House of Lords Journal Volume 10: 13 December 1648

DIE Mercurii, 13 die Decembris.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Hardwicke.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Denbigh, Speaker.

Letter, &c. to the P. Elector.

A Letter from the Prince Elector was read, with divers Papers inclosed, concerning the Treaty of Peace of the Princes in Germany. (Here enter them.)

Ordered, That the Consideration of this Business be To-morrow.

E. of Cleveland's Liberty prolonged.

Ordered, That the Earl of Cleaveland have Three Months longer Liberty, upon the same Bail and Security he stands now in; and the Concurrence of the House of Commons be desired herein:

And accordingly a Message was sent, by Dr. Bennett and Mr. Hakewill.

Letter, &c. from Col. Jones.

A Letter from Colonel Jones, Governor of Dublin, with Papers inclosed, were read. (Here enter them.)

And Ordered to be sent to the House of Commons, with a Desire that some Course may be taken, for vindicating the Lord Admiral from the Slander of Harman.

Message from the H. C. for Salwey to be a Commissioner of the Navy.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Colonel Bosevile, &c.

To desire their Lordships Concurrence, that Mr. Richard Salwey be One of the Commissioners of the Navy, in the Place of Mr. Squire Bence, lately deceased.

Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to Mr. Richard Salwey to be a Commissioner of the Navy, in the Place of Mr. Squire Bence.

Combes to be Sheriff of Warwick.

Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Combes be High Sheriff for the County of Warwicke; and the Concurrence of the House of Commons to be desired herein.

And accordingly it was sent down to the House of Commons, by Dr. Bennett and Mr. Hakewill.

Eastway to be instituted to Bradworthy;

Ordered, That Dr. Aylett give Institution and duction unto Elias Eastway Clerk, to the Vicarage of Bradworthy, in Com. Devon. void by Death; salvo Jure cujuscunque: Granted by the Great Seal.

Carrill to Boxford;

Ordered, That Doctor Aylett give Institution and Induction unto Jo. Carrill Clerk, Batchelor of Arts, to the Rectory of Boxford, in Com. Berks, void by Death; salvo Jure, &c.: George Cure Esquire, Patron.

and Muston to Dalby Parva.

Ordered, That Dr. Aylett give Institution and Induction unto Jo. Muston Clerk, Master of Arts, to the Vicarage of Dalby Parva, in Com. Leic. void by Death; Salvo Jure, &c.: Wm. Hartopp Esquire, Patron.

Letter from the P. Elector, concerning the Peace concluded in Germany, desiring the Advice of the House how to act in it.

"My Lord,

It being now about Two Years since I acquainted this House with the Treaty for the Peace of Germany, which, after so long Agitation, is now transacted; and by Occasion thereof having received Letters from The Imperiall States Ambassadors, and those of France and Sweden; the Two former upon Terms (as by both the Instrumenta Pacis may appear) disadvantageous to me, exhorting me to a Concurrence; the latter expecting also my Resolution. I have thought it suitable to the Respect I bear to this House (of whose Civilities and Affection I have had so ample Demonstration), not only to communicate to their Knowledge how my Affairs stand, and what is expected from me; but to declare likewise my Unwillingness to conclude any Thing (especially in such an Exigent) without the Benefit of their Advice; a Help as in self most useful (and on which I shall much rely,) so to which I shall think much added by the Speed of it; the Emperor's Ratification of the Peace already being come to Munster, the Ratifications of the other Princes being expected there by the 14th Current, if that Time be not prolonged; and the easing of many Thousands in my Country (exhausted by Garrisons, Quarterings and Impositions) depending on my Consent.

"This, my Lord, is that briefly, which at present I commend to the friendly Consideration of this House. And when I call to Mind their so frequent Professions for the Advancement of the Protestant Interest, which they have been pleased to think both abroad and here to be in Part concerned in the recovering of my usurped Rights, I shall not doubt, either at this Instant of their mature Counsel, or hereafter of such seasonable Assistance from them as to so great a Work may be thought conducible: The Honour of their contributing whereunto, as it will be public, so the Fruit of it will in good Measure redound to my Particular; and the Memory of so important a Benefit accordingly shall remain with me, who am

"Your Lordship's

"Most affectionate Friend to serve you,

Som'sett House, this 12th of December, 1648.

"Charles Lodovic.

"For my Lord, Speaker of the House of Peers."

Letter from Col. Jones, with the following Papers, desiring Supplies of Forces and Provisions, &c. and Ships to guard the Irish Coast.

"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester, Speaker to the most Honourable the Lords House in Parliament. These present.

