House of Lords Journal Volume 10: 1 June 1648

Die Jovis, 1 die Junii.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Marshall.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Answer from the H. C.

Dr. Bennet and Mr. Eltonhead return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they agree to the Addition of Lords to be added to the Committee at Derby House, with an Addition of a proportionable Number of the Members of the House of Commons; and also to the Deputy Lieutenants for the City and County of Norwich; and to the Order for giving the High Sheriff of the County of Cambridge (fn. 1) Leave to live out of the County: (Here enter them.) To all the rest, they will send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

Letter from Col. Hammond.

A Letter from Colonel Ro. Hamond was read, concerning [ (fn. 1) a Design] laid for the King's Escape from Carisbrooke Castle. (Here enter it.)

Noel to have the Custody of Records in Lambeth House.

Ordered, That Mr. Noell shall have in his safe Custody the Records and Writings which are in Lambeth House, concerning the Prerogative Court, or other Matters, which concern either the Prerogative Court, or the Star-chamber, or High Commission Court, or other Matters not touching the Lands belonging to the late Archbishop of Canterbury.

Message from the H. C. with Members Names to be added to the Committee at Derby House.

A Message was brought up from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye Knight; who brought up some Names to be added with the Six Lords to the Committee at Derby House, to which they desire their Lordships Concurrence. (Here enter them.)

Read, and Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees with the House of Commons, in adding these Names to the Committee at Derby House.

Message from the H. C. with Propositions for Peace;-with Committees Names for Counties;-and with an Order.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Swinfen, &c.; who brought up these Particulars:

1. Propositions to be sent to the King; and if their Lordships do concur therein, that they may be sent to the Commissioners in Scotland, to be communicated to the Parliament of Scotland.

2. To desire Concurrence, for adding some Names to the Committees in divers Counties. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

3. An Order concerning Colonel Weldon to be discharged of Three Thousand Eleven Pounds, Four Shillings, and One Penny, which he was forced to take up, to keep the poor Soldiers of the Garrison of Plymouth from perishing, &c.

Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House will send a speedy Answer concerning the Propositions to the King: To the rest of the Particulars now brought up, their Lordships do agree to them.

Propositions for Peace:

Next, the House took into Consideration the Propositions now brought up from the House of Commons, to be sent to the King; and this House Agreed to them, with an Alteration in the last Clause, and with an Addition.

Message to the H. C. with them.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Dr. Bennett and Mr. Eltonheade:

To deliver to them the Propositions; and to let them know, that this House agrees to them, with the Alteration and Addition, and desire their Concurrence therein; and that they may be speedily sent away.

Petition from the Common Council.

A Petition, by the Sheriffs of London and other Common Council-men, was presented to this House, from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of London; and, being received, was commanded to be publicly read. (Here enter it.)

Message from the H. C. that they have received One from them; and for Committees to go into the City, to give an Answer to them.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Samuell Browne, &c.; who informed their Lordships, "That the House of Commons had received this Morning a Petition from the Lord Mayor and Common Council of London, and a Petition from some Citizens annexed: To which the House of Commons think fit to acquaint their Lordships what Answer they have returned; which was to this Effect: To give the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, Thanks for their good Affections; and as concerning the Contents in the annexed Petition, that a Committee of both Houses may be appointed this Afternoon, to go to the Common Council, and return an Answer thereunto."

Lords Committees for that Purpose.

Ordered, That this House joins, to send a Committee of both Houses this Afternoon into the City, to a Common Council, as is desired; and these Lords following were appointed as Committees:

The Answer returned was:

Answer to the H. C.

That this House hath appointed a Committee of Eight Lords, to join with a proportionable Number of the House of Commons, to go to the Common Council of this City this Afternoon.

Answer to the Sheriffs, &c.

Next, the Sheriffs and the Members of the Common Council of London were called in.

And the Speaker returned them this Answer:

"That their Lordships did return Thanks to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London, for their good Affections: As concerning the Contents in the annexed Petition, their Lordships will send a Committee of Members of both Houses to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, this Afternoon; who shall return an Answer thereunto."

Cockayne and Eltonhead.

Ordered, That the Cause between Mr. Cockayne and Mr. Eltonheade shall be heard To-morrow Morning, by Counsel on both Sides.

Ordered, That this Letter shall be sent to Colonel Rob't Hamond; videlicet,

Letter to Col. Hammond, giving him Thanks, and assuring him of Supplies.

