Extracts from the House of Commons Journal, vol 10 1688 - 1693.

2 October 1690

The King's Speech reported.

Mr. Speaker reports, That his Majesty had been pleased to make a most gracious Speech to both Houses: But in regard the same was long, and that there was a great Noise made by the Crowd, and that his Majesty's Voice was low, he could not distinctly hear the same; and therefore, he had desired and obtained a Copy of it: And he read the same;

[The speech is very substantially an appeal for more money and quickly, for the spiralling cost of the war, including army arrears of pay and further sums for the next season's campaigning ]

I cannot conclude without taking Notice also, How much the Honour of the Nation has been exposed by the ill Conduct of My Fleet in the last Summer's Engagement against the French [Battle of Beachy Head]; and I think Myself so much concerned to see it vindicated, that I cannot rest satisfied till an Example has been made of such as shall be found faulty [i.e. principally Arthur Herbert (Torrington)] upon their Examination and Tryal: Which was not practicable while the whole Fleet was abroad; but is now put into the proper Way of being done as soon as may be.

6 October

New Sarum Election.

A Petition of Wm. Wyndham, Esquire, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, on Twenty-seventh February last, was duly elected one of the Citizens for New Sarum by the Majority of legal Voices, and ought to have been returned; but the Mayor, in Wrong to the Petitioner, hath returned Thomas Pitt, Esquire: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections: Who are to examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

Printing the Votes.

Ordered, That the Votes of the House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker: And that no Person do presume to print the same; but such as shall be licensed by Mr. Speaker.

Call of the House.

Resolved, That the House be called over on Monday Morning next. [13 October]

9 October

[https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol10/pp430-432]

Army Estimate.

Accordingly the Lord Ranelagh acquainted the House, That he had, by his Majesty's Order, prepared a List, or State of the Land Forces for the next Year ready: And that his Majesty had declared, That no more thereof should be used within his own Dominions, than were absolutely necessary; and that, besides what the said State amounted unto, the Army was in Arrear Eight hundred thousand Pounds: And he delivered the said State or List in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

[There follows a list of army units identified in the main by their regimental commander's name (Zuylesteyn, Colonel Godfrey, etc.) totalling 8.702 horse in 144 troops, 3,440 dragoons in 52 troops, and 57,494 foot in 855 companies. Their total annual pay amounts to £1,910,560 and 7 shillings. Troops of horse and dragoons average around 60, and companies of foot 60 - 80 ]

Army Estimate.

Then Sir Thomas Lee, one of the Commissioners of the Admiralty, acquainted the House, That he had, by his Majesty's Order, an Estimate of the Navy for the Year ensuing, including the Ordnance, to present to the House: And he delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was read; and is as followeth;

An ESTIMATE for the Charge of the Navy for the Year 1691, and building some Ships; in which the Ordnance is concluded.

Summer Fleet 28,710 men for 8 months Winter Fleet 51,150 men for 5 months Convoys and Cruisers, being, for various Months, reduced to [i.e. equivalent to] 7,071 men for 13 months

Which, being reduced to Thirteen Months, amounts to Twenty-nine thousand and Twenty-six Men for that Time; and, in Money, to £. 1,603,686 10 s. - d. Ordinary Charge of the Navy 100,000 - - Building Three Third-rate Ships, Eight Fireships, Eight Ketches, and a Dock at Plymouth, 88,008 11 6

Total £. 1,791,695 1 6

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Estimate be referred to the Committee of the whole House; who are to consider of the Motion for a Supply to be given to their Majesties.

10 October

Bullion.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to discourage the Exportation of Bullion, and encourage the Importation of it, and converting it into the Coin of this Realm.

Westminster, &c. Paving,

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for the paving and cleansing the Streets within the City and Liberty of Westminster, and the Out Parishes in the County of Middlesex, and Borough of Southwark, and other Places within the weekly Bills of Mortality; and for regulating the Hay Market of Charing Crosse, in the Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields.

Reducing Interest.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for the Reducing of Interest of Money from Six Pounds to Four Pounds per Cent. per Ann.: And it is recommended to Sir Edward Hussey, Sir Math. Andrewes, and Mr. Papillion, do prepare the same.

Rendering Militia useful.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for the better regulating and making the Militia of the Kingdom more useful.

And it is referred to Sir Rob. Davers, Sir Rob. Holmes, Colonel Sackvile, Colonel Norton, Mr. Buscawen, Sir Andrew St. John, Mr. Cary, Mr. Freeman, Sir Tho. Clarges, Mr. Goldwell, Sir Orlando Gee, Sir Wm. Pritchard, Sir Rob. Cotton, Sir Walter Young, Mr. Bickerstaffe, Mr. Price, Sir James Long, Lord Commissioner Hutchins, Lord Digby, Sir John Knatchbull, Mr. Vincent, Sir Cha. Bloys, Mr. Hawtry, Mr. Palmes, Sir Hen. Gough, Sir Rich. Standish, Lord Falkland, Mr. Kenyon, Sir Math. Andrews, Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Sam. Bernadiston, Mr. Gray, Mr. Pitts, Sir Wm. Cooke, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Robinson, Lord Wm. Pawlett, Mr. Arnold, Mr. England; or any Three of them: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Three of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

11 October

Bullion.

Mr. Neale presented to the House a Bill to discourage the Exportation of Bullion, and to encourage the Importation thereof, and converting the same into the Coin of this Realm: And it was received.

Aulnage Duty.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider of the Abuses in collecting the Duty of Aulnage, and of a better Way for collecting the same; and also to consider of a Compensation to the Crown; and to report their Opinions therein to the House.

Publick Accompts.

(https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol10/pp434-440)

13 October

Bullion.

A Bill to prevent the Exportation of Bullion, and to encourage the Importation thereof, and converting the same into the Coin of this Realm, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Reducing Interest.

A Bill for the Reducing of the Interest of Money, from Six Pounds to Four Pounds per Cent. per Annum, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Call of the House.

Then the House, according to the Order of Monday last, was called over: And the Names of such as made Default were noted down: Which were again called over a Second time; and the Absence of several of them excused.

Ordered, That the Defaulters be called over upon This-day-fortnight: And that such of them as do not then appear be taken into the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House.

15 October

Bullion.

A Bill to discourage the Exportation of Bullion, and to encourage the Importation thereof, and converting the same into the Coin of this Realm, was read the Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Resolved, That this House will, upon this Day-sevennight, at Ten a Clock in the Forenoon, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the said Bill.

17 October

Hackney Coaches.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for regulating Hackney Coaches in London and Westminster.

And it is recommended to Sir Wm. Poultney, Mr. Christy, Sir Thomas Clarges, Mr. Serjeant Wogan, Mr. Hawtry, to prepare and bring in the same.

African Company.

A Petition of the Royal Affrican Company of England was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have, by their great Charge for many Years past, preserved to this Nation the Trade in Affrica, from the Port of Sally, to Cape de Bona Esperanza, under Letters Patents from the late King Charles the Second; whereby they have not only improved the Manufactories of this Nation; but, from the large Credit the Company have given to their Majesties Plantations, the said Trade hath produced an Increase of Wealth and Navigation to the Kingdom, and Revenue to the Crown: But there arising Disputes about the Powers granted to the said Company by the Letters Patents, whereby they are disturbed in their Trade: And praying, That they may have Leave to offer a Bill for confirming to the Petitioners their Charter and Trade.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to consider of the Affrican Trade; and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation; and to report their Opinions therein to the House.

And it is referred unto Sir Cha. Porter, Sir Benj. Newland, Mr. Etterick, Mr. Pitts, Sir Rob. Nappier, Sir Wm. Strickland, Mr. Perry, Sir Peter Coryton, Mr. Baile, Sir John Guise, Sir Math. Andrewes, Sir Walter Young, Sir Rob. Rich, Mr. Christy, Mr. Jeffryes, Mr. Henly, Mr. Hutcheson, Sir Edw. Seymour, Mr. Buscawen, Lord Cheny, Mr. Lewes, Sir John Banks, Mr. Papillion, Sir Jervas Elwes, Sir Tho. Clarges, Sir Tho. Vernon, Sir Phil. Skippon, Sir Rob. Davers, Mr. Godolphin, Mr. Goldwell, Mr. Slater, Sir Tho. Hussey, Sir Cha. Bloys, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Onslow, Mr. Brockman, Mr. Burdett, Sir Sam. Bernadiston, Sir Wm. Thompson, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Burrard, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Tho. Pope Blunt, Mr. Dyott, Sir Jos. Herne, Mr. Dolben, Mr. Fawkes, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Gray, Mr. Ryder, Sir Jos. Williamson, Mr. Fenwick, Sir Sam. Dashwood, Sir Wm. Whitlock: And all that come are to have Voices: And they are to meet To-morrow in the Afternoon at Three of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

20 October

Aulnage Duty.

