House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 24 June 1641

Die Jovis, 24 Junii, 1641.

PRAYERS .

Salt-petre Patent, &c.

THAT Nathanael Sykes, the Salt-petre Man, nor any of his Servants, shall dig the Houses of Sir Wm. Massam; nor charge his Carts: And that he shall bring in his Patent to the Committee for Gunpowder, where Mr. Perd has the Chair: And that That Committee be revived, as to this Business of Salt-petre: And are to meet To-morrow post meridiem at Two of Clock in the Star-chamber.

Edgar's Free School.

Mr. Prideaux reports the Bill for John Edgar's Free School, with the Amendments and Additions: The which were all twice read; and, upon Question, ordered to be ingrossed.

Abuses in Universities.

Ordered, That the Order of 22^do December' 1640, made concerning the Examining and Considering of the Abuses in the Universities in Matter of Religion and Civil Government, the Universities in general are only named; the House, doth now declare, that their Intention then was, and now is, that the Power of that Order, and Committee should extend to the Consideration and Examining of the Abuses in Matter of Religion and Civil Government, in any College or Hall, in either of the Universities.

Coryton's Petition.

The humble Petition of William Coryton Esquire was this Day read; and nothing done upon it.

Seizing Priests.

Mr. Whittaker and Sir John Francklin were appointed to go and take Order for the Seizing of some Priests, housed here hard by, by One of the Messengers that was by this House licensed to apprehend Priests.

Plymouth Church.

3^a vice lecta est Billa, An Act for the Confirmation of his Majesty's Letters Patents to the Town of Plymouth, and dividing the Parish there; and, upon Question, passed.

Clerk of the Market.

3^a vice lecta est Billa, An Act for the better Ordering of the Office of the Clerk of the Market, allowed by the Statute; and for the Reformation of false Weights and Measures; upon Question passed.

Scandalous Clergymen.

2da vice lecta est Billa, An Act for the Punishment of scandalous Clergymen; upon Question, committed unto the Committee for scandalous Ministers: And are to meet To-morrow at Two post meridiem, in the Court of Wards.

Sir Guy Palmes, Mr. Bagshawe, Sir John Strangwayes, Sir Edw. Deeringe, * Mountfort, Sir Robert Harley, Mr. King, Mr. Glyn, Sir Antho. Irby, * Rolle, Sir Martin Lumley, are added to that Committee.

Leave to communicate to Lords.

Dr. Eden has Leave to acquaint the House of Peers with the Communication, that passed between him and the Admiral of Duyquerque.

Knighthood.

2da vice lecta est Billa, An Act for the Prevention of vexatious Suits and Proceedings, touching the Order of Knighthood; and, upon Question, committed unto the Committee for the Bill of Ship-money.

Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Rigby, and Sir Simonds D'Ewes, are added to this Committee: And are to meet on Saturday at Two post meridiem, in the Star-chamber.

Counsel in the Lords.

Mr. King has Leave to be of Counsel before the Lords.

State of the Kingdom.

Mr. Pymme reports from the Committee to prepare Heads,

That the Five Regiments be first disbanded.

That Scotch Commissioners be desired, that their Forces may withdraw;

That his Majesty would declare his Pleasure for the Disbanding of those Regiments.

"I. Head is concerning the Disbanding of the Armies."

" And, under This, there are several Particulars:"

" 1. That Five Regiments, according to the former . . of both Houses be first disbanded."

" 2. That the Commissioners for Scotland be intreated to retire some Part of their Army."

" 3. That their Lordships will join with us, in a Petition to his Majesty, to declare his Pleasure concerning the Disbanding of the Five Regiments (for which there is present Monies provided); and of the rest of the Army, as soon as Money is ready:"

" 4. And, to declare, if any be refractory, and contemn his Majesty's Authority, that he will use it for the Punishment of them:

" 5. And that the Lord General go down to his Charge of the Army; and begin his Journey on Saturday next: And that the Master of the Ordnance go then down also, to take care of his Charge of Artillery."

II. Head is, concerning his Majesty's Journey to Scotland.

" That his Majesty will be pleased to allow a convenient Time before his Journey into Scotland, that both Armies be first disbanded; and some of the Business of Importance, concerning the Peace of the Kingdom, depending in Parliament, may be dispatched before his going."

" This is seconded with divers Reasons:"

" 1. The Safety of his Majesty's Person."

" 2. Preventing the Jealousies of his Subjects."

" 3. Suppressing of the Hopes of Persons, ill-affected, that may have Designs upon the Army, to disturb the Peace of the Kingdom."

" 4. Great Advantage to the King's Affairs, and Contentment to his People."

" That some of the Bills now depending in Parliament (whereof divers are sent up already to the Lords, and some proceeding in this House) may receive his Royal Assent, before he go to Scotland: And that we may have Time to pass the Bill of Tonage to his Majesty, for Supporting of the Royal Estate; and to settle his Majesty's Revenues, for the best Advantage of his Service: And, for those Reasons, to allow some Time, before he go into the North"

III. Head concerning his Majesty's Council, and Ministers of State."

"Both Houses to make Suit to his Majesty, to remove from him all such Counsels, as I am commanded to describe them;-such as have been active for the time past, and in furthering those Courses, contrary to Religion, Liberty, good Government of the Kingdom; and- as have lately interested themselves in those Counsels, to stir up Division between him and his People."

