House of Lords Journal Volume 39: May 1792 21-30

May 1792 21-30

DIE Lunæ, 21^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Edwick against Doe, in Error.

The Lord Kenyon, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, in the usual Manner delivered in at the Table a Writ of Error, wherein,

Quilter George Edwick is Plaintiff,
and
John Doe Defendant.

Slave Trade, &c. further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the present State of the Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves; and also into the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton Trade, and into the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same; and for the Lords to be summoned; and for the several Petitioners to be heard by their Counsel at the Bar of the House, in Support of their Petitions against the Abolition of the Slave Trade:

Counsel were accordingly called in.

And the Right Honourable George Lord Macartney was called in, sworn, and examined.

Then John Grant Esquire was called in, sworn, and examined.

The Witnesses were directed to withdraw.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the House do proceed to take into further Consideration the present State of the said Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves; and also the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton Trade; and the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same, on Thursday next; and that the Counsel be called in at Twelve o'Clock; and that the Lords be summoned.

E. Dorchester introduced:

Joseph Lord Milton, being by Letters Patent bearing Date the Eighteenth of May in the Thirty-second Year of His present Majesty, created Earl of Dorchester, was (in His Robes) introduced between the Earl of Shaftesbury and the Earl of Aylesford (also in their Robes), the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod, and Garter King at Arms preceding, His Lordship, on His Knee, presented His Patent to the Lord Chancellor at the Woolsack, who delivered it to the Clerk, and the same was read at the Table:

His Writ of Summons was also read as follows; (videlicet)

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 Cousin Joseph Earl of Dorchester, Greeting. Whereas Our Parliament, for arduous and urgent Affairs concerning Us, the State, and Defence of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and the Church, is now met at Our City of Westminster; We, strictly enjoining, command you, under the Faith and Allegiance by which you are bound to Us, that considering the Difficulty of the said Affairs and Dangers impending, all Excuses being laid aside, you be personally present at Our aforesaid Parliament with Us, and with the Prelates, Nobles, and Peers of Our said Kingdom, to treat of the aforesaid Affairs, and to give your Advice; and this you may in no wise omit, as you tender Us and Our Honour, and the Safety and Defence of the said Kingdom and Church, and the Dispatch of the said Affairs. Witness Ourself at Westminster the Eighteenth Day of May, in the Thirtysecond Year of Our Reign.

"Yorke."

Then his Lordship took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Earls' Bench.

Pedigree delivered.

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

D. Bedford takes the Oaths.

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

Lihel Juries Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the further Consideration of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to remove Doubts respecting the Functions of Juries in Cases of Libel;" and the adjourned Debate thereupon; and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House proceeded to take the said Bill into further Consideration.

After long Debate,

The Question was put, "Whether the said Bill shall be committed?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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 Friday next.

Seditious Publications, Proclamation respecting, delivered.

The Lord Grenville (by His Majesty's Command) laid before the House,

"Copy of a Proclamation, dated at the Queen's House this 21st Day of May 1792."

The said Proclamation was read by the Clerk, as follows; (videlicet)

By the King,

A Proclamation.

GEORGE R.

Whereas divers wicked and seditious Writings have been printed, published, and industriously dispersed, tending to excite Tumult and Disorder, by endeavouring to raise groundless Jealousies and Discontents in the Minds of Our faithful and loving Subjects, respecting the Laws and happy Constitution of Government, civil and religious, established in this Kingdom, and endeavouring to vilify and bring into Contempt the wise and wholesome Provisions made at the Time of the glorious Revolution, and since strengthened and confirmed by subsequent Laws, for the Preservation and Security of the Rights and Liberties of Our faithful and loving Subjects: And whereas divers Writings have also been printed, published, and industriously dispersed, recommending the said wicked and seditious Publications to the Attention of all Our faithful and loving Subjects: And whereas We have also Reason to believe that Correspondences have been entered into with sundry Persons in foreign Parts, with a View to forward the criminal and wicked Purposes above-mentioned: And whereas the Wealth, Happiness, and Prosperity of this Kingdom do, under Divine Providence, chiefly depend upon a due Submission to the Laws, a just Confidence in the Integrity and Wisdom of Parliament, and a Continuance of that zealous Attachment to the Government and Constitution of the Kingdom, which has ever prevailed in the Minds of the People thereof: And whereas there is nothing which We so earnestly desire, as to secure the Public Peace and Prosperity, and to preserve to all Our loving Subjects the full Enjoyment of their Rights and Liberties, both religious and civil; We therefore being resolved, as far as in Us lies, to repress the wicked and seditious Practices aforesaid, and to deter all Persons from following so pernicious an Example, have thought fit, by the Advice of Our Privy Council, to issue this Our Royal Proclamation, solemnly warning all Our loving Subjects, as they tender their own Happiness, and that of their Posterity, to guard against all such Attempts which aim at the Subversion of all regular Government within this Kingdom, and which are inconsistent with the Peace and Order of Society; and earnestly exhorting them, at all Times, and to the utmost of their Power, to avoid and discourage all Proceedings tending to produce Riots and Tumults: And We do strictly charge and command all Our Magistrates in and throughout Our Kingdom of Great Britain, that they do make diligent Enquiry in order to discover the Authors and Printers of such wicked and seditious Writings as aforesaid, and all others who shall disperse the same. And We do further charge and command all Our Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Chief Magistrates in Our Cities, Boroughs, and Corporations, and all other Our Officers and Magistrates throughout Our Kingdom of Great Britain, that they do, in their several and respective Stations, take the most immediate and effectual Care to suppress and prevent all Riots, Tumults, and other Disorders which may be attempted to be raised or made by any Person or Persons, which, on whatever Pretext they may be grounded, are not only contrary to Law, but dangerous to the most important Interests of this Kingdom: And We do further require and command all and every Our Magistrates aforesaid, that they do, from Time to Time, transmit to one of Our Principal Secretaries of State due and full Information of such Persons as shall be found offending as aforesaid, or in any Degree aiding or abetting therein; it being Our Determination, for the Preservation of the Peace and Happiness of Our faithful and loving Subjects, to carry the Laws vigorously into Execution against such Offenders as aforesaid. Given at Our Court at the Queen's House, the Twenty-first Day of May One thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, in the Thirtysecond Year of Our Reign.

"God save the King."

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

Evidence on Slave Trade, to be printed.

Ordered, That the Evidence on the Slave Trade, as taken from Day to Day, be printed.

Servants' Characters Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to prevent the forging and counterseiting Certificates of Servants' Characters:"

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

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, vicesimum secundum diem instantis Maii, horâ decimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Martis, 22^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

E. Radnor's Estate Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting several Lands and Hereditaments, of which Jacob Earl of Radnor is Tenant for Life, in Trustees, to be sold, and for laying out the Money to arise therefrom in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the like Uses, in Lieu thereof."

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. Pepys and Mr. Ord:

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

Parish Apprentices Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the further Regulation of Parish Apprentices;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

Lewknor Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste and other Commonable Lands or Grounds, within the Divisions of Lewknor and Postcomb, in the Manor and Parish of Lewknor, and for the Exchange of Lands and Estates within the respective Parishes of Lewknor and Adwell, in the County of Oxford;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Whitchurch Bridge Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a Bridge at or near the Ferry over the River Thames, from Whitchurch, in the County of Oxford, to the opposite Shore in the Parish of Pangbourn, in the County of Berks;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Cirencester Small Debts Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts within the Hundreds of Cirencester, Crowthorne, and Minty, Brightwells Bar row, Rapsgate, Bradley, Bisley, and Longtree, commonly called The Seven Hundreds of Cirencester, in the County of Gloucester;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Broadstairs Harbour Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing or re-building the Pier adjoining to the Harbour of Broadstairs, in the Isle of Thanet, in the County of Kent; and for the better preserving the said Harbour; and for removing and preventing Obstructions, Nuisances, and Annoyances, and regulating the Mooring of Ships and Vessels within the said Harbour;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships' Amendment made thereto.

Strahan's Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Major Maitland and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable the Vicar of the Parish and Parish Church of Saint Mary Islington, in the County of Middlesex, to grant building Leases of certain Glebe Lands belonging to the said Vicarage;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Dean and Chapter of Bristol's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enabling the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Bristol, to grant a Lease of Part of the Lands of the said Dean and Chapter, in the Parish of Saint Michael-the-Archangel, in the City of Bristol, for the Purpose of building thereon;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Griffith's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting the settled Estates of Thomas Griffith Esquire, and Henrietta Maria his Wife, in the Parish of Kiddington alias Cuddington, in the County of Chester, and in the Parishes of Llanvilling and Penant, in the County of Montgomery, in Sir Richard Brooke Baronet, as Mortgagee in Fee-simple; and for vesting the Equity of Redemption thereof, in the said Thomas Griffith, and His Heirs, and for settling an Estate of the said Thomas Griffith, in the Parish of Mold, in the County of Flint, in Lieu thereof;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Newspaper Printers, &c. Indemnity Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to indemnify Persons, being Proprietors, Printers, and Editors of Newspapers and other Publications, from certain Penalties incurred under several Acts therein mentioned, relative to Lotteries."

Auction Duty Exemption Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to exempt Whale Oil, and other Articles therein mentioned, and sold by Auction in Great Britain, from the Duty imposed on such Sales."

Foreign Stained Paper Duty Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Duties upon foreign printed, painted, or stained Paper, imported into Great Britain."

Alehouse Licences Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to amend so much of two Acts made in the Twentysixth and Twenty-ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, as relates to the licensing of Alehouse Keepers and Victuallers; and for better regulating Alehouses, and the Manner of granting such Licences in future; and also of granting Licences to Persons selling Wines to be drank in their Houses."

Mersey Navigation Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for altering and amending an Act passed in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the First, intituled, "An Act for making the Rivers Mercy (now called Mersey) and Irwell navigable from Liverpool to Manchester, in the County Palatine of Lancaster;" and for incorporating the Proprietors of the said Navigation, and to declare their respective Shares therein to be Personal Estate."

Gedling Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Enclosed Common Fields, Common Woods, Wastes, Commons, and other Lands, within the Parish of Gedling, comprizing the several Hamlets of Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, and Carlton, in the County of Nottingham."

Lambley Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Coppices, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Lambley, in the County of Nottingham."

Carmarthen Roads Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing, altering, and improving the Road from Golden Grove Park, in the Parish of Llandilofawr, to the Turnpike Road leading from the New Bridge over the River Towy to the Lime Kilns in the Parish of Llandarog, and also several other Roads therein mentioned, all in the County of Carmarthen."

Hackney Coaches and Chairs Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend so much of an Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to Hackney Coaches and Chairs."

Southleigh Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Commons, Heaths, Waste, and other Commonable Lands or Grounds, within the Manor and Chapelry of Southleigh, in the Parish of Stanton Harcourt, in the County of Oxford."

Tadcaster Road Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term and enlarging the Powers of two Acts passed in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, and the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Tadcaster Bridge, within the County of the City of York, to a Place near the said City called Hobmoor Lane End."

