inserting the Interlocutors in the Words of the Extract of the Decree, he amending the Respondents Copy:"

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner be at Liberty to amend his said Appeal by inserting the Interlocutors in the Words of the Extract of the Decree, as desired, he amending the Respondents Copy.

Longlands to enter into Recognizance on Haldane's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Thomas Longlands Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for George Haldane Esquire, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he residing in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said Thomas Longlands may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant, as desired.

De Beaune for a Nat. Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of David Henry De Beaune, praying that Leave may be given to bring in a Bill for his Naturalization:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition:

Bill read.

Accordingly, The Lord Scarsdale presented to the House, a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing "David Henry De Beaune."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Arfwidsson for a Nat. Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of Hans Arfwidsson, praying that Leave may be given to bring in a Bill for his Naturalization:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition:

Bill read.

Accordingly, The Lord Scarsdale presented to the House, a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Humfrey et al. Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Lebbeus Humfrey, Robert Shuttleworth, and Charles Shuttleworth Clerk; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to Mr. Justice Ashhurst and Mr. Baron Perryn, who are forthwith to summon all Parties concerned in the Bill; and, after hearing them, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon under their Hands, and whether all Parties who may be concerned in the Consequences of the Bill have signed the Petition; and also that the Judges, having perused the Bill, do sign the same.

Stewart against the Magistrates of Greenock.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of John Shaw Stewart of Greenock, Esquire, complaining of Five Interlocutors of the Lord Ordinary in Scotland, of the 10th and 13th of February, the 31st of July, the 27th of November, and 20th of December 1776; and also of Two other Interlocutors of the said Lord Ordinary of the 12th and 27th of February 1777; and of Two Interlocutors of the Lords of Session there, of the 5th of July and 9th of August 1777; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied or altered, or that the Appellant may have such other Relief in the Premises as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem meet; and that the Magistrates and Council of Greenock may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Magistrates and Council of Greenock may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto in Writing, on or before Thursday the 25th Day of December next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon their Counsel, Agents or Solicitors in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Vickars et al. against Scotts.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Jeremiah Vickars of the City of Dublin, Merchant, and of the said Jeremiah Vickars, and also of John Mathew of the same City, Merchant, Executors of the last Will and Testament of John Lord of the same City, Merchant, deceased; complaining of an Order of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland, of the 2d of May 1774, made on arguing the Petitioners Plea; and also of a Decree of the said Court of the 16th of June 1777; and praying, "That the same may be reversed and set aside; and instead thereof to allow the said Plea, and dismiss the Information against them; or to make such further or other Order for the Petitioners Relief in the Premises, as the Nature and Circumstances of the Case may require, and as to their Lordships, in their great Wisdom and Justice, shall seem meet; and that the Right Honourable John Scott Esquire, His Majesty's now Attorney General of Ireland, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said Right Honourable John Scott Esquire, His Majesty's now Attorney General of Ireland, may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereunto in Writing, on or before Thursday the 1st Day of January next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondent, or his Clerk or Agent in the said Court of Exchequer in Ireland, shall be deemed good Service.

Accounts of Transports, Number of Seamen and Marines employed in the Navy, &c. Address to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty to desire that His Majesty will be pleased to order the proper Officer to lay before this House;

"An Account of the Transports taken up or contracted for since September 1775 to September 1777; describing the Tonnage, and what has been paid or contracted to be paid for the same:"

Also, "An Account of the Number of Seamen and Marines employed in the Service of the Royal Navy, from the 1st of March 1776 to the 30th of September 1777, both inclusive, upon a Medium of each Month; distinguishing the Seamen from the Marines, and what Number of each was borne, and what mustered in the Service:"

Also, "An Account of Navy, Victualling, and Transport Bills, which were made out on or before the 30th of September 1777, and which yet remain unpaid; distinguishing the Sums made out in each Month:"

Also, "An Account of the Expence of victualling the Transports hired by the Navy Board, from the 1st of October 1775 to the 30th of September 1777, with all Charges attending that Service:"

And also, "An Account of the Expence of the Freight of Victuallers hired to carry Provisions to North America, and the Value of the said Provisions for the Use of the Troops there; also the Value of all Provisions, &c. shipped on board Ordnance Store Ships, Ships of War, &c. for the Use of the said Troops, from the 1st of October 1775 to the 30th of September 1777."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, vicesimum octavum diem instantis Novembris, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 28^o Novembris 1777.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

King's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty with their Lordships Address of Yesterday, for the several Accounts therein mentioned, and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

De Beaune takes the Oaths for his Naturalization.

David Henry De Beaune took the Oaths appointed in order to his Naturalization.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing David Henry De Beaune."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Tuesday next, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Arfwidsson takes the Oaths for his Naturalization.

Hans Arfwidsson took the Oaths appointed in order to his Naturalization.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Tuesday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Lords summoned.

Ordered, That all the Lords be summoned to attend the Service of the House on Tuesday next.

Accounts of Ships at Plymouth, &c. and State and Condition of Channel Fleet, &c. Address to His Majesty for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire that His Majesty will be pleased to order, that there be laid before this House, "The last Weekly Accounts received at the Admiralty from the Admiral or Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels of War at the several Ports of Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Chatham; together with the last Accounts received at the Admiralty of the State and Condition of the Ships and Vessels of His Majesty's Fleet employed on Channel Service, or on the Coasts of Great Britain and Ireland."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, secundum diem Decembris jam prox. sequen. hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.