Memorials of the English affairs, or, An historical account of what passed from the beginning of the reign of King Charles the First, to King Charles the Second his happy restauration containing the publick transactions, civil and military : together with the private consultations and secrets of the cabinet.

April, 1649.

[1.] The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Rey∣noldson, attended the House at the Bar, and being demanded why he disobeyed the Orders of Parlia∣ment for proclaiming the Act against Kingly Go∣vernment:

He pleaded scruple of conscience, by his Oath taken in the Exchequer, and that he conceived the business only proper for the Sheriff of the City.

After a long debate, the House voted, that the Lord Mayor for his contempt should be fined two thousand pound, five hundred pound of it to the poor of London, five hundred pound to Westminster, five hundred pound to Southwark, and five hun∣dred pound to the poor of the Tower Hamlets.

That he be committed prisoner to the Tower for two Months, and degraded of his Mayoralty, and that the Common Council be required and authorised, to elect a new Mayor with all speed.

A Petition of divers of London and Westminster in the behalf of Lilburn, Walwyn, Prince and Over∣ton, prisoners in the Tower setting forth:

That the freedom of the People is, that none ought to be proceeded against, nor punished but by a known Law, and before ordinary Judges, and the Military power not to interpose, but where the civil power fails.

They pray favour for the Prisoners, and the Ʋnion of the Parliament party to be preserved.

A Petition with this Title:

To the Right Honourable the Commons of England assembled in Parliament.

The Humble Petition and Representation of several Churches of God in London, commonly though falsely called Anabaptists.

They acknowledge the goodness of God to the Par∣liament and Kingdom, disown any consent to the Book called, The second Part of England's new chains dis∣covered, justify their own principles and obedience to Authority, and pray the Parliament to make good Laws for the punishment of wickedness.

The House were satisfied with the disowning of the Book, and their expressions to live peaceably, and in submission to the Civil Magistracy, which the Speaker told them by direction of the House:

And that they and other Christians walking answe∣rable to such professions, the House did assure them, of liberty and protection, so far as God should enable them, in all things consistent with Godliness, honesty, and Civil Peace.

The House finding inconvenience by their late sitting the last Night, Ordered to rise every day by one a Clock.

The Votes of the House collected together touching excepted persons, and compositions of Delinquents were published.

Letters from Scotland of the Execution of Mar∣quess Huntly.

That a Minister asking him a little before his Execution, whether he desired absolution from the sentence of Excommunication, which he lay under, he answered, he would have nothing to do with him, nor with any that taught such heretical doctrine as he did, to speak to him.

In his Speech to the People, the Marquess told them, he was sentenced to lose his Life for obedience to his sacred Soveraign, to which this ought to incou∣rage all men, and not to affright them, and that they should for that cause stoop to a Scaffold, as if it were a Theatre of honour in this world, as indeed it was a heavenly ladder.

That he only craved in his behalf the prayers of those among them that were of this opinion, without desiring the prayers of others whose spirits perchance might be otherwise inclined.

[3.] Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands, and for Sale of fee-farm rents of the Kings.

Act committed, prohibiting Ministers to meddle with State affairs, but to preach Jesus Christ.

Order for a Declaration about matters of Reli∣gion, and setling of the Church, That Tythes shall not be taken away till another maintenance be provided for the Minister, as large and as honourable as by Tythes.

That as soon as such a way can be provided, Tythes shall be then taken off, that the government to be estab∣lished in England, shall be the Presbyterian government.

That a way shall be provided for admission of all such Churches, as tend to Godliness, and to advance the King∣dom of Jesus Christ, to be free without disturbances.

Alderman Atkins was chosen Lord Mayor in the place of Alderman Reynoldson Prisoner in the Tower, for the remainder of the year.

Letters of divers Vessels taken by the Irish Py∣rates.

Upon the coming of Major General Lambert into Lancashire, the two refractory Regiments were disbanded.

The Young Lord Cromwell, and Colonel Wer∣den, and the Lord Fitz-herberts son, were brought in Prisoners to Chester.

Letters from the Hague, that the Earl of Brain∣ford was gone to Sweden to negotiate for assistance of Prince Charles, and for that purpose Letters were sent to the Emperour, and King of Spain.

That others advised the Prince to go into Scot∣land, and become the head of the Covenanters, whom he might cast off again as there should be occasion, but Montross was against that, and that the Sword was most honourable.

That Van Trump set out a Declaration and pre∣sented it to the Prince to his great satisfaction as to Sea affairs.

