House of Lords Journal Volume 35: February 1778 11-20

February 1778 11-20

DIE Mercurii, 11^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Tait against Keith.

The Answer of Mr. George Skene Keith, Preacher of the Gospel, to the Appeal of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Tait, Minister of Old Aberdeen, was this Day brought in.

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 Addresses of Monday last, for the Accounts therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Highgate, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Byng and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, for repairing the Road from Highgate Gate House, in the County of Middlesex, to Barnet Block House, in the County of Hertford; and the Road from the Bear Inn in Hadley, to the Angel in Enfield Chace; and also Canewood Lane, leading from Highgate to Hampstead in the said County of Middlesex, and the Road beginning at Barnet Block House and ending at the Bear Inn in Hadley aforesaid;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Toweester, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Caswall and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term of an Act, passed in the Thirtieth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from Towcester, through Silverston and Brackley, in the County of Northampton; and Ardley and Middleton Stoney to Weston Gate, in the Parish of Weston on the Green, in the County of Oxford;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Rushden Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Powys and others:

With a Bill, intituled "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Marine Mutiny Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Buller and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Mariners Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Buller and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Five Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Lord Foley's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Foley Baron of Kidderminster, and the Honourable Edward Foley his Brother; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to Mr. Justice Ashhurst and Mr. Baron Hotham, 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.

American Prizes, List of, delivered.

The Earl of Sandwich (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, Several Papers relating to American Prizes taken by His Majesty's Ships; together with a List thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

Copy of a Letter from Vice Admiral Graves to Philip Stephens Esquire, Secretary of the Admiralty, enclosing,

An Account of Ships and Vessels taken by the Squadron under his Command in North America, between the 1st June 1775, and 27th January 1776.

An Account of Vessels seized by Vice Admiral Shuldham's Squadron in North America, between the 24th September 1775, and the 13th March 1776.

An Account of Vessels seized by His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, under the Command of Vice Admiral Shuldham, to the 1st May 1776.

Account of Vessels seized as Prizes by the American Squadron, under the Command of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, between the 10th March and 31st December 1776.

Return of Captures made by the American Squadron, between the 1st January and 22d of May 1777.

List of Captures and Re-captures made by the American Squadron, between 27th May and 24th October 1777, under the Command of Lord Viscount Howe.

List of Prizes taken by the Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, stationed at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, since former List sent, 7th April to 31st May 1776.

List of Prizes taken by His Majesty' Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, between the 1st June and 1st July 1776.

List of Prizes taken by His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, between the 1st and 27th July 1776.

An Account of Ships and Vessels taken as Prize of War by His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, and in the Seas adjacent, since 24th July 1776.

List of Prizes taken by the Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, from 30th September and 9th December 1776.

List of Prizes taken by His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, &c. between the 10th March and 30th April 1777.

List of Prizes taken under the Command of Vice Admiral Young, between April and June 1777.

List of Vessels taken by the Squadron under (fn. 1) Command of Vice Admiral Young, between October and December 1777.

List of Prizes taken by the Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Montagu, at Newfoundland, in the Year 1777.

Extract of a Letter from Vice Admiral Man, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, dated on board the Medway, in Gibraltar Bay, 22d August 1777, giving an Account of the Number of Prizes taken by his Squadron.

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

Mr. George Jackson was called in, and the said Papers being shewn to him, he, upon Oath at the Bar, declared, They were true Copies, he having examined them with the Originals.

And then he withdrew.

Campbell for a Divorce Bill.

Upon reading the Petition of John Hooke Campbell, of Bangeston in the County of Pembroke, Esquire, Lord Lyon King at Arms for that Part of Great Britain called Scotland; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to dissolve his Marriage with Elizabeth Eustacia his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Great Billing Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton," was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.

Sapcote Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, Commons, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester," was committed.

Sir Sampson Gideon's Estate Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting certain Messuages, Lands, and Hereditaments in the County of Kent, Part of the Estates devised and settled by the Will of John Thoyts, deceased, in Trustees, to be sold and conveyed to Sir Sampson Gideon Baronet, and his Heirs; and for laying out the Monies arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be conveyed and settled to and upon the like Uses and Trusts in the said Will."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Wyndham to take the Name of Edwin, Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire, now called Charles Edwin, and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Sirname of Edwin only."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

To carry down the said Bills, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Kimcoate and Walton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptoft, in the County of Leicester."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Titchmarsh Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Loudonsack's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Charles Frederick Loudonsack."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Three preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Bond et Ux. Petition for a Bill, referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of John Bond Merchant, and Sarah his Wife, on Behalf of themselves and their infant Children; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to Mr. Justice Ashhurst and Mr. Justice Nares, 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.