Carmarthen Gaol, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building a new Gaol and House of Correction for the Town and County Borough of Carmarthen, and for supplying the said Town and County Borough, and the Liberties thereof with Water; and for paving, watching, lighting, cleansing, and regulating the Streets, Lanes, Ways, Roads, and Public Passages, and for widening and making the same more commodious, and removing and preventing Nuisances, Annoyances, and Obstructions therein; and for other Purposes."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Newport Navigation Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making and maintaining a Navigable Cut or Canal from or from some Place near Pontnewynydd into the River Usk, at or near the Town of Newport; and a Collateral Cut or Canal from the same at or near a Place called Cryndau Farm to or near to Crumlin Bridge, all in the County of Monmouth; and for making and maintaining Railways or Stone Roads from such Cuts or Canals to several Iron Works and Mines, in the Counties of Monmouth and Brecknock."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. with 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.

Mold Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Commons and Waste Lands within the Manor and Parish of Mold, in the County of Flint."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with an Amendment to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To return the said Bill, and acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the same, with one Amendment, to which Their Lordships' desire their Concurrence.

Monk Fryston Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Township of Monk Fryston, in the West Riding of the County of York."

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

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

Tockwith Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Ings, Meadows, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Township of Tockwith, in the Parish of Bilton, in the County of the City of York."

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.

Hutton Bushell Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to extend the Powers and Provisions of an Act of the Thirtieth Year of His present Majesty, for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Township of Hutton Bushell, in the North Riding of the County of York, to the Township of West Ayton, in the Parish of Hutton Bushell aforesaid."

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

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

Montgomery, &c. Poor Bill.

The Lord Cathcart reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor, belonging to the Parishes of Montgomery and Pool, and certain other Parishes and Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Montgomery and Salop," 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."

Portsea Paving Bill.

The Lord Cathcart made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better paving, cleansing, widening, and regulating the Streets, Courts, Roads, Lanes, Ways, Rows, Alleys, and Public Passages and Places within the Town of Portsea, in the County of Southampton; and for removing and preventing Nuisances, Annoyances, and Obstructions, within the said Town," was committed.

Tewkesbury Poor Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor, of and belonging to the Parish of Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester," was committed.

Bury St. Edmund's Road Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing and improving the Road leading from the Town of Bury Saint Edmunds, in the County of Suffolk, to and through the Town of Thetford, in the County of Norfolk to the present Turnpike Road leading from Lynn, through the Parish of Cranwich, in the said County of Norfolk," was committed.

Westerham Road Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Tenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing, widening, and keeping in Repair the Road leading from the Eaton Bridge Turnpike Road at Cockham Hill, in the Parish of Westerham, in the County of Kent, through the Village of Limpsfield, to the Village of Titsey, over Botley Hill, Worms Heath, and Wallingham Common, to the Turnpike Road leading from Croydon to Godstone, in the County of Surrey," was committed.

Great Farringdon Road Bill.

The Lord Hawke made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the Road from the Market House, in the Town of Great Farringdon, in the County of Berks, to Burford, in the County of Oxford," was committed.

Horncastle Navigation Bill.

The Earl of Strafford made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enlarging and improving the Canal called Tattershall Canal, from the River Witham to the Town of Tattershall, and extending the same into the River Bain; and for making the said River Bain navigable from thence to or into the Town of Horncastle, all in the County of Lincoln; and also for amending and rendering complete the Navigable Communication between the said River Witham and the Fosdike Canal, through the High Bridge, in the City of Lincoln," was committed.

Berwick Roads Bill.

The Earl of Breadalbane made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act of the Twelfth Year of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for repairing and widening the Roads from the Confines of the County of Berwick, at or near Banghouse Walls, to Compton's Lanes and Eymouth, and from the Town of Eccles to Eymouth, and from Whitelaw Muir to Compton's Lanes, in the County of Berwick, and for repairing, widening, and amending several Roads, and for regulating the Statute Labour, in the said County of Berwick," was committed.

Hexham Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Parts of the Commons, Moors, or Tracts of Waste Land, called Hexamshire, and Allendale Common, and also certain Town Fields within the Regality or Manor of Hexam, in the County of Northumberland; and for stinting the Depasturing of the other Parts of the said Commons, Moors, or Waste Lands," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Stathern Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows, Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds within the Parish of Stathern, in the County of Leicester," was committed.

Cheslyn Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Waste Lands, called Cheslyn Common, in the Liberties of Great Saredon, Little Saredon, and Great Wyrley, in the County of Stafford," was committed.

Sleaford Canal Bill.

The Duke of Ancaster reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making and maintaining a Navigation from Sleaford Castle Causeway, through the Town of Sleaford, in the County of Lincoln, along the Course of Sleaford Mill Stream and Kyme Eau, to the River Witham, at or near Chappel Hill, in the same County; and for making necessary Cuts for better effecting the said Navigation," 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 made one Amendment thereto."

Which Amendment was read by the Clerk as follow; (videlicet)

Pr. 27. L. 20. After ("expressed") insert ("Provided always, That if at any Time the said intended Stanch should be lowered, so as that the Head of the same Stanch should be less than Four Feet above the upper Sill of the said Lock, the Bottom of all the Tunnells between the first and second Locks shall be lowered in Proportion, so as to be at all Times nine Inches below the Head of the said Stanch, any Thing in the said recited Act, or in this Act contained, to the contrary notwithstanding.")"

And the said Amendment, being read a second Time, was agreed to by the House.

Bristol Gaol Bill, Petition against.

Upon reading the Petition of the several Persons, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, Citizens of, or Owners of Estates, in the City of Bristol, taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, "An Act for building a new Gaol, a Penitentiary House, and House of Correction within the City of Bristol, and for regulating, maintaining, and supporting the same; and for disposing of the present Common Gaol of the said City of Bristol, and County of the same City, and for other Purposes;" and praying, "That the said Bill may not pass into a Law, as it now stands, but that the same may be so altered and amended, as not to affect the Rights and Privileges of the Petitioners, nor charge them with a Tax for raising a Fund to defray Expences, which the Public Estate of the City is equal to:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the said Bill stands committed, and that the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by Counsel against the said Bill, before the said Committee; and that Counsel be heard for the Bill, at the same Time, if they think fit.

Leeds Church Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a new Church or Chapel in the Town of Leeds, in the West Riding of the County of York," be re-committed to the same Committee, and that they do meet to consider the same To-morrow.

Vagrants Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend an Act made in the Seventeenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act to amend and make more effectual the Laws relating to Rogues, Vagabonds, and other idle and disorderly Persons, and to Houses of Correction."

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.

Hastings' Trial:

The Order of the Day being read for the proceeding further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, upon the Articles of Impeachment brought up against him by Commons, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors:

The House was adjourned into Westminster Hall, whither the Lords and others went in the same Order as on Wednesday last.

And the Lords being there seated; and the House resumed:

Leave was asked for the Judges to be covered, which was granted.

Then Proclamation was made for Silence; also, Proclamation for the Defendant's Appearance:

Who, coming to the Bar, kneeled till he was bid by the Lord Chancellor to rise.

Then the other Proclamation, for all Persons concerned to come forth, was made.

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

"Gentlemen, You who are of Counsel for Mr. Hastings may now proceed in his Defence, and the Lords will be pleased to give Attention."

Then a Witness was called in, sworn, and examined.

Then the House adjourned to the Chamber of Parliament; and being returned:

The House was resumed.

Ordered, That this House do proceed further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, To-morrow Morning, at Ten o'Clock, in Westminster Hall.

Message to H. C. that this House will proceed in the Trial.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers, to acquaint them therewith.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, vicesimum tertium diem instantis Maii, horâ decimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 23^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Bury St. Edmunds Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing and improving the Road leading from the Town of Bury Saint Edmunds, in the County of Suffolk, to and through the Town of Thetford, in the County of Norfolk, to the present Turnpike Road leading from Lynn through the Parish of Cranwich, in the said County of Norfolk."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Berwick Roads Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act of the Twelfth Year of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act for repairing and widening the Roads from the Confines of the County of Berwick, at or near Banghouse Walls, to Compton's Lanes and Eymouth, and from the Town of Eccles to Eymouth, and from Whitelaw Muir to Compton's Lanes, in the County of Berwick; and for repairing, widening, and amending several Roads, and for regulating the Statute Labour in the said County of Berwick."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Stathern Enclosure Bill:

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

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hexham Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Parts of the Commons, Moors, or Tracts of Waste Land called Hexamshire and Allendale Common, and also certain Town Fields within the Regality or Manor of Hexham, in the County of Northumberland; and for stinting the Depasturing of the other Parts of the said Commons, Moors, or Waste Land."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Montgomery, &c. Poor Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor belonging to the Parishes of Montgomery and Pool, and certain other Parishes and Places therein mentioned, in the Counties of Montgomery and Salop."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Tewkesbury Poor Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor of and belonging to the Parish of Tewkesbury, in the County of Gloucester."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Great Farringdon Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the Road from the Market House, in the Town of Great Farringdon, in the County of Berks, to Burford, in the County of Oxford."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Westerham Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Tenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing, widening, and keeping in Repair the Road leading from the Eaton Bridge Turnpike Road at Cockham Hill, in the Parish of Westerham, in the County of Kent, through the Village of Limpsfield, to the Village of Titsey, over Botley Hill, Worms Heath, and Wallingham Common, to the Turnpike Road leading from Croydon to Godstone, in the County of Surrey."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Portsea Paving Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better paving, cleansing, widening, and regulating the Streets, Courts, Roads, Lanes, Ways, Rows, Alleys, and Public Passages and Places, within the Town of Portsea, in the County of Southampton; and for removing and preventing Nuisances, Annoyances, and Obstructions within the said Town."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Horncastle Navigation Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enlarging and improving the Canal called Tattershall Canal, from the River Witham to the Town of Tattershall, and extending the same into the River Bain, and for making the said River Bain navigable from thence to or into the Town of Horncastle, all in the County of Lincoln; and also for amending and rendering complete the navigable Communication between the said River Witham and the Fosdike Canal, through the High Bridge, in the City of Lincoln."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Kinghorn, &c. Harbour Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for improving the Communication between the County of Edinburgh and the County of Fife, by the Passages or Ferries cross the Frith of Forth, between Leith and Newhaven, in the County of Edinburgh, and Kinghorn and Bruntisland, in the County of Fife; and for rendering the Harbours and landing Places more commodious."

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 the Eleven preceding Bills.

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

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

Sleaford Navigation Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making and maintaining a Navigation from Sleaford Castle Causeway, through the Town of Sleaford, in the County of Lincoln, along the Course of Sleaford Mill Stream and Kyme Eau, to the River Witham, at or near Chappel Hill, in the same County; and for making necessary Cuts for better effecting the said Navigation."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with with an Amendment to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

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

Servants Characters Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to prevent the forging and counterfeiting Certificates of Servants Characters."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Rawdon reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and made some Amendments thereto, which he was ready to report, when the House will please to receive the same."

Ordered, That the said Report be received Tomorrow.

