House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 25 January 1642

Die Martis, 25 Januarii, 1641.

PRAYERS.

De Boys' Petition.

THE humble Petition of Philibert Emanuel de Boys was this Day read; and ordered to be referred to Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Lord Baltingluse.

The humble Petition of Thomas Lord Viscount Baltinglass was this Day read: And

It is Ordered, That this Petition and Petitioner be recommended to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, for some Employment worthy of him: And Sir Ben. Rudyard is appointed to wait upon the Lieutenant with this Petition, and the Petitioner.

Harrison's, &c. Claims.

Whereas Gilbert Harrison, Edw. Clapton, and other Citizens, preferred a Petition to the Committee at Grocers-hall, * * * * It is this Day Ordered, That a Letter of Directions be sent to the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, to acquaint them, that great Sums of Money, to the Value of One hundred and Eighty thousand Pounds, are intrusted to Merchants of Dublyn, that are many of them Papists, by Merchants of London; and to desire them, that Order may be taken, that stay be made of those Goods, to be responsible to the Petitioners Debts: And Mr. Serjeant Wilde is to draw this Letter.

Dawes' Estate.

Ordered, That the Committee for the Bill, concerning Sir Tho. Dawes' Estate, be revived, to sit To-morrow Morning, at Eight of Clock, in the accustomed Place: And that the Petition, this Day preferred to this House, be referred to the Consideration of the said Committee.

Wisbich Petition.

Mr. Pelham reports, from the Committee for the Petition of Wisbich, the State of that Case.

Hertford Petition.

The House being informed, that some Gentlemen of Herts' were at the Door, to present a Petition to this House; they were called in; and did, in the Name of the whole County, present their Petition:

Which done, they withdrew.

And the Petition being read;

They were again called in: And Mr. Speaker, by the Command of the House, told them, that the House finds their Petition full of great Expressions, of their Affections to serve the King and the Commonwealth; full of Care and Zeal for a thorough Reformation in the Church and Commonwealth: For which this House gives them Thanks: And as they have hitherto employed their Endeavours, so they will continue their Care for the Reforming the Grievances in the Church and Commonwealth: And, for the other Particulars, expressed in your Petition, they will take it into Consideration in due time.

Hertford Petition to Lords.

A Copy of a Petition, directed to the Lords, by the Inhabitants of the County of Herts', was likewise presented to the House.

Sir Wm. Litton, Sir Sam. Rolle, Sir Tho. Dacres, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Wyngate, Sir Walth. Erle, Lord Cramborne, Sir Jo. Jennins, Mr. Vane, the Knights and Burgesses of Herts';

This Committee is to examine who printed the Petition, in the Name of the Inhabitants of the County of Herts'; and who was the Author of it, and brought it to be printed.

Cambridge University Petition.

They are likewise to consider and examine who printed the Petition, in the Name of the University of Cambridge; and who were the Authors of it, and brought it to the Press. And they have Power to send for Parties, Witnesses, Papers, Records: And are to meet To-morrow, at Eight of Clock, in the Star-chamber.

Naval Affairs.

The House was acquainted, that some Merchants were at the Door; who made offer to set forth Twenty or Thirty Ships, or so many as shall be necessary, for the Defence and Safety of the Kingdom.

.. Pym, .. Stapilton, .. Hollis, .. Fines, .. Pye, .. Bowyer, .. Bence, .. Harley, .. Rigby, .. Barrington, .. Soame, .. Gower Hotham;

This Committee is to treat with the Merchants that have made Propositions to this House, for Setting forth of Ships to Sea; upon what Conditions they will set forth these Ships; and to report to the House. And it is farther Ordered, That this Committee be joined to the former Committee for the Navy: And they are to meet at such Times as they shall think fit.

The Merchants that undertook to set forth the Ships were called in: And Mr. Speaker did give them Thanks, for their Readiness and Affections to serve this State.

Answer from Lords.

