House of Lords Journal Volume 5: 20 October 1642

DIE Jovis, videlicet, 20 die Octobris.

PRAYERS.

The Lord Grey of Warke appointed Speaker this Day.

Message from the H. C. to sit a while.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye, Knight:

To desire their Lordships to sit a while.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That their Lordships will sit a while.

Earl of Warwick's Cause, about the Post Office.

Ordered, That the Cause concerning the Letter Office is deferred until Saturday next.

Commission for cruizing on the Irish Coasts to be printed.

Ordered, That the Commission for Letters of Marque for Ireland shall be printed and published.

Conference about Scotch Papers reported.

Next, the Speaker reported the Effect of the Conference last Night with the House of Commons: "That the House of Commons desired their Lordships Concurrence in divers Particulars, which were read, as followeth:

"1. An Answer to the Declaration sent from the Secret Council of Scotland, to both Houses of Parliament here." (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

"2. An Answer to the Declaration of the Commissioners for the Peace in Scotland, was read." (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

"3. An Answer to the Declaration of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was read." (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

Earl of Pembroke's Commission, as General in the West.

"4. A Commission to be given to the Earl of Pembrooke and Mountgomery, for to be Captain General and Commander of the Army which shall be raised in the Western Counties, was read."

This House thought fit the Addition of these Counties in Wales should be made:

Ordered, That this Commission is referred to the Consideration of the Committee for the Safety.

Message to the H. C. about it and the Scotch Papers.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, to let them know, that this House agrees with them in the Answers to the Scotts Declarations; and concerning the Commission to be given to the Earl of Pembrooke, this House will send an Answer by Messengers of their own; and further to let them know, that this House will sit this Afternoon, at Three a Clock.

Answer to the Lords of the Privy Council in Scotland.

"We, the Lords and Commons of the Parliament of England, do acknowledge the Brotherly Affection and prudent Care of the Good of both the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, expressed by the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council of Scotland, in the Reply made by their Lordships upon the 29th Day of September 1642, to our Answer concerning Unity in Religion, and Uniformity of Church Government; and shall be always ready, with our Authority and Endeavours, to promote that important Work, so pious in the Nature of it, and necessary in the Consequences of it for the Security and Prosperity of both Kingdoms, and of all the Foreign Reformed Churches: For the better effecting whereof, we do thankfully embrace the Correspondence of that Honourable Table, and of the Commissioners of the General Assembly, and shall likewise most willingly concur with the good Endeavors and Intentions of those Commissioners, for conserving the Peace betwixt the Kingdoms, according to the Act of Pacification ratified in both Parliaments; hoping and praying, that the God of Heaven will crown our mutual Desires with such an Issue, that the true Religion, the Honour, Safety, and Peace, of His Majesty and all His Kingdoms may be established and preserved, against the malicious Designs and Practices of those who seek openly to oppose or secretly to undermine the same."

Answer to the Commissioners of the National Assembly of Scotland.

"We, the Lords and Commons of England assembled, have with much Contentment and Approbation received the Declaration of the Commissioners of the National Assembly of the Church of Scotland, met at Edenburgh, the 21st of September, 1642, wherein they have rightly apprehended the Grounds of our Resolution, for the Reformation of Church Government, and the freeing of this Church and Kingdom from the Usurpation of the Prelates and their Faction, whereby so many heavy Burthens, Miseries, and Dangers, have long oppressed and distempered this Church and State, and for settling a more firm and perfect Union betwixt both Churches, in Matters concerning Religion and Church Government; for which Purpose, we have passed an Act in both Houses of Parliament, for an Assembly of Godly and Learned Divines of this Kingdom, to be convened upon the 5th of November next, which Act is ready to be dispatched to His Majesty, for His Royal Assent; and we do thankfully accept the good Intention of our Brethren of Scotland, to nominate some Reverend and pious Divines of that Church, to assist in that Assembly, to whom we are ready to grant a Safe Conduct, to secure them in their Passage hither; and shall earnestly join with them in our hearty Prayers and Endeavours, that this great Work so much desired by both Kingdoms may without further Delay take Effect, for the Honour of God, the Good and Comfort of all true-hearted Christians in these and all other Reformed Churches."

Answer to the Commissioners in Scotland, for the Preservation of the Peace betwixt the Two Nations.