" 2. Branch: As we desire Removal of those that are evil; so-to take into his Council, and for Managing of the great Affairs of the Kingdom, such Officers, and Counsellors, as his People and Parliament may have just Cause to confide in.-That is all, concerning the Third Head."

"IV.Head touching the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty: Which containeth divers Particulars."

" 1. That his Majesty be pleased, by Advice of his Parliament, to persuade the Queen to accept some of the Nobility and others, of Trust, into her Majesty's Service, into such Places as are now in her Disposal."

" 2. Is This:-That no Jesuit, nor none of Orders, what Countrymen soever, whether French or Italian, be received into her Majesty's Service; nor any Priest, of his Majesty's Dominions English, Scotch, or Irish; and that they be restrained from coming to Court."

"3. The College of Capacines at Somersett-house may be dissolved; and may be sent out of the Kingdom."

" These Two, which I last mentioned, concerning the Queen, Priests, Jesuits, and Capacines; I am commanded to deliver you some Particulars for it."

" 1. Publick Danger; and Scandal of the Kingdom; and Peace of the Kingdom:"

" 2. Disaffection of some of these wicked Conspirators is expressed in Two Letters."-(Which Letters were here read openly.)-

" 3. A particular Letter of Father Phillips."-(here also read.)-

" 4. Because, of the Priests, Jesuits, and the College that is, divers great Quantities of Gold have been transported frequently."

" 4. Particular, that concerneth the Queen, is upon special Occasion of his Majesty's Absence."

"That their Lordships will be pleased to join with us, to advise the King, that some of the Nobility, and others of Quality, with competent Guards, may be appointed to attends the Queen's Person, against all Designs of Papists, and of ill-affected Persons; and of restraining Resort thither, in his Absence."

V. Head concerneth the King's Children:"

" That some Persons of publick Trust, and well affected in Religion, may be placed about the Prince; who may take care of his Education, and the rest of the Children; especially in Matters of Religion and Liberty."

VI. Head concerneth such as shall come into the Kingdom with Titles of being the Pope's Nuncio:"

" That it may be declared, that if any Man come into this Kingdom, with Instructions from the Pope of Rome, be, as in case of High Treason, out of the King's Protection; and out of the Protection of the Law: And am to inform you, that there is Notice given, upon very good Grounds, that Count Rocetto doth yet continue in the Kingdom; and yet resort unto the Court."

"VII. Head is concerning the Security and Peace of the Kingdom:"

" 1. That there may be good Lord Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants, and such as may be faithful, and trusty; and careful of the Peace of the Kingdom."

" 2. That the Trained Bands be furnished with Arms, and Powder, and Bullet; and exercised, and made fit for Service: And that a special Oath may be prepared, by Consent of both Houses, authorized by Law, and to be taken by the Lord Lieutenants, and Deputy Lieutenants, Captains, and other Officers; -such an Oath, as may be fit to secure us, in these Times of Danger."

" 3. That the Five Ports, and all the Ports of the Kingdom, may be put into good Hands; and a List of those in whose Charge they now are, may be presented in Parliament: And special Care, for the Reparation and Provision of those Forts."

" 4. That my Lord Admiral may inform the Parliament, in what Case his Majesty's Navy is in; and to be provided for, out of Tonage and Poundage; for the Security and Peace of the Kingdom."

VIII. Head:"

" That his Majesty be pleased to give Directions to his learned Counsel, to prepare a general Pardon; in such a large Manner as may be for the Relief of his Majesty's Subjects."

IX. Head; and That doth concern a Committee of both Houses:"

" That their Lordships would appoint a Number of their Members, to join together with a proportionable Number of this House; . . from time to time may confer upon such particular Courses, as shall be most effectual for the common Good."

X. Head."

" That his Majesty be moved, that he would be pleased to be very sparing in sending for Papists to Court; and, that if any shall come, without being sent for, that the Laws be severely put in Execution against them: And that the English Ladies, that are Recusants, be removed from Court: And that his Majesty be moved to give his Assent, that the Persons of the most active Papists, either Lords or Commoners, may be so restrained, as may be most necessary for the Safety of the Kingdom: And that no Pensions be allowed to such Recusants, as are held dangerous to the State."

These Heads, with their Reasons, were all severally put to the Question; and, by Question, Resolved, That they should be particular Heads of the Conference, to be desired with the Lords.

Sir John Hotham went to the Lords, to acquaint their Lordships, that this House intends to come up to their Lordships, with a Conference, concerning Affairs of great Importance, that concern the Safety of the Kingdom.

Sir Christopher Yelverton, Sir John Wray, * Cholmley, SirThomas Barrington, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Arthur Ingram, Mr. Arthur Goodwyn, Mr.Perd, Sir Martin Lomley, * Vivian, accompanied this Message; being first enjoined Secrecy.