Ordered, That all the Members that serve for the County of Yorke, be added to the Committee to whom it is referred to examine the Abuses in collecting the Duty of Aulnage, and of a better Way of collecting the same; and to consider of a Compensation to the Crown; and to report their Opinions therein to the House.

21 October

African Company.

A Petition of the Merchants and Planters of Jamaica, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners having been grievously oppressed by the present Affrican Company; and being very sensible of the great Advantage it will be to the Manufactures, Navigation, and Revenue of England, to have the said Trade brought under a Regulation, whereby every one may have the Freedom of Trade thither; and praying, That they may be heard against the present African Company, for the Settlement of a more equal and beneficial Trade to Guinea, under a regulated Company.

Ordered, That the Examination and Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the African Trade, and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation; and to report their Opinions therein to the House.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Clothiers of the Counties of Suffolke and Essex, on Behalf of themselves, and many Thousands more, was read; setting forth, That for some Years last past, the Petitioners Trade for their Goods formerly exported in great Quantities to Africa, and the Sale and Vent of them now, is so restrained, that great Parcels made purposely for those Parts lie on their Hands; and there being now but one Buyer, viz. the Affrican Company, the Petitioners are forced to sell at what low Rates the Company pleases to give; whereby the Clothiers, for want of a Price and Vent for their Goods, are forced to lay down their Trades; the miserable Effects thereof is too apparent in the Ruin of many Families, who had their Dependence upon the said Woolen Manufactures: And praying the Favour and Pity of the House, that the Trade for these Woolen Manufactures may no longer be restrained, but that all Merchants may have Freedom, and export them; and to give the Petitioners Relief in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Examination and Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Affrican Trade, and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation; and report their Opinions therein to the House.

21 October

African Company.

A Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council and Inhabitants of the City of Exeter, was read; setting forth, That, for some Years past, the Trade formerly driven to Guiny by Merchants and others, hath been restrained and shut up, by confirming it to a Company; since which, the Sale and Vent of the Petitioners Trade and Commodities is so abated, that many of their Goods lie dead on their Hands; and there being but one Buyer (the Agent of the Company), the Petitioners are forced to sell at their (the Company's) Rates, or keep them on their Hands; and so, for want of Vent for those they have, are forced to lay down their Trades, to the Ruin of great Numbers of poor Families inhabiting in the said City and County of Devon, being become very chargeable to the Places where they dwell: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises; and that the Trade of Woolen Manufactures may no longer be restrained, but that Merchants may have Freedom to export them for the Encouragement of their Trade.

Ordered, That the Examination and Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the African Trade, and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation; and to report their Opinions therein to the House: And the said Committee is to have Power to send for Persons, Papers, and Records.

Bullion.

A Petition of Chris. Dodsworth was read; setting forth, That the Petitioner having, for some Months past, taken notice of the unusual shipping for Holland great Quantities of Silver by the Jews and others; and, inquiring whether the Silver so shipped was really Foreign Silver, as entered at the Custom-house, or Silver melted down here, that, on the Thirteenth of September last, the Petitioner, with Captain Le Neve and Mr. Wright, Officers of the Customs, and Mr. Swan an Artist, went on board one of the Ships outward-bound; where they found about Thirty-five thousand Ounces of Silver, all of English Casting; about Sixteen thousand Ounces was found, on the Test, to be worth not above Four Shillings per Ounce, and consequently a mist Metal: This the Officer seized, and acquainted the Commissioners of the Customs therewith, who did not only discourage that Seizure, but suffered about Seventy thousand Ounces more to be shipped off, without Examination whether English or Foreign: And that, for Sixteen Months past, about One hundred and Forty thousand Ounces of Silver hath been thus exported; and the Custom thereof, unpaid, amounts to Seventeen thousand Five hundred Pounds Sterling: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises, both with regard to the King's Revenue, and publick Good.

Ordered, That the Examination and Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the preventing the Exportation of Bullion, and encouraging the Importation thereof, and converting the same into the Coin of this Realm, is committed.

Resolved, That this House will, on Saturday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the said Bill.

24 October

Wine Measures, &c.

A Bill was presented to the House for the better Preventing of Frauds in selling Wines, and other Liquors, by Retale, in false Measures.

Surgeons to administer Medicines.

A Bill to enable Surgeons to administer inward Medicines, in Cases of Surgery, was read the Second Time.

London Orphans.

Resolved, That this House will, upon This day-sevennight at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of Ways to satisfy the Debts due to the Orphans of the City of London.

30 October

African Trade.

A Petition of the Merchants and Planters of the Island of Barbadoes, was read; setting forth, That the Trade which the Affrican Company have possessed, and ingrossed to themselves, is to the great Diminution of the Customs and Revenue of the Crown; to the great Damage and Discouragement of the Manufacturers of this Kingdom; to the lessening its Commerce and Navigation; and to the Impoverishment, and almost utter Ruin, of the American Colonies: And the said Company have assumed to themselves a Power to seize, and convert to their own Use, the Ships and Lading of any trading to or from those Coasts: And praying, That the Monopoly may no longer be continued, but the said Trade left free and open, or under such a Regulation, as may remove the aforesaid Mischiefs.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Affrican Trade; and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation: And they are to report their Opinions therein to the House.

1 November

Surgeons to administer Medicines.

A Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Society of the Art and Mystery of Apothecaries of the City of London, was read; thereby setting forth, That, by the Bill lying before the House, to enable Surgeons to administer any internal Medicines to any Patient, in any Case of Surgery, which, should it pass without further Explanation, will leave it doubtful, Whether they may not exercise the Art of an Apothecary, contrary to the ancient Charters and Powers granted to the Petitioners, and will be very prejudicial to them: And praying the Relief of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the said Petition be again read, when that Bill shall be reported from the Committee to whom it is committed.

African Company.

A Petition of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshier, in the County of Yorke, on Behalf of themselves, and the rest of the Corporation there, was read; setting forth, That, since the Trade to Affrica hath been ingrossed into the Hands of one Company, the Petitioners cannot be furnished with Ivory Teeth but from them; for which they pay double the Rates they were used to do when the Trade was open and free; and the Dutch, who formerly bought great Quantities of Knives hafted in Ivory have of late, by reason of the Cheapness of Ivory among themselves, gotten the Trade from the Petitioners, to that degree, that the Petitioners are not capable of subsisting without some Relief afforded them, in respect of their Trade and Premises: And praying the Consideration of the House therein; and that a free Trade may be granted to all Merchants in general into Affrica, that so the Stuff the Petitioners work, may be freely imported at moderate Rates.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom it is referred to consider of the Affrican Trade; and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation: And they are to report their Opinions therein to the House.

Bullion.

Then the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for discouraging the Exportation of Bullion, and encouraging the Importation thereof; and converting thereof into the current Coin of this Realm.

Mr. Speaker left the Chair.

Mr. Neale took the Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Mr. Neale reports from the said Committee, That they had agreed upon several Amendments to be made to the Bill: Which they had directed him to report to the House: Which he read in his Place, with the Coherence; and afterwards, delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

Ordered, That a Clause be brought in, to be added to the said Bill, That no Silver Bullion be exported but in Foreign Coin, and Foreign Bars: And it is recommended to Sir Christopher Musgrave and Mr. Neale, to prepare and bring in the same.

11 November

Armourers.

A Petition of the Workmen Armourers of the City of London was read; setting forth, That, by an Act 13° Car. IIdi, it is provided, That, at every Muster and Exercise of the Militia, every Horseman is to bring with him defensive Arms; viz. Breast and Pots Pistol-proof and the Backsword proof: Every Pikeman to have Back, Breast, and Head-piece; and every Musqueteer a Headpiece: For want of due Execution of which Laws the Petitioners Trade is like to be utterly lost: And praying the Consideration of the House for reviving and encouraging the Art of Making of Armour.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the before-mentioned Petition of the Workmen Armourers of the City of London be referred to the Committee to whom it is referred to prepare and bring in a Bill for the better regulating and making the Militia of this Kingdom more useful.

12 November

Act of Navigation respecting English Seamen.