Sir Philip Stapleton brings Answer to the Message sent unto the Lords Yesterday: First, As to the Particular concerning the Lord Craven's saying, that Mr. Fines had no Authority to deliver that Message he did, they will send Answer, To-morrow Morning, by Messengers of their own: As to the second Particular, concerning, that if the Lords would join with this House, in the Addition to their Answer to his Majesty's Message, that they would send this Answer to the Message by some Members of their House to his Majesty; the Lord Keeper gave Answer, that the Lords thought not fit to join with this House in that Addition to their Answer to his Majesty's Message.

Safety of the Kingdom.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed to put the Kingdom into a Posture of Defence shall presently withdraw, to consider what is fit to be done, for the Safety of the Kingdom, upon this Denial of the Lords to join with this House in the additional Clause to their Answer to his Majesty's Message, concerning the Putting the Tower of London, and other Forts of the Kingdom, and the Militia, into such Hands as the Parliament may confide in: And they are to prepare a Petition to his Majesty, according to the Sense and Meaning of that Clause.

Treaty with Scotland.

Ordered, That Mr. Fynes do go to the Lords with this Message; To desire their Lordships to join with this House, to move his Majesty to grant a Commission for the Delivery of the Town of Carickfergus, and Castle there, to the Scotts, according to the Agreement made with them by both Houses; and that his Majesty will give Allowance to the rest of the Propositions, concerning the Two thousand Five hundred Men to be presently sent out of Scotland into Ireland, likewise agreed unto by both Houses: And to desire their Lordships to use all Expedition in the Passing of the former Propositions, concerning the Ten thousand Scotts, remaining with their Lordships.

Payment to Scotch Commissioners.

Ordered, That the Sum of Ten thousand Pounds shall be forthwith paid, by the Merchants Adventurers, out of the First Thirty thousand Pounds they have already advanced, to Mr. Fynes, Mr. Hampden, Sir Philip Stapleton, and Sir Wm. Armyn, to be disbursed by them to the Scoch Commissioners, towards their Brotherly Assistance; and also the Sum of Six thousand Pounds unto them, upon Account, to be disbursed by them towards the Payment of the Two thousand Five hundred Men, to be transported out of Scotland into Ireland, according to the Agreement of this House: And the Acquittance under their Hands shall be a Discharge to the Merchant Adventurers for the Payment thereof.

London, &c. Petitions.

Ordered, That a Conference be desired with the Lords, concerning the Petitions this Day received, from the Aldermen and Common Council of the City of London; and from the County of Hertford; and from other Counties, Cities, and Boroughs of the Kingdom.

And Mr. Pym is to manager this Conference.

Ordered, That Mr. Pym, Mr. Fynes, Mr. Hampden, Mr. Strode, and Mr. Browne, are presently to withdraw, to prepare Heads for this Conference: and to report the same to the House.

Defence of the Kingdom.

Sir Wm. Lewes is to go to the Lords, to desire a Message, concerning the Putting the Kingdom into a Posture of Defence.

Sir B. Brooke.

Ordered, That Sir Basil Brooke shall be forthwith brought up from Yorke to this House, by the Sheriffs of the several Counties through which he is to pass. And Mr. Speaker is to issue forth his Warrant to the several Sheriffs of those Counties, requiring them to have a special Care in the safe Bringing of him up to London, and to be assisted with a good Guard.

Persons sent for.

Resolved, upon the Question, That John Derelove and Tho. Dearelove shall be forthwith sent for, as Delinquents, for rescuing Mr. Benson from the Serjeant's Man, employed by this House for Arresting the said Mr. Benson, as a Delinquent. And it is further Ordered, That the Justices of Peace, and Officers, shall be required to be aiding and assisting for the Apprehending of the said Bekson, and Tho. and Jo. Dearlove.

Captives in Argiere.

The Citizens of London, Mr. Rolls, Mr. King, Mr. Cary, Mr. Bond, Mr. Mathewes, Sir Hen. Heyman, Mr. Waddon, Mr. Cage, Mr. Moore, Mr. Peircivall, Mr. Lisle, Mr. Long, Mr. Greene, Mr. Blakeston, Mr. Spurstoe, Sir Tho. Barrington;

This Committee is appointed to be the Committee of this House, according to the Act of Parliament lately passed, for the Relief of the Captives in Argiere.