Derby Paving Bill:

The Lord Rawdon reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for paving, cleansing, lighting, and otherwise improving the Streets, Lanes, and other public Passages and Places within the Borough of Derby; and for selling a certain Piece of Waste Ground, situate within the said Borough, called Nun's Green, towards defraying the Expence of the said Improvements," 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."

Petition against.

A Petition of the several Persons, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, being Freeholders, Owners and Occupiers of Houses, and Burgesses, within the Borough of Derby, was presented and read, taking Notice of the last mentioned Bill; and praying Their Lordships, That the said Bill may not pass as it now stands in the several Parts mentioned, and that they may be heard by their Counsel in Support of their Petition against the said Bill at the Report thereof, or that they may have such other Relief in the Premises, as to the House shall seem meet."

It was moved, "That the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by their Counsel against the said Bill, at the Third reading thereof."

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

Ordered, That the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by their Counsel against the said Bill at the Third Reading thereof; and that Counsel be heard for the Bill at the same Time, if they think fit.

Hastings' Trial:

The Order of the Day being read for the proceeding further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, upon the Articles of Impeachment brought up against him by the Commons, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors:

The House was adjourned into Westminster Hall, whither the Lords and others went in the same Order as Yesterday.

And the Lords being there seated; and the House resumed:

Leave was asked for the Judges to be covered, which was granted.

Then Proclamation was made for Silence; also, Proclamation for the Defendant's Appearance:

Who, coming to the Bar, kneeled till he was bid by the Lord Chancellor to rise.

Then the other Proclamation, for all Persons concerned to come forth, was made.

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

"Gentlemen, You who are of Counsel for Mr. Hastings may now proceed in his Defence, and the Lords will be pleased to give Attention."

Then a Witness was called in, sworn and examined.

Then the House adjourned to the Chamber of Parliament; and being returned:

The House was resumed.

Ordered, That this House do proceed further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, on Wednesday Morning next, at Ten o'Clock in Westminster Hall.

Message to H. C. that this House will proceed in the Trial.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers, to acquaint them therewith.

Scotch Episcopalians Bill.

The House proceeded to take into Consideration the Amendments made by the Committee of the whole House, to the Bill, intituled, "An Act for granting Relief to Pastors, Ministers, and Lay Persons of the Episcopal Communion in Scotland."

And the same, being read Twice by the Clerk, were agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be engrossed.

Irish Seamen Bill.

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

With a Bill intituled, "An Act for extending certain Acts therein mentioned to Petty Officers and Seamen, Non-commissioned Officers of Marines, and Marines serving, or who may have served on board any of His Majesty's Ships, and residing in Ireland;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Ashton under-Lyne Canal Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for making a Navigable Canal from Manchester to or near Ashtonunder-Lyne, and Oldham, in the County Palatine of Lancaster;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The last-mentioned Bill was read the First Time.

Beer Harbour Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for making a Harbour in the Cove of Beer, in the County of Devon;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Mold Enclosure Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Commons and Waste Lands within the Manor and Parish of Mold, in the County of Flint;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships' Amendment made thereto.

Vagrants Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend an Act made in the Seventeenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act to amend and make more effectual the Laws relating to Rogues, Vagabonds, and other Idle and disorderly Persons, and to Houses of Correction:"

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Thursday the 31st Day of this instant May.

Lambley Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Coppices, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Lambley, in the County of Nottingham."

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

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

Gedling Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Enclosed Common Fields, Common Woods, Wastes, Commons, and other Lands, within the Parish of Gedling, comprizing the several Hamlets of Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, and Carlton, in the County of Nottingham."

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.

Southleigh Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Commons, Heaths, Waste, and other Commonable Lands or Grounds, within the Manor and Chapelry of Southleigh, in the Parish of Stanton Harcourt, in the County of Oxford."

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.

Nith Salmon Fishery Bill.

The Lord Cathcart reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for regulating and improving the Salmon Fisheries in the River Nith, in the County of Dumfries," 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."

Glasgow Roads Bill.

The Lord Cathcart made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to continue the Term of two Acts made in the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing several Roads leading into the City of Glasgow, so far as the same relate to the Roads from the City of Glasgow to Yoker Bridge, to Renfrew Bridge, to the Three Mile House, to the Town of Airdrie, and from the Village of Gorbals to the Chapel of Cambuslang, in the Counties of Lanerk and Renfrew; so far as the said Act relates to the Road from the City of Glasgow to Yoker Bridge; and for more effectually making, widening, repairing, and keeping in Repair, the said Road, and the Road of Communication between the said Road from Glasgow to Yoker Bridge, and the Canal from the Forth to the Clyde," was committed.

Great Carlton Drainage Bill.

The Lord Cathcart made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for more effectually draining and preserving certain Low Lands, within the Parish of Great Carlton, in the County of Lincoln," was committed.

Burford Roads, &c. Bill.

The Earl of Radnor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the Road leading from the Town of Burford, in the County of Oxford, to Leachlade, in the County of Gloucester; and for making a Road from thence to the River Isis or Thames; for building a Bridge across the said River, and for making a Road from thence to join the present Road leading from Leachlade to Inglesham; and for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the said last-mentioned Road, to and through the Town of Highworth, in the County of Wilts, to the present Turnpike Road leading from Cricklade to Swindon, in the same County," was committed.

Hutton Bushell Enclosure Bill.

The Earl Fitzwilliam reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to extend the Powers and Provisions of an Act, of the Thirtieth Year of His present Majesty, for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Township of Hutton Bushell, in the North Riding of the County of York, to the Township of West Ayton, in the Parish of Hutton Bushell aforesaid," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Leeds Church Bill

The Lord Cathcart reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a new Church or Chapel in the Town of Leeds, in the West Riding of the County of York," was re-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 made some Amendments thereto."

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

Pr. 1. L. 35. Leave out ("the late") and insert ("Christopher")

Pr. 2. L. 17. Leave out ("late")

Pr. 3. L. 12. Leave out ("late") and insert ("Christopher")

L. 25. Leave out ("late") and insert ("Christopher")

Pr. 5. L. 2. Leave out ("late") and insert ("Christopher")

L. 3. Leave out from ("Bristol") to ("freed") in Line 6. and insert ("his Heirs and Assigns")"

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

Liverpool Church Bill.

The Lord Cathcart also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a new Church or Chapel, within the Town and Parish of Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster," 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 made one Amendment thereto."

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

Pr. 7. L. 3. After ("Ordinary") insert ("of the Diocese")"

And the said Amendment, being read a Second Time, was agreed to by the House.

Rodmarton, &c. Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Cathcart also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, within the several Parishes of Rodmarton and Coates, in the County of Gloucester, and also for settling and ascertaining the Boundaries of the said Parishes," 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 some Amendments thereto."

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

Pr. 3. L. 20. Leave out from ("is") to ("a") in Line 22.

L. 24. After ("Sapperton") insert ("which is wholly surrounded by the Lands of the said Parish of Coates")"

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

Adjourn.

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

DIE Jovis, 24^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Irish Seamen Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa intituled, "An Act for extending certain Acts therein mentioned, to Petty Officers and Seamen, Non-commissioned Officers of Marines, and Marines serving, or who may have served on board any of His Majesty's Ships, and residing in Ireland."

Beer Harbour Bill.

Hodie 1^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making a Harbour in the Cove of Beer, in the County of Devon."

Cheslyn Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, and Waste Lands, called Cheslyn Common, in the Liberties of Great Saredon, Little Saredon, and Great Wyrley, in the County of Stafford."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Burford Roads, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the Road leading from the Town of Burford, in the County of Oxford, to Leachlade, in the County of Gloucester, and for making a Road from thence to the River Isis or Thames; for building a Bridge across the said River, and for making a Road from thence to join the present Road leading from Leachlade to Inglesham; and for repairing, widening, turning, and altering the said last mentioned Road, to and through the Town of Highworth, in the County of Wilts, to the present Turnpike Road leading from Cricklade to Swindon, in the same County."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hutton Bushell Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to extend the Powers and Provisions of an Act of the Thirtieth Year of His present Majesty, for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Township of Hutton Bushell, in the North Riding of the County of York, to the Township of West Ayton, in the Parish of Hutton Bushell aforesaid."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Nith Salmon Fishery Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for regulating and improving the Salmon Fisheries in the River Nith, in the County of Dumfries."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Glasgow Roads Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to continue the Term of two Acts made in the Twenty-sixth and Twentyseventh Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing several Roads leading into the City of Glasgow, so far as the same relate to the Roads from the City of Glasgow to Yoker Bridge, to Renfrew Bridge, to the Three Mile House, to the Town of Airdrie, and from the Village of Gorbals to the Chapel of Cambuslang, in the Counties of Lanerk and Renfrew, so far as the said Act relates to the Road from the City of Glasgow to Yoker Bridge; and for more effectually making, widening, repairing, and keeping in Repair the said Road, and the Road of Communication between the said Road from Glasgow to Yoker Bridge, and the Canal from the Forth to the Clyde."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Great Carlton Drainage Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually draining and preserving certain Low Lands within the Parish of Great Carlton, in the County of Lincoln."

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 the Six preceding Bills.

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

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

Liverpool Church Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building a new Church or Chapel within the Town and Parish of Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Leeds Church Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building a new Church or Chapel in the Town of Leeds, in the West Riding of the County of York."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

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

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

Chancery Offices Bill.

Ordered, That the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to empower the High Court of Chancery to lay out a further Sum of the Suitors Money upon proper Securities, and for applying the Interest towards discharging the Expences of the Office of the Accountant General, and for building Offices for the Masters in Ordinary in Chancery, and a Public Office for the Suitors of the said Court, and Offices for the Secretaries of Bankrupts and Lunaticks; and for building Repositories for securing the Title Deeds of the Suitors of the said Court, and the Records and Proceedings of the Commissioners of Bankrupts and Lunatics," stands committed, be revived, and meet To-morrow.

Auction Duty Exemption Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to exempt Whale Oil, and other Articles therein mentioned, and sold by Auction in Great Britain, from the Duty imposed on such Sales."

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.

Cirencester Small Debts Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of small Debts within the Hundreds of Cirencester, Crowthorne, and Minty, Brightwells, Barrow, Rapsgate, Bradley, Bisley, and Longtree, commonly called The Seven Hundreds of Cirencester, in the County of Gloucester."

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

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

Carmarthen Roads Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing, altering, and improving the Road from Golden Grove Park, in the Parish of Llandilosawr, to the Turnpike Road leading from the New Bridge over the River Towy to the Lime Kilns, in the Parish of Llandarog; and also several other Roads therein mentioned, all in the County of Carmarthen."

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.

Rodmarton, &c. Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds within the several Parishes of Rodmarton and Coates, in the County of Gloucester; and also for settling and ascertaining the Boundaries of the said Parishes."

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 the former Messengers:

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.

Newspaper Printers, &c. Indemnity Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to indemnify Persons, being Proprietors, Printers, and Editors of Newspapers, and other Publications, from certain Penalties incurred under several Acts therein mentioned, relative to Lotteries."

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.

