House of Lords Journal Volume 9: 4 June 1647

DIE Veneris, 4 die Junii.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Delmy.

Domini præsentes fuerunt:

Comes Manchester, Speaker.

Morley's Right to the Parsonage of Wotton Courtney.

Ordered, That no Minister shall have Institution and Induction to the Parsonage of Wotton Courtney, in Com. Som'sett, to the Prejudice of John Morley Clerk, until the Pleasure of this House be further signified concerning the said John Morley.

Message from the Assembly, that they are ready to make good their Charge against Hall.

A Message was brought from the Assembly of Divines, by Mr. Marshall, &c.

To let their Lordships know, that they are ready, according to the Order of this House of the First of June, to make good their Exceptions concerning Mr. Hall:

Committee for this Business.

Herefor it is Ordered, That these Lords following are appointed to hear the Proofs which the Assembly of Divines shall produce concerning this Business, and to take the Examinations on both Sides, and report the same to this House:

Any Three, to meet this Afternoon, and to adjourn themselves from Time to Time.

Letter from the Commissioners with the King.

The Speaker acquainted this House with a Letter from the Commissioners at Holdenby with the King, with a Paper inclosed; which were read. (Here enter them.)

Captain Titus was called in; and he made a Narrative of the Business in Effect the same as the Letter is.

King's Children to be brought to St. James's.

Ordered, That the Earl of Northumb. be sent to, for to bring the King's Children now in the Country to St. James'; and that a Letter be sent to this Purpose: And the Concurrence of the House of Commons to be desired herein.

Message to the H. C. to concur in it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Edw. Leech and Mr. Page:

To let them know, that, upon some Letters received from the Commissioners at Holdenby, they have thought fit to send a Letter to the Earl of Northumb. for bringing the King's Children to St. James', wherein their Concurrence is desired.

Letter delivered by the King to Murray, at Newcastle, decyphered.

The Earl of Lyncolne acquainted the House, "That the same Party that translated a former Letter of Characters hath decyphered the Letter which the King put into the Hand of Mungo Murray, at Newcastle:"

Which was read; and Ordered to be referred to the former Committee, to call the Party before them, and hear (fn. 1) what Demonstration he can shew that it is rightly decyphered; and that the said Person be recommended to the House of Commons, for a Reward for his said Pains.

Message from the H. C. to sit P. M. Tomorrow, &c.;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons; by Sir Wm. Lewis Knight, &c.; who brought divers Particulars, wherein they desire their Lordships Concurrence.

2. To let their Lordships know, that the House of Commons intend to sit this Afternoon, and To-morrow, and on Monday; and they desire their Lordships would please to sit likewise, if it may stand with their Lordships Conveniency.

Agreed to.

and with Ordinances.

An Ordinance for Continuance of the Custody of the Great Seal in the Hands as it is now, for (fn. 2) Fourteen Days after the next Term; and for renewing the Commission for hearing Causes. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

An Ordinance of Addition for giving Power to the Committee for Ireland to issue Warrant for a Month's Pay for Ireland. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Ordinances now brought up; and that this House will sit this Afternoon, Tomorrow, and Monday.

Commissioners of the Great Seal, and for hearing Causes in Chancery, continued.

Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Custody of the Great Seal of England continue in the same Hands it now is in, till [ (fn. 3) Forty Days] after the End of the next Term.

Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Commission for hearing Causes in Chancery be renewed, and continued till Forty Days after the End of the next Term; and that the Commissioners of the Great Seal do issue out and seal a Commission under the Great Seal, for the same Term, accordingly.

Order for 300l. for Captain Playford.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds be charged, in Course, with Interest for the same, payable every Six Months, upon that Moiety of the Receipts at Gouldsmiths Hall which is not engaged for the last Two Hundred Thousand Pounds, and upon the Remainder of those Receipts after that Security is perfected, without Prejudice to the said Security; and that the said Sum of Three Hundred Pounds and Interest, as they shall grow due, be paid, upon Accompt, to Captain Samuell Playford, by the Treasurers at Gouldsmiths Hall, to be accompted in Part of the Arrears due unto him upon his Entertainment in the Service of the Parliament; and that an Acquittance under the Hand of the said Captain Samuell Playford, or his Assignee, shall be a sufficient Warrant and Discharge to the said Treasurers, for the Payment of the said Sum of Three Hundred Pounds and Interest accordingly."

Letter from the Commissioners with the King, that some of Sir T. Fairfax's Army had taken Possession of Holdenby House.

"For the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester, Speaker of the House of Peers pro Tempore. These.

