Proceedings in Parliament, October 2nd - 30th, 1647

CHAP. XIX. Proceedings in Parliament from October 2. unto October 30. 1647.

Munday, October 4. 1647.

The charge of the War in England and Ireland estimated annually.

This Day the Commons resumed the Report and Debate concerning the Forces to be continued for England and Ireland, and voted 20000 l. per Month over and above the 60000 l. for the 9000 Horse and Foot designed for Ireland, and towards the Charges of that War.

The Establ. to begin Nov. 3. next.

That the Establishment for the Forces of Ireland do begin the 3d of November next.

The committee of the Army to bring it in.

And that the Committee of the Army do bring in an Establishment for these Forces and Train of Artillery, according to the former Votes in that behalf.

There was then also some Debate of a General for the Forces of Ireland, but not agreed on. And it was ordered that the further Debate of the Government of Ireland be considered on Thursday next.

Small addition of Pay to some.

That the Addition of one Horse to a Captain, eight pence perdiem more to a Cornet, and one Horse to a Quarter-master be allowed to the Forces: And that the Carriage-master in the former Vote be left out.

And to others disbanded.

Some further Proceedings were then also made as to the Garrisons in England; and it was ordered that two Months pay be given to all that are put out, and so disbanded, and that all that are of the Army, and not being of the Establishment for England, or go not for Ireland, be casheered.

32000 l. for Engl. and Irel. Security for the same.

The Ordinance for fecuring the Re-payment of 32000 l. advanced for the Service of England and Ireland, was read, and passed the Commons.

Guernsey and other Islands a Regulation.

An Ordinance for Regulation of the Affairs of the Islands of Guernsey, Alderney and Bank, was read and committed; and Colonel Birch, Colonel Ludlow, Mr. Harrington, with Mr. Weaver, were nominated Commissioners for this Business.

Concerning the Arrears of the Army.

A Letter was read in the House of Commons from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and Council of War of September 30 last, and it was concerning the Arrears due to the Army, which was read and referred to the Committee of the Army.

For the Establishment of the Tower; 1800 Foot to be continued.

Another Letter was also read from the General of October 1. and it was concerning the Establishment of some Forces to be continued in this Service of the Tower, with a List enclosed, in relation to the same; and it was ordered, that the Committee of the Army do confer with the General; that the 600 Men mentioned in the List, may be of the 18000 Foot appointed to be continued up here in England; and that they be paid within the said Establishment.

Propositions to the King.

The House of Peers had into consideration this day the Propositions sent up from the Commons to be sent to his Majesty; and upon debate, passed that for setling the Militia, with some Alterations.

They also concurred with the Commons in the other Propositions, with some small Alterations in some of them.

The Lords summon their House to attend about sending Propositions to the King.

And upon debate by their Lordships what was further to be done about sending the Propositions to his Majesty, it was ordered that all the Lords of that House be summoned to attend the House on Thursday next about that Business.

Duke of Buckingham.

The Lords passed an Order for taking off the Sequestration of the Duke of Buckingham.

Earl of Newport.

The Earl of Newport petitioned their Lordships for an Abatement of his Fine of Composition: Their Lordships recommended his Petition to the Commons.

The Bishop of Durham to have an Allowance of 800l. per An.

A Petition was also read in the House of Lords from the late Bishop of Durham, That the Allowance of 800 l. per Annum out of the Lands of that Bishoprick formerly allowed him, may be continued; and that the Committee make certain Payment thereof, which the Lords ordered accordingly; and sent it to the Commons for their Concurrence.

Delinquents to bear no Office, nor vote in Elections in Corporations.

Both Houses this Day passed the Ordinance for disabling Delinquents to bear Office in the Kingdom, or to have Vote in the Election. By which Ordinance more particularly it is thus declared: That no Person that hath been in Arms against the Parliament, or hath aided or assisted the Forces of the Enemy by contributing of Monies, Arms and Ammunition, or other Aid or Assistance, not being compelled or constrained thereunto; or who hath been, is, or shall be sequestred or sequestrable, shall have any Voice or Vote in the Election or Choice of any Mayor, Recorder, Sheriff, Alderman, Bayliff, Assistants, Town-Clerks, Common-Council Man, Steward of any Court, Constable, or any other Officer: Or in the granting or of passing any Lease or other Instrument, whereunto the Common Seal of any Colledge, Cathedral Church, Hall or Corporation, is to be set; or of any Copy-hold, Lands or Tenements, in any County, City, Borough, or Town-Corporate, or either of the Universities, or other Place within the Kingdom of England, Dominon of Wales, or Town of Berwick. Nor shall any such Person as aforesaid (without the Allowance of both Houses of Parliament) hereafter be chosen or continued to be in any of the aforesaid Offices or of the first or second Company, or of the Chamber or Common-Council of any City, Borough, or Town-Corporate, as aforesaid: And to the intent that this Ordinance be duly executed and observed, the Examination of all Complaints in this kind and Determination upon the same, is left to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Indempnity; provided always that this Ordinance do continue and be in force for the space of Five Years only, next ensuing the Date hereof; and that it do not extend to any Person or Persons who have been or shall be unduly sequested, and have been or shall be therefore discharged of the said undue Sequenstration by both Houses of Parliament, or by the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations.

The Agreement between M. G. Lambert and the Dales-men who at last submit to quarter Soldiers Riclimondsh. in Swale-Dale, Coverdale, &c.

The Letters from the North this Week relate the Agreement made between Major-General Lambert and those of the Dales in Richmondshire more fully than what we gave you the last Week, who refused to quarter any Soldiers of that Association. The Propositions of which they agreed, were.

FIrst, That they should agree to the present receiving into Quarters such Numbers of Horse and Foot as the Commander in chief shall appoint.

Secondly, That the said Forces shall continue there till the Inhabitants of the Dales shall bring in their Arms and Ammunition, to be secured as the Commander in Chief shall appoint.

Thirdly, That this being done, they shall quarter proportionably with the rest of the County; only those adjacent Towns and Places that have suffered by the Rendevouz and close quartering of our Forces, and upon this Occasion, shall be totally agreed from quartering for three Months; and the Dales Men to bear their Proportion.

Four chief Dales Men, Ringleaders, to be sent up to Sir T. Fairfax.

Fourthly, That three or four of the chief Ringleaders (Men of Estates) should be sent to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, to answer the Contempt.

This Agreement being made, 600 Foot were accordingly appointed to quarter in the Dales.

Tonnage and Poundage.

The House of Commons this fifth day of October spent much time about the Ordinance for Tonnage and Poundage, which was read the second time; and the House adjourned into a Grand Committee about the same; and ordered the same to be read again on Thursday next.

The Commons past an Order sent down from the Lords about Monies for Master Prince.

Archbishop of Armagh to have 100l. a Quarter allowed him.

They had likewise a Message from the Lords in behalf of Doctor Usher, late Archbishop of Armagh, desiring some Allowance for his Maintenance. And it was ordered, that 100l. a Quarter should be allowed him, until he be otherwise provided for by some Living or Benefice.

Col. Thornhaga, who raised a Regiment of Horse at his own Charge, ordered repayment.

A Certificate was reported to the House of Commons of Colonel Thornhaga, a Member of that House, singed by the Committee of Nottingham, That the said Colonel had advanced a Regiment of Horse for the Service of the Parliament, at his own Charge, which amounted unto 1030 l.

The House hereupon ordered him repayment thereof.

A Petition against Members that sat in the Vacancy of the Speaker.

The House this Day received another Petition from many Citizens of London, against those Members of the House that fat there in the vacancy of the Speaker.

The Petition was read; and afterwards the Petitioners called in, and had answer given them, That the House had formerly debated on this Business, and hath settled the same: That the House adhered to their former Votes, with this further Declaration, that it is the Duty of Englishmen to acquiesce in the Judgment of Parliament: And so desired the Petitioners would do the like.

From the North we had by Letters of the Proceedings of Colonel Lambert, further thus:

M. G. Lambert takes care to settle Quarters in the North. And amongst the Dales Men who have brought in their Arms.

Our greatest Agitation for the present is about settlement of Quarters in the respective Countries, about suppressing the Moss Troopers, hearing and redressing Complaints and Grievances, which are very many. The Dales Men have delivered in their Arms to the Officers appointed; which they did freely and suddenly, to be eased of their Burthern; and now they go hand in hand with the rest of the Country Major Sanderson's and Colonel Lilburne's Troops are appointed to march into Northumberland, and quarter there, and have Instructions concerning keeping of Guards, and using all Means to suppress the Moss-Troopers: And Captain Wilkinson's, and Captain Bradford's Troops, and Sir Robert Collingwood's Regiment, are to march out of that County into the County of York, to be placed in Quarters. In the Bishoprick of Durham are quartered 900 Foot, being their Proportion, which are of the Garrison Soldiers of Newcastle; also they are to be quartered in places most convenient to do the Duty of the Garrison; and the County where they quarter are to have 4 d. a Day each Soldiers, for discharge of their Quarters; and the County to be freed from all others. By the inclosed Petition is discovered how experimentally sensible the County of Cumberland is of the great Abuses of the Moss-Troopers; and Care is taken for their Relief: For Major Cholmley's and Captain Bayar's Horse, being about 170, are appointed to quarter in that County, and have the like Instructions as the Forces in Northumberland for their suppression.

Rippon, Octob. 1. 1647.

To the Right Honourable Major-General Lambert, Commander in Chief of all the Northern Forces.

The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of Heathward, Ashdaleward, and Cumberlandward, in the County above-mentioned,

Inhabitants complaining of the barbarous carriage of Moss Troopers driving away their Cattle at noon time of the Day.

Humbly sheweth,
That the Proximity of our Inhabitants to the Borders of both Kingdoms renders us liable to the intolerable, cruel, and unheard of Outrages of some Border Inhabitants, who under the Nation of Moss-Troopers, in great Companies assemble themselves even at Noon-day, Feloniously to drive away our Cattle, to rifle our Houses, abuse our Wives, threaten our Servants, if resisted, burn our Houses, butcher our Children, and murther our selves; which doleful Tragedies may punish to the World our unparalleled Misery better conceived than expressed.

Wherefore we address our selves to your Honour, as the nearest and only Means of our future Safety and Defendance out of the merciless Hands of these barbarous and Godless Enemies: Humbly beseeching your Honours, that Major Cholmley, whose known Faithfulness, Vigilancy, and bold Adventures hath long curbed their Insolency during his continuance in this County, may still be imployed in this Service, with accommodation for himself and his Troop, from the remotest Parts of the said County, propotionably with us, who are nearest exposed to such apparent Danger; and shall daily pray.

This Petition was subscribed by at least 2000 Hands.

A Petition for able gifted men, tho' not Clergy-men, to preach.

Upon Wednesday, October 6. there was a Petition presented to both the Houses of Parliament, about sending of able gifted Men (tho' not Clergymen) to preach the Gospel in the barren places of this Kingdom. The Petition, for better Satisfaction, is as follows.