Silk Manufacture Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for extending the Provisions of an Act made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to empower the Magistrates therein mentioned to settle and regulate the Wages of Persons employed in the Silk Manufacture within their respective Jurisdictions, to Manufactories of Silk mixed with other Materials; and for the more effectual Punishment of Buyers and Receivers of Silk purloined and embezzled by Persons employed in the Manufacture 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.

Slave Trade, &c. further considered:

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the present State of the Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves; and also into the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton Trade, and into the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same; and for the Lords to be summoned; and for the several Petitioners to be heard by their Counsel at the Bar of the House, in Support of their Petitions against the Abolition of the Slave Trade:

Counsel were accordingly called in.

And Lewis Cuthbert Esquire was called in, sworn and examined.

The Witness was directed to withdraw.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the House do proceed to take into further Consideration the present State of the said Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves, and also the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton Trade, and the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same To-morrow; and that the Counsel be called in at Twelve o'Clock; and that the Lords be summoned.

Petition against Abolition of the Slave Trade.

Upon reading the Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of Merchant Venturers within the City of Bristol; setting forth, "That the Petitioners learn by the Votes of the House of Commons, that certain Resolutions have been agreed to by that House, and have been laid before Their Lordships for their Concurrence, as the Foundation of a Bill intended to be introduced into Parliament, for the Abolition of the Slave Trade: That the Petitioners are fully convinced the Trade to Africa not only constitutes in itself a very considerable Part of the British Commerce, but that it is of essential Consequence to the West India Colonies, to which the Nation is in a great Measure indebted for the Superiority it enjoys in the Advantages of an extensive Commerce, and in Naval Strength. Impressed with these Ideas, the Petitioners most humbly pray Their Lordships will give this Subject, which is of the greatest Importance to the Interests of the Kingdom, their maturest Consideration, and that they will not by their Concurrence give Sanction to any precipitate Measures which cannot but injure those Interests to a very alarming Extent:"

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

Election of Peers for Scotland, Committee to meet.

Ordered, That the Committee for Privileges do meet to take into further Consideration the several Petitions referred to them, relative to the late Return of the Peers chosen for Scotland, on Friday the 1st Day of June next, and that the Judges do then attend.

Lords summoned.

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

Gedling Enclosure Bill. King's Consent signified.

The Lord Grenville acquainted the House, "That His Majesty having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open, and Enclosed Common Fields, Common Woods, Wastes, Commons, and other Lands within the Parish of Gedling, comprizing the several Hamlets of Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, and Carlton, in the County of Nottingham;" was pleased to consent, (as far as His Majesty's Interest is concerned,) that Their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit."

Bristol Gaol Bill.

Ordered, That Richard Hawkswell Esquire, Chamberlain of the City of Bristol, do attend on Wednesday next, in order to his being examined as a Witness before the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a New Goal, a Penitentiary House, and House of Correction within the City of Bristol; and for regulating, maintaining, and supporting the same; and for disposing of the present Common Gaol of the said City of Bristol, and County of the same City; and for other Purposes," stands committed.

Servants Characters Bill.

The Lord Rawdon (according to Order) reported the Amendments made by the Committee of the whole House to the Bill, intituled, "An Act to prevent the forging and counterfeiting Certificates of Servants Characters."

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

Pr. 1. L. 1. After ("many") leave out to ("false") in Line 3.

L. 4. Leave out ("which Characters")

Pr. 2. L. 13. After ("assert") leave out to ("in") in Line 14.

L. 17. After ("any") leave out ("other")

L. 18. After ("than") insert ("that")

L. 35. After ("assert") leave out to ("in") in Line 36.

Pr. 3. L. 15. Leave out ("as having") and insert ("asserting or pretending, that he or she hath")

L. 31. Leave out ("and") and insert ("or")

Pr. 4. L. 8. Leave out ("and") and insert ("or")

L. 31. Leave out ("Forty") and insert ("Twenty")

L. 32. Leave out ("be") and insert ("have been")

Pr 5. L. 32. Leave out ("be") and insert ("have been")

Pr. 7. L. 19. Leave out ("arise") and insert ("have arisen")

L. 22. Leave out ("Forty") and insert ("Twenty")

Pr. 8. L. 5. After ("Offender") insert ("or Offenders")"

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

Scotch Episcopalians Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for granting Relief to Pastors, Ministers, and Lay Persons of the Episcopal Communion in Scotland."

Then several Amendments were proposed to be made by the House, to the said Bill.

The same were agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

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 the former Messengers:

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

Monk Fryston Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Cathcart reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds within the Manor and Township of Monk Fryston, in the West Riding of 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 directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Tockwith Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Cathcart made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Ings, Meadows, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Township of Tockwith, in the Parish of Bilton, in the County of the City of York," was committed.

Livingston Roads, &c. Bill.

The Lord Cathcart also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act passed in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Livingston, by the Kirk of Shotts, to the City of Glasgow, and other Roads therein mentioned, and for building a Bridge over the River Clyde, at or near Theevesford, and for opening and making certain Streets in and near the City of Glasgow; for altering a Part of the High Road betwixt Edinburgh and Glasgow, by carrying a new Line of Road to the North of the Hills, and another Line of Road by the South; and for straightening and making the Roads more convenient; as also for altering the Road from the City of Glasgow to the Town of Hamilton, and for building a Bridge over the River Clyde below the present old Bridge, called Bothwell Bridge; as also for altering the Road from the Town of Hamilton, Eastward, until it joins the great Road between Edinburgh and Glasgow," 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."

Lane End Chapel Road Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for re-building the Chapel, and enlarging the Chapel Yard of Lane End, within the Parish of Stoke-upon-Trent, in the County of Stafford;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Stone Road Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act passed in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty for repairing and widening the Road from Stone to Lane End, and to the Road between Leek and Sandon, on Meir Heath, and from Meir to Trentham, and from thence to Stableford, in the County of Stafford, and for granting other Powers for those Purposes; and for repairing and improving the Road from a Place called Walton, in Stone aforesaid, to Eccleshall, in the said County of Stafford;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Curtis's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Edward Curtis, during his Life, and after his Death the Guardians of his Children, during their Minority, to grant building Leases of certain Pieces of Ground at Clifton, in the County of Gloucester;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Daniel's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting certain settled Leasehold Lands and Tenements of Edward Daniel Gentleman, and Catherine his Wife, in that Part of the Parish of Clifton which lies within the City of Bristol, in Trustees, to be sold, and for applying the Money arising from the Sale thereof in the Purchase of other Lands, to be settled upon the Trusts of the said settled Estates;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Sleaford Navigation Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making and maintaining a Navigation from Sleaford Castle Causeway, through the Town of Sleaford, in the County of Lincoln, along the Course of Sleaford Mill Stream and Kyme Eau, to the River Witham, at or near Chappel Hill, in the same County, and for making necessary Cuts for better effecting the said Navigation;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships' Amendments made thereto.

Tadcaster Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts passed in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, and the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Tadcaster Bridge, within the County of the City of York, to a Place near the said City called Hobmoor Lane End."

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

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

Ashton under-Lyne Canal Bill,

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making a Navigable Canal from Manchester to or near Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, in the County Palatine of Lancaster."

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.

Lambley Enclosure Bill, King's Consent signified.

The Lord Grenville acquainted the House, That His Majesty, having been informed of the Contents of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Coppices, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Lambley, in the County of Nottingham," was pleased to consent (as far as His Majesty's Interest is concerned), That Their Lordships may proceed therein as they shall think fit."

Adjourn.

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

DIE Veneris, 25^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Irish Seamen Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for extending certain Acts therein mentioned to Petty Officers and Seamen, Non-commissioned Officers of Marines, and Marines serving, or who may have served, on board any of His Majesty's Ships, and residing in Ireland."

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 Wednesday next.

Hackney Coaches and Chairs Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend so much of an Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to Hackney Coaches and Chairs."

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 Wednesday next.

Parish Apprentices Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the further Regulation of Parish Apprentices."

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 Wednesday next.

Alehouse Licences Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to amend so much of Two Acts made in the Twentysixth and Twenty-ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, as relates to the licensing of Alehouse Keepers and Victuallers; and for better regulating Alehouses, and the Manner of granting such Licences in future; and also of granting Licences to Persons selling Wines to be drank in their Houses."

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 Wednesday next.

Foreign Stained Paper Duty Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Duties upon foreign printed, painted, or stained Paper, imported into Great Britain."

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 Wednesday.

Beer Harbour Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making a Harbour in the Cove of Beer, in the County of Devon."

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

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

Monk Fryston Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for for dividing and enclosing the several Open Common Fields, Meadows, Ings, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Township of Monk Fryston, in the West Riding of the County of York."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Tockwith Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Ings, Meadows, Commons, and Waste Grounds, within the Township of Tockwith, in the Parish of Bilton, in the County of the City of York."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Livingstone Roads, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act passed in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Livingston, by the the Kirk of Shots, to the City of Glasgow, and other Roads therein mentioned, and for building a Bridge over the River Clyde, at or near Theevesford, and for opening and making certain Streets in and near the City of Glasgow; for altering a Part of the High Road betwixt Edinburgh and Glasgow, by carrying a new Line of Road to the North of the Hills, and another Line of Road by the South, and for straightening and making the Roads more convenient; as also for altering the Road from the City of Glasgow to the Town of Hamilton, and for building a Bridge over the River Clyde below the present old Bridge, called Bothwell Bridge; as also for altering the Road from the Town of Hamilton, Eastward, until it joins the Great Road between Edinburgh and Glasgow."

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 the Three preceding Bills.

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

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

Servants Characters Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to prevent the forging and counterfeiting Certificates of Servants' Characters."

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 the former Messengers:

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.

Levant Trade Bill.

Ordered, That the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to extend and render more effectual an Act, passed in the Twentysixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for enlarging and regulating the Trade into the Levant Seas," was committed, be revived, and meet on Wednesday next.

Chancery Offices Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to empower the High Court of Chancery, to lay out a further Sum of the Suitors Money upon proper Securities, and for applying the Interest towards discharging the Expences of the Office of the Accountant General, and for building Offices for the Masters in Ordinary in Chancery, and a Publick Office for the Suitors of the said Court, and Offices for the Secretaries of Bankrupts and Lunaticks, and for building Repositories for securing the Title Deeds of the Suitors of the said Court, and the Records and Proceedings of the Commissioners of Bankrupts and Lunaticks."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Auction Duty Exemption Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to exempt Whale Oil, and other Articles therein mentioned, and sold by Auction in Great Britain, from the Duty imposed on such Sales."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Silk Manufacture Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for extending the Provisions of an Act, made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to empower the Magistrates therein mentioned, to settle and regulate the Wages of Persons, employed in the Silk Manufacture within their respective Jurisdictions, to Manufactories of Silk mixed with other Materials; and for the more effectual Punishment of Buyers and Receivers of Silk, purloined and embezzled by Persons employed in the Manufacture thereof."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Keith against Sir W. Forbes, et al.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause wherein William Keith is Appellant, and Sir William Forbes and others are Respondents, Ex-parte; the Respondents not having put in their Answer thereto, though peremptorily ordered so to do:"

It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause Ex-parte, by Counsel at the Bar, on the first vacant Day for Causes after those already appointed, unless the Respondents put in their Answer thereto in the mean Time.

