House of Commons Journal Volume 5: 16 August 1648

Die Mercurii, 16 Augusti, 1648.

Prayers.

Sequestrations.

ORDERED, That it be referred to the Committee to whom the Ordinance concerning the Treasurers at Guildhall for Sequestrations was referred, to send for and confer with the Treasurers for Sequestrations at Guildhall, touching the speedy and effectual Way of bringing in the Sequestrations, and the Forty-two thousand Pounds charged thereupon; and, after Conference with them, to report their Opinions to the House what they think sit to be done herein.

Excise, &c.

It is further referred to this Committee, to send for the Commissioners of Excise; and to confer with them, and settle the Salaries for the Auditors; and the Allowance of One hundred Fifty Pounds per Week, appointed for the Relief of sick and wounded Soldiers, and poor Widows.

Duke of Bucks, &c. Sequestrations.

Ordered, That the former Order for appointing the Profits of the Sequestrations of the Estates of the Duke of Bucks, Earl of Holland, Earl of Peterborough, and the rest that were in the late Action with them, do still continue firm and good: And that the Committee at Haberdashers Hall do, out of the Profits of those Estates, pay such Guards as shall be appointed for the Parliament, by the Committee at Derby House.

Parliament Guards.

The Consideration of appointing Firelocks to be added to the Guards for the Parliament is likewise referred to this Committee.

Warwick Petition.

Ordered, That the Warwick Gentlemen be called in, with their Petition, To-morrow Morning.

Affairs in Berkshire.

A Letter from the Committee of the County of Berks, of 14 Augusti 1648, was this Day read.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Henry Marten, a Member of this House, be summoned forthwith to attend the Service of the House.

Resolved, &c. That Colonel Ayres, and Mr. John Walrond, be forthwith sent for, in safe Custody, to attend this House.

A Letter from Mr. Marten from Reading, of 15 Augusti 1648, was this Day read.

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of the County of Berks, to disband and restore the Horse raised and taken in that County.

The King's Letter.

A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Page and Mr. Eltonhead;

The Lords desire a Conference, by Committees of both Houses, this Morning at Eleven of Clock, in the Painted Chamber, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, concerning the King's Letter.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree to give a Conference, as is desired.

Sir John Potts, Mr. Bulkley, Sir Wm. Lewes, Mr. Swynfen, Mr. Crew, Sir Harbottle Grimston, Mr. Holles, are appointed Reporters of this Conference.

Offices held by Members.

Ordered, That the Business concerning such Members as hold Offices upon the Gift of the Parliament, be taken into Consideration on Wednesday Morning next.

Northern Counties.

A Letter from the Committee of the County of York, from York, of 11 Augusti 1648, was this Day read; relating the great Wants and Pressures in the Northern Parts, by reason of the great Conflux of Forces there, and of the great Want of Bread Corn.

Ordered, That Mr. Love, a Member of this House, do go down into Hampshire, to remove Obstructions in Payment in of the Assessments for the Army, and the Garisons, in those Parts.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of the Army, and the Committee of the North, to go to the Common Council; and communicate unto them this Letter, from the Committee of the County of York of 11 present; to represent the Necessities of those Parts, and the Consequence to the whole Kingdom, if those Necessities be not timely relieved; to press unto them, that some speedy and effectual Course may be taken for bringing in the Arrears due from the City to the Army, that from thence some speedy Relief may be sent into the North: The Committee has Power also (if Occasion be) to propound either that Security, or such other Security as they shall think sit, for the speedy sending into the North, for the Relief of the Army in the North, and those miserably wasted Parts, Corn or Biscuit, to the Value of Two thousand Pounds.

Ordered, That Colonel Venne do desire the Lord Mayor to call a Common Council, to meet on Friday next, at Three of Clock in the Afternoon; the House having appointed a Committee to come unto them, upon some Matters of present and great Consequence.

Siege of Scarborough.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of the Navy, to write to the Lord Admiral, to take some speedy and effectual Order, to send some Ships, either from Hull, Newcastle, or other Parts in the North, or elsewhere, to lie before Scarborough, to prevent all Relief to that Place by Sea.

Mr. Blakiston and Mr. Ellison are required more especially to take care of this Business.

Treaty with the King.

Sir John Potts reports from the Conference with the Lords, the Votes passed the Lords, upon his Majesty's Message concerning a Treaty.

The Votes were first read by the Reporters: And, at the reading the Vote that appoints the Number of Lords, he reported, That the Lords desire this House would appoint a proportionable Number. At the End he reported, That the Lords desired all Expedition might be used in this Business, that requires so much Speed and Dispatch.

The Votes were then read by the Clerk at the Table.

Resolved, &c. That this Report be taken into Consideration To-morrow Morning, the first Business.