"SIR,

"The Lords have commanded me to give you Thanks, for your great Care in the Discharge of that Trust committed to you. They do assure you, they will be ready upon all Occasions to express their Respects to you; and will not omit the pressing for those Supplies mentioned in your Letter. Thus, with my Respects unto you, I rest

"Your very loving Friend,

1 Junii, 1648.

"E. Manchester, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore."

Tyndall released.

Ambrose Tyndall was brought, by Habeas Corpus, by Order of this House, and released.

Sir P. Davies, a Pass.

Ordered, That Sir Paul Davies shall have a Pass, to go beyond the Seas.

Preacher at the Fast thanked.

Ordered, That Mr. Stronge have Thanks returned him, for his Pains Yesterday, in preaching before the Lords; and desired to print and publish his Sermon speedily.

Doe and Savery.

Upon hearing Counsel argue the Errors, in the Writ of Error between Doe Plaintiff and Savery Defendant:

It is Ordered, That the Judgement given in the Court of King's Bench is affirmed; and the Plaintiff to pay to the Defendant Twenty Nobles, for Cost in this Business.

Letter from Col. Hammond, concerning a Design for the King's Escape; and for an Allowance for His Attendants.

"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore. This present.

"My Lords,

"As an Account of the great Trust your Lordships have been pleased to repose in me, I take the Boldness to acquaint your Lordships of a Design cunningly laid, and carried on almost to Perfection, for the King's Escape from this Place; which was the last Night (being the set Time for putting it in Act), by the Blessing and Goodness of God, prevented. It was thus: Through the Corruption and Naughtiness of Two Gentlemen attending the King, Mr. Osbourne and Mr. Dowcett, Three Soldiers were suborned, and dealt with, to assist in this Escape, who were to be on Duty at the King's Window at a Time appointed. Mr. Dowcett, who was to be accommodated with Cords, to convey Him down the Castle Wall, and then the Out Line, after He had let Himself down through His Window to the prepared Centinels, was to be His Guide to His Horses, which were ready provided, and laid at a convenient Place within Musket-shot of the Works, and Mr. Osborne, and one Mr. Worseley of Gatcomb, a young Gentleman of this Island, who were to conduct Him to a Creek, where also at the same Time lay ready a Boat, to transport them into the Main Land, to a Place where (as is confessed by One whom I have apprehended) there were Horses to convey the King whither He pleased. This Design hath been long in Hand, but kept from me until Yesterday, the Day before the Night it was to have been acted, when Two of the Soldiers who had been dealt with came to me, and acquainted me with the whole Business (which I am confident, though I had had no Knowledge of it, they would have found some Difficulty in effecting). I suffered and advised them to carry it on, as if I had not known it, that so (fn. 2) I might the better discover the whole Business, with the less Pretence of Excuse to those unworthy Men who were to assist the King in this Escape. But, being over-curious in securing all Places in more exact Manner than formerly, Mr. Dowcett, by happening upon an unusual Guard, who at the first apprehended them to be of his own Party, but upon Examination finding other Answer than he expected, made a Discovery; which so soon as I understood, immediately I secured Dowcett, and a Soldier who was the chief Instrument in this Design. Then I sent after Osborne and Worseley, to apprehend them; but they finding they were discovered, fled in great Haste to the Water Side, where their Boat lay ready to receive them, whither they were pursued; but they, as it seems, being in Haste, quitted their Horses, and turned them loose on the Shore, and themselves escaped in the Boat. I have since apprehended one John Newland of Newport, whose Part it was in the Design to act the Business concerning the Boats. This Morning I find the Window Bar of the King's Bedchamber, looking to the Centinels appointed, to be cut in Two in the Middle with Aqua Fortis. By this your Lordships may please to see not only the Dangers past, but may also expect that nothing will be unattempted that the Art of Man can find out, to perfect the King's Escape; which make me humbly bold to offer to your Lordships, That if you resolve it necessary to continue the King in this Place, that you will please to consider some better Way for His Security, either by appointing to this weighty Charge a Committee of Parliament as formerly, or otherwise as shall seem best to your Lordships. This I move, not so much to free myself from Burden or Hazard; truly, when I am commanded by you in your Service, I know no such Thing; but that Affairs of so great Concernment to your Lordships and the Kingdom may be better provided for than by a Man so unapt for such Weight as myself. In this, I beseech your Lordships not to look back upon the Hazards and Difficulties it hath pleased God alone to carry me through in this your Service (which, if my Recital of them to your Lordships might not too justly seem my Vanity, I should trouble your Lordships with a Relation that would speak them not few nor ordinary), and thence to pass a Judgement for future; but to consider what they are like to continue, and accordingly to provide as in your Wisdoms shall seem best. The next Thing which I shall make my humble Suit to your Lordships, and which is so just as I am sure your Lordships will not deny, that you will please to order such Provision for those Gentlemen attending the King, who have and do still faithfully and honestly serve you here, and that with no small Hazard, in some Measure answerable to their Merit, and the Trust in their Hands; at least, that they may not have Cause to think themselves neglected, and so rendered more liable to Temptation, which they cannot want. I have written often of this Particular, and as yet nothing is done in it; which makes me now the more bold thus to press your Lordships. My Lords, If your Lordships shall please to see fit longer to continue this heavy Weight wholly upon me, seeing (fn. 2) it may not be admitted me to wait on your Lordships at this Time, I humbly beg that you will please to send down some Persons hither, whom you may trust, that may bring back an Account of the true State of this Place, that so better Security may be added to it in divers Particulars, too long and troublesome now to relate. Be pleased to signify unto me your Lordships Pleasure concerning the Persons mentioned, now in Custody for this Matter. My Lords, I desire to receive your Lordships Commands; and ever to obey them, as becomes,