Monk Sherborne Enclosure Bill.

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

Shipton Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Downs, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds in the Parish of Shipton, in the County of Southampton," was committed.

Hemswell Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Hemswell, in the County of Lincoln," was committed.

March Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Bishop of Bangor made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Commons and Waste Grounds, within the Town or Hamlet of March, in the Manor and Parish of Doddington, in the Isle of Ely and County of Cambridge; and for altering and amending an Act, passed in the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for draining and preserving certain Fen Lands, Low Grounds, and Commons, in the Townships or Hamlets of March and Wimblington, and in the Parish of Upwell, in the Isle of Ely, and County of Cambridge," was committed.

Lambley Enclosure Bill.

The Duke of Portland made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Coppices, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Lambley, in the County of Nottingham," was committed.

Gedling Enclosure Bill.

The Duke of Portland made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Enclosed Common Fields, Common Woods, Wastes, Commons and other Lands, within the Parish of Gedling, comprizing the several Hamlets of Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, and Carlton, in the County of Nottingham," was committed.

Ashton-under-Lyne Canal Bill.

The Duke of Portland also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making a Navigable Canal from Manchester to or near Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, in the County Palatine of Lancaster," 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."

Tadcaster Road Bill.

The Duke of Portland made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts, passed in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, and the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Tadcaster Bridge, within the County of the City of York, to a Place near the said City, called Hobmoor Lane End," was committed.

Carmarthen Roads Bill.

The Earl of Macclesfield made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing, altering, and improving the Road from Golden Grove Park, in the Parish of Llandilofawr, to the Turnpike Road leading from the New Bridge over the River Towy, to the Lime Kilns in the Parish of Llandarog; and also several other Roads therein mentioned, all in the County of Carmarthen," was committed.

Cirencester Small Debts Bill.

The Earl of Macclesfield also made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of Small Debts within the Hundreds of Cirencester, Crowthorne, and Minty, Brightwells, Barrow, Rapsgate, Bradley, Bisley, and Longtree, commonly called the Seven Hundreds of Cirencester, in the County of Gloucester," was committed.

Booth's Patent Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing to Joseph Booth, and to the Publick, the Benefit of a certain Invention or Discovery therein mentioned, for which he hath obtained Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of Great Britain."

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 Thursday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Harrison's against Koster and Thode in Error.

The Lord Kenyon, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, in the usual Manner delivered in at the Table a Writ of Error, wherein.

William Harrison and John Harrison are Plaintiffs,
and
Johan Gerhard Koster and Casper Johan Frederick Thode are Defendants.

The King against Amery, in Error.

Ordered, That the Petition of the Relator in the Cause between the King against Amery, presented to the House on the 22d of December 1790, which stands appointed for To-Morrow, be taken into Consideration on Saturday the 2d Day of June next; and that the Petitioner may then be heard by his Counsel in Support of the Prayer of the said Petition, and that Counsel be heard on Behalf of the Defendant at the same Time. And that the Judges do then attend.

Slave Trade, &c. further considered.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into further Consideration the present State of the Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves, and also for taking into Consideration the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee and Cotton Trade, and the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same; and for the Lords to be summoned; and for the several Petitioners to be heard by their Counsel at the Bar of the House, in Support of their Petitions against the Abolition of the Slave Trade:

Counsel were accordingly called in.

Then Lewis Cuthbert Esquire, was again called in and examined.

He was directed to withdraw.

Then Simon Taylor Esquire, and Mr. Joseph Fayrer, were severally called in, and, being sworn, were examined.

They were directed to withdraw.

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the House do proceed to take into further Consideration the present State of the said Trade to Africa, and particularly the Trade in Slaves; and also the Nature, Extent, and Importance of the Sugar, Coffee, and Cotton Trade, and the general State and Condition of the West India Islands, and the Means of improving the same, on Tuesday the 5th Day of June next: and that the Lords be summoned; and that the Counsel be called in at Twelve o'Clock.

National Debt Commissioners Bill.

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

With a Bill, intiuled, "An Act to render more effectual an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act for vesting certain Sums in Commissioners, at the End of every Quarter of a Year, to be by them applied to the Reduction of the National Debt;" and to direct the Application of an additional Sum to the Reduction of the said Debt, in case of future Loans;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Sugar and Coffee Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for regulating the Allowance of the Drawback and Payment of the Bounty on the Exportation of Sugar; and for permitting the Importation of Sugar and Coffee into the Bahama and Bermuda Islands, in Foreign Ships;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Coasting Trade Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Coast Trade of Great Britain, for exempting certain Coast Documents from Stamp Duties, for abolishing the Bond usually called the Isle of Man Bond; and for permitting Corn and Grain brought Coastwise to be transhipped into Lighters; for the Purpose of being carried through the Canal from the Forth to the Clyde;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Oak Bark Importation Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Importation of Quercitron or Black Oak Bark, when the Price of Oak Bark shall be under the Price mentioned in an Act of the Twelfth Year of His present Majesty; and for lowering the Duty payable on Red Mangrove Bark, imported into this Kingdom;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Middlesex Sessions continuing Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to empower to empower the Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, to continue a Session of the Peace, and of Oyer and Terminer, begun to be holden before the Essoign Day of Term, and Sitting of the King's Bench, at Westminster, notwithstanding the happening of such Essoign Day, or the Sitting of the said Court of King's Bench, at Westminster, or elsewhere, in the said County of Middlesex;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Slaves carrying Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to continue for a limited Time several Acts of Parliament, for regulating the Shipping and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Middlesex Police Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the more effectual Administration of the Office of a Justice of the Peace in such Parts of the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey, as lie in and near the Metropolis; and for the more effectual Prevention of Felonies;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Ordered, That the two last-mentioned Bills be printed.

Ramsgate Harbour &c. Bill

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Maintenance and Improvement of the Harbour of Ramsgate, in the County of Kent; and for cleansing, amending, and preserving the Haven of Sandwich, in the same County;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Liverpool Church Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a New Church or Chapel within the Town and Parish of Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships Amendments made thereto.

Leeds Church Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a New Church or Chapel in the Town of Leeds, in the West Riding of the County of York;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships Amendments made thereto.

Rodmarton, &c. Enclosure Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, and other Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, within the several Parishes of Rodmarton and Coates, in the County of Gloucester; and also for settling and ascertaining the Boundaries of the said Parishes;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to Their Lordships Amendments made thereto.

Whitchurch Poor Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor of and within such Part of the Parish of Whitchurch as maintains its own Poor, and lies within the County of Salop;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Basford Enclosure Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Forest, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Basford, in the County of Nottingham;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

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

Lewknor Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste and other Commonable Lands or Grounds, within the Divisions of Lewknor and Postcomb, in the Manor and Parish of Lewknor, and for the Exchange of Lands and Estates within the respective Parishes of Lewknor and Adwell, in the County of Oxford."

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 Thursday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Petition against.

Upon reading the Petition of several Persons whose Names are thereunto subscribed, being Owners and Proprietors of Lands and Estates within the Manor and Parish of Lewknor, in the County of Oxford; taking Notice of the last-mentioned Bill; and praying Their Lordships, "That they may be heard by themselves, their Counsel or Agents before the Committee to whom the said Bill is committed; and that they may have such Relief in the Premises as to Their Lordships shall appear just and reasonable:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the said Bill stands committed, and that the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by their Counsel against the said Bill before the said Committee, and that Counsel be heard for the Bill at the same Time if they think fit.

Ordered, That all the Lords who have been or shall be present this Session, and are not named of the Committee to whom the said Bill stands committed, be added to the said Committee.

Libel Juries Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to remove Doubts respecting the Functions of Juries in Cases of Libel:"

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

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, tricesimum diem instantis Maii, horâ decimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Mercurii, 30^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Georgius Princeps Walliæ.

PRAYERS.

E. Ashburnham takes the Oaths.

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

Auction Duty Exemption Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to exempt Whale Oil, and other Articles therein mentioned, and sold by Auction in Great Britain, from the Duty imposed on such Sales."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Chancery Offices Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to empower the High Court of Chancery to lay out a further Sum of the Suitors Money upon proper Securities, and for applying the Interest towards discharging the Expences of the Office of the Accountant General; and for building Offices for the Masters in Ordinary in Chancery, and a Public Office for the Suitors of the said Court, and Offices for the Secretaries of Bankrupts and Lunatics; and for building Repositories for securing the Title Deeds of the Suitors of the said Court, and the Records and Proceedings of the Commissioners of Bankrupts and Lunatics."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Silk Manufacture Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for extending the Provisions of an Act made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, intituled, "An Act to empower the Magistrates therein mentioned, to settle and regulate the Wages of Persons employed in the Silk Manufacture within their respective Jurisdictions, to Manufactories of Silk mixed with other Materials; and for the more effectual Punishment of Buyers and Receivers of Silk purloined and embezzled by Persons employed in the Manufacture thereof."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ashton-under-Lyne Canal Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making a Navigable Canal from Manchester to or near Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, in the County Palatine of Lancaster."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Cirencester Small Debts Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of small Debts within the Hundreds of Cirencester, Crowthorne and Minty, Brightwells, Barrow, Rapsgate, Bradley, Bisley and Longtree, commonly called The Seven Hundreds of Cirencester, in the County of Gloucester."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Tadcaster Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term and enlarging the Powers of two Acts passed in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, and the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Tadcaster Bridge, within the County of the City of York, to a Place near the said City called Hobmoor Lane End."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Carmarthen Roads Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing, altering, and improving the Road from Golden Grove Park, in the Parish of Llandilofawr, to the Turnpike Road leading from the New Bridge over the River Towy to the Lime Kilns in the Parish of Llandarog; and also several other Roads therein mentioned, all in the County of Carmarthen."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

March Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Commons and Waste Grounds within the Town or Hamlet of March, in the Manor and Parish of Doddington, in the Isle of Ely, and County of Cambridge; and for altering and amending an Act passed in the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for draining and preserving certain Fen Lands, Low Grounds, and Commons, in the Townships or Hamlets of March and Wimblington, and in the Parish of Upwell, in the Isle of Ely, and County of Cambridge."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Monk Sherborne Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields and Waste Lands within the Common Fields only, in the Parish of Monk Sherborne, in the County of Southampton."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Shipton Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Downs, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds in the Parish of Shipton, in the County of Southampton."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hemswell Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Pastures, Commons, and Waste Lands within the Parish of Hemswell, in the County of Lincoln."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Lambley Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Coppices, Commons, and Waste Lands within the Parish of Lambley, in the County of Nottingham."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Gedling Enclosure Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Enclosed Common Fields, Common Woods, Waste Commons, and other Lands within the Parish of Gedling, comprizing the several Hamlets of Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, and Carlton, in the County of Nottingham."

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 the Thirteen preceding Bills.

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

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

Taunton Hospital Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for appointing Commissioners to sell and dispose of a certain unfinished building at or near Taunton, in the County of Somerset, intended for a public Hospital or Infirmary, and of a Piece of Ground belonging thereto, in case a sufficient Sum of Money shall not be raised by Subscription, within a limited Time, for finishing the said building, and paying the Money due on Account thereof."