"My Lord,

"Yesterday we got first uncertain Intelligence of some Parties of Horse upon their March near Stonny Stratford. Towards Night, other Reports came to us, of an Intention to surprize the Place; whereupon Colonel Greaves doubled the Guards, by such as he had most Confidence in. At length, a Scout of our own brought Word of a Party of Horse rendezvousing upon Harleston Heath, not Two Miles off, about Ten of the Clock at Night; and withal we were secretly informed, that their Intentions were to seize Colonel Greaves, and to possess themselves of this House. Hereupon we began to prepare for Defence; but found, upon Advice with Colonel Greaves, the Guards were so little to be relied upon, that we thought it requisite he should withdraw himself, lest he should be taken by Force from us; there being no Means left us to secure ourselves: To which Necessity he was contented to submit; and we purposely caused it to be divulged that he was gone, hoping thereby to divert the Horse from falling on us. But, about One of the Clock, we had certain Knowledge of their being drawn into the Park and Meadows adjoining, and that we were surrounded by them; which caused us to send for all the Officers of our Guards, who with One Consent declared to us, "That they found no Disposition in their Soldiers to fight with any of the General's Army, with whom they had so often adventured themselves against the common Enemy." While this Discourse held with them, it passing Two of the Clock; about Break of Day, we discovered a Party of Horse drawn up before the Great Gates, whereupon we dismissed them to their Charges; and immediately, at the Back Yard, where our Horse and Dragoons stood, their Horse with many of ours amongst them entered without any Resistance at all, being quietly let in and embraced by the Soldiers. We presently sent to speak with their Chief Officer. It was answered, "There was none that commanded." But soon after, Mr. Joyce, Cornet to the General's Life-guard, came in to us; and being demanded the Cause of their coming in this Manner, he answered, "That they came, with Authority from the Soldiery, to seize Colonel Greaves, that he might be tried by a Council of War, for having scandalized the Army; whereby also a Plot (fn. 4) which was contriving, to convey the King to London without Directions of the Parliament, would be prevented." We desired he would put the same into Writing: And he delivered us the inclosed accordingly, wherein you will not find Colonel Greaves mentioned by Name, though intended.

"This is the Condition we are in, with much Sorrow to ourselves that we can give you no better Account, though our Endeavours have not been wanting.

"Our humble Suit is, That, by this Bearer Captain Tytus, you will please to send us speedy Directions; the Want whereof hath been no small Discouragement to us hitherto in a Service of this Length and Importance. I remain,

Holdenby, 3 Junii, 1647.

"My Lord,
Your Lordship's humble Servant,
Edw. Mountague."

Declaration containing their Reasons for it.

"May it please the Honourable Commissioners of Parliament,

"We, Soldiers now under his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax' Command, have, by the general Consent of the Soldiery, manifested our true Love to the Parliament and Kingdom; by endeavouring to prevent a Second War, discovered by the Designments of some Men privately to take away the King, to the End He might side with that intended Army to be raised; which, if effected, would be to the utter Undoing of the Kingdom. We shall be able and willing to bring our Testimony, when called for, who were the Plotters and Contrivers therein, this being the only Way and Means to prevent all those forementioned Dangers, that might unhappily have come on us and this whole Kingdom, whose Weal we have always endeavoured, with the Hazard of our Lives, and the Blood of many of our dear Friends and Fellow Soldiers and Commoners: This being the only Thing presented to us, which put us on our late Action, for the Preservation of the King's Person, and Furthering of the Parliament' Proceedings, together with the Commissioners great Care to effect the same, and to discharge the Trust imposed on them."

Post Meridiem.

E. Manchester, Speaker.

Fulks and Usman, who seized L. Say's Gun, released.

Ordered, That Mr. John Fulkes and John Usman, now in the Custody of the Gentleman Usher, shall have their Liberty, until they shall be called on by this House, upon the Desire of the Lord Say; they carrying themselves so, that there shall be no farther Cause of Complaint against the said Parties.

Sir T. Hanson to compound for his Delinquency.

Ordered, That Sir Thomas Hanson is left to make his Composition at Habberdash'rs Hall; and that the Lord Willoughby may have that Allowance that hath been made him out of the said Composition, if he shall prove a Delinquent.

Morrice to enjoy the Vicarage of Kennelworth.

An Affidavit of William Morrice and Robert Bristoe read, on the Behalf of the said Mr. Maurice.

