House of Lords Journal Volume 36: February 1783 11-20

Journal of the House of Lords Volume 36, 1779-1783. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.

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Citation:

'House of Lords Journal Volume 36: February 1783 11-20', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 36, 1779-1783( London, 1767-1830), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol36/pp591-600 [accessed 22 December 2024].

'House of Lords Journal Volume 36: February 1783 11-20', in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 36, 1779-1783( London, 1767-1830), British History Online, accessed December 22, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol36/pp591-600.

"House of Lords Journal Volume 36: February 1783 11-20". Journal of the House of Lords Volume 36, 1779-1783. (London, 1767-1830), , British History Online. Web. 22 December 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol36/pp591-600.

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In this section

February 1783 11-20

DIE Martis, 11o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Epus. Asaphen.
Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Exon.
Epus. Lincoln.
Epus. Meneven.
Epus. Glocestr.
Epus. Bristol.
Epus. Landaven.
Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Dux Rutland.
Dux Portland.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Carlisle.
Comes Abingdon.
Comes Rochford.
Comes Cassillis.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Lauderdale.
Comes Aberdeen.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Ferrers.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Gower.
Comes Fitzwilliam.
Comes Bathurst.
Comes Clarendon.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Falmouth.
Viscount Sackville.
Viscount Howe.
Viscount Keppel.
Ds. Middleton.
Ds. Chedworth.
Ds. Wycombe.
Ds. Grantham.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Hawke.
Ds. Amherst.
Ds. Loughborough.
Ds. Southampton.
Ds. Ashburton.

PRAYERS.

Watford Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for amending, widening, altering, and keeping in Repair, the Road from the South End of Sparrows Herne on Bushey Heath, through the Market Towns of Watford, Berkhampsted, Saint Peter's, and Tring, in the County of Hertford, by Pettipher's Elms, to the Turnpike Road at Walton, near Aylesbury, in the County of Bucks," 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."

Leeds Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of several Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, so far as the same relate to the repairing and amending of the Roads leading from Leeds through Bradford and Horton, and through Bowling and Wibsey to Halifax; and also the Roads called Bowling Lane and Little Horton Lane, in the West Riding of the County of York," was committed.

Renaud's Naturalization Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Stephen Gideon Renaud, and John Francis Daniel Renaud."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

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

Sir T. Rumbold and Perring's restraining Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing an Act passed in the Twenty-second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for restraining Sir Thomas Rumbold Baronet, and Peter Perring Esquire, from going out of this Kingdom for a limited Time; and for discovering their Estates and Effects, and preventing the transporting or alienating the same."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Turvey Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, in the Parish of Turvey, in the County of Bedford."

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 Deighton Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields, and a Parcel of Meadow Ground, within the Township of North Deighton, in the County of York."

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

D. Rutland.
D. Portland.
E. Denbigh.
E. Carlisle.
E. Abingdon.
E. Rochford.
E. Cassillis.
E. Abercorn.
E. Galloway.
E. Lauderdale.
E. Aberdeen.
E. Marchmont.
E. Ferrers.
E. Waldegrave.
E. Gower.
E. Fitzwilliam.
E. Bathurst.
E. Clarendon.
V. Stormont.
V. Falmouth.
V. Howe.
V. Keppel.
L. Bp. St. Asaph.
L. Bp. Rochester.
L. Bp. Exeter.
L. Bp. Lincoln.
L. Bp. St. David's.
L. Bp. Gloucester.
L. Bp. Bristol.
L. Bp. Landaff.
L. Middleton.
L. Chedworth.
L. Wycombe.
L. Grantham.
L. Scarsdale.
L. Hawke.
L. Amherst.
L. Loughborough.
L. Southampton.
L. Ashburton.

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.

Doncaster Road Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of Two Acts made in the Fourteenth and Twenty-sixth Years of the Reign of King George the Second, for repairing the Roads from Doncaster, through Ferrybridge to the South Side of Tadcaster Cross; and also from Ferrybridge to Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge, in the County of York, so far as the same relate to the Road between Ferrybridge and Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge."

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.

Expiring Laws Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to continue several Laws, relating to the regulating the Fees of Officers of the Customs and Naval Officers in America; to the allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat and other Articles to His Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America; to the permitting the Exportation of Tobacco Pipe Clay from this Kingdom to the British Sugar Colonies or Plantations in the West Indies; and to the repealing the Duties upon Pot and Pearl Ashes, Wood and Weed Ashes, imported into Great Britain; and for granting other Duties in lieu thereof."

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 To-morrow.

Spottiswoode to enter into Recognizance on E. Moray's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That John Spottiswoode of Sackville Street, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Francis Earl of Moray and others, on account of their Appeal depending in this House, they living in Scotland:"

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

Williams's Divorce Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Williams of the City of Exeter, Gentleman, with Elizabeth his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again, and for other Purposes therein mentioned;" and for hearing Counsel for and against the same; and for the Lords to be summoned:

Counsel were accordingly called in; and Mr. Morris appearing as Counsel for the Bill, but no Counsel appearing against it:

