House of Lords Journal Volume 38: July 1788 1-10

July 1788 1-10

DIE Mercurii, 2^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

E. Pembroke takes the Oaths.

This Day Henry Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

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

Slave Trade Bill.

Moved, "That the Report of the Amendments made by the Committee of the whole House to the Bill, intituled, "An Act for providing certain temporary Regulations respecting the Transportation of the Natives of Africa, in British Ships, to the West Indies and elsewhere," be now received."

The same was agreed to.

Then the Lord Walsingham reported the said Amendments.

The said Amendments were read by the Clerk as follows; (videlicet)

"Pr. 1. L. 1. Leave out from ("expedient") to ("Be") in Line 6, and insert ("regulate the shipping and carrying of Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa to His Majesty's Islands and Plantations in the West Indies") and in the same Line after ("enacted") insert ("and it is hereby enacted")

"L. 13. Leave out from ("That") to ("it") in Line 15."

"L. 17. After ("taking") insert ("or having")

"L. 19. Leave out from ("whatever") to ("to") in Line 21, and insert ("which shall clear out from any Port of this Kingdom, from and after the First Day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight")

"L. 23. Leave out from ("Transport") to ("from") in Line 24, and insert ("Slaves")

"L. 25. Leave out ("thereof") and insert ("of Africa")

"L. 31. Leave out from ("the") to ("shall") in Press 2, Line 19, and insert ("Proportion of Five such Slaves for every Three Tons of the Burthen of such Ship or Vessel, so far as the said Ship or Vessel shall not exceed Two hundred and one Tons, and moreover of one such Slave for every additional Ton of such Ship or Vessel, over and above the said Burthen of Two hundred and one Tons; Provided always, that the Number of Male Slaves who shall exceed Four Feet Four Inches in Height, shall never exceed in any such Ship or Vessel the Proportion of one such Male Slave to every One Ton of the Burthen of such Ship or Vessel, so far as the said Ship or Vessel shall not exceed Two hundred and one Tons, and (moreover) of Three such Male Slaves who shall exceed the said Height of Four Feet Four Inches, for every additional Five Tons of such Ship or Vessel over and above the said Burthen of Two hundred and one Tons, and every such Ship or Vessel")

"Pr. 2. L. 20. Leave out ("the") and insert ("of such") and in the same Line after ("Tonnage") insert ("or Burthen as is")

"L. 29 and 30. Leave out from ("Navigation") to ("And") in Line 39, and insert ("And if any such Master or other Person taking or having the Charge or Command of any such Ship or Vessel, shall act contrary hereto, such Master or other Person as aforesaid shall forfeit and pay the Sum of Thirty Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain, for each and every such Slave exceeding in Number the Proportions herein-before limited, One Moiety whereof shall go to His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, and the other Moiety thereof shall go to any Person or Persons who shall first sue for the same; Provided always, that if there shall be in any such Ship or Vessel any more than Two-fifth Parts of the Slaves who shall be Children and who shall not exceed Four Feet Four Inches in Height, then every Five such Children (over and above the aforesaid Proportion of Two-fifths) shall be deemed and taken to be equal to Four of the said Slaves within the true Intent and Meaning of this Act; and if the Master or other Person taking or having the Charge or Command of any such Ship or Vessel, shall act contrary hereto, he shall forfeit and pay the Sum of One hundred Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain, for each and every such Slave who shall be, or shall have been at any one Time during the said Voyage, on board any such Ship or Vessel, over and above the said Number of Four hundred of such Slaves hereinbefore limited, which Forfeiture shall go in Two equal Parts as aforesaid")

"Pr. 3. L. 6. Leave out from ("Africa") to ("the") in Line 8, and insert ("carrying or conveying any such Slaves as aforesaid")

"L. 11. Leave out from ("shall") to ("before") in Line 13.

"L. 14. Leave out ("Natives") and insert ("Slaves")

"L. 21. Leave out ("same") and insert ("said Oath")

"L. 22 and 23. After ("Vessel") insert ("and shall")

"L. 23. Leave out ("shewing") and insert ("shew")

"L. 25. After ("and") insert ("shall also deliver to the said Officer upon Oath (who is hereby authorized and required to administer the said Oath) an exact and true Account of")

"L. 26. Leave out from ("of") to ("at") in Line 27, and insert ("such Slaves, and specify the Number of such Slaves as shall exceed the aforesaid Height of Four Feet Four Inches, who were or shall have been")

"L. 31. Leave out ("present")

"L. 32. Leave out ("he") and insert ("such Master or other Person taking or having the Charge or Command of any such Ship or Vessel") and in the same Line leave out from ("shall") to ("and") in Press 4. Line 4, and insert ("un-ship or land, or shall cause to be un-shipped or landed, or shall wilfully permit or suffer to be un-shipped or landed any such Slaves contrary to the true Intent and Meaning of this Act, such Master or other Person as aforesaid shall forfeit and pay the Sum of Five hundred Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain for such Offence or Offences (and for every Time he shall commit such Offence or Offences the like Sum of Five hundred Pounds of like lawful Money) and One Moiety of the said Forfeiture shall go to His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, and the other Moiety of the said Forfeiture shall go to the Person or Persons who shall first sue for the same") and in the same Line leave out from ("And") to ("And") in Line 26, and insert ("it shall and may be lawful for such Collector or other chief Officer of the Customs, and he is hereby required to search, or (by Means of some other Officer or Officers of the Customs) to cause Search to be made in every Part of such Ship or Vessel to see and to take an Account of the Number of such Slaves on board such Ship or Vessel, and specifying in such Account the Number of Slaves not exceeding Four Feet Four Inches in Height; Provided always, that in case the said Collector or other chief Officer of the Customs shall be absent, or that there shall be no such Officer in any such Island where the said Ship shall arrive as aforesaid, or in case there shall be no such other Officer of the Revenue, then any Civil Officer in the said Island shall be and is hereby authorized and required upon Application as aforesaid, to administer the said Oath to such Master or other Person taking or having the Charge of such Vessel, and to receive the said Declaration of the Burthen of such Ship as aforesaid")

"Pr. 4. L. 28. After ("taking") insert ("or having")

"L. 29. After ("of") insert ("any"), and in the same Line after ("Vessel") insert ("as aforesaid which")

"L. 30. After ("shall") leave out ("be permitted or allowed to") and insert ("be cleared out from any Port in Great Britain, after the First Day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, shall at any Time take or")

"L. 31. Leave out from ("Board") to ("convey") in Line 32, and insert ("such Ship or Vessel or")

"L. 33. Leave out from ("any") to ("from") in Line 34, and insert ("Slaves") and in the same Line leave out ("thereof") and insert ("of Africa")

"Pr. 5. L. 3. Leave out from ("Majesty") to ("in") in Line 4, and in the same Line after ("any") insert ("such")

"L. 5. Leave out from ("Vessel") to ("unless") in Line 7, and insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 16 and 17. Leave out ("the Chief Mate and")

"L. 18. Leave out ("jointly")

"L. 19. Leave out from ("Successors") to the Second ("the") in Line 20, and insert ("and shall leave the same in the Hands of")

"L. 21. Leave out ("and") and insert ("or")

"L. 22. Leave out ("at") and insert ("in") and in the same Line leave out ("Ports respectively") and insert ("Port")

"Pr. 6. L. 2. Leave out ("Two") and insert ("One")

"L. 3. Leave out from ("such") to ("Surgeon")

"L. 4. Leave out from ("shall") to ("keep") in Line 5.

