Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 21, 1718-1721. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.
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'House of Lords Journal Volume 21: June 1720', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 21, 1718-1721( London, 1767-1830), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol21/pp342-360 [accessed 23 December 2024].
'House of Lords Journal Volume 21: June 1720', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 21, 1718-1721( London, 1767-1830), British History Online, accessed December 23, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol21/pp342-360.
"House of Lords Journal Volume 21: June 1720". Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 21, 1718-1721. (London, 1767-1830), , British History Online. Web. 23 December 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol21/pp342-360.
In this section
June 1720
DIE Mercurii, 1o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes, &c. Bill.
A Message from the House of Commons, by Mr. Farrer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for better securing certain Powers and Privileges intended to be granted by His Majesty, by Two Charters, for Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes at Sea, and for lending Money upon Bottomry; and for restraining several extravagant and unwarrantable Practices therein mentioned;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
The said Bill was read the First Time, and ordered to be read a Second Time To-morrow; and the Lords to be summoned.
Message from H. C. to return Germain's Nat. Bill.
A Message from the House of Commons, by Mr. Mason and others:
To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for naturalizing Philip Germain;" and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made thereto.
L. Weston's Privilege, concerning an Estate of his, surveyed and taken Possession of by Green and Stokes, Report.
The Earl of Clarendon reported from the Lords Committees for Privileges, to whom the Matter of the Complaint, "That John Green and Gabriel Stokes had surveyed and taken Possession of an Estate belonging to the Lord Weston, who is Earl of Arran in the Kingdom of Ireland, in Breach of the Privilege of this House," was referred: "That there was produced to the Committee, and read, Two Affidavits, mentioned to be sworn the Sixteenth of October 1719, before one Patrick Hackett, the one by Dennis Connor, and the other by Thomas Archdeacon; both attesting, "That, on the Twentieth Day of March 1718/19, the said John Green and Gabriel Stokes, Surveyors, had Notice severally given them, in Writing, That the said Earl of Arran was concerned in Point of Interest, in a Cause wherein William Lenthall and others were Plaintiffs, and Mathias and others Defendants; and in regard his Lordship was not made a Party, he did insist on his Privilege, and that no further Proceeding should be had in the said Cause, until he was made a Party thereto: Upon reading which said Notice, the said Green and Stokes used contemptuous Expressions of the Privilege of England; and thereupon did proceed to survey the said Earl's Part of Killough; and on the said Twentieth of March, and the next Day, surveyed the same accordingly, whereby they gave the Plaintiffs at least Two Hundred Acres of his Lordship's Estate, which he was then in peaceable Possession of; and that, some Time in June 1719, the Plaintiff's Mother was, by the Sheriff, or reputed Sheriff, of the County of Tipperary, put into Possession of the said Two Hundred Acres, so set out by the said Green and Stokes."
That the Committee being informed, one Daniel Sullivan attended: He was called in; and the said Affidavits being shewed to him, he was examined upon Oath, as to his Knowledge of the Matter of this Complaint; and thereupon acquainted their Lordships, "That he did not know the Persons who made the said Affidavits, nor could he attest the Truth of what was therein contained; but only that the Tenants have been dispossessed of the said Lands, and have paid no Rent to the said Earl since the Time they were so dispossessed as aforesaid."
The Committee, upon Consideration of this whole Matter, did not think proper to give any Opinion therein; but directed the same to be reported specially to the House."
Which Report being read by the Clerk, as likewise the Standing Order; which directs, "That no Person shall be taken into Custody, on Complaint of a Breach of Privilege, but upon Oath made at the Bar of this House:"
It is Ordered, That the said Standing Order, as also the Matter of the said Report, be taken into Consideration on Friday next; and the Lords to be summoned.
Building Gaols, suppressing Piracy, and establishing Articles of War for the Navy, Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building and repairing County Gaols, and other Gaols, Prisons, and Session Houses, in that Part of Great Britain called England; and for ascertaining the Fees of the said Gaols; and for the better Relief of Prisoners in the said Gaols and Prisons; and for making perpetual an Act of the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy; and for making more effectual the Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled, "An Act for the establishing Articles and Orders for the regulating and better Government of His Majesty's Ships of War and Forces by Sea."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the said Bill, and made several Amendments thereunto; which he was directed to report, when their Lordships will please to receive the same."
Ordered, That the Report of the said Amendments be received To-morrow.
Relief of In solvent Debtors, Bill.
The Order of the Day, for the House to be in a Committee on the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors," being read:
It is Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee thereupon To-morrow; and that some of the Judges do then attend.
Causes put off.
Whereas To-morrow is appointed, for hearing the Cause wherein John Campbell of Calder Esquire is Appellant, and Ruth Campbell, alias Pollock, is Respondent:
It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, on Friday next: And that the Cause wherein Redmond Barry Esquire is Appellant, and Anne Jephson Widow is Respondent, which was appointed for that Day, be heard on the Saturday following.
Robbery, &c. for further preventing, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the further preventing Robbery, Burglary, and other Felonies; and for the more effectual Transportation of Felons."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill, with the Amendments, shall pass ?
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. with Amendments to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Meller and Mr. Lightboun:
To carry down the said Bill; and acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the same, with several Amendments, whereunto their Lordships desire their Concurrence.
Message to H. C. for Mr. Minshull to attend, about Donnelly's Petition.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Meller and Mr. Lightboun:
To desire, "That they will give Leave to Edward Minshall Esquire, a Member of their House, to come to a Committee of Lords, to whom the Petition of Dominick Donnelly, in relation to the stopping of Dagenham Breach, stands referred, in order to be examined at that Committee."
Chevers versus Geoghegan & al.;
The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed, in the next Sessions of Parliament, for hearing the Cause wherein Andrew Chevers and others are Appellants, and Terence Geoghegan and John Rogerson Esquire are Respondents:"
Hearing appointed next Session.
It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, the First vacant Day in the next Session, after the Causes already appointed.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, secundum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Jovis, 2o. Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Army Debts, &c. Commissioners to state, Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for appointing Commissioners, to examine, state, and determine, the Debts due to the Army; and to examine and state the Demands of several Foreign Princes and States for Subsidies, during the late War."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill; and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
Mr. Minshul, Leave to attend Committee.
The Messengers sent Yesterday to the House of Commons return Answer: "That the Commons do give Leave to Edward Minshull Esquire, a Member of their House, to come to a Committee of Lords, to whom the Petition of Dominick Donnelly, in relation to the stopping of Dagenham Breach, stands reserred, in order to be examined at that Committee, if he thinks fit."
Assuring of Ships and Merchandizes, &c. Bill.
Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better securing certain Powers and Privileges intended to be granted by His Majesty, by Two Charters, for Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes at Sea, and for lending Money upon Bottomry; and for restraining several extravagant and unwarrantable Practices therein mentioned."
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, To-morrow.
Complaint of Weekly Journals, relating to the Protestants, in The Palatinate:
Complaint was made to the House, of certain News Papers, intituled, "The Weekly Journal," of the Second of January, and the Second, Ninth, and Sixteenth, of April, 1720.
And several Passages therein, concerning the Protestants in The Palatinate, being read:
It is Resolved, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That these Papers are scandalous, injurious to the poor Protestants in The Palatinate, and highly reflecting upon the Conduct and Interposition of His Majesty and of the other Protestant Powers in their Favour.
Address for a Prosecution of the Author, Printer, and Publishes:
Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to lay before Him the said Resolution; and to desire, "That His Majesty will be pleased to direct a Prosecution of the Author, Printer, and Publisher, of the said Papers."
Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.
Address on Behalf of the persecuted Protestants.
Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, "To return His Majesty the Thanks of this House, for the Continuance of His seasonable Interposition, in Conjunction with the other Protestant Powers, on Behalf of the poor persecuted Protestants Abroad; to express the Satisfaction of this House, in the Prospect there is, that, by His Gracious Endeavours, they shall obtain the Redress of their Grievances, and be restored to the Enjoyment of those Rights and Privileges to which they have the justest Title by the most solemn Treaties, and be secured in the future Enjoyment of them; and to assure His Majesty, That this House will support Him with the utmost Vigour in the Prosecution of such Measures, as He, in His Wisdom, shall judge most conducive to so great and good an End."