[4.] A Petition from the well affected in Black∣burn Hundred in Lanchashire, mentioning their for∣mer assistance to the Parliament, and the corrupt party in both Houses, approving the purging thereof, and taking away the prerogative House of Lords; their desires were to the same effect with those in other Petitions, and they had the thanks of the House for their good affections.

An Act committed for prevention of the mis∣chiefs by those who buy up many heads of Cattle, and most of the granaries in the Nation, to sell again at excessive rates.

Referred to a Committee to draw the form of a new Oath, to be given to the new Lord Mayor of London, and his successours, and the Oath was presently drawn and assented to.

Referred to the Council of State, to give such order as they should think fit, concerning the Forces in Lancashire.

Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chap∣ters lands, and voted, that all monies due out of those lands, for charitable uses, should be paid ac∣cording to the intent of the donors.

The Court Martial sate upon the Tryal of Major General Laughern, C. Poyer, and Powel.

Colonel Morris late Governour of Pontefract Castle, and one Cornet Blackburn who had a hand in the Death of Colonel Rainsbourgh, and both ex∣cepted persons, at the rendition of the Castle, were taken at Lancaster in disguises.

Letters from Hamburgh, that the servants of C. Cockeram there, laid wait for the Minister going to preach in the English House, and attempted to murder him, but he was rescued by the Citizens.

[5.] The House, commanded Whitelock and his Brother Commissioner L'Isle, to bring the Great Seal into the House, to lye upon the table, for the more solemnity, because the new elected L. Mayor was to be presented this day to the House for their approbation, they brought the Seal accordingly, and at the door of the House, Whitelock took the purse by one corner of it, L'Isle by the other, car∣ried it up, with usual reverences and laid it on the table, they were both of them in their black velvet gowns, the first time of their wearing of them.

The new L, Mayor was according to order pre∣sented to the House, by their Common Sergeant Mr. Proby, who made an indiscreet speech, the House Ordered thanks to the Aldermen and Com∣mon-Hall for their good choice, which they ap∣proved of, but not of the speech of M•• Proby.

Order to swear the L. Mayor after the new Oath.

An Act committed touching compositions for Delinquency and Sequestrations, and giving an Appeal to the Barons of the Exchequer, instead of the former Appeal to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations.

Reference to the Committee of the Navy of a complaint of the Spanish Ambassador, and Petition of parties interessed, concerning an old business of the Spanish Ship taken by Sir W. Waller.

A Committee appointed to receive complaints touching abuses in the Forest of Dean, and destruction of the Timber.

[6.] A Report from the Council of State for sending out some Ships speedily, and appointing Commanders of them was approved by the House, and referred back to the Council to expedite the sending forth of those Ships.

Vote that the Justices of Peace in the several Counties, shall be Commissioners in the Act of as∣sessment of 90000^l. per mensem for the Forces, and the Act was passed, and ordered to be printed.

Order that the L. Mayor and Justices of Peace in London, do put in Execution the statutes, 5 Eliz. c. 4. and 1 Jac. c. 6. for setling the wages of Artificers, and for their better relief in these dear times, and the like to be done by the Justices of Peace in all Counties.

A Petition from divers well affected in Oxford-shire, with their desires referred to a Committee, and a Petition from the City of Oxford, referred to the same Committee, and the Petitioners had the thanks of the House.

Order for the rents allotted to the Prince E∣lector, to be paid unto him.

Order for Mr. Garland to bring in an Act, to remove all Malignant and disaffected Magistra∣tes, and that they may be incapable of bearing any office in the Common-Wealth.

[7.] The Act for the assessment of 90000^l per mensem for the Forces in England and Ireland passed, and Ordered to be printed.

A Committee appointed to advise with the Gene∣ral and Officers of the Army, how upon the due pay∣ment of this ninety thousand pound per mensem, free quarter may be wholly taken off.

Order that the four Aldermen and the late Lord Mayor Reynoldson, now Prisoners, be disabled from being Aldermen, and the Common Council to elect new Aldermen in their places.

Vote that Major General Brown and Sir John Clotworthy Prisoners, be brought to Tryal.

Captain Mountain proclaimed King Charles II. in Moulton in Yorkshire, and a Parliament man came into the Town presently after, and did not question it.

[9.] The Act passed touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Order for the Committee of Delinquents to bring in an Act, for rules of an Act of oblivion, and that the Committee of the Army bring in an Act for a Committee and Treasurers for the monies for the Army.

Upon a Report from the Council of State, L. G. Cromwell, Sir Hen. Vane jun, Alderman Wilson, and others were appointed to treat with the Common Council of London, for the borrowing of 120000^l for the service of Ireland, upon security of the assessment of ninety thousand pound.