"L. 6. After ("the") insert ("greatest")

"L. 7. Leave out from ("of") to ("which") in Line 8, and insert ("Slaves")

"L. 9. Leave out ("one") and in the same Line leave out from ("Voyage") to ("on") in Line 10.

"L. 11. Leave out from ("Vessel") to ("from") in Line 17.

"L. 19. Leave out from ("Britain") to ("for") in Line 21.

"L. 23. Leave out ("Natives") and insert ("Slaves")

"L. 24. After ("said") insert ("Ship or")

"L. 30. After ("the") insert ("said")

"L. 31. Leave out from ("Islands") to ("or") in Line 32.

"L. 33. Leave out ("he") and insert ("such Surgeon")

"L. 35. Leave out from ("said") to ("Surgeon") in Line 36, and in the same Line, after ("shall") leave out ("respectively deliver") in Line 37, and insert ("lay before and shew")

"L. 38. Leave out ("Chief"), and in the same Line leave out from ("Officer") to ("before") in Line 39, and insert ("as aforesaid")

"Pr. 7. L. 3. After ("herein") insert ("before")

"L. 4. Leave out the First ("respectively") and in the same Line leave out the Second ("respectively")

"L. 6. Leave out ("Chief")

"L. 7. Leave out from ("Officer") to ("who") and insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 9. Leave out ("same") and insert ("said Oath")

"L. 13. Leave out ("same") and insert ("said Journal")

"L. 17. Leave out from ("such") to ("Surgeon")

"L. 18. Leave out ("respectively")

"L. 20. Leave out ("Chief"), and in the same Line leave out from ("Officer") to ("to") in Line 21, and insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 25. Leave out ("Chief") and in the same Line after ("Officer") insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 26. Leave out from ("Master") to ("Surgeon") in Line 27, and insert ("or other Person as aforesaid and to such"), and in the same Line leave out ("attested") and insert ("respectively") and in the same Line leave out ("such") and insert ("the")

"L. 28. Leave out ("and") and insert ("if such Master or other Person as aforesaid, and also of the said") and in the same Line leave out from ("Journals") to ("Seal") in Line 29, and insert ("which Copies shall severally be attested as true Copies by such Collector or other Officer as aforesaid under his Hand and") and in the same Line leave out from ("Seal") to ("be") and insert ("and the said Copies shall")

"L. 30. Leave out ("them") and insert ("such Master or other Person as aforesaid, and by such Surgeon respectively")

"L. 31. After ("Port") insert ("in Great Britain")

"L. 34. After ("Officer") insert ("in Great Britain")

"L. 37. Leave out from ("London") to ("and") in Press 9. Line 1.

"Pr. 9. L. 6. After ("to") insert ("such"), and in the same Line leave out from ("Ships") to ("in") in Line 12, and insert ("as aforesaid as shall have failed before the First Day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, from any Port of Great Britain, and shall on the Coast of Africa take on board, and convey any Slaves to any of the Islands in the West Indies belonging to or under the Dominion of His Majesty")

"L. 15. Leave out from ("Ship") to ("before") in Line 17.

"L. 18. Leave out from ("of") to ("than") in Line 19 and insert ("Slaves"), and in the same Line after ("than") insert ("in")

"L. 20. Leave out ("directed") and insert ("limited")

"L. 21. After ("any") insert ("such")

"L. 22. After ("Ship") insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 23. Leave out ("Natives") and insert ("Slaves of any Description")

"L. 24. After ("than") insert ("in") and in the same Line after ("Proportions") insert ("as aforesaid")

"L. 25. Leave out from ("delivered") to ("it") in Line 26, and insert ("to such Commander or principal Officer as aforesaid")

"L. 27. Leave out ("the") and insert ("such"), and in the same Line after ("Commander") insert ("or principal Officer as aforesaid")

"L. 30. Leave out ("Natives") and insert ("Slaves"), and in the same Line leave out ("were") and insert ("shall have been")

"L. 31. Leave out from ("delivered") to ("of") in Line 32, and insert ("and if any such Master or other Person as aforesaid shall act contrary hereto, he shall forfeit and pay the Sum"), and in the same Line leave out ("Fifty") and insert ("Thirty"), and in the same Line after ("Pound") insert ("of lawful Money of Great Britain")

"L. 33. Leave out ("Native") and insert ("Slave")

"L. 34. After ("Board") insert ("and one Moiety of the said Forfeiture shall go to His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors, and the other Moiety to any Person or Persons who shall first sue for the same")

"L. 37. Leave out ("Tenth") and insert ("First"), and in the same Line leave out ("June") and insert ("August")

"Pr. 10. L. 6. Leave out from ("Ships") to ("which") in Line 8, and insert ("or Vessels")

"L. 9. After ("and") insert ("he and")

"L. 10. After ("they") insert ("is and") and in the same Line leave out from ("to") to the first ("the") in Line 11, and insert ("take an Account of"), and in the same Line leave out ("Numbers") and insert ("Number"), and in the same Line leave out from ("of") to ("on") in Line 12, and insert ("the Slaves, their Sex, and such of them as shall exceed the Height of Four Feet Four Inches")

"Pr. 10. L. 12. After ("Ships") insert ("as they shall find on the Coast of Africa, or the Seas adjacent thereto")

"L. 16. Leave out ("either")

"L. 17. Leave out from ("said") to ("and") in Line 18 and insert ("Slaves")

"L. 23. Leave out from ("Indies") to ("a") in Line 25.

"L. 29. After ("thereof") insert ("together with such Account so taken in each Vessel as aforesaid")

"L. 33. After ("any") insert ("such") and in the same Line leave out from ("British") to ("shall") in Line 34, and insert ("Ship as aforesaid"), and in the same Line leave out ("the") and insert ("any")

"L. 37. Leave out from ("provided") to ("from") in Line 40, and in the same Line after ("from") insert ("examining and"), and in the same Line leave out from ("of") to ("in") in Line 41, and insert ("Slaves"), and in the same Line after ("Ship") insert ("or Vessel in Manner aforesaid")

"Pr. 11. L. 1. Leave out ("other Principal")

"L. 2. After ("or") insert ("other"), and in the same Line leave out from ("Person") to ("shall") in Line 3, and insert ("so obstructing or hindering as aforesaid"), and in the same Line after ("shall") insert ("for every such Offence")

"L. 4. Leave out ("thousand") and insert ("hundred"), and in the same Line after ("Pounds") insert ("of lawful Money of Great Britain")

"L. 5. Leave out ("half") and insert ("Moiety")

"L. 6. After ("Majesty") insert ("His Heirs and Successors"), and in the same Line after ("other") insert ("Moiety")

"L. 8. Leave out from ("same") to ("and") in Line 15.