The Lords following were appointed a Committee, to prepare an Address pursuant thereunto; and report to the House; (videlicet,)
Their Lordships, or any Five of them; to meet To-morrow, at Ten a Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.
Building and reparing Gaols, suppresing Priacy, and establishing Articles of War for the Navy, Bill.
The Earl of Clarendon (according to Order) reported from the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building and repairing County Gaols, and other Gaols, Prisons, and Sessionhouses, in that Part of Great Britain called England; and for ascertaining the Fees of the said Gaols; and for the better Relief of Prisoners in the said Gaols and Prisons; and for making perpetual an Act of the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy; and for making more effectual the Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled, "An Act for the establishing Articles and Orders for the regulating and better Government of His Majesty's Ships of War and Forces by Sea," was committed; the Amendments made by the Committee to the said Bill, as follow:
"Pr. 1. Line 23. Leave out from ["perpetual"] to ["And whereas"], in the 24th Line of the 3d Press."
"Pr. 3. Line 40. Leave out from ["Notwithstanding"] to ["And"], in the 27th Line of the 8th Press."
"To the Title of the Bill:
"Line 1. Leave out from ["for"] to the Second ["And"], in the 5th Line; and insert ["making perpetual so much of an Act made in the Tenth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, for the reviving and continuing several Acts therein mentioned, as relates to the building and repairing County Gaols"]; and in the same Line leave out ["for making perpetual"], and insert ["also"]"
Which Amendments, being read by the Clerk, were agreed to by the House.
D. Portland versus Edwards, in Error.
The Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, in the usual Manner, brought up the Transcript of a Record upon a Writ of Error; wherein,
Henry Duke of Portland is Plaintiff, and Francis Edwards Defendant.
Insolvent Debtors Relief, Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had made some Progress in the Bill; and directed him to move, That they may have Leave to sit again."
Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee again, to consider further of the said Bill, To-morrow.
Causes put off.
Whereas To-morrow is appointed, for hearing the Cause wherein John Campbell of Calder Esquire is Appellant, and Ruth Campbell, alias Pollock, is Respondent:
It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, on Saturday next; and that the Cause wherein Redmond Barry Esquire is Appellant, and Anne Jephson Widow is Respondent, which was appointed for that Day, be heard on Monday following.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, tertium diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 3o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Assuring of Ships and Merchandizes, &c. Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for better securing certain Powers and Privileges intended to be granted by His Majesty, by Two Charters, for Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes at Sea, and for lending Money upon Bottomry; and for restraining several extravagant and unwarrantable Practices therein mentioned."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill; and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
Address in Behalf of the persecured Protestants in The Palatinate, reported.
The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury reported from the Lords Committees, appointed to prepare an humble Address to be presented to His Majesty, pursuant to the Order of this House Yesterday, "That they had prepared an Address accordingly, as follows:
"Most Gracious Sovereign,
After ["Temporal"] the Words ["and Commons"] were inserted.
"We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, do most humbly return Your Majesty our most hearty Thanks, for the Continuance of Your seasonable Interposition, in Conjunction with the other Protestant Powers, on the Behalf of the poor persècuted Protestants Abroad.
"We also beg Leave humbly to express our Satisfaction, in the Prospect there is, that, by Your Majesty's Gracious Endeavours, they may obtain the Redress of their Grievances, and be restored to the Enjoyment of those Rights and Privileges to which they have the justest Title by the most solemn Treaties, and be secured in the future Enjoyment of them.
"And we do assure Your Majesty, That we will chearfully concur with Your Majesty, in the Prosecution of such Measures as Your Majesty in Your Wisdom shall judge most conducive to so great and good an End."
Which Address, being read by the Clerk entire, was afterwards read, and agreed to, Paragraph by Paragraph.
Ordered, That the said Address be transcribed, leaving a Space after the Word ["Temporal."]
Message to H. C. with the Address.
Then, a Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Lovibond:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed upon an Address to be presented to His Majesty; to which they desire their Concurrence.
Building and repairing Gaols, suppressing Puacy, and establishing Articles of War for the Navy, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building and repairing County Gaols, and other Gaols, Prisons, and Session-houses, in that Part of Great Britain called England; and for ascertaining the Fees of the said Gaols; and for the better Relief of Prisoners in the said Gaols and Prisons; and for making perpetual an Act of the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy; and for making more effectual the Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled, "An Act for the establishing Articles and Orders for the regulating and better Government of His Majesty's Ships of War, and Forces by Sea."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill, with the Amendments, shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. with Amendments to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Lovibond:
To carry down the said Bill; and acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the same, with some Amendments, whereunto their Lordships desire their Concurrence.
Commons Answer about the Address:
The Messengers sent to the House of Commons, being returned, acquainted the House, "That the Commons will sent an Answer by Messengers of their own."
The House was adjourned during Pleasure.
The House was resumed.
Message from them, that they have agreed to it.
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Colonel Berkeley and others:
To return the Address sent down to them; and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the same, by filling up the Blank with the Words ["and Commons."]
Lords with White Staves, to know when His Majesty will be attended.
Ordered, That the Lords with White Staves do wait on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty will please to appoint to be attended, with an Address of both Houses of Parliament.
L. Weston's Report, Privilege:
The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Standing Order of the Eleventh of January 1699, which requires Oath of a Breach of Privilege to be made, at the Bar of this House, in order to the taking any Person into Custody; as also the Report from the Committee of Privileges, to whom the Complaint of a Breach of Privilege committed against the Lord Weston, who is Earl of Arran in the Kingdom of Ireland, was referred.
And the said Standing Order and Report being read, this Explanation of and Addition to the said Order was made; (videlicet,)
Explanation of the Order concerning Privilege; that an Affidavit from Ireland may be sufficient to take Persons into Custody:
"That the same is to be understood only of Breaches of Privilege committed in Great Britain; but that Oath made by Affidavit in Writing, of a Breach of Privilege committed in Ireland, may be sufficient Ground to take into Custody the Person thereby proved to have been guilty of such Breach of Privilege, though no Oath be made thereof at the Bar of this House."
Ordered, That the said Explanation and Addition be entered on the Roll of Standing Orders.
Authority of the Person before whom the Affidavit is made, to be described.
Notice being taken, "That the Authority of the Person, before whom the Affidavits recited in the said Report from the Committee of Privileges are mentioned to be sworn, is not described; nor does it appear whether he had any Authority to take such Affidavits:"
It is therefore Declared, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That it ought to appear, in all Affidavits of a Breach of Privilege, what Authority such Persons have, who shall for the future take such Affidavits.
Motion relating to Breaches of Privilege commited above Fifty Miles from London.
Then it being moved, "That when any Breach of the Privilege of this House shall be complained of for the future, as being committed above Fifty Miles from London, Proof thereof to be made by Affidavit, in Writing, may be sufficient Ground for the taking into Custody the Person thereby proved to have been guilty of such Breach of Privilege, though no Oath be made at the Bar of this House:"
It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken into Consideration on Monday next; and the Lords to be summoned.
His Majesty attended with Resolution, relating to the Barony of Berners.
The Lord Chamberlain acquainted the House, "That the Lords with White Staves (according to Order) had attended His Majesty, and said before Him the Resolution and Judgement of this House, made upon the Claim of Catherine Wife of Richard Bokenham Esquire, to the Barony of Berners."
King's Answer to Address relating to a Prosocution of the Author, &c. of a Weekly Journal.
His Grace also acquainted the House, "That the Lords with White Staves (according to Order) had presented to His Majesty their Lordships Address of Yesterday, to desire His Majesty to direct a Prosecution of the Author, Printer, and Publisher, of several printed News Papers, intituled, "The Weekly Journal;" and that His Majesty was pleased to return the following Answer; (videlicet,)
"That He would direct an effectual Prosecution of them."
Army Debts, &c. Commissioners to state, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for appointing Commissioners, to examine, state, and determine, the Debts due to the Army; and to examine and state the Demands of several Foreign Princes and States, for Subsidies during the late War."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Lovibond:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the before-mentioned Bill, without any Amendment.