"We, the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, having duly considered the Proposition made to us by the Noblemen, Barons, and Burgesses, Commissioners appointed by His Majesty and the Estates of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, agreed upon at Edenburgh, the 29th of September, 1642, do acknowledge their Wisdom and Brotherly Affection therein expressed, for Conservation of the Peace of this Kingdom, according to the late Treaty, ratified in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms; and that they, being equally interested in the Cause of these Troubles, that is, the malignant Design now in Hand, by Force of Arms to hinder Reformation of Religion and Church Government, and to introduce Popery and Superstition, cannot long be free from the Consequences thereof, the like Combustions and Commotions in that Kingdom, if the Popish Party prevail here; and do well approve their Tenderness and Care of our Troubles and Dangers, as being agreeable to the Intention of that State, and answerable to the like Care lately expressed by this Parliament in their Troubles: And whereas that, for the Discharge of that mutual Trust, which by the forementioned Act of Pacification is reposed in the Commissioners of both Kingdoms respectively, they have thought fit to send some of them to His Majesty and this Parliament; for their better Security in these Times of Commotion of Soldiers and People in Arms, we have Resolved, That we, the Lords and Commons, shall grant them a Safe Conduct, as is desired in their Proposition aforementioned; excepting out of the same James Duke of Lenox, and Robert Earl of Roxborough, being both Delinquents to this Parliament; and shall ever readily concur with the Commissioners of that State, in all good Means, for the Preservation of God's true Religion, the Honour and Happiness of His Majesty, the just Right and Liberties, together with the Peace, Prosperity, and Unity, of both Kingdoms."

Adjourn.

Adjourn till 3^a post meridiem.

Post meridiem.

PRAYERS.

Message from the H. C. with an Order to raise Forces in The Chiltern Hundreds.

The Lord Grey of Warke was appointed to be Speaker.

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

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in this Order; videlicet,

1. An Order for raising of Forces within the Three Hundreds of The Chilterne, in the County of Buckinghamshire. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

The Answer returned:

Answer.

That this House agrees to this Order.

Message from the H. C. for a Conference about a Declaration for an Association to be taken by the Kingdom.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye, Knight:

To desire a present Conference, if it may stand with their Lordships Conveniency, concerning a Declaration of an Association to be taken by the whole Kingdom.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House will give a present Conference, in the Painted Chamber, as is desired.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Lords went to the Conference; which being ended, the House was resumed.

Conference reported.

Then the Speaker (fn. 1) reported, "The Effect of the Conference was to acquaint their Lordships with these Particulars:

"1. Was read the Letter of the Lord General, written to the Earl of Dorsett; dated at Worcester, the 18th of October, 1642, sent by Mr. Copley. (Here enter it.)

"2. Was read a Letter of the Earl of Dorsett, to the Lord General, October 1642, from Wolverhampton. (Here enter it.)

"3. A Letter sent to the Committee, from the Committee in the Army, 18th October. (Here enter it.)

"4. Was read the Vote of the House of Commons, upon the Consideration of these Particulars. (Here enter it.)

"5. It was desired, that a Committee may be appointed, of Lords and Commons, to prepare a Declaration and a Form of Association (fn. 2) to this Purpose.

"The House of Commons observed, That the King received a Petition from General Leysley, and had a Letter sent to Him for that Purpose; but the King refuses to receive one from the Lord General, which is offered, without Condition.

"That divers Papists were entertained and employed in the King's Army; that divers Papists, professed Recusants, have Commissions from the Earl of Newcastle, to raise Eight Thousand Men in the North, to join with the King's Army.

"That they have received Letters, that Sir Jo. Hynderson and Colonel Cokeram are gone into Denmarke, to raise Forces there, to land at Newcastle, and so to join with the King's Army.

"The House of Commons desires their Lordships to expedite the Commission for the Earl of Pembrooke."

Declaration for an Association to be drawn up.

Ordered, That this House joins with the House of Commons in all the Particulars of this Conference; and refers the Drawing of a Declaration of Association to the Committee for the Safety.

The King's Refusal of receiving the L. General's Petition, to be communicated to the City of London.

And further this House thought it fit, that the Denial of the King to receive the Petition from the Lord General, and likewise the Danger as this Kingdom and the City of London is in by the advancing of the King's Army, and all the Particulars of this Conference, should be communicated to the City of London, that so they may provide themselves for their Defence, and be moved to come into this Association; and that a Committee of both Houses be sent into London; and that the Lord Mayor be desired to call a Common Hall, to impart this to them.

Ordered, To have a Conference with the House of Commons, and communicate this Desire to them; and to let them know, that this House agrees with them in this last Conference; and to desire them to join in going into London with a Committee.

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

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page:

To desire a Conference, touching the Matter of the late Conference.

The Messengers return with this Answer:

Answer.

That the House of Commons will give a present Conference, as is desired, in the Painted Chamber.