Order for money for disbanding the Lancashire Forces.

A Committee appointed to receive Informations against Major General Brown touching his ingage∣ment with the Scots, and with the Earl of Hol∣land, &c. and against Sir William Waller, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, and Copley, and other Prisoners.

Letters from Scotland, that they are in high dis∣contents and faction, and the Prince expected to come, and reconcile them.

Letters from New-Castle of a Ship of Corn taken by the Irish, that the poor there, are many of them ready to starve, and the meaner sort, not able longer to pay assessments, not having bread to feed their families.

Eight Ships of the Irish Rebels taken by the Parliaments Ships.

[10.] Debate of several acts for prohibiting Ministers to meddle with State affairs in their Pulpits.

And for prohibiting the Eating of Flesh meat certain daies in the Week for a time, and for a∣bating prizes of Corn, and to forbid the making of malt for a time.

And of a Declaration of the Parliament, of their resolution to settle Religion, according to Pres∣bytery, and a full maintenance to the Ministers.

Order that the Speaker, Mr. of the Rolls, the Judges, and Masters of the Chancery, should have a Commission under the Great Seal, to sit and hear causes in the Rolls, in absence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.

Orders for money for several Forces.

The Council of War found Colonel Poyer guilty upon the Articles charged against him.

Upon a Report that the twelve thousand Eng∣lish designed for Ireland intended to march into Scotland, they went on there to raise their defen∣sive Army of ten thousand.

Discontent in London, about the unequal laying of the assessment, the Rich men being under-rated, and the poorer men over-rated.

[11.] A Report from the Council of State of several proposals, agreed upon as to the Forces that shall go for Ireland, was confirmed by the House, and the Commitment of Lilburn and his fellows by the Council, was approved by the House, and Ordered that they be tryed by the Common-Law, and Mr. Atturney Prideaux to prosecute them in the upper Bench.

A Proclamation published by the General for the observation of former orders for the Army, and that no Officer be absent from his charge without leave, and to prevent misdemeanours of the Souldiers.

At the Council of State, some discourses a∣mong them, of sending Whitelock Ambassadour extraordinary into Holland.

Against this he laboured, and urged the burden of the business in Chancery lying upon him, and (which gave most satisfaction, and as he believed in this jealous age did prevent his journey) he ur∣ged my Lord Willoughbies being in those parts; which by reason of their relation, might with some men, raise a jealousie upon him.

They again urged the fitness of him for this im∣ployment, his knowledge of the languages, and being one whom they could trust, &c. but he in∣sisted upon the former matters of excuse, and so the business as to him went off.

[12.] Order for a Writ to elect a new Burgess for Carlisle, in the place of M^r Barwis deceased.

An Ordinance committed to give power to the Committee of Admiralty, to proceed to sentence of Death, in Criminal causes.

Order for the Committee to meet the Common Council of London this afternoon, for borrow∣ing one hundred and twenty thousand pound for Ireland.

A long debate upon the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands, and provisoes in it, for al∣lowances out of those lands to itinerary Ministers, and disposing their impropriations, for additional means to the Ministery, recommitted.

An Act for inventorying the late Kings goods, committed, and a Committee appointed to con∣sider of the Sale of his Deer, and Parks, reserving such as shall be needful for the State.

The Common Council of London were willing to lend one hundred and twenty thousand pound for Ireland, but disliked the security proposed, and the Committees agreed to treat upon further security.

The Council of War after full hearing of the parties and witnesses, passed sentence of Death against Colonel Powell, and Major General Laug∣hern, as they had done upon Colonel Poyer before, upon the two first Articles of War.

That such as have intelligence with the Enemy, or any communication with them, without direction from the General shall be punished as Traitors and Rebels; and that none shall relieve the Enemy with money, victuals, ammunition, or harbour, or receive any of them upon pain of Death.

The wife of Major General Laughern presented a Petition to the Court Martial, imploring their mercy to her husband, and that this one unadvised act of his might not cause all his former eminent services to be forgot, and the great loss of her, and his Chil∣dren, and two Sisters by his Death.

At Bristol were discovered three brass pieces of Ordnance, made up in Fatts, sent from London, and directed to the Lord Inchequin in Ireland.

In the Evening the Commissioners of the Seal, the Lord General, the Lieutenant General Cromwel, the Chief Justice Rolls, the Chief Baron, and many Gentlemen of the House, as a Committee of Par∣liament went to the Common Council of London, to borrow of them 120000^l for Ireland.