"My Lords,

"Carisbrooke Castle, May 29th, 1648.

"Your Lordships

"Most faithful and humble Servant,

"Ro. Hammond."

Order for 3011£. 4s. 1d. for Col. Welden.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Colonel Ralph Welden be discharged, by the Committee of the Navy and Customs, and Commissioners of the Excise, of the several Sums taken up by him, out of the Custom-house, Exciseoffice, and Reprisal Goods, amounting in Whole to the Sum of Three Thousand Eleven Pounds, Four Shillings, One Penny; which he was forced to take up, to keep the poor Soldiers of the Garrison of Plymouth from Perishing and sudden Destruction: And the said Lords and Commons do declare, That they will make good the said several Sums to the said respective Receipts."

Members added to the Committee at Derby House.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Serjeant Major General Skippon, Mr. Swinfen, Mr. Prideaux, Colonel Rosseter, Sir Harbottle Grimston, Sir John Trevor, Sir John Danvers, Lord Lisle, Lord Cranborne, Sir Will'm Massam, Sir Richard Onslowe, and Mr. Rowse, be added to the Committee at Derby House."

Committees for Wilts.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That James Herbert, William Ayre, William Ludlowe, Esquires, and Nicholas Greene, Gentleman, be added to the Committee of Wilts.

D° for Lanc.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Peter Bold of Bold, John Aderton of Aderton, Esquires, be added to the Committee of Lancasheir.

D° for York.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That William Bossevile Esquire be added to the Committee of Yorkesheire."

Petition from the Common Council, with the following One presented to them.

"To the Right Honourable the Lords in the High Court of Parliament assembled.

"The humble Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City of London, in Common Council assembled;

"Sheweth,

"That your Petitioners, sitting in Common Council upon the Affairs of the City, had there presented unto them, by divers well-affected Citizens, a Petition (a true Copy whereof is hereunto annexed); which being openly read, and seriously considered of, they did apprehend that the same did contain several Things of great and good Consequence, worthy due Consideration, tending to the Preservation of the Parliament, and the Settlement of the Peace and Welfare of the Kingdom and City; and therefore thought fit to present the same to this Honourable House.

"And humbly pray your Honours, to take the same into your Consideration, and to do therein as in your grave Wisdoms you shall see fit.

"And shall also humbly pray, &c.

"Michell."

Citizens Petition to them, to desire a Personal Treaty with the King;-for the Militia of the neighbouring Counties to be associated for the Freedom of it;-for Batten to be restored to be V. Admiral;-to accommodate the Kentish Business; and about the Aldermen, &c. imprisoned.

"To the Right Honourable John Warner, Lord Mayor of the City of London; and to the Right Worshipful the Aldermen and Common Council of the same, now assembled.

"The humble Petition of divers well-affected Citizens, and other Inhabitants within the City of London;

"Humbly shewing,

"That your Petitioners, out of a deep Sense of the present and pressing Miseries of this afflicted Kingdom, and particularly of this City of London; and likewise considering the imminent Danger and Destruction ready to swallow up all Hopes of future Agreement, Peace, and Happiness, by new engaging in a Civil and bloody War, the very Thoughts whereof do so surprize our Hearts with Apprehensions of a general Ruin and Calamity, that we are necessitated humbly to address ourselves to this Honourable Court, as the Representative Body of this City, and most proper Means for us to apply ourselves unto, to desire your Concurrence (as formerly), to join with us in further Addresses to the High and Honourable Houses of Parliament, for obtaining such Remedies of Grievances, and Assurance from Dangers, as the present Distempers of the Times justly call for; and which, as free-born Subjects (having only the Glory of God, the Peace and Preservation of our Country in our Eyes and Aims, according to our Covenant), we may reasonably expect, as the Reward of our former Faithfulness, and Inducement to our further Service; and do thereupon humbly offer to your serious Consideration these Particulars following; (videlicet,)

