House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 6 February 1689

Mercurii, 6 die Februarii, 1688.

Prayers.

Bailing and Escape of Brent.

THE House being acquainted, that Sir James Smith, Sir Wm. Waller, and the Keeper of the Compter, attended, according to the Order of the House of Yesterday;

Sir Wm. Waller was called in; and delivered what he had to say touching the Taking and Bailing of Mr. Brent:

And being withdrawn;

Sir James Smith was called in; and delivered a Copy of the Commitment, and of the Recognizance taken upon the Bailing of Mr. Brent.

Ordered, That Sir James Smith be committed to the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, for his Offence in bailing Mr. Brent out of Prison, who was committed for High Treason.

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, do make diligent Search after Mr. Robert Brent, who was lately committed for High Treason, and since bailed out of Prison by Sir James Smith; and that, if the Serjeant do find him, he take him into Custody.

Conference desired with Lords.

Ordered, That Mr. Dalben do go up to the Lords, and desire a free Conference with them, upon the Subject Matter of the last Conference.

Mr. Dalben reports, that he having, according to the Order of this House, attended the Lords, to desire a free Conference upon the Subject Matter of the last Conference, they had agreed to a free Conference, presently, in the Painted Chamber.

The House being informed, that there was so great a Crowd in the Painted Chamber, that the Members appointed to manage the free Conference, could not come to the Table;

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do go immediately (without the Mace) to the Painted Chamber; and require the present Return to this House of all the Members thereof, who are in the Painted Chamber, (except Serjeant Maynard, Sir Robert Howard, and Mr. Polexfen, who are at present lame) in order to the Room's being cleared of Strangers.

The House being informed, by the Serjeant at Arms, That he having acquainted the Members of the House, in the Painted Chamber, with the Order of the House for their speedy Return to the House, very few of them took Notice of the Direction of the House.

Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do go immediately with the Serjeant, and take the Names in Writing of such Members, as shall refuse to obey such the Directions of the House.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Adam Ottley and Mr. Methwyn;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House, that the Painted Chamber is now empty; and that their Lordships do expect the Members of this House at the free Conference.

And then the Messengers withdrew;

And the Managers went to the free Conference.

Committees

Ordered, That all Committees be adjourned.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow, Nine a Clock.