Jonathan Hewlett was called, in order to prove Service of the Order for the said Second Reading, and being sworn, acquainted the House, "That he served Mrs. Williams personally on the 30th of January last at Appledon, in Devonshire, with the Order of this House for the Second Reading of the Bill; and at the same Time delivered to her a true Copy of the Bill." Being asked, "If he knew her, and had any Conversation with her about the Bill," said, "He knew her, and had some general Conversation with her about the Bill, and that she made no Objection to it; that the Purport of his Conversation with her was about serving a Witness with the Order for Attendance who lived with her, and whom she would not let him fee."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then the said Bill was read a Second Time; and Mr. Morris was heard in Support of the Bill, and to make out the Allegations thereof, and in order to prove the Marriage, called William Williams, the Father of the Petitioner for the Bill, who produced an Extract from the Register of Marriages in the Parish of Whythicombe and Rawleigh, and declaring, "It was a true Copy, he having examined it with the original Register Book of the said Parish;" the same was read, whereby it appeared that Mr. Williams was married to Elizabeth Melhuish at the Chapel of the said Parish by Banns on the 17th of May 1774; being asked, "If he was present at the Marriage," said, "Yes; and that he was a subscribing Witness."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then the said Jonathan Hewlett was again called in, and produced an Office Copy of the Record in the King's Bench Treasury, of the Judgement given at the Assizes for the County of Devon, in Hilary Term 1781, against Captain Joseph Peyton Junior, in His Majesty's Navy, for criminal Conversation with the said Mrs. Williams. The same was read. Being asked, "If the Declaration was in the common Form?" said, "Yes."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then John Green, Principal Register of the Court of Arches, was called in; and, being sworn, produced the Original Definitive Sentence of Divorce against the said Mrs. Williams for Adultery with the said Captain Peyton, and read the same at the Bar. Being asked, "If Mrs. Williams appeared by her Proctor?" said, "Yes."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then the Articles of Separation between Mr. and Mrs. Williams being produced:

Mr. Martin, who appeared as Solicitor for Mrs. Williams, admitted the same at the Bar.

The Counsel was directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the further Consideration of the said Bill, and hearing Witnesses, be adjourned till To-morrow; and that the Lords be summoned; and that the Counsel and Witnesses do then attend.

Thanks of the House given to V. Howe:

The Lord Viscount Howe being come to the House:

The Lord Chancellor, as ordered, gave his Lordship the Thanks of this House, for the important Services he has done to this Country, by the late Relief of the Fortress of Gibraltar, and by his gallant and able Manœuvres of the Fleet under his Command against a superior Fleet of the Enemy:

And also acquainted his Lordship with the Resolution of this House, highly approving of and acknowledging the Services of the Officers, Seamen, Marines and Soldiers on Board the Ships under his Lordship's Command, in the late Relief of the Fortress of Gibraltar, and directing his Lordship to signify the same to them.

His Lordship's Answer.

The Lord Viscount Howe returned his humble Thanks to the House, for the great Honour done him, and said, that he would immediately communicate their Lordships Resolution to the Officers, Seamen, Marines and Soldiers on board the Ships under his Command, in the late Relief of the Fortress of Gibraltar.

Ships in Commission, Address for.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order, That there be laid before this House, "A List of the Ships, with their Names and Rates, which were in Commission on the 20th Day of January last:"

Also, "The Names and Rates of all Ships of the Line, in Progress, to be in the Water before the 1st Day of May next:"

Also, "The Number of Seamen and Marines borne and mustered in the Month of December last:"

Also, "A List of the Ships in Commission, with their Names and Rates on the 31st of March last:"

And also, "The Number of Seamen and Marines borne and mustered on the same Day."

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

Beckford against Beckford.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein Richard Beckford Esquire is Appellant, and William Beckford Esquire is Respondent, which stands appointed for Friday next, be put off to Friday the 7th Day of March next.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, duodecimum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 12o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Exon.
Epus. Meneven.
Epus. Glocestr.
Epus. Landaven.
Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Dux Chandos.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Carlisle.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Aberdeen.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Rosebery.
Comes Aylesford.
Comes Gower.
Comes Northington.
Comes Radnor.
Viscount Torrington.
Viscount Sackville.
Ds. Middleton.
Ds. Chedworth.
Ds. Grantham.
Ds. Grosvenor.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Amherst.
Ds. Ashburton.

PRAYERS.

North Deighton Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields, and a Parcel of Meadow Ground, within the Township of North Deighton, in the County of York," 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 made several Amendments thereto."

Which Amendments were read by the Clerk, as follow; (videlicet)

Pr. 14. L. 9. After ("whatsoever") insert ("provided always, that no Exchange to be made as aforesaid by the said Richard Thompson and his Successors, as Rectors of Kirk Deighton aforesaid, shall be good and valid, without the Consent and Approbation in Writing under the Hand and Seal of the Lord Archbishop of York, and of the Patron for the Time being")

Pr. 23. L. 30. After ("only") insert ("other than except only the said Richard Thompson and his Successors, Rectors of Kirk Deighton aforesaid")

And the said Amendments, being read a Second Time, were agreed to by the House.

Doncaster 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 Two Acts, made in the Fourteenth and Twenty-sixth Years of the Reign of King George the Second, for repairing the Roads from Doncaster through Ferrybridge to the South Side of Tadcaster Cross, and also from Ferrybridge to Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge, in the County of York, so far as the same relate to the Road between Ferrybridge and Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge," 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."

Watford Road Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, passed in the Second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for amending, widening, altering and keeping in Repair the Road from the South End of Sparrows Herne on Bushey Heath, through the Market Towns of Watford, Berkhampstead, Saint Peter's and Tring, in the County Hertford, by Pettipher's Elms, to the Turnpike Road at Walton, near Aylesbury, in the County of Bucks."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Leeds Road Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of several Acts of Parliament therein mentioned, so far as the same relate to the repairing and amending of the Roads leading from Leeds through Bradford and Horton, and through Bowling and Wibsey to Halifax; and also the Roads called Bowling Lane and Little Horton Lane, in the West Riding of the County of York."