"L. 19. After ("any") insert ("Court of Oyer and Terminer in any")

"L. 24. Leave out from ("Britain") to ("and") in Line 26, and insert ("and in every such Action or Suit, the Party against whom Judgement shall be given (whether Plaintiff or Defendant) shall pay double Costs of Suit, and every such Action shall and may be brought at any Time within Three Years after the Offence committed, and not afterwards, and every such Action shall be carried on without wilful Delay: Provided always, that nothing in this Act contained shall extend or be construed to extend to the Case of a Ship taking on board any Number of Slaves that shall be found ship-wrecked, or from on board any other Ship or Vessel where by Reason of Mutiny or Insurrection among the Slaves or the Crew, or by Failure of Hands, or by any actual Distress of the Vessel, the Master or Commander shall be disabled from governing the Ship, or continuing the Voyage, the Proof of which shall be upon the Master or Person having Charge of such Ship or Vessel so taking on board such Slaves.") Likewise insert Clauses (A.) (B.) and (C.)

Clause (A.) "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That in every such Ship or Vessel, the upper as well as lower Cabin, and the Space between Decks, shall be allotted and properly prepared for the Reception of the said Slaves, and that no Goods, Wares, or Merchandize shall ever be stowed or put in any such Cabin or Place in which any such Slaves shall be."

Clause (B.) "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any Person taking any Oath by this Act authorized or required to be taken, shall thereby commit wilful Perjury, or if any Person shall unlawfully procure or suborn any Person to take any Oath by this Act authorized or required to be taken, whereby such Person shall commit wilful Perjury, every such Person shall incur and suffer the like Pains and Penalties as are by Law inflicted upon Persons committing wilful and corrupt Perjury, or Subornation of Perjury."

Clause (C.) "And whereas Cases may occur in which it may be just and reasonable that Compensation should be made to Individuals who may sustain Losses in consequence of this Act; Be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for His Majesty, under the Great Seal of Great Britain, to authorize and empower. Three proper Persons as Commissioners to enquire into any Losses sustained in consequence of this Act, by the Owners of any Ships or Vessels engaged in the African Trade; and that all Persons who have sustained or conceive they may sustain any such Losses, shall make Application to the said Commissioners before the First Day of August next ensuing, and shall state to the said Commissioners, as far as they may then be able, the Nature and Grounds of their several Claims, and the said Commissioners shall direct the said Complainants to make out and keep minute Accounts of all the Expences, Profits, or Losses, and of all Circumstances which may appear to them necessary for their Information, and in such Manner as they shall direct, for ascertaining the Losses of the said Complainants; and the said Commissioners shall have Power to examine upon Oath touching the Matters of the said Complaints all Persons whom the said Commissioners shall think fit; and all Persons are hereby directed and required punctually to attend the said Commissioners at such Time or Place as they shall appoint; and the said Commissioners when such Complainants shall have complied with such Directions, shall determine the Amount of the Losses which bonâ fide have been sustained by any of the said Claimants in consequence of this Act, and which the said Claimants have not been able to avoid, and shall report as soon as conveniently may be, to both Houses of Parliament, what Compensation shall appear to the said Commissioners to be reasonable to be made to such Claimants; and the said Commissioners before they proceed to take any Step in pursuance to this Act, shall take an Oath before the Master of the Rolls for the Time being, or One of His Majesty's Justices of the Court of King's Bench or Common Pleas, or One of the Barons of the Exchequer, which they or either of them are hereby authorized and required to administer in the Form following; that is to say,

"I, A. B. do swear, that according to the best of my Skill and Knowledge, I will faithfully and impartially execute the several Powers and Trusts vested in me by His Majesty's Commission, in virtue of an Act, intituled,")

"Pr. 11. L. 29. Leave out ("June") and insert ("August") and at the End of the Bill insert ("except for the Purpose of trying or suing any Person in consequence of any Offence or Offences committed in Breach or Violation of this Act")

In the Title of the Bill:

"L. 3. Leave out ("the Natives of Africa") and insert ("Slaves")"

The Four First Amendments, being again read, were agreed to by the House.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made by the House to the Bill:

"Pr. 1. L. 18. After ("any") insert ("British")

"L. 19. Leave out ("belonging")

"L. 20. Leave out ("to")

"L. 21. Leave out ("this Kingdom")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The next Amendment read; and the following Amendment was proposed to be made thereto:

"Fol. 1. L. 12. Leave out ("and")"

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the following Amendment was proposed to be made by the House to the Bill:

"Pr. 1. L. 27. Leave out from ("Majesty") to ("in") in Line 29."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The Fourteen next Amendments, being again read, were agreed to by the House.

The next Amendment read; and the following Amendments were proposed to be made thereto:

"Fol. 3. L. 15. Leave out ("one") and insert ("the other"), and in Line 16, leave out ("whereof") and insert ("thereof"), and in Lines 19 and 20, leave out ("of any such Offence having been committed")

"Fol. 4. L. 3. Leave out ("of whatsoever Age") and insert ("over and above such as shall be under Four Feet Four Inches"), and in Line 14, leave out ("that present") and insert ("the said")

"Fol. 5. L. 11. Leave out ("specifying") and insert ("specify")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The Seventy-five next Amendments, being again read, were agreed to by the House.

The next Amendment read; and the following Amendments were proposed to be made thereto:

"Fol. 16. L. 7. After ("or") insert ("from on board any other Ship or Vessel") and in Line 15. of the same Folio, after ("Vessel") insert ("so taking on board such Slaves")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The next Amendment, Clause (A.), read; and the following Amendment was proposed to be made thereto:

"L. 7. After ("that") insert ("after any such Ship or Vessel shall have taken Two Thirds of her full Complement of Slaves on board in the Proportions herein-before directed")"

Then it was proposed to amend the said Amendment, by leaving out the Words ("Two Thirds")

The Question was put, "Whether the Words ("Two Thirds") shall stand Part of the Amendment?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the said Clause, thus amended, was agreed to.

The next Amendment, Clause (B.), being again read, was agreed to by the House.

The next Amendment, Clause (C.), read; and the following Amendments were proposed to be made thereto:

"Fol. 1. L. 6. After ("Majesty") insert ("by Letters Patent"), and in Line 8, leave out ("Three"), and in Line 16, leave out ("August") and insert ("September") and in Folio 3, Line 1, leave out the Second ("to") and insert ("of")

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the said Clause, thus amended, was agreed to.

Then it was proposed after Clause (C.) to insert Clauses (D.) (E.) and (F.)

Clause (D.) "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall not be lawful for any Person to become a Master, or to take or have the Command or Charge of any such Ship or Vessel (that shall hereafter be cleared out) for purchasing and carrying Slaves from the Coast of Africa, unless such Master or Person taking or having the Charge or Command of any such Ship or Vessel, shall have already served in such Capacity during One Voyage, or shall have served as Chief Mate during Two Voyages, or as First or other Mate during Three Voyages, in purchasing and carrying Slaves from the Coast of Africa, under Pain that such Master or Person taking or having the Charge or Command of any such Ship or Vessel, and also the Owner or Owners who shall hire or employ such Person, shall for every such Offence, respectively forfeit and pay the Sum of Fifty Pounds."