A Bill for suspending, during the War with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation which obliges English Ships to sail with English Seamen, was, according to Order, presented to the House; and received.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read To-morrow Morning.

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act for the limiting the Power of James now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Earl of Torrington heard.

The House being informed, that the Earl of Torrington was in the Lobby of the House, according to the Order of Yesterday;

His Lordship was brought in to the House, by the Serjeant with the Mace, to a Chair, set for him within the Bar, on the Left hand of the House, as he came in:

And, having sit down thereon, for some time, covered; and the Mace being laid upon the Table; his Lordship arose, and stood at the Back of the Chair, uncovered; and was heard before the House.

After which his Lordship withdrew; the Mace attending him.

13 November

East India Company.

A Petition of sundry Merchants, Linendrapers, Silkmen, Silkthrowers, Druggists, Salters, and other Traders, and who used to deal with the East India Company, was presented to the House.

Ordered, That the Petition of the East India Company, formerly presented to this House, and the said Petition against the said Company, be read upon Tuesday Morning next.

Westminster, &c. Paving.

Sir Wm. Poultny reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for paving and Cleansing the Streets in the City and Liberty of Westminster, and Out Parishes in the County of Middlesex, and Borough of Southwark, within the Weekly Bills of Mortality; and for regulating the Haymarket at Charing Cross, in the Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields; was committed; That they had agreed upon several Amendments to be made to the Bill: Which they had directed him to report to the House: And which he read in his Place; and afterwards, delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one: And with an Amendment made to some of the said Amendments, the same were, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

Act of Navigation respecting English Seamen.

Ordered, That the Bill for suspending, during the War, with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation which obliges English Ships to sail with English Seamen, be read To-morrow Morning at Ten a Clock; and nothing to intervene.

14 November

Act of Navigation respecting English Seamen.

A Bill to suspend, during the War with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation which obliges English Ships to sail with English Seamen, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

15 November

East India Company.

A Petition of George White, Administrator of Samuel White, deceased, against the East India Company, was presented to the House.

Ordered, That the said Petition be read, when the Petition of the East India Company, formerly presented to the House, shall be read.

Ditto.

A Petition of John and Thom. Temple, Owners of the Ship Bristoll, of London, against the East India Company, was presented to the House.

Ordered, That the said Petition be read, when the Petition of the East India Company, formerly presented to the House, shall be read.

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for the limiting the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

A Petition of Samuell Heming, Gentleman, and John Heming, Apothecary, was presented to the House.

Ordered, That the said Petition be read, when the Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act for the limiting the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate, shall be read a Second time.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Sir James Rushout have Leave to go into the Country to the Bath, for Six Weeks, for his Health.

17 November

Earl Torrington's Relation of Sea Engagement.

Mr. Henry Herbert acquainted the House, That he had a Paper, signed by the Earl of Torrington, to present to the House from the said Earl, being his Lordship's Relation of the Engagement at Sea against the French: Which he delivered in at the Table: Where the same was read.

18 November

Haberdasher's Charity.

A Petition of the Masters and Wardens of the Company of Haberdashers, London, was read; setting forth, That Robert Aske, Esquire, late Citizen and Haberdasher of London, having, by his Will, devised to the Petitioners Twenty thousand Pounds, therewith to erect an Hospital for the Maintenance of Twenty decayed Freemen of the said Company, and of Twenty of poor Freemens Sons: And, being advised, the Trust, so reposed in them, cannot be so well managed without an Act of Parliament for the better Management of the said Hospital, and praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the better ordering the said Charity.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly.

19 November

Butter and Cheese Trade.

A PETITION of the Gentlemen, Land Owners, and Farmers of the County of Suffolke, was read; setting forth, That, by an Act made 14° Car. IIdi, Provision is made for the reforming Abuses in Weighing and false Packing of Butter, and the Weight and Goodness of Butter ascertained and secured; but that no Care is taken for the ascertaining the Goodness of Cheese; for want of which the Cheesemongers in London have of late Years encouraged the Farmers to make Flett Cheese, whereby the Quantity of Butter sold with such Cheese is increased to Four Firkins in a Load; but the Cheese thereby becomes only fit for Slaves; from whence the Commodity is grown into Disrepute, and, if not prevented, will become a general Prejudice: And that the Cheesemongers in London, contrary to the Act, have appointed, in all Sea Ports of the said County, Officers, who oftentimes after the said Commodities so bought by the Factors at the Sellers Houses, and by them searched, weighed up, and approved of, do take upon them to weigh and search the same again at the Port; and, without any just Pretence, finding Fault therein, do often, in an arbitrary Manner, set Rates of Allowance and Defalcation of the Goods; which the Petitioners refusing to allow and pay, they threaten to and have often indicted the Petitioners, to their great Damage and Prejudice: And praying, That a Bill may be brought in for the remedying the Abuses in Weighing and false Packing of Butter; and also of the Abuses in Making and Weighing of Cheese.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly.

Westminster &c. Paving.

An ingrossed Bill for paving and cleansing the Streets in the Cities of London and Westminster and Suburbs, and Liberties thereof, and Out Parishes in the County of Middlesex, and in the Borough of Southwarke, and other Places within the weekly Bills of Mortality in the County of Surrey, and for regulating the Haymarket at Charing Cross, was read the Third time.

And an ingrossed Proviso was offered as a Rider; That it shall be lawful for every Person to send his Cart out of the Country to bring Coals from Wharfs home.

And the same was read the First time;

And the Question being put, That the said Proviso be read a Second time;

It passed in the Negative.

Another ingrossed Proviso was offered as a Rider; That the Act shall not extend to any the Streets or Places of Southwarke, which are within the Jurisdiction of the Mayor, Commonalty, and Citizens of the City of London:

And the same was read the First time:

And the Question being put, That the said Proviso be read a Second time;

It passed in the Negative.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for paving and cleansing the Streets in the Cities of London and Westminster, and Suburbs and Liberties thereof, and Out Parishes in the County of Middlesex, and in the Borough of Southwarke, and other Places within the weekly Bills of Mortality in the County of Surrey, and for regulating the Haymarket at Charing Cross.

Ordered, That Sir Wm. Poultny do carry the Bill to the Lords; and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

22 November

New Sarum Election.

Mr. Gray reports from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, to whom the Matter touching the Election of Citizens to serve in this present Parliament for the City of New Sarum, the State of the Case, as it appeared to the Committee: Which he delivered in at the Clerk's Table, in Writing: Where the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

Upon the Petition of William Wyndham, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return of Thomas Pitt, Esquire, to serve as a Citizen for New Sarum;

That the Right of Election was agreed to be in the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Councilmen of New Sarum.

That the Case was thus upon the Poll;

Mr. Pitt had 25 Voices. Mr. Windham 23

That Five of Mr. Pitt's Voices were excepted to, as being sworn after the publishing the Precept for the Election: which was upon the Twenty-seventh of February: But it appeared to the Committee, That they had been elected in September before; and that many others had stood out as long after the Election, before they came to be sworn: And that, when they were sworn, no Objection was made to them.

That thereupon the Committee came to a Resolution: Which Mr. Gray read in his Place; and afterwards, delivered in at the Clerk's Table; where the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That Thomas Pitt, Esquire, is duly elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of New Sarum.

The said Resolution being read a Second time;

Resolved, That the House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That Thomas Pitt, Esquire, is duly elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of New Sarum.

24 November

Haberdashers Charity.

A Bill for the better ordering and settling a Charity given by Robert Ask, Esquire, deceased, to the Haberdashers Company, London, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

African Company.

Ordered, That the Report from the Committee to whom it was referred to consider of the African Trade, and how the same may be best settled for the Benefit of the Nation, be made upon Wednesday Morning next.

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

A Petition of James Earl of Salisbury was read; setting forth, That there is a Bill come down from the Lords, for limiting the Petitioner's Power to cut off the Intail of his Estate; which, if suffered to pass, will prejudice the Petitioner, and deprive him of his Inheritance: And praying, before the Bill be read a Second time, he may be heard by his Counsel at the Bar of this House.

Ordered, That the Earl of Salisbury be heard, by his Counsel, at the Bar of this House, before the said Bill be read the Second time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second time on Friday Morning next.

Aulnage Duty.