To the Right Honourable the House of Peers in Parliament Assembled.

The Humby Petition of many Citizens of London, and others,

The Petition on their behalf at large.

Sheweht,
That your Petitioners are deeply sensible of the extream want of preaching the Gospel throughout this Kingdom, there being many hundreds of Towns and Villages altogether destitute of any preaching Ministry, and many others not well supply'd: By reason whereof, Ignorance, Drunkenness, Prophaneness: Disaffection to the Parliament, and to others in Authority, do every where abound, here being scarce so much as any Face of Religion in many places.

That there is a great Cry of People from several Counties of the Kingdom for Men to preach to them the Word of Eternal Life.

And there are many Men of competent Gifts and Abilities, of good Life and honest Conversation, who being willing to employ their Talents in the Lord's Work, and to submit themselves for Approbation to moderate and judicious Men, are yet by occasion of some Scruples about Ordination discouraged from engaging in this Work of publishing the Gospel, wherein they might be helpful unto many. And seeing that in the Days of Queen Elizabeth, upon occasion of Peoples Necessities, many such Men were sent forth to publish the Gospel, who had no formal Act of Ministerial Ordination passed upon them; whose Endeavours the Lord blessed, to the Good of many Souls, and the furthering of the Kingdom's Peace. And since also, we nothing doubt, but the Propagation of the Gospel through this Nation, and the Information of Men in the things of their Peace, and the Peace and Safety of the Kingdom, are worthy of your greatest Zeal, and are not the least of your Care.

Therefore your Petitioners humbly pray,

'That those who shall be approved of as Men meet to dispense the Mysteries of the Gospel, by such judicious, moderate, and able Men, whom you in Wisdom shall appoint thereunto, may receive from this Honourable House Encouragement and Protection in preaching the Gospel in any place of this Kingdom, or Dominion of Wales, where Need requires.

'That so the Word of the Lord may have free Course, and be glorified, ignorant Men may be instructed, Drunkenness, Prophaneness, and Disaffection to the Parliament, and to others in Authority, may be abandoned, and both the Spiritual and Temporal Peace and Prosperity of all sorts of Men be the more advanced.

For which your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.

The Answer of the House of Lords.

This Petition being read in the House of Peers, the Lords gave this Answer, That they did take well that good Affection of the Petitioners to the Advancement of the Gospel, and have appointed to take into consideration their Petition.

and of the House of Commons.

And upon the reading of the same in the House of Commons, Thanks were returned to the Petitioners for their good Affection to the Kingdom; and the Petition referred to a Committee, who are to consider of a way for examining such as shall be so allowed.

For setling Presbyterial Government, with ease to tender Consciences.

The Ordinance for settling the Government of the Church in Presbyterial Way, this Day reported to the House, took up the Debate of the whole Day, and ordered to be committed, and to be brought in again with a Clause for giving ease to tender Consciences such as are Godly, and make a Conscience of their Ways, &c. and this to be sent along with the other Propositions for his Majesty's Assent.

Ordinance for Guernsey.

A Message this Day came from the Lords, That their Lordships had returned the Ordinance for Guernsey, with some small Amendments, desiring the Concurrence of the House of Commons therein; and after the reading thereof the Amendments were assented unto.

Tonnage and Poundage.

The House was this Day, October 7. in a Grand Committee upon the Ordinance for Tonnage and Poundage, it being a Business of great Concernment; and no other Business was done in the House.

Of Proceedings of the Council of the Army at Putney.

This Day the general Council of the Army met at Putney. We cannot at present give a particular Account of their Proceedings, but understand the chief was in further relation to what they did, the last Week, about pay for the Army, and the Arrears due from the City of London.

That Col. Jones is gone again into the Field, with 21 Peices of Ordinance. Oneal and Preston join Forces. Pope's Nuncio under suspicion.

There hath been little from Ireland now this Fortnight, but from Chester they write, That Colonel Jones is again gone out into the Field with 21 Pieces of Ordinance, such as the Way would pass. Owen Oneale and Preston are again joined together, and seem formidable, but most unexperienc'd Soldiers, and but badly armed; they expect both Monies, and Arms from beyond the Seas. The Pope's Nuncio has made large Promises to them; but they begin to suspect him, although there are none in the World more easy to be wrought upon by Religious Pretences than the Irish. Sometime they pretend to give us Battel, but upon our Forces approach they retire into Woods and Bogs. Colonel Jones is wary of their Ambuscades, but resolute (having once got all the Forces he can) speedily to give them Battel, and to fight it out; for which he hath fair Encouragement, having beaten up the Quarters of the Enemies next unto him, with great loss to the Enemy; and good Booties are brought in wheresoever our Forces make their Intradoes into the Country of the Rebels.

Commissioners of the Customs.

Upon Friday, October 8. The House had much Debate concerning the present Commissioners of the Customs, and some Intimation was given, how that some of them had had a hand in the late Business of the City against the Parliament and Army: But this Business admitted only of debate.

Of the Winter Fleet.

A further Report was made to the House of the Winter's Fleet that is to be sent out, a great part of it being left uncompleated at the last Debate; which the House now finished, and agreed upon the rest of the Officers that are to command that Fleet.

The Results of the Council of the Army on Thursd. Oct. 7

A Report was made of the Results of the General Meeting of the General Council of the Army on Thursday last, and their desire in relation to their Pay and Arrears; which were thus.

As to Arrears.

First, That the Arrears of the Army may be paid out of the Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands and the remainder of the Security of Bishop Lands, and Sale of Forest Lands.

Months Pay.

Secondly, That the Months Pay due to the Army may be speedily collected by such as both Houses shall approve of.

Thirdly, That the Propositions may be drawn up, and speedily sent to his Majesty for his Concurrence.

Referred to the Committee of Army.

The House upon their Debate ordered, That the Months Pay should be referred to the Committee of the Army, as to the collecting there of, which took up the whole Debate of the Day.

The House of Commontons was called this day; 150 Members did not appear. Fin'd 20 l. a Man.

This Day being October 9. the House, according to former Order met, and called over the Roll of the Members of that House; by which it appeared, that there were one hundred fifty odd Members absent upon the calling of the House.

The House hereupon spent the whole Day in Debate of this Neglect or Contempt, and at last ordered, That such Members as have not appeared according to Summons, shall pay the Sum of 20 l.

Committee further to examine them.

Afterwards a Committee was appointed to examine the absence of these Members, whether they can object any sufficient Cause why they have not obeyed the former Summons of the House, and to report their several Cases to the House.

Order for a further Summons of their, Members to appear Nov. 3.

The House further ordered, That there be a further Day appointed to summon the Members, and that the Third of November next should be the Day of those Members of the House that have not appeared upon Summons according to the former Order of the House, and the Summons of the Sheriff of the several Counties in that behalf; and the Debate as to this Business was the sole Business of the Day.

Tue Duke of Richmond and others com to his Majesty at Hampton-Court: Their stay was short.

From Hampton-Court we understand thus much, that the Duke of Richmond, Marquiss of Hartford, Marquiss of Ormond, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Souththampton, Lord Seymour, and some others, came on Thursday last to His Majesty to Hampton-Court, Great was the Expectation at Court upon their Arrival, and that they came to perswade or mediate with his Majesty to pas the Propositions: Many thought otherwise. But their short stay at Court rendered the General Expectations in these Particulars fruitless.

The Reason therefore the King sent for them.

In brief, his Majesty had sent for them to advise and consult withal as his Privy-Counsellors; and it should seem they had Thoughts to settle there for a time in Council with his Majesty: But this distasting, in that there is no Satisfaction as yet given on his Majesty's behalf to the Parliament or Army, it was declared against by the Army: And these Privy-Councellors said with his Majesty only Friday and left the Court this Saturday Morning some for London, and some elsewhere.

The Council of the Army at Putney gave Audience to a German Prophet; pretending to make an Agreement between King, Parliament and Army

From the Head-Quarters at Putney we understand further of the Meeting of the General Council of the Army on Thursday last, That they first gave Audience to an High-German, who pretends to be a Prophet, and would prescribe way for the setling of a firm and lasting Peace: His chief Motion was to general Agreement and Concurrence, between King, Parliament, and Army: But this was not the thing they met for. After this there was a Debate about some further Explanations of the Proposals, and likewise about the raising of Moneys from the City for the Pay of the Army.

Tue Northern Forces in distress for want of Pay.

The Condition of the Northern Forces was presented to be in great distress for want of Pay; which being taken into serious Consideration, it was resolved upon to recommend their Agents to the Committee of the Army, that they would be pleased to procure an Order. That the said Forces may have one Months Pay out of the first Moneys that can be had for the Pay of this Army, and the Forces that have concurred with it.

Putney Octob. 9. 1647.

Munday October 11.

Tue Desires of the Army in relation to their Pay and Arrears.

This Day the House of Commons took into further Consideration the Desire of the Army in relation to their Pay and Arrears expressed in their last Paper from the General Council at Putney October 7. the Heads of which Paper of their Desires we gave you formerly; but having since met with a true Copy from the Original, and not yet in print, we will give it you as followeth:

To the Right Honourable the Commissioners of Parliament appointed to reside with the Army, to be humbly represented by them to both Houses of Parliament.

The Desires are as follows.

Whereas by a Paper delivered to the Commissioners of Parliament residing with the Army, from, and in the Name of this Council (bearing date the 23d Day of September) we did upon the Grounds, and for the Reason therein expressed, desire, that if the Arrears due from the City to this Army should not by the time then limited be paid in, the Parliament would think of some Course (by way of Penalty) to increase the Sum, and give Power to the General (with Directions from the Committee of the Army) to levy upon the Refusers, both the Sum formerly due, and also the additional Penalties. Now, forasmuch as the said Arrears are not yet paid in, nor levy'd, we hereby renew our humble Desires to the Parliament.

First, That they would take the whole Matter of the said Paper into Consideration; and amongst other things therein contained, would be pleased to grant to the General, and such Officers and Soldiers as he shall appoint, full Power (with Directions of the Committee for the Army) to levy the said Arrears by way of Distress.

And forasmuch as the levying of the said Arrears, barely by way of Distress, without some Penalty upon such as shall stand out until they be distrained, would have been Encouragement to all others in further (both in the City and elsewhere) to withhold the Payment that's due from them as long as they can, when they shall find that the worst is but to pay at last the bear Sum due when they shall be distrained for it. We therefore desire,

Secondly, That the Parliament would be pleased to set down a certain Penalty (of double the Sum due or some other Proportion) be levied upon every Person who shall put the Committee and Army to the same Power for levying the said Penalties as for the Arrears themselves; And that they would likewise set some Penalty upon all Collectors, who shall appear to have made default in their Duty, in not demanding or not levying the Arrears within the representive Limits, and give the like Power for levying such Penalties upon them: And whereas there are considerable Arrears due from several Countries and other Places to the Army, which seem to be withheld out of the same Design or Disaffection, and upon the same Presumptions: We therefore desire,

Thirdly, That the Parliament would set down the like Course, and give the like Power for the levying of all Arrears due to the Army, with the like Increase by way of Penalty upon all such Persons in other Counties and Places who shall not pay the same without the Trouble and Charge of the Distress.