The Common Council gave them a fair and hopeful answer by their Recorder.

[13.] Upon a Report from the Committee of Yesterdays transactions with the Common Coun∣cil, and their forwardness, and desire in that bu∣siness, a Committee was appointed to treat with a Committee of Common Council, concerning the advance of the 120000^l for Ireland, and to give them the thanks of the House for their willing∣ness to promote this business.

Order for monies for the Garrisons of Barwick and Carlisle, to be disposed, as the Governour of New-Castle shall direct.

An Act committed for appointing Treasurers for the ninety thousand pound assessment, no Member of the Army to be of this Committee.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince Elector arrived there, was slighted by the King of Scot∣land and his Court; that the States appointed a Council to assist the King, to treat with the Scots Commissioners, and commanded all their Mini∣sters, to pray for no Kings or Princes, but those under whose Government they are.

Letters from Excester, that the Mayor and Justices there, refuse to Execute their Office, and to punish any offenders, perswaded to it by the Ministers, who also inveigh against those that open the Flood-gate of wickedness.

[14.] Order that upon any suit commenced against any Member of Parliament, the Commis∣sioners of the Seal, and the Judges, shall certify such Members thereof, respectively, and if after such notice, they shall refuse to answer or plead, according to the usual proceedings of Law:

That then the Commissioners of the Seal and the Judges shall award such process against their persons and Estates, as according to Law is meet; and such Members to have no more priviledge in person or Estate, than any other Commoner.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Seal, and to the Judges in their Circuits, to receive com∣plaints against any disaffected Justices of Peace, and upon proof of the charges against them, to remove them from being Justices of the Peace, as they shall see cause, and to put other well affected persons into Commission in their stead.

A Committee appointed to receive Informa∣tions and complaints against such Ministers as in their Pulpits vilify and asperse the Anthority and late proceedings of Parliament, and to proceed a∣gainst such Ministers according to justice.

Referred to the Council of State to consider of a stamp for the gold, newly brought from Guin∣nea, and for the advantage of the State, and in∣couragement of the Merchants.

And to consider how the statutes against trans∣portation of gold and Silver may be strictly put in Execution, and how the melting of Coyn here, and selling of Silver for beyond Seas, may be pre∣vented.

An Act committed, for appointing of Com∣missioners and Treasurers for prize goods, and disposing of all prohibited commodities, for the advantage of the State, and for putting all statutes concerning the same, into Execution.

Referred to the Council of State, a proposition of Colonel Temple, to stop the transportation of Bullion, and all prohibited commodities.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, be required to give in the names of such persons, as they conceive will be fit for Judges, to supply the places that are vacant.

[16.] Upon the Death of Sir Francis Pile Knight of the shire for Berks, a Writ issued out for a new election, and the Sheriff returned the Earl of Pem∣broke with all his titles, to be chosen Knight of the shire for Berks, primae impressionis; the House appro∣ved of the election, and admitted the Earl a Mem∣ber of the House of Commons, and his Lordship attended by many eminent Members was received into the House with great respect.

Referred to a Committee to examine and consi∣der the impositions laid upon Corn and Coals, and the ingrossing of Corn, the Earl of Pembroke named of this Committee.

Oxford Petition referred to the Committee for regulating the University of Oxford.

Order that none go beyond Seas without li∣cence, and an ingagement to act nothing against the Common-Wealth.

A Petition from Colonel Poyer for Mercy.

A Petition often thousand well affected persons of London, Westminster, Southwark, and the Ham∣letts, in the behalf of Lilburn, Walwyn, Prince and Overton:

Complaining of the illegal proceedings against them, by power of Souldiers, and undue examinations of them, &c. and prayeth their inlargement from pri∣son, and that for the future no person may be censured, condemned, or molested, concerning life, limb, liberty, or estate, but for the breach of some Law first made, and published, and that the Tryals of all such causes may be left to subordinate Magistrates, and ordinary proper Courts of Justice.

That the Execution of Civil affairs, may be wholly freed from the interposition of the Sword; and that Martial Law during the times of Peace, when all Courts are open may not be exercised upon the persons of any, according to Magna Charta, and the Petition of Right.

Nothing done upon these Petitions.

The Inhabitants of Pool subscribed an ingage∣ment to adhere to, and assist their Governour by Authority of the Parliament or the General and to discover all Plots to the prejudice of the Parlia∣ment.

Letters from Scotland, that they are raising For∣ces to the number of fifteen thousand Horse and Foot.