Mr. Christie reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to consider of the Abuses in collecting the Duty of Aulnage, and of a better Way for collecting the same; and to consider of a Compensation; and to report their Opinions therein to the House; That they had considered of the Matter to them referred; and had agreed upon several Resolutions thereupon: Which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were read; and are as followeth; viz.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Manner of collecting the Duty or Subsidy of Aulnage is very oppressive and burdensome to the Subject; and a great Discouragement to the Trade of the Woolen Manufactures.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That an Imposition upon the Woolen Manufactures to be exported, according to the Rates hereafter mentioned, to be laid and collected at the Custom-house, will be a sufficient Compensation to the Crown for the Duty or Subsidy of Aulnage; viz.

[table of duty rates on various woolen goods is given] [https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol10/pp480-482]

25 November

Surgeons to administer Medicines.

A Petition of the Merchants of London, and Commanders and Officers of Ships trading beyond the Seas, with others, that have lived beyond Sea, was presented to the House.

And the same relating to the Bill for enabling the Surgeons to administer internal Medicines, in Cases of Surgery;

Ordered, That the said Petition be read, when the Hearing at the Bar of this House shall be touching the said Bill.

Ordered, That the College of Physicians be heard at the Bar of this House, touching the said Bill, upon Tuesday Morning next.

26 November

African Company.

Sir Peter Colliton reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to consider of the Affrican Trade, and how the same might be best managed for the Benefit of the Nation, That the Committee had met several times, and heard the Affrican Company and their Witnesses, and also their Counsel: Who alleged, That the Campany had Eight Forts within the Territory, whereof the sole Trade was granted to them; viz. Three in the North Parts of Guinea, and Five on the Gold Coast; and that the Maintenance of these Forts stood them in from Nineteen to Twenty thousand Pounds per Annum: That without these Forts the Trade could not be carried on or secured to the Nation; and those Forts could not be maintained but by a Joint Stock: And that they exported for the said Trade from Eighty to One hundred thousand Pounds annually: and that the said Trade would take off no more Goods, their Ships oftentimes bringing back Part of their Cargoes: And that the Dutch and other Nations had Forts, and traded in a Joint Stock.

That the Committee also heard the Petitioners against the Company, and their Witnesses: Who alleged, That from the Northern Limits of the Territory, whereof the sole Trade is granted by Charter to the Company, under Penalty of Forfeiture to any others that shall trade there to James Island in the River of Gambia, where the present Company's first Fort and Factory is placed, is about One thousand Miles: In which Space are several Ports and Rivers for Trade unfrequented by the Company, and where all other Nations do or may trade; but no Englishman may trade there, unless by Licence of the Affrican Company, under Penalty of Forfeiture.

That in the said River of Gambia the French have a Factory over-against the said Company's Fort, and another Sixty Miles farther up that River; and carry on their Trade without the Charge of a Fort there, under the Protection of the King of the Country; and, not having the Charge of a Fort upon their Trade, are able to undersell the English.

From James Island to Sierra Leone, where the Company have another Fort or Factory, is about Three hundred and Sixty Miles; and from Sierra Leone to Sharbro, where is another Factory, is about Thirty-six Miles; and from Sharbro to Secondee, which is their nearest Fort on the Gold Coast, is about Six hundred Miles: In which Space, the Company have neither Fort or Factory: And all the said Space is open and free for all Nations to trade to: But the English are excluded from trading there but in the Joint Stock of the Company, or by Licence from them; for which Licence they must pay what the Company pleaseth.

From Succondee to Acra is about One hundred and Fifty Miles, and is called the Gold Coast, on which Coast the Company have Five Forts or Factories; whereof the said Succondee and Acra are Two; and Fredricksburgh, one of them, is within Gunshot of Cape Corse, their chief Fort: But that other Nations, and even English Interlopers, notwithstanding their Danger of Forfeiture, did any may trade between the said Forts, and within Two Miles of them; which the said Forts are not able to hinder.

That these Forts are very weak, and the strongest cannot make resistance against Two hundred Europeans, that shall land Cannon, and batter them from the Land; and their greatest Use is to be a Receptacle, against Thieves, for the Company's Goods, while they have no Ships on the Coast; and to be a certain known fixed Market, where the Inland Inhabitants may have European Goods for their Gold and Elephants Teeth: But that the English Interlopers, and other Nations, carry on their Trade safer, and as well, on board their Ships; the Natives coming off to them in small Boats with their Gold and Teeth, to buy such Goods, as they want; which the Forts cannot hinder.

That, from Acra, the remotest Fort the Company have from England, to the Cape of Good Hope, which is the Southermost Limit of the Company's Charter, is about Two thousand Four hundred Miles: In all which Space the Company have no Fort, nor can have none, the Princes and Inhabitants of those Countries being sensible of the Inconveniencies of having their Trade obstructed by Forts, or a Company in a Joint Stock, not permitting them to build any; and have refused to trade with Ships that have worn the Company's Colours, until they have taken them down, and put up others; nor do the Company themselves trade to most of the vast Tracts where they have no Forts, but grant Licences to others to trade with Goods delivered them by the Company; for which they have made them agree to give Forty Pounds per Cent. certain Profit to the Company, before they could have Licence to trade, and the Company to run no Hazard, but to get Forty Pounds per Cent. although the Ship be lost, or the Adventurer do not sell his Goods for Forty Pounds per Cent. more than the first Cost the Company rated them at: By which means, any other Nation, that is not under such hard Conditions, are able to undersell the English, and beat them out of their Trade; and the Reason that some of the Company's Goods were not sold, but brought back again, was, because other Nations did undersell them.

That, before the Year 1663, in which Year the English Trade to Affrica was settled in a Company in a Joint Stock, exclusive to all others, the Forts on the Gold Coast were in the Possession of the English East India Company; who excluded no English Ship from trading on the Coast for what they could, without paying the said East India Company any thing for it: Notwithstanding which, the East India Company maintained the said Forts out of the Profit of the Trade; and were very willing to have continued so to do.

That, from the Year 1665 to the Year 1672, the Affrican Company did set out few or no Ships themselves, but carried on the Trade to Affrica after the manner of a regulated Company, permitting all Ships to trade to the Gold Coast, and Southern Parts of Affrica, paying to the said Company Three Pounds per Ton for such Licence; and with which they maintained the Forts and Trade of Gambia, and North Parts to particular Merchants, for Two thousand Pounds per Annum.

That, while the Forts on the Gold Coast were in the Hands of the East India Company, before the granting the Trade in the Year 1663, by King Charles the Second, to a Company in a Joint Stock; and afterwards when managed by that Company, after the Manner of a regulated Company, granting Licences to all Ships that would, to trade there; that there were many more English Ships employed in that trade, much more of the Manufacture of England exported, and the American Plantations much more plentifully supplied with Negroes, and at much cheaper Rates, than they have been, when the Trade to Affrica hath been carried on in a Joint Stock, exclusive to all others.

That, while the English in general were thus at Liberty to trade to Affrica, they did so undersell the Dutch, and supplied the Coast so plentifully with all sorts of Goods, that the Dutch Factors at the Castle Delmina, confessed, if that open Trade continued to the English, they should not be able to support the Charge of their Castles out of the Profits of their Trade; and must take other Measures, or leave the Coast: And that since the Trade hath been carried on by the English in a Joint Stock, exclusive to all others, the Actions of the Dutch Company are risen to be Four times more in Value to what they were when the Trade was open, and all the English in general permitted to trade there.

That the Company, in a Joint Stock, being the sole Buyer of all the Woolen and other Manufactures of England, exported to that Part of Affrica that is within their Charter, have it, in Effect, in their Power, and do set what Prices they please upon them; so that many have been forced to leave off making those Woolen Manufactures, which is very grievous and oppressive to the Makers of them; and being the sole Seller of all Things brought from thence, do not supply the American Plantations with so many Negroes as they need, and as they were supplied with when the Trade was open; and have it, in Effect, in their Power to sell the Negroes they bring to the Plantations at what Price they please; and have actually sold their Negroes at above double the Price they may be imported for: Which is very grievous to the Plantations, and may hazard the Loss of the Sugar Trade to England; there being several Competitors for that Trade; and which, at last, must fall to be . . . Lot of that Nation that shall be enabled to make and bring Sugar cheapest to the Markets of Europe; and, without Negroes the Sugar Trade cannot be carried on.

That, if this Trade were managed in a regulated Company, with Power to such a Company to impose such Duty on all Goods exported for that Trade, as by them shall, from time to time, be found necessary, the Forts might be maintained out of the Duty so imposed, as was done by the Company from the Year 1665 to the Year 1672; who maintained the Forts out of what each Ship paid for Licence to trade; and, if all Men were permitted to trade that would make themselves free of such a Company, and pay the said Duty, the said Trade would be vastly augmented and improved, to the great Benefit of this Nation, and Increase of its Navigation, and the American Plantations much better supplied with Negroes, to the great Augmentation of the King's Revenue, and Wealth and Trade of the Nation in general; and other Nations, who trade there, would be beaten out of the Trade.