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.

Expiring Laws Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to continue several Laws relating to the regulating the Fees of Officers of the Customs and Naval Officers in America, to the allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat and other Articles to His Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America; to the permitting the Exportation of Tobacco Pipe Clay from this Kingdom to the British Sugar Colonies or Plantations in the West Indies; and to the repealing the Duties upon Pot and Pearl Ashes, Wood and Weed Ashes, imported into Great Britain; and for granting other Duties in lieu thereof."

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."

Templer's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of James Templer of Stover, in the County of Devon, Esquire; 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 Gould and Mr. Justice Ashurst, 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.

Higgins against Aldersey:

Upon reading the Petition of Joseph Aldersey Esquire, Defendant in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein Thomas Higgins is Plaintiff; setting forth, "That the Plaintiff has not assigned Errors within the Time limited by their Lordships Standing Order;" and therefore praying, "That the said Writ of Error may be Non-pros'd, with such Costs as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

Writ of Error Non-pros'd with Costs.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner do forthwith enter a Non-pros on the said Writ of Error, as desired; 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 Plaintiff in Error do pay or cause to be paid to the Defendant in Error the Sum of Forty Pounds for his Costs, by reason of the Delay of the Execution of the said Judgement.

Williams's Divorce Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the further Consideration of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Williams of the City of Exeter, Gentleman, with Elizabeth his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again, and for other Purposes therein mentioned;" and for hearing Counsel and Witnesses thereupon; and for the Lords to be summoned.

Counsel were called in; and Mr. Morris Counsel for the Bill, produced the Marriage Settlement, and having stated the Contents thereof, the same was admitted by Mr. Martin, Agent for Mrs. Williams; and the same was read; as were also the Articles of Separation between Mr. and Mrs. Williams.

Then Adam Pearce, Under Sheriff for the County of Devon, was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House, "That he was Under Sheriff for the said County last Year; that he had attempted to execute the Process against Captain Peyton Three or Four Times; that he had employed Bailiffs to arrest him, and had offered them a Reward of Fifty Pounds to be deducted out of the Poundage of the Sheriff; that the Plaintiff had made the most serious Applications to him to take Captain Peyton, and had called on him for the Return of the Writ, which was Non est inventus."

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Sarah Reeves was called in; and being sworn and examined, acquainted the House, "That she lived as Servant with Mr. and Mrs. Williams; that in Autumn 1779, Mrs. Williams took Lodgings at Exmouth; that Captain Peyton was acquainted with Mr. Williams; that the Captain's Ship lay off there; that Mr. Williams continued at Exeter, except that he came to the Lodgings at Exmouth on Saturday and staid till Monday; that when Mr. Williams was away, Captain Peyton used to visit Mrs. Williams Twice in a Day, at Breakfast and Tea, but did not dine; that she thinks the Time of their Lodging at Exmouth was about the latter End of the Year 1779; that one Day the Witness went to Exeter with the Children; that she left Captain Peyton with Mrs. Williams; that he helped the Children into the Coach; that upon the Witness's Return in the Evening about Eight o'Clock, she found the outside Handle of the Sitting Room Door off; that this did not make her attend to what had passed in the Day; that she saw Captain Peyton and Mrs. Williams at Cards; that she saw nothing indecent that Night; that Captain Peyton and Mrs. Williams having been out upon a Water Party, Mrs. Williams upon her Return ordered her to bring a Pillow into the Parlour and lay it down upon the Carpet, which she did, and Mrs. Williams laid down upon it; that Captain Peyton came in soon after, this was about Eight or Nine o'Clock in the Evening; that her Mistress ordered her to bolt the Windows, which she did; that there were no Candles in the Room when Captain Peyton was there; that her Mistress sent her for some hot Bread, but she she did not go for it, but listened at the Door and heard a great Bustle as if they were at Romps; that she did not see but heard Captain Peyton ask if he should be concerned with her, but could not distinguish Mrs. Williams's Answer; that she did not see what passed between them; that on that Morning she went to Exmouth she gave her Mistress a clean Shift, and the next Morning she gave her another; that she observed next Morning something on her Mistress's Linen like Stains, as if a Man and Woman had been concerned together; that on the Morning of the Day when she brought the Pillow into the Parlour in the Evening she had given Mrs. Williams a clean Shift, and the next Morning another; that she observed the same Marks upon the Shift as before. Being asked, "If she observed the same Marks upon the Shift when Captain Peyton had not been there," said, She did not observe it, but she don't know there were not Marks of the same Kind at other Times." Being asked, "If Mr. Williams, had been there on those Two Days," said, "No." Beingasked, "If those Marks might not have appeared on Mrs. Williams's Linen if Captain Peyton had not been with Mrs. Williams," said, "She could not tell; that Mrs. Williams was very healthy; that in December Mrs. Williams returned to Exeter; that soon after Christmas she took Lodgings at Topsham for the Children and the Witness only; that Mrs. Williams used to come there every Day as did also Captain Peyton; that the First Meeting there was in a little Parlour; that she did not fee any Thing pass between them; that the Witness went into the other Parlour after Captain Peyton was gone, and saw some Marks upon the Cover of an Elbow Chair; that she saw Stains upon it; that Mrs. Williams went and wiped them off; that from the Appearance, she the Witness thought her Mistress and Captain Peyton had been concerned together; that her Mistress was much tumbled; that nobody was in the Room but them; that her Head was tumbled and her Apron much dirtied, and she looked as if they had been romping together; that her Mistress's Stockings were also much dirtied; that Captain Peyton had Boots on, and that the Dirt on her Stockings looked to be occasioned by the Blacking off the Boots; that there were several Scratches on the Floor, seemingly like those of Boots, before a Two armed Chair in the Room; that it was a Deal Floor and new laid; that Mrs. Williams walked Home to Exeter, and the Witness saw no other Circumstances that Day; that in the Autumn following, her Mistress went to lodge with a Mrs. Cleeves at Daulish, about Seven Miles from Exeter; that Captain Peyton used to come there every Day; that his Ship lay about Two Miles off; that Mrs. Williams being taken ill, the Witness went into the Room to them, and saw her sitting upon the Captain's Knee in the Drawing Room; that the Reason of her going in was, that the Captain had knocked for her with his Foot to come to them; that she saw him kiss her Two or Three Times; that her Mistress went and laid down upon the Bed in the next Room, and that the Witness saw nothing more then; that Mrs. Williams took also Lodgings at a Mrs. Deering's some Distance from the other Lodgings; that she the Witness saw Mrs. Williams and Captain Peyton in a little Parlour there, which had a Bed in it; that upon the Witness's coming into the Room Mrs. Williams slung a Servant's Coat that was in the Room upon the Bed, and then went away; that the Bed was made that Morning, but then appeared much tumbled as if somebody had lain on it; that nobody had been in the Room but them; that several Scratches appeared on the Floor beside the said Bed, seemingly made by Boots, the Room being small, the Bed was placed cross ways; that she did not observe her Mistress's Stockings then, but her Linen next Morning appeared as before; Mr. Williams had not been there that Day; that when Mr. and Mrs. Williams parted, her Mistress continued at Daulish; that her Mistress went from Daulish to Sidmouth, and left with the Witness Fifty Guineas and some Letters and Papers to give to Captain Peyton upon his Return, he being then gone upon a Cruize, which she did; that her Mistress gave her a Guinea and Captain Peyton gave her another; that her Mistress wanted her to let her have a Horse to go and see Captain Peyton; that the other Servants observed her Mistress's Conduct, and it was much talked off; that she the Witness never mentioned to her Master what she had observed, and that she don't know that he knew of it; that she never heard him say any Thing about it to Mrs. Williams; nor did she observe that he behaved differently to her before the Separation; that Mrs. Williams was mostly at Exeter; that she never saw any Thing criminal pass between Mrs. Williams and Captain Peyton; that she never knew them locked up in a Bed Room; that her Mistress and Master slept in different Beds; that Mrs. Williams did not wish that Captain Peyton should dine with her, unless Mr. Williams was present."