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

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

Whitchurch Poor Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor, of and within such Part of the Parish of Whitchurch as maintains its own Poor, and lies within the County of Salop."

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.

Whitchurch Bridge Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building a Bridge, at or near the Ferry, over the River Thames, from Whitchurch in the County of Oxford, to the opposite Shore, in the Parish of Pangbourn, in the County of Berks."

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.

Sugar and Coffee Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for regulating the Allowance of the Drawback and Payment of the Bounty on the Exportation of Sugar; and for permitting the Importation of Sugar and Coffee into the Bahama and Bermuda Islands, in foreign Ships."

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 no Tuesday next.

Coasting Trade Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Coast Trade of Great Britain; for exempting certain Coast Documents from Stamp Duties; for abolishing the Bond usually called the Isle of Man Bond; and for permitting Corn and Grain brought Coastwife to be transhipped into Lighters, for the Purpose of being carried through the Canal from the Forth to the Clyde."

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.

Oak Bark Importation Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Importation of Quercitron or Black Oak Bark, when the Price of Oak Bark shall be under the Price mentioned in an Act of the Twelfth Year of His present Majesty, and for lowering the Duty payable on Red Mangrove Bark, imported into this Kingdom."

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.

Middlesex Sessions continuing Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to empower the Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, to continue a Session of the Peace, and of Oyer and Terminer, begun to be holden before the Essoign Day of Term, and Sitting of the King's Bench at Westminster, notwithstanding the happening of such Essoign Day, or the Sitting of the said Court of King's Bench at Westminster, or elsewhere, in the County of Middlesex."

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.

Slaves carrying Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to continue for a limited Time several Acts of Parliament for regulating the Shipping, and carrying Slaves in British Vessels from the Coast of Africa."

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.

Middlesex Police Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the more effectual Administration of the Office of a Justice of the Peace in such Parts of the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey as lie in and near the Metropolis, and for the more effectual Prevention of Felonies."

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.

Irish Seamen Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for extending certain Acts therein mentioned to Petty Officers and Seamen, Non-commissioned Officers of Marines, and Marines serving, or who may have served on board any of His Majesty's Ships, and residing in Ireland."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Foreign Stained Paper Duty Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Duties upon foreign printed, painted, or stained Paper, imported into Great Britain."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Alehouse Licences Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to amend so much of two Acts made in the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, as relates to the licensing of Alehouse Keepers and Victuallers; and for better regulating Alehouses, and the Manner of granting such Licences in future; and also of granting Licences to Persons selling Wines to be drank in their Houses."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Hackney Coaches and Chairs Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend so much of an Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to Hackney Coaches and Chairs."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Parish Apprentices Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the further Regulation of Parish Apprentices."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Levant Trade Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to extend and render more effectual an Act passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for enlarging and regulating the Trade into the Levant Seas."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Burdon against Campbell:

Upon reading the Petition of Elizabeth Burden, otherwise Campbell, Appellant in a Cause depending in this House, to which Jean Campbell, otherwise Robertson, is Respondent; setting forth, "That the Parties in this Cause having come to an Agreement, the Appellant is desirous to withdraw her said Appeal;" and therefore praying, "That Their Lordships will be pleased to allow this Appeal to be withdrawn without Costs, the Agent for the Respondent having signed the said Petition, as consenting thereto:"

Appeal withdrawn.

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner be at Liberty to withdraw her said Appeal without Costs, as desired.

Basford Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows, Forest, Commons, and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Basford, in the County of Nottingham."

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

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

Bristol Gaol Bill, Petition against.

Upon reading the Petition of the several Persons, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, taking Notice of a Bill depending in this House, intituled, "An Act for building a new Gaol, a Penitentiary House, and House of Correction, within the City of Bristol, and for regulating, maintaining, and supporting the same; and for disposing of the present Common Gaol of the said City of Bristol, and County of the same City; and for other Purposes;" and praying, "That the said Bill may not pass into a Law:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the said Bill stands committed, and that the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by Counsel against the said Bill before the said Committee; and that Counsel be heard for the Bill at the same Time if they think fit.

Lewknor Enclosure Bill.

Ordered, That Thomas Rixon, Francis Filbee, John Dodd, Thomas Hussey, Richard Filbee, and Christopher Hester, Overseers of the Poor for the Parish of Lewknor, do attend the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste, and other Commonable Lands or Grounds within the Divisions of Lewknor and Postcomb, in the Manor and Parish of Lewknor, and for the Exchange of Lands and Estates within the respective Parishes of Lewknor and Adwell, in the County of Oxford;" stands committed, and produce the Rates for the Relief of the Poor of the said Parish for the Years 1791 and 1792.

Atcham, &c. Poor Bill.

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

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor within the several Parishes of Atcham, Wroxeter, Berrington, Cund, Eaton Constantine, Kenley, Leighton, Uffington, and Upton Magna, and the Chapelry of Cressage, in the County of Salop;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Beer Harbour Bill.

The Earl of Macclesfield reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for making a Harbour in the Cove of Beer, in the County of Devon," 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."

Weldon Enclosure Bill.

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

Proclamation respecting seditious

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by the Master of the Rolls and others, as follows:

My Lords,

Publications, Message from H. C. with an Address.

The Commons having taken into Consideration His Majesty's Proclamation, dated at the Queen's House, the 21st Day of this Instant May, have agreed upon an Address to be presented to His Majesty; to which Address the Commons desire the Concurrence of Your Lordships."

The said Address is as followeth;

Resolved,

By the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament assembled, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to assure His Majesty, that we have taken into our most serious Consideration His Majesty's Royal Proclamation, which has, by His Majesty's Command, been laid before us; and we beg Leave to testify to His Majesty our warm and grateful Sense of this fresh Proof of His Majesty's constant Solicitude for the Welfare and Happiness of His People:

That we cannot see, without Indignation, the Attempts which have been made to weaken in the Minds of His Majesty's Subjects the Sentiments of Obedience to the Laws, and of Attachment to the Form of Government, Civil and Religious, so happily established within this Realm:

That the Advantages which, under the Government of His Majesty and His Illustrious Ancestors, have been derived from legal and well-regulated Freedom, and the unexampled Blessings which we actually enjoy, afford to His Majesty's Subjects peculiar Motives to reflect with Gratitude on their present Situation, and to beware of those delusive Theories which are inconsistent with the Relations and Duties of all Civil Society; and that we deem it, under the present Circumstances, the peculiar Duty of every good Citizen to discourage and counteract every Attempt, direct and indirect, against public Order and Tranquillity:

That we are confident that the Sentiments which we now express to His Majesty, are the general Sentiments of the Nation; that they must feel with us, that real Liberty can only exist under the Protection of Law, and the Authority of efficient and regular Government: They have seen, by happy Experience, that the mixed Form of our Legislature comprehends and provides for the various Interests of the Community through all its several Descriptions, and maintains and preserves those Gradations of Property and Condition which furnish the great Incentives to useful Industry, and are equally essential to the Vigour and Exertion of every Part, and to the Stability and Welfare of the Whole; That they therefore know that the collective Strength and Prosperity of the Empire, its Wealth, its Credit, and its Commerce, as well as the only Security for the Persons, the Property, and the Liberties of each Individual, are essentially connected with the Preservation of the established Constitution:

That, impressed with these Opinions, we think it our Duty to assure His Majesty of our firm Determination to support His Majesty in the Resolution which His Majesty has adopted; and that we are fully persuaded, that every Exertion which may be necessary will be seconded by the Zeal and Gratitude of a free and loyal People."

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

Hastings' Trial:

The Order of the Day being read for the proceeding further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, upon the Articles of Impeachment brought up against him by the Commons, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors:

The House was adjourned into Westminster Hall, whither the Lords and others went in the same Order as on Wednesday last.

And the Lords being there seated; and the House resumed:

Leave was asked for the Judges to be covered, which was granted.

Then Proclamation was made for Silence; also, Proclamation for the Defendant's Appearance:

Who, coming to the Bar, kneeled till he was bid by the Lord Chancellor to rise.

Then the other Proclamation, for all Persons concerned to come forth, was made.

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

Gentlemen, You who are of Counsel for Mr. Hastings may now proceed in his Defence, and the Lords will be pleased to give Attention."

Then a Witness was called in, sworn, and examined; and several Papers were produced and read.

Then the House adjourned to the Chamber of Parliament; and being returned:

The House was resumed.

Ordered, That this House do proceed further in the Trial of Warren Hastings Esquire, on Wednesday Morning next, at Ten o'Clock, in Westminster Hall.

Message to H. C. that this House will proceed in the Trial.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers, to acquaint them therewith.

National Debt Commissioners Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, intituled, "An Act to render more effectual an Act made in the Twentysixth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, An Act for vesting certain Sums in Commissioners, at the End of every Quarter of a Year, to be by them applied to the Reduction of the National Debt; and to direct the Application of an additional Sum to the Reduction of the said Debt, in case of future Loans," be printed.

Adjourn.

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

DIE Jovis, 31^o Maii 1792.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

Georgius Princeps Walliæ.

PRAYERS.

Ld. Cadogan takes the Oaths.

This Day Charles Sloane Lord Cadogan took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration; and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes.

Churchill's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable the Heir or Heirs at Law of the surviving Trustee of Lands and Hereditaments, in the Parishes of Chalfont Saint Peter's and Iver, in the County of Bucks, purchased with Part of the Personal Estate of Charles Churchill Esquire deceased, by virtue of an Act of Parliament made in the Twenty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, to sell and convey the same Lands and Hereditaments for a Consideration to be paid into the Hands of the Trustees of the Personal Estate of Charles Churchill Esquire deceased; and also to enable the said Trustees to invest the said Purchase Money, and other the said Personal Estate, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be settled to the Uses, and with the Limitations, mentioned in the said Act of Parliament, and again to sell and dispose of the same Lands and Hereditaments, and any other Lands that may be purchased under the same Act, or by virtue of this Act, and to invest the Purchase Monies arising therefrom, either in the Public Funds, or upon Securities, or in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments to be conveyed to the same Uses;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Campbell's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting those Parts of the Lands and Estate of Blythswood, and others which lie in the County of Lanerk, in Trustees, for the purpose of selling or feuing the same; and for investing the Money arising by such Sale in the Purchase of other Lands and Estates more commodious and contiguous to the other and greater Part of the said Estate of Blythswood, which lies in the County of Renfrew; and for settling and securing the Lands and Estates so to be purchased to and in favour of the same Series of Heirs, in Fee-Tail, and under the same Restrictions, Conditions, and Limitations, as are mentioned and contained in a Deed of Entail, made in the Year One thousand seven hundred and thirtynine, by Colin Campbell, of Blythswood, deceased;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Templer's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act to subject and charge a competent Part of the settled Estates of James Templer Esquire, in the County of Devon, with a Sum of Money to be applied and disposed of for the Purposes therein mentioned;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Edwin or Wyndham's Bill.