Fourthly, That the Houses would be pleased to think of some Course for their own safe guarding, so as the Army may be set free from the Necessity of quartering about London any longer than till the Month's Pay shall be obtained.

Lastly, Whereas the Army hath so long lain close about London, to the great Oppression of these Parts adjacent, where the Charge of quartering Soldiers (in regard of the Dearness of the Commodities) is much more heavy than in Places more remote: And since for that Reason the Soldiers lying in these Parts, will not be able, out of their small Salary, to discharge Quarters (which 'tis desired and intended they should begin to do, so soon as there shall be a Month's Pay sent down for the Army: And, forasmuch as (after the City-Works are slighted, and a Month's Pay obtained) there will be little Occasion for the Continuance of the Army hereabouts, save in relation to the guarding of the Parliament.

We therefore desire, &c.

Putney, October, 7. 1647.

Concerning a better Establishment for the Army.

The Commons, the better to debate these Desires from the Army, and to settle a Course for a better Establishment for the Army, the House was turned into a Grand Committee; and after long Debate, it was voted, That the Army or Forces appointed for Ireland, be paid out of the Office of Excise, Goldsmiths-Hall; and for the further Support, as Occasion shall offer and call for: For the Arrears of the Army, the Remainder of Bishops Lands was ordered (that is, so much as is not pre-engaged) for the 800 and odd Thousand Pounds publick Faith, with Redemption; also the Lands called the Deans and Chapters, are also to be sold: and that Money must also pay Arrears; but there is an Exception, that Impropriations are not (as in Bishops Lands) to be sold; but reserv'd either for the Church, that is, the Preachers; or if Tithes be not continued, then for the People: also the Fee-Farm Rent as was formerly paid to the Dean and Chapter, which was above the Tenth of what the Land was worth, at a Rack Rent; for all must be racked. All this passed as the House was a Committee.

10000 1. to Sir Tho. Mauliverer for raising of two Regiments, &c.

The Commons upon the Petition of Sir Tho. Mauliverer, Baronet, who hath raised two Regiments of Foot and a Troop of Horse for the Service of the Parliament, and had lost a great Estate, and had done considerable Services for the Kingdom, ordered 10000 l. to be paid him upon Accompt, in part of his Arrears.

Two Members of the House of Commons appearing after the Day of Summons, were ordered to pay the Sum of twenty Pounds apiece, according to the late Vote of the House of Commons, before they could be re-admitted into the House; but the House being afterwards satisfied of their having the Leave of the House to be absent, and of their necessity of their being in the Country, the House ordered that their twenty Pounds apiece should be restored.

The Petition from the Committee of Accompts was ordered formerly to be heard on this day; but, by reason of other Business, deferred.

Tonnage and Poundage.

The Commons this day, October 12. spent much time in debate of the Ordinance for Tonnage and Poundage; the Result of which was, that the House doth declare, That if the present Commissioners of the Customs should advance the Sum of 30000 l. for the present Service of the State, they shall not be removed till they shall be repaid the same with Interest, and all Monies due unto them since their Employment in that Service.

That the present Commissioners do advance 30000 l. and reimburse themselves out of the Customs.

The House being informed that the Commissioners of the Customs attended at the Door to know the Pleasure of the House herein, some Members were ordered to go out and acquaint them with this Declaration of the House.

Which Propositions the Customers accept.

The Members that were ordered to acquaint the Commissioners of the Customs with the Declaration of the House concerning the Advance of 30000 l. for the present Service of the State, reported to the House, that they had acquainted the Commissioners of the Customs with the said Declaration; and that they were willing to advance the said Sum upon that Declaration.

Hereupon the House ordered that they would accept of the Advance of the said Sum of 30000 l. by the Commissioners of the Customs.

They ordered that the Grand Committee, before whom the Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage doth lie due in the said Ordinance to be brought in, observe the Votes of the House now passed.

Arrears of Assessments.

An Ordinance for bringing in the Arrears of the Assessments for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army; The Order for the Committee of the Army to be impowered with the same Power in the Commissioners appointed to reside in the Army for perfecting what they shall leave imperfect, were sent to the Lords for their Concurrence, and assented unto.

A Petition was this day read from divers of the Committee of the Militia of Hertford and others.

Militia in Hertfordsh.

The House ordered that a Member of their House should prepare and bring in an Ordinance with the Names of the Parties therein to whom the Power of the Militia of that County should be intrusted.

Ordered, That Lieutenant-Colonel John Lilburne's Business be reported on Friday Morning next.

Another Letter was this Day read in the House of Commons from the General-Council of the Army about Free-Quarters and Pay for the Army: The Letter it self for better Satisfaction was as followeth.

A Letter from the Army to the Speaker about Free-Quarter and Pay.

Mr. Speaker,
The great Sense we have of the Cries and Groans of the People under Free Quarter, and unutterable Calamities that must inevitably befal this poor Kingdom, presses us fore, and invites us to make this earnest Address unto you, that you would please to take it into your present Consideration to make out a Provision for a constant Pay of those Forces you intend to keep on foot for the Security of this Kingdom, and the present Reducement of distracted Ireland: And because his Excellency and this Army are obliged by their Engagement to take care of all those Forces which have mutually engaged with them in these late Service, We do offer our Opinions whether it may not much conduce to your Affairs speedily to prepare Monies for the disbanding of such as you intend not to be of the Number of that standing Body of Horse and Foot for the Ends aforesaid; that so your Forces being contracted, the Kingdom may be the better encouraged and more enabled to make good their Pay, and the Army to be disposed to their respective Garrisons, and such Quarters, that the Price of Commodities may not be inhanced in any part of the Kingdom (much less so near the populous City) which is Occasion of this contracted Posture. Truly Sir, we might press you with that Months Pay which hath been so often promised, and we did believe was before this deposited in your Treasury; and that great Neglect (which must next Summer) that no part of it is drawn in; and that, if the City be the Failers, the sad Precedent it gives to the whole Kingdom. We might mention to you the Necessity of the Soldiery, and the great Advantages some that study Anarchy and Distractions, take upon it, to make their Impressions upon this Army. But nothing is so difficult and grievous to us as to consider how the poor Soldier (for his mere Subsistence) is compelled to grind the Face of the Poor, to take a Livelihood from them, who are fitter to receive Alms, to unto Families, threaten the Ruin of the whole, and all Propriety, and to be an abhorring to himself (which some ingenuous of them acknowledge) and this for want of that constant Supply and Pay, whereby they might chearfully, and with content to the People, discharge their Quarters, and so ease both the Country and their own Minds of an intolerable Burthen.

This being that which the Neighbour States both of the Netherlands and others, make their prime Scope, and whereby they enjoy so much Peace and Quiet under a warlike Posture: This being the only and plain Medium to stop the Cries and Groans of so many Thousands ready to perish, and to heal the Wounds of this desolate Nation, that will otherwise bleed to Death, and inevitable Ruin.

Sir, We do humbly conceive that the present and speedy Dispatch of what we offer is the only Basis and Foundation for the rest of your Affairs how weighty soever they seem to be, and without which you cannot assure this Kingdom's Safety: We shall only add, that for the bringing in of your Assessments, it may be most contenting and effectual, to pass it by the way of the High-Sheriff, &c. as is used to be in the Case of Subsidies, the Name and Power of Committee-preaching being so unpleasant to the People, and the High-Sheriff being so responsible both for his Estate and Power in the County.

We would not have put thus much Trouble upon you, but that it is to ease you and the Kingdom of a greater, and to discharge our selves before God and Men as those that have moved every Stone by our several Address to accomplish that without which the Kingdom's Peace and Security cannot be established.

We do further offer unto you the Necessity of a present auditing the Arrears of the Army; and that the Committee for the Army may be forthwith dispatched with full Instructions to that purpose, according to your late Vote, which being put into a way, would give great Satisfaction to the Soldiery.

And we shall again remember you of our humble Desires, that the Arrears and publick Faith of the Army and Soldiery of the Kingdom may be satisfied out of Deans and Chapters Lands, &c. or such other visible Way as shall be contenting to the Soldiery; and what shall be resolved upon in this behalf, to be insisted upon with the rest of the Propositions.

By the Appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the General Council of the Army.

John Rushworth, Secr.

Putney, Oct. 7. 1647.

The Commons, upon reading of this Letter, referred the same to the Committee appointed to provide for the Forces of England and Ireland.

Ordinance for bringing in Arrears due to the Army.

Both Houses this day passed an Ordinance for the more effectual bringing in the Arrears of the Assessments for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, That all the several Sums of Money that are in Arrears and unpaid upon the several Ordinances for Sir Thomas Fairfax, be forthwith assessed, collected and payed according to the said Ordinances.

Letter from Col. Jones for present Supply of his Army now marched out against the Enemy.

A Letter came this Day to the House of Peers from Colonel Jones, Governour of Dublin, of the great Extremity of want of Supplies for the Soldiery, who are now in a Body gone out towards the Enemy, and what Service might be probably done in short time (had he good Accommodation) against the Rebels, assuring that nothing shall be wanting in him to do his utmost, declaring his Resolution to fight with the Enemy if he can force them to it.

Their Lordships ordered to communicate the said Letter to the Commons, That a speedy Supply may be sent over to Colonel Jones.

Malignant Ministers in Oxford and in St. John's Colledge there pray for the Bishops, &c.

The Commons were acquainted that divers malignant Ministers in Oxford and elsewhere, particularly at John's College, did read the Book of Common-Prayer, pray for the Bishops, and use malignant Expressions; after the Debate whereof, a Committee was ordered to examine all Complaints in that nature, and to make Reports to the House; and accordingly a Committee of the House was chosen, and ordered to fit in the Afternoon.

The Lords passed several Instructions this Day, one for Mr. Castle of Woodham in Essex, Mr. Plant, and others.

Two Ordinances for repair of Churches. Dr. Du Molin to be Divinity- Lecturer at Oxford.

They likewise passed two Ordinances, and sent them to the Commons for their Concurrence; whereof, one for the repairing of Churches in all Parts of the Kingdom, and the other for Dr. Du Moline to be Reader of the Divinity Lectures at Oxford. They passed an additional Ordinance for the Militia of Westminster.

An Order for the Earl of Portland in the Business of the Isle of Wight.

An Order for the Agent of the Duke of Florence to be freed from the Excise of his own Particular.

Intelligence from the North.

Not much News from the North this Week, but that much means have been used to soment Differences there, and very pretty Stories told at London to encourage a Belief thereof. The Lord Lowden is coming for London from Scotland, the Lord Lannerick being come before. The Scottish Army do not disband at the 12th instant, as appointed: Some Forces of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army are designed to march into the North; we hope Care will be taken for pay of them, and all will be quiet.

Intelligence from Dublin of Col. Jones's joining with Col. Monk.