E. of Essex's Letter to the Committee of Safety, that the King refused receiving the Petition from him.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"In Obedience to your Commands, I sent Mr. Copley, with a Letter and Three Votes of both Houses, with a Desire of a Safe Conduct to such as should be sent with the Petition to His Majesty. The Letter and the Answer I have sent your Lordships, who can better tell how to consider of it than your Servant. My Lords, this Answer did not take me unprovided; for, since the First Answer I sent up to the Parliament, I expected no better. And for my Head, that is so much sought after, (and please God) I intend to sell it at such a Rate, the Buyers shall be no great Purchasers. My Lords and Gentlemen, I shall not in this Letter presume further upon your Patience, acknowledging the great Affairs you have; only this, to assure you I shall neither spare any Hazard or Pains to declare myself to be,

Worcester, this 18th of October, 1642.

"Your Lordships humble Servant,

"Essex.

"For the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Safety of the Kingdom."

E. of Dorset's Letter to the E. of Essex.

"My Lord,

"I have received your Letter of the 15th, and in it the Votes of both Houses of Parliament, of the 3d present, and have Directions from His Majesty to return you this Answer: That, if Justice had been done the Gentleman that brought it, he could not expect his Liberty; and for the Address of the Petition from both Houses, as His Majesty, by my former Letter, declared His Resolution that He would not receive any by the Hands of such as He had by Name proclaimed Traitors, so now, His Majesty having declared you the Principal in that Number, He will not receive any by your Address; but, as His Majesty declared then by me, His Ears shall still be open, to hear any sitting Addresses from both or either Houses of Parliament, in such Manner as His Majesty hath declared. This being all I have in Charge from His Majesty to signify unto you, I remain,

Wolverhampton, this 16th of October, 1642.

"Your Servant,

"Dorsett."

Letter from the Committee with the Army, to the Committee of Safety.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"In Obedience to the Command of the House, the Lord General dispatched Mr. Copley, Commissary General of the Musters, to desire a safe Convoy for all such as his Excellency should send with the Petition of both Houses to His Majesty; and Yesterday Morning Mr. Copley returned with this inclosed Answer, by which your Lordships may perceive, that His Majesty absolutely refuseth to receive any Petition by any Address of the Lord General, as One who is there expressed to be the Principal in the Number of those whom the King hath proclaimed Traitors. This we humbly conceive to be a most high Indignity and Scorn cast upon the Authority of the Parliament (in the Person of his Excellency, unto whom they have committed the Care and Government of their Army, in which their Religion and Safety is so much concerned), and a final and utter Rejection of the submissive, dutiful, and earnest Desires of Peace, so often laid at His Feet, with the Cries and Groans of His loving and loyal Subjects.

"My Lords, we could not choose but express this our Sense of it; the further Consideration whereof we leave unto your Wisdoms, and rest

"Your Lordships Friends and Servants,

Worcester, 18th October, 1642.

"Bedford.
Mandeville.
Willoughby Brooke.
Holles.
Arth. Goodwin."
Stapleton.

Declaration to be drawn, for an Association to be entered into by the Kingdom.

"Whereas it doth appear, by divers Evidences, that Papists have free Access and Resort unto His Majesty, and have Commands and Employments in His Army, and Commissions issued unto them for raising of Forces; and whereas it doth likewise appear, that there are Negociations in divers Parts beyond the Seas, for bringing of strange Forces into the Kingdom; and whereas it doth appear, by the Letter of the Earl of Dorsett, being dated the 16th of October, that His Majesty doth refuse all Addresses or Petitions from the Parliament, made by the Lord General; and that it is unsafe to send any Messenger from the Parliament to His Majesty: The House doth now therefore Resolve and Declare, That they will oblige themselves to a mutual Assistance of one another, and of the whole Kingdom, for Defence of the Protestant Religion, the Privilege of Parliament, and the Liberty and Property of the Subject; and that a strict Association be prepared, and entered into by the whole Kingdom, to this Purpose.

"To prove the Truth of this, the House of Commons produced several Informations from divers Parts:

"1. That Papists have free Access and Resort to His Majesty, and have Commands and Employments in His Army; an Information was read at the Conference, of a Gentleman of good Quality, that when His Majesty was at Chester, he was an Eye Witness that the Lord Taffe and the Lord Dillon, in actual Rebellion with the Rebels in Ireland, are very near His Majesty, and have Command in the Army, and one Doctor Mere, indicted in Ireland, and found guilty by the Jury of High Treason, and being escaped into England, is with and near His Majesty, and made Doctor to Prince Rupert; also one Sir John Dungan, indicted in Ireland for High Treason for being actually in Rebellion in Ireland, escaped, and is now with His Majesty: All these he did see frequently to resort to His Majesty, and had Consultation and Countenance with Him.