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Mary Lane was called in, and being sworn and examined, acquainted the House, "That she lived as Servant with Mrs. Williams at Exeter; that she went with her Mistress to lodge at Daulish with a Mrs. Cleves; that Captain Peyton was generally there; that she observed they seemed very intimate; that upon her going into the Room to them, being called for, she saw the Captain kiss her Mistress; that she never saw any Thing criminal pass between them, nor any Thing improper; that she observed the Bed at Mrs. Deering's was much tumbled; that it was made that Morning; that the Servants Coat was thrown on the Bed, she don't know why, but the Bed was tumbled, nobody in the Room but Mrs. Williams and Captain Peyton; that she saw him come out of the Room, but not go in it; that there were Marks on the Floor which she thought were made by Boots, she was sure those Marks were not there before; that Nurse shewed her Mrs.Williams's Stockings next Morning, which she observed were dirtied very dark, seemed black, the Captain wore Boots, she knows nothing more." Being asked, "How often Captain Peyton came to her Mistress at Daulish," said, "Every Day, and staid till the Evening; that Mr. Williams used to come on a Saturday Night and stay till Monday; that the Captain came once or twice while Mr. Williams was there; that she lived as Cook with Mrs.Williams, and went to her when she wanted her; that Captain Peyton's Behaviour to her Mistress was more than that of a common Acquaintance; that she never told Mr. Williams that she thought he was injured; that the People talking much about their Familiarity made her leave Mrs. Williams."

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Mary Isaac was called in, and being sworn and examined, acquainted the House, "That she lived as Servant with Mrs. Williams in 1780, after her Separation from her Husband, at Sidmouth; that Captain Peyton was there, his Ship lay at Exmouth, Eight or Nine Miles off; that he used to dine there; that she saw nothing criminal between them there; that from thence they went to Dorchester; that she saw nothing criminal between them there; that from thence they went to Weymouth, where they both lived in the same House, which consisted of a Parlour, Kitchen and Two Lodging Rooms; that when Captain Peyton slept there she slept in another House; that there was only the Child in the House with Mrs. Williams and Captain Peyton; that she used to lock them in the House of a Night when she the Witness went away, and sometimes Captain Peyton used to lock the Door; that she never saw them in Bed together at Weymouth; that Captain Peyton used sometimes to sleep at a Public House; that from thence they went to Northam; that Captain Peyton used always to be there, and slept with Mrs. Williams; that a little after Midsummer Mrs. Williams went on board Captain Peyton's Ship, and lay on board; that she has seen them in Bed together several Times; that she remembers the Birth of a Child the last Day of December 1781; that she the Witness is now come up from Mrs. Williams, and that her Mistress and the Captain have constantly lived together as Man and Wife; that she never saw Mr. Williams with Mrs. Williams since she lived with her; that Mr. Williams came only once to Mrs. Williams at Sidmouth in October 1780; that she was away from Mrs. Williams for a Month in April 1781; that Mrs. Williams went to Plymouth in April 1781, and except those Times she the Witness was constantly with her."

She was directed to withdraw.