Letter from Dublin September 28th give to understand thus much, That Colonel Jones hath been in the Field some Weeks, hath gotten Assurance That Colonel Monk with 500 Horse, and about 1000 Foot, was coming to the Rendezvous agreed on, and that in few Days they will meet, and then advance towards Owen Roe Mac Cart, who is now General of all the Irish Preston, having quitted his Generalship, and accepted of the Government of Kilkenny and Waterford, and transmitted unto Roe all that small Number recollected after his Defeat. it still holds from the Report of those taken, that Owen will not hazard a Battle, and the Season now not fit for Sieges, Colonel Jones will in all probability destroy and lay waste where he goes.

Presbyterial Government how far to be set up.

This Day being October 13. both Houses sat upon the Business of Religion, and how far the Presbyterial Government shall be set up in this Kingdom, and his Majesty's Concurrence to be desired to the same; and several Votes passed hereupon. The Lords proceeded thus far in a Grand Committee:

'That the King be desired to give his Consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament as shall be presented to him for setling the Presbyterial Government, according to the Matter of the several Ordinances of Parliament already agreed upon for the Directory or Church-Government, to continue for the space of three Years, from the time of the King's Assent given to the said Act or Acts with a Provision to be made, that no Person shall be liable to any Question or Penalty, only for Nonconformity to the said Government, or to the Form of Divine Service appointed in the said Ordinances: And that such Persons as shall not voluntarily conform to the said Form of Government and Divine Service, shall have liberty to meet for the Service and Worship of God, and for Exercise of Religious Duties and Ordinances in any fit and convenient Places, so as nothing be done by them to the disturbance of the Peace of the Kingdom.

'And provided, That nothing in this Provision shall extend to any Toleration of the Popish Religion, not to exempt any Popish Recusant from any Penalties imposed on them for the exercise of the same. And also that it shall not extend to tolerate the Practice of any thing contrary to the Principles of Christian Religion, contained in the Creed, commonly called the Apostles Creed, as it is expounded in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Articles of the Church of England, according to the true Sense and Meaning of them, and as they have been cleared and vindicated by the Assembly of Divines now sitting at Westminster; nor of any thing contrary to the Point of Faith; for the ignorance whereof Men are to be kept from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as they are contained in the Rule and Direction past for that purpose by both Houses, October 20. 1645. And also provided, That nothing herein shall extend to excuse any Persons from the Penalties of the Statutes of primo Eliz. Cap. 2. for not coming to hear the Word of God on the Lord's Day in any Parish-Church or Chapel, unless he can shew a reasonable Cause of his Absence, or that he was present to hear the Word of God preached or expounded unto him elsewhere.

The Commons likewise insisting upon the Business of Religion, past several Particulars: As, 'That Presbytery be established; and for the time, until the end of the next Sessions of Parliament after this, or the end of the second Sessions of Parliament.

'That the Tenths, and all other Maintenance belonging to any Church or Chapel, shall be only for the use of those that can submit to the Presbyterian Government, and none other: That Liberty of Conscience, or Worship granted, shall extend to none that shall print, preach, or publish contrary to the first 15 Articles of the 39, except the Eighth, which mentions the Three Creeds made many Years after the Apostles: That nothing contained in this Ordinance shall extend to any Popish Recusant, or taking away of Penal Laws against them.

The Lords ordered this Day, that the Marquiss of Winchester have three Months time longer to be abroad. They made a Committee to dispose the Moneys collected for the suffering and distressed: Ordered a Committee to draw up into Form those things which were past of the Proposals concerning Delinquents: This Committee is to consider and draw up somewhat tending to the Propagation of the Parliament: Also about Justices of Peace and Grand Jury-men.

Further Debates and Proceedings in Matters of Religion as to the Presbyterian Government.

Both Houses, October 14. again further proceeded in the Business of the Propositions to be sent to the King. The Lords had before them the further Report concerning Religion and Church-Government, much to the effect you had before. They also debated concerning the determination or end of Sessions of Parliament, and inclined to Triennial, as formerly and this Session of Parliament, to end within a Twelvemonth after passing the Bill, and the next Sessions to be three Years after, and so Triennially according to former Votes.

Indulgence to tender Consciences.

The Commons further proceeded in the Business of Religion and Church-Government, and agreed, 'That such tender Consciences 'Should be freed by way of Indulgence from the Penalty of the Statute 'for the Presbyterian Government for their Nonconformity, who do 'meet in some other Congregation for the Worship of God on the 'Lord's Day, and do nothing against the Laws and Peace of the 'Kingdom; and that none others shall be free from the Penalties of 'the Statute I Eliz. Cap. 2.

From Hampton we received the Copy of a Letter from his Majesty, to his Excellency about the King's Children remove from Sion-House. The Letter is as follows.

The King's Letter to the General about his Children.

CHARLES REX.
We have received great Content in the frequent repair to Us hither of our Children from Sion; and herein, that the Earl of Northumberland (under whose Care they are) is now towards a remove with them to Saint James's, so as there they will be at a greater distance from Us. We are desirous you will add this acceptable Civility to your former ones, as to write effectually to the Two Houses of Parliament, that my Lord of Northumberland may be authorized once in ten Days, or some such time, to give Us the same Satisfaction of letting Our Children visit and remain with Us here for a Night or two; the distance from London, Winter Weather, and shortness of Days, not permitting such returns as they have hitherto observed. We shall account this a further Comfort to Us, and acknowledge it accordingly.

Given at our Honour of Hampton-Court, the tenth of October, 1647.

To Sir Thomas Fairfax, General.

Friday, October 15.

Tonnage and Poundage.

The Commons this Day further considered of the Ordinance for Tonnage and Poundage, spent a great part of the time about the same, and ordered to consider thereof on Tuesday next.

Church-Government.

The Commons then likewise proceeded in that part of the Propositions to be sent to the King concerning Church-Government, and the Vote before mentioned, giving Liberty to such Persons, as shall not conform to the Government and Divine Service by Ordinance of Parliament established, shall have liberty to meet for Religious Duties otherwise, so as nothing be done to the disturbance of the Peace of the Kingdom. They have made this Additional Vote:

Indulgence to tender Consciences explan'd.

'That this Indulgence shall not extend to exempt any Persons from any Penalty by Law imposed, or to be imposed upon them, for absenting themselves upon the Lord's Day from hearing the Word of God, unless they can shew a reasonable Cause of their Absence, or that they were present elsewhere to here the Word of God preached or expounded unto them. And this Debate took up the whole time this Day.

Debate at the Council of Officers for the Soldiers to abate for free Quart. A Trooper 12d. per diem; A Foot Soldier 4d. per diem.

The General Council of the Army we understand met again at Putney yesterday, and set in the Church all the Afternoon; the General was then also at Putney, but sat not in the Council. A long Debate was had about Arrears and free Quarter; and it was resolved on, that every Trooper of the Army should abate 12 d. per diem, and every Foot Soldier 4 d. per diem, in lieu of free Quarter: And in case any prove that they paid their Quarters, consideration is to be had thereof. Nothing else of Publick Concernment concluded on, that we hear of.

No Indulgence to the Common-Prayer.

The Commons on October 16. further proceeded in the Debate of that Proposition concerning Religion, and made a further additional Vote, 'That the Indulgence, as to tender Consciences before-mentioned, shall not extend to tolerate the use of Common-Prayer in any Place whatsoever.

The Lords Alteration in some of the Propositions.

The Lords sent a Message to the Commons, and thereby acquainted them, That their Lordships had sent down the Propositions to be sent to the King; wherein they had made some Amendments, as Persons therein to be excepted against, and the third part of their Estates to be a Composition for their Delinquencies, and in this Qualification to be excepted against, with some other Alterations, the Sum whereof we gave you before.

The House hereupon ordered, that these Propositions to be sent to the King, be referred to a Committee; and accordingly a Committee was appointed to consider how these Propositions agree with the former Propositions, and wherein they do disagree, and report the same to the House on Monday next; which was the Business of the Day.

Intelligence from Hampton-Court. To remove some Officers about his Majesty.

We had some News farther this Day by Letters from Hampton-Court, briefly thus: The News of an Order of Parliament for removing such Officers from about his Majesty as have lately flocked thither, hath much distasted the Cavalry, and they speak big Words upon it. Some have been likewise busie to get Commission for the Scotish Army to come again into England, 'Tis much to be suspected something is doing of great Design this way, and a Messenger dispatched, or very suddenly to be dispatched for France about it. If those who have the Charge of the Cinque-Ports be careful (and take this timous Advice) it is possible they may intercept something worth the discovery; and take this further Item, That if there be any Attempt to pass any of our Ports, a disguised Gentleman, Tall, and Black Hair, about Thirty Years old, one that varies Garb, sometimes like a Frenchman, a Dutchman, and sometimes for a Scot, and that can set his Tongue accordingly, examine him well; for such a Man hath been observed to follow the Court lately, and fouly suspected to be employed about desperate Designs.

Col. Whaley affronted by a Yeoman-waiter at Court.

One thing we had almost forgot, the Colonel Whaley making known the Order of Parliament for Cavalry to depart the Court. One Robins, one of the Yeoman-Waiters, not only refused to go, but he gave the Colonel very course and uncivil Language, and at last offered to strike him: Whereupon the Colonel drew his Sword; and Robins complained to the King.

The Heads of 16 Propositions sent by the Commons to the Lords, to be sent to the K.

The Commons, October 18. proceeded in the Propositions to be sent to the King; and the Committee to whom the Papers sent down by the Lords on Saturday last, in order to the Propositions to be sent to his Majesty (consisting of Sixteen Heads) were referred, made their Report of them to the House: And for better satisfaction of the Commons Proceedings herein, we will give you the Heads of the said Propositions sent down to the Lords as followeth.

Militia.

First, That the Militia, for Twenty Years be in the Hands of such as the Parliament shall appoint, &c.

Publick Debts.

Secondly, For the pay of Publick Debts of the Kingdom.

Titles of Honour.

Thirdly, For making null new Titles of Honour.

Great Seal.

Fourthly, The old Great Seal to be null after taken from the Parliament, the new confirmed.

Abolishing of Bishops, Deans and Chapters, Bishops Lands.

Fifthly, For abolishing Bishops, Deans and Chapters.

Sixthly, For Sale of Bishops Lands.

Proclamations Indempnity.

Seventhly, For calling in his Majesty's Proclamations, Declarations against the Parliament, &c. and passing an Act of Indempnity.

Cessation with the Irish.

Eighthly, For nulling the Cessation with the Rebels in Ireland.

Great Officers.

Ninthly. For Election and making of Great Officers by the Parliament.

Church.

Tenthly, For setling the Government of the Church for Three Years according to Presbytery.

Qualifications as to Delinquents.

Eleventhly, That several Qualifications for Delinquents, and of all the Seven in the first Exception to be in the next Qualification; and these Seven to be at the Mercy of the Parliament.

Treaty with the Scots.

Twelfthly, For confirming the Treaty with the Scots, their coming into the Kingdom, and for Conservators of Peace in both.