Clause (E.) "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall not be lawful for any Owner or Owners of any such Ship or Vessel, hereafter to insure any Cargo of Slaves, or any Part thereof, on board the same, against any Loss or Damage, save and except the Perils of the Sea, and Destruction by Fire; and that all and every Policy of Insurance hereafter made contrary to this Act, shall be and the same is hereby declared to be null and void to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever."

Clause (F.) "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no such Ship or Vessel shall be allowed to clear out, unless it shall appear to the Collector or other Principal Officer of the Customs at the Port, that there is one Surgeon at least engaged to proceed on board such Ship or Vessel."

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The last Amendment, being again read, was agreed to by the House.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made by the House to the Title of the Bill:

"L. 1. Leave out from ("Act") to ("in") in Line 3, and insert ("to regulate the shipping and carrying Slaves") and in the same Line leave out from ("British") to ("the") in Line 4, and insert ("Vessels from the Coast of Africa, to His Majesty's Islands and Plantations in") and in the same Line leave out ("and elsewhere")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be read the Third Time To-morrow; and the Lords summoned.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Jovis, 3^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for providing certain temporary Regulations respecting the Transportation of the Natives of Africa, in British Ships, to the West Indies and elsewhere;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

Petition against:

A Petition of John Dawson of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Merchant, on Behalf of himself and Peter Baker of Liverpool, Merchant, was presented and read, taking Notice of the last-mentioned Bill; and praying their Lordships, "That he may be heard against the Amendments made in the said Bill, or that their Lordships will be pleased further to amend the said Bill by adding a Clause or Proviso that the same shall not extend to affect the Petitioner in respect of a Contract entered into by him in the Petition mentioned."

Then the said Bill was read the Third Time.

Then the following Clause was proposed to be inserted after Clause (F.)

"Provided always, and be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That nothing in this Act contained, shall extend, or be construed to extend to prevent any Person or Persons who is or are now under Contract to furnish any Foreign Sovereign or State with a certain Number of Slaves annually, from carrying Slaves in any Ship or Vessel, to the Countries belonging to such Foreign Sovereign or State in such Numbers and Proportions as may be required by the Terms of such Contract."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made by the House, to the Amendments made by the Committee, to the said Bill:

"Fol. 4. L. 1. Leave out from ("Act") to ("and") in Line 6.

"Fol. 12. L. 9. After ("Slaves") insert ("of any Description")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made by the House to the Bill:

"Pr. 9. L. 30. After ("said") insert ("Description of")

"L. 31. After ("delivered") insert ("or of any other Description of Slaves, so as to exceed in the Whole the Proportions herein-before prescribed, reckoning Five Children, who shall not exceed Four Feet Four Inches in Height, as equal to Four grown Slaves, as aforesaid")

"Pr. 11. L. 20. After ("England") insert ("wherein such Offence shall have been committed, or in case such Offence shall have been committed in Parts beyond the Seas, then in such County within which the Ship on board which such Offence shall have been committed, shall have cleared out, or in the County of Middlesex")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then it was proposed at the End of Clause (C.) after the Word ("intituled") to insert ("An Act to regulate the Shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa, to His Majesty's Islands and Plantations in the West Indies")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made to Clause (D.):

"L. 2. After ("that") insert ("from and after the First Day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight")

"L. 5. Leave out from ("Vessel") to ("for") in Line 6, and insert ("at the Time she shall clear out from any Port of Great Britain")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Then the following Amendments were proposed to be made to Clause (E.):

"L. 2. After ("that") insert ("from and after the First Day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight")

"L. 4. Leave out ("hereafter")

"L. 8. After ("Sea") insert ("Piracy, Insurrection, or Capture by the King's Enemies")"

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Tarleton's Petition against:

Then a Petition of John Tarleton Esquire, One of the Delegates on the African Business from the Town of Liverpool, was presented and read; setting forth, "That the Petitioner and his Friends have received Letters from Havre and Bordeaux, offering them advantageous Terms for putting their Ships into the French instead of the English African Trade, which Letters the Petitioner thinks it highly proper should be communicated to the House;" and therefore praying, That he may be at Liberty to deliver in the said Letters upon Oath at the Bar of their Lordships House."

Petitioner heard.

Moved, "That Mr. Tarleton be called in and examined;" and being called in accordingly:

He acquainted the House, "That he had received Two Letters, one from a Correspondent, whose Handwriting he said he knew, (videlicet) Mr. French and Nephew, the other from a Mr. Lalaune;" and delivered in the said Letters.

The same were read by the Clerk as follow; (videlicet)

"Liverpool, Mr. Joseph Ingram, Bord^x 9 June 1788.

"Sir,

The advanced Prices which Slaves fetch at St. Domingo have induced many English Houses to send their Vessels there in Preference to the other Islands, and through our Medium, have made very successful Voyages; we take the Liberty of offering you our Services in case you are desirous of profitting of the Advantages which that Trade offers.

"In order to benefit of the Bounty granted by the French Government, you have only to dispatch your Vessels, and fit them out here under French Colours for the Coast of Africa. On their Arrival at the Cape or Port au Prince in St. Domingo, we propose to address them to Friends of ours there, who will compleat the Sales to your best Advantage, furnish the Captain or Supercargo with Bills of Exchange at 12, 16, and 18 Months, on distinguished Houses here of the first Solidity for the Amount, which we will engage to get accepted and guaranteed, and on Receipt of the Bills we will remit you good Bills on London a 2 or 3 Usances.

"Your Ships will be sure of returning freighted with Sugars, Coffee, &c. for this City, which is principally connected with that Island.

"If this Proposal proves agreeable, a principal House in London will likewise give you the strongest Assurances of the Solidity of our Bordeaux Friends.

We beg the Favour of your Answer on this Business for our Government, and remain very respectfully,

"Gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servants,
V. and P. French and Nephew."

"Monsieur,

"Au Havre, ce 21 Juin 1788.

"Je recois a l'Instant la Lettre que vous m'avez fait l'Honneur de m'écrire le 13 du Courant, et qui m'est parvenue par la Voie de Paris. J'y vois avec la plus vive Reconnoissance que vous voulez bien vous souvenir de moi, relativement a un Armement pour la Côte de Guinée dont Je vous avois entretenu ici, et qu'un de vos Amis, a votre Sollicitation, est dans l'Intention de faire armer ici son Navire, a ma Consignation: vous me demandez en Conséquence le prix de la Commission.

"La Commission d'Usage, et que toutes nos Maisons recoivent, est de 2 p[er cent] sur le Montant de tous les débours, et de 2 p[er cent] sur les Retours de l'Amerique, ou de 4 p[er cent] si on éxige ma Garantie, et dans le Cas ou on accepte ma Garantie, je ferai des remises sur Londres ou sur Paris a courts Jours.