Letters from Dublin, that the Scots in Ʋlster, are again on Foot with the Govenant, and a

Declaration against the Army in England, which they call the Sectarian Army, that murdered the King; that they have taken in some Towns there.

That Dublin expected to be besieged by Ormond.

That eight of Prince Rupert's Ships went to Scilly, and he with sixteen more went to block up the Road of Dublin.

[17.] Letters reported by the Council of State, that the Scots in Ʋlster had declared for King Charles the Second; had taken several places, and were set down before London-Derry.

That they demanded the delivery of the Town for the use of the King, and the Governour Sir Charles Coot to depart the Kingdom.

That Ormond with a party was come within thirty miles of Dublin. The House referred it back to the Council of State to take speedy care hereof.

An Act passed for the Judges of the Admiralty, and for judging of Prizes at Sea, and for incou∣ragement of Seamen.

An Act passed for appointing the Lord Mayor Andrews, Sir John Woolaston, Alderman Dethicke, and Mr. Allen, to be Treasurers for the ninety thousand pounds per mens. Assessment.

Debates about taking away of Tythes, and set∣ling a sufficient maintenance for the Ministry ano∣ther way, as by an Assessment of twelve pence per pound upon Lands, by Deans and Chapters Lands, Impropriations, &c.

Order for ten thousand pounds for Ireland out of the Welch Compositions.

Order to send to the City to summon all the Companies, to meet and consider their own inte∣rest about London-Dery, to hasten the advance of the Monies for Ireland, and about sending a Mes∣sage to the Scots, to withdraw their Siege from London-Derry.

The Council of State had intelligence of new Levellers at S^t Margarets Hill, near Cobham in Surry, and at St. George's Hill; and that they digged the Ground, and sowed it with Roots and Beans, one Everard, once of the Army, and who terms himself a Prophet, is the chief of them; and they were about thirty men, and said that they should be shortly four thousand.

They invited all to come in and help them, and promised them Meat, Drink, and Cloaths; they threaten to pull down Park Pales, and to lay all open; and threaten the neighbours that they will shortly make them all come up to the Hills and work.

The General sent two Troops of Horse to have an account of them.

[18.] Another Petition on the behalf of Lil∣burn, &c. to the like effect with the former, which had a quick answer from the House, and that the Prisoners should be proceeded against according to Laws in force before their crimes committed.

Debate upon the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and several Votes past for allow∣ances to Ministers and Scholars out of the Reve∣nues of those Lands to the Value of above twenty thousand pounds per annum.

And for the arrears of the Souldiers to be char∣ged upon the Parks and Lands belonging to the Crown; and left to the Lord General and Council of the Army to propound six Persons to be ap∣proved by the House to joyn with others whom the House will name, as Trustees for disposal of those Parks and Lands for that use, and the At∣torney General ordered to bring in a Bill for this purpose.

Upon the Petition of the Lady Capel, referred to the Committee of Complaints to examine it, and in the mean time, Ordered that the Seque∣strators, do forbear to cut down any more Woods or Timber upon the Lady Capels Lands.

Upon a Charge in a Petition against Mr. Ed∣ward Vaughan a Member of the House, he was Ordered to attend and answer it.

Letters from Sir Charles Coot, of his being straitly besieged in London-Derry, and that without speedy relief he must be forced to sur∣render.

Ormond sent a second and more peremptory Summons to Colonel Jones at Dublin.

Letters from the Hague, that since the news of Cromwels ingaging for Ireland, the Prince hath no mind to go thither.

[19.] A Solemn Fast kept by the Commons, the Lord General and Officers of the Army.

[20.] Several Members of the House appoin∣ted to go to the Ministers that preached yester∣day, and to give them the thanks of the House.

Order for the third of May next to be a ge∣neral Fast-day, and a Committee appointed to bring in an Act for dissolving the former Ordi∣nance, for a Monthly Fast, and to injoyn the ob∣servance of such Fast-days as from time to time shall be appointed by Parliament.

An Act recommitted for discharging poor Prisoners who are not able to pay their debts, and to compel such as are able to pay, and the Committee to confer with the Judges.

Everard and Winstanly, the chief of those that digged at S^t George's Hill in Surry, came to the General and made a large Declaration to justi∣fy their proceedings.

Everard said he was of the race of the Jews, that all the liberties of the people were lost by the coming in of William the Conquerour, and that ever since, the people of God had lived under Tyranny and Op∣pression worse than that of our Forefathers under the Egyptians.

But now the time of the deliverance was at hand, and God would bring his people out of this slavery, and restore them to their freedom in injoying the Fruits and Benefits of the Earth.