Period to the Parliament.

Thirteenthly, For putting a Period to the Parliament, to continue for a Year only after the passing the Act for a Triennial Parliament.

Justices and Grand-Juries.

Fourteenthly, For Elections of Justices of the Peace, and of Grand-Jury-Men.

Act of Oblivion. The King to return to his Parliament, &c.

Fifteenthly, For an Act of Oblivion. And the last for his Majesty to return to his Parliament, and to have his Rights, Queen and Prince restored and established.

The Commons insisted upon the Propositions, but not altogether in order as they lay: They passed the Seventh and Eighth, made some Alterations in the Ninth concerning the Navy, that it should not be in the Hands of a High-Admiral, but of Commissioners. Something was also in Debate about a High-Constable, but laid aside.

They then took into Consideration the Tenth Proposition about Election of Great Officers, and upon debate committed the same to a Committee, who are to consider of all Offices, and a Provision for such as have been out of their Offices for adhering to the Parliament, and of a Negative Voice, according to the Debate of the House, concerning all Offices of Publick Trust; and to proceed for the appointing of Ambassadors and Agents to reside abroad upon Foreign Negotiations; this Committee to meet this Afternoon about the same, to bring it in to morrow Morning.

Then the House proceeded to the Tenth Paper for setling of the Church-Government, which was thought fit to be waved until afterwards. They likewise debated the Eleventh Paper concerning Delinquents; the House had great Debate, and first considered of the Seven nominated out of Mercy, there being others thought to be more considerable than some of these, and divers as considerable as any of them; and it was voted to be referred to the former Committee to prepare a Proposition upon the Debate now had in the House, concerning Delinquents excepted from Pardon for Life.

Much debate was, whether exempted out of Mercy should be nominated; if named, what number? or whether it should not be expressed, Such as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit? And at last it was referred to a Committee to bring in a Paper (concerning the Branch) according to the Sense of the House.

Against Stage-Plays, to be suppressed.

Several Complaints have been made to the House of the bold Attempt of Stage Players playing at Publick Houses in the City, contrary to Ordinance of Parliament. And an Ordinance was this Day reported to the Commons, and past, for the more effectual suppressing of Stage Plays; the Players to be apprehended, carried to Prison, and effectually proceeded against.

Freeborn, John Lilburne complains of the House of Peers as his Accusers and Judge.

Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne this Day attended the Committee about his Business, made a long Speech, and hath since delivered his Case to the Committee, and his Speech in Writing, complaining against the Lords as Accusers and Judges against him, declaring their Proceedings illegal, and gave in many Precedents, which he undertakes to prove. His Expressions were in Law very high.

The French Ambassador had Audience of the King to take his leave.

From Hampton-Court, Letters this Day say, 'That on Saturday last Monsieur Belliver President of the French Parliament, who hath been so long Embassador Extraordinary here from the King of France, was with his Majesty to take his leave; and also his Brother, Monsieur Creeveghn Belliver, who is lately come from France hither to lie Leaguer; and they had both Audience; and after two or three Hours departed from the Court.

Intelligence from Scotland; The Gourdons are broke out again.

Letters from Edenburgh give to understand, 'That the Great Assembly met at Edenburgh the 12th instant, and also the Commissioners of the General Assembly; what they do you may expect by the next, only this in the interim, that it was appointed to disband their Army. The Gourdons are risen in the North with sundry Slaves; and with them Major-General Middleton hath had one Encounter, and killed above twenty of them: Also the Lord Rae, and his Adherents, are broken out again: The Earl of Southerland is marched towards the Lord Rae with 700, and its thought are joyned together before now: The Clergy are much for continuing the Army: The Lord Louden will be at London by Tuesday, or Wednesday; we shall shortly understand their Desires and Intents.

A Paper presented to the General by the Agents of five Regiments of Horse.

From Putney we had to understand of certain Papers presented to the General this Day by the Agents of Five Regiments of Horse, as the Case of the whole Army, but is indeed, as some say, the Act of these Agents only, and it's conceived, will not carry the Approbation of the Army, there being some things in them very high, if not against the Sense of the Army in general, as you will hear further at the next General Council. With these Papers they likewise presented a Letter to the General; which we will here give you, with the General's Answer, as followeth.

The said Agent's Papers.

May it please your Excellency:
From the deep Sense of our Duty to God, to our native Country, to your Excellency, to this Army, to our selves, and to Posterities to come, we find such Obligations upon our Consciences, written naturally by the Finger of God in our Hearts, that we cannot behold the Honour of God to be impaired, the Works of his Hands, the Lands of our Nativity, Your Excellency, this Army, our selves, or Posterities, ready to be swallowed and devoured up in Confusion, Thraldom and Ruin, and to fit still, and not arise in Strength of his Might, to contribute our best Endeavours for the Prevention thereof; for God hath given no Man a Talent to be wrapt up in a Napkin, and not improved; but the Meanest Vassal in the Eyes of the Lord, is equally oblig'd and accountable to God with the greatest Prince or Commander under the Sun, in and for the use of that Talent betrusted unto him: And therefore we presume, that your Excellency (who do acknowledge your self a Creature of, and Servant to the same God) will not think it strange, or judge us disobedient or refractory, that we should, as we have presumed, state the Case of the Army, how declined from its first Principles of Safety, what Mischiefs are threatned thereby, and what Remedies are suitable, for Prevention of which herewith we do humbly present and offer unto your Excellency: For, Sir, should you, yea, should the whole Parliament or Kingdom exempt us from this Service, or should command our Silence and Forbearance, yet could not they nor you discharge us of our Duties to God, or to our own Natures; for we must be accountable, and Judgment will come for the Deeds done in our Flesh, whether Good or Evil; and he that hath not improved and put forth his Talent to use, shall be bound Hand and Foot, and cast into the Lake of eternal Vengeance: Therefore, whether God or Man in this Case must be obeyed, judge you: So that we are bold from our Sense of your Excellencies Piety, Honesty, and Uprightness to God, and to your Country, that in this our discharge of our Duties to both, we shall not incur your Displeasure or Discountenance, but that you will freely commit us and the Issue of our Endeavours to God, and if it be of him it will stand; and from our Consciences we attest and profess in the Presence of this All-seeing Deity, as we desire Safety in this Life, or in that which is to come, we have no other than cordial and faithful Intents and Resolutions, to the undoubted Safety and Weal of our native Country, to the Parliament, your Excellency, and this Army, in this Business, represented in these enclosed Papers: And we utterly abhor and renounce all secret or private Signs or Interests under the same, together with all that is contrary to the plain and vulgar Sense expressed in the Premisses thereof: And if by any one your Excellency shall be suborned, that we are Transgressors of all Order and Form, and in that Sense only to look upon us, we desire to mind your Excellency, that the Law of Nature and Nations, attested in our publick Declarations and Papers, may be an Answer to such for the Justification of our present Expedient; for all Forms are but as Shadows, and subjects to the End; and the Safety of the People is above all Forms and Customs, &c. And the Equity of Popular Safety is the thing which justifieth all Forms, or the change of Forms, for the Accomplishment thereof, and no Forms are lawful longer than they preserve or accomplish the same.

If our Duty bind us when we see our Neighbour's Houses on fire, to wave all Forms, Ceremonies, or Complements forthwith (not waiting for order or leave) to attempt the quenching thereof, without further scruple, as thereunto called of God, we say, if we be so obliged and called in the Case of a particular, then much more are we obliged and called, when we behold the great Mansion-House of this Commonwealth, and of this Army (wherein all the Families of the Nation are contained) on fire all ready to be devoured with Slavery, Confusion and Ruin, and their National native Freedom (the Price of their Treasure and Blood) wrested out of their Hands, as at this present appeareth to our best Understandings. And therefore in this Exigency and Streight of Extremity, we, from the very Dictates of Divinity, Nature, and Reason ingraven in our Hearts, could not otherwise chuse, with Quiet and Peace to our Consciences (which no mortal Men can take from us, or suppress the over-powering Motives thereof) but consider with our selves what we should do to award those threatning Mischiefs from this Nation and Army; and to that end we find nothing more effectual than to knit our selves together with this fixed Resolution, to part with our Lives, and all this is near and dear unto us, before we part with our Freedoms: And in relation thereunto, we the Agents to the five Regiments of your Horse, have, after our weak manner, on this Representation directed to our respective Regiments, and to the whole Army, discharged our Duties; and we presume we have not erred from the equitable Sense of our Solemn Engagement, or from the just Maxims and Matters contained in our Declarations, Remonstrances, &c. from the which we are resolved not to recede. Thus humbly craving your Excellencies favourable Construction in our innocent Intentions and Endeavours, we (as we always have been) cordially, remain.

Hempstead, Octob. 15. 1647.

Signed by the Agitators, for Lieutenant-General, Commissary-General, Colonel Fleetwood's, Colonel Rich's, and Colonel Whaley's Regiments.

The General's Answer to the Papers of the Agitators.

The General returned Answer to this Letter, 'That he thought it meet it should be presented to the General Council.

In a Grand Committee the Commons considered of Moneys for the Army.

The Commons, October 18. should have proceeded with the Proposition; but they being not perfected by the Committee, it was put off till the next Day. And the Commons adjourned into a Grand Committee of the Whole House, to consider of some visible Moneys for present Pay of the Army.

That there is 100000 l. Engagement on the Excise.

They took into Consideration the Excise, in which they entred upon the Examinations of the Engagements of the Excise, which is about 100000 l. and debated about taking off what Engagements may be upon other Supplies; and ordered, That his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax send some of his Forces to assist the Collections, if any Obstructions be therein.

Monies to be raised out of Bishops Lands.

They also considered of the Rates of Bishops Lands, &c. And ordered (concerning Lives) that the Inheritance of Bishops Lands, after Three Lives, shall not be sold under Two Years Purchase; That Inheritance after Two Lives, not under Three Years and an half; And Inheritances after one Life, not under Five Year Purchase. They likewise considered of Fee-Simple, and voted, That Fee-Simple after Twenty-one Years shall not be sold under Two Years Purchase (according to the Rates of Lives;) Fee Simple after Fourteen Years, not under Three Years and an half (after the Rate of Two Lives;) and the Fee-Simple after Seven Years, not under Five Years Purchase (as for One Year.)

The French Ambassador to take his leave; A Pass for himself and Baggage.

The House of Peers received a Letter from Monsieur Beliver (the French Ambassador) which is a Complement (concerning his going away) taking his Leave of them, and desiring a Pass for him and his Equipage, &c. (which Letter was read, and the Business debated) about Wagons, and Barges, and other Conveniences for his Passage; and also a Pass for himself and his Baggage, and a Ship to be assigned for him. The Letter was ordered to be communicated to the House of Commons; and also that Three of the House of Peers (and a Proportion of the House of Commons) desired to give him a Visit at his departing out of the Kingdom,

Lords and Commons appointed to visit the Fr. Ambassador.

The Lords nominated the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Manchester, and the Lord Howard of Estricke. The Commons nominated a like number to join with them.