London Petition, &c.

Several of the Aldermen and Common Council of the City of London were called in: Who presented an humble Petition and Answer, in the Names of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the City of London.

And, after they were withdrawn, the House did read their Petition.

And being called in again; Mr. Speaker acquainted them, that the House had read their Petition and Answer; and did discern their great Care, by their Expressions, of the Safety of the King and Kingdom; for which he was commanded to return them Thanks: And that this House (as hitherto they have manifested it) will use all their Diligence, for the Safety of his Majesty's Person, and putting the Kingdom in a Posture of Defence; and, for the Particular of Ireland, which they so much pressed, (as indeed we and you have Cause to be sensible of) our best Endeavours shall not be wanting: For the particular Answers to your Petition, it shall be very speedily sent in Writing to the Common Council.

London, &c. Petitions.

Mr. Pym reports from the Committee appointed to prepare Heads for the Conference, concerning the London Petition, this Day received, and other Petitions from other Counties, That, under these Heads, the Committee conceived the Conference was fit to be managed;

1. The Stop of Reformation in Matters of Religion.

2. The Danger that is likely to happen, by the Papists and their Adherents.

3. The great Delay in the Relief for Ireland.

4. That the Kingdom may be put into a Posture of Defence.

And to present to the Lords Four Petitions; viz. the Petitions this Day received, from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London; and from the County of Hertford; and from the Counties of Essex and Middlesex.

Mr. Browne, Mr. George, Mr. Carew, and Mr. Lisle, are appointed to read the said Petitions.

Petition to the King.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Pierrepoint, Lord Faulkland, Mr. Newporte, Sir Edw. Hungerford, Mr. Vaine, Sir Wm. Savile, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Killigrew, Lord Compton, Mr. Martyn, Mr. Ralph Hopton;

This Committee is appointed to wait on his Majesty, with the Petition to his Majesty, now read, concerning the Putting of the Kingdom into a Posture of Defence; and the Forts of the Kingdom into safe Hands: And Mr. Perepointe is appointed to read the same: And are to go To-morrow Morning, at Eight of the Clock.

Examination of Lunsford, &c.

Sir Wm. Lewes, Sir Hen. Mildmy, Mr. Lile, Mr. Cary, Mr. Buller, Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Hen. Ludlow, Sir Gilb. Gerard, Sir Wm. Widdrington, Sir Wm. Savile, Mr. Whittacres, Mr. Arthur Goodwyn, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Whitlocke, Sir Jo. Evelyn;

This Committee is to take the Examinations of Colonel Lunseford, Sir Jo. Pennington, Sir Wm. Flemyn, and Sir Wm. Killigrew; and to report the same to this House: And are to meet To-morrow Morning, at Eight of the Clock, in the Court of Wards.

Grocers-hall Committees.

Ordered, That the several Sub-committees, made at Grocers-hall, to take the Examinations, concerning the Abuse done to the Citizens, as they passed Whitehall; and the Matter concerning O Neale and the Lord Digbie; and concerning the Resort to Persons in Prison, or under Bail, for Designs against the Parliament; and the Committee concerning the Complaint against Doctor Walton; shall be made Committees of the House.

Charge against the Bishops.

Ordered, That the First Five of the Committee, that were appointed to prepare the Charge against the Twelve Bishops, shall be the Members of this House, in whose Presence the Examinations shall be taken, concerning the said Bishops: And they are to prepare Interrogatories, concerning the same.

And it is further Ordered, That this Committee, as soon as the Examinations are finished, concerning the Twelve Bishops, shall prepare the Charge against them; and present the same to this House: And That Committee are required to give their Attendance in the Expedition of that Business: And Sir Symonds D' Ewes is added to this Committee.

Person to attend.

Resolved, upon the Question, That Sir Cornelius Vermeuden shall be forthwith summoned to attend this House, to give an Account by what Authority he goeth on with his Works in the Fens, in the Isle of Eley; and to bring up with him his Commission, or Warrant, by which he doth the same.

Forces for Ireland.