Staveley against Batson et al.:

Upon reading the Petition of Edward Buckley Batson and others, Defendants in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein Richard Staveley is Plaintiff.

And also,

Clarke against Hodgson:

Upon reading the Petition of William Hodgson, Defendant in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein John Fenton Clarke Esquire, is Plaintiff; setting forth, "That the Plaintiffs have not assigned Errors within the Time limited by their Lordships Standing Order:" And therefore praying, "That the said Writs of Error may be non-pros'd, with such Costs, as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

Writs of Error non-pros'd with Costs.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioners do forthwith enter a Non-pros. on the said Writs of Error as desired, and that the Records be remitted to the Court of King's Bench, to the End Execution may be had upon the Judgments given by that Court, as if no such Writs of Error had been brought into this House; and further, that the Plaintiffs in Error do pay, or cause to be paid, to the said Defendants in Error, the Sum of Forty Pounds for their Costs, by reason of the Delay of the Execution of the said Judgments.

Tait against Keiths.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause, wherein the Reverend Mr. Thomas Tait is Appellant, and George Skene Keith and Alexander Keith 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.

Chalmer to enter into Recognizance on Crawfurd and another's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That James Chalmer, of Leicester Fields in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Dame Robina Crawfurd and another, on Account of their Appeal depending in this House, they living in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said James Chalmer may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellants, as desired.

Wildman to enter into Recognizance on Whitehead et al. Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Thomas Wildman, of Lincoln's Inn in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Thomas Whitehead and others, on Account of their Appeal depending in this House, they residing in the Country:"

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

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee thereupon.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

American Debts, Resolution relating to, negatived.

It was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That, in the Course of Trade, a very considerable Balance was always due from the Merchants of North America to the Merchants of Great Britain; towards the Discharge of which, Remittances were made in Goods to a great Amount since the Commencement of the present Troubles, and whilst the Trade between this Kingdom and the Colonies was suffered to remain open."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Americans, Resolution relating to Prizes taken by, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That since the passing the several Acts for prohibiting the Fisheries of the Colonies in North America, their mutual Intercourse with each other, and all Trade and Commerce between them and this Kingdom, and for making Prize of their Ships, and distributing the Value of the same, as if they were the Effects of our Enemies, amongst the Seamen of His Majesty's Navy, the Number of Vessels belonging to Great Britain and Ireland, taken by Ships of War and Privateers belonging to the said Colonies, amount to Seven hundred and thirty-three."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Captures retaken and released by, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That of the said Seven hundred and thirty-three Vessels, it appears that Forty-seven have been released, and One hundred and twenty-seven retaken; but that the Loss on the latter, for Salvage, Interest on the Value of the Cargo, and Loss of a Market, must have been very considerable."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Value of Prizes taken negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Loss of the remaining Five hundred and fifty-nine Vessels which have been carried into Port, appears, from the Examination of Merchants, to amount to at least Two millions six hundred thousand Pounds."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

African Trade, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That of Two hundred Ships annually employed in the African Trade before the Commencement of the present Civil War, whose Value upon an Average was about Nine thousand Pounds each, there are not now Forty of the said Ships employed in the said Trade, whereby there is a Diminution in this Branch of Commerce, of One hundred and sixty Ships, which, at Nine thousand Pounds each, amount to a Loss of One million four hundred and forty thousand Pounds per Annum."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Insurance of Ships, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Insurance to the West Indies and North America is increased from Two, and Two and an Half, to Five per Cent. with Convoy; but without Convoy, and unarmed, the said Insurance has been made at Fifteen per Cent.; but generally Ships in such Circumstances, cannot be insured at all."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Seamen's Wages, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Seamen's Wages is raised from One Pound Ten Shillings to Three Pounds Five Shillings per Month."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Pot Ash, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Pot Ash is encreased from Eight Shillings to Three Pounds Ten Shillings per Hundred Weight."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Spermaceti Oil, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Spermaceti Oil has encreased from Thirty-five Pounds to Seventy Pounds per Ton."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Tar, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Tar is raised from Seven and Eight Shillings to One Pound Ten Shillings per Barrel."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Sugars, &c. Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That the Price of Sugars, and all Commodities from the West Indies, and divers Sorts of Naval Stores from North America, is greatly enhanced."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

West Indian Colonies, Resolution.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the great Diminution of the African

relating to, negatived.

