House of Lords Journal Volume 9: 16 November 1647

DIE Martis, 16 die Novembris.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Case.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax:

A Letter from Sir Thomas Fairefax, was read, as followeth. (Here enter it.)

Sir Tho. Fairefax' Declaration, not read.

A printed Paper was also read. (Here enter it.)

Ordered, To send to the House of Commons, for a present Conference.

Message to the H. C. for a Conference about it:

And accordingly a Message was sent, by Sir (fn. 1) Edward Leech and Mr. Page:

To desire a present Conference, in the Painted Chamber, touching a Letter received from the General Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Committee to prepare Heads for it.

Ordered, That these Lords Committees following are appointed to draw up what Heads are fit to be presented to the House of Commons, at this Conference:

Any Two; to meet presently.

Croker and Wise.

Ordered, That the Cause between Croker and Wise, upon the Practice, according to the former Orders, shall be heard on Friday Morning next.

Ordinance to establish a Corporation for Employment of the Poor.

The Earl of Kent reported from the Committee, the Ordinance for setting the Poor on Work, as fit to pass, with an Alteration of Two Names; which they offered the same to the Consideration of this House: And it being read with the Alterations, it was Agreed to.

Day and Gutch.

Ordered, That the Errors between Day and Gutch shall be argued, by Counsel on both Sides, the 7th of December.

Order for 900 l. to Officers.

The Order for Nine Hundred Pounds to Officers, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Fowle to be instituted to Monewden.

Ordered, That Dr. Aylett shall give Institution and Induction to Thomas Fowle, to the Rectory of Monewden, in the County of Suffolke; presented thereunto by Presentation under the Great Seal of England: This with a salvo Jure cujuscunque.

Ould Inhabitants and Schloer their Minister.

Ordered, That the Business between the Parishioners of Old, in the County of North'ton, and Mr. Schloer, shall be heard, by Counsel on both Sides, the First Tuesday next Term.

Heads for the Conference on Sir T. Fairfax's Letter:

The Earl of Northumb. reported the Heads to be offered at the Conference with the House of Commons; which, being read and considered of by the House, were approved of.

Letter of Thanks to be wrote to him, and desiring him to suppress Mutinies.

A Letter of Thanks to be written to the General, from both Houses, desiring the Continuance of his Care, to see exemplary Justice done upon those who have or shall endeavour to raise Mutinies, and factiously to subvert the Order and good Government of the Army; and a Committee of both Houses to prepare the same.

Heads for the Conference on Sir T. Fairfax's Letter.

"That a speedy Course may be taken, to give some present Satisfaction to the Army in their Pay, and such a Settlement of Pay to them for the future, that the Kingdom may not continue under the Burthen of Free Quarter, nor the Soldiers be put to Shifts.

"That some real Satisfaction be given the Army, in respect of their Arrears; and the Act of Indemnity made full.

"That there may be a Committee of both Houses appointed, to examine the Proceedings of those London Agents mentioned in the General's Letter, and all others who are known, or shall justly be suspected, to have been the Authors and Abettors of these seditious Irregularities, whereupon some exemplary Justice may be done: And because Colonel Raynsborow and Major Scott, being Members of your House, are named in the General's Letter, to have acted in this Business, we desire you to take it into your Care so to proceed with them, as may conduce to the Safety of this Kingdom, and the Preservation of the present Government.

"That Colonel Raynsborow, who is named in the General's Letter to have been active with others at this Rendezvous, may not be suffered to go to Sea, till this Business be fully examined.

"That, for the Satisfaction of the Kingdom and Army, and to discharge ourselves of the Duty and Trust that lies upon both Houses, a speedy Course may be taken and prosecuted, to quiet the present Distractions, and to settle the Peace, of these Kingdoms."

Message from the H. C. with Instructions to Col. Hammond;—to dissolve the King's Household at Hampton Court;— and about presenting the Propositions to Him.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Walter Erle, &c.; who brought up divers Particulars:

1. Instructions for Colonel Hamond.

(Here enter them.)

Agreed to.

2. A Vote for dissolving the King's Houshold at Hampton Court. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

3. A Vote concerning Propositions to be sent to the King. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to all the Particulars now brought up.

Committee to prepare a Letter to Sir T. Fairfax.

Lords appointed to join with a Committee of the House of Commons, to draw up the Letter to be sent to the General:

Any Two.

Committee to consider of the Abettors of the late Mutiny in the Army.

Lords appointed to join with a proportionable Number of the House of Commons, to examine the Authors and Abettors, and London Agents, for the seditious Irregularities, &c.

Any Three.

Answer from the H. C.

Sir Edward Leech and Mr. Page return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

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

Instructions to Col. Hammond, to be sent to Sir T. Fairfax.

Ordered, That the Instructions to Colonel Hamond shall be sent in a Letter from the Speakers of both Houses; and that a Copy of the said Instructions be sent to the General.