Public Acts to be printed.
Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That all such Acts of Parliament as shall pass this Session, which are in their own Nature Public Acts, or wherein are contained Clauses, declaring, "That they shall be allowed in all Courts of Judicature as Public Acts," be printed and published.
Insolvent Debtors, Relief, Bill.
The Order of the Day, for the House to be put in a Committee, to proceed further on the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors," being read:
It is Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee, to proceed further on the said Bill, To-morrow; and that all the Judges do then attend.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, quartum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Sabbati, 4o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Messages from H C. with Bills.
A Message from the House of Commons, by Mr. Farrer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the Public Revenues of Excise, Customs, Stamp Duties, Post-office, and Housemoney;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
Also, a Message from the House of Commons, by Mr. Farrer and others:
With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for better explaining the Nature of Conveyances to be made to the Purchasers of the forfeited Estates, by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland; and for preventing Difficulties in determining Claims on the said Estates; and to enable the Judges in Ireland to examine Witnesses relating to Claims on forfeited Estates there; and for enabling such Corporations as shall purchase any of the said Estates to grant Annuities, not exceeding the Yearly Value of the said Estates; and for relieving the Widow and Daughters of the late Sir Donald Mac Donald;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
Conveyances, &c. of forfeited Estates, Bill.
The said last mentioned Bill was read the First Time; and ordered to be read a Second Time on Monday next and the Lords to be summoned.
His Majesty to be attended with Address of both Houses:
The Lord Chamberlain acquainted the House, "That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty would please to appoint to be attended with an Address of both Houses of Parliament; and that His Majesty had been pleased to appoint this Day, at Two a Clock, at His Palace of St. James's."
Message to H. C. to acquaint them with it:
Then, a Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Lightboun and Mr. Godfrey.
To acquaint them, "That this House having sent to His Majesty, humbly to know what Time His Majesty would please to appoint to be attended, with an Address of both Houses of Parliament; His Majesty had been pleased to appoint this Day, at Two a Clock, at His Palace of St. James's; and that the Lords intend to be there at that Time."
E. Clarendon's Privilege:
A Complaint being made to the House, "That Theodore Wells Clerk, domestic Chaplain to the Right Honoruable the Earl of Clarendon, was arrested, at the Suit of John Stokes an Attorney, within the Time of Privilege of Parliament, in Breach of his Lordship's Privilege, and the Privilege of this House:"
And thereupon the said Theodore Wells being called in; and examined upon Oath, at the Bar, touching the said Arrest:
Stokes attached, for arresting Wells, his Chaplain.
It is Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, his Deputy or Deputies, do forthwith attach the Body of the said John Stokes, and bring him in safe Custody to the Bar of this House, to answer his said Offence; and this shall be a sufficient Warrant on that Behalf.
To Francis Jephson Esquire, Serjeant at Arms attending this House, his Deputy or Deputies, and every of them.
Insolvent Debtors Relief, Bill.
The Order of the Day, for the House to be in a Committee, to proceed further on the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors," being read:
It is Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee, to proceed further on the said Bill, on Monday next; and that the Judges do then attend.
Causes put off.
Whereas this Day was appointed, for hearing the Cause wherein John Campbell of Calder Esquire is Appellant, and Ruth Campbell, alias Pollock, is Respondent:
It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, on Tuesday next; and that the Cause wherein Redmond Barry Esquire is Appellant, and Anne Jephson Widow is Respondent, which was appointed for that Day, be heard on the Wednesday following.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, sextum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Lunæ, 6o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
King's Answer to Address of both Houses, in Behalf of distressed Protestants.
The Lord Chancellor reported, "That both Houses did, on Saturday last, present to His Majesty their humble Address; and that His Majesty was pleased to return this most Gracious Answer; (videlicet,)
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"I hope that My Endeavours, in Conjunction with the other Protestant Powers, to procure Ease and Security to our distressed Brethren Abroad, will, by the Blessing of God, prove successful.
"The unanimous and commendable Zeal which you express upon this Occasion, cannot fail to add Weight to My Instances; and you may depend upon it, that nothing shall be wanting on My Part, to comply with what you so justly desire."
Ordered, That the said Address of both Houses of Parliament, and His Majesty's most Gracious Answer thereunto, be forthwith printed and published.
Message from H. C. to return the Bill for building and repairing Gaols, suppressing Piracy, and establishing Articles of War for the Navy.
A Message from the House of Commons, by Mr. Farrer and others:
To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building and repairing County Gaols, and other Gaols, Prisons, and Session-houses, in that Part of Great Britain called England; and for ascertaining the Fees of the said Gaols; and for the better Relief of Prisoners in the said Gaols and Prisons; and for making perpetual an Act of the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy; and for making more effectual the Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled, "An Act for establishing Articles and Orders for the regulating and better Government of His Majesty's Ships of War, and Forces by Sea;" and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made thereto.
Conly's Petition relating to Costs, referred to Committee.
A Petition of Ignatius Conly, Respondent to the Appeal of John Bath, was presented to the House, and read; praying, "That in case the Appellant and his Son, who reside in Ireland, shall neglect or refuse to pay the One Hundred Pounds Costs awarded by this House, the Eight and Twentieth of March last, after hearing the said Appeal, upon Service of the Order for that Purpose; then, on Proof made thereof in the Court of Chancery in Ireland, the said One Hundred Pounds may be added to the Costs before taxed in this Cause; and that the Estate, comprized in and subject to certain Securities, may stand charged therewith, together with the other Money due for Principal, Interest, and Costs; or to make such other Order for the Petitioner's Relief, as shall be thought fit."
The Lords following were appointed a Committee, to consider of the said Petition, and inspect Precedents; and report their Opinion thereupon to the House; (videlicet,)
Their Lordships, or any Five of them; to meet To-morrow, at Ten a Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.
Conveyances, &c. of forfeited Estates, Bill.
Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better explaining the Nature of Conveyances to be made to the Purchasers of the forfeited Estates, by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland; and for preventing Difficulties in determining Claims on the said Estates; and to enable the Judges in Ireland to examine Witnesses relating to Claims on forfeited Estates there; and for enabling such Corporations as shall purchase any of the said Estates to grant Annuities, not exceeding the Yearly Value of the said Estates; and for relieving the Widow and Daughters of the late Sir Donald Mac Donald."
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, To-morrow.
Frauds and Abuses in the Revenue, to prevent, Bill.
Hodie 1a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the Public Revenues of Excise, Customs, Stamp Duties, Post-office, and House-money."
Ordered, That the before-mentioned Bill be read a Second Time To-morrow.
Insolvent Debtors Relief, Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee, to proceed further on the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had made some further Progress in the Bill; and directed him to move, that they may have Leave to fit again."
Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee, to consider further of the said Bill, To-morrow; and that the Judges do then attend.
Motion relating to Breaches of Privilege committed above Fifty Miles from London.
The Order of the Day, for taking into Consideration the Motion made on Friday last, "That when any Breach of the Privilege of this House shall be complained of for the future, as being committed above Fifty Miles from London, Proof thereof to be made by Affidavit, in Writing, may be sufficient Ground for the taking into Custody the Person thereby proved to have been guilty of such Breach of Privilege, though no Oath be made at the Bar of this House," being read:
It is Ordered, That the said Motion be taken into Consideration on Wednesday next; and the Lords to be summoned.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, septimum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Martis, 7o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Frauds and Abuses in the Revenue, to prevent, Bill.
Hodie 2a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the public Revenues, of Excise, Customs, Stamp Duties, Post-office, and House-money."
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House, To-morrow; and the Lords to be summoned.
Conveyances, &c. of forfeited Estates, Bill.
The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the better explaining the Nature of Conveyances to be made to the Purchasers of the forfeited Estates, by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland; and for preventing Difficulties in determining Claims on the said Estates; and to enable the Judges in Ireland to examine Witnesses relating to Claims on forfeited Estates there; and for enabling such Corporations as shall purchase any of the said Estates to grant Annuities, not exceeding the Yearly Value of the said Estates; and for relieving the Widow and Daughters of the late Sir Donald Mac Donald."