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

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting certain Messuages, Lands, and other Hereditaments, in the Counties of Berks and Bucks, (being the Estates devised and settled by the Will of Catherine Edwin Spinster, deceased) in Trustees, to be sold and conveyed to John Martindale Esquire, and his Heirs; and for laying out the Money arising by such Sale, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be more conveniently situate as therein mentioned, to be settled to the same Uses as the said settled Estates now stand settled by the said Will;" and to acquaint this House, That they have agreed to the same, without any Amendment.

Lewknor Enclosure Bill.

Ordered, That James Neighbour do attend, in order to be examined as a Witness before the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste and other Commonable Lands or Grounds, within the Divisions of Lewknor and Postcomb, in the Manor and Parish of Lewknor; and for the Exchange of Lands and Estates, within the respective Parishes of Lewknor and Adwell, in the County of Oxford," stands committed.

Derby Paving Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for paving, cleansing, lighting, and otherwise improving the Streets, Lanes, and other Public Passages and Places, within the Borough of Derby; and for selling a certain Piece of Waste Ground, situate within the said Borough, called Nun's Green, towards defraying the Expence of the said Improvements," be read the Third Time on Tuesday next; and that Counsel be then heard for and against the same.

Irish Seamen Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for extending certain Acts therein mentioned, to Petty Officers and Seamen, Non-commissioned Officers of Marines, and Marines serving, or who may have served on board any of His Majesty's Ships, and residing in Ireland."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Foreign Stained Paper Duty Bill.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually securing the Duties upon foreignprinted, painted, or stained Paper, imported into Great Britain."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Alehouse Licences Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to amend so much of Two Acts made in the Twentysixth and Twenty-ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, as relates to the licensing of Alehouse Keepers and Victuallers; and for better regulating Alehouses, and the Manner of granting such Licences in future; and also of granting Licences to Persons selling Wines to be drank in their Houses."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Hackney Coaches and Chairs Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend so much of an Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as relates to Hackney Coaches and Chairs."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Parish Apprentices Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the further Regulation of Parishes Apprentices."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Levant Trade Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to extend and render more effectual an Act passed in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for enlarging and regulating the Trade into the Levant Seas."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Beer Harbour Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for making a Harbour in the Cove of Beer, in the County of Devon."

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Weldon Enclosure Bill:

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

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

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

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

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

Lane End Chapel Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for re-building the Chapel, and enlarging the Chapel Yard of Lane End, within the Parish of Stoke-uponTrent, in the County of Stafford."

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

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

Ramsgate, &c. Harbour Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Maintenance and Improvement of the Harbour of Ramsgate, in the County of Kent; and for cleansing, amending, and preserving the Haven of Sandwich, in the same County."

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

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Stone Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act passed in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing and widening the Road from Stone to Lane End, and to the Road between Leek and Sandon, on Meir Heath, and from Meir to Trentham, and from thence to Stableford, in the County of Stafford, and for granting other Powers for those Purposes; and for repairing and improving the Road from a Place called Walton, in Stone aforesaid, to Eccleshall, in the said County of Stafford."

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.

Atcham, &c. Poor Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor within the several Parishes of Atcham, Wroxeter, Berrington, Cund, Eaton Constantine, Kenley, Leighton, Uffington, and Upton Magna, and the Chapelry of Cressage, in the County of Salop."

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.

Newspaper Printers, &c. Indemnity Bill.

Ordered, That the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act to indemnify Persons being Proprietors, Printers, and Editors of Newspapers and other Publications, from certain Penalties incurred under several Acts therein mentioned, relative to Lotteries," stands committed, be revived, and meet To-morrow.

Downham Market Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act passed in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing and widening the Road leading from the East End of the Bridge across the River Ouze, in Downham Market, to the Queen's Head, and from the Chequer Inn, in Downham Market aforesaid, to the East End of the Two Mile Close, in the Parish of Barton, and towards Watton, to a Place called The Devil's Ditch, in the County of Norfolk; and for stopping up the Road leading from Stradset, through Barton Layes, towards Watton."

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

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

Vagrants Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to explain and amend an Act made in the Seventeenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act to amend and make more effectual the Laws relating to Rogues, Vagabonds, and other idle and disorderly Persons, and to Houses of Correction."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

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

Southleigh Enclosure Bill.

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

Whitchurch Bridge Bill.

The Lord Cathcart also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building a Bridge, at or near the Ferry, over the River Thames, from Whitchurch in the County of Oxford, to the opposite Shore, in the Parish of Pangbourn, in the County of Berks," 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."

Whitchurch Poor Bill.

The Lord Cathcart made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor of and within such Part of the Parish of Whitchurch as maintains its own Poor, and lies within the County of Salop," was committed.

Abolition of the Slave Trade, Petitions against.

Upon reading the Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Common Council of the Town of Liverpool, in Council assembled; setting forth, "That the Petitioners, as Trustees of the Corporate Fund of the ancient and loyal Town of Liverpool, have always been ready, not only to give every Encouragement in their Power to the commercial Interests of that Part of the Community more immediately under their Care, but as much as possible to strengthen the Hands of Government and promote the public Welfare: That the Trade of Liverpool having met with the Countenance of this House in many Acts of Parliament which have passed at different Times, for the constructing of convenient Docks for its Shipping, and particularly for the African Ships, which from their peculiar Construction require to be kept constantly afloat, have been emboldened to lay out very large Sums of Money, and to pledge their Corporate Seal to a still greater Amount, for effecting these laudable Purposes: That from these superior Conveniences the inland Navigation and other local Advantages, added to the enterprizng Spirit of the People, the African Slave Trade in particular, is become of that Consequence as cannot but greatly affect and improve the Wealth and Prosperity of the Kingdom at large: That the Petitioners observe therefore with real Concern the Attempts recently made to abolish this Branch of Commerce, which has been uniformly favoured with the Sanction and Support of the Legislature for a great Length of Time, and been encouraged by continued Bounties and regular annual Grants;" and therefore praying, "That they may be heard by their Counsel, and be permitted to produce Evidence at the Bar of this House against the Abolition of a Trade which essentially concerns the Welfare of the Town and Port of Liverpool in particular, and by which the public Revenue, landed Interest, maritime Strength, and immense Property appertaining to the Subjects of these Kingdoms in general, will be brought into great and imminent Danger:"

It is Ordered, That the Petitioners be at Liberty to be heard by their Counsel against the Abolition of the Slave Trade, at the Bar of the House, as desired.

Upon reading the Petition of the West India Planters and Merchants resident in the City of Bristol, on behalf of themselves and their Connections in the British Colonies, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; setting forth, "That the Petitioners learn by the Votes of the House of Commons, that certain Resolutions have been agreed to by that House, and have been laid before Their Lordships for their Consideration, as the Foundation of a Bill intended to be introduced into Parliament for the Abolition of the Slave Trade: That the Trade to Africa for Slaves not only constitutes in itself a very considerable Part of the British Commerce, but that it is of the utmost Importance to the Prosperity of the West India Colonies: That the Consequences of such a Bill, should it pass into a Law, will be highly detrimental to the Property of all whose Fortunes are invested in Estates and Securities in the West India Islands, under a System which has obtained the repeated Sanction of the British Legislature, and which has been continually acquiring additional Strength by the Royal Assent, which is given to all Acts of the Colonial Legislatures even for interior Regulation. Impressed with these Ideas, the Petitioners most humbly pray that Their Lordships will give this Subject, which is of the highest Import to the political and commercial Interests of this Kingdom, their most deliberate Consideration; that they will not by their Concurrence give Sanction to any Measures which cannot but injure those Interests to a very alarming Extent; and that Their Lordships will, in case such a Bill should pass, provide for the Indemnification of that numerous Body of Planters, Merchants, and others, whose Property will be greatly injured thereby:"

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

Upon reading the Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and Ship Owners concerned in the Trade to Africa, in the Port of Bristol, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; setting forth, "That the Petitioners observe by the Votes of the House of Commons, that certain Resolutions have been agreed on by that House, and have been referred to Their Lordships' Consideration, as the Foundation of a Bill to be introduced into Parliament for the Abolition of the African Slave Trade: That this Trade having received the Sanction of repeated Acts of the Legislature, and having been ever looked on as intimately connected with every Branch of the British Commerce, but particularly essential to the West India Colonies, the Petitioners embarked their Property in it to a very considerable Amount: For the Protection of that Property the Petitioners appeal to Their Lordships' Justice;" and they humbly pray Their Lordships, "Not to sanction by Their Concurrence, Measures so prejudicial as those now pursued for the Abolition of this Trade, which must be not only injurious to the Interests of the Individuals who have relied on the public Faith in this Employment of their Property, but ultimately to the Commerce, Revenue, and naval Strength of the Kingdom at large:"

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

Bristol Gaol Bill, Simmons' Petition to withdraw his Name from Petition against.

Upon reading the Petition of Samuel Bennett Simmons, setting forth, "That the Petitioner not apprehending he should be in Town at the Time he signed his Name at Bristol to the Petition against the Bill, intituled, An Act for building a new Gaol, a Penitentiary House, and House of Correction, within the City of of Bristol, and for regulating, maintaining, and supporting the same, and for disposing of the present Common Gaol of the said City of Bristol, and County of the same City; and for other Purposes;" but since his Arrival in London, being informed that he can give material Evidence as a Witness before the Lords Committees, to whom the said Bill stands committed;" the Petitioner therefore prays Their Lordships, "That he may be permitted to withdraw his Name from the said Petition, in order to qualify himself to appear before the said Committee as a Witness:"

It is Ordered, That the Petitioner be a Liberty to withdraw his Name from the said Petition, as desired.

Debtor and Creditor Bill.

The Lord Rawdon presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act to extend Relief in certain Cases between Debtor and Creditor."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

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

It was moved, "That the Proclamation laid before the House on the 21st of this instant May, (by His Majesty's Command) be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

Seditious Publications, Proclamation respecting, considered:

Then it was moved, "That the Resolution and Address of the Commons communicated to the Lords by a Message to this House on Wednesday last, be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

Then it was moved, to fill up the Blank therein with ("Lords Spiritual and Temporal and")

The same was agreed to.

Motion to agree to Address of H. C.:

Then it being moved, "To agree to the said Resolution and Address:"

Amendment negatived:

An Amendment was proposed to be made thereto, by leaving out from the Word ("Commons") to the End of the said Address, and inserting instead thereof the following Words; (videlicet)

["That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that we, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, beg leave to return His Majesty our humble Thanks for the gracious Communication He has been pleased to make to us of His Majesty's Royal Proclamation.

To assure His Majesty, that we shall be at all Times ready to manifest our Attachment to His Majesty's Royal Family and Person, and to the happy Constitution of this Country, as established at the Time of the glorious Revolution, by openly resisting, to the utmost of our Power and Ability, whenever they may appear, any Attempts which aim at the Subversion of all regular Government within this Kingdom, and which are inconsistent with the Peace and Order of Society.