Trade, the Interruption of the North American Trade to the West Indies, and the Captures made of West India Ships, have greatly distressed the British Colonies in the West Indies."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

American Privateers, Resolutions relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Numbers of American Privateers of which authentic Accounts have been received, amount to One hundred and seventy-three; and that they carried Two thousand five hundred and fifty-six Guns, and at least Thirteen thousand eight hundred and forty Seamen, reckoning Eighty Men in each Ship."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That of the above Privateers, Thirty-four have been taken, which carried Three thousand two hundred and seventeen Men, which is more than Ninety-four Men to each Vessel."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Friday next; and the Lords summoned.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum tertium diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 13^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Douglas against Craigie et al.

The Answer of William Charles Craigie and others, to the Appeal of William Douglas of Dornock, was this Day brought in.

Wilckens's Naturalization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Henry Wilckens," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Dean and Hippius's Naturalization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius," was committed.

Sapcote Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, Commons, and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Great Billing Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Marine Mutiny Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Mariners Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Bockhampton Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tything of Bockhampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks."

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

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

Rushden Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton."

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 the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

The King's Consent signified to it.

The Earl of Clarendon acquainted the House, "That His Majesty having been informed of the Contents of the last-mentioned Bill was pleased to consent (as far as His Majesty's Interest is concerned), That their Lordships may proceed therein, as they shall think fit."

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 Friday next; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in course.

Americans, Account of Ordnance Ships taken by, delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Boddington from the Ordnance Office attended:"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of Monday last for that Purpose;

"An Account of the Value of the Cargoes of such Ordnance Ships as have been taken by the Americans."

And then he withdrew.

And the Title thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Mac Lean against Wilson.

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Archibald Mac Lean, of Laggan Ulva in the Island of Mull; complaining of Two Interlocutors of the Lord Ordinary in Scotland, of the 21st of January 1774, and 16th and 18th of February 1775; and also of Four Interlocutors of the Lords of Session there, of the 10th of August 1776, the 20th of December 1777, and the 15th of January and 4th of February 1778; 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 John Wilson, Ironmonger in Glasgow, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Wilson may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereunto, in Writing, on or before Friday, the 13th Day of March next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondent, or upon any of his Counsel or known Agents in the said Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Dolman's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Robert Dolman the younger, for and on the Behalf of himself, and of his Four infant Children, praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, 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.

Long Horsley, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Matthew White Ridley and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from Long Horsley Bar or Gate, on the Post Road near the Town of Morpeth, by or through Long Horsley, Weldon Bridge, and Whittingham, to the River Breamish, and from thence to Piercy's Cross, in the County of Northumberland;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Cazenove's Naturalization Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Elwes and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing James Cazenove;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

State of the Nation, Consideration put off.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation; and for the Lords to be summoned:

It was moved, "That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Monday next, and that the Lords be summoned."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, decimum sextum diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Lunæ, 16^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Rushden Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Bockhampton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tything of Bockhampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks," was committed.

Wilckens's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Henry Wilckens."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Dean and Hippius's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Holford and Mr. Hett:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Long Horsley, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from Long Horsley Bar or Gate, on the Post Road near the Town of Morpeth, by or through Long Horsley, Weldon Bridge, and Whittingham, to the River Breamish, and from thence to Piercy's Cross, in the County of Northumberland."

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

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

Cazenove's Naturalization Bill.

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

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 the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Sir R. Perryn and Browne Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of Sir Richard Perryn Knight, One of the Barons of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer, and Henry Perryn Browne his Son; praying Leave to bring in a Private Bill for the Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill pursuant to the said Petition and Report.

Bill read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Timber and Wood growing upon the Estates of Henry Perryn Browne Esquire, in the County of York, in Trustees, to sell the same; and apply the Money arising therefrom for making a Recompence to Sir Richard Perryn his Father, for the Charges and Expences of making Buildings and Improvements upon the same Estate; and for the other Purposes therein mentioned."