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill; and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."
Campbell versus Campbell, alias Pollock:
After hearing Counsel, upon the Petition and Appeal of John Campbell of Calder Esquire; complaining of several Interlocutory Sentences, or Decrees, of the Lords of Session in Scotland, of the Seventh of December 1717, and the Affirmance thereof the Eighth of January following; also of the Interlocutors of the Eighth of February 1717/18, the Seventeenth of July and Twelfth of December 1718; and also of another Interlocutor of the Nine and Twentieth of January last, whereby the said Lords affirmed their said former Interlocutor of the Seventeenth of July 1718, made on the Behalf of Ruth Pollock; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, and the Appellant relieved:" As also upon the Answer of Ruth Campbell, alias Pollock, put in to the said Appeal; and due Consideration had of what was offered thereupon:
Interlocutors affirmed.
It is Ordered and Adjudged, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the said Petition and Appeal be, and is hereby, dismissed this House; and that the several Interlocutory Sentences, or Decrees, therein complained of, be, and are hereby, affirmed.
Insolvent Debtors, Relief, Bill.
The Order of the Day, for the House to be in a Committee, to proceed further on the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors," and for the Judges to attend, being read.
Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, That they have Power to receive a Clause, for the easier Discharge of Bankrupts in Execution, who have complied with the Act concerning Bankrupts.
Then the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into the said Committee.
And, after some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereunto; which he was directed to report, when their Lordships will please to receive the same.
Ordered, That the Report of the said Amendments be received To-morrow.
Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better securing certain Powers and Privileges, intended to be granted by His Majesty by Two Charters, for Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes at Sea, and for lending Money upon Bottomry; and for restraining several extravagant and unwarrantable Practices therein mentioned."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Meller and Mr. Lightboun:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Barry versus Jephion.
Whereas To-morrow is appointed, for hearing the Cause wherein Redmond Barry Esquire is Appellant, and Anne Jephson Widow is Respondent:
It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel, at the Bar, on Thursday next, at Eleven a Clock.
Conly's Report to be received.
The Earl of Clarendon acquainted the House, "That the Committee, to whom the Petition of Ignatius Conly, Respondent to the Appeal of John Bath, in relation to the Recovery of the One Hundred Pounds Costs, awarded by this House the Eight and Twentieth of March last, after hearing the said Appeal, was referred, had agreed upon a Report; which he was ready to make, when their Lordships will please to receive the same."
Ordered, That the said Report be received Tomorrow.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, octavum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Mercurii, 8o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Motion relating to Breaches of Privileges, committed above 50 Miles from London.
The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Motion made on Friday last, That, when any Breach of the Privilege of this House shall be complained of for the future, as being committed above Fifty Miles from London, Proof thereof to be made by Affidavit, in Writing, may be sufficient Ground for the taking into Custody the Person thereby proved to have been guilty of such Breach of Privilege, though no Oath be made at the Bar of this House.
And the same was read.
Insolvent Debtors Relief, Bill.
The Earl of Clarendon (according to Order) reported from the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors," was committed; the Amendments made by the Committee to the said Bill.
And the same were read by the Clerk.
And divers of the Amendments were agreed to, others disagreed to; and several other Amendments were made by the House to the Bill, and are as follow:
"Pr. 1st. Line 4th. Leave out from ["been"] to ["liable"], in the 8th Line.
"Pr. 2d. L. 12. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 34. After ["were"], insert ["to the best of my Knowledge and Belief"].
"L. 35. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 36. Before ["truly"], insert ["really and"].
"L. 37. Leave out ["and actually"].
"Pr. 2d L. 38. After the Blank, insert ["or the Limits thereof"].
"L. 41. After ["continued"], insert ["to the best of my Knowledge and Belief"]; and, in the same Line, after ["Day"], insert ["unless out of Prison by due Course of Law"].
"L. 43. Leave out ["actually"], and insert ["really and truly"].
"L. 44. After the Blank, insert ["unless out of Prison by due Course of Law"].
"L. 45. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert [June"].
"Pr. 4. L. 1. The same Amendment.
"L. 18. The same Amendment.
"Lines 25 and 26. Leave out ["upon any Mesne Process Execution"].
"L. 28. Leave out from ["Escape"] to ["who"], in the 34th Line.
Pr. 5. L. 34. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"].
"L. 35. Leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
L. 37. After ["Prisoner"], insert ["within the Limits of the Prison of"].
"L. 38. Before ["Prison"], insert ["said"].
"Pr. 6. L. 2. After ["named"], insert ["unless at such Time when I was out of Prison by due Course of Law"].
"L. 5. Leave out ["or"], and insert ["and"].
"L. 7. Before ["Estate"], insert ["the"].
"L. 19. After ["that"], insert ["neither"].
"L. 20. Leave out ["not"].
"L. 21. Leave out ["other"].
"L. 22. After ["Remainder"], insert ["other than what are in the said Schedule contained"].
"Pr. 7. L. 10. Leave out from ["the"] to ["in"], in the 17th Line of the same Press; and insert ["Clerk of the Peace of and for the County, Riding, City, or Town Corporate; who is hereby directed and authorized, by Order of the Justices at their General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, to make an Assignment of the said Estate and Effects, to such of the Creditors of the said Prisoner, as the major Part of the Creditors of the Prisoner, who shall apply for the same by any Writing under their Hands, shall direct or appoint"].
"Pr. 8. Line 20. Before ["Prisoner"], insert ["said"].
L. 25. After ["or"], insert ["the same, or a true Copy thereof, shall be"].
"Pr. 9. L. 2. After ["Weekly Bills"], insert ["and also, that the like Notice shall be given to every other Creditor, inhabiting or otherwise residing within Ten Miles of the Prison where such Prisoner was in Custody"].
"L. 33. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"Pr. 10. L. 5. Leave out ["their Warrant"], and insert ["Order of the said Sessions"].
"L. 15. Leave out ["Warrant"], and insert [Order"].
"L. 23. Leave out ["Justice or Justices who"], and insert ["Court of General or Quarter Sessions which"].
"L. 25. Leave out ["Warrant"], and insert ["Order"].
"L. 26 and 27. Leave out ["such Justice or Justices shall, at the General or Quarter Sessions"], and insert ["shall"].
"L. 34. After ["Custody"], insert ["in the Prison of or the Limits thereof, to the best of my Knowledge and Belief"]; and in the same Line leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"].
"L. 35. Leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 36. After ["Time"], insert ["to the best of my Knowledge and Belief"].
"L. 37. After ["continued"], insert ["unless out of Prison by due Course of Law"].
"Pr. 11. L. 5. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 8 and 9. Leave out ["Warrant"], and insert ["Order"].
"L. 9. and 10. Leave out ["Justice or Justices shall at the said"].
"L. 11. Before ["administer"], insert ["shall"].
"L. 13. Leave out ["Warrant], and insert ["Order"].
"L. 22. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
Pr. 12. L. 41. The same Amendment.
"L. 42. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"].
"Last Line, Leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"Pr. 13. L. 3. After ["Lists"], insert ["according to the Tenor of the said Oath taken at the Time of delivering in such Lists"].
"L. 22. After ["allowed"], insert ["or by Order of the Justices of the Peace at their General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, who are hereby empowered to levy the same, by Distress and Sale of the Goods of the Person so offending"].
"L. 37. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"Pr. 15. L. 1. The same Amendment.
"L. 6. The same Amendment.
"L. 14. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"].
"L. 15. Leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 19. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert ["Fourth"]; and in the same Line leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"L. 25. The same Amendment.
"L. 38. Leave out ["December"], and insert ["March"].
"L. 40. After ["Twenty"], insert ["One"].
"Pr. 16. L. 8. After ["Lodge"], insert ["or some convenient Room"].
"L. 37. Leave out ["or clandestine"].
"L. 40. Leave out ["clandestine"].
"L. 41. Leave out the First ["or"].
"Pr. 17. L. 10 and 11. Leave out ["or who is liable to such Statute"].