Letters directed to Mr. Mountague.

Ordered, That some Course be taken for the Discovery of him that wrote the Two Letters, now read, directed to Mr. Mountague: And the Care of this is referred to the Committee of Seven.

Persons to attend.

Ordered, That Count de Rossetti be forthwith sent for, by the Serjeant at Arms, to attend the Committee of Seven, to be examined by that Committee: And that he shall remain in the Serjeant's Custody, till this House shall take further Order therein: And Sir Christopher Yelverton and Sir John Wray are added to that Committee, as to this Business only.

Ordered, That Robert Phillippe, a Romish Priest, be sent for, in the like manner as Rossetti.

Affairs of the Kingdom.

Lord Cramborne went up to the Lords, with this Message;

To desire a Conference with their Lordships, as soon as may stand with their Conveniency, concerning the great Affairs of the Kingdom:

-Brings Answer, that their Lordships will give a present Meeting, by a Committee of the whole House, as is desired,

Members summoned.

The Serjeant at Arms was sent, with the Mace, to require the Members of the House, in the Painted Chamber, to repair to the House.

State of the Counties.

Ordered, That the Committee to inquire of the State of the Counties, with the Forts and Castles therein, do meet this Afternoon, at Two of Clock, in the Exchequercourt.

Persons sent for.

Ordered, That Hammon, and Blackhall, be forthwith sent for, to attend the Committee of Seven.

Poll-money.

Ordered, That the Citizens, that serve for the City, do come to the House this Afternoon; to present such Clauses concerning the City; to the end that the Bill for Poll-money may be fitted for a Report.

House to sit, &c.

Ordered, That the House do sit this Afternoon, at Four of Clock, and that the Grand Committee, for the Bill concerning Poll-money, do sit this Afternoon, at Two of Clock.

Apprehension of a Person.

The Serjeant's Man brings Answer, that he had attended for Phillips; and that he said he was not the Man; his Name was Robert: The Man replied, that he was the Man intended by the House: He desired him to withdraw a little.

Foreign Letters.

A Message was sent formerly to desire the Lords, that the Letters of this Week, both outward and inward, might be stayed, and by the Lords be opened; (that were to be sent from hence.)

Ordered, That those Letters be not opened.

House to sit.

A Message from the Lords, by Serjeant Whitfild and Serjeant Glanvile;

The Lords intend to sit this Afternoon; and do desire, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, that they would do the like.

Answer returned, by the same Messengers; that this House has taken their Lordships Message into Consideration; and are resolved to sit this Afternoon.

Post Meridiem.

Cessation of Arms with Scotland.

MR. Treasurer went up to the Lords, with a Message to this Effect;

To put them in mind, that the Cessation is within Four Days expired; and to desire their Lordships to take it into Consideration what is fit to be done, for the Safety of the Kingdom.

Resolved, upon the Question, That this House holds it fit, that the Cessation of Arms between the Two Kingdoms should continue for a Fortnight longer, from the Time that this Cessation is to end; upon the same Terms as it was formerly agreed upon, if the Treaty shall so long continue.

Recusants.

That the Committee for Repealing of a Proviso in tertio Jacobi, concerning Recusants, do meet on Monday next at Two post meridiem, in the Court of Wards.

Foreign Letters.

Sir John Hotham went up to the Lords, with a Message to this Effect;

That this House, for the better Discovery of High Treason, did desire, that the Letters of this Week, outward and inward, might be stayed and opened; which was assented unto accordingly: That this House is informed, that the Earl of Leicester, a Member of their House, while the Letters were in Perusal, did withdraw a Packet, without Consent of the Lords that were present: And therefore desire those Letters, that were then present, to inform their Lordships in what manner it was done, that this House might receive Satisfaction.

Ditto.

A Message from the Lords, by J. Foster and J. Heath; The Lords take notice of the special Prejudice, that might accrue unto the Merchants, if the Letters of this Week should be stayed this Night; and therefore they held it fit, that the Post should be dismissed with these Letters, unless this House take Notice of some special Cause, whereupon they should be stopt.

Answer returned, by the same Messengers; that this House has taken into Consideration their Lordships Message; and does think fit, that the Post should . . . .

Cessation of Arms with Scotland.

Mr. Treasurer brings Answer from the Lords, that their Lordships do well approve of a Cessation of Arms for a Fortnight longer; and do assent unto it for a Fortnight longer; upon the same Terms.

Keeping the House clean.

Mr. Waller moved that the House might be kept sweet and clean: And the Serjeant was required to take care that it might be so kept accordingly.

Subscription for Officers of the House.

Resolved, upon the Question, That every Knight shall pay Twenty Shillings, and every Burgess shall pay Ten Shillings; to be disposed of, by Order of this House, among such Officers as they shall think fit, for a Reward for their several great Pains.

Resolved, &c. That these Monies shall be paid in by Monday next.

Resolved, &c. That those, that have not paid in their Monies by Monday next, shall pay double.

Ordered, That Sir Robert Pye and Mr. Glyn shall be appointed Treasurers, to receive this Money: And they are required to give Account to the House, what Monies they have received, and from whom.