The Journals of Parliaments, Journal 18 · Floating text 1 – Floating text 2
Of the purpose of the Combined Princes.
Their shew is to deal with the King of Navarr to extirp him, but their drift is to ruinate Religion not only there, but to set upon and to work the ruine of it here also. Wherein the King of Spain and Guise are now very busie. Their malice is the more for executing the Scottish Queen, but their hope is the less. The King of Spain his designments are to invade England and Ireland.
His Preparation.
Three hundred sixty Sail of Spain. Eighty Gallies from Venice and Genoua. One Galliass with six hundred armed men, from the Duke of Florence. Twelve thousand men maintained by Italy and the Pope. Six thousand by the Spanish Clergy. Twelve thousand by his Nobility and Gentlemen of Spain. It is reported that ten thousand of these be Horsemen, I think it not all true, but something there is.
We must look to the Papists at home and abroad. It hath touched us in the blood of the Nobility and the blood of many Subjects.
They practise to frame Subjects against all duty, and bring in Doctrine of lawfulness and merit to kill the Queen, and have sent their Instruments abroad to that purpose.
Two manner of forces are to be handled. Assistance to the Low Countries, defence by force otherwise. That God may assist us in Justice, in Right, in Defence against those Princes.
The assistance is acceptable that will be profitable. Her Majesty oweth relief there in Honour, according to the Leagues, especially between us and the House of Burgundy: which Leagues differ from Leagues growing between Prince and Prince, for they grew between the people and this State. We are bound to help them in Honour according to the Leagues. Many Marriages and many Secrecies have been long between us, and the relieving of the afflictions of that people may not be omitted.
The heads of their miseries are: The Spanish Inquisition by Placard, using strange tortures not to be suffered; great impositions without and against Law, sending some of their people into Spain and there tyrannized over; their Noblemen done away; taking their Towns and setting Tyrants over them to use them like Dogs. The purpose was to bring the Low Countries into a Monarchal seat, and then vae nobis. The Queens dealing there is warranted by God; The Queen is occasioned of necessity for safety of her Dominions and us, that that Country may be preserved, that the English Commodities may be vented there with readiness, with safety and with profit; the recovery thereof will be good for this Country and Crown; it may not be suffered that a Neighbour should grow too strong (he uttered that as though it were not meet another Prince should have it; for examples whereof he commended the Princes of Italy and especially the Duke of Florence for using that policy, Henry the 7th for aiding the Duke of Brittany with eight thousand men rather than the King of France, after he had found great friendship of them both, that the King of France might not grow too strong.)
The King of Spain seeketh to be yet greater, for he hath already a Seat in Council amongst the Princes of Germany by reason of Territories his Father got there; And if he could, he would frame the Low Countries to his desire.
As to the pretence of Injuries before remembred: As to the first going over, her Majesty misliked it, and punished some of the Captains (he named Sir Humfrey Gilbert for one.) Concerning Monsieur, the first time her Majesty drew him from proceeding for the Low Countries; The second time she consented that he should only assist the Low Countries, which Monsieur afterwards abused contrary to her Majesties meaning. Concerning Mr Drakes first Voyage, her Majesty knew it not; and when he came home, she seized the whole Mass of Substance brought by him to satisfie the King of Spain (if cause so required) and thereupon desired Certificate for Invasion into Ireland.
Concerning Mr Drake's last Voyage it was to meet with the restraints and seisures in Spain, and their purpose of War was thereupon discovered; for there was found by the Master of Mr Bonds Ship who took the Corrigedore, and others, a Commission from the King of Spain, whereby he termed us his Rebels, as he termed the Low Countries.
He then remembred another grievance not touched before, which was the entertaining of Don Anthony.
Which he answered to be done in Honorable Courtesie, because of his State, who was a King anointed and crowned, though his seat was not long untroubled, and coming hither in honourable and courteous manner, though something weakned, required the entertainment he had.
Then he iterated, that the great grief is Religion, and said that all godly ones are bound to defend it. He then said, God endue us to fear him, and all things shall prosper. He said her Majesty protesteth sincere service to God, and to leave the Crown in peace, &c. commended her courage against their malice, esteeming it not less than the stoutest Kings in Europe.
Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer after Mr Vice-Chamberlain his speeches ended, remembred some of the former, and inferred, and so concluded that the great preparations of War which was fit speedily to be thought of and provided, would grow chargeable; and therefore thought it fit with expedition that the House should appoint a convenient number of the same to set down Articles for a Subsidy.
Whereupon are appointed Committees for concluding and drawing of Articles for the Subsidy and other great Causes, all the Privy Council being of this House, the first Knight for every Shire and others, who were appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.
One Bill lastly, being for the better payment of Debts and Legacies by Executors and Administrators, was read the first time.
On Thursday the 23d day of February three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill against delay of execution in Actions of Debt was read the first time.
The Committees appointed for Conference touching a Loan or Benevolence to be offered to her Majesty are, Mr Francis Bacon, Mr Edward Lewkenor, and others.