Sir Patrick Blake for a Divorce Bill.

Upon reading the Petition of Sir Patrick Blake, of Langham in the County of Suffolk, Baronet; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to dissolve his Marriage with Annabella his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned:

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

Bridges against Gilbert et al.

The House being moved,"That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause, wherein William Bridges Esquire, is Appellant, and Jane Gilbert Spinster, and others 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.

Douglas against Craigie et al.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause, wherein William Douglas is Appellant, and William Charles Cragie Writer to the Signet, and others 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.

Marine Mutiny Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore."

After some Time, the House was resumed;

And the Lord Scarsdale reported from the Committee,"That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Mariners Bill:

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels."

After some Time, the House was resumed;

And the Lord Scarsdale reported from the Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Marine Mutiny Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

North America, Papers relating to His Majesty's Ships, &c. delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Jackson from the Admiralty Office attended:"

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to Addresses to His Majesty of the 29th of January last for that Purpose;

An Account of His Majesty's Ships and armed Vessels which were employed in North America in 1774, specifying the Number of Seamen and Marines on board each Ship."

Also, "An Account of such of His Majesty's Ships and armed Vessels which have sailed from Great Britain to North America, in the Years 1774, 1775, 1776, and 1777, with the Number of Seamen and Marines on board each Ship, and distinguishing their Rates."

Also, "An Account of the Quantity of Foreign Oak Timber laid into His Majesty's Dock Yards, since the 30th of September 1770, to the 30th of September 1777; specifying the Price which has been paid, or contracted to be paid for the same; with the Dates of the Contracts, and the Time of the Delivery of the said Timber at the several different Dock Yards."

And also, "An Account of such of His Majesty's Ships as have been repaired with Foreign Oak Timber, since the 30th September 1770, to the 30th September 1777."

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

African Settlements, State of, delivered.

Mr. Jackson also delivered at the Bar, pursuant to the Directions of an Act of Parliament of the 23d Year of King George the Second;

"Copies of Reports made by Captain Cotton, of His Majesty's Ship the Pallas, to the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, of the State and Condition of the Forts and Settlements on the Coast of Africa, in Possession of the Company of Merchants trading to that Place;" together with a Schedule of the said Reports.

No. 1. State and Condition of Fort Dixcove, dated 31st May 1777.

2. State and Condition of Fort Winnebah, dated 31st May 1777.

3. State and Condition of Fort Appolonia, dated 1st June 1777.

4. State and Condition of Cape Coast Castle, dated 1st June 1777.

5. State and Condition of Commenda Fort, dated 4th June 1777.

6. State and Condition of Fort Annamaboe, dated 6th June 1777.

7. State and Condition of Fort James, Accra, dated 7th June 1777.

8. State and Condition of Fort Succondee, dated June 1777.

9. State and Condition of Fort Tantumquerry, dated June 1777.

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

Hanson et al. against Kenworthys:

Upon reading the Petition of William Hanson and others, Plaintiffs in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein John Kenworthy and Edward Kenworthy are Defendants; setting forth, "That the Plaintiffs have been advised, since their assigning Errors upon the said Writ, to withdraw their Assignment of Errors, and not to prosecute the said Writ of Error any further:" And therefore praying, "That they may be at Liberty to withdraw their said Assignment of Errors, and that the said Writ may be non-pros'd, with such Costs as to the House shall seem meet; the Agent for the Defendants having signed the said Petition, as consenting thereto:"

Writ of Error nonpros'd, with Costs.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioners do withdraw their said Assignment of Errors; and that the Defendants in Error, do forthwith enter a Non-pros. on the said Writ of Error, and that the Record be remitted to the Court of King's Bench, to the End Execution may be had upon the Judgement given by that Court, as if no such Writ of Error had been brought into this House; and further, That the Plaintiffs in Error do pay, or cause to be paid, to the Defendants in Error, the Sum of Forty Pounds for their Costs, by reason of the Delay of the Execution of the said Judgement.