"Right Honourable,

You have here inclosed Ormond's late Declaration, wherein appeareth that the whole Design is intended principally to the disturbing of your Affairs there, according to the former Intimations thereof given you in mine of the 18th past. Here is also inclosed a Letter from Major Thomas Harman (lately of your Army, now revolted to the Rebels), wherein some Account is given of Ormond's Proceedings in this Treaty with the Rebels. There is nothing wanting in their Work, for a full and general Association, but their gaining of Owen Roe and his Party, so on all Hands to fall into our Quarters in many Places at once. The Preparations are great against us; the Rebels Army, with Inchiquin's, making up Eight Thousand Foot and Two Thousand Horse, besides Eight Ships now in setting out from Wexford and their other Harbours, for annoying us here, and attending on the Harbours there. It is therefore necessary that our Supplies of Horse and Foot, together with Money and other Provisions, may be hastened; that also the guarding of these Seas be well provided for against these Pirates, and against the Prince's Fleet which is by Ormond here expected. In the mean Time I shall (by God's Assistance) find them Work sufficient, and shall ever remain

"Your Honour's

Dublin, Nov. 18, 1648.

"Most faithful Servant,

"Mic. Jones."

E. of Ormond's Declaration, that he will support the Protestant Religion, - the King's Prerogative, - Freedom of Parliaments, &c.

"A Declaration of the Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland.

"Ormond.

To prevent the too frequent Prejudices incident, through Jealousies, Distrusts, and Misconstructions, to all Undertakings, we account it not the least worthy our Labour, upon the Instant of our Arrival, to prepare this People, whose Welfare we contend for, with a right Understanding of those Intentions in us, which, in order to His Majesty's Service, we desire may terminate in their Good.

To enumerate the several Reasons by which we were induced (for Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the English Interest) to leave the City of Dublin, and other His Majesty's Garrisons then under our Power in this Kingdom, in the Hands of those intrusted by His Two Houses of Parliament, were to set forth a Narrative, in Place of a Manifest.

"It may suffice to be known, that those Transactions had for One main Ground this Confidence, that, by being under the Power of the Houses, they would, upon a happy expected Composure of Affairs in England, revert unto, and be revested in, His Majesty, as His proper Right.

"But, having found how, contrary to the Inclinations of the Well-affected to His Majesty's Restoration in England, the Power of that Kingdom hath unhappily devolved to Hands employed only in the Art and Labour of pulling down and subverting the Fundamentals of Monarchy (with whom a pernicious Party in this Kingdom do equally sympathize and co-operate); and being filled with a deep Sense of the Duty and Obligations that are upon us, strictly to embrace all Opportunities of employing our Endeavours towards the Recovery of His Majesty's Rights in any Part of his Dominions; having observed the Protestant Army in the Province of Munster (by special Providence discovering the Arts and Practices used to entangle the Members thereof in Engagements, as directly contrary to their Duties towards God and Man, as to their Intentions and Resolutions), to have found Means to manifest the Candour and Integrity thereof, in a Disclaimer of any Obedience to, or Concurrence with, those Powers or Persons who have so grossly varied even their own professed Principles of preserving His Majesty's Person and Rights, by confining Him under a most strict Imprisonment; His Majesty also vouchsafing graciously to accept the Declaration of the said Army as an eminent and seasonable Expression of their Fidelity towards Him, and, in Testimony thereof, having laid His Commands upon us to make our Repair unto this Province, to discharge the Duties of our Place; we have, as well in Obedience thereunto, as in Pursuance of our own Duty and Desire to advance His Majesty's Service, resolved to evidence our Approbation and Esteem of the Proceedings of the said Army, by publishing unto the World our like Determination in the same ensuing Particulars; and accordingly we prosess and declare,

First, To improve our utmost Endeavours for the Settlement of the Protestant Religion, according to the Example of the best Reformed Churches.

"Secondly, To defend the King in His Prerogatives.

"Thirdly, to maintain the Privilege and Freedom of Parliament, and the Liberty of the Subjects.

"That, in order hereunto, we shall oppose, to the Hazard of our Lives, those Rebels of this Kingdom, who shall refuse their Obedience to His Majesty upon such Terms as He hath thought fit by us to require it. And we shall endeavour to the utmost the suppressing of that Independent Party, who have thus fiercely laboured the Extirpation of the true Protestant Religion, the Ruin of our Prince, the Dishonour of Parliament, and the Vassalage of our Fellow-subjects, against all those who shall depend upon them, and adhere unto them: And that this our Adhering might not appear obnoxious to the Trade of England, but that we desire a firm Union and Agreement be preserved betwixt us; we do likewise declare, That we will continue Free Traffic and Commerce with all His Majesty's good Subjects of England; and that we will not in the least Manner prejudice any of them, that shall have Recourse to our Harbours, either in their Bodies, Ships, or Goods; nor shall we take any Thing from them, without Payment of ready Money for the same.