Upon the Affidavit of Wm. Morris and Rob't Briscoe, read this Day in the House; setting out, "That Obedience is not given to the Order of this House, of the First of May last:"

It is Ordered, &c. That the said Order is hereby ratified and confirmed in all Points, the said House having not received any Satisfaction at all why Obedience should not be given unto the same: And thereupon it is further Ordered, That the said Morrice shall have and enjoy the quiet Possession of the Vicarage of Kennellworth, in the County of Warwicke, with all the Profits and Rights thereunto belonging, until the House shall receive Satisfaction for his Removal from the said Vicarage, for any Thing committed or done by him since his Institution and Induction, grounded upon the said Order of this House; and herein Obedience is expected and required, both from the Committee of that County, and the Inhabitants of that Parish of Kennellworth, as the contrary will be answered to this House.

Accompts from Haberdashers Hall to be brought in.

Ordered, &c. That the Committee of Accompts shall forthwith return into this House the Accompts lately sent in to them from the Committee of Habberdash'rs Hall, whereof this House hath present Occasion; and herein they may not fail.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

And being resumed;

Ordinance to sequester Collieries in the North, belonging to Delinquents.

The Ordinance touching the sequestering of several Colliers, in the North of England, was read the Third Time, and Ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Harvey, a Pass.

Ordered, That Thomas Harvey Esquire shall have a Pass, into France, with One Servant.

Chandler to be kept in Custody.

John Chaundler was brought to the Bar.

And it was Ordered, That he be kept in Custody, by the Gentleman Usher of this House, until the Pleasure of this House be farther signified.

Governors of Garrisons.

"Resolved, That Sir Thomas Fairefax shall be Governor of Hull.

"The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament do allow of Colonel Richard Fortescue to be Governor of Penndennis Castle.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Colonel St. Albin to be Captain of The Mount.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Lieutenant Colonel George Kekewiche to (fn. 5) be Governor of St. Mawes.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Captain William Bewly to be Chief Officer of the Forces appointed to keep Cockermouth Castle.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Jones do continue Governor of Chester, and the Castle there, till the Houses do take further Order.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Ralph Welden do continue Governor of Plymouth Fort and Island.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Major Gibbons to (fn. 6) be Governor of the Castle of Exon.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Captain John Gorges to command the Fort at Exmouth.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Captain William Scutt to be Governor of the Town of Poole.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Lieutenant Colonel Robert Coker to be Governor of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Captain Elias Bond to be Captain of Portland Castle.

"The Lords and Commons do appoint Captain John Arthur to be Captain of Sandisfoote Castle.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Brunksen Castle be under the Command of the Governor of Poole.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel General Poyntz, as he did formerly command the Garrison of Yorke, so now he shall command Clifford's Tower.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Colonel Mathew Bointon, to continue Governor of Scarrborrough Garrison.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Sir Thomas Fairefax Knight, General of the Parliament's Forces, to continue Governor of Hull, and all the Forts and Works.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Colonel Thomas Morgan to continue Governor of Gloucester.

"The Lords and Commons do approve of Captain Boys to continue Governor of Dover Castle.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and approve of Lieutenant Colonel John Ashurst to be Governor of Liverpoole.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Lieutenant Colonel Dodson to be Governor of Croyland.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Thomas Hughes be continued Governor of Chepstow Castle.

"The Lords and Commons do appoint Captain Thomas Polton to be Governor of Notting. Castle.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Sir Thomas Hoogan Knight be (fn. 6) continued Governor of the Garrison of Lyme.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Captain Henry Stone be continued Governor of Stafford.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Colonel Thomas Bettisworth to be Lieutenant Governor of Portsmouth.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Lieutenant Colonel Perry to be Governor of the Castle of Taunton.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That there shall be One Governor of the Fort and Castle of Bristoll.

"Ordered, &c. That Colonel Charles Doyly be Governor of the Fort and Castle at Bristoll.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Mackworth be continued Governor of the Castle of Shrewsbury.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Captain William Morley be continued Governor of Arundell Castle, in the County of Sussex.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Hugh Price be continued Governor of Red Castle.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Thomas Glyn be continued Governor of Carmarthen.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Carter be continued Governor of Conway Castle.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Mitton be continued Governor of Anglesey and Beumaris.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Captain John Poyer be continued Governor of Pembrooke.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Rice Powell be continued Governor of Tenby.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Edward Prichard be continued Governor of the Town and Castle of Cardiff.

"Ordered, by the Lords and Commons, That Colonel Whitchcott be continued Governor of the Castle of Windsor.

"The Lords and Commons do appoint Colonel Samuell Moore to be Governor of the Castle of Hereford.

"The Lords and Commons do nominate and appoint Captain William Rowse to be Captain of The Dennis."

Adjourn.

Adjourn, 10^a To-morrow.