Stokenchurch, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord Wenman and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Stokenchurch, in the County of Oxford, to Wheatley Bridge, and from the said Bridge to Enslow Bridge, and from Wheatley Bridge to the Mile Way leading towards Magdalen Bridge, and from the Mile Way leading from Saint Giles's Church near the City of Oxford, by Begbroke, to New Woodstock, in the said County;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Long Whatton Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Grey and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, and Common or Waste Land, in the Lordship of Long Whatton, in the County of Leicester;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

North Dalton Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Lord George Cavendish and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields, and Stinted Pastures or Waste Grounds, in the Manor of North Dalton, in the East Riding of the County of York;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Three Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Message from H. C. to return the Bill for Head to take the Name of James.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Elwes and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Walter James Head Esquire, a Minor, and his Issue, to take and use the Surname of James only, and to bear the Coat Armour of the Family of John James Esquire, deceased;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

E. Thanet produces a Letter from Mr. Gates:

The Earl of Thanet, in his Place, produced a Letter from Mr. Gates; and moved, "That the said Letter might be read by the Clerk."

Which being objected to;

The Marquis of Rockingham, in his Place, read the said Letter.

Motion for it to lie on the Table negatived.

Then it was moved, "That the said Letter do lie on the Table."

Which being objected to:

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

State of the Nation further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee thereupon.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

North America, Resolutions relating to Land Forces, in 1774 and 1775, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, so far as they are informed from the Returns upon the Table, That the greatest Number of Regular Land Forces serving in North America in the Year 1774, consisted of Six thousand nine hundred and twenty effective Men, including Officers."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, so far as they are informed from the Returns upon the Table, That the greatest Number of Regular Land Forces serving in North America in the Year 1775, consisted of Eleven thousand two hundred and nineteen effective Men, including Officers."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Operations in 1775, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Operations and Events in North America, during the Campaign of the said Year 1775, consisted chiefly in the taking from His Majesty, by the Provincial Forces, the Forts on the Frontiers of Canada; the Reduction by the said Forces of the whole Province of Canada, except the City of Quebec; some severe Actions in the Neighbourhood of Boston, in New England; and the Blockade of His Majesty's Army in that City by the Provincial Forces."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Land Forces in 1776, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, so far as they are informed from the Returns upon the Table, That the greatest Number of Regular Land Forces serving in North America in the Year 1776, consisted of Forty-five thousand eight hundred and sixty-five Men, Officers included."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Operations in 1776, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Operations and Events in North America during the Campaign of the said Year 1776, consisted chiefly in a considerable Advantage gained over the Provincial Forces in an Engagement in Long Island, the Reduction of Staten Island, Long Island, and of the City and Island of New York, all within the Province of New York; of the Island of Rhode Island, within the Province of Rhode Island; and the Possession of a Part of the Jerseys, all by His Majesty's Arms under General Sir William Howe; the Repulse of an Assault on Quebec under Generals Montgomery and Arnold; the raising the Siege and Blockade of that City, and the Recovery of Canada, together with the Destruction of the American Fleet on Lake Champlain, by His Majesty's Forces under General Sir Guy Carleton; the Evacuation of the City of Boston by His Majesty's Forces; the Failure of an Expedition of the said Forces, under Sir Peter Parker and General Clinton, against Charles Town in South Carolina; and the breaking into the Cantonments of His Majesty's Army in the Jerseys, by the Provincial Troops under General Washington."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Land Forces in 1777, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, so far as they are informed from the Returns upon the Table, That the greatest Number of Regular Land Forces serving in North America in the Year 1777, consisted of Forty-eight thousand six hundred and sixteen effective Men, including Officers."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolutions relating to Operations in 1777, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Operations and Events in North America, during the Campaign of the said Year 1777, were chiefly, on the Southward, the total Evacuation of the Jerseys by His Majesty's Forces; the Invasion of the Province of Pensylvania by the said Forces, under Sir William Howe; his Success in Two considerable Engagements with the Continental Army, under Mr. Washington; the Occupation of the City of Philadelphia by His Majesty's Forces; General Washington's taking Post, with a considerable Army, within Fourteen Miles of Philadelphia; Sir William Howe's Movement of his Army to dislodge General Washington, and on finding the Enemy's Position unattackable, his Retreat to Philadelphia, where he remains entrenched for Winter Quarters."