"P. 18. L. 4. Leave out ["Ninth"], and insert Fourth"]; and in the same Line, leave out ["September"], and insert ["June"].
"At the End of the Bill, add Clause marked X:
"And whereas it was, for encouraging Bankrupts to make a Discovery of, and to deliver up, their Estates and Effects, for the Benefit of their Creditors, by an Act passed the last Session of this present Parliament, intituled, "An Act for the better preventing Frauds committed by Bankrupts," enacted, amongst other Things, That every Person, against whom a Commission of Bankrupt had, since the Twenty sixth Day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixteen, issued, or should issue during the Continuance of the said Act, whereupon such Person had been or should be declared a Bankrupt, who should discover and deliver up all his Estate and Effects to the Commissioners by the said Commission authorized, for the Benefit of his Creditors, and in all Things conform as in and by the said Act is directed, should be discharged from all Debts, by him, her, or them, due or owing, at the Time that he, she, or they, did become Bankrupt; and that, in case any such Bankrupt should afterwards be arrested, prosecuted, or impleaded, for any Debt due before such Time as he, she, or they, did become Bankrupt, such Bankrupt should be discharged upon common Bail; and should and might plead in general, "That the Cause of such Action or Suit did accrue before such Time as he, she, or they, did become Bankrupt;" and might give the said Act, and the special Matter, in Evidence: And whereas it was by the said Act Provided, and further Enacted, "That no such Discovery as aforesaid should entitle such Bankrupt or Bankrupts to the Benefits allowed by the said Act, unless the said Commissioners should, in Writing under their Hands and Seals, certify to the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper, or Commissioners for the Great Seal of Great Britain, that such Bankrupt or Bankrupts had made a full Discovery of his, her, or their Estates and Effects, and in all Things conformed himself, herself, or themselves, according to the Directions of the said Act; and unless Four Parts in Five in Number and Value of such Bankrupt's Creditors, who should have duly proved their Debts under such Commission, should sign such Certificate, and testify their Consent to the said Certificate, and to such Bankrupt's Discharge in Pursuance of the said Act; and unless such Bankrupt should make Oath, that such Certificate, and the Consent of the Creditors thereunto, were obtained fairly, and without Fraud; and unless such Certificate should, after such Oath, be allowed and confirmed by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Keeper, or Commissioners for the Custody of the Great Seal of Great Britain, or by such Two of the Judges of the Court of King's Bench, Common Pleas, or Court of Exchequer, at Westminster, to whom the Consideration of such Certificate should be referred:" And whereas Bankrupts, notwithstanding they have made such Discovery, and delivered up all their Estates and Effects, and obtained such Certificate from the said Commissioners, and such Certificate hath been allowed and confirmed as aforesaid, have yet been sometimes taken in Execution, and detained in Prison, to the utter Ruin of their Families, on Account of Debts owing by them before they became Bankrupts, by reason that Judgement was obtained against them before their Certificates were allowed and confirmed, as aforesaid: And a Doubt having arisen, whether such Bankrupts, in Execution upon such Judgements, can, by Virtue of the said Act, be discharged out of Custody, as by the said Act was intended, without such Bankrupts bringing a Writ of Audita Querela; the Charge of which they are in no Ways able to bear, after delivering up all their Estates and Effects: Be it therefore further Enacted, by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful, for any One or more of the Judges of the Court wherein Judgement has been so obtained against such Bankrupt, on such Bankrupt's producing such Certificate as aforesaid, allowed and confirmed as aforesaid, and entered of Record according to the Directions of the said Act, to order any Sheriff or Sheriffs, Bailiff or Officer, Gaoler, or Keeper of any Prison, who hath or shall have any Bankrupt in his Custody by virtue of such Execution, to discharge such Bankrupt out of Custody on such Execution, without Payment of any Fee or Reward; and such Sheriff or Sheriffs, Bailiff and Officer, Gaoler, and Keeper, are hereby required to discharge such Bankrupt out of Custody accordingly; and are hereby indemnified from any Action for an Escape for his or their so doing."
"To the Title of the Bill, add ["and for the more easy Discharge of Bankrupts out of Execution, after their Certificates allowed"].
Frauds and Abuses in the Revenue, to prevent, Bill.
The Order of the Day, for the House to be in a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the public Revenues of Excise, Customs, Stamp Duties, Post-office, and House-money," being read:
It was moved, "That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, That they have Power to receive a Clause, for preventing Frauds committed in collecting the Duties on Malt and Leather."
And the same being objected to:
The Question was put, "Whether the said Committee shall be empowered to receive such a Clause?"
It was Resolved in the Negative.
Then the House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.
After some Time spent therein, the House was resumed.
And the Earl of Clarendon reported from the said Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill; and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment.
Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time To-morrow.
Conveyances, &c. of forfeited Estates, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better explaining the Nature of Conveyances to be made to the Purchasers of the forfeited Estates by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland; and for preventing Difficulties in determining Claims on the said Estates; and to enable the Judges in Ireland to examine Witnesses, relating to Claims on forfeited Estates there; and for enabling such Corporations as shall purchase any of the said Estates to grant Annuities, not exceeding the Yearly Value of the said Estates; and for relieving the Widow and Daughters of the late Sir Donald Mac Donald."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Meller and Mr. Dormer:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Conly's Report to be received.
The Order of the Day, for receiving the Report from the Lords Committees to whom the Petition of Ignatius Conly, Respondent to the Appeal of John Bath, in relation to the Recovery of the One Hundred Pounds Costs, awarded by this House the Eight and Twentieth of March last, after hearing the said Appeal, was referred, being read:
It is Ordered, That the said Report be received on Friday next.
Simmons's Witnesses to attend.
A Complaint having been formerly made to the House, by William Simmons, deputed by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to take Delinquents into Custody, of Resistance given to the Execution of their Lordships Orders; since which, certain Persons concerned in the said Complaint have been guilty of insolent Behaviour with respect to the said Orders: And the House being moved, "To examine touching this Matter:"
It is Ordered, That such Witnesses of the said William Simmons as can give Evidence in relation thereto do attend this House To-morrow.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Jovis, nonum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Jovis, 9o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Insolvent Debtors Relief, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for Relief of insolvent Debtors."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill, with the Amendments, shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. with Amendments to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Meller:
To carry down the said Bill; and acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the same, with several Amendments, whereunto their Lordships desire their Concurrence.
Frauds and Abuses in the Revenue, to prevent, Bill:
Hodie 3a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the Public Revenues of Excise, Customs, Stamp-duties, Post-office, and House-money."
The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"
It was Resolved in the Affirmative.
Message to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to it.
A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Meller:
To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.
Barry versus Jephson:
Whereas this Day was appointed, for hearing Counsel, upon the Petition and Appeal of Redmond Barry Esquire, brought into this House the Two and Twentieth of January 1718, from a Decretal Order of the Court of Chancery in Ireland, made the Seven and Twentieth of May 1715, in a Cause there depending, wherein the Reverend William Jephson, Dean of Lismore in the said Kingdom, was Plaintiff, and the Appellant Defendant; praying the Reversal of the said Decree, and other Orders subsequent thereto; as also upon the Answer of Anne Jephson Widow, Relict and Executrix of the said William Jephson Clerk, late Dean of Lismore, put in thereunto:
Counsel appeared for the Respondent, but none for the Appellant.
And the said Counsel briefly stating the Case, and praying exemplary Costs may be given by this House:
They withdrew.
And the Order of this House of the Eighteenth of May last, for reviving the said Appeal upon the Death of the original Respondent, being read;
And due Consideration had of what was offered in is Case:
Judgement affirmed, with Costs.
It is Ordered and Adjudged, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the said Petition and Appeal be, and is hereby, dismissed this House; and that the Decretal Order therein complained of be, and is hereby, affirmed: And it is further Ordered, That the Appellant do pay, or cause to be paid, to the Respondent, the Sum of One Hundred Pounds, for her Costs in respect of the said Appeal.
Sheriffs to empower Simons to attach Andrews.
William Simmons and his Witness were (according to Order) called in, and examined on Oath, as to the Insults complained of, with respect to the said Simmons's executing an Order of this House, for taking Henry Andrews and Richard Sparrow into Custody.
