House of Lords Journal Volume 7: 15 July 1645

DIE Martis, 15 die Julii.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Prophett.

Ds. Grey de Warke, Speaker.

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax, that he had defeated Gon. Goring, at Langport.

A Letter from Sir Tho. Fairefax to the Speaker, was read, as follows:

"To the Right Honourable the Lord Grey of Warke, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore.

"My Lords,

"It pleased God on Thursday last, by this Army, to give General Goring a Defeat. After he retired from Taunton, he lay with his Army at Lamport, where, with the Advantage of the Rivers and several Garrisons that lay upon it, he put us to great Streights, to find a Way how to engage with him; though he had great Advantages of Passes, yet his Over-confidence in them proved rather ours than his. Whilst he sent away his Ordnance and Carriages to Bridgwater, he fronted us with his Army. He had passed a narrow Valley that was betwixt us, with a Thousand Musketeers. We forced them to retreat by ours. The Horse seconded them, and put the Army into Rout, pursuing them almost into Bridgwater. Two Thousand are taken Prisoners, few slain, good Store of Arms, Two Pieces of Ordnance, with many Colours both of Horse and Foot taken. We are marching to Bridgwater, and shall make the best Use we can of this good Success God hath given us. I desire your Lordships Pardon for this short Relation. This Bearer, Major Harrison, can satisfy your Lordships more fully in Particulars. So take Leave to remain,

"Your Lordships most humble Servant,

Chedsey, 11 July, 1645.

"Tho. Fairefax."

Major Harrison gives a further Account of it.

Next, Major Harrison was called in; and made a Narrative of the whole Business.

Hereupon this House gave him Thanks for his good Service done in this Business; and Ordered, That the Speaker do write a Letter to Sir Tho. Fairefax, from this House, to congratulate his good Success in the late Victory; and to give him Thanks for his great Vigilancy in the Carriage of this Business.

E. of Suffolk, and Sir R. Hitcham's Executors.

Ordered, That the Counsel of the Earl of Suffolke and Mr. Keeble, &c. shall be heard on both Sides, concerning the Statute of 4° H. IV. Cap. 23. the First Thursday after Michaelmas-day next; against which Time, the Counsel are to provide themselves of Precedents of what hath been done in the Chancery in Cases of this Nature.

L. Grey & al. and Mr. Finch & al.

Ordered, That the Cause between the Lord Grey of Warke, &c. and Mr. Fynch, shall be heard the Sixth Day of October next, by Counsel on both Sides.

Justice Reeves; Leave to be absent.

Ordered, That Mr. Justice Reeves hath Leave to go to his House in Northfolke, and there to abide until Michaelmas next, for Recovery of his Health.

Temple and Ludlow, committed.

Upon Examination of Witnesses, it appeared that Major Temple and Mr. Ludlowe did strike one another in the Painted Chamber; which this House taking as a great Breach of the Privilege of Parliament, and Dishonour to this House;

Ordered, That they shall, for this Offence, both stand committed to the Custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, until the Pleasure of this House be further known.

Answer from the H. C.

Sir Edward Leech and Mr. Page return with this Answer:

That they will send an Answer by Messengers of their own, concerning the Lord Powis.

Message from thence, for the Committee to meet about Lord Savill.

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

To desire that the Committee concerning the Lord Savill and Mr. Crandford may meet this Afternoon.

Ordered, That the Committee do meet accordingly.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That the Lords have appointed the Committee to meet, as is desired.

Celebration of the Thanksgiving.

Ordered, That the Lords shall meet in the Abbey Church, to celebrate the Day of Thanksgiving, (fn. 1) on Tuesday next; and Mr. Sedgswicke and Ward are to be desired to preach.

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 9^a cras.