Their Lordships ordered to send to the Commons, to mind them of Two former Messages. 1st. About the Marquiss of Winchester's longer Liberty; and, 2dly. For the Pardon of those in Northhampton.

Stage-Plays.

The Ordinance against Stage-plays was this Day carried up to the Lords.

Of Col. Jones's Proceedings with his Army in the Field.

They write from Dublin, That Colonel Jones goes on prosperously; but in regard the cunning Enemy will not be drawn to fight, nor quit his Holds, he is forced to play such a Game as he can, by clearing the Country of the smaller Holds of the Rebels; in which he hath made a Progress, taken Four Castle, whereof one considerable, and is now before the Castle of Sir Luke Fitzgerald, a Place that hath from the beginning been Rebels. The taking of his Place will be very advantagious. There is no neglect in surprizing of the Enemies Cattle and Corn, and also being prosecuted to the utmost.

Forces sent against the Moss Troopers in Cumberland and Northumberland, with Power to fight with them.

From the North we had further Letters from Rippon to his purpose, 'That Colonel-General Lambert was gone from Rippon to Colonel Bright's House at Carborough near Rotheram; and there remains as yet Major Cholmely, who hath Instruction to keep Guards, &c. to suppress the Moss-Troopers in Cumberland, with his own and Captain Byer's Troops of Horse, is gone thither for that purpose; and the eight instant marched through Rippon with his own and Captain Lilburne's Troops, and are upon their march into Northumberland to suppress the Moss-Troops there, with like Instruction. They have Power, in case of opposition, to fight with, take Prisoners, and by all Ways and Means to suppress the said Moss-Men.

Concerning the Number of the Persons exempted from Mercy.

Upon October 20. the Commons further proceeded upon the Propositions from the Lords to send to the King; and they further debated that Head concerning Delinquents, upon the Report from the Committee, and voted that the Number of the Persons exempted out of Mercy, shall be seven; that the seven Persons nominated by the Lords should be the Persons; and that the rest of the Persons in the former Propositions in the first Qualification, and those in the second Qualification shall be liable to such Punishment as the two Houses of Parliament shall think fit, and his Majesty not to grant them Pardon without the Consent of the Houses.

Articles to be made good.

Then the House proceeded to other of the Qualifications and the Branches thereof, concerning Estates, Places, &c. and made several Votes thereupon, with respect had to making good of Articles where there are Engagements according to the Tenour of their several Articles made with several Garrisons and Forces: And the whole time this Day was spent upon this Business,

Commons do hasten the Propositions to the King; Church-Ministry and Tithes.

The House October 21. not willing to lose time in a Business of so weighty Concernment as the Propositions to be dispatched to his Majesty, further proceded in that Business; and upon further Report from the Committee for that Business, the Commons passed the 12th Head concerning the Treaties with the Scots and Conservators, &c. the 13th for a Period of Parliaments, was waved; the 14th also for Justices of Peace; the 15th for an Act of Oblivion, and the 16th for the King and Queen (as aforesaid) waved: and the Houses resumed that concerning the Church, as to the Maintenance of the Ministry, Tithes to those comformable, &c. and spent much time upon this Debate, and ordered to proceed further herein to morrow.

Some Members excused as to their Fines.

Several Members of the House were excused their Absence without paying their Forfeits at the last calling of the House, shewing Cause wherefore they could not then attend the House.

Obstruction in the Sale of Bishops Lands.

The House this Day received a Petition from Sir William Roberts and others, in the Name of all the Contractors for Sale of Bishops Lands, desiring the House to take some speedy Course for removing the same, that that Service may the better go on for the Good of the Publick. The House had much Debate thereof, and referred the same to a Committee.

Allum; and the Earl of Mulgrave.

The House ordered on the morrow to hear the Report concerning the Earl of Mulgrave; and the great Business of Allum, to be reported.

That on Thursday Morning next the Business concerning Sir Francis Willoughby be considered of.

This Day the House of Lords debated the Ordinance for suppressing of Stage-Plays, and agreed thereupon with the Commons.

Stage-Plays.

Colonel Thornhogh, Mr. Piggott, and some other Members of the House, had leave given them to go into the Country.

East-India Company.

A Petition was on Octob. 22. presented to the House by the East. India Company, with an Order of the House of Peers, which was read and debated, and at last referred to the Consideration of the Committee appointed to consider of Lieutenant-Colonel John Lilburne's Business.

L. C. Gell 1200 l.

The Certificate of the Committee of Accompts certifying the Accompts of Lieutenant-Colonel Gell, who hath done good Service for the Kingdom, was reported to the House, and thereupon ordered that the Sum of 1200 l. shall be paid to the said Lieutenant-Colonel Gell out of the Monies remaining in the Hands of Mr. Baynton the Treasurer.

Ordinance for payment of the Arrears of the Army, and of all the Soldiery of the Kingdom.

An Ordinance was this Day read in the House of Commons for paying the Arrears of the Army and all the Soldiery of the Kingdom that have served the Parliament in the War, was read; and upon the Question, committed to a Committee chosen for that purpose.

By the Sale of Bishops Lands.

And the House then further declared, that the Arrears of the Army under the Command of Sir Tho. Fairfax, and the Arrears of the Soldiery of the Kingdom that have served the Parliament in this War, shall be satisfied and paid them out of the Sale of Bishops Lands belonging to Bishopricks, after the present Engagements thereupon shall be first satisfied.

Catechism.

The Prolocutor of the Assembly with many of the Assembly this day came to the House and presented to their Consideration a Catechism which they have drawn up according to the Order of that House.

Ammunition; That the several Arms, Ammunition, &c. now in Garrisons borrowed out of the Tower, or of the Navy, or private Persons be restored.

The House this day had much Debate concerning the Arms and Ammunition in the several Garrisons of this Kingdom as well relating to particular Men that have been well affected, as to the several Garrisons and Navy that have been borrowed of them upon any extraordinary Service; and it was ordered hereupon that it be referred to the Committee of the Army and the Committee of the Navy joyned, as to this Business, or any five of them, whereof two of each Committee to be present to take care so several Ordnances, Arms, and Ammunition, and other Materials of War, that lie dispersed in the several Garrisons of this Kingdom unsecured, and to hear the particular Claims of private Men to any of them, to the end such as are well affected to the Parliament may have Restitution, and likewise to consider what Arms, Ammunition, Ordnances, and other Utensils of War, have been taken out of the Tower; and likewise such as have been borrowed of the Navy, and to take care that such of the aforesaid Particulars as have not been thought fit to be left for the use of the several Garrisons, may be brought home and restored to the Tower of London and the Committee of the Navy for the Use and Service of the Navy, and they are likewise to examine the Abuse of imbezling of Metal, or any Arms, or Ammunition, or other Habiliments of War, and to report to the House as they see occasion.

The General Council of the Army debated the Papers of the Agitators of 5 Regiments called The Case of the Army.

The General Council of the Army we understand met again at Putney yesterday, and the General with them: at this Council there was a great Debate concerning the Papers presented to the General from the Agitators of the five Regiments of Horse, and since printed.

This Debate discovered so much Resolution and Integrity in the General and Officers, that it produced several Votes; and it is believed some of those Officers who are chief Actors in this Business will be made exemplary. A Major and three others are sent for.

The particular Results of the General Council were as followeth:

A Committee of Officers to consider of the Paper entitul'd The Case of the Army; A Vindication of the Army from Aspersions cast upon them by that Paper.

First, Ordered that Commissary-General Ireton, Sir Hardresse Waller, Adjutant-General Deane, Colonel Overton, Colonel Rich, Colonel Hewson, Quarter-Master-General Ireton, Captain Rolph, Captain Leigh, Captain Carter, Lieutenant Colonel Cowel, Master Allen, Master Lockier, Master Willoby, Master Vaughan, Master Sexby, Master Whighting, Captain Deane, Captain Clarke, and Lieutenant Scotten, should meet at Commissary-General Ireton's Quarters presently after the rising of the Council, to consider of a Paper entituled The Case of the Army, and to send for such Persons as they shall think fit, and to prepare something to offer to the next General Council, which is to be upon Thursday next the 28th of October Instant; and to add the Vindication of the Army from the Aspersions cast upon them by the said Paper.

Compositions.

Secondly, They were also to consider of a way for the speedy bringing in of Monies upon Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall by depositing the sequestred Rents in the Tenants Hands, and declaring to the Compounders that if they come in within two Months for those that are in the Kingdom, and four Months for those that are in Foreign Parts, with a Penalty to those that neglect the Purport of that Declaration, and this to be offered to the House from the General Council,

Abatement for Free-Quarter.

Thirdly, That they should consider of an Abatement of the Pay of the Non-Commission Officers for Free-Quarters.

To ease the Country as to Quarters.

Fourthly, To prepare some Rule concerning the Quarter of the Soldiers whereby the Country may be eased as much as may be, and yet the Soldiers provided until the Army can have constant Pay.

That the Army be cleared of those Troops that have been listed since the Army marched thro' London.

Fifthly, That the respective Regiments of Horse may be cleared from those Troopers that have been listed since the Army's marching through the City, and an Order to issue from the General to that purpose; that so there may be a way made for those of the Train as Conductors, &c. that are to be reduced; and when those are disposed of, others that have left their Charge in other Parts to joyn Issue with the Army, may be provided for; but those that are to be laid aside are to have the Benefit of one Months Pay, and there to be discharged.

Sixthly, The Waggoner to fill up the Vacancy of the Dragoons.

Seventhly, That a Way may be thought upon for better Security for Payment of the Arrears of the Army.

And this in short was the Sum of that Days Work at the General Council.

The Committee to read over the Paper, and represent what is truly stated or falsely suggested; What good thing and what evil.

This Friday the Committee appointed by the General Council of the Army yesterday, met, and resolved upon the first Head referred to them, That thereof the Members of that Committee should read over the Paper mentioned, and represent to the Consideration what they found truly stated therein, or what falsely suggested; what good things they find offered therein, and what otherwise; as also what evil Intentions they find couched in any Passage of the said Papers, and what may be said to clear Mistakes, or discover such Intentions.

Compositions.

Upon the second Head,
Resolved that it be represented to the next General Council, That this Committee doth conceive that this is not like to be effectual for the End therein expressed, to propound the Course therein offered to the Parliament, unless withal there may be offered something for the setting down of more moderate Rates for Composition than in the late Propositions of both Kingdoms.

Commissioners of Scotland.

A Letter was this 23d of October read in the House of Commons from the Commissioners of Scotland residing here, whereby they gave the House to understand, that a Command was laid upon them to attend his Majesty. Some debate was had of this Letter, &c. and the Commissioners, viz. the Lord Lowden, newly came from Scotland, Lord Lannerick and the rest, yesterday went from London to Hampton-Court to his Majesty. We cannot at present say any thing as to the Transaction of this Business.

Advance of Monies for a Months Pay for the Army.