"Sous le Compte ordinaire de ½ p[er cent] par Mois parceque les Veutes se font ordinairement a 4 Mois; le Navire que votre Ami m'expedieroit pourra venir ici sous Pavillon Anglois, mais il faudra qu'ils soient ex pediés dici pour la Côte, sous Pavillon François afin qu'il puisse introduire ses Negres dans nos Colonies, et qu'il jouisse en outre de la Gratification accordeé par le Gouvernement, cette Gratification est de 40" du Tonneau effectif parceque tout le Navire est jaugé, et cette Gratification sait un Objet tres majeure, d'autant plus qu'elle est payeé ici an depart du Navire.

"Si votre Ami veut consigner son Navire à une Maison que J'ai a St. Marc, elle peut etre persuadeé qu'elle sera tres bien Service, et qu'elle menagera ses Interets, comme s'ils lui étoient personnelle; en outre Je serai garant de la fur dite Maison, et a l'Expedition du Navire de St. Domingue pour ici ma Maison lui fera une avance d'un huitiême sur le Montant de la veute, en Lettres de Change fur moi a 10 et 12 Mois payable dans Paris.

"En outre, elle s'obligera d'expédier son Navire avec son entier Chargement, c'est adire avec les fonds provenantz de sa veute dont les termes seroient échus au depart du Navire de St. Domingue et le Surplus a fret: Ces Conditions sont tres avantageuses a votre Ami, et ce sont celles que J'ai fait a une Maison de Londres pour un Navire qu'elle a fait armer ici pour Annamaboa: Ce Navire a introduit a St. Marc 420 Negres, qui sont ressortis a la veute a 2400" par tête, et ce Voyage a été des plus heureux. Je désire que vous puissiez parvenir a engager votre Ami a me consigner ici son Navire: s'il se décide a le faire, il faut qu'il me le fasse passer le plus promptement possible, asin qu'il puisse etre rendu a St. Domingue pour le Temps de la Récolte c'est adire en Janvier prochain, ou au plutard en Fevrier; il est tres essentiel qu'il arrive a St. Domingue a cette epoque, parceque les Negres se vendent toujours mieux, et le Payement en est plus prompt. J'oubliois de vous observer que je m'engagerai a faire expédier le Navire dans un délai de 3 Mois a St. Domingue.

"Je vous remercie bien sincerement de l'Avis que vous me donnez relativement a la Guerre entre les Turcs, la Russie, et l'Empereur. Je désire bien que nous voyons la Paix se rétablir avant le Mois d'Octobre.

"Je vous renouvelle l'Offre de mes Services dans ce Pays ci, ou Je serai enchanté de pouvoir vous etre utile, et

"J'ai l'Honneur d'etre avec Estime,
Monsieur,
Votre tres humble & tres
obéissant Serviteur,
Lalaune."

He was directed to withdraw.

Bill passed:

Moved, "That the said Bill, with the Amendments, do pass?"

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

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 ordered to be sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Holford and Mr. Walker:

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

Slaves, Address to His Majesty relative to, negatived.

Moved, "That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, desiring that he will be graciously pleased to give Instructions to his Governors of the several Islands in the West Indies, to recommend in His Majesty's Name to the Legislatures of such Islands, to revise the Laws relative to their Negro Slaves, and to render the same as beneficial as possible for the better Government of such Slaves, and to encourage the Increase of Native Negroes, and for instructing them in the Christian Religion, and for better protecting their Lives and Property."

Which being objected to;

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

It was resolved in the Negative.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 4^o Julii 1788.

Domini tarn Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Bills passed by Commission.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That His Majesty had been pleased to issue a Commission to several Lords therein named, for declaring His Royal Assent to an Act agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament."

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Then Three of the Lords Commissioners, being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, the Lord Chancellor in the Middle, with the Archbishop of Canterbury on his Right Hand, and the Duke of Chandos on his Left, commanded the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod to signify to the Commons, "The Lords Commissioners desire their immediate Attendance in this House, to hear the Commission read."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

The Lord Chancellor said,

"My Lords, and Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

"His Majesty not thinking fit to be personally present here at this Time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, and thereby given His Royal Assent to divers Acts, which have been agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament, the Titles whereof are particularly mentioned; and by the said Commission hath commanded us to declare and notify His Royal Assent to the said several Acts, in the Presence of you the Lords and Commons assembled for that Purpose; which Commission you will now hear read."

Then the said Commission was read by the Clerk, as follows:

"GEORGE R.