To assure His Majesty that we most cordially participate in the gracious Sentiments expressed by His Majesty; and that there is "Nothing we so earnestly desire as to secure the Public Peace and Prosperity; and to preserve to a loyal People the full Enjoyment of their Rights both religious and civil."

That we are confident this benevolent Desire cannot be defeated when we consider His Majesty's Paternal Care and Regard for His People, and the fixed Attachment which His Majesty's faithful Subjects bear to the happy Form of our Government, and the genuine Principles of the Constitution: These we cherish as objects of just Affection, not from any implicit Reverence or habitual Superstition, but as Institutions best calculated to secure the Blessings of Liberty and Order, and because we are convinced that on them the Wealth, Happiness, and Prosperity of this Kingdom do under Divine Providence chiefly depend.

Humbly to represent to His Majesty, if any wicked and seditious Writings have been printed, published, and industriously dispersed, tending to excite Tumult and Disorder, by endeavouring to raise groundless Jealousies and Discontents, in the Minds of His Majesty's faithful and loving Subjects, respecting the Laws and happy Constitution of Government, civil and religious, established in this Kingdom, and endeavouring to vilify and bring into Contempt the wife and wholesome Provisions made at the Time of the glorious Revolution, that such Proceedings appear to us to merit the strongest Condemnation; at the same Time we cannot help observing that His Majesty's Government is already vested with sufficient Powers to punish any open Violation of the Laws; and that if any Writings, which His Majesty's Ministers consider as proper Objects of Prosecution, have for any Length of Time been published and circulated with Impunity, the said Ministers have been guilty of criminal Neglect in not sooner instituting Prosecutions for the purpose of bringing to Punishment the Authors of such Publications.

Further to represent to His Majesty, that if upon this Ground alone His Majesty has been advised to issue His Royal Proclamation, we feel ourselves, with the firmest Confidence in His Majesty's gracious and benevolent Intentions, in Duty bound humbly to express our Regret that His Majesty should have been induced to take a Measure, which, under such Circumstances, we cannot but regard as unnecessary, and which appears to us likely to produce the Effect of exciting groundless Alarms and Suspicions in the Minds of His Majesty's faithful and loving People.

To assure His Majesty, that we are always ready zealously to concur with His Majesty in such Measures as may be found most effectual for the Suppression of all "Riots, Tumults, or other Disorders, on whatever Pretext they may be grounded," as well as to use all legal Means for the Prevention of similar Disorders in future. Anxious to preserve the Peace and Happiness of the Country, such at all Times will be our earnest Desire. At the same Time we cannot help entertaining serious Apprehensions, that a Measure calculated to cause Alarm, cannot be conducive to public Tranquility, which, in our Opinion, will at all Times be most effectually secured by a vigorous and impartial Execution of the Laws against all such as shall be found to have offended against them.

These Sentiments, dictated by an unfeigned Love for His Majesty's Royal Person and Illustrious House, an anxious Regard for the Peace and Happiness of the Country, and a steady and zealous Attachment to the true Principles of our happy Constitution of Government, both in Church and State, we have thought it our Duty to lay at the Foot of the Throne, humbly hoping that His Majesty will be pleased to take them into His most gracious Consideration, as the Sentiments of Men who have no Interest but to preserve that Freedom which is the Birth-right of all Englishmen, and who look to no Means of doing so, but in the Maintenance of good Order, and a steady Adherence and dutiful Submission to the Laws."]

Which being objected to;

After long Debate,

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

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the said Resolution and Address was agreed to.

DISSENTIENT.

Protest thereupon:

Because we think the Honour and Dignity of Parliament trifled with, by a solemn Call, without any adequate Cause, and upon flight Pretences, to make unnecessary Professions of Attachment to the Constitution, and of Zeal for His Majesty's Government, and to concur in applauding His Majesty's Ministers for advising this extraordinary Measure of a Royal Proclamation, and a Recurrence to the Authority of Parliament;—a Measure not called for, and which appears to us much more calculated to awake causeless Apprehensions, and excite unnecessary Alarm among a People affectionate to the King, and obedient to the Laws than to answer any of those salutary Purposes for which alone Ministers should presume to use the Royal Name and Authority.

Because those Writings which His Majesty's Ministers now consider as likely to disturb the publick Peace, and excite dangerous Tumults, and of which the Prosecution is, on a sudden, deemed by them indispensable to the Preservation of Order, and the Security of Government, have been permitted, for a considerable Time past, to be openly, and, as is asserted, industriously disseminated through every Part of the Kingdom; and therefore, if the Principles thus propagated be so subversive of all Order, and destructive of all Government, and are at the same Time so unfortunately calculated to make a rapid, an alarming, and fatal Progress in the Minds of a peaceable and enlightened People, as Ministers have in Debate maintained, it would well become the Care and Wisdom of Parliament, instead of committing its Authority in the Measures of Executive Government, and taking Part in the ordinary Execution of the Laws to enquire why so important a Discovery was not made at an earlier Period, and why the Ministers have so long permitted the salutary Terrors of the Law to sleep over Offences, the Prosecution of which so highly imported the public Safety.

Because, if it be expedient to punish the Authors and Publishers of seditious Writings, we think it the Province of the Executive Government to determine upon that Expediency, and to put the Law in Motion; and we cannot but consider, as pernicious in its Example, and unconstitutional in its Principle, the present Attempt made by the Ministers to shelter themselves, justify their Conduct, and cover what, according to their Argument, has been their criminal Negligence, by a Measure of Parliament. We believe the Laws to be sufficiently efficacious for the Punishment of such Offenders as are described in the Royal Proclamation, and we see no Reason why Parliament should take from His Majesty's Ministers any Part of the Responsibility which appertains to their Stations of advising the Crown, and directing its Law Officers as to the fit Seasons and proper Occasions on which any of the Laws for preserving the public Peace should be enforced; nor can we observe, without expressing our marked Disapprobation, that the Confidence which the Public still place in the Wisdom and Integrity of Parliament, notwithstanding all the Attempts made by the present Ministers to destroy it, is insidiously laid hold of by them to create public Prejudice, and excite public Indignation, against those who are represented as obnoxious to the Laws and Objects of Prosecution. A Sense of Justice might have taught the Ministers, that, to fair and impartial Trial, unprejudiced by any previous Interference of Parliament, even the Authors and Publishers of those Writings that have at last awakened the Attention of Ministers are entitled; and a Sense of Decorum should have restrained them from lessening the Dignity and committing the Honour of Parliament, by making it indirectly indeed, but to the common Sense of Mankind obviously, a Party in public Prosecutions, which Parliament is thus made to sanction and direct, and on which this House, in the highest and last Resort, may have to sit, in the awful, impartial, and disinterested Character of Judges.

Because in this Measure, by which Ministers in effect confess and record their past Inattention to the Dangers which they now deprecate, and their present Inability to discharge the ordinary Duties of their Station without the extraordinary Aid of Parliament, the Public cannot fail to perceive, that Weakness and Inefficacy in His Majesty's Councils, which are more hurtful to the true Interests, and more derogatory from the just Authority of Government, than any imaginary Progress which, with great Injustice to a loyal People, Ministers attribute to the Principles asserted in the Writings of which they complain.

Because, when we consider how long the Ministers have viewed with Unconcern the Circulation of those Opinions, at the Consequence of which they now affect to be alarmed, and when we recollect that of all those Societies for the purpose of obtaining a Reform in the Representation of the People, and mentioned in the Debate, one only is of recent Origin, we have but too much Reason to believe, that under whatever Form they have disguised their Design, the real Object of Ministers has been to subject to Suspicion, and distrust the Principles; misrepresent the Views, and calumniate the Intentions of that Association of respectable Persons lately formed, for Purposes the most virtuous and constitutional, upon Principles the most pure and disinterested; to be pursued by Means the most legal and peaceful, weilding no Weapons but those of Truth and Reason, using no Efforts but those of Argument unsupported by Party, appealing only to the Sense and Judgement of a Public deeply interested in the Objects of their Pursuits, and not presuming to demand any Personal Credit, but what may be derived from their Steadiness, Consistency, and Integrity. This Society appears to be the only one which has excited the Jealousy of those Ministers, from whom Justice has extorted an Admission in Debate, that nothing offensive or even improper has proceeded from it; of those Ministers, some of whom have themselves engaged, but to a much greater Extent, and upon much broader Principles, in the Prosecution of the same general Objects, the Attainment of which they declared not only indispensable, but alone capable of preserving the Liberties of the People, and perpetuating the Blessings of the Constitution; but which Objects, with the peaceful Possession of Power and Emolument, they have long neglected and lost fight of, and now at last, in the Face of the Public, in Defiance of the most solemn Engagements, unblushingly abandon. Such are the Ministers who have presumed to use the Royal Name and Authority to a Proclamation, by which, insinuating the Existence of Dangers, of which even some of their most confidential Friends have declared their Disbelief; they vainly hope to divert the Attention of a discerning Public, from their Apostacy from Principles, and their Dereliction of Opinions which paved their Way to Power, and for which they stood deliberately and repeatedly pledged to a generous, confiding, and at last deluded People.

Because if the Objects of that Association thus particularly aimed at by His Majesty's Ministers, were not expressly justified by their former Principles and Professions; as the Act itself of associating to pursue those Objects, is sanctioned by their former Conduct and Example; we should still see nothing in it to discommend, but much to applaud. A moderate and temperate Reform of the Abuses of the Constitution is due to the People, who being on their Part just to the Monarchical and Aristocratical Branches of the Constitution, who commit no Invasion of the Rights, and seek no Abridgement of the Powers of either, are entitled to have their own Share in the Legislation of their Country, freed from the unjust Usurpation of others, and to possess uninvaded, and to exercise uncontrouled by the other Branches of the Government, those Rights which this happy Constitution, in the matchless Excellence of its Principles, has solely and exclusively allotted to the People.

A Reform of such a Character and Description, may lessen the Means and diminish the Opportunities of corrupting Legislation, both in its Source and in its Progress; it may reduce the Influence, by which unconstitutional Ministers preserve their Power; but it will save the Nation from their Profusion, and perpetuate that Constitution, which all equally profess to venerate. Such a Reform we believe cannot, with perfect Safety, be long delayed; the more readily and chearfully those Rights which belong only to the People are restored, by those who at present in too many Instances possess and exercise them, the more firm and established will be the present happy Form of our Government, the more safe from Risque and Danger will be the just Prerogatives of the Crown, and the peculiar, acknowledged hereditary Privileges of this House.

"Lauderdale."

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

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Commons, to acquaint them with the Concurrence of this House to the said Resolution and Address, by filling up the Blank with ("Lords Spiritual and Temporal and")

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 would please to appoint, to be attended with the said Address.

Ramsgate, &c. Harbour Bill.

Ordered, That Mr. William Evans, Secretary to the Trustees of Ramsgate Harbour, do attend, in order to his being examined as a Witness before the Committee, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Maintenance and Improvement of the Harbour of Ramsgate, in the County of Kent, and for cleansing, amending, and preserving the Haven of Sandwich, in the same County," stands committed.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, primum diem Junii, jam prox. sequen. horâ undecimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.