And withdrew.
It is Ordered, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the Sheriffs of London and Middl'x, who were heretofore ordered to take the said Henry Andrews into Custody, do empower the said William Simmons to attach the Person of the said Henry Andrews, and him safely to deliver to Sir William Sanderson Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, his Deputy or Deputies, according to the said former Order of this House.
To the Sheriffs of London and Middl'x.
E. of Clarendon's Privilege:
The House was informed, "That John Stokes, who caused Theodore Wells Clerk, domestic Chaplain to the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon, to be arrested, in Breach of his Lordship's Privilege, and the Privilege of this House, was taken into Custody of the Serjeant at Arms, pursuant to their Lordships Order, and was at the Door."
Stokes discharged.
And thereupon his Lordship acquainting the House, That the said Stokes had waited upon him; and, in Excuse for himself, alledged, he did not know the Person arrested was his Lordship's Chaplain:"
It was agreed, that he should be called in; and, after a Reprimand at the Bar, should be discharged, paying his Fees.
Accordingly the said Stokes, being called in, and, at the Bar, receiving a Reprimand from the Lord Chancellor on his Knees, was discharged out of Custody (paying his Fees).
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Veneris, decimum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Veneris, 10o Junii.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
PRAYERS.
Visc. Falmouth introduced.
This Day Hugh Boscowen Esquire, being, by Letters Patents, dat. 9o Die Junii, Anno Sexto Georgii Regis, created Baron Boscowen Rose, in the County of Cornwall, and Viscount Falmouth, was, in his Robes, introduced, between the Lord Viscount Townshend and the Lord Viscount Lonsdale (also in their Robes); the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Garter King of Arms, the Earl of Berkshire Deputy Earl Marshal of England, and the Earl of Yarmouth (who officiated in this Ceremony in the Absence of the Lord Great Chamberlain), preceding.
His Lordship presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor, on his Knee, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.
His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:
His Writ of Summons.
"Georgius, Dei Gratia, Magnæ Britanniæ, Franc. & Hib'mæ Rex, Fider Defensor, &c. Charissimo Confanguineo & Consiliario Nostro Hugon. Vicecomiti Falmouth, Salutem. Cum Parliamentum Nostrum, pro arduis & urgentibus Negotiis, Nos, Statum & Defensionem Regni Nostri Magn. Britanniæ & Ecclesiæ concernentibus, apud Civitatem Nostram Westm. nunc congregat. existit; vobis, sub Fide & Ligeantia quibus Nobis tenemini, firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod, consideratis dictorum Negotiorum Arduitate & Periculis imminentibus, cessante Excusatione quacunque, ad dictum Parliamentum Nostrum personaliter intersitis, Nobiscum, ac cum Prælatis, Magnatibus, & Proceribus dicti Regni Nostri, super dictis Negotus tractatur. vestrumque Consilium impensur.; & hoc sicut Nos & Honorem Nostrum, ac Salvationem & Defensionem Regni & Ecclesiæ præd. Expeditionemque dictorum Negotiorum diligitis, nullatenus omittatis.
"Teste Meipso, apud Westm. Nono Die Junii, Anno Regni Nostri Sexto.
"Wrighte."
Then his Lordship came to the Table; and took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Earls Bench.
Message from H. C. to return the Insolvent Debtors Relief Bill:
A Message from the House of Commons, by the Lord William Pawlet and others:
To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors;" and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made to the said Bill, with an Amendment to One of them; to which they desire their Lordships Concurrence.
Then the House proceeded to take the said Amendment into Consideration.
And the same, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to, as follows:
"Pr. 7. L. 10. After ["appoint"], add. ["for which Assignment the said Clerk of the Peace shall take a Fee of Two Shillings, and no more"]."
And a Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Hiccocks and Mr. Meller, to acquaint them therewith.
Message from therce, to return the Bill for further preventing Robbery, &c.
A Message from the House of Commons by Mr. Farrer and others:
To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the further preventing Robbery, Burglary, and other Felonies; and for the more effectual Transportation of Felons;" and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to their Lordships Amendments made to the said Bill.
Conly's Report, touching Costs.
The Earl of Clarendon (according to Order) reported from the Lords Committees appointed to consider of the Petition of Ignatius Conly, Respondent to the Appeal of John Bath; praying, "That, in case the Appellant and his Son, who reside in Ireland, shall neglect or refuse to pay the One Hundred Pounds Costs, awarded by this House the Eight and Twentieth of March last, after hearing the said Appeal, upon Service of the Order for that Purpose; then, on Proof made thereof in the Court of Chancery in Ireland, the said One Hundred Pounds Costs may be added to the Costs before taxed in this Cause; and that the Estate, comprized in, and subject to, certain Securities, may stand charged therewith, together with the other Money due for Principal, Interest, and Costs: That the Committee have considered the Matter to them referred; and have inspected several Precedents, of the Dates following; (videlicet,) the Fourth of February 1677, in the Cause between Jenkins and Blake; the Twentieth of February 1706, in the Cause between Deye and Stevenson; and the Seventeenth and Two and Twentieth of March 1710, in the Cause between the Lord Kinnard and his Lady and Riddoch; and, having considered the same, are of Opinion, that the said One Hundred Pounds Costs, so awarded by this House upon hearing the said Bath's Appeal, be, by the said Court of Chancery, ordered to be levied by the same Rules and Methods as the Costs given by the said Court in the said Cause are to be levied, in Case the said Appellant, or his Son, shall refuse or neglect to pay the same, being first duly served with the Order of this House for that Purpose."
Which Report, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to by the House, with the following Addition; (videlicet,)
And that Service of the said Order on the Appellant's Clerk in Court, and leaving a Copy thereof at the Place of the said Appellant's last Abode, be deemed good Service, in order thereunto."
Ld. Ducie introduced:
This Day Mathew Ducie Morton, in the County of Stafford, Esquire, being, by Letters Patents, dat. 9o Die Junii, Anno 6o Georgii Regis, created Baron Ducie of Morton, was, in his Robes, introduced, between the Lord Romney and the Lord Newburgh (also in their Robes); the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Garter King of Arms, the Earl of Berkshire Deputy Earl Marshal of England, and the Earl of Yarmouth (who officiated in this Ceremony in the Absence of the Lord Great Chamberlain), preceding.
His Lordship presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor, on his Knee, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.
His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:
His Writ of Summons.
"Georgius, Dei Gratia, Magnæ Britanniæ, Franciæ, & Hib'niæ Rex, Fidei Defensor, &c. Prædilecto & Fideli Nostro Mattheo Ducie, de Morton, in Com. Nostro Stafford, Ch'r, Salutem. Cum Parliamentum Nostrum, pro arduis & urgentibus Negotiis, Nos, Statum & Defensionem Regni Nostri Magn. Britanniæ & Ecclesiæ concernentibus, apud Civitatem Nostram Westm. nunc congregat. existit; vobis, sub Fide & Ligeantia quibus Nobis tenemini, firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod, consideratis dictorum Negotiorum Arduitate & Periculis imminentibus, cessante Excusatione quacunque, ad dictum Parliamentum Nostrum personaliter intersitis, Nobiscum, ac cum Prælatis, Magnatibus, & Proceribus dicti Regni Nostri, super dictis Negotiis tractatur. vestrumque Consilium impensur; & hoc sicut Nos & Honorem Nostrum, ac Salvationem & Defensionem Regni & Ecclesiæ præd. Expeditionemque dictorum Negotiorum diligitis, nullatenus omittatis.
"Teste Meipso, apud Westm. Nono Die Junii, Anno Regni Nostri Sexto.
"Wrighte".
Then his Lordship came to the Table; and took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Barons Bench.
Adjourn.
Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Sabbati, undecimum diem instantis Junii, hora undecima Auror. Dominis sic decernentibus.
DIE Sabbati, 11o Junii.
REX.
Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:
Georgius Princeps Walliæ.
PRAYERS.