And now that, by His Majesty's said Command, we have proceeded to re-enter upon the Work of His Service in this Province, we conceive no higher Testimony can be given of His Majesty's Acceptation, or of the Estimation we bear about us towards their Proceedings, than by resorting unto them in Person with His Majesty's Authority, and exhibiting unto them the Encouragement and Satisfaction they may receive in this Assurance, That, as we bear an especial Regard to their present Undertaking and Performances, accompanied with a real Sense of their former Sufferings, so, left there should any Advantage be derived unto those who endeavour to improve all Opportunities of sowing Sedition and Distrust, by this Suggestion, that the former Differences in Judgement and Opinion, which have induced Persons to serve diversly under His Majesty and the Parliament, will occasion Prejudice or ill Resentments to arise towards such Persons as have not formerly concurred in Judgement with others in His Majesty's Service; we do declare, That we are qualified with special Power and Authority from His Majesty to assure them, that no Distinction shall be made in any such Consideration; but that all Persons now interested and engaged in this Cause shall be reflected upon with equal Favour and Regard; and that we shall make it our Endeavours so to improve and confirm His Majesty's gracious Disposure towards them, as that we will never call to Memory any past Difference in Opinion, Judgement, Action, or Profession, to the Prejudice of any Member of this Army, or any Person relating to it; but, on the contrary, shall be very ready to attest our good Affections towards them, in the Discharge of such good Offices as shall be in our Power; in Return whereof, we shall only expect their Perseverance in their present Engagements for His Majesty's Service, with such Alacrity, Constancy, and Affection, as may suit with their late public Declaration and Professions; to whom we desire this Assurance also may be inculcated, That, as we shall in the future use our utmost Care and Diligence to provide for their Preservation from the like Hardships, to those they have formerly undergone; so we have already employed our best Industry and Endeavours for the Settlement of such a Course, as we may (with most Reason) hope will in these uncertain Times produce a constant and competent Subsistence for them, enabling them to make such a Progress in their present Undertakings, as may, with the Accomplishment of the great Ends thereof, establish their own Honour and Content. Thus much we have thought fit to publish unto the World, to furnish it with an Evidence of strong Conviction against us, if we ever swerve (to the best of our Power) from the just Ways of maintaining the true Protestant Religion, the Honour and Interest of His Sacred Majesty, the just Rights of Parliament, the Liberties of the Subjects, and the Safety, Quiet, and Welfare of the People entrusted to our Care.

"6 Octob. 1648."

Letter from Major Harman, that the E of Ormond and the Confederates were come to an Agreement; and that the E. of Warwick had submitted to the Prince.

SIR,

Yours of the 24th of October I received; and as for the Correspondency you write of, I had continued, but by reason of your great Distance durst not venture any Matter of Consequence, till I were sure of a safe Conveyance; which now I shall not doubt to meet withal. My Lord Lieutenant and all your Friends having advanced so near as Kilkenny on Saturday last, Matters being in a Manner agreed on between his Lordship and the Confederates, the Lett is somewhat concerning the Churches and Religion, which is thought now to be removed; referring themselves wholly to His Majesty's Breast, both for that, a free Parliament, and all other Matters; so that now, the whole Government being in my Lord Lieutenant, it is not doubted but Owen O Neile will submit unto. And as for that Party you are of (unto whom, I protest, I wish all Happiness), especially if you hold to your former Principles and Protestations of Duty, Service and Loyalty, to His Majesty's Commands and Authority, which is in the Power of my Lord Marquis of Ormond, for the Settlement and Government of this Kingdom, and the bringing them to their former Obedience; to the effecting of which, your Assistance would not only give a speedy Period in this Kingdom, but also a main Help of settling His Majesty in His just Rights and Prerogatives in England with Assurance we have, that the Lord of Warwicke with his Fleet hath submitted to the Prince. This being so, be pleased to consider what Condition you are like to be in.

Sir, You are very sparing of your News; for we have far more here than you write to me, as the sending your Agent over, &c. I earnestly desire to be informed what Course you conceive is to be taken with our Fellow Officers, that are Prisoners.

Mr. Lane presents his Respects and Service to you; and sends this Declaration of my Lord Lieutenant's, which, he is confident, will give you and all true Protestants ample Satisfaction.

SIR,

Kilkenny, Nov. 7th, 1648.

Your faithful Friend and Servant,

"Thomas Harman."

List of Persons with the E. of Ormond.

The Names of such as are with the Lord of Ormond.

"Earl of Resecommon.
Lord Borroue.
Sir Will'm Borroue.
Sir Edm. Varney.
Colonel Vayne.
Colonel Treswell.
Sir Henry Stradlin.
Mr. Daniell O'Neile.
Colonel Barry.
My Lord Poore.
Captain Griffin.
Colonel Trafford.
Lieutenant Colonel Gray.
Captain Tho. Fortescue.
Mr. Fortescue.
Captain Mich. Dun.
J. Stoughton.
Captain Hart.
"Colonel Fr. Trafford.
"Bishop of Cloyne.
"Nedd. Synge.
"Gilbert Deane.
"Mr. Brookbancke.

"These, besides several Field Officers and Captains came lately out of England, I presume, are Strangers to you."

House adjourned till 10^a cras.