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

Order for 900 l. to Officers.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Sum of Nine Hundred Pounds, remaining at Weavers Hall, be borrowed, and secured and re-paid out of the First Monies of the Ten Thousand Pounds formerly charged upon the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall, and assigned to the Relief of poor indigent Persons; and that the said Sum of Nine Hundred Pounds be paid unto Mr. Greenhill and Mr. Pocock, Treasurers appointed by former Ordinance for Officers, to be distributed according to the former Orders made to the said Treasurers; and the Treasurers at Weavers Hall are hereby required to issue forth and pay the said Nine Hundred Pounds to the said Treasurers, to be disposed as aforesaid; and that, the Acquittance of the said Treasurers shall be a sufficient Warrant and Discharge to the Treasurers at Weavers Hall, for the Payment of the said Sum of Nine Hundred Pounds accordingly."

Instructions to Col. Hammond, for the King's Safety.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That the securest Place for the King's Residence, during the Time the Houses shall think fit to continue Him in the Isle of Wight, is Caresbrooke Castle.

"Resolved, &c.

"That no Person who hath been in Arms, or assisted in this unnatural War against the Parliament, be permitted to come or remain in the said Isle, during the King's Residence there, unless they be Inhabitants of the Isle, and have compounded with the Parliament.

"Resolved, &c.

"That no Person who hath been in Arms, or assisted in this unnatural War against the Parliament, shall be permitted to come into the King's Presence, or into any Fort or Castle in the said Isle, during the King's Residence there, although he be an Inhabitant, and hath compounded with the Parliament.

"Resolved, &c.

"That no Stranger, or Person of a Foreign Nation, shall be permitted to come into the King's Presence, without Directions of both Houses of Parliament, except such as have Warrant from the Parliament of Scotland, or from the Committee of that Parliament thereunto authorized, and are not disabled by the Propositions agreed on by both Kingdoms.

"Resolved, &c.

"That a sufficient Guard be appointed, by Colonel Hammond, Governor of the said Isle, for securing the King's Person from any Violence, and preventing His departing the said Isle without the Directions of both Houses."

King's Household at Hampton Court dissolved.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That the King's Household at Hampton Court be forthwith dissolved."

Propositions to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners, and they desired to join in presenting them to the King.

"Resolved, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled,

"That the Members of both Houses, that are of the Committee of both Kingdoms, do acquaint the Scotts Commissioners, That the Propositions agreed on by both Houses to be presented to the King, for settling a safe and well-grounded Peace, are ready; and that the Houses have resolved to send them to the King on Monday next: That the Houses will be ready to join with the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland, to insist on the same Things, for the Peace and Interest of that Kingdom, which were formerly propounded in Behalf thereof in the late Propositions of both Kingdoms; or, if any Alterations in Behalf of that Kingdom be thought fit, the Houses do desire they may be prepared and perfected within the Time aforementioned, that so no Time may be lost, for the joint sending of such Things to the King as shall be agreed on for the Interest and Peace of the Kingdoms respectively."

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax, that he had rendezvoused Seven Regiments; and that Harrison's and Lilburn's came, without Orders, in a mutinous Manner; but were now reduced to Obedience; complaining that they were instigated by the London Agents;— and that Col. Rainsborough had presented the following Petition to him.

"To the Right Honourable Edward Earl of Manchester, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore.

