House of Commons Journal Volume 7: 31 May 1659

Tuesday, May the 31st, 1659.

Prayers.

Taking the Chair, &c.

ORDERED, That Mr. Speaker do constantly every Morning take the Chair, by Eight of the Clock: And that the Council of State, and Committee of this House, do forbear to sit in the Morning after Eight of the Clock; and do then give their Attendance on the Service of this House: And that the House do rise every Day at Twelve of the Clock: And that no Motion be made after Twelve of the Clock; but that Mr. Speaker . . and is hereby injoined then to rise.

Admiralty.

A Bill ingrossed, intituled, A Bill for constituting Commissioners for ordering and managing the Affairs of the Admiralty and Navy, was this Day read the Third time.

Ordered, That Mr. Lechmere, Mr. Boone, and Mr. Pury the elder, do withdraw, and consider how this Bill may be amended, according to the Debate in this House; and report their Opinion therein to this House forthwith.

Soldiers Pay.

Resolved, That, in respect of the extraordinary Duty and Expence the private Soldiers are put to in the Cities of London and Westminster, and the Suburbs, and late Lines of Communication, the Parliament doth order and declare, that the Foot shall have One Peny a Day, and the Horse Three-pence a Day, added to their now Pay; and this to be only to those that do perform Duty, and attend the Parliament, in the Parts aforeaid.

Publick Revenue.

Ordered, That the Committee for Inspection of the Treasuries do report to this House on Thursday Morning next, the present State of the Treasuries; what Monies are in Cash; what Supplies of Money are necessary for the carrying on the present Affairs; and by what Ways or Means present Monies may be raised by Sale of Forests, or otherwise: And it is

Ordered, That what Monies are or shall be so raised, do go to the Payment of the Army and Navy, and other publick Contingencies: And the said Committee are hereby authorized and impowered to receive any Propositions, that shall be tendered to them, for Raising of present Monies; and report their Opinion therein to this House.

Admiralty.

Mr. Pury reports, from the Committee formerly ordered to withdraw, Amendments to the Bill for constituting Commissioners for ordering and managing the Affairs of the Admiralty and Navy.

Which Amendments were laid aside.

And the said Bill, being put to the Question, passed.

Ordered, That this Act be forthwith printed and published.

Ordered, That Mr. Reynolds be added to the Committee for taking Care for Preservation of the Timber in the Forests.

Fleetwood Commander in Chief, &c.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Council of State, to prepare, and bring into this House To-morrow Morning, several Commissions, as well for constituting Charles Fleetwood Esquire to be Lieutenant-General and Commander in Chief of the Land-forces in England and Scotland; as also for the Six other Commissioners; viz. John Lambert Esquire, Sir Arthur Hesilrig Knight, John Disbrowe Esquire, James Berry Esquire, Sir Henry Vane Knight, Edmund Ludlowe Esquire; with Blanks in the said several Commissions for the Time of the Continuance of the said Commissions: And that the Council of State do compare the Commissions; and report them to the House.

Sweden and Denmark.

Sir Henry Vane reports from the Council of State, That for the Settling of the Business of the Sound, wherein the Interest of this Commonwealth, in this Juncture of Affairs, is much concerned,

1. There be appointed Commissioners Plenipotentiaries for obtaining a good Peace between the Two Northern Kings; and to adjust and secure the Interest of this Commonwealth, and its Allies in the Sound; and, by the Assistance and Power of the Fleet of this Commonwealth, separately, or jointly with the Fleet or Fleets of its Allies, to endeavour the same.

2. That the Persons to be named and impowered, as aforesaid, be Five, or any Three of them; unless the Council in case of Sickness, or other Emergencies, shall see Cause to constitute the Quorum to be fewer than Three.

3. That Instructions be given, by the Council, to the Plenipotentiaries, or any others, in pursuance of the Resolutions above-mentioned.

Resolved, That there be appointed Commissioners Plenipotentiaries for obtaining a good Peace between the Two Northern Kings; and to adjust and secure the Interest of this Commonwealth, and its Allies in the Sound; and, by the Assistance and Power of the Fleet of this Commonwealth, separately, or jointly with the Fleet or Fleets of its Allies, to endeavour the same.

Resolved, That the Persons to be named and impowered, as aforesaid, be Five, or any Three of them; unless the Council, in case of Sickness, or other Emergencies, shall see Cause to constitute the Commissioners to be fewer than Three.

Resolved, That Instructions be given, by the Council, to the said Plenipotentiaries, or any others, in pursuance of the said Resolutions.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Council of State, to present the Names of the said Five Commissioners Plenipotentiaries; and to prepare Commissions to be signed by the Speaker; and report the said Names and Commissions to this House.

Great Seal.

Ordered, That the whole Profits, Fees, and Perquisites, for the future arising by the Office of Keeper of the Great Seal; and which were heretofore due and payable to the said Keeper of the Great Seal, as Keeper thereof; and the Profits due to the State by the Great Seal; be and are hereby sequestered; and shall and do go to the Use of the Commonwealth; and be paid into the publick Treasury, to that Purpose.

Chancery Court.

Resolved, That the Court of Chancery be throughout reformed and regulated.

Letter from Gen. Monels.

Mr. Scott reports, from the Council of State, a Letter from General George Monck, dated from Dalkeith, May the 21th, 1659: Which was read.

Ordered, That this Letter be referred to the Council of State; to take the same into Consideration; and to do therein what they shall think requisite.