"George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth: To Our right trusty and right well-beloved the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and to Our trusty and well-beloved the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, and the Commissioners for Shires and Burghs of the House of Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, Greeting. Whereas We have seen and perfectly understood divers and sundry Acts agreed and accorded on by you Our loving Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons, in this Our present Parliament assembled, and endorsed by you as hath been accustomed, the Titles and Names of which Acts hereafter do particularly ensue; (that is to say) "An Act for giving Relief to such Persons as have suffered in their Rights and Properties during the late unhappy Dissentions in America, in consequence of their Loyalty to His Majesty, and Attachment to the British Government; and for making Compensation to such Persons as have suffered in their Properties, in consequence of the Cession of the Province of East Florida to the King of Spain." "An Act for discontinuing for a limited Time, the several Duties payable in Scotland upon Low Wines and Spirits, and upon Worts, Wash, and other Liquors there used in the Distillation of Spirits, and for granting to His Majesty other Duties in lieu thereof; and for better regulating the Exportation of British made Spirits from England to Scotland, and from Scotland to England; and to continue for a limited Time an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue for a limited Time, the Payment of the Duties upon Low Wines and Spirits for Home Consumption; and for granting and securing the due Payment of other Duties in lieu thereof, and for the better Regulation of the making and vending British Spirits; and for discontinuing for a limited Time certain Imposts and Duties upon Rum and Spirits imported from the West Indies." "An Act to enable His Majesty to grant a certain Annuity to the Most Noble Aubrey Duke of Saint Alban's." "An Act for obviating a Doubt in an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for settling and securing a certain Annuity, for the Use of Lady Maria Carlton, Wife of Sir Guy Carlton, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and Guy Carlton and Thomas Carlton, Sons of the said Sir Guy Carlton, in Consideration of the eminent Services performed by him to His Majesty and this Country." An Act for obviating a Doubt in an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to grant a certain Annuity to Brook Watson Esquire, late Commissary General in North America, in Consideration of his diligent and meritorious Services in that Office." "An Act for charging several Estates in the Counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Durham, settled upon the late Charles Radcliffe, deceased, for Life, with Remainder to his First and other Sons in Tail Male, with the Payment of a clear yearly Rent Charge of Two thousand five hundred Pounds, payable to the Grandson of the said Charles Radcliffe, the Right Honourable Anthony James Earl of Newburgh, and the Heirs Male of his Body to be begotten." "An Act to prohibit for a limited Time the Exportation of Hay." "An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament." "An Act to enable Justices of the Peace to act as such in certain Cases, out of the Limits of the Counties in which they actually are." "An Act to repeal an Act made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for regulating Insurances on Ships, and on Goods, Merchandizes, or Effects; and for substituting other Provisions for the like Purpose in lieu thereof." "An Act to indemnify and save harmless all Persons who may have incurred Penalties or Forfeitures under an Act passed in the Ninth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the present, and prevent the future Combination of Coal Owners, Lightermen, Masters of Ships, and others, to advance the Price of Coals, in Prejudice of the Navigation, Trade, and Manufactures of this Kingdom, and for the further Encouragement of the Coal Trade;" and also an Act passed in the Third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for the better Regulation of the Coal Trade;" and for the better preventing of Combinations in the Trade of Coals." "An Act for taking down the present Court House and Gaol and erecting and building a new Court House and Gaol in and for the Town and County of Inverness, and for appropriating the Sum of One thousand Pounds out of the unexhausted Balance or Surplus arising from the forfeited Estates in North Britain, towards erecting and building the same." "An Act to amend and continue for a limited Time an Act passed in the Twenty-seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for further regulating the Trade and Business of Pawnbrokers." "An Act for continuing an Act made in the Second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of several Acts of Parliament relating to the Harbour of Whitehaven in the County of Cumberland, and to the Roads leading to the said Harbour and Town of Whitehaven; and for further enlarging the said Harbour; and for lighting the said Town, and supplying the same with Water; and for regulating the Carmen there; and for repealing so much of an Act of the Twenty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, as relates to the Road from Calder Bridge to Egremont, and directing how the said Road shall be repaired; and for repairing several other Roads therein mentioned in the said County." And albeit the said Acts by you Our said Subjects the Lords and Commons in this Our present Parliament assembled, are fully agreed and consented unto, yet nevertheless the same are not of Force and Effect in the Law without Our Royal Assent given and put to the said Acts; and forasmuch as for divers Causes and Considerations, We cannot conveniently at this Time be present in Our Royal Person in the Higher House of Our said Parliament, being the Place accustomed to give Our Royal Assent to such Acts as have been agreed upon by you Our said Subjects the Lords and Commons, We have therefore caused these Our Letters Patent to be made, and have signed the same; and by the same do give and put Our Royal Assent to the said Acts, and to all Articles, Clauses, and Provisions therein contained, and have fully agreed and assented to the said Acts; Willing that the said Acts, and every Article, Clause, Sentence, and Provision therein contained, from henceforth shall be of the same Strength, Force, and Effect, as if We had been personally present in the said Higher House, and had openly and publickly in the Presence of you all assented to the same: And We do by these Presents declare and notify the same Our Royal Assent as well to you the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons aforesaid, as to all others whom it may concern: Commanding also, by these Presents, Our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor Edward Lord Thurlow, Our Chancellor of Great Britain, to seal these Our Letters Patent with Our Great Seal of Great Britain; and also, commanding Our most dear Son and Our faithful Counsellor George Prince of Wales; the Most Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor John Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of all England; Our said Chancellor of Great Britain; Our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor Charles Earl Camden, President of Our Council; Our right trusty and entirely beloved Cousin and Counsellor Granville Marquiss of Stafford, Keeper of Our Privy Seal; Our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousins and Counsellors James Duke of Chandos, Steward of Our Household; Charles Duke of Richmond, George Duke of Montagu, Master of Our Horse; Our right trusty and right wellbeloved Cousins and Counsellors James Earl of Salisbury, Chamberlain of Our Household; Henry Earl Bathurst; Our right trusty and well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors Thomas Viscount Weymouth, Groom of Our Stole; Richard Viscount Howe, First Commissioner of Our Admiralty; and Our right trusty and wellbeloved Counsellors Francis Lord Osborne, One of Our Principal Secretaries of State; and Thomas Lord Sydney, One other of Our Principal Secretaries of State, and Lloyd Lord Kenyon Our Chief Justice assigned to hold Pleas before Us, or any Three or more of them, to declare and notify this Our Royal Assent, in Our Absence, in the said Higher House, in the Presence of you the said Lords and the Commons of Our Parliament, there to be assembled for that Purpose; and the Clerk of Our Parliaments to endorse the said Acts with such Terms and Words, in Our Name, as is requisite, and hath been accustomed for the same; and also, to enrol these Our Letters Patent and the said Acts, in the Parliament Roll; and these Our Letters Patent shall be to every of them, a sufficient Warrant in that Behalf: And finally, We do declare and will, that after this Our Royal Assent given and passed by these Presents, and declared and notified as is aforesaid, then and immediately the said Acts shall be taken, accepted, and admitted good, sufficient, and perfect Acts of Parliament, and Laws, to all Intents, Constructions, and Purposes, and to be put into due Execution accordingly; the Continuance or Dissolution of this Our Parliament, or any other Use, Custom, Thing or Things to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. In Witness whereof, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent.

"Witness Ourself at Westminster, the Fourth Day of July, in the Twenty-eighth Year of Our Reign.

"By the King Himself, signed with His own Hand.

"Yorke."

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

"In Obedience to His Majesty's Commands, and by virtue of the Commission which has been now read, we do declare and notify to you the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty hath given His Royal Assent to the several Acts in the Commission mentioned; and the Clerks are required to pass the same, in the usual Form and Words."

Then the Clerk Assistant, having received the Money Bills from the Hands of the Speaker, brought them to the Table, where the Deputy Clerk of the Crown read the Titles of those and the other Bills to be passed, severally, as follows; (videlicet)

1. "An Act for giving Relief to such Persons as have suffered in their Rights and Properties during the late unhappy Dissentions in America, in consequence of their Loyalty to His Majesty and Attachment to the British Government, and for making Compensation to such Persons as have suffered in their Properties in consequence of the Cession of the Province of East Florida to the King of Spain."

2. "An Act for discontinuing for a limited Time, the several Duties payable in Scotland upon Low Wines and Spirits, and upon Worts, Wash, and other Liquors there used in the Distillation of Spirits, and for granting to His Majesty other Duties in lieu thereof; and for better regulating the Exportation of British made Spirits from England to Scotland, and from Scotland to England; and to continue for a limited Time an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue for a limited Time the Payment of the Duties upon Low Wines and Spirits for Home Consumption, and for granting and securing the due Payment of other Duties in lieu thereof; and for the better Regulation of the making and vending British Spirits; and for discontinuing for a limited Time certain Imposts and Duties upon Rum and Spirits imported from the West Indies."

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, by the Clerk Assistant, severally, in these Words; (videlicet)

"Le Roy remercie ses bons Sujets, accepte leur Benevolence, et ainsi le veult."

3. "An Act to enable His Majesty to grant a certain Annuity to the Most Noble Aubrey Duke of Saint Alban's."

4. "An Act for obviating a Doubt in an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for settling and securing a certain Annuity for the Use of Lady Maria Carlton, Wife of Sir Guy Carlton, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and Guy Carlton, and Thomas Carlton, Sons of the said Sir Guy Carlton, in Consideration of the eminent Services performed by him to His Majesty and this Country."