To the Northward, they consisted chiefly in an unsuccessful Attack of His Majesty's Forces under Colonel St. Leger, on Fort Stanwix; the taking Ticonderoga (since evacuated) by His Majesty's Forces under Lieutenant General Burgoyne; several severe Engagements, with various Success; and the final Loss of the whole Army under the said General, consisting of upwards of Seven thousand Regular Troops, besides others, together with the Loss of all his Artillery, Stores, Baggage, and his whole Camp."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Operations in 1775, 1776, and 1777, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the total Result of the Operations of His Majesty's Forces, and those of His Allies, during the Three Campaigns of 1775, 1776, and 1777, towards the Reduction of the revolted Provinces in North America, consisted in the taking of the Cities of New York and Philadelphia, together with Staten Island, Long Island, and Rhode Island; and that there still remains to be reduced, the entire Provinces of New Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, and Connecticut; all the Continental Parts of Rhode Island and New York, the Whole of the Provinces of East and West Jersey, the Province of Pensylvania (except the Environs of Philadelphia), the Counties on Delawar, the entire Provinces of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Troops, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Number of His Majesty's Land Forces in all North America, under the several Commands at Philadelphia, New York, Rhode Island, and in Canada, according to the latest Returns, consisted of Thirty-six thousand seven hundred and thirty-one Men, including Officers."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Troops wanting to equal the Number of last Campaign, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That it will require a Reinforcement of Eleven thousand eight hundred and eighty-five Men of old Troops, to make the present Army in North America, consisting of Thirty-six thousand seven hundred and thirty-one Men, equal to what it was in the course of the last Campaign, when it consisted of Forty-eight thousand six hundred and sixteen Regular and old Troops."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to sick Troops negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That of the Thirty-six thousand seven hundred and thirty-one Men, which constituted the several Armies in North America, according to the latest Returns, there were at the same Time, Four thousand six hundred and thirty-nine Men sick."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Resolution relating to Men lost by Death, &c. negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, as far as they are informed by the Returns upon the Table, That the Number of Land Forces in North America on the First of August 1774, together with those which have been sent to North America from Great Britain or Ireland, since that Period, to the 31st of December 1777, and those few Corps which have been raised in America, amount to Sixty-one thousand six hundred and forty-eight Men; and that, deducting the present Army of Thirty-six thousand seven hundred and thirty-one Men, there appears to be lost, by Death, Desertion, Captivity, or otherwise, Twenty-four thousand nine hundred and seventeen Men."

That it appears by the Return, there are Five thousand five hundred and thirty-six Prisoners, which, when exchanged or returned, will reduce the Loss of Men in the Land Service, to Nineteen thousand three hundred and eighty-one Men, to the End of the Year 1777."

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Thursday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

Spottiswoode to enter into Recognizance on M^c Lean's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That John Spottiswoode of Northumberland Street, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Archibald Mac Lean, on Account of his Appeal depending in this House, he living in Scotland:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Spottiswoode may enter in a Recognizance for the said Appellant, as desired.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, decimum nonum diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Jovis, 19^o Februarii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Whitehead et al. against Travis.

The several Answer of George Travis Clerk, to the Appeal of Thomas Whitehead and others, was this Day brought in.

Sir L. Dundas against Honeyman et al.

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 To-morrow, be put off to Thursday, the 12th Day of March next.

Laughton Manor Estate Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for establishing an Agreement for discharging the Manor of Laughton, in the County of Leicester, and certain Lands and Hereditaments in the Parish of Laughton, from the Payment of Tythes, or any Modus or Rate for Tythe; and for vesting other Lands and Hereditaments in the Rector of the said Parish, and his Successors, as a Compensation for the said Tythes, and in lieu thereof," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Long Horsley, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from Long Horseley Bar or Gate, on the Post Road near the Town of Morpeth, by or through Long Horsley, Weldon Bridge, and Whittingham, to the River Breamish, and from thence to Piercy's Cross, in the County of Northumberland," was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Cazenove's Naturalization Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing James Cazenove," was committed.

North Dalton Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields and Stinted Pastures or Waste Grounds, in the Manor of North Dalton, in the East Riding of the County of York."

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

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

Highgate, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, for repairing the Road from Highgate Gate House, in the County of Middlesex, to Barnet Block House in the County of Hertford, and the Road from the Bear Inn in Hadley, to the Angel in Enfield Chace; and also Canewood Lane leading from Highgate to Hampstead, in the said County of Middlesex, and the Road beginning at Barnet Block House, and ending at the Bear Inn in Hadley aforesaid."

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 the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Long Whatton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, and Common or Waste Land, in the Lordship of Long Whatton, in the County of Leicester."

