House of Lords Journal Volume 7: 20 December 1644

DIE Veneris, 20 die Decembris.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Gouge.

Ds. Grey de Warke, Speaker.

Answer from the H. C.

Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they agree to the Answer to be sent to the King, by the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South'ton.

Lords who are come from the King, not to visit those in The Tower; but may send to them.

The Lord General acquainted the House, "That the Lords that came from the King to the Houses of Parliament did send to him, to let him know, That they were commanded by the King to visit the Earl of Cleveland and others, Prisoners in The Tower of London; which his Lordship thought fit to receive the Directions of the House herein."

And the House thought it not fit they should have Liberty to visit them themselves; but that Sir Peter Killegrew (fn. 1) do signify to them, "That they may send to them, but not go themselves."

Swedish Minister to be received Tomorrow.

The Speaker acquainted the House, "That the Master of the Ceremonies informed him, That the Person whom the Houses intended to receive from the Queen of Sweden, and the Regents of that Kingdom, is no Agent, but in the Quality of a Commissioner."

Hereupon this House Ordered, That the Word ["Agent"] in the former Orders shall be altered to the Word ["Commissioner]; and that he be received accordingly To-morrow Morning, at Ten of the Clock; and that the Master of the Ceremonies have Notice of it, and that he attend him.

Message to the H. C. for Committees to meet for that Purpose.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Edward Leech (fn. 2) and Doctor Heath:

To let them know, that this House appointed Tomorrow Morning, at Ten of the Clock, for the Reception of the Swedish Commissioner; and desire their Committee may meet accordingly.

Ordinance for keeping the Fast on Christmas-day, to be published.

Ordered, That the Lord Mayor of the City of London is hereby appointed to take Care, that the Ordinance for duly observing the next Fast-day be dispersed to all Churches and Chapels within the Line of Communication and Bills of Mortality.

Ld Cranfield, Leave to visit the Lords from the King.

Ordered, That the Lord Cranfield hath Leave to visit the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South'ton.

Message from the H. C. about delivering the Answer to the Lords who are come from the King.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Henry Vane Junior:

To desire that the Select Committee of both Houses may meet presently, and perfect the Answer to be sent to the King; and that the Commissioners of Scotland be sent to, to desire to meet, that so the Answer may be delivered to them as speedily as may be.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House will return an Answer presently, by Messengers of their own.

Committees to meet about it.

Ordered, That the Committee shall meet this Afternoon, at Three of the Clock, in the Painted Chamber, to meet the Committee of the House of Commons; and that the Speaker of this House shall sign the Answer; and that the Gentleman Usher shall give Notice to the Commissioners of Scotland, to be then present; and that the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South'ton have Notice to be there.

Message to the H. C. for that Purpose.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Serjeant Whitfield and Serjeant Fynch:

To let them know, that this House hath appointed their Committee to meet this Afternoon, at Three of the Clock, in the Painted Chamber; and that their Lordships have sent to give Notice to the Commissioners of Scotland, to meet then; and to desire that their Committee may be appointed to meet at the same (fn. 2) Time.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That they have appointed their Committee to meet with the Committee of Lords this Afternoon, to deliver to the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South'ton the Answer to His Majesty's Message; and have appointed their Speaker to sign the same.

Adjourn.

House adjourned till 9^a cras.