And that the Committee, having taken into their serious Considerations what had been alleged and proved by both Sides, they came to several Resolutions: Which Sir Peter Colleton read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were read, as followeth; viz.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Trade to Affrica is best for the Benefit of the Nation to be carried on in a regulated Company.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That Forts are necessary for carrying on and securing the Trade to Affrica.

The First Resolution being read a Second time;

Resolved, That the House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That the Trade to Affrica is best for the Benefit of the Nation to be carried on in a regulated Company.

The Second Resolution being read a Second time;

Resolved, That the House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That Forts are necessary for securing and carrying on the Trade to Affrica.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in, upon the said Resolutions: And it is recommended to Sir Tho. Vernon, Sir Jos. Herne, Sir Peter Colliton, Sir Benj. Newland, Mr. Papillion, Mr. Palmes, Sir Tho. Mompesson, Mr. Goldwell, Mr. Pitt; or any Three of them.

28 November

Hackney Coaches.

A Bill for regulating and licensing Hackney Coaches, was read the First time.

And also another Bill for regulating and licensing Hackney Coaches, and for Enlarging of several strait and inconvenient Streets and Passages, was read the First time.

Ordered, That the Bills be read a Second time.

Aulnage Duty.

A Bill for transferring the Duty of Aulnage to the Custom-house, was presented to the House, according to Order; and received.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read To-morrow Morning.

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

Then, according to the Order of the Day, the Counsel of the Earl of Salisbury were called in; and also the Counsel of Mr. Robert Cecil, his Brother; and both heard touching the ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for limiting the Power of James now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate.

And the Counsel being withdrawn;

The Bill was read the Second time: And also a Petition of Samuel Heming, Gentleman, and John Heming, Apothecary, was, according to Order, read; setting forth, That the Petitioners in May 1680, paid to James late Earl of Salisbury, deceased, for a Term of Forty-one Years, of a House and Ground in St. Martin's Lane, and had Five Leases made thereof for One-and-twenty Years, reserving the agreed Rent of Forty Pounds per Annum thereon; and have built on the Premises, and laid out Three Thousand Pounds on the same; and there still remains Thirty Years and a half of the One-and-forty Years: And, for that the present Earl cannot make good his Father's Agreement, and make the Petitioners Leases for Thirty Years and a half, by reason of a Settlement, without a Recovery; against his doing whereof there is an Act before this House, which will restrain him; and, in case the said Leases be not made, and the Petitioners admitted to enjoy the Premises, it will be to their utter Ruin; and praying, That a Proviso may be inserted in the said Bill, whereby the Earl may be enabled to make the Petitioners Lease for Thirty Years and an half.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Boscawen, Sir Tho. Pope Blunt, Mr. Dalben, Mr. Cary, Mr. Chadwick, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Christie, Sir Wm. Poultney, Mr. Waller, Sir Rich. Temple, Mr. Hawtry, Serjeant Blincoe, Mr. Harbord, Lord Falkland, Mr.Glemham, Captain Pitts, Mr. Hutchinson, Sir Wm. Leveson Gower, Sir Scrope How, Mr. Ash, Lord Colchester, Sir James Long, Sir Jacob Ashley, Mr. Cha. Mountague, Colonel Granvile, Sir John Austen, Sir Tho. Samwell, Lord Sherrard, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Greenfeild, Sir Tho. Clarges, Mr. Mansell, Sir Wm. Forrester, Sir Tho. Travell, Mr. Howe, Colonel Austen, Sir Rob. Sawyer, Mr. Travers, Sir Math. Andrewes, Sir Phil. Skippon, Sir Jervas Elwes, Mr. Burrard, Mr. England, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Papillion, Sir Rob. Clayton, Mr. Beare, Sir Rob. Rich, Mr. Clerke, Mr. Thornhaugh, Mr. Gray, Sir Gilbert Clerke, Mr. Howard, Sir Walter Young, and all the Members that serve for the County of Hertford: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber: And it is to be an Instruction to the Committee, That they do take care to provide by the said Bill, That, where the Honour shall fall to a Protestant Heir, the Estate be preserved for the Benefit of such Protestant Heir.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the said Bill is committed.

29 November

Making Militia useful.

Sir Walter Young reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare a Bill for regulating and making the Militia of this Kingdom more useful, That they had prepared the Bill accordingly: And he presented the same to the House: And it was received.

Ordered, That the Bill be read on Monday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock.

1 December

Aulnage Duty.

A Petition of Frances Duchess Dowager of Richmond and Lenox, and others, Farmers of the Duty of Aulnage, relating to the Bill for transferring the Duty of Aulnage to the Custom-house, was presented to the House.

And the Question being put, That the Petition be read;

It passed in the Negative.

Trade with France.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in for the more effectual putting in Execution the Act for prohibiting all Trade and Commerce with France, upon the Debate of the House: And it is recommended to Mr. Boscawen, Sir John Guise, Sir Cha. Sidley, Colonel Birch, Colonel Austin, and Mr. Onslow; or any Three of them.

Address for Embargo.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to the King, That his Majesty will be pleased to give effectual Order for an immediate Embargo to be laid on all Ships, (except such Ships as shall carry Ammunition and Provisions only to the Plantations, the Complement of Men in such Ships not to exceed Five hundred Men); that there may not be wanting a sufficient Number of able Seamen for the next Year's Fleet.

Ordered, That the said Address be immediately presented to his Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of his Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

2 December

Members not to depart without Leave.

Ordered, That no Member of this House do depart the Service of the House, without Leave first had for the same.

Trade with France.

Ordered, That Major Vincent, and Mr. Hen. Vincent, be added to the Committee to whom the Bill for the more effectual putting in Execution the Act for prohibiting all Trade and Commerce with France, is committed.

3 December

Plantation Servants.

A Petition of divers Merchants, Masters of Ships, Planters, and others, trading to the Foreign Plantations, was read; setting forth, That the Plantations cannot be maintained without a considerable Number of white Servants, as well to keep the Blacks in Awe, as for bearing Arms in case of an Invasion: That divers malicious Persons, after having voluntarily offered themselves to go Servants to the Plantations, and bound themselves to that Purpose, and received Money and Cloaths for their several Voyages, have pretended themselves spirited away, contrary to their Wills; and have caused the Merchants entertaining them to be prosecuted as Trepanners: To prevent which Abuses, the Merchants petitioned King Charles the Second for, and had an Office erected for binding all such Servants, and registering their Consents: And, conceiving, that the Confirmation of, and establishing the said Office by Act of Parliament, will be of great Use and Encouragement to the Plantation Trade, and praying Leave to bring in a Bill, to establish the said Office by Act of Parliament, with such Fees as shall be thought convenient.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly.

Answer to Address.

Mr. Harbord acquainted the House, That he, according to their Order, had presented to his Majesty the Address, That his Majesty would be pleased to give effectual Order for an immediate Embargo to be laid upon all Ships (except such Ships as shall carry Ammunitions and Provisions only to the Plantations, the Complement of Men in such Ships not to exceed Five hundred Men); that there may not be wanting a sufficient Number of able Seamen for the next Year's Fleet: And that his Majesty was pleased to say in Answer, That he had only permitted such Ships to go away, as he thought was absolutely necessary; viz. Two hundred Men to the Barbadoes, One hundred Men to Jamaica, Eighty-five to the East Indies, Two hundred and Five to the Leeward Islands, Five to the Burmudas, Six to Pensilvania, Eighty-eight for the African Trade, and Twenty-nine to Newfoundland: And that there were another Sort of Ships which he permitted to go; viz. some to the Canaryes, and some to Cales; whereof there is no Computation of the Number of Men: But had ordered Security to be taken of their Owners, that they should come back on a certain Day; and had ordered the Convoys to bring them back.

4 December

Supply Bills; East India Goods. Wine Duties, &c.

Mr. Attorney General, according to Order, presented to the House Two Bills for granting to their Majesties certain new Impositions; viz. the one a Bill for granting certain new Impositions upon all East India Goods and Merchandize, and other Goods and Merchandize, to their Majesties: The other a Bill for continuing certain Impositions upon Wine, Vinegar, and Tobacco.