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 the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

King's Consent signified to it.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth acqainted the House, That His Majesty having been informed of the Contents of the last-mentioned Bill, was pleased to consent (as far as His Majesty's Interest is concerned), That their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit."

Stoken church, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Stokenchurch in the County of Oxford, to Wheatley Bridge, and from the said Bridge to Enslow Bridge, and from Wheatley Bridge to the Mileway leading towards Magdalen Bridge; and from the Mileway leading from Saint Giles's Church, near the City of Oxford, by Begbroke, to New Woodstock in the said County."

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

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

Browne's Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Timber and Wood growing upon the Estates of Henry Perryn Browne Esquire, in the County of York, in Trustees, to sell the same; and apply the Money arising therefrom for making a Recompence to Sir Richard Perryn his Father, for the Charges and Expences of making Buildings and Improvements upon the same Estate; and for the other Purposes therein mentioned."

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 Friday the 6th Day of March next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

D. Norfolk and E. Surrey, Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of the most Noble Charles Duke of Norfolk, and the Right Honourable Charles Howard Esquire, commonly called Charles Earl of Surrey, his only Son; praying Leave to bring in a private Bill for the Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, pursuant to the said Petition and Report.

Bill read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting in the Right Honourable Charles Howard Esquire, commonly called Charles Earl of Surrey, and his Heirs, the Settled Estates of the said Earl in the Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Surrey, subject to certain Charges affecting the same."

Vyse, Leave for a Bill:

After reading and considering the Report of the Judges, to whom was referred the Petition of the Reverend William Vyse Doctor of Laws; praying Leave to bring in a private Bill for the Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, pursuant to the said Petition and Report.

Bill read.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enable the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury to enfranchife and grant a small Parcel of Glebe and Waste Land, belonging to the Manor of Lambeth, in the County of Surrey; and also to enable the Rector of the Parish of Saint Mary Lambeth, or his Successors, to build a Parsonage House on Part of the said Glebe and Waste Land, and to grant Building Leases of other Parts thereof; and for other the Purposes therein mentioned."

Bockhampton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tything of Bockhampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Rushden Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Holford and Mr. Hett:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, "without any Amendment.

D. Argyll against M^cLean.

The House being informed, "That Allan M^cLean of Drimnin, Respondent to the Appeal of John Duke of Argyll, had not put in his Answer to the said Appeal, though duly served with the Order of this House for that Purpose:"

And thereupon an Affidavit of James Ferrier, Writer to the Signet, of the due Service of the said Order, being read:

Ordered, That the said Respondent do put in his Answer to the said Appeal peremptorily in a Week.

Embarkation Returns for America from Ireland delivered.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 26th of January last, for that Purpose;

"Embarkation Returns transmitted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, of all the Corps which have been sent from that Kingdom to any Part of North America, in the Years 1774, 1775, 1776, and 1777;" together with a List thereof.

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

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

New raised Corps, Lists of Officers of, delivered.

The Lord Viscount Weymouth also (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty of the 29th of January last for that Purpose,

A List of the Officers of Colonel Gordon's Corps of Highlanders."

Also, "A List of the Officers of Lord Seaforth's Corps."

And also, "A List of the Officers of Lieutenant Colonel Campbell's Corps."

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk:

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

General Burgoyne's Expedition, Papers relating to, delivered.

The Earl of Suffolk (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House, Several Papers relating to General Burgoyne's Expedition; together with a List thereof:

Which was read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet),

No. 1. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George Germain, dated Quebec, 20th May 1777.

Enclosures in Sir Guy Carleton's of 26th June 1777, received 3d August.

2. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Major General Phillips, dated Quebec, 8th April 1777.

3. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Major General Phillips, dated Quebec, 12th May 1777.

4. Copy of Orders for the Troops to serve under Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

5. Copy of a Letter from Captain Foy to Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, dated Quebec, 12th May 1777.

6. Copie d'une Lettre Circulaire aux Colonels des Milices et aux Commissaires Canadiens de Transport.

7. Copy of a Letter from Captain Foy to Captain Fraser, Assistant Superintendant of Indian Affairs, dated Quebec, 13th May 1777.

8. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Quebec, 19th May 1777.

9. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant Colonel Bolton, of the 8th Regiment, dated Quebec, 18th May 1777.

10. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to the Officer commanding at Oswegatchie, dated Quebec, 18th May 1777.

11. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Colonel Butler, dated Quebec, 18th May 1777.

12. Copy of a Letter from Captain Foy to Captain Mackay, dated Quebec, 19th May 1777.

13. Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Montreal, 26th May 1777.

14. Proposed Disposition of the Hospital for the Service in Canada.

15. List of the Staff proposed for the Expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

16. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated 15th May 1777.

17. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Quebec, 29th May 1777.

18. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Quebec, 28th May 1777.

No 19. Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton, to Lieutenant Governor Cramahé, dated Montreal, 9th June 1777.

20. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Sir Guy Carleton, dated Montreal, 7th June 1777.

21. Copy of Proposals for furnishing Horses, Carriages and Drivers for the Service of the Army under the Command of Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

22. Copy of Proposals for furnishing Horses and Drivers for the Service of the Artillery on the Expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne.

23. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Montreal, 7th June 1777.

24. Extract of a Letter from the Secretary at War to Sir Guy Carleton, dated 17th August 1776.

25. Extract of a Letter from the Secretary at War to Sir Guy Carleton, dated 25th March 1777.

26. Copy of a Letter from Captain Foy to Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, dated Montreal, 10th June 1777.

27. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated St. John's, 13th June 1777.

28. Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Sir Guy Carleton, dated St. John's, 15th June 1777.

29. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Montreal, 17th June 1777.

30. Copy of a Letter from Major General Phillips to Sir Guy Carleton, dated St. John's, 17th June 1777.

31. Copy of a Letter from Major General Phillips to Sir Guy Carleton, dated St. John's, 17th June 1777.

32. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Major General Phillips, dated Montreal, 18th June 1777.

33. Copy of Orders,—Montreal 18th June 1777.

34. Copy of a Letter from Major General Phillips to Sir Guy Carleton, dated St. John's, 19th June 1777.

35. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Major General Phillips, dated Quebec, 26th June 1777.

36. Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, dated Quebec, 26th June 1777.

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

Wigton Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Charles Dundas and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing the Highways and Bridges in the County of Wigton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

State of the Nation further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the State of the Nation; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee thereupon.

After some Time, the House was resumed.

Navy, Army, &c. Peace Establishment, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Expences of the Navy, Army, and Ordnance, as voted by Parliament, and taken on an Average of Years of profound Peace, has not exceeded £.3,371,000 Per Annum, under the following Heads:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Navy, Army, &c. in 1775, 1776, 1777, and 1778, Expences of, Resolutions relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Expences of the Navy, Army, and Ordnance, for the Year 1775, exceeded the Peace Establishment in a Sum not less than £.1,783,225, under the following Heads:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Expences of the Navy, Army, and Ordnance, for the Year 1776, exceeded the Peace Establishment in a Sum not less than £.6,133,582, under the following Heads:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Expences of the Navy, Army, and Ordnance, for the Year 1777, will exceed the Peace Establishment in a Sum not less than £.6,977,985, under the following Heads:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, That the Expences of the Navy, Army, and Ordnance, for the Year 1778, will exceed the Peace Establishment in a Sum not less than £4,860,268, exclusive of Navy Debt, and Extraordinaries of Army and Ordnance, and including those Articles, in a Sum not less than Nine Millions:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Excess of Expence in the above Four Years, Resolution relating to, negatived.

Then it was moved to resolve, "That it appears to this House, from the Experience of past Times, that whenever Peace shall be restored, great Expences must necessarily be still incurred: That the Charge of paying the Troops till they can be brought Home, and before they can be disbanded, and particularly the Foreign Troops, for some of which this Nation is to pay even for Twelve Months after they are returned into their own Country, the Expence of reconveying our Army, Artillery, and Stores across the Atlantic, and sending the Foreigners to Germany, and the Arrears and Demands of various Sorts, will create an Excess of Expence in the Years immediately following a Peace little short of what it will be in the last Year of the War; from whence it appears, that if Peace was this Day restored, the Cost of the present War would be as follows:

Which being objected to,

And a Question stated thereupon;

The previous Question was put, "Whether the said Question shall be now put?"

It was resolved in the Negative.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the State of the Nation be adjourned to Monday, the Second Day of March next; and that the Lords be summoned.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, vicesimum tertium diem instantis Februarii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.