Visc. Lymmington introduced:
This Day John Wallop Esquire, being, by Letters Patents, dat. 11o Die Junii, Anno 6o Georgii Regis, created Baron Wallop of Wallop, in the County of Southampton, and Viscount Lymmington of Lymmington, was, in his Robes, introduced, between the Lord Viscount Townshend and the Lord Viscount St. John (also in their Robes); the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Garter King of Arms, the Earl of Berkshire Deputy Earl Marshal of England, and the Earl of Yarmouth (who officiated in this Ceremony in the Absence of the Lord Great Chamberlain), preceding.
His Lordship presented his Patent to the Lord Chancellor, on his Knee, at the Woolsack; who delivered it to the Clerk; and the same was read, at the Table.
His Lordship's Writ of Summons was also read, as follows:
His Writ of Summons.
Georgius, Dei Gratia, Magn. Britanniæ, Franc. & Hib'niæ Rex, Fidei Defensor, &c. Charissimo Consanguineo Nostro Johanni Vicecomiti Lymmington, de Lymmington, Salutem. Cum Parliamentum Nostrum, pro arduis & urgentibus Negotiis, Nos, Statum & Defensionem Regni Nostri Magnæ Britanniæ & Ecclesiæ concernentibus, apud Civitatem Nostram Westm. nunc congregat. existit; vobis, sub Fide & Ligeantia quibus Nobis tenemini, sirmiter injungendo mandamus, quod, consideratis dictorum Negotiorum Arduitate & Periculis imminentibus, cessante Excusatione quacunque, ad dictum Parliamentum Nostrum personaliter intersitis, Nobiscum, ac cum Prælatis, Magnatibus, & Proceribus dicti Regni Nostri, super dictis Negotiis tractatur. vestrumque Consilium impensur.; & hoc sicut Nos & Honorem Nostrum, ac Salvationem & Defensionem Regni & Ecclesiæ præd. Expeditionemque dictorum Negotiorum diligitis, nullatenus omittatis.
"Teste Meipso, apud Westm. Undecimo Die Junii, Anno Regni Nostri Sexto.
Wrighte."
Then his Lordship came to the Table; and took the Oaths, and made and subscribed the Declaration, and also took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, pursuant to the Statutes; and was afterwards placed on the lower End of the Earls Bench.
Report on the Petitions of Boswell and Donnelly, relating to Dagenham Breath.
The Earl of Clarendon reported from the Lords Committees appointed to consider the Matters of the Petition of William Boswell, complaining of his being aggrieved by the Trustees appointed by Act of Parliament for stopping the Breach in the Levels of Havering and Dagenham, in the County of Essex, in relation to a Contract made by the Petitioner with the said Trustees; and to whom was since referred a Petition of Dominick Donnelly, upon the same Subject: "That the Committee have considered the said Petitions; and heard Counsel, as well on the Behalf of the said Trustees, as for the Petitioner Boswell (the Petitioner Donnelly being heard by himself); and examined several Witnesses, on Oath, for the Petitioners; and perused the Contracts and Accompts laid before the House, pursuant to the Act of Parliament for stopping the said Breach; and also perused divers Entries in the Book of Minutes of the Proceedings of the said Trustees; and are of Opinion, That the Trustees have not taken the most proper Methods for stopping the said Breach: But that some of the acting Trustees have industriously endeavoured to procure an undue Preference to the Proposers for stopping the same; which, the Committee have Reason to fear, will very much retard, if not wholly obstruct, the stopping of the said Breach, unless some more effectual Care be taken."
Which Report, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to by the House.
The House was adjourned during Pleasure.
The House was resumed.
King present:
His Majesty, being seated on His Royal Throne, adorned with His Crown and Regal Ornaments, and attended with His Officers of State (the Prince of Wales, in his Robes, sitting in his Place on His Majesty's Right Hand, the Lords being also in their Robes); the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod received His Majesty's Commands to let the Commons know, "It is His Majesty's Pleasure, they attend Him immediately, in the House of Peers."
Who being come, their Speaker made the Speech following:
Speaker of H. C. Speech.
"Most Gracious Sovereign,
Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament assembled, had no sooner dispatched so much of the Supplies as were necessary to carry on the current Service, but they immediately applied themselves to find out Means for lessening the Public Debt: In which, if your Commons have the Satisfaction to see the Success of their Endeavours exceed what even the most Sanguine could hope; if Your Majesty's good Subjects have now a certain Prospect of being eased of the heavy Load of near Eight Millions, in little more than the Compass of One Year; if the Difficulties in discharging that Part of the National Debt, which by some were thought to be insuperable without Breach of the Public Faith, are now in a Manner overcome; and if, at the same Time, every Branch of the Public Credit is advanced to an unexpected, and some of them even to an amazing, Height: Yet Your Commons must confess, that they have been only the happy Instruments in conveying these Benefits to Your People; and that all the Merit they can claim is, in not having neglected an Opportunity which the flourishing State of the Public Credit put into their Hands; and must, in Justice, acknowledge, that all these surprizing Events are owing to the profound Veneration and Esteem which this Nation and all Europe has for Your Majesty: For Credit is so nice and delicate in its Nature, that though in all other Affairs no Detriment is perceived, no Mischief is felt, till a Calamity comes; yet, in whatever relates to Credit, the very Fear and Apprehension of Calamity is as mischievous as the Calamity itself, and Diffidence is the same Thing as Destruction. Credit therefore is only maintained in its present flourishing Condition, by the Experience Your People have had of the Vigilance of Your Majesty's Councils, and their Reliance on the Steadmess of Your Conduct: And since the just Confidence your Subjects place in Your Majesty's known Prudence and Wisdom has enabled your Commons to make so great a Progress towards discharging the Public Incumbrances, it would have been highly unjust, when Your Majesty condescended to desire the Advice and Assistance of your Commons, had they declined to support the Honour and Dignity of the Crown, at a Time when the Nation receives so much Benefit from its Lustre; and it would have been equally ungrateful, had they not chearfully provided the necessary Aids, to make the Supplies voted at the Beginning of this Session effectual: Your Commons therefore, in order to complete the Supply granted to Your Majesty for the Service of this present Year, do now humbly present to Your Majesty, for Your Royal Assent, a Bill, intituled, "An Act for laying a Duty upon Wrought Plate; and for applying Money arising from the clear Produce by Sale of the forfeited Estates towards answering His Majesty's Supply; and for taking off the Drawbacks upon Hops exported for Ireland; and for Payment of Annuities, to be purchased after the Rate of Four Pounds per Centum per Annum at the Exchequer, redeemable by Parliament; and for appropriating Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament; and to prevent counterseiting Receipts and Warrants of the Officers of the South Sea Company; and for explaining a late Act, concerning Foreign Salt cellared and locked up before the Four and Twentieth Day of June One Thousand Seven Hundred and Nineteen; and to give a further Time for paying Duties on certain Apprentices Indentures; and for Relief of Thomas Vernon Esquire, in relation to a Parcel of Senna imported in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixteen."
Bills passed.
Which being ended; the Speaker delivered the said Bill to the Clerk Assistant, in the Absence of the Clerk of the Parliaments; who brought it to the Table; where the Clerk of the Crown read the Title of that and the Titles of the other Bills to be passed, severally, as follow; (videlicet,)
"1. An Act for laying a Duty upon Wrought Plate; and for applying Money arising from the clear Produce by Sale of the forfeited Estates towards answering His Majesty's Supply; and for taking off the Drawbacks upon Hops exported for Ireland; and for Payment of Annuities, to be purchased after the Rate of Four Pounds per Centum per Annum at the Exchequer, redeemable by Parliament, and for appropriating Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament; and to prevent counterseiting Receipts and Warrants of the Officers of the South Sea Company; and for explaining a late Act, concerning Foreign Salt cellared or locked up before the Four and Twentieth Day of June One Thousand Seven Hundied and Nineteen; and to give a further Time for paying Duties on certain Apprentices Indentures; and for Relief of Thomas Vernon Esquire, in relation to a Parcel of Senna imported in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixteen."
To this Bill the Royal Assent was pronounced in these Words; (videlicet,)
"Le Roy remercie ses bons Sujets, accepte leur Benevolence, et ainsi le veu't."