And that there had lately appeared to him a Vision, which bad him, arise and Dig and plow the Earth, and receive the Fruits thereof; that their intent is to restore the Creation to its former condition.

That as God had promised to make the barren Land fruitful, so now what they did, was to renew the ancient Community of injoying the fruits of the Earth, and to distribute the benefit thereof to the poor and needy, and to feed the hungry and cloath the naked.

That they intend not to meddle with any mans Propriety, nor to break down any pales or inclosures; but only to meddle with what was common and untilled, and to make it fruitful for the use of man; that the time will suddenly be, that all men shall willingly come in, and give up their Lands and Estates, and submit to this Community.

And for those that will come in and work, they should have meat, drink, and cloaths, which is all that is necessary to the life of man, and that for money there was not any need of it, nor of Cloaths more than to cover nakedness.

That they will not defend themselves by Arms, but will submit unto Authority, and wait till the promised opportunity be offered, which they conceive to be at hand. And that as their Fore-fathers lived in Tents, so it would be suitable to their condition, now to live in the same, with more to the like effect.

While they were before the General they stood with their Hats on, and being demanded the rea∣son thereof, they said, because he was but their fellow

Creature; being asked the meaning of that place Give honour to whom honour is due, they said, their mouths should be stopped that gave them that offence.

This was set down the more largely, because it was the beginning of the appearance of this opi∣nion; and that we might the better understand and avoid these weak perswasions.

The Council of the Army after a solemn seek∣ing of God by prayer, cast Lots, which Regi∣ments of the old Army should go for Ireland, there were fourteen Regiments of Horse and fourteen of Foot of the established Army, which came to the Lot.

And it being resolved that four Regiments of Horse, and four of Foot should go upon the ser∣vice, ten Blanks and four Papers with Ireland, writ in them: were put into a Hat, and being all shuffled together, were drawn out by a Child, who gave to an Officer of each Regiment in the Lot, the Lot of that Regiment, and being in this impartial and inoffensive way, no Regiment could take exceptions at it:

The Regiments whose Lot it fell to go were of Horse, Iretons, Scroopes, Hortons, and Lamberts; of Foot, Ewers, Cooks, Hewsons, and Deans. Se∣veral troops of Dragoons, and all the Officers whose Regiments were to go expressed much for∣wardness.

Letters from the Hague, that the Swedish Am∣bassadour there saluted the King of Scotland, and condoled the death of his Father; and that he and the Danish Ambassadour invited the States to joyn with them in assisting the King of Scots, to gain his birth-right.

[21.] Monies charged upon the Excise, Or∣dered to be taken off from that Receipt, and charged upon Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order that the Speaker be Authorised from Time to Time, to Sign such Letters as should be agreed on by the Council of State to be sent to the States of the United Provinces.

The General sent an Order for Major General Laughern, Colonel Poyer, and Colonel Powell, to draw Lots which of them should die, the other two to be spared their lives. In two of the Lots was written, Life given by God, the third Lot was a Blank, the Prisoners were not willing to draw their own destiny, but a Child drew the Lots and gave them, and the Lot fell to Colonel Poyer to die.

The Commissioners sate in Chancery by seven a Clock in the Morning and heard many motions, because two of the Motion daies in this Term, were disappointed by the Fast-days. After the Motions they heard eleven Causes, then they rose.

[23.] An Act recommitted for setting the Poor People to work and punishing Vagrants.

The Act for punishing Criminal matters by the Court of Admiralty, passed.

The Act passed for repealing the former Act for observation of a Monthly Fast, and requi∣ring such to be kept as Fast-days, which should be appointed by special order of Parliament.

Licence given for the French Ambassadour to transport eight Horses and eight Mares Custom Free.

The Amendments passed to the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and Rowland Wil∣son Esq was Voted one of the Trustees.

Vote for one hundred pounds per annum for Mounsieur du Moulin out of the twenty thou∣sand pound per annum for Augmentation to Mi∣nisters.

Some hundreds of Women attended the House with a Petition on the behalf of Lilburn and the rest, it was reproachful and almost Scolding, and much to the same effect with former Petitions for them.

An Act passed to authorise the Court of Admi∣ralty to proced to Sentence in divers causes, not∣withstanding prohibitions to the contrary.

Colonel Popham one of the Admirals was out at Sea with one Squadron of Ships, Colonel Blake, and Colonel Dean, the other two Admirals, were with another Squadron in the Downs.

A petition to the General and Officers of the Army, for poor Prisoners for debt to be released.

A Flemish Ship bound for Ireland was taken, with sixty Field Officers, and one hundred other Officers Cavaliers.