Then Samuel Casely was called in, and being sworn, acquainted the House, "That he had lived as Servant with Mr. Williams for Eight Years last Christmas; that he lived with him when he and Mrs. Williams were parted; that he believes Mr. Williams has never been with Mrs. Williams since; that he the Witness used to shut the Doors of his Master's House every Night and went into his Master's Room every Night and Morning, and that he was always at Home; that Mr. Williams never lay from Home but Two Nights, once at Christmas 1781 at a Relation's about Four Miles from Exeter, and once in May or June 1781 at a Friend's about Three Miles from Exeter, except those Times, Mr. Williams never slept out, and the Witness has always been with Mr. Williams; that he never saw Mrs. Williams at Exeter since their Separation; that Appledon is Forty Miles from Exeter, Sidmouth Sixteen, and Northam Forty Miles from Exeter; that when Mr.Williams was married Captain Peyton came to Exeter; that he has seen him in a Room with Mrs. Williams, but never saw any Thing pass between them." Said, Mr. Williams never said any Thing to him about Mrs. Williams's Conduct, nor did he observe that Mr. Williams knew it; he never heard Mr. Williams express any Thing about it, nor can he tell whether Mr. Williams suspected his Wife."

He was directed to withdraw.

And Mr. Morris, the Counsel for the Bill, acquainting the House, That he had finished his Evidence on the Part of Mr. Williams.

He was directed to withdraw.

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 Tuesday next.

Harris against Doe:

Upon reading the Petition of John Doe, Defendant in a Writ of Error depending in this House, wherein Elizabeth Harris is Plaintiff; setting forth, "That the Plaintiff has not assigned Errors within the Time limited by their Lordships Standing Order;" and therefore praying, "That the said Writ of Error may be Non-pros'd, with such Costs as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

Writ of Error Non-pros'd with Costs.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner do forthwith enter a Non-pros on the said Writ of Error, as desired; 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 Plaintiff in Error do pay or cause to be paid to the Defendant in Error the Sum of Forty Pounds for his Costs, by Reason of the Delay of the Execution of the said Judgement.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum quartum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Veneris, 14o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Archiep. Cantuar.
Epus. Winton.
Epus. Cicestrien.
Epus. Sarum.
Epus. Bath. & Wells.
Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Oxon.
Epus. Exon.
Epus. Lincoln.
Epus. Meneven.
Epus. Litch. & Cov.
Epus. Glocestr.
Epus. Bristol.
Epus. Landaven.
Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Dux Atholl.
Dux Chandos.
Dux Northumberland.
Comes Derby.
Comes Pembroke & Montgomery.
Comes Westmorland.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Carlisle.
Comes Cholmondeley.
Comes Cassillis.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Lauderdale.
Comes Aberdeen.
Comes Dunmore.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Oxford & Mortimer.
Comes Ferrers.
Comes Strafford.
Comes Gower.
Comes Northington.
Comes Radnor.
Comes Bathurst.
Comes Clarendon.
Viscount Weymouth.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Hampden.
Viscount Sackville.
Viscount Keppel.
Ds. Chedworth.
Ds. Sandys.
Ds. Grantham.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Brownlow.
Ds. Ashburton.

PRAYERS.

North Deighton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields, and a Parcel of Meadow Ground within the Township of North Deighton, in the County of York."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with Amendments to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Leeds and Mr. Pepys:

To return the said Bill and acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the same, with some Amendments, to which their Lordships desire their Concurrence.

Expiring Laws Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to continue several Laws relating to the regulating the Fees of Officers of the Customs and Naval Officers in America; to the allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat and other Articles to His Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America; to the permitting the Exportation of Tobacco Pipe Clay from this Kingdom to the British Sugar Colonies or Plantations in the West Indies; and to the repealing the Duties upon Pot and Pearl Ashes, Wood and Weed Ashes, imported into Great Britain; and for granting other Duties in lieu thereof."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Doncaster Road Bill:

Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of Two Acts made in the Fourteenth and Twenty-sixth Years of the Reign of King George the Second, for repairing the Roads from Doncaster, through Ferrybridge to the South Side of Tadcaster Cross; and also from Ferrybridge to Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge, in the County of York, so far as the same relate to the Road between Ferrybridge and Wetherby, and from thence to Boroughbridge."

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 Bill.

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.

Silk Importation Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for further continuing an Act made in the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for allowing the Importation of fine organzined Italian thrown Silk in any Ships or Vessels for a limited Time;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Maidenhead Roads Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act of the Third Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Maidenhead Bridge to Reading, and from the said Bridge to Henley Bridge, in the County of Berks;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Marine Mutiny Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Ord 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.

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

Parnell's Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Hugh Parnell of the Parish of Christ Church, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, the eldest Son and Heir at Law of Hugh Parnell, late of Much Hadham, in the County of Hertford, Gentleman, and also one of the Committees of the Person and Estate of the said Hugh Parnell; 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 Baron of the Court of Exchequer and Mr. Justice Ashurst, 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.

Lords summoned.

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

It was moved, "That the Address of this House of the 29th of March 1764 might be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet)

Clerk of the Parliaments, Address relative to the, and Answer thereto read:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire that He will be graciously pleased to direct, "That no Reversion be hereafter granted of the Office of Clerk of the Parliaments, and that when the said Office shall become vacant, it be granted for the future not otherwise than so; that such Clerk may be removable from the said Office upon the Address of this House to the Crown."

Then it was moved, "That the King's Answer to the said Address might be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet)

The Lord Chamberlain reported, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) presented to His Majesty the Address of this House of Yesterday, relating to the Office of Clerk of the Parliaments; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, He would give Directions accordingly."