"My Lord,

"I rendezvoused this Day Three Regiments of Foot and Four of Horse; videlicet, of Horse, my own Regiment, Colonel Riche's, Colonel Fleetwood's, and Colonel Twistleton's; and of Foot, my own Regiment, Colonel Pride's, and Colonel Hammond's. When they appeared all at the Rendezvous, I tendered to them, and had read in the Head of every Regiment, this inclosed Paper, which was very acceptable to them, and to which they have given very full and clear Concurrence, professing Readiness to serve you and the Kingdom; which I hope will be constantly and honestly by them performed. And I cannot but attribute great Acknowledgement to Almighty God, in making these poor Men so unanimous in such Things as I think do and will conduce to an happy Settlement of this poor Kingdom: They profess likewise an absolute Submission and Conformity to the ancient Discipline of the Army, by which I hope to order it to your Satisfaction. There came thither also Two Regiments without Orders; videlicet, Colonel Harrison's of Horse, and Colonel Lilburne's of Foot. These Two had been very much abused and deluded by the Agents who had their Intercourses at London, and were so far prevailed withal, that when they came into the Field, they brought with them in their Hats a Paper, commonly called "The Agreement of the People," being very much inflamed towards Mutiny and Disobedience: But truly perceived the Men were merely cozened and abused with fair Pretences of those Men that acted in the London Counsels. For Colonel Harrison's Regiment, they were no sooner informed of their Error, but, with a great deal of Readiness and Chearfulness, they submitted to me, expressing the same Affection and Resolution of Obedience with other Regiments; and I do believe you will have a very good Account of them for Time to come. As for Colonel Lilburne's, they were put into those Extremities of Discontent, that they had driven away almost all their Officers, and came in marching up near to the Rendezvous, contrary to Orders; the chiefest Officer with them being a Captain Lieutenant, whom I have secured, on purpose to try him at a Council of War; and for Example Sake drew out divers of the Mutineers, Three whereof were presently tried and condemned to Death, and, by Lot, One of them was shot to Death in the Head of the Regiment; and there are more in Hold, to be tried. I do find the same Regiment likewise very sensible of their Error, and testifying much seeming Conformity to Commands; so that I doubt not but I shall be able to give you a good Account of that Regiment also. And indeed I do see that the London Agents have been the great Authors of these Irregularities, and with some of better Quality have not been their Abettors. Major Scott came to the Rendezvous, and did carry himself very factiously; not only testifying his own Discontent, but stirring up others also to the same; whereupon I desired him to withdraw out of the Field, and to repair to the Parliament; and commanded an Officer to attend him to the House of Commons. I thought it my Duty to give your Lordship this further Account, That Colonel Rainborow, with some others, tendered this inclosed Petition, together with the People's Agreement annexed thereunto; and, by what Hands I yet know not fully, very many Copies of the same Agreement were dispersed amongst the Soldiers, thereby to engage them; but, blessed be God! all proved ineffectual. And I may repeat it once again, that I never yet, upon any Rendezvous, found Men better composed and better satisfied at Parting than those Nine Regiments were; and I trust in God, if a just Care be taken to answer their reasonable Desires, they will so continue. But give me Leave to say, I hope, out of a good Affection to you and this poor Kingdom, That it will be your Lordship's Glory and Honour, to make such Use of this Mercy, as that all the World may see, that which I know you intend; to wit, a speedy Settlement of those Things I was bold to present in my late Addresses to the House of Commons; and the Easing of this poor Kingdom from Free Quarter, by providing future Pay, that so no Free Quarter may be taken, nor the Soldiers put to Shifts, nor I made unable to uphold the Discipline of the Army; that they may be satisfied in their Arrears, according to former Desires; and the Act of Indemnity made full; and those other Things concerning the Soldiers in this Paper performed. I shall very much rejoice in the next Place, that you will be pleased to anticipate all our Desires, in those Things which concern the Settlement of the Kingdom; which though they do not move so properly from us, as Soldiers, yet, as Englishmen, who have engaged ourselves by our several Declarations to the Kingdom, we cannot but continue our humble and earnest Desires, that they may be settled to Satisfaction; and we hope it will not be any Regret to you, that we become your Remembrancers therein. And, my Lords, believe me, you will find Expedition will be the Life of all, in the Things which concern the Soldiers of the Kingdom. We shall have our other Rendezvous with what Conveniency may be; of the Issue of which, you shall receive a speedy Account. There be Four Regiments of Horse; One in Wales, (videlicet,) Colonel Huton's; Colonel Scroope's, in Som'settsheire; Colonel Tomlinson's, in Lincolnesheir; Colonel Thorney's, in Nottinghamsheir; of which I have very good Assurances they will be very faithful and obedient to you and the Discipline of the Army. Having troubled you thus much, I rest

Hartford, 15 Novembris, 1647.

"Your Lordship's
Most humble Servant,
T. Fairefax."

Officers, &c. Petition to Sir T. Fairfax, for the Army to keep together till they are assured of their Indemnity and Freedom; and for Settlement of their Pay, &c.

"To his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax, our Noble General.

"The humble Petition of many Officers and Soldiers under his Command;

"Sheweth,

"That, in Judgement and Conscience, we engaged in the War against the King, under your Excellency's Command, to preserve and vindicate the Freedoms of our Native Country, and of the Parliament in order thereunto.

"That, by the Blessing of God, all those our Enemies are fallen or fled before us.

"That, for the same Ends, and for our own Rights, for our Service, we were forced to hazard ourselves in disputing the Parliament's Commands; and those our Opposers have been likewise subdued.

"That the Countries have petitioned your Excellency to procure the long-expected Settlement of their Freedoms.

"That we have waited many Months, for the securing to us and all the freeborn People their native Rights, and for our Indemnity and Arrears as Soldiers; and our Hearts bleed, to see our Country consume under continued Distractions and heavy Oppressions.

"That we see no Hope of Indemnity for us and our Assistants, nor of settling the Foundations of Freedom, but by entering into this Agreement; which we herewith offer to your Excellency, desiring your Concurrence therein.

"That we have seen and felt the sad Consequences of being divided and scattered, before our native Freedoms were settled, and our Arrears secured, and such a Way established for constant Pay, that we may know where to receive it Monthly without Fail.

"That we are bound in Conscience, from the Sense of our Duty to our native Country, and in Mercy to ourselves, to keep together, with our Swords in our Hands, to maintain these our Freedoms, for which the Parliament first invited us to take Arms, to see our Arrears and Pay secured, and our dear Country freed from its intolerable Burthens.

"May it therefore please your Excellency, to go on in owning and leading us, in Maintenance of this our Cause, to the Righteousness whereof God hath borne such clear Witness. And in the Prosecution of these Things, we humbly desire to live and die under your Excellency's Conduct.

"The People's Ingagment was annexed to this Petition, with these Words printed on the Back Side, in great Letters, England's Freedom, Soldiers Rights."