5. "An Act for obviating a Doubt in an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to grant a certain Annuity to Brook Watson Esquire, late Commissary General in North America, in Consideration of his diligent and meritorious Services in that Office."

6. "An Act for charging several Estates in the Counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Durham, settled upon the late Charles Radcliffe, deceased, for Life, with Remainder to his first and other Sons in Tail Male, with the Payment of a clear yearly Rent Charge of Two thousand five hundred Pounds, payable to the Grandson of the said Charles Radcliffe, the Right Honourable Anthony James Earl of Newburgh, and the Heirs Male of his Body to be begotten."

7. "An Act to prohibit for a limited Time the Exportation of Hay."

8. "An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament."

9. "An Act to enable Justices of the Peace to act as such in certain Cases out of the Limits of the Counties in which they actually are."

10. "An Act to repeal an Act made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for regulating Insurances on Ships, and on Goods, Merchandizes, or Effects, and for substituting other Provisions for the like Purpose in lieu thereof."

11. "An Act to indemnify and save harmless all Persons who may have incurred Penalties or Forfeitures under an Act passed in the Ninth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the present, and prevent the future Combination of Coal Owners, Lightermen, Masters of Ships, and others, to advance the Price of Coals, in Prejudice of the Navigation, Trade, and Manufactures of this Kingdom; and for the further Encouragement of the Coal Trade;" and also an Act passed in the Third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for the better Regulation of the Coal Trade;" and for the better preventing of Combinations in the Trade of Coals."

12. "An Act for taking down the present Court House and Gaol, and erecting and building a new Court House and Gaol in and for the Town and County of Inverness; and for appropriating the Sum of One thousand Pounds out of the unexhausted Balance or Surplus arising from the forfeited Estates in North Britain, towards erecting and building the same."

13. "An Act to amend and continue for a limited Time an Act passed in the Twenty-seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for further regulating the Trade and Business of Pawnbrokers."

14. "An Act for continuing an Act made in the Second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of several Acts of Parliament relating to the Harbour of Whitehaven in the County of Cumberland, and to the Roads leading to the said Harbour and Town of Whitehaven, and for further enlarging the said Harbour; and for lighting the said Town, and supplying the same with Water; and for regulating the Carmen there; and for repealing so much of an Act of the Twenty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, as relates to the Road from Calder Bridge to Egremont, and directing how the said Road shall be repaired; and for repairing several other Roads therein-mentioned in the said County."

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, severally, by the Clerk Assistant, in these Words; (videlicet)

"Le Roy le veult."

Then the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Slave Trade Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir William Dolben and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate, for a limited Time, the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time To-morrow; and that the Lords be summoned.

Hastings' Trial, Message from H. C. for Witnesses to be summoned:

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir James Erskine and others, as follows; (videlicet)

"My Lords,

"I am directed by the Commons to bring to your Lordships a List of the Names of several Witnesses to be examined to make out the Impeachment against Warren Hastings Esquire, and to desire of your Lordships that you will be pleased to make out Summonses for their Attendance at the said Trial on the Day appointed by your Lordships for proceeding therein."

The said List is as follows:

"Major Roberts.

William Young Esquire.

Nathaniel Brassey Halhed Esquire."

Answer to said Message.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Holford and Mr. Walker:

To acquaint them, That the Lords will give Order for summoning the Witnesses to be produced at the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, as desired.

Lee against Wilkinsons, in Error.

Whereas John Lee Plaintiff in a Writ of Error brought into this House, with a Transcript of the Record of the Court of King's Bench, wherein Judgement is entered for William Wilkinson and Thomas Wilkinson, Defendants in the said Writ, has assigned Errors, and alledging Diminution, has prayed that His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari may be awarded on his Behalf:

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari be forthwith issued out (on the Behalf of the said Plaintiff), and directed in such usual Manner as in the like Cases is accustomed, for the more perfect certifying of the said Record into this House, within Ten Days next ensuing the Date of this Order.

Like against Hercy et al. in Error.

Whereas Thomas Like Plaintiff in a Writ of Error brought into this House, with a Transcript of the Record of the Court of King's Bench, wherein Judgement is entered for Lovelace Hercy and others, Defendants in the said Writ, has assigned Errors, and alledging Diminution, has prayed that His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari may be awarded on his Behalf:

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari be forthwith issued out (on the Behalf of the said Plaintiff), and directed in such usual Manner as in the like Cases is accustomed, for the more perfect certifying of the said Record into this House, within Ten Days next ensuing the Date of this Order.

Taylor against Perry, in Error.

Whereas Robert Taylor Plaintiff in a Writ of Error brought into this House, with a Transcript of the Record of the Court of King's Bench, wherein Judgement is entered for James Perry, Defendant in the said Writ, has assigned Errors, and alledging Diminution, has prayed that His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari may be awarded on his Behalf:

It is thereupon Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty's Writ of Certiorari be forthwith issued out (on Behalf of the said Plaintiff), and directed in such usual Manner as in the like Cases is accustomed, for the more perfect certifying of the said Record into this House, within Ten Days next ensuing the Date of this Order.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, quintum diem instantis Julii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Sabbati, 5^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Bruces and Hamilton against Bruce:

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Elizabeth Bruce and Margaret Bruce, Daughters of the deceased David Bruce of Kinnaird Esquire, and of James Hamilton of Bangour Esquire, Husband of the said Margaret, for his Interest, complaining of Three Interlocutors of the Lord Ordinary in Scotland of the 7th of December 1787, and 26th of February and 8th of March 1788; and also of an Interlocutor of the Lords of Session there of the 1st of July 1788; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied, or amended, or that the Appellants may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, shall seem proper; and that James Bruce of Kinnaird Esquire, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said James Bruce may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in his Answer thereunto in Writing, on or before Saturday the Second Day of August next, and Service of this Order upon the said Respondent, or upon any of his known Counsel or Agents in the Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Chalmer to enter into Recognizance on said Appeal.

The House being moved, "That James Chalmer of Buckingham Street, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Elizabeth Bruce and others, on account of their Appeal depending in this House, they residing in Scotland:"

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

Slave Trade Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate, for a limited Time, the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

Petitions against:

A Petition of the West India Planters and Merchants, residing in Bristol, was presented and read, taking Notice of the said Bill; and praying their Lordships, "That the further Consideration of the said Bill may be postponed till the next Session of Parliament."

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

A Petition of the Merchants of the City of London, concerned in the African Trade, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, was presented and read, taking Notice of the last-mentioned Bill; and praying, "That they may be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agent, against the said Bill; and that the same may not pass into a Law."

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

A Petition of the several Persons whose Names are thereunto subscribed, on Behalf of themselves, and all other Persons of the Town of Liverpool, carrying on or concerned in the African Trade, was presented and read, taking Notice of the said last-mentioned Bill; and praying, "That they may be heard by their Counsel against the said Bill at the Bar of the House; and that the same may not pass into a Law."

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

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Then the said Petitions being again read;

Ordered, That Counsel be heard in Support of the said Petitions against the said Bill, with Liberty for Mr. Dawson to be heard in Support of the said Bill, if he thinks fit.