"1. We do with all Thankfulness acknowledge the great Care and Wisdom of this Honourable Court, in contributing your best Assistance for a Personal Treaty with His Majesty and Parliaments of both Kingdoms, whereby a right and good Understanding may be gotten betwixt them, Religion may be settled, and the Happiness of His Majesty's Royal Throne and Kingdoms, and of His People, may be firmly established, according to Covenant; which as we daily hope and pray for, so, by the Blessing of God upon your faithful Endeavours, we despair not to see accomplished.

"2. That the Militias of the City of London, and of the adjoining Counties on both Sides The Thames, videlicet, Midd. Essex, Harf. Bucks, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, &c. may be associated, for the better Safety and Freedom of the Treaty abovesaid, and the Suppression of all Riots and Tumults.

"3. And we humbly offer to your further Consideration, to present to both the Honourable Houses of Parliament, That Captain William Batten may be speedily restored to the Command of Vice Admiral of the Ships now at Sea in the Parliament's Service, as formerly.

"4. As we cannot but with Grief of Spirit look upon the sudden and unexpected Distempers now risen in the County of Kent, and the sad Consequences which the same (if not suddenly prevented) may produce, to the exceeding Detriment of this City and of the whole Kingdom; so we cannot but, in Tenderness to our Brethren and Fellow Subjects of that County, whose late Association with this City to the great Service of Parliament we cannot forget, become humble and earnest Petitioners to this Honourable Court, that you would be pleased, in your great Wisdom, to find out some speedy Expedient to present unto the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for appeasing the same by Ways of Accommodation, and not by any Engagement in Blood; having regard rather to their former Services than the present Distempers, which they may be engaged in by other Provocations, and not from any Disaffection to or Desertion of the Parliament.

"5. Lastly, We hope it will not offend this Honourable Court, if we your Petitioners do once again remind you of those worthy Aldermen (Members of this Court) now in Displeasure of the Houses of Parliament; whose Acquittal and Enlargement we humbly pray may be thought fit to be insisted on, as a considerable Branch of our Petition.

"All which the Petitioners humbly submit to your grave Wisdoms; and earnestly pray for your present Help and Assistance, in furthering these or such of these Particulars, and of all such other Means as your Wisdoms shall adjudge fitting for the Peace and Happiness of the Kingdom in general, and particularly of this City of London, and the Security thereof; in the Pursuance of all which, the Petitioners, by God's Assistance, are resolved effectually to join with and assist you unto their utmost Abilities.

"And the Petitioners shall daily pray, &c."

Marsh, Sheriff of Cambr. and Hunt. Leave to reside out of the Counties.

"Whereas Thomas Marsh Esquire is nominated and appointed High Sheriff of the Counties of Cambridge and Huntington, and is enjoined and required, by a certain Clause in the Oath to be taken by him the said Thomas Marsh for the Execution of the said Office, that he shall reside and be dwelling, in his own proper Person, within his Bailiffwicks, for the Time that he shall be in the said Office, unless he be otherwise licensed by the Lords and Commons in Parliament: Be it therefore Ordered and Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the said High Sheriff shall have, and hereby hath, full and free Leave and Licence, and is permitted, to be absent from his Bailiffwicks, and to dwell and reside out of the said Counties of Cambridge and Huntington."

Ibson's Order, about Evidences in his Custody, as Register of the Council of York.

It is this Day Ordered, by the Lords in Parliament assembled, That if any Person or Persons shall sue William Ibson, of Yorke, for Evidences or Writings left in the Custody of John Ibson his Father, late Register of the President and Common Council there, deceased; that then he, or they, shall be at the Charge of the Answering the said Suits, and the other Expences of the said Wm. Ibson, occasioned as aforesaid, as the Court of Chancery (upon due Consideration) shall think fit and award.

Dep. Lieutenants for Norwich.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That these Persons following be Deputy Lieutenants for the City and County of Norwich; (videlicet,) Christopher Barrett Deputy Mayor, Edmond Borman, Charles George Cocke, Erasmus Erle, Esquires, Thomas Ashwell, William Davy, Sheriffs of the City, Robert Baron, Samuell Puckle, John Raley, John Greenwood, Aldermen of the City, Gabriell Barbour, Henry King, Gentlemen, Adrian Parmenter Esquire, Thomas Barrett and John Cory, Aldermen."