The main Business of this Day was concerning the Advance of Monies for sending a Months Pay to the Army; and ordered, that whereas the Sum of 150000l. is charged upon the Receipts of the Grand Excise by Ordinance of Parliament, dated in the Month of May last, for the Payment and disbanding of the Army. It was further ordered, that the said Sum of 150000 l. shall be paid to the Treasurers at War for the Payment of the Army under the Command of his Excellency Sir Tho. Fairfax; and the Committee of the Army is hereby authorized to borrow what Money they can upon the Credit thereof, for paying of the Army.

That the Committee of the Eastern Association do lend the Army 20000l. to be repaid' em.

They likewise passed a second Order, That whereas the Sum of 20000 l. is charged upon the Receipts of the Grand Excise, and is to be paid in short time to the Eastern Association. It was ordered that the Committee of the Eastern Association do lend and advance to the Committee of the Army for the present, the Sum of 20000 l. and that the Committee of the Army do confer with the Committee of the Eastern Association how to satisfie and re-pay the said 20000l. out of the Assessments of the respective Counties of the said Eastern Association.

The Proposition concerning the Court of Wards, was ordered to be reported this Day; but by reason of other great Occasion of providing Monies for the Army, it was referred till Monday next.

Tithes of Dean and Chapters Lands to maintain preaching Ministers.

Some further Debate was had in prosecution of the Propositions concerning Religion; and it was voted, That the Tithes belonging to Deans and Chapters shall be imploy'd towards the Maintenance of a preaching Ministry.

The House then also ordered that Mr. Bridges of Yarmouth be desired to preach before the House of Commons the fifth of November next.

Debate about Pay of the Arrears off to the Soldiery; Out of Delinquents Lands, Bishops, and Forest-Lands.

Upon Munday October 25. the Commons further proceeded in the Business of the Propositions to be sent to the King, and further debated about the Pay of the Arrears to the Soldiery of the Kingdom, and voted, that (besides what was voted the last Week) they shall be paid out of two parts of three of the Lands of Delinquents, comprehended in the three first Qualifications; and that in order to this, his Majesty be desired to pass an Act for securing the Arrears of the Soldiery of the Kingdom, who have served under the Parliament to be paid out of the Remainders of Bishops Lands, all the Forest-Lands in England, and out of the Estates of those in the three first Qualifications as aforesaid.

Court of Wards.

They then also debated a further Proposition concerning the Court of Wards, and voted, that his Majesty be desired to pass an Act for nulling the Court of Wards; and that 20000 l. per Annum be allowed in lieu thereof.

That the Parliament name all chief Officers and Deputy-Governours in Ireland.

They passed also another Proposition to send to the King, That both Houses of Parliament shall nominate all Deputies, Governours, and Chief Officers in the Kingdom of Ireland.

And the like power to be given to both Houses for appointing all the chief Officers in the Kingdom.

The like Power as to England That once more to make Application to the King.

The Lords sent a Message to the Commons, that they had agreed to the Vote for both Houses once more to make Application to his Majesty.

The French Ambassador to go to the King.

Also another Message from the Lords, intimating that the French Ambassador has addressed himself to them upon some Message; and that their Lordships had appointed the Committee for Foreign Affairs to meet this Afternoon about the same, to which the Commons also agreed.

The Committee of Lords and Commons for Indempnity, Heard the Case between Sir Mich. Wharton, and Cuthbert.

A Business was heard at the Committee of Lords and Commons for Indempnity between Sir Michael Wharton of Beverley, and Mr. Cuthbert; and the Case was thus: 'Mr. Cuthbert was sued by Sir Michael Wharton, for entring on a parcel of Ground, called Fryers, or Fryars Marsh in Beverly by Warrant from the Committee in Hull, for Sir Michael's Delinquency. And upon full Examination of the Business, it was resolved upon by this Committee, That what Cuthbert did by Virtue of the Warrant, was done in pursuance of the Authority of the Parliament, and for the Service thereof; And that it be no further proceeded at Law in the said Suit, brought by Wharton against Cuthbert, for entring upon, and employing the said Ground: And that treble Damages be paid and allowed by Wharton to Cuthbert, for his unjust Vexation, according to the Ordinance of Indempnity, if not agreed before Saturday next: and the said parties then to come again before the Committee, and the Matter to be determined; but upon this Sir Michael Wharton agreed to give Cuthbert 20 l.

Intelligence from Scotland

From Scotland came Letters which certifie, That the Committee of Estates at Edenburgh have agreed upon the keeping up their Army till March next, the Grounds whereof are expressed in the ensuing Declaration.

Edenburgh, October 15.

Scots design to keep up their Army till March next.

The Committee of Estates being frequently met to take into consideration the disbanding of the Army presently within the Kingdom, according to a former Act of the Committee of the eleventh of September last: And considering the Dangers at this time imminent to Religion, his Majesty's Person and Authority, the Union betwixt the Kingdoms, and Peace of this Kingdom, which were fully represented to them in the Remonstrance of the Commissioners of the General Assembly in the Letters from their Commissioners at London, and in the Informations sent hither from several Places of the Kingdom: And having at length debated thereupon, do find it necessary in regard thereof, that the Army be kept up till the meeting of Parliament in March next to come: And we therefore remit and refer the Consideration of the disbanding the Army till that Meeting. And in the mean time, that the Burthen of the Entertainment of the Army do not appear greater than really it is, the Committee of Estates have thought fit to make known to all his Majesty's good Subjects, That this Day the Lord-General, the Lieutenants-General, and General Majors, to testifie the willingness of the Army to ease the Kingdom as much as can be, Have for themselves, in the Name of the whole Officers and Soldiers under their Command, and contained in the Establishment of the Army, freely quit and discharged to the Kingdom the Proportion of their Pay underwritten, from the tenth of October instant, to the tenth of March next to come; (viz) the Foot-Soldier quits daily Twelve-pence Scots; the Trooper Two Shillings Scots; the Dragoons, proportionably; and the Officers above a Lieutenant, quits the third Part of their Pay; which Offer the Committee hath excepted, and with that Deduction ordains the Army be entertained from the said tenth of October, till the said tenth Day of March next, according to the Rule of Maintenance; the Accompts whereof are to come in to the General Commissary as formerly; and the Retention of the Annual Rents to be proportionable to the Maintenance. And whereas by the aforesaid Act of the eleventh of September, the Shires were ordained to advance presently new Three Months Maintenance. The Committee, in regard of the Course taken by this Act, discharged the Advance of the said Three Months Maintenance, and all Execution to pass for Payment thereof. And Ordains these Presents to be printed and published at the Market Crosses of the several Boroughs of the Kingdom, and to be sent to the Committees of War of the Shires, that none pretend Ignorance thereof.

Arch. Primrose.

Of the Proceedings in the North, and the Forces there, by Letters from York came as followeth:

Intelligence from the Forces in the North, Octob. 23; Soldiers, punished.

As the News with you is barren, such is it here in these Parts: Our Motions are according to your great Wheels: Our greatest Business is to study equality in quartering the Forces, that we may prevent Oppression as much as may be, and of a heavy Burthen make it as light as we can; and yet Murmurings are not wanting, notwithstanding the Forces are equally as can be distributed into the whole Association. Three Soldiers of Captain Tod's Company were sentenced at the last Council of War at Knaisborough to run the Gantlop, and further Punishment for plundering. Some Soldiers of Captain Forby's Company, that were secretly enticed to assist Mr. Marbenfield to get the Title of Bishopsmouncton into his Possession, were tryed the last Council in regard they fell upon some Countrymen, and beat and wounded them at the Instigation of the said Mr. Marbenfield; each Soldier was ordered for the present to pay a Fortnight's Pay towards the Satisfaction of the Persons beaten and wounded, and had any Goods taken from them; and the further Tryal of the Soldiers put off till next Council. The Commander in Chief had some Conference with some Justices of the Peace about the Business, being a Case wherein the Civil and Military Authority were both concerned; and the Conclusion was, That the General would be pleased to take care to punish the Soldiers for medling in such an unlawful Act (which will be done;) and that they would see the Breach of Peace by Mr. Benfield also punished, so that there is a good Correspondency kept between both the Authorities. The Commander in Chief having appointed a proportionable number of Forces to be quartered in the City, according to Quality, though at first they seemed unwilling, yet the Gentry of the County, and some of the City, having met this Day about that and other Businesses with the Major-General, it is agreed, and they are willing to bear their just Proportion with the rest; and a good Correspondeny is between all.

York, Octob. 23. 1647,

Tonnage and Poundage.

The Commons spent much time this 26th Day of October, in a Grand Committee about the Ordinance for Tonnage and Poundage.

Propositions is the King. To be finished and sent away to the K. with in ten Days.

This Day also the Commons finished the Propositions to be sent to the King, and ordered, That the several Heads (which formerly we have mentioned) be drawn into Propositions to send to the King, and the same to be dispatched and sent away within Ten Days, and the Lords Concurrence to be desired, and the Scotch Commissioners also to be made acquainted therewith, and their Concurrence desired.

Conference between Lords and Commons about the Propositions.

And upon this Business a Conference was had with both Houses, whereat the Commons delivered back the Papers sent down by the Lords, containing Sixteen Heads of the Propositions to send to the King, with the Amendments of the House of Commons upon them. And to those Sixteen the Commons added Four more; to which they likewise desired their Lordships Concurrence, (viz.)

'First, For taking away the Court of Wards.

'Secondly, For Payment of the Soldiers Arrears.

'Thirdly, For restoring such Gentlemen to their Places, who have been displaced for adhering to the Parliament. And,

'Fourthly, For Deans and Chapters Lands to be disposed of as shall be agreed on by both Houses of Parliament.

The Lords ordered to take this Business into Consideration on Thursday following; and the Lords to be summoned to meet in a full House about the same.

The Lead of the Steeple at Worcester taken off.

The Commons ordered, That the Lead that covers the Steeple at Worcester should be taken off and disposed of; and that an Ordinance be brought in for that purpose.

A Member of the House, that had accidentally been in a visited House, had leave to be absent, and his 20 l. excused.

From the North we had further this Day the Copy of a Petition to both the Houses of Parliament, about erecting an University for the better Benefit of the Northern Parts of the Kingdom at York. The Petition, for better satisfaction, is as followeth.

To the Honourable the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament.

The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the County and City of York, and of the Northern Parts of the Kingdom of England,

Petition to lay a Foundation for an University in York, and Means to be allowed to maintain the same.

Sheweth,
The earnest and humble Desires of the said petitioners, that by the Justice, Wisdom and Favour of this High and Honourable Court, there may be Liberty granted, and some Means allowed and appointed for laying a Foundation of an University, College, or Colleges within the City of York, for the Education of Scholars in Arts, Tongues, and all other Learning that may render them fit for the discharge of their Ministerial Function in the Church of God, to the Glory and Honour, and the Advantage of these and other Parts of the Kingdom. In which Desire (that your Petitioners may not seem rash or unreasonable) they offer these ensuing Considerations.

