House of Commons Journal Volume 6: 16 January 1651

Die Jovis, 16 Januarii, 1650.

Prayers.

Correspondence with Spaine.

COLONEL Marten reports Amendments to the Letter to be sent to the King of Spaine: Which were read; and, after some Amendments at the Table, were assented unto.

And the said Letter so amended, being put to the Question, was assented unto.

Ordered, That the same Title be given to the King of Spaine as formerly was given to him.

Ordered, That Mr. Love do prepare a Model of a Seal, to be presented to the Parliament, for to be the Seal of the Parliament.

Ordered, That the Inscription of the said Seal be, viz. "The Seal of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England."

Ordered, That Colonel Marten do take care, that the Letters and Duplicates, to be delivered to the Spanish Ambassador, be prepared to be delivered to Mr. Speaker, when the Ambassador shall receive his Answer.

Ordered, That Tuesday Morning next, at Eleven of the Clock, be appointed for the Lord Ambassador of the King of Spaine to receive his Answer from the Parliament.

Ordered, That the Master of the Ceremonies do acquaint the Ambassador from the King of Spaine herewith: And that the Council of State do consider of the Manner of his Reception; and give Order therein as they shall think sit: And that the Court of Wards be provided for that Purpose.

Transactions with Portugall.

The Lord Commissioner Whitelock reports from the Council of State, A Copy of the Instructions to the Generals at Sea, relating to Matter of Fact touching the Transactions between the King of Portugall, and the Generals of the Parliament's Fleet; and Translates of several Letters from the Publick Minister of Portugall in Holland to Prince Rupert.

Which were this Day read.

Mariners Wives.

The humble Petition of divers poor Mariners Wives, in and about the City of London, whose Husbands were taken Prisoners by Prince Rupert in the Ship called the Roebuck of London, was this Day read.

Embassy from Portugall.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee that gave Audience to the Publick Minister of Portugall, or any Five of them, upon the Debate in the House, to draw up an Answer to be given to the said Publick Minister from Portugall; and present the same to the House: And that Colonel Thompson be added to that Committee: And all that come, to have Voices: And the said Committee are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

And the especial Care hereof is committed to the Lord Commissioner Whitelock.