"Concerning Commissions that are issued out to Papists, it was averred, that the House of Commons have divers Letters, written to Mr. Blackston, a Member of their House, from divers Gentlemen of very good Worth and Quality; which says, that the Earl of Newcastle hath granted out Commissions (by virtue of Authority derived from the King) to divers known and professed Recusants of the Bishoprick of Durham, and the Counties of Northumb. Cumberland, and Westm'land, for the raising of Eight Thousand Men, Papists, which are to join with the King's Army; and that the Papists in Lanchashire and other Parts have Commissions to beat up Drums, for the raising of Voluntiers, Papists, to join with the King against the Parliament.

"For to make it appear that there are Negociations, in divers Parts beyond the Seas, for bringing of strange Forces into the Kingdom, the House of Commons produced Letters, which (fn. 3) they had received from The Hague and other Places, that Sir John Henderson and Colonel Cockeram were gone from thence into Denmarke, to raise Forces, to come for Newcastle, and to join with the other Forces against the Parliament.

"Concerning the other Parts, the Letters of the Lord General and the Earl of Dorsett proves them."

The House of Commons being come to the Conference, the Earl of Holland was appointed to deliver the Sense of this House at the Conference.

The House was adjourned, and the Lords went to the Conference; which being ended, the House was resumed.

Message from the H. C. about the Declaration for an Association;

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

To let their Lordships know, that the House of Commons do agree with their Lordships in the Two Particulars:

1. That the Drawing of the Declaration for an Association be referred to the Committee for the Safety of the Kingdom.

and about communicating to the City the King's Refusal of receiving the Petition.

2. They agree in sending a Committee of both Houses into London; and, if their Lordships please to name a Number of Lords, the House of Commons will appoint a proportionable Number of their Members to join with their Lordships.

L. Mayor to call a Common Hall for that Purpose.

Then this House Ordered, That a Committee of Nine Lords should be appointed to go into London, with a Committee of the House of Commons, to communicate all the Particulars of the late Conference to them; and that an Order be presently sent to the Lord Mayor of London, to command him to call a Common Hall, to be ready at Two of the Clock To-morrow in the Afternoon.

The Answer returned was:

Answer to the H. C.

That this House hath appointed Nine Lords, to go with a Committee of the House of Commons into London; and that this House (fn. 4) hath sent to command the Lord Mayor of London to call a Common Hall, to meet at Two of the Clock To-morrow in the Afternoon.

Order for Mr. Bulstrode to be Colonel of Trained Bands and Voluntiers of The Chiltern Hundreds.

"The Lords and Commons in Parliament, being informed that great Numbers of armed Forces, raised and employed against the Parliament, are now marching towards the County of Bucks, and that divers well-affected Persons in the said Country are willing to draw themselves into a Body, the better to resist and oppose the said Forces, and to preserve the Peace of their Country, and to defend themselves, their Families, and Estates, from Rapine and Spoil; and taking Notice of the good Affections of Henry Bulstrode, Esquire do hereby authorize and appoint the said Henry Bulstroode, to raise all the Forces of Foot, of the Trained Bands and Voluntiers, within the Three Hundreds of The Chilterne of the said County; and them to command, and to be Colonel over them, and to appoint Captains and Officers for the Voluntiers under him; and such Forces as he shall raise, to cause to be trained, mustered, and exercised, and to lead, conduct, and march with him to such Rendezvous within the said County or without, and to join with such other Forces of the said County, or any other Forces, and to do and execute and perform all such Directions and Commands, for the Purposes abovementioned, as the said Henry Bulstrode shall from Time to Time receive from both Houses of Parliament, from the Lord General of the Army for Defence of the King and Parliament, the Committee of the Lords and Commons for the Safety of the Kingdom, the Lieutenant of the said County, Richard Greenevile Esquire, High Sheriff of the said County, the Deputy Lieutenants of the said County, or from any of them."

Ordinance for the E. of Warwick to appoint Commanders in the Navy, in the English and Irish Seas.

"Whereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled have nominated and appointed the Right Honourable Rob't Earl of Warwicke, to be Admiral of the Fleet, and all other Ships, as well such as are upon the English as the Irish Coasts: It is therefore thought fit, and so Ordered and Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the said Earl of Warwicke is hereby authorized to appoint Commanders of all such Ships already upon the said Coast of Ireland, or that shall hereafter be during his continuing Admiral as aforesaid; streightly charging and commanding all Captains, Masters, and Mariners, to be obedient to such Order and Direction as they shall receive from his Lordship, and such Vice Admiral and other Commanders in Chief as shall be appointed by him, during the Absence of the said Earl of Warwicke from his said Charge of Admiral as aforesaid."

Ordered, That this Order be sent to the House of Commons, to desire their Concurrence therein with this House.

Sent to the H. C.

Which said Ordinance was presently sent down, by Message, to the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page, to desire Concurrence.