Ordered, That the Five hundred Men, which the Lord Viscount Ranulagh, Lord President of Connaght, had Commission to raise within that Province, shall, in regard that That Country is much burnt, and over-run by the Rebels, be now raised here in England, and transported into Ireland; and such Monies allowed, for the Levying of them, and Transportation, as hath been allowed for other Levies and their Transportation, here in England, designed for the present Service of Ireland; and are designed for that Province, as formerly.

Stay of Ship at Bristoll.

Whereas there was an Information this Day given to the House, that there is a Ship freighting by Irish at Bristoll, bound for Ireland; It is this Day Ordered, That the Mayor of Bristoll shall have Power to search the said Ship; and certify this House with what Commodities she is fraught: And to make Stay of the Ship, Goods, and Persons, until he shall receive farther Order from this House.

Answer from Lords.

Mr. Fines brings Answer, That, as to the First Part of the Message, the Lords agree unto it; as also to the Moving of his Majesty, to give Warrant to deliver the Town and Castle of Carrickfergus to the Scotts: And, for the other Scotts Propositions, concerning the Ten thousand Men, they have gone through them all.

Irish Papists, &c.

Sir Ralph Hopton, Mr. Whittlock, Sir Wm. Lewis, Mr. Fines, Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Sir Sam. Rolle, Mr. Hampden, Sir Tho. Barrington, Sir Ro. Pye, Mr. Walth. Long, Sir Christ. Wray, Mr. Glyn, Sir H. Mildmay;

This Committee is to prepare a general Order, for the Stay of all Irish Papists, that shall come into any County, or Port, of England or Wales; and likewise to take care, that all the Orders, made for the Service of Ireland, be put in Execution: And they are to meet Tomorrow, at Eight of Clock, in the Star Chamber.

This Order to be printed.

Message from Lords.

Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whitfeild and Serjeant Fynche;

That, according to the Desires of this House, the Lords had caused the Carriages of the Lord Digbie to be stayed; and have sent a Particular of them: They have likewise sent for Sir Jo. Penington; who is now at the House of Lords: They have likewise named a Committee of Nine, upon the Statute lately made, for the Relief of the Captives of Argiers.

Levies for Ireland.

The House doth declare, that the Advancing and Furthering the Levies of Five hundred Men, in the Counties of Devon and Cornewall, under the Command of Colonel Charles Valvasor, for the Service of Ireland, will be an acceptable Service to this House; and therein to the whole Kingdom: And this House doth likewise desire and require, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Exeter and the Justices of Peace of the Counties of Devon and Cornewall, will be assisting to the Officers of the said Colonel Valvasor, for the speedy Raising of these Men.

Papists Arrears.

Ordered, That the Committee for the Arrears of Papists, do meet To-morrow at Eight.. Clock, in the Court of Wards.

Charge against Mr. Attorney.

Ordered, That the Committee, appointed to prepare the Charge against Mr. Attorney, do bring in the same To-morrow Morning: And that, To-morrow at Ten a Clock, the House do take into Consideration his Majesty's Answer to the Petition of both Houses, concerning the Members impeached.

Naval Affairs.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee, appointed to treat with the Merchants of London, concerning the Setting forth of Ships, to treat with the Citizens that serve for Bristoe, concerning the Setting forth of Ships from thence, for the Service of Ireland, and Defence of this Kingdom.

Pym thanked, &c.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker, in the Name of the House, shall give Thanks unto Mr. Pym, for his so well performing the Service he was employed in, by the Commands of this House, at this Conference. And it is further Ordered, That Mr. Pym be desired to put the Speech, he made at this Conference, into Writing, and to deliver it in to the House, to the end that it may be printed.

Lord Digby's Waggon.

A Note of such Things as were contained in the Waggon of the Lord George Digby at Meer, the said Day and Year where the said Waggon was stayed:

In the Bottom of the Waggon Four Trunks locked, of small Weight.

Item, Thirty-eight Cases of Pistols.

Item, Five great Saddles.

Item, Twenty-five Pad-Saddles.

Item, Three small Barrels; which is conceived to be Powder and Bullets.

