House of Lords Journal Volume 9: 27 November 1647

DIE Saturni, 27 die Novembris.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Salawey.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Answer from the H. C.

Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they agree to the Pardon for the Prisoners at North'ton. (Here enter it.)

And concerning the providing a constant Pay for the Army, they will send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

Russia Merchants complain of Oppressions by the Emperor of Russia.

The Speaker acquainted the House with a Letter of the Emperor of Russia, which was delivered to him by the Merchants trading to Russia; who are much oppressed and disturbed in their Trade by the said Emperor.

Whereupon it is Ordered, To be referred to the Committee of Foreign Affairs, to consider of it; and the Committee to meet on Tuesday next, in the Afternoon.

Hook's Pet.

Upon reading the Petition of Humphrey Hooke, &c. It is Ordered, That, when the Plaintiff in the Writ of Error presses to have the Writ of Error argued at this Bar, then this Petition shall be taken into Consideration.

London Agents who encouraged the late Mutiny in the Army:

"Ordered, by the Lords and in Parliament assembled, That the Committee appointed to examine the Business of the London Agents be a Close Committee; and that they have hereby Power to send for such Persons as they shall receive Information of, and commit them to safe Custody."

The Concurrence of the House of Commons (fn. 1) to be desired herein.

Order to attach them.

"Ordered, by the Lords and in Parliament assembled, That the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and the Committee of the Militia of London, do use their Endeavours for the attaching of such Persons as are termed the London Agents, who shall meet for the carrying on of such Petitions, and getting Hands to them, and such other Papers as have been declared against by both or either House of Parliament; and keep them in safe Custody, until they shall acquaint the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed for the Examination of that Business both of their Names, and the Matter of Fact."

The Concurrence of the House of Commons to be desired herein.

Sheriffs Order, to pay no Fees on their Accompts.

The Order for discharging the Sheriffs from paying Fees for passing their Accompts, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Message to the H. C. with Orders; and with Sheriffs Names.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Doctor Aylett and Doctor Heath:

To desire their Concurrence in the Two Orders concerning the London Agents.

2. To return them the Names of the Sheriffs; and let them know what Names they do agree to, and (fn. 2) what Alterations are made, and desire their Concurrence therein.

Bedwell and Juxon.

Upon reading the Petition of Captain Wm. Bedwell, against John Juxon:

It is Ordered, That the said Juxon shall have a Copy of the Petition, and return his Answer by Tuesday next.

Impeached Lords, who sat while the Speakers, &c. were with the Army, to be cleared if no particular Charge is brought up against them.

The House took into Consideration the Case of the Seven Lords that are impeached by the House of Commons for High Treason; videlicet, James Earl of Suffolke, Theophilus Earl of Lyncolne, James Earl of Midd. George Lord Berkeley, Francis Lord Willoughby, John Lord Hunsdon, Wm. Lord Maynard, and no particular Charges brought up yet against them from the House of Commons:

It is Ordered, That the Speaker do prepare an Order, against Monday next, to this Effect: "That whereas the said Lords are impeached by the House of Commons, and a Day was appointed for hearing the Proofs against them, at which Time the House of Commons did nothing therein; and the Day being long past, and nothing yet done; that if the House of Commons do not within a few Days prosecute the Business against them, that this House will free and release them from their Restraint."

Sheriffs to pass their Accompts without Fees.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Accompts of the several Sheriffs of the respective Counties shall be passed in the Exchequer, without any Fee to be paid by the Sheriff."

Certificates in Behalf of Prisoners in North'ton Gaol.

"We humbly desire that a Pardon may be granted unto Thomas Cleaver, John Appleyard, Blaze Adams, condemned for Horse-stealing; for Robert Linacre and Edward Ward, condemned for murdering a Woman, trying her in the Water for Witchcraft; for Alice Hampton a Cut-purse, and Elizabeth Warwick for Murder, both old Reprieves, condemned many Years since: All which Prisoners are now lying in great Misery in the Gaol at North'ton, to the extreme Charge of the Country.

North'ton, 17 Jan. 1645.

"Edw. Nicolls.
Rich'd Samwell.
Tho. Pentlow.
Jo. Clarke.
Jo. Packer.
Jo. Northton.
John Thornton.
Wm. Ward."

"To the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament.

"We, whose Names are subscribed, being Justices of Peace for the County of North'ton, do humbly certify, That, at a General Gaol Delivery holden before us at North'ton, the Ninth Day of April last past, Thomas Thrayle, Richard Randolph, Robert Quarrey, Richard Peirson, Edward Symes, Evan Morris, Ralph Harding, Nathaniell Tapper, and Edward Barber, for Robberies by them committed, (fn. 3) were indicted and convicted before us, and for their said Offences had Judgement to die, according to the Law: But, because all or most of them had very good Testimony given of their former good Demeanor and Service, and hoping of their future Amendment; we thought good to reprieve them, and so they remain in Custody in the Common Gaol for the said County of North'ton. They are strong and able Persons; and engage themselves in the future for their good Carriage, and to be ready to serve their Country whenever Occasion shall be offered. To the End the Country might be eased of the present Charge, and the Gaol quit of the Prisoners, we humbly desire a Warrant may pass, for a General Pardon for them, under the Great Seal.

North'ton, 12th of June, 1646.

"John Clarke.
John Parker.
Richard Samwell.
Edw. Harby.
Phill. Holman.
Charles Morison.
Will'm Ward."

Order for their Pardon.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Mr. Solicitor General draw a Pardon, and that the Commissioners of the Great Seal do pass the same under the Broad Seal, to such Convicted Prisoners, in the Gaol at Northampton, which are certified by the Justices of Peace for the County of Northampton in their Certificates hereunto annexed; the One dated the 12th of June, 1646; the other dated the 17th of January, 1645.

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 10^a Monday Morning next.