Letters from Scotland, that the Levies of Soul∣diers there go on apace, that divers new Insur∣rections were in that Kingdom, that their new King was unwilling to put away Montross from him.

The Council of State wrote to Major General Ashton, to disband Captain Bambers Troop by force, and to secure the Officers of it; because they had disobeyed the Orders of the Council, and taken Free-quarter.

[24.] Upon a Petition from Kendal, referred to the Council of State to consider of Convoys for Merchants Ships, and to send to Hamburgh and other parts for Corn to be imported.

A Petition from Colonel Poyers wife for spa∣ring her Husbands life, laid aside.

The Women were again at the House with a Petition in the behalf of Lilburn and the rest, but could not get it received.

Orders for six Commissioners of the Customs, and about other Officers of the Customs.

The King put off his answer to the Scots Com∣missioners with him at the Hague, telling them he was to receive the Sacrament, keep a day of Humiliation, and entertain several Foreign Am∣bassadours, and until these things were over, he desired to be excused.

The Prince Elector gave the King a Visit, had a Chair set for him, was desired to put on his Hat, and parted friendly from the King, who sent the Lord Treasurer Cottington, and the Lord Keeper in his name afterwards to give the Prince Elector a Visit.

[25.] Upon a Letter from the Earl of Nor∣thumberland, the House Voted, That the Lady Elizabeth, one of the late Kings Children, should not have leave to go beyond Seas.

That the Kings Children should not be put un∣der the tuition of any Member of Parliament.

That Sir Edward Harrington should be intrusted with them, That three thousand pound per annum be allowed to him for their maintenance.

The forms of the new Coyn were agreed on by the House to be thus,

On the one side to be the Arms of England, and a Laurel, and a Palm on each side, with this inscrip∣tion about it, The Commonwealth of England.

On the other side of the Coyn to be the Arms of England and Ireland, with this inscription, God with Ʋs.

Order that the Attorney General bring in In∣dentures, and an Act for establishing this form of Coyn.

The Women Petitioners again attended at the door of the House for an answer to their Petiti∣on concerning Lilburn and the rest. The House sent them this answer by the Sergeant:

That the Matter they petitioned about, was of an higher concernment than they understood, that the

House gave an answer to their Husbands, and there∣fore desired them to go home, and look after their own business, and meddle with their huswifry.

Order for a Bill to settle the twenty thousand pound for Augmentation to Ministers, &c.

Col. Poyer was shot to death in Covent-Garden, and died very penitently.

[26.] Upon a report from the Council of State, that they thought for setling the peace of the Nation, that there should be an Act of Oblivion, the House Ordered one to be drawn up: And Voted,

That the time to be set in the Act of Oblivion, from which no Action or Suit shall be commen∣ced or prosecuted for any thing said or done in the time of War, shall be before the first day of this Term.

Order that such as shall discover any monies rais∣ed to be imployed against the Parliament, should have the sixth part of what they should discover: and the remainder to be imployed for the service of Ireland in this Expedition.

Order that the Committee of the Revenue do speedily pay to Colonel Henry Martyn, a Mem∣ber of the House, three thousand pound, which Sum he had formerly advanced for the service of this Nation.

Order touching the arrears of the Dutchy of Lancaster.

Referred in a special manner to the Commissio∣ners of the Seal to relieve according to equity and justice, such persons as have lain under the power of the Enemy, and have been thereby disabled to pay their debts, yet are sued at Law, and liable to great penalties.

Referred to the Council of State, to receive from two Gentlemen a Proposition made by them for the great advance of Learning and Arts, and to treat with the Gentlemen thereupon, and report their opinions to the House.

Orders touching the Officers of the Customs.

Order for the Barons of the Exchequer, and the Committee of the Revenue to consult together, how the Arrears due by Papists may be collect∣ed, and that the Arrears of Fee-farm rents be speedily paid.

Order for the Speaker to sign Letters from time to time, tendered to him by the Committee of the Army.

Five Troopers condemned to die by the Coun∣cil of War, for a mutiny at the Bull in Bishopsgate-street, refusing to march upon their Colonels Or∣ders, and violently fetching away the Colours from the Cornets quarters.

Upon their humble Petition the General par∣doned them; but another, one Lockier was executed.

The Levellers were driven away from St. George's Hill in Surry by the Country people.

[27.] Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order for the Committee to meet touching Colonel Pophams arrears.

Sir Edward Harrington desired to be excused from taking the charge of the Kings Children.

Order for one thousand three hundred pound for Plymouth Garrison.

