House of Lords Journal Volume 4: 3 May 1641

DIE Lunæ, videlicet, 3 die Maii.

PRAYERS.

Report of Mr. St. John's Argument against the E. of Strafford.

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Multitude of Citizens of London repair to the House for an Answer to their former Petition.

A great Number of Citizens of London this Day assembled themselves together in the Old Palace, near the Parliament Doors, desiring an Answer to their Petition formerly presented to both Houses of Parliament, and subscribed with many Hands.

Their Lordships took the said Petition into Consideration; and having read it, did Order it should be committed to the Committee of the whole House; and that the Gentleman Usher should call Half a Score of them in, and receive this Answer, "That their Lordships have taken their Petition into Consideration, and have now read it again; and that their Lordships are Resolved to do in it that which shall be honourable and just; and that with all Expedition."

Some of them called in, and acquainted with the Proceedings upon it.

Upon this, divers of them were called in, and the Speaker signified unto them, what the Answer was the Lords had commanded him to give them; and desired them that they would acquaint the rest, and cause them to depart to their own Habitations.

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Adjourn.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius de Communi Banco, Locum tenens Domini Custodis Magni Sigilli, declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in post meridiem hujus diei, hora 4^a, Dominis sic decernentibus.

Post meridiem.

PRAYERS.

Message from the King about the Tumults.

It was signified to the House, That His Majesty, taking Notice of the great Tumult and Concourse of People that do assemble together into these Parts, called this Day his Counsel, and advised what Course is fit to be taken therein; and it was His Majesty's Command, to let both Houses know, "That it is His Pleasure that both Houses do take into their Consideration some speedy Course, to settle Peace, and prevent these Tumults."

To this Purpose, a Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Justice Foster and Justice Heath:

Message to the H. C. for a Conference about this Business.

To desire a present Conference, if it stand with their Conveniency, by a Committee of both Houses.

These Lords following were appointed to withdraw themselves, and draw up Heads for the Conference: videlicet,

Answer.

The House of Commons return this Answer to the Message:

That they are now in Consideration of Business of great Consequence, which they hope will be for the Good of the whole Kingdom; and therefore they will return an Answer, by Messengers of their own, in due Time.

Petition by the Citizens of London against the E. of Strafford, and to prevent his Escape.

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Their Petition sent to His Majesty.

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And the Commons made acquainted with it.

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Committee go to The Tower about it.

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Order about unlawful Printing.

It was signified to the House, That the Company of Stationers have discovered a secret Press in a Cellar, where Pamphlets and unlicensed Books are printed; but they keep the Doors shut, that they cannot come to view them. Therefore the Direction of this House was desired. And it was Ordered, That the next Justice of the Peace shall go with the Master and Wardens, and others of the Stationers, to a House near Bunnbill, in Finsebury Fields; and to let the Master of the said House know, that it is informed that there is a private Printingpress going in his House or Cellar; and to command them to let the said Stationers see whether any such Press be there or no; but, in Case it shall be denied, then to report the same to this House.

The Report from His Majesty about the Soldiers appointed to guard The Tower.

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Order for the Guard of The Tower.

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Adjourn.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius de Communi Banco, Locum tenens Domini Custodis Magni Sigilli, declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in diem Martis, videlicet, 4^m diem instantis Maii, hora 8^a, Dominis sic decernentibus.