House of Commons Journal Volume 7: 5 September 1651

Friday, the 5th of September, 1651.

Prayers.

Battle of Worcester.

A LETTER from the Lord General Cromwell, near Worcester, September the Third 1651, at Ten at Night, was this Day read.

A Letter from Major Salway and Mr. Scott, from near Worcester, September the Third, Ten at Night, was this Day read.

Sir James Harrington reports, another Letter from Major Salway and Mr. Scott, from near Worcester, September the Third, Ten at Night.

And also a Letter from Mr. Stapylton, from our Quarters on the East of Severne, near to the River, Ten at Night, September the Third 1651.

And also a Letter from George Downing; near Worcester, September the Third 1651, Nine at Night: Which were all this Day read.

And also a Letter from Colonel Lytcott, of the 30th of August 1651, was this Day read.

And a Letter from Colonel Desbrow, from Leith, the 30th of August 1651, was this Day read.

The Parliament being very sensible of the wonderful and seasonable Mercies God hath been pleased to vouchsafe unto this Nation, by his great Blessing upon their Army near Worcester, in routing the Army of the Scotts on Wednesday last; as is expressed in a Letter from the Lord General to the Speaker of the Parliament, herewith printed; and intending to set apart a Day of solemn Thanksgiving unto God, to be observed through this Commonwealth; Do, in the mean time, order, That the Ministers in all Churches and Congregations within the late Lines of Communication, and Weekly Bills of Mortality, on the next Lord's Day, give publick Thanks to Almighty God for this great Mercy: And that the Lord Mayor of the City of London do take Care, that timely Notice be given to the said Ministers, for that Purpose; and that the said Ministers do then read the said Letter.

Ordered, That this Order, and the Letter from the Lord General to the Speaker of the Parliament, dated the Third of September 1651, be forthwith printed and published.

Resolved, That a Letter of Thanks be sent to the Lord General from the Parliament, taking Notice of his great Service; and that it be referred to the Council of State to prepare this Letter; to be signed by Mr. Speaker.

Ordered, That Constantyne Heath and Richard Cadwell, the Messengers, who brought the News from Worcester, have 30£. a Piece bestowed on them, as Gratuities: And is is referred to the Council of State, to see the same forthwith paid unto them; accordingly.

Letters and Papers read.

Major Lister reports, from the Council of State, a Letter from Colonel Duckenfield, from Chester of the Second of September 1651; and the Examination of Nathanael Lancaster, Rector of Tarpurby in the County of Chester, the Second Day of September in the Year of our Lord 1651: Which were this Day read.

He also reports, a Letter from Mr. Fell, from Lancaster, of the First of September 1651: Which was this Day read.

He also reports, a Letter from Col. Thomas Birch, from Liverpoole, of the Second Day of September: Which was also this Day read.

And also a Letter from Hereford, of the Second of September 1651, from Francis Pemley, Sheriff of the said County: Which was this Day read.

A Letter from the Mayor of Chester, and Robert Duckenfield, of the Second of September 1651, from Chester, was this Day read.

Recorder of Chester.

Resolved, That Mr. Radcliff be discharged from being Recorder of the City of Chester: And is hereby discharged accordingly.

Resolved, That Richard Haworth Esq; be and is hereby nominated and appointed to be Recorder of the City of Chester: And is required to take upon him the Execution thereof, accordingly.

St. Alban's Ministry.

An Act for the more frequent Preaching of the Gospel, Instructing and Catechizing of the People of the Parish of St. Alban's, and better Maintenance of a godly Minister, in the said Parish, in the Borough of St. Alban's, in the County of Hertford, was this Day read the first time.

Resolved, That this Act be now read the second time.

The said Act was read the second time accordingly; and, upon the Question, committed unto Mr. Say, Mr. Leman, Sir Richard Lucy, Sir James Harrington, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Col Purefoy, Mr. Salwey, Mr. Strickland, Attorney-general, Col. Downes, Mr. Moyle, Mr. * * * Challoner, Mr. Cawley, Mr. Love, Mr. Whittacre, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Gold, Mr. Snelling, Mr. Hallowes, Col. Thompson, Col. Bossevile, Mr. Ralegh, Mr. Garland, Sir Gilbt. Pickering, Sir Henry Vane, Mr. Hodges, Sir Grigory Norton, or any Five of them: And this Committee is to meet this Afternoon at Two of the Clock in the Speaker's Chamber: And Mr. Garland is to take Care of it.

Bray, a Prisoner.

Sir John Bourchier reports, from the Council of State, concerning one Captain Bray, a Prisoner in Windsore Castle; who was committed by the Parliament Two Years since.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Council of State, to do as they shall think fit in the Business touching Captain Bray.

House to sit.

The Question being put, That the House do sit Tomorrow,

The House was divided:

The Yeas went forth:

So it passed with the Affirmative.