Mr. Andrews re-admitted a Member.

[28.] The House spent the whole day about perfecting the Act for sale of Deans and Chap∣ters Lands.

[30.] The Act passed for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and ordered to be Printed.

An Act passed giving power to the Commissio∣ners to administer an Oath agreed upon, in some cases of the Customs.

Letters from Lancashire of their want of Bread, so that many Families were starved; that there were many Souldiers quartered, pretending for Ireland, shew no Commission, yet make Assess∣ments for fourteen shillings a week for a Horse-man, and seize goods for default, and free-quar∣ter, and give the seed Corn to their Horses.

Referred to the Council of State, and by them to the General to reduce those in Lancashire.

An Act passed for Justices of Peace for the County Palatine of Lancashire as for other Coun∣ties.

By Order of the House, the Speaker sent Let∣ters to the Commissioners in the several Counties, for the speedy collecting the Assessment of nine∣ty thousand pound per mens. for the Forces in England and Ireland.

Some who counterfeited the Pass of the Coun∣cil, and by pretence thereof got Money in Suf∣folk (which they said was for the relief of Ire∣land) were committed to Peter-house.

Order of the General that no Regiment that is to stay in England, do entertain any of the Forces designed for Ireland.

M^r. Lockier a Trooper who was Shot to death by sentence of the Court Martial, was buried in this manner.

About one hundred went before the Corps, and five and six in a File, the Corps was then brought, with six Trumpets sounding a Souldiers Knell, then the Troopers Horse came cloathed all over in mourning and led by a Footman.

The Corps was adorned with bundles of Rose∣mary, one half stained in blood, and the Sword of the deceased with them.

Some thousands followed in Ranks and Files, all had Sea-Green and Black Ribbon tied on their Hats, and to their Breasts, and the Women brought up the Rear.

At the new Church-Yard in Westminster some thousands more of the better sort met them, who thought not fit to march through the City, many looked upon this Funeral, as an affront to the Parliament and Army; others called them Levellers, but they took no notice of any of them.

Letters from Ireland that Colonel Tothills Regiment of one thousand two hundred and fifty was not landed, but beaten back by Tem∣pest to Anglesey,

That London-Derry could not hold out the Siege; That Colonel Monk stood off, and did nothing, being, (as he said) not in a capacity.

Letters from Newcastle that many in Cumber∣land and Westmerland died in the high ways for want of bread, and divers left their habitati∣ons, travelling with their Wives and Chil∣dren to other parts to get relief, but could have none.

That the Committees and Justices of the Peace of Cumberland, Signed a Certificate, That there were thirty thousand Families that had neither Seed nor Bread-corn, nor Money to buy either, and they desired a Collection for them, which was made, but much too little to relieve so great a multitude.

Letters from Berwick, that the Scots troubles in∣crease, that there are among them, five for the King, for one against him; that they are incensed at the death of the Duke and Marquess Huntly, and expect an agreement with the King; That they take divers English Cavaliers into their Army.

Notes

• Lord M. of London.
• Petitions.
• Anaba∣ptists.
• M. Huntly.
• Declara∣tion of Religion.
• Alderman Atkins.
• Petition.
• New Oath.
• L. Mayor.
• Ships.
• Petition.
• London.
• London.
• Prisoners
• Great Seal.
• London.
• Lilburn••.
• Whitelock.
• C. Powel. M. G. Laughern.
• London.
• Hague.
• Ministers.
• Priviledge.
• Iustices of the Peace.
• Ministers.
• New Stamp. Guinne••
• Earl of Pembroke. Knight of the Shire.
• Petitions.
• Lilburn.
• Pool.
• Prince Ru∣pert.
• Ireland.
• Tythes.
• London.
• Levellers.
• Lilburn.
• Lady Ca∣pel.
• Ireland.
• Fast-days.
• Poor Debt∣ors.
• Levellers.
• Lots for Ireland.
• King of Scots.
• Speaker.
• Laughern, Powel, Poyer, cast Lots for Life.
• Du Moulin.
• Petition for Lilburn.
• Navy.
• Scotland.
• Petition.
• Lilburn.
• The King of Scots.
• P. Elector.
• Kings Chil∣dren.
• NewCoyn.
• Women petition for Lil∣burn.
• Answer.
• Poytr.
• Act of O∣blivion.
• Vote.
• Henry Mar∣tyn.
• A project for Learn∣ing.
• Speaker.
• Mutiny.
• Kings Chil∣dren.
• M^r Lockier.
• Funeral
• Ireland.
• Famine.
• Scots.