Counsel heard in Support of Petitions.

Then Counsel were called in to be heard upon the said Petitions; and Mr. Pigott and Mr. Douglas appearing in Support of the Petition of the several Persons of the Town of Liverpool, against the said Bill:

And Mr. Graham appearing in Support of the Petition of the Merchants of London:

Mr. Pigott was heard in Part in Support of the Liverpool Petition.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Then the Counsel were again called in; and Mr. Pigott was ordered to confine himself to the Subject Matter of the said Petitions.

Mr. Douglas was heard also in Behalf of the said Liverpool Petition.

Mr. Graham was heard in Support of the Petition of the Merchants of London.

Then Mr. Dawson was called in, and being asked, "If he had any Evidence to lay before the House," he said, "He had not."

He was directed to withdraw.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Then the said Bill was read a Second 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; and that the Lords be summoned.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Lunæ, 7^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Bill, Petitions against.

Upon reading the Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Society of Merchant Venturers in the City of Bristol, under their Common Seal, taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and praying their Lordships, "That the said Bill may not pass into a Law, and that a sufficient Force may be immediately sent to the Island of Jamaica, to prevent those Consequences which from recent Advices there is the greatest Reason to dread:"

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

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

Moved, "That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday the 14th Day of this Instant July."

The same was agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

Upon reading the Petition of Thomas Williams Esquire, on Behalf of himself and his Co-partners in the Manufacture of Brass Battery and other Copper, Brass, and mixed Metal Goods for the African Trade, at Holywell in the County of Flint, Penclawdd in the County of Glamorgan, and Temple Mills in the County of Berks, taking Notice of the last mentioned Bill; and praying their Lordships, "That he may be heard by Counsel against the said Bill, and that the same may not pass into a Law without an adequate Indemnity, or such other Relief as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

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

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, octavum diem instantis Julii, horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Martis, 8^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Regulation Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir William Dolben and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Mercurii, 9^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Bill rejected.

Moved, "That the Order made on Monday last for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa," on Monday next, be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

Ordered, That the said Order be discharged.

Ordered, That the said Bill be rejected.

Slave Trade Regulation Bill, Petition against:

A Petition of the several Persons whose Names are thereunto subscribed, on Behalf of themselves and all other Persons of the Town of Liverpool, carrying on or concerned in the African Trade, was presented and read, taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and praying their Lordships, "That the said Bill may not be precipitately passed through the the House, but that the Petitioners may be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agent, against the said Bill:"

Ordered, That the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by themselves or Agents against the said Bill, as desired.

Tarleton heard in Support of said Petition:

Accordingly, Mr. Tarleton was called in, and heard on Behalf of himself and the Rest of the said Petitioners.

He was directed to withdraw.

Williams' Petition against said Bill:

A Petition of Thomas Williams Esquire, on Behalf of himself and his Co-partners in the Manufacture of Brass Battery, Copper, Brass, and mixed Metal Goods, for the African Trade, at Holywell in the County of Flint, Penclawdd in the County of Glamorgan, and Temple Mills in the County of Berks, was presented and read, taking Notice of the said Bill; and praying their Lordships, "That he may be heard by Counsel against the said Bill, and that the same may not pass into a Law without an adequate Indemnity, or such other Relief as their Lordships shall see fit."

Ordered, That the Petitioner be at Liberty to be heard by himself or Agent against the said Bill.

Williams heard in Support thereof:

Then Mr. Williams was called in, and heard relative to the Subject Matter of the said Petition.

He was directed to withdraw.

Bill read 2d Time.

Then the said Bill was read a Second 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 To-morow; and that the Lords be summoned.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Jovis, 10^o Julii 1788.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Ld. Le Despencer takes his Seat:

This Day Thomas Lord Le Despencer sat first in Parliament after the Death of his Grandmother Baroness Le Despencer; 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 Lordships Pedigree, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Slave Trade Regulation Bill, Petitions against.

Upon reading the Petition of Miles Peter Andrews, on Behalf of himself, and of Frederick Pigou the Elder and Frederick Pigou the Younger, his Partners; taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" and praying their Lordships, "To take their Case, connected as it is with the good of the Public, into their Consideration; and that some Provision may be made in the said Bill to indemnify them against any Loss they may sustain from the said Bill if enacted into a Law:"

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

Upon reading the Petition of John Dawson of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster, Merchant, on Behalf of himself, and Peter Baker of Liverpool, Merchant, taking Notice of the said Bill; and praying their Lordships, "That Provision may be made in the said Bill for permitting the said Peter Baker and the Petitioner to perform their respective Contracts with the Spanish King; and that Five Slaves to Three Tons may be the general Proportion with respect to Vessels of all Degrees of Tonnage; and that no Distinction may exist in the said Bill as to the Age, Size, or Sex of the Slaves; and that the Petitioner may be heard at their Lordships Bar by himself or his Agents in Support of his Petition:"

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

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 11^o Julii 1788.

REX.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Slave Trade Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Eames and Mr. Walker:

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

The House was adjourned during Pleasure to robe.

The House was resumed.

King present.

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

Who being come, with their Speaker;

The Deputy Clerk of the Crown read the Title of the Bill to be passed, as follows; (videlicet)

Slave Trade Bill passed.

1. "An Act to regulate for a limited Time the shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa."

To this Bill the Royal Assent was pronounced, by the Clerk Assistant, in these Words; (videlicet)

"Le Roy le veult."

Then His Majesty was pleased to speak as follows; (videlicet)

His Majesty's Speech.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"In the present advanced Season of the Year, and after the laborious Attendance which the Public Business has required of you, I think it necessary to put an End to the present Session of Parliament. I cannot do this without expressing the Satisfaction with which I have observed the uniform and diligent Attention to the Welfare of My People, which has appeared in all your Proceedings.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

"The Chearfulness and Liberality with which you have granted the necessary Supplies, demand My particular Acknowledgements. It must afford you the greatest Satisfaction, that you have been enabled, without any Addition to the Burthens of My People, to provide for the extraordinary Exigencies of the last Year, in Addition to the current Demands of the Public Service, and to the Sum annually appropriated to the Reduction of the National Debt.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"I see with Concern the Continuance of the War between Russia and the Porte, in which the Emperor has also taken a Part. But the general State of Europe, and the Assurances which I receive from Foreign Powers, afford Me every Reason to expect that My Subjects will continue to enjoy the Blessings of Peace. The Engagements which I have recently entered into with My good Brother the King or Prussia, and those with the States General of the United Provinces, which have already been communicated to you, are directed to this Object, which I have uniformly in view, and they will, I trust, be productive of the happiest Consequences in promoting the Security and Welfare of My own Dominions, and in contributing to the general Tranquility of Europe."

Then the Lord Chancellor, having received Directions from His Majesty, said,

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

Parliament prorogued.

"It is His Majesty's Royal Will and Pleasure, That this Parliament be prorogued to Thursday the 25th Day of September next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thursday the 25th Day of September next."