Address to His Majesty relative to the said Office.

Then it was moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments in such Manner, as the same has been granted in all Times past, in order to avoid the Difficulties which may be occasioned by departing from the usual Manner of granting the same; this House not doubting but that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to appoint such Persons to be the Clerks of the Parliaments, as His Majesty, in His great Wisdom, shall think well qualified to discharge the Duties of the same."

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, "To desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments in such Manner, as the same has been granted in all Times past, in order to avoid the Difficulties which may be occasioned by departing from the usual Manner of granting the same; this House not doubting but that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to appoint such Persons to be Clerks of the Parliaments, as His Majesty, in His great Wisdom, shall think well qualified to discharge the Duties of the same."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lord Chancellor.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, decimum septimum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Lunæ, 17o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Archiep. Ebor.
Epus. Winton.
Epus. Cicestrien.
Epus. Sarum.
Epus. Bath. & Wells.
Epus. Asaphen.
Epus. Carliol.
Epus. Petriburg.
Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Bangor.
Epus. Cestrien.
Epus. Oxon.
Epus. Exon.
Epus. Lincoln.
Epus. Meneven.
Epus. Litch. & Cov.
Epus. Glocestr.
Epus. Bristol.
Epus. Landaven.
Dux Cumberland.
Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Ds. Camden, Præses.
Dux Grafton, C. P. S.
Dux Manchester, Camerarius.
Dux Richmond.
Dux Beaufort.
Dux Devonshire.
Dux Marlborough.
Dux Rutland.
Dux Queensberry.
Dux Atholl.
Dux Portland.
Dux Chandos.
Dux Dorset.
Dux Bridgewater.
Dux Newcastle.
Dux Northumberland.
Dux Montagu.
Comes Derby.
Comes Huntingdon.
Comes Pembroke & Montgomery.
Comes Salisbury.
Comes Exeter.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Westmorland.
Comes Stamford.
Comes Winchelsea & Nottingham.
Comes Sandwich.
Comes Essex.
Comes Carlisle.
Comes Doncaster.
Comes Berkeley.
Comes Abingdon.
Comes Rochford.
Comes Coventry.
Comes Jersey.
Comes Cholmondeley.
Comes Eglintoun.
Comes Cassillis.
Comes Galloway.
Comes Lauderdale.
Comes Aberdeen.
Comes Dunmore.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Rosebery.
Comes Oxford & Mortimer.
Comes Ferrers.
Comes Tankerville.
Comes Aylesford.
Comes Sussex.
Comes Macclesfield.
Comes Kerr.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Ashburnham.
Comes Gower.
Comes Bucks.
Comes Fitzwilliam.
Comes Harcourt.
Comes Cornwallis.
Comes De la Warr.
Comes Northington.
Comes Radnor.
Comes Spencer.
Comes Chatham.
Comes Bathurst.
Comes Clarendon.
Comes Mansfield.
Viscount Montague.
Viscount Townshend.
Viscount Weymouth.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Falmouth.
Viscount Wentworth.
Viscount Dudley & Ward.
Viscount Maynard.
Viscount Sackville.
Viscount Howe.
Viscount Keppel.
Ds. Abergavenny.
Ds. Audley.
Ds. Say & Sele.
Ds. Craven.
Ds. Osborne.
Ds. Boyle.
Ds. Middleton.
Ds. Cadogan.
Ds. King.
Ds. Talbot.
Ds. Godolphin.
Ds. Chedworth.
Ds. Sandys.
Ds. Ponsonby.
Ds. Vere.
Ds. Wycombe.
Ds. Stawell.
Ds. Sondes.
Ds. Grantham.
Ds. Grosvenor.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Boston.
Ds. Beaulieu.
Ds. Ducie.
Ds. Digby.
Ds. Sundridge.
Ds. Cardiff.
Ds. Hawke.
Ds. Amherst.
Ds. Brownlow.
Ds. Rivers.
Ds. Harrowby.
Ds. Foley.
Ds. Loughborough.
Ds. Gage.
Ds. Brudenell.
Ds. Walsingham.
Ds. Bagot.
Ds. Southampton.
Ds. Porchester.
Ds. Ashburton.
Ds. Grantley.
Ds. Rodney.

PRAYERS.

King's Answer to Address.

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

D. Newcastle takes the Oaths.

This Day Henry Fienes Duke of Newcastle took the Oaths; and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

E. De la Warr takes his Seat:

This Day John Richard Earl De la Warr sat First in Parliament after the Death of his Brother William Earl De la Warr; 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.

Pedigree delivered.

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

Ships in Commission, &c. List of, delivered:

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

He was called in, and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to an Address to His Majesty on Tuesday last;

"A List of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels, with their Names and Rates, which were in Commission on the 20th of January last."

Also, "Names and Rates of all the Ships of the Line, in Progress, to be in the Water before the 1st of May next."

Also, "Number of Seamen and Marines borne and mustered in the Month of December last."

Also, "A List of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in Commission, with their Names and Rates, on the 31st Day of March last."

And also, "Number of Seamen and Marines borne and mustered on the 31st of March last."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk;

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

Preliminary Articles of Peace, Motion for Address relative to:

The Order of the Day being read for the Lords to be summoned:

Moved, "That the Preliminary Articles of Peace between His Majesty and the most Christian King, and between His Majesty and the King of Spain, and also the provisional Articles betweeen His Majesty and the Commissioners of the United States of America, be now read."

The same were accordingly read by the Clerk.

