January, 1656.
[2.] The Parliament was adjourned for two days because the Speaker was ill.
[5.] The Speaker continued ill, and yet came to the House,
[6.] A Bill touching the publick Re∣venue.
[9.] The Parliament kept a Fast day with∣in the House.
[12.] The Speaker was not well able to perform the business of his place by reason of his ilness.
The House resolved into a Grand Com∣mittee * 1.1 upon the Bills for Uniting Scotland to England, and for uniting Ireland to Eng∣land.
[19.] Discovery of a Plot of Sindercombe, * 1.2 and others, to kill the Protector, and set on fire Whitehal.
A Thanksgiving day appointed for this discovery.
The House resolved to waite on the Prote∣ctor to congratulate the Mercy and Delive∣rance.
[24.] The Peace between this Common-wealth and Portugal proclaimed.
[27.] Mr. Speaker being come to the house and the House taking notice of the weakness of his body, it was resolved by the Parliament that, in respect of Mr. Speakers present Indis∣position of body, the Lord Commissioner Whitelock be desired to take the Chair to supply the Speakers place during his absence. * 1.3
The Lord Commissioner Whitelock was brought to the Chair by Collonel Sydenham, and Major-General Howard, and being there set, desired, since the House was pleased to Com∣mand his service in that place on this occasion, that they would be pleased to construe with all Candor his words and actions therein; and that they will give him a freedom of minding them, and keeping them to the orders of the House, for the service and Honour of the House.
Resolved, That those ceremonies and repects * 1.4 that were used to the former Speaker, shall be used to the present Speaker,; and that he have the profits due to the Speaker.