"2. An Act for better securing certain Powers and Privileges, intended to be granted by His Majesty by Two Charters, for Assurance of Ships and Merchandizes at Sea, and for lending Money upon Bottomry; and for restraining several extravagant and unwarrantable Practices therein mentioned."
"3. An Act for preventing of Frauds and Abuses in the Allowances on damaged Wines; and for lengthening the Time for the Drawbacks on the Exportation of Wines."
"4. An Act for ascertaining the Breadths, and preventing Frauds and Abuses in manufacturing, Serges, Plaidings, and Fingrums, and for regulating the Manufactures of Stockings, in that Part of Great Britain called Scotland."
"5. An Act for prohibiting the Importation of Raw Silk and Mohair Yarn, of the Product or Manufacture of Asia, from any Ports or Places in The Streights, or Levant Seas, except such Ports and Places as are within the Dominions of the Grand Seignior."
"6. An Act for appointing Commissioners, to examine, state, and determire, the Debt, due to the Army; and to examine and state the Demands of several Foreign Princes and States, for Subsidies during the late War."
"7. An Act to explain and amend an Act passed in the First Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act to encourage the planting of Timber Trees, Fruit Trees, and other Trees, for Ornament, Shelter, or Profit; and for the better Preservation of the same;" and for the preventing the burning of Woods; and for the better Preservation of the Fences of such Woods."
"8. An Act to repeal so much of the Act, intituled, "An Act for preventing Frauds, and regulating Abuses, in His Majesty's Customs, passed in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Years of King Charles the Second, as relates to the prohibiting the Importation of Deal Boards and Fir Timber from Germany."
"9. An Act for enlarging the Term granted by an Act in the Fourth Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act for repairing the Highways leading from The Stones End in Kent-street, to The Lime Kilns in East Greenwich, near Black Heath, and to Lewisham Church, being the Tunbridge Road, in the County of Kent; and for repairing and amending the Highways and Roads leading from Westminster Ferry, in the Parish of Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, to New Cross, in the Parish of Deptford, in the County of Kent;" and for enlarging the Term granted by an Act passed in the Fourth Year of His Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act for amending the Roads from the City of London to the Town of East Grinstead, in the County of Sussex, and to Sutton and Kingston, in the County of Surrey;" and for explaining and amending the same Act."
"10. An Act for making perpetual so much of an Act made in the Tenth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, for the reviving and continuing several Acts therein mentioned, as relates to the building and repairing County Gaols; and also an Act of the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy; and for making more effectual the Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled, "An Act for establishing Articles and Orders for the regulating and better Government of His Majesty's Ships of War, and Forces by Sea,"
"11. An Act for the further preventing Robbery, Burglary, and other Felonies; and for the more effectual Transportation of Felons."
"12. An Act for preventing Frauds and Abuses in the Public Revenues of Excise, Customs, Stamp Duties, Post-office, and House-money."
"13. An Act for better explaining the Nature of Conveyances to be made to the Purchasers of the forfeited Estates, by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland; and for preventing Difficulties in determining Claims on the said Estates; and to enable the Judges in Ireland to examine Witnesses relating to Claims on forfeited Estates there; and for enabling such Corporations as shall purchase any of the said Estates to grant Annuities, not exceeding the Yearly Value of the said Estates; and for relieving the Widow and Daughters of the late Sir Donald Mac Donald."
"14. An Act for Relief of Insolvent Debtors; and for the more easy Discharge of Bankrupts out of Execution, after their Certificates allowed."
To these Bills the Royal Assent was, severally, pronounced, in the Words following; (videlicet,)
"Le Roy le veu't."
"15. An Act for annexing the late Duke of Shrewsbury's Estate to the Earldom of Shrewsbury, and confirming Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury's Settlement in order thereto; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."
"16. An Act for exchanging of several small Parcels of Land, in the Parish and Manor of Fulham, belonging to the Bishopric of London, for other Lands, of greater Value, to Charles Earl of Peterborow and Monmouth, and his Heirs."
"17. An Act to enable any Corporations within the University of Cambridge, or any other Persons, to sell and convey any Messuages and Ground to the said University, for enlarging their Public Library."
"18. An Act for rebuilding the Parish Church of Saint Martin in the Fields, in the City of Westminster, at the Charge of the Inhabitants of the said Parish."
"19. An Act for Sale of Part of the Estate of Sir Coplestone Warwick Bampfylde Baronet; and for settling another Estate, of greater Value, to the same Uses."
"20. An Act to enable Sir James Lumley Baronet to settle a competent Jointure; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."
"21. An Act for naturalizing Philip Germain and George Hollmans."
"22. An Act for naturalizing George Angell."
To these Bills the Royal Assent was, severally, pronounced, in the Words following; (videlicet,)
"Soit fait comme il est desiré."
Then the Lord Chancellor, on his Knee, received Directions from His Majesty; who, at the same Time, delivered a Paper into his Lordship's Hand; and being returned to his former Place:
His Majesty spake as follows:
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"I have given Direction to my Lord Chancellor, to deliver to you, in My Name and Words, what I think proper to say to you upon this Occasion."
Then the Lord Chancellor said;
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"I have received His Majesty's Commands from the Throne, to deliver to you, in His Majesty's Name and Words, what His Majesty thinks proper to be said to you upon this Occasion, as follows:
King's Speech.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"I am now come to put an End to this Session; which, though it hath advanced so far into the Summer, cannot be thought a tedious one, when we consider how much Business hath been done, and the great Advantages that may be expected from it.
"Your seasonable Vigour and Perseverance, to support Me in the Measures I have taken, with My Allies, for restoring the Tranquillity of Europe, have produced most of the Effects I could desire. Much the greatest Part of Christendom is already freed from the Calamities of War; and, by what hath happened both Abroad and at Home, My People must be convinced, that their Welfare is inseparable from the Strength and Security of My Government.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"I return you My Thanks, for the Supplies you have raised for the Service of the current Year: And it is a particular Satisfaction to Me, that a Method has been found out, for making good the Deficiencies of My Civil List, without laying any new Burthen upon My Subjects. The good Foundation you have prepared this Session for the Payment of the National Debts, and the Discharge of a great Part of them, without the least Violation of the Public Faith, will, I hope, strengthen more and more the Union I desire to see amongst all My Subjects; and make our Friendship yet more valuable to all Foreign Powers.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"You all see the good Effects which our Steadiness hath produced: There remains but little on our Part, to satisfy the World, that more Credit, Security, and Greatness, is to be acquired by following the Views of Peace, and adhering strictly to just Engagements, than by depending on the Advantages of War, or by pursuing the Measures of Ambition. To compleat what remains unfinished, I propose very speedily to visit My Dominions in Germany; hoping to put an End to those Troubles in the North, which are now reduced to a very narrow Compass: I flatter Myself, that My Presence this Summer in those Parts will prove useful to our poor Protestant Brethren, for whom you have expressed such seasonable and charitable Sentiments.
"I doubt not but to meet you again next Winter, disposed to put a finishing Hand to all those good Works which, by your Assistance, I have brought so near to Perfection. I could wish that all My Subjects, convinced by Time and Experience, would lay aside those Partialities and Animosities, which prevent them from living quietly, and enjoying the Happiness of a mild, legal Government. It is what I choose to recommend at this Time, when I am sensible that all Opposition to it is become vain and useless, and can only end unfortunately for those who shall still persist in struggling against it.
"I am persuaded that, during My Absence, every one of you will take particular Care to preserve the Peace in your several Countries; and that I shall find you, at My Return, in such a State of Tranquillity, as will shew Mankind how firmly My Government is established; which I chiefly desire, because I think the Security and Preservation of My People, and of this happy Constitution, depend entirely upon it."
Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving further Directions from His Majesty, and being again returned to his former Place, said,
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
Parliament prorogued.
"It is His Majesty's Royal Will and Pleasure, That this Parliament be prorogued to Thursday the Twentyeighth Day of July next, to be then here held: And this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thursday the Twenty-eighth Day of July next.
Die Martis, 21o Die Julii, 1720, examined by us,
Clarendon.
Say & Seale.
A. Menev.
Hu. Bristol.