Item, Two Swords.

The Waggon being stayed at Meere, a Gentleman came from Shurborne, from the Earl of Bristoll his House; and did voluntarily cause the said Waggon to be set open, and the Things therein contained to be viewed.

Isaac Thomas.

Richard Green.

Franc. Cradock.

Rob. Banister, Constable.

Wounding Citizens in Whitehall.

Sir Rob. Pye, Mr. Lawr. Whittacres, Sir Martin Lumley, Mr. Constantine, Sir Ralph Verney, Sir Gilb. Gerard, Sir Jo. Franklyn, Mr. Glyn;

This Committee, or any Four of them, are to examine the Matters touching the Wounding of the Citizens at Whitehall.

Supplying Ireland with Provisions.

Whereas his Majesty's Liege People of the Kingdom of Ireland have been much infested, through the violent Outrages and Oppressions committed on them, by the traiterous Practices of the Popish Inhabitants within that Kingdom; whereby they are rendered uncapable of relieving either themselves or others, and are exposed to extreme Wants, even of those things which are most necessary for Sustentation of Life: For Remedy whereof, and that his Majesty's Forces already sent, and hereafter to be transported thither, may not be exposed to any Extremity through Want of Victual, or other necessary Provision; it is Ordered, by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament, That whosoever, either Merchant or other, shall bring into any of the Ports of Dublyn, Carrickfergus, Youghall, or Londonderry, any Proportion of Goods and wholesome Corn, Meal, or other Victual, or any other Provision necessary for their Sustenance; and shall deliver the same unto the Victualler appointed for these several Parts, at such Rates as he and they shall agree upon; and shall bring Certificates, under the Hand and Seal of the said Victualler and Treasurer, or Vice Treasurer, or whomsoever he shall appoint therein, in the said several Ports, of the certain Sums agreed upon to be received for the same; that, upon Delivery of such Certificate unto the Officers which shall be assigned thereunto, here in London, the Seller of the said Victual, or other Provisions, or his Assigns, shall receive certain full Payment of such Sum or Sums of Money, out of the Chamber of London, as shall appear due upon such Certificate, within Thirty Days after the Producing the same. Provided always, that the Money to be so paid here, or such Certificate for the Victual and Provision aforesaid, shall not exceed, in the Port of London, Ten thousand Pounds, in the Port of Carrickvergus Fifteen thousand Pounds, in the Port of Youghall Five thousand Pounds, in the Port of Londonderry Five thousand Pounds, until the Lords and Commons, in this present Parliament, shall give further Order herein, for the future Victualing of those Parts, after such Proportions of Victual brought into these Parts, and satisfied for, as is agreed by this Ordinance of Parliament. And the Houses of Parliament are of Opinion, and do declare, that, if any Person whatsoever shall send or supply, or cause to be sent or supplied, to the Rebels in Ireland, or any of them, any Corn, Victual, Powder, Ammunition, Arms, or other Provision, for or towards the Assistance or Support of the Rebels, or any of them; such Person is thereby guilty of High Treason; and forfeits his Life and Estate.

Money for Ireland.

Ordered, That the Twenty thousand Pounds, formerly, by Order of this House, designed for the Affairs of Ireland, shall be paid into the Hands of Nicholas Loftus Esquire, Assignee to the Treasurer at Wars for Ireland, or his Assignee, out of the Fifty thousand Pounds lent unto the House by the Merchants Adventurers: And his, the said Nicholas Loftus his Receipt for the said Sum of Twenty thousand Pounds, or any Part thereof, shall be a sufficient Discharge unto the said Merchants Adventures: Which Twenty thousand Pounds is to be issued forth, in Pursuance and Execution of such Orders and Warrants as have been already agreed upon by the Committee for Irish Affairs and this House.

Petition to the King.