First, That howsoever the Kingdom enjoys the Benefit and Blessing of Two most Famous Universities; which as they are so, we still hope they shall continue the Glory of Europe: Yet we humbly conceive that they are not commensurate to the Largeness and Necessity of the Kingdom, which appeareth by the deplorable want of a Learned and Faithful Ministry in very many Congregations, which (for want of Scholars, or choice of Schools) are betrayed to the Ignorance of illiterate Men, through whom the sad Proverb is fulfilled upon us; The Blind lead the Blind, and both fall into the Ditch.

Secondly, As we the Inhabitants of the Northern Parts of the Kingdom, find our Share in this common Want and Calamity to be very great; insomuch that we have been looked upon as rude and barbarous People, in respect of those Parts, which by reason to their Vicinity of the Universities, have more fully partaked of their Light and Influence; so we cannot but be importunate in this Request. In which, if we may prevail, we hope it will be a special Means of washing from us the stain of Rudeness and Incivility, and rendring of us (to the Honour of God and this Kingdom) not so much inferiour to others in Religion and Conversation.

Thirdly, We humbly declare, That many of us, who would gladly offer up our Children to the Service of the Church of God in the Work of the Ministry, and should hope to accomplish our Desires of a cheaper, and more convenient way of Education (in point of distance) were allowed us, cannot fulfil our Wishes in that behalf, in regard of the distance and dearness of the Southern Universities, whose Charge we are by continual Impoverishment rendred daily more unable to bear.

Fourthly, We cannot but apprehend it very necessary, not only to the Good of these Parts, but to the Peace and Happiness of the whole Kingdom, that all possible Care be had of reforming the Northern Parts, now abounding with Popery, Superstition, and Prophaneness, the Fruits of Ignorance, that they may not remain a Seminary or Nunnery of Men, fit to be Instruments of any irreligious and unreasonable Design, for the overthrow of Religion and Liberty; which Reformation cannot be expected without a learned and painful Ministry, which we almost despair of being supplied from the South, whither we send many Scholars but find Vestigia pauca retrorsum, and those (for the most part) such as others have refused.

Fifthly, We humbly represent York as the fittest Place for such a Work, in regard of its healthful Situtaion, cheapness of Victuals and Fewel; which however by the late and present Pressures upon the Country, now grown dearer, we hope shall recover the former Rate and Plenty (if God shall vouchsafe us the Blessing of Peace) some good degree of Civility, the convenient distance of it from the other Universities, and the Borders of the Kingdom, the advantage of a Library, which is there already, and convenient Buildings for such a Use.

Upon these Considerations your Petitioners humbly desire, That the Foundation of so good and necessary a Work, though the Revenues of the Archbishoprick, Dean, Dean and Chapters, be disposed of for other Publick Uses, this High and Honourable Court would be pleased to allow and appoint that place which is commonly called the Bredon, now a College of Vicars-coral and Singing-men, with the Maintenance belonging to that Corporation; as also what other Revenues they in their Favour and Wisdom shall think most fit. And we doubt not but (by the Blessing of God, the Diligence and Bounty of Men well affected to Religion and Learning) this Work may be brought to such Perfection, as may tend very much to the Honour of God, the Happiness and Advantage, not only of those Northern Parts, but the whole Kingdom.

Letters from Dublin this Day tell of several good Successes lately by Colonel Jones.

A large Account of Col. Jones, March against the Enemy, and of the Castles, Cows, &c. taken.

He went from Dublin October 2. with 3600 Foot, 1000 Horse, and Seven Pieces of Ordinance, by the way of Trim; near to which Place met him Three Troops, and 500 Foot under Colonel Coove; marching by Port Lester the sixth, they took Castle Richard, put Captain Martin into it with 190 Foot; after he took Castle Denour, and the Rebels quit Maygate Castle. This Day Colonel Monk's Forces joined, who in all made 2200 Horse, and 5500 Foot: Then they went before Port Lester, which had in it choice Men, put by Owen Roe, with assurance of Relief. This Castle being look'd upon as a Bulwark, it was summoned, but refusing, it was battered until a great part fell down with some Soldiers; the rest at fight leap'd into the River, which rounded two sides, Woods the other, and swam away; all found were put to the Sword, they denying to yield until battered. The eighth they took and burnt the Castle Ballietoger, with many others, and then came before Athboy, a strong Town within five Miles of Trim to the North-west; which place was well fortified, having six Castles or Towers, also the Church fortified, and might well have held out a Seige of Two Months; but the Resolution of some were such, as not staying for Command, charged the Guard, entred the Town with such Courage, that the Town was taken in two Hours, having in it 500 fighting Men: Colonel Bailey is made Governour, his Regiment put into it, and Colonel Pudsonby's Horse to busie the Enemy with continual Alarms, in case the Army withdrawn.

As for Owen Roe, the Rebels General, he appears not; and some that are taken say, he cannot get his Men to engage, because he had no Money; and our Army intends as long as possibly they can get by any way to make Spoil of what is theirs, in all Places where they come. 2000 Cows were brought in by Sir Thomas Armstrong to the Camp; and what is kill'd of it, care will be had to salt and dress it well: And for other more healthful Provisions, Colonel Monk brought a Months with him; and like Care was taken from Dublin.

The monthly East day.

Oct. 29. was the monthly Fast-Day: There preach'd before the House at Margaret's Westminster, Mr. Herle, and Mr. Sterril. The House after Sermon met, and gave the Ministers Thanks, and ordered their Sermons to be printed.

The Commons ordered that on Wednesday next the House do consider of the Ordinance for setting of Poor People on Work.

That on Friday next the House consider of the Ordinance against hainous Sins and Blasphemies.

The Lords spent much time this 28th Day of Octob. upon the Proposition as sent from the Commons.

Trustees for Sale of Bishops Lands present Obstructions in the Sale.

The House was informed that divers of the Trustees for the Sale of Bishops Lands were at the Door, and had something to present to the House: They were called in, and presented a Petition with a Paper of Obstructions in the Sale of Bishops Lands, which they desired the House to take into speedy Consideration, it being of great Importance to the Kingdom: The House hereupon fell into Debate hereof; and at last ordered to refer this Petition and the Obstructions annex'd, to a particular Committee, which was named for this purpose,

The Trustees were called, and the House acquainted them with what they had done in their Business.

Several Impeachments against 7 Lords.

Several and particular Impeachments were this Day brought unto the House of Commons, and read, against the seven Lords that are impeached and in Custody, which were assented unto, and ordered to be sent to the House of Lords.

Likewise against Sir John Maynard.

An Impeachment likewise against Sir John Maynard was read and assented unto.

Col. Midhop committed to the Tower.

The House was inform'd that Colonel Midhop, one that was very active in the Business of the City against this Army, was in Town and apprehended; they thereupon ordered that the said Colonel Midhop should be committed to the Tower and impeach'd of High-Treason.

Captain penrose.

The House ordered upon a Report this Day made, that Captain Penrose should be Captain of the Ship Hector for this Winter Guard.

King's Children to go to the King.

A Message this Day came from the House of Peers to acquaint the House that the King's Children intended to go to his Majesty, and to stay with him till Monday next; and that the Earl of Northumberland did desire he might have always Leave to acquaint both Houses of Parliament with their going.

The Ordinance sent from the Lords for this purpose was read and assented unto.

More Papers from the dissenting Agitatators to clear their Under takings.

The dissenting Agitators of the Army of the five Regiments put forth some further Papers this Day to clear their Undertakings in the Proposals to the General and General Council the last Week: And as for clearing of that Jealousie that this Undertaking of theirs is only a Design to divide the Army, the said Agitators give this Answer for themselves, and declare as follows.

As for that unworthy Scandal, that we intend to divide the Army, We do profess that we abhor Thoughts of any such Design. We beseech you consider, It is to divide the Army to perswade them all, and use our utmost Endeavours to unite them, in insisting upon the first Principles whereupon we all engaged? Shall it be counted a Design to divide, to endeavour such a speedy Settlement of what we have declared that the Designs of the Common Enemy to divide us, and preswade us to desert the publick Interest might be prevented? Believe it (Gentlemen) to perswade you to fit still while you want Pay, and the People, and to divide betwixt the People and the Army, and one Part of the Army from another,: Doth not Experience witness that while you sit still, Distractions increase daily; some blame one, some another? there are Seeds of Division daily sown; and hath not the King his Agents in all our Quarters to kindle and blow up the Coals of Heart-burnings and Divisions? We question not but the All-seeing God will bear witness to the Simplicity of our Intentions.

Upon Friday, October 29. The House spent the whole time in a Grand Committee about the Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage.

Alderman Warner sworn Lord Mayor

This Day the new Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Warner was again sworn at Westminster according to Custom, for the Year ensuing, the Term of the old Lord Mayor expiring this Day.

Debate of the Papers from the Agitators.

From Putney we understand that the General Council of the Army met again as appointed, on Thursday, and sate very close from Morning until Night, but the General sate not with them, being not well, and at Turnham-Green. The Business of the Day was to be upon the further Debate of the Papers from the Agitators of the five Regiments, and this they first insisted upon; but upon this Debate, some other things fell in, and were moved to the General Council which occasioned a very high Debate; but the Particulars are not thought fit to be mentioned until the further Sense of the General Council be known concerning the same.

And to that purpose the General Council appointed further to meet again this Friday, as a Committee, to advise and consult on the Matter; and on Saturday they sit in a Council of War.

Prince Elector.

Oct. 30. A Report was made of the Obstructions of receiving the 8000 l. per Annum allowed to the Prince Elector, and a Proposition made for having the same out of the two Thirds of Papists Estates; and it was thereupon ordered, that the said Proposition be referred to a Committee chosen for that purpose.

Arrear of the Army.

Letters from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax to the House of Commons concerning the Arrears of the Army, were to have been read this Day; but by reason of other Business, deferred till Munday next.

Princess Elizabeth eldest Daughter to the Queen of Bohemia.

The Report concerning Princess to the Queen of Bohemia was also to have been made this Day, but put of till Friday next.

Propositions. for the King

A Message was sent from the Lords to the House of Commons, desiring thereby that the House would agree to a free Conference concerning the Propositions to be sent to his Majesty.

The Commons accordingly met the Lords at this Conference, and afterwards a Report was made to the House of the Conference, the Sum whereof was, That their Lordships had agreed to all the Proposition sent up unto them from the House of Commons, but three, viz.

To that concerning Delinquents, giving Reasons for the same; the second concerning the Arrears of the Soldiery, which they had returned with one Amendment; and the third concerning Religion.

The House took into debate their Lordships Exceptions and Alterations to these three Propositions, and voted,

First, To agree to the Propositions concerning Religion as it went first from that House.

Secondly, To the Proposition concerning the Arrears of the Soldiery.

Thirdly, And to the Propositions concerning Delinquents as it also pass'd the Commons.

A Committee was hereupon appointed to consider of these Alterations, and to prepare Reasons to satisfie their Lordships why the House of Commons adhere to their Votes as they were sent up from that House, and to desire their Lordships concurrence.