And the said Bill for granting certain new Impositions upon all East India Goods and Merchandize, and other Goods and Merchandize to their Majesties, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

And the said Bill for continuing certain Impositions on Wine, Vinegar, and Tobacco, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. May, of Chichester, have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight.

5 December

Navy and Army Estimates, &c.

Sir Samuel Bernadiston, according to the Order of the Day, reported from the Committee to whom the Consideration of the Estimates and Accompts relating to the Navy, and Treasury, were referred, That the State of the Accompt of the Army appeared to them to be as followeth; viz.

[https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol10/pp495-500]

6 December

Aulnage Duty.

Resolved, That the Bill for transferring the Duty and Subsidy of Aulnage to the Custom-house, be now read the Second time.

The Bill was read the Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Blowfeild, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Buscawen, Mr. Gray, Mr. Glemham, Mr. Thomson, Sir Robert Davers, Sir Rob. Holmes, Sir Tho. Darcy, Mr. Slater, Colonel Birch, Mr. Beddingfeild, Sir John Barker, Mr. Done, Mr. Solicitor General, Sir John Guise, Sir Sam. Bernadiston, Mr. Papillion, Sir Tho. Bernadiston, Lord Cornbury, Mr. Greenfeild, Sir Cha. Porter, Mr. Gwyn, Sir Edm. Jennings, Mr. Price, Sir Fran. Blake, Mr. Thornhaugh, Mr. Cary, Mr. Carew, Mr. Godolphin, Sir Tho. Clarges, Mr. Foley, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Sir Wm. Honeywood, Mr. Palmes, Sir Walter Young, Mr. Bickerstaffe, Sir Jonath. Jennings, Mr. Perry, Sir Jerv. Elwes, Colonel Birch, Sir John Bowles, Mr. Brownlow, Mr. Kenyon, Sir Math. Andrews, Sir Phil. Skippon, Mr. Foley, Sir Rob. Rich, Mr. Burdet, Mr. Bowyer, Mr. Biddolph, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Freeman, Sir John Dorrell, Mr. Robinson, Sir Fran. Massam, Mr. Waller, Mr. Reignolds: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Four a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber: And are impowered to send for Persons, Papers, and Records.

Ordered, That the Dutchess of Richmond and Lenox be heard before the said Committee, as to her Interest in the said Duty: And that the said Committee have Power to receive and consider of a Clause for securing the same, if they think fit.

A Petition of Rich. Seys, Esquire, was read; setting forth, That, 1682, he purchased a Rent-charge of the Dutchess of Richmond, of One hundred Thirty-eight Pounds per Annum, issuing out of the Rent reserved to her on the Farm of the Aulnage, for which he paid to her One thousand One hundred Forty-eight Pounds for the Remainder of her Term: And, for that, by the Bill before the House, it is designed the Duties of Subsidy and Aulnage shall be paid at the Custom-house, whereby the Petitioner's Right may be prejudiced: And praying the Care and Provision of his Right by the House in the said Bill, that he may receive his said Rent-charge, as before.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Bill for transferring the Duty and Subsidy of Aulnage to the Customhouse, is committed.

9 December

Embargo.

A Petition of the Merchants and Traders to Virginia and Maryland, was presented to the House; and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have laid out above One hundred and fifty thousand Pounds in fitting out divers Ships under the repeated Encouragements from the King and Council, of having a Convoy and Liberty for Eight hundred Men: That the said Ships are sailed from the Downes under their Convoy with their Men; yet upon the Address of this House, wherein no Provision is made for any Ships to go to the said Colony, his Majesty hath ordered a Stop to be laid on them till May next, which will be a Loss of Forty thousand Pounds at least to the Concerned, besides the Ruin of many Inhabitants there depending on this Fleet: And praying, that this House would intercede with his Majesty for taking off the said Stop by Embargo. As also

Another Petition of the Merchants and Planters trading to and concerned in the Island of Barbadoes, was read; setting forth, That his Majesty was pleased to permit such a Number of Ships to go to Barbadoes as might be sailed with Four hundred Seamen: Which encouraged to load out such Ships; and they are sailed from the Downes; but that, upon the late Address of this House to his Majesty, his Majesty hath thought fit to retrench the Number to about Half; the Doing whereof, if not retrieved, will ruin many of the Petitioners, and be of fatal Consequence to the said Plantation: And praying the Interposition of this House: and that they would represent the Matter to his Majesty. And also

Another Petition of the Merchants and Planters of Jamaica, was presented; and read; setting forth, That they had Orders from his Majesty for Two hundred Seamen to proceed for Jamaica; upon which they loaded their Ships, the which are sailed from the Downes; but that his Majesty, upon the Address of this House, hath permitted the Petitioners to have but One hundred Seamen; whereby Six of their Vessels so sailed must return back, to the Loss and Ruin of the Proprietors, as well as the Danger of the Island, for want of such Supplies: And praying, That the House would make such Representation of the Matter to his Majesty, as to them shall be thought fit.

Resolved, That the Members of this House, that are of his Majesty's most honourable Privy Council, do humbly represent the Matter of the said several Petitions to his Majesty; humbly beseeching his Majesty to order therein, as his Majesty, in his great Wisdom, shall think fit.

10 December

Order against Papists coming into Westminster Hall, &c.

ORDERED, That no Papist do presume to come into Westminster Hall, the Court of Requests, or Lobby of this House, during the Sitting of this Parliament.

Ordered, That this Order be posted up at Westminster Hall Gate, and in the Lobby of this House.

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do take into Custody all such Persons as shall offend against the said Order.

12 December

Haberdashers Charity.

An ingrossed Bill for the settling a Charity given by Robert Aske, Esquire, to the Company of Haberdashers of London, was read the Third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for settling a Charity given by Robert Aske, Esquire, to the Company of Haberdashers of London.

Ordered, That Mr. Fenwick do carry the Bill to the Lords; and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

Duty on Timber.

A Petition of the Merchants trading to the Eastland and Norway, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have contracted with the Navy Board for considerable Quantities of Masts, Spars, Planks, Timber, &c. to be imported at certain Prices: That this House hath laid an additional Duty of Ten Pounds per Cent. upon all Foreign Timber, except from Ireland: And praying the said Masts, Spars, &c. may be excepted, being contracted for to the Use of the Navy, their Prices being already agreed and fixed for the same.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill for granting the new Impositions to their Majesties, is committed.

Duty on East India Goods.

A Petition of the Owners of the Ship James, lately arrived from India, was read; setting forth, That, in Oct. 1687, the Petitioners agreed with the East India Company to give them Twelve Pounds per Cent. for a Licence to trade on all their Woolen Manufactures, and Ten Pounds per Cent. for the Cargo they should bring home; but that, by a Bill from this House, another Ten Pounds per Cent. is laid on all India Manufactures, with a Retrospection to the Twentieth of October last, which will include the said Ship's Cargo, notwithstanding she arrived at Milford Haven the Twenty-sixth August last, and would have imported, at London, long before Twentieth October, had she not waited for a Convoy, and several of her Men pressed, which brought her into imminent Danger: And that the great Duty laid on Tea since the said Ship's Departure, with other the said extraordinary Duties, will render it a losing Voyage to the Owners: And praying the said Ship's Cargo may be exempted from the said intended Ten Pounds per Cent. now Impost, or that they may be heard before the Passing of the said Bill.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill for granting the new Impositions to their Majesties, is committed.

Importing Iron Wire.

A Petition of the Cardmakers, and others, of the Town and Borough of Colchester, was read; setting forth, That they are much prejudiced in their Trade by the Prohibition of Iron Wire, grounded merely upon the Ambiguity of certain Statutes, designed only to prohibit Card Wire; whereby the Petitioners are forced to sit still in their Trades, for want of Materials, to their Ruin: And, for that a Free Toleration thereof would not only be a great Benefit to the Petitioners, but the Publick, and their Majesties Revenues, (the Petitioners being willing, if it shall be thought fit, to submit to a higher Duty to be imposed on it, although at Fifteen Shillings per Hundred, so the same may be imported, it having formerly paid Five thousand Pounds per Annum Customs, when only at Seven Shillings and Six-pence per Hundred); and praying, That some effectual Provision may be made for the Petitioners Trade, by the permitting the free Importation of all Iron Wire, except that of Card Wire.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill for granting the new Impositions to their Majesties, is committed.

Ordered, That the said Committee do take into their Consideration the laying an Imposition upon all Steel Wire to be imported.