Mr. Perpoint reporteth the Petition, to be presented unto his Majesty: The which was read:

To the King's most Excellent Majesty;

The humble Petition of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Commons House, now in Parliament assembled,

Humbly sheweth;

That, whereas the Houses of Parliament have received a gracious Message from your Majesty, dated the Twentieth of this Instant January, Your Petitioners return to Your Majesty most humble Thanks, resolving to take it into speedy and serious Consideration: And, to enable them, with Security, to discharge their Duties therein, they desire the House of Peers to join with them, humbly beseeching Your Sacred Majesty to raise up unto them a sure Ground of Safety and Confidence, by putting the Tower, and other principal Forts of the Kingdom, and the whole Militia thereof, into the Hands of such Persons as Your Parliament might confide in, and as should be recommended unto Your Majesty by both Houses of Parliament; that, all Fears and Jealousies being laid aside, they might, with all Chearfulness, proceed to such Resolutions, as they hoped would lay a sure Foundation of Honour, Greatness, and Glory to your Majesty and Your Royal Posterity, and of Happiness and Prosperity unto Your Subjects throughout all Your Dominions: Wherein the House of Peers have refused to join with Your Petitioners. They, notwithstanding, no way discouraged; but, confiding in Your Majesty's Goodness to Your People, do therefore make their humble Address to Your Majesty, to beseech You, that the Tower of London, and other principal Forts, and the whole Militia of the Kingdom, may be put into the Hands of such Persons as shall be recommended unto Your Majesty by Your Petitioners; not doubting, but they shall receive a gracious and speedy Answer to this their humble Desire; without which, in all human Reason, the great Distractions of this Kingdom must needs overwhelm it with Misery and Ruin.

And Your Petitioners shall every pray, &c.

Resolved, upon the Question, That this House doth assent to this Petition; and do order it forthwith to be ingrossed, to be presented to his Majesty.

Obnoxious Publications.

Martin Eldred, of Jesus College in Cambridge, being brought to the Bar, says, that he did not compose the Petition, in the Name of Hertfordshire Petition; but one Thomas Herbert, once of Trinity College did compose it; and that he was in the Company of the said Thomas Herbert when he composed it; and that it was composed at the Sign of the Antelope; and afterwards sold it to John Greensmith for Two Shillings and Sixpence.

John Greensmyth, the Stationer was called in; and did confess, that Eldred and Herbert brought the Petition unto him; and that one Barnaby Alsop, of Breadstreet, printed it: He likewise confesseth, that he had printed sundry Pamphlets, of these Mens composing; videlicet, Good News from Ireland; and Bloody News; and The Cambridge Petition: That he had Two Shillings and Sixpence the Piece for them.

Resolved, upon the Question, That Martin Eldred shall be forthwith committed Prisoner to the Gatehouse; there to remain during the Pleasure of the House.

Resolved, &c. That Thomas Herbert shall be forthwith sent for, as a Delinquent, by the Serjeant at Arms attending on this House.

Resolved, &c. That John Greensmith shall be forthwith committed Prisoner to the Gatehouse; there to remain during the Pleasure of the House.

Resolved, &c. That Barnaby Alsop, Printer, shall be forthwith sent for, as a Delinquent, by the Serjeant at Arms attending on the House.

Loan from the City.

Ordered, That Mr. Vassall and Mr. Ven shall move the Lord Mayor from this House, to quicken the Citizens, to bring in the Remainder of the Fifty thousand Pounds, which they long since promised to lend; which is yet behind.

Person committed.

Martin Eldred was brought to the Bar; and kneeling there, Mr. Speaker pronounced this Sentence against him.

John Greensmyth was brought to the Bar; and kneeling there, Mr. Speaker pronounced this Sentence against him; That he was committed to the Gatehouse.

Resort to Persons in Prison, &c.

Sir Walter Earle, Sir Tho. Barrington, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Matthews, Mr. Reinolds, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Martyn, Mr. Bond, Mr. Ashton, Lord Grey, Sir Sam. Roll, Mr. Hampden, Mr. Lisle;

This Committee, or any Four of them, is to take into Consideration the great Resort to divers Persons in Prison, and under Bail, for Designs against the Parliament; and touching the Meetings and Preparations for Raising of Forces in several Places; and the Complaint of the Churchwardens of St. Martyn's Orgalls against Doctor Walton: And have Power to send for Parties, Witnesses, and Writings.