Then it was moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to return His Majesty the Thanks of this House, for His gracious Condescension in ordering to be laid before us the Preliminary and Provisional Articles of the different Treaties which His Majesty hath concluded; and to assure His Majesty, that we have considered them with that Attention which so important a Subject requires.

"To express in the most dutiful Manner to His Majesty our Satisfaction, that His Majesty has, in consequence of the Powers entrusted to him, laid the Foundation, by the Provisional Articles with the States of North America, for a Treaty of Peace, which we trust will ensure persect Reconciliation and Friendship between both Countries.

That in this Confidence we presume to express to His Majesty our just Expectation, that the several States of North America will carry into effectual and satisfactory Execution those Measures which the Congress is so solemnly bound by the Treaty to recommend in Favour of such Persons as have suffered for the Part which they have taken in the War; and that we shall consider this Circumstance as the surest Indication of returning Friendship; and to acknowledge to His Majesty our due Sense of that wise and paternal Regard for the Happiness of His Subjects, which induced His Majesty to relieve them from a burdensome and expensive War, by the Preliminary Articles of Peace concluded between His Majesty and the most Christian and Catholic Kings.

"To assure His Majesty, that we shall encourage and promote every Exertion of His Majesty's Subjects of Great Britain and Ireland, in the Cultivation and Improvement of those Resources which must tend to the certain Augmentation of our Public Strength; and that with these Views, we shall most diligently turn our Attention to a Revision of all our Commercial Laws, and endeavour to frame them upon such liberal Principles as may best extend our Trade and Navigation, and proportionably encrease His Majesty's Naval Power, which can alone ensure the Prosperity of His Dominions."

Amendment negatived:

Then an Amendment was proposed to be made to the said Motion, by leaving out from the Word ("concluded") in the first Paragraph to the End of the said Motion, and instead thereof to insert the following Words; (videlicet)

("To return our dutiful Thanks to His Majesty for the Communication of the Preliminary Articles of Peace, and for having put a Stop to the Calamities of War by a Peace, which, being concluded, we must consider as binding, and not to be infringed without a Violation of the National Faith; to assure His Majesty, that we feel, in the strongest Manner, the Obligation of affording every Relief that can alleviate the Distresses of those deserving Subjects who have exposed their Lives and Fortunes for the Support of Great Britain; and at the same Time, we cannot help lamenting the Necessity which bids us subscribs to Articles which, considering the relative Situation of the belligerent Powers, we must regard as inadequate to our just Expectation, and derogatory to the Honour and Dignity of Great Britain.")

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.

Then the said Motion, as at first proposed, was agreed to.

Committee to prepare Address.

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

Ld. President.
Ld. Privy Seal.
D. Rutland.
D. Manchester.
D. Chandos.
D. Dorset.
E. Pembroke & Montgomery.
E. Denbigh.
E. Coventry.
E. Jersey.
E. De la Warr.
V. Howe.
L. Bp. Salisbury.
L. Bp. Rochester.
L. Bp. Exeter.
L. Bp. Gloucester.
L. Bp. Bristol.
L. Bp. Landass.
L. Osborne.
L. Sandys.
L. Wycombe.
L. Grantham.
L. Boston.
L. Cardiss.
L. Hawke.
L. Rivers.
L. Ashburton.
L. Redney.

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:

And the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery reported from the Committee an Address drawn by them, as follows; (videlicet)

Most Gracious Sovereign,

Address reported and agreed to.

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg Leave to return Your Majesty the Thanks of this House, for Your gracious Condescension in ordering to be laid before us the Preliminary and Provisional Articles of the different Treaties which Your Majesty has concluded; and we assure Your Majesty, that we have considered them with that Attention which so important a Subject requires.

"We beg Leave to express, in the most dutiful Manner, to Your Majesty, our Satisfaction, that Your Majesty has, in consequence of the Powers entrusted to you, laid the Foundation, by the Provisional Articles with the States of North America, for a Treaty of Peace, which we trust will ensure perfect Reconciliation and Friendship between both Countries.

That in this Confidence we presume to express to Your Majesty our just Expectation, that the several States of North America will carry into effectual and satisfactory Execution those Measures which the Congress is so solemnly bound by the Treaty to recommend in favour of such Persons as have suffered for the Part which they have taken in the War; and that we shall consider this Circumstance as the surest Indication of returning Friendship; and we acknowledge to Your Majesty our due Sense of that wise and paternal Regard for the Happiness of Your Subjects, which induced Your Majesty to relieve them from a burthensome and expensive War, by the Preliminary Articles of Peace concluded between Your Majesty and the most Christian and Catholic Kings.

"We assure Your Majesty, that we shall encourage and promote every Exertion of Your Subjects of Great Britain and Ireland, in the Cultivation and Improvement of those Resources which must tend to the certain Augmentation of our Public Strength; and that with these Views, we shall most diligently turn our Attention to a Revision of all our Commercial Laws, and endeavour to frame them upon such liberal Principles as may best extend our Trade and Navigation, and proportionably encrease Your Majesty's Naval Power, which can alone ensure the Prosperity of Your Dominions."

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.

Williams's Divorce Bill.

Ordered, That the Sitting of the Committee of the whole House upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Williams, of the City of Exeter, Gentleman, with Elizabeth his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned," which stands appointed for To-morrow, be put off to Thursday next.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, decimum nonum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 19o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Epus. Glocestr. Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Dux Manchester, Camerarius.
Dux Richmond.
Comes Pembroke & Montgomery.
Comes Suffolk & Berkshire.
Comes Essex.
Comes Abingdon.
Comes Tankerville.
Comes Waldegrave.
Comes Radnor.
Viscount Howe.
Ds. Osborne.
Ds. Hawke.
Ds. Ashburton.