13 December

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

Mr. Dalben reports from the Committee to whom the ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act to limit the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate, was committed, That the Committee had considered thereof, and of the Petitions referred to them: And that they had agreed upon several Amendments, and Clauses to be added to the Bill; which they had directed him to report to the House: And which he read in his Place, with the Coherence; and afterwards, delivered the said Amendments and Clauses in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were all read throughout; and are as followeth; viz.

Press last, Line 40, before "provided," insert "and the respective Rents therein reserved shall, after the Death of the said Earl, be due and payable to such Person or Persons, who, by virtue of the said Settlement, shall be seised of the Freehold of the Premises in such Lease or Leases to be comprised."

A Proviso, That the said James, now Earl of Salisbury, to demise or grant any the Manors, Lands, and Premises, except what comprised in the common Recoveries, and demised by the Earl his Father; for the like Terms, Conditions, and Rents reserved, as formerly they have been by the said James late Earl the Father.

A Proviso to enable James, now Earl, to lease several Houses and Gardens in Heming Row, and St. Martin's Lane, for Thirty Years and a Half, to commence from Michaelmas last; reserving the Rents now paid for the same subject to the Trust, towards raising Portions.

A Clause to disable Robert, Wm., Charles, and George Cecill, Esquires, to bar or dock any the Estate Tail, or Remainders limited by the Settlement, unless he to whom the next Estate of Freehold and Inheritance in Remainder ought to descend, shall, or at any time be, or become a Papist; but may respectively be impowered, when in possession of the Premises, to demise and charge the same, towards making Provisions for Jointures and Portions, as the said James, now Earl, is impowered to do.

The said Amendments and Clauses being severally read a Second time, one by one; the same were, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Ordered, That the said Clauses be ingrossed.

Ordered, That the Bill be read the Third time upon Tuesday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock.

15 December

Raising Militia.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in for raising the Militia of this Kingdom the next Year, although the Month's Pay formerly advanced and paid, is not yet repaid.

Building Ships.

A Motion being made for Building of Ten new Ships of War;

Resolved, That this House will, upon Friday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, take the said Motion into further Consideration.

Supply Bill; East India Goods.

Mr. Solicitor General, according to the Order of the Day, reports from the Committee of the whole House to whom the Bill for granting to their Majesties certain new Impositions upon all East-India Goods, and other Goods and Merchandize imported, . . . . : That they had agreed upon several Amendments to be made thereunto; which they had directed him to report to the House: And which he read in his Place, with the Coherence; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Then a Clause for the appropriating of the Sum of for the Use of the Navy; viz. for Payment of Seamen, and for Stores, Provisions, and Victuals; and for the Expences of the Ordnance in respect to naval Affairs; was offered to be added to the Bill.

And the said Clause was twice read.

And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Blank be filled up with Twenty-five thousand Pounds;

It passed in the Negative.

Then a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Blank be filled up with Fifty thousand Pounds;

It passed in the Negative.

Then a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Blank be filled up with One hundred thousand Pounds:

The House divided.

The Yeas go forth.

Tellers for the Yeas, Sir John Knight, 48. Mr. Bickerstaffe, Tellers for the Noes, Sir Walter Young, 41. Mr. Ch. Montague,

So it was resolved in the Affirmative.

Afterwards a Debate arising in the House upon the said Clause;

Ordered, That the Debate be adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Ten a Clock.

16 December

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

Ordered, That the ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for the limiting the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate, be read the Third time To-morrow Morning.

17 December

London Orphans.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cooke, and Sir Adam Ottley;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry, in order to the Relief of the distressed Orphans of the City of London: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Earl of Salisbury's Estate.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled An Act for the limiting the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate, was read the Third time.

And a Clause being offered, That all and every the Daughters and younger Sons of James, now Earl of Salisbury, shall be paid Interest, at the Rate of Five Pounds per Cent. for their respective Portions, for their Maintenance, till their Portions shall become due and payable; such Interest to be raised and paid out of the Rents and Profits of the Manors and Lands chargeable with the Portions; the same was once read.

And the Question being put, That the same be read a Second time;

It passed in the Negative.

Resolved, That the Bill, with the Amendments do pass: And that the Title be agreed unto.

Ordered, That Mr. Dolben do carry the Bill up to the Lords; and acquaint them, That the House hath agreed thereunto, with the said Amendments; and desire their Lordships Concurrence to the said Amendments.

Supply Bill; East India Goods.

An ingrossed Bill for granting to their Majesties certain Impositions upon all East India Goods, and other Goods and Merchandize, was read the Third time.

An ingrossed Clause was offered, as a Rider; That from and after the Twenty-fifth of December 1690, the Officers of the Receipt of the Exchequer may take for their Fees,

Farthings in the Pound, and no more, for the Money to be paid for the Use of the Navy and Garisons, arising by the Two Acts, one for granting an Aid to their Majesties of One million Six hundred Fifty-one thousand Seven hundred Two Pounds, and Eighteen Shillings; and one other Act, for doubling the Duty of Excise; or by this, or any other Act to be made during this Sessions; was twice read.

And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Blank be filled up with "Three;"

It passed in the Negative.

And then the Clause being withdrawn;

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for granting to their Majesties certain Impositions upon all East India Goods and Manufactures, and upon all Wrought Silks, and several other Goods and Merchandize, to be imported after the Twenty-fifth Day of December 1690.

Ordered, That Mr. Solicitor General do carry the said Bill to the Lords; and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

18 December

London Orphans.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry, in order to the Relief of the distressed Orphans of the City of London, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

19 December

Aulnage Duty.

Sir John Guise reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for transferring the Duty and Subsidy of Aulnage to the Custom-house, was committed, That they had agreed upon several Amendments to be made thereunto: Which they had directed him to report to the House: And which he read in his Place with the Coherence; and afterwards, delivered in at the Clerk's Table.

And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Lord Cornbury be heard, as to his Interest, at the Bar of this House, before the said Report be further proceeded on;

It passed in the Negative.

Then the said Amendments were once read throughout; and afterwards, a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

20 December

Raising Militia.

A Bill for raising the Militia of this Kingdom the next Year, although the Month's Pay, formerly advanced and paid, is not yet paid, was presented to the House, and read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Act of Navigation respecting English Seamen.

Sir Matthew Andrews reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for suspending during the War with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation which obliges English Ships to sail with English Seamen, . . ., That they had agreed upon the Clauses, which were recommitted to the said Committee: And he read the same in his Place; and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were twice read; and, with some Amendments proposed and agreed to, upon the Question put thereupon, were agreed unto by the House.

Then a Clause was offered to be made Part of the Bill, That his Majesty, in Council, might license Foreign Ships for the bringing in naval Stores.

And the Question being put, That the Clause be read;

It passed in the Negative.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

Royal Assent to Bills.

A Message from his Majesty by Sir Thomas Duppa, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod;

Mr. Speaker,

The King commands this honourable House to attend his Majesty, in the House of Peers, immediately.

And accordingly Mr. Speaker, and the House, went up to attend his Majesty: And being returned;

Mr. Speaker reports, That his Majesty had been pleased to give the Royal Assent to the several Bills following; viz.

An Act for granting to their Majesties certain Impositions upon all East India Goods and Manufactures, and upon all Wrought Silks, and several other Goods and Merchandize, to be imported after the Twenty-fifth Day of December 1690.

An Act for the Continuance of several former Acts therein mentioned, for the laying several Duties upon Wines, Vinegar, and Tobacco.

An Act for punishing Officers and Soldiers who shall mutiny, or desert their Majesties Service; and for punishing false Musters;

An Act for reviving a former Act for regulating the Measures and Prices of Coals.

An Act for paving and cleansing the Streets in the Cities of London and Westminster, and Suburbs and Liberties thereof, and Out Parishes in the County of Middlesex, and in the Borough of Southwarke, and other Places in the Weekly Bills of Mortality in the County of Surrey, and for regulating the Markets therein-mentioned.

An Act for securing the Portion of Eliz. Lucie, and breeding her up a Protestant; and for transferring the Trust for that Purpose.

An Act for enabling of Trustees to sell certain Lands of Richard Cooke, deceased, to pay Debts, and to raise a Portion for his Daughter.

An Act to enable Phil. Hildeyard, Esquire, to sell Lands in Surry, and to settle Lands in Lincolnshire, in lieu thereof.

An Act to annul and make void a Marriage between Mary Wharton, an Infant, and James Campbell, Esquire.

An Act for vesting divers Lands, in Trustees, to be sold for the Payment of certain Debts of Saint Leger Scrope, Esquire.

An Act for the better enabling Jane Bray, Widow, the Relict and sole Executrix of the last Will of Reginald Bray, Esquire, deceased, and others, to the speedier raising the Portions already appointed for her Daughters, by the said Reginald Bray.

An Act for the Naturalizing of Francis de la Chambre, and others.

An Act for selling the Estate of Henry Serle, Esquire, deceased.

An Act to free the Estate of Sir Samuell Bernadiston from several Incumbrances, occasioned by a Judgment given against him, upon an Information in the Court of King's Bench.

An Act to give Catherine Lady Cornbury certain Powers to act as if she was of full Age.

An Act to bar a Remainder limited to Dudley Bagnall, Esquire, in the Estate of Nicholas Bagnall, Esquire, in Ireland.

An Act for the limiting the Power of James, now Earl of Salisbury, to cut off the Intail of his Estate.

An Act for the vesting several Messuages and Tenements in the City of London, late the Estate of John Baines, Gentlemen, deceased, in Trustees, to be sold for Payment of Debts.

An Act for raising Money out of the Estate of Thomas Williams, Esquire, deceased, by letting Leases, and otherwise, for the more speedy Payment of his Debts.

An Act to enable Thomas Sheafe to sell Lands for Payment of Debts, and making Provision for his Wife, according to an Agreement for that Purpose.

An Act for the settling a Charity given by Robert Aske, Esquire, to the Company of Haberdashers, London.

The King's Speech.

And that afterwards, his Majesty was pleased to make a Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, as followeth; viz.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I MUST repeat to you, upon this Occasion, how sensible I am of your good Affections to Me, and of your sincere Endeavours to promote the true Interest of your Country in continuing to provide further Supplies towards defraying the Charges of the War: And as I am very secure, that you will not fail, on your Part, to do all that shall be necessary, in order to that End; so I assure you, I shall not be wanting, on Mine, to see that there be a diligent and a strict Application of the Supplies you give Me, to these Uses only, for which you intend them.

I have lately told you, That the Posture of Affairs Abroad would not admit of deferring my Journey to the Hague much beyond this Time; and I put you in mind of it again now, in hopes That Consideration will prevail with you, to use all possible Dispatch in what still remains to be done, for the more vigorous Prosecution of the War.

I must not conclude without mentioning to you, Gentlemen of the House of Commons, That, if some annual Provision could be made for the Augmenting of the Navy, and Building of some new Ships of War, it would be a very necessary Care, at this Time, both for the Honour and Safety of the Nation.

Navy and Army, Estimates, &c.

[https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol10/pp514-519]

22 December

London Orphans.

Ordered, That the ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry, in order to the Relief of the distressed Orphans of the City of London, be read the Second time To-morrow Morning at Ten of the Clock.

23 December

Act of Navigation respecting English Seamen.

An ingrossed Bill for suspending, during the War with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation, and also that Part of the Act for the Exportation of Corn, which obliges English Ships to sail with English Seamen, was read the Third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for suspending, during the War with France, that Part of the Act of Navigation, and also that Part of the Act for the Exportation of Corn, which obliges English Ships to said with English Seamen.

Ordered, That Sir Matthew Andrewes do carry the said Bill to the Lords; and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

26 December

London Orphans.

A MESSAGE from the Lords by Sir Robert Legard and Sir James Astry;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to put this House in mind of a Bill, some time since sent down to this House, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry for the Relief the distressed Orphans of the City of London.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

1 January 1691

African Company.

A Petition of the Royal Affrican Company of England was read; setting forth, That by a Bill brought in to this House, the Trade to Affrica, which, for Eighteen Years last hath been carried on in a joint Stock, settled by the Invitation and Encouragement of the King and Council, is endeavoured to be put into another Way of managing; and the Petitioners, who have so long hazarded their own Stocks to small Advantage to themselves, in settling and improving that Trade to the Benefit of the Nation, are like to be divested of their Property, and undergo great Losses: And praying to be heard by their Counsel, at the Bar of this House, against the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition be considered, when the said Bill shall be read a Second time.

2 January

London Orphans.

Then a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry, in order to the Relief of the distressed Orphans of the City of London, be now read the Second time;

The House divided.

The Yeas go forth. Tellers for the Yeas, Mr. Bickerstaffe, 52. Sir Rob. Cotton, Tellers for the Noes, Mr. Papillion, 68. Sir Walt. Young,

So it passed in the Negative.

3 January

London Orphans.

And also, To put this House in mind of a Bill, sent from the Lords, intituled, An Act for erecting a Court of Inquiry, in order to the Relief of the distressed Orphans of the City of London.

Answer to Address.

Mr. Russell acquaints the House, That he had presented to his Majesty their Address, to issue out his Royal Proclamation, graciously promising a Bounty for the Encouragement of such Seamen as shall come into the Service of the Fleet; and that his Majesty would be pleased to bestow the like Bounty upon such Seamen as are already come into the said Service: And that his Majesty was pleased to answer, That he would take the necessary Care about it.

5 January

Employment of the Poor.

A Bill for setting the Poor on Work, was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Royal Assent to Bills.

A Message from his Majesty, by Sir Tho. Duppa, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod;

Mr. Speaker,

This King commands this honourable House to attend his Majesty in the House of Peers.

And accordingly Mr. Speaker, with the House, went to attend his Majesty: And being returned;

Mr. Speaker reports, That his Majesty had been pleased to give the Royal Assent to these several Bills following; viz.

An Act for appointing and enabling Commissioners to examine, take, and state, the publick Accompts of the Kingdom.

An Act for the Raising of the Militia of this Kingdom for the Year 1691, although the Month's Pay, formerly advanced, be not repaid.

An Act for Relief of poor Prisoners for Debt or Damages.

An Act for preventing vexatious Suits against such as acted for their Majesties Service in Defence of the Kingdom.

An Act for the encouraging the Distilling of Brandy, and Spirits from Corn; and for laying several Duties upon Low Wines, and Spirits of the first Extraction.

An Act for granting to their Majesties several additional Duties of Excise upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors, for Four Years, from the Time that an Act for doubling the Duty of Excise upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors, during the Space of One Year, doth expire.

An Act for the more effectual putting in Execution an Act, intituled, An Act for prohibiting all Trade and Commerce with France.

An Act to enable Thomas Earl of Ailesbury, and Eliz. Countess of Ailesbury, his Wife, to make Provision for Payment of Debts, and to make Leases of their Estates.

An Act for incorporating the Proprietors of the Waterworks in York Buildings; and for the encouraging, carrying on, and settling the said Waterworks.

An Act to enable John Rosseter, Esquire, to sell Lands, for Payment of Debts.

An Act for vesting certain Lands, the Estate of Thomas Manwaireing, Gentleman, in Trustees, to be sold for Payment of Debts.

The King's Speech.

And that afterwards, his Majesty was pleased to make a Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, as followeth; viz.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

HAVING lately told you, That it would be necessary for me to go into Holland much about this Time, I am very glad to find, that the Success of your Endeavours to bring this Session to a happy Conclusion, has been such, that I am now at Liberty to do it: And I return you My hearty Thanks for the great Dispatch you have made in finishing the Supplies you have designed for carrying on the War: Which it shall be My Care to see duly and punctually applied to that Service for which you have given them. And I do likewise think it proper to assure you, That I shall not make any Grant of the forfeited Lands in England or Ireland, till there be another Opportunity of settling that matter in Parliament in such manner as shall be thought most expedient.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

As I have reason to be very well satisfied with the Proofs you have given me of your good Affection in this Session of Parliament, so I promise Myself the Continuance of the same at your Return into your several Countries: And as every Day produces still fresh Instances of the Restlessness of our Enemies both at Home and Abroad, in designing against the Prosperity of this Nation and the Government established; so I do not doubt but that the Union and good Correspondence between Me and My Parliament, and My earnest and constant Endeavours for your Preservation on the one hand, joined with the Continuance of your Zeal and Affection to support me on the other, will, by the Blessing of God, be at all times too strong for the utmost Malice and Contrivance of our common Enemies.

Adjournment.

And that, afterwards, the Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer declared to both Houses, That it was his Majesty's Pleasure, That both Houses should adjourn themselves until the One-and-thirtieth Day of March next ensuing; and that if his Majesty should think fit, That the Parliament should then sit to do Business, his Majesty would give notice thereof by his Royal Proclamation.

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn until the One-and-thirtieth Day of March next ensuing.

And accordingly the House did adjourn until the Oneand-thirtieth Day of March next ensuing.

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