PRAYERS.

E. Suffolk takes his Seat:

This Day John Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire sat first in Parliament after the Death of Thomas Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire; 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.

Pedigree delivered.

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

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 Three o'Clock at His Palace of Saint James's."

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, vicesimum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Jovis, 20o Februarii 1783.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Epus. Bath. & Wells.
Epus. Sarum.
Epus. Roffen.
Epus. Exon.
Epus. Glocestr.
Ds. Thurlow, Cancellarius.
Dux Richmond.
Comes Denbigh.
Comes Abercorn.
Comes Lauderdale.
Comes Marchmont.
Comes Oxford & Mortimer.
Comes Ferrers.
Comes Gower.
Comes Clarendon.
Viscount Montague.
Viscount Stormont.
Viscount Sackville.
Ds. Middleton.
Ds. Chedworth.
Ds. Sandys.
Ds. Scarsdale.
Ds. Hawke.

PRAYERS.

King's Answer to Address.

The Lord Chancellor reported, "That the House did Yesterday present to His Majesty the Address of this House of Monday last; to which His Majesty was pleased to return the following most Gracious Answer;

My Lords,

I receive with Pleasure this dutiful Address, and have great Satisfaction in observing that the Preliminary and provisional Articles appear to you as they do to Me, to afford a reasonable Prospect of such a Peace as will relieve My People from any Burthens beyond what the Expences of the War have rendered unavoidable, and if properly improved will ensure the National Prosperity. These are Objects always next My Heart, and every Measure which has a Tendency to promote them, cannot but be acceptable to Me. It is My firm Purpose to execute every Article of the Treaties on My Part, with that good Faith which has ever distinguished the Conduct of this Nation.

"I concur with you most entirely on the just Expectation you entertain of the like Attention in North America to the Stipulations in favour of the unfortunate Sufferers by the War, which are founded in Humanity and Justice, and now recognized by Public Engagement; I do not entertain a Doubt that this and every other Article in the Treaties depending, will be finally settled and performed by the other Powers with that Spirit of Liberality and Justice which becomes them."

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

Barnard Castle Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Thomas Clavering and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields within the Township of Barnard Castle, in the County of Durham;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Lastage and Ballastage Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing several Acts passed for the better Regulation of Lastage and Ballastage in the River Thames;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Hankey's Divorce Bill:

The Lord Scarsdale presented to the House (pursuant to an Order of Leave on the 6th of this Instant February) a Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Hankey Esquire with Elizabeth Thomson his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Friday the 7th Day of March next; and that Notice thereof be affixed on the Doors of this House, and the Lords summoned; and that the said John Hankey may be heard by his Counsel at the said Second Reading, to make out the Truth of the Allegations of the Bill; and that the said Elizabeth Thomson may have a Copy of the Bill; and that Notice be given her of the said Second Reading; and that she be at Liberty to be heard by her Counsel what she may have to offer against the said Bill at the same Time.

Witnesses to attend.

Ordered, That Joseph Morley, Elizabeth Brett, Richard Hills, Frederick Hohn, Mary Winton, Peter Dean and George Clewlow Esquire do attend this House on Friday the 7th Day of March next, in order to their being examined as Witnesses upon the Second Reading of the last mentioned Bill.

Piffard for a Naturalization Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of David Piffard; praying Leave 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 presented.

Accordingly, the Lord Scarsdale presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing David Piffard."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Reybaz and Aubert for a Naturalization Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of John Urban Reybaz and Alexander Aubert; praying Leave to bring in a Bill for their Naturalization:"

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

Bill presented.

Accordingly, the Lord Scarsdale presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing John Urban Reybaz and Alexander Aubert."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Bp. London against Fffytche in Error.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing Counsel to argue the Errors assigned upon the Writ of Error, wherein Robert Lord Bishop of London is Plaintiff, and Lewis Disney Fffytche Esquire is Defendant:"

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

Harding's Petition to take the Name of Newman:

Upon reading the Petition of Richard Newman Harding of Nelmes, in the County of Essex, Esquire; praying Leave to bring in a Bill to enable him and his First and other Sons and the Heirs Male of their Bodies, to take, use and bear the Name and Arms of Newman, pursuant to the Will of Richard Newman deceased:

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

Bill presented.

Accordingly, the Lord Scarsdale presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Richard Newman Harding Esquire and his First and other Sons and the Heirs Male of their Bodies, to take, use and bear the Surname and Arms of Newman, pursuant to the Will of Richard Newman Esquire deceased.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Silk Importation Bill.

Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for further continuing an Act made in the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for allowing the Importation of sine organzined Italian thrown Silk, in any Ships or Vessels for a limited Time."

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.

Marine Mutiny Bill.

Hodie 2a 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.

Somerton Roads Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the First Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for repairing and widening the Roads from Dyed Way to Somerton, and from Gawbridge to Tintinhull Fords; and from a Stream of Water called Ford to Cartgate in Martock, in the County of Somerset;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

King's Answer to Address.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That in Obedience to their Lordships Commands, he Yesterday presented to His Majesty the Address of this House of Friday last, relating to the Manner of granting the Office of Clerk of the Parliaments; and that His Majesty was pleased to receive the same very graciously, and to say, That He would give Directions accordingly."

Williams's Divorce Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be in a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of John Williams of the City of Exeter, Gentleman, with Elizabeth his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned:"

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

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, vicesimum quartum diem instantis Februarii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.