On Friday the 24th day of February four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill to avoid many dangers touching Records of Fines levyed in the Court of Common Pleas, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Recorder of London, Mr Morrice, Mr Drew and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr Recorder, who with the rest was appointed to meet in Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstrect on Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.
Sir Thomas Scot, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr Thomas Knyvet and Mr Topclyffe are appointed by this House to search certain Houses in Westminster suspected of receiving and harbouring of Jesuits, Seminaries or of Seditious and Popish Books and Trumperies of Superstition.
On Saturday the 25th day of February the Bill for the limitation of Time of Errors growing by Fraud had its second reading, and the Committees appointed for the Bill of Fines and Recoveries on the day foregoing are also appointed for this said Bill to meet at Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, and the Bill was delivered to Mr Recorder of London.
Two other Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Attainder was upon the second reading committed to all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr Recorder of London, Mr Francis Bacon, Mr Morrice and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock.
The Bill delivered by Mr Speaker to the Right Honourable Sir Francis Knowles.
On Munday the 27th day of February the House was informed by Mr Harris, that one William White had arrested Mr Martin a Member of this House: Therefore it is ordered by the House that the Serjeant should warn White to be here to morrow sitting the Court. Vide plus de ista materia die Sabbat, die 11o Mar' prox'.
Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for delay of execution of Justice by Writs of Error was committed unto Mr Sollicitor, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr Recorder, Mr Cromwell, Mr Dalton and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr Cromwell, and all these to meet on Tuesday next at Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery Lane at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.
The same day Mr Cope, first using some Speeches touching the necessity of a learned Ministry and the amendment of things amiss in the Ecclesiastical Estate, offered to the House a Bill, and a Book written, the Bill containing a Petition that it might be Enacted, that all Laws now in force touching Ecclesiastical Government should be void: And that it might be Enacted that that Book of Common Prayer now offered and none other might be received into the Church to be used. The Book contained the form of Prayer and Administration of Sacraments with divers Rites and Ceremonies to be used in the Church, and desired that the Book might be read. Whereupon Mr Speaker in effect used this Speech: For that her Majesty before this time had commanded the House not to meddle with this matter, and that her Majesty had promised to take order in those Causes, he doubted not but to the good satisfaction of all her people; he desired that it would please them to spare the reading of it. Notwithstanding the House desired the reading of it. Whereupon Mr Speaker willed the Clerk to read it. And the Court being ready to read it, Mr Dalton made a motion against the reading of it, saying, that it was not meet to be read, and that it did appoint a new form of Administration of the Sacraments and Ceremonies of the Church, to the discredit of the Book of Common Prayer and of the whole State, and thought that this dealing would bring her Majesties indignation against the House thus to enterprize the dealing with those things which her Majesty especially had taken into her own charge and direction. Whereupon Mr Lewkenor spake, shewing the necessity of Preaching and of a learned Ministry, and thought it very fit that the Petition and Book should he read.
To this purpose spake Mr Hurleston and Mr Bainbrigg, and so the time being passed the House brake up, and the Petition nor Book read.
This done her Majesty sent to Mr Speaker as well for this Petition and Book, as for that other Petition and Book for the like effect, that was delivered the last Session of Parliament; which Mr Speaker sent to her Majesty. Vide 2d Mar' and the 4th of Mar.
On Tuesday the 28th day of February her Majesty sent for Mr Speaker, by occasion whereof the House did not sit.
On Wednesday the first day of March Mr Wentworth delivered unto Mr Speaker certain Articles, which contained questions touching the Liberties of the House, and to some of which he was to answer, and desired they might be read. Mr Speaker required him to spare his motion until her Majesties pleasure was further known touching the Petition and Book lately delivered into the House; but Mr Wentworth would not be so satisfied, but required his Articles might be read. Then Mr Speaker said he would first peruse them, and then do that were fit.
This is all that is found in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons touching this matter, and therefore in respect of the weight of it, having as I conceive a very authentick and true Copy both of the Speech and Articles at large, I thought good to have them fully inserted in manner and form following, viz.
Mr Speaker, For as much as such Laws as God is to be honoured by, and that also such laws as our Noble Soveraign and this worthy Realm of England are to be enriched, strengthened and preserved by from all foreign and domestick Enemies and Traytors, are to be made by this Honourable Council, I as one being moved and stirred up by all dutiful love, and desirous even for conscience sake and of a mind to set forwards God's Glory, the wealth, strength and safety of our natural Queen and Commonweal, do earnestly desire by question to be satisfied of a few questions to be moved by you Mr Speaker, concerning the liberty of this Honourable Council; for I do asture you, I praise my God for it, that I do find in my self a willing mind to deliver unto this Honourable Assembly some little taste and account of that simple Talent which it hath pleased God of his singular favour and goodness to bestow upon me, to gain to his Highness honour and Glory, and to shew unto my noble Prince and Commonwealth true, faithful and dutiful service; of the which mind I am sure Mr Speaker, here are many godly, faithful and true hearted Gentlemen in this Honorable Assembly; howbeit the want of knowledge and experience of the liberties of this Honourable Council doth hold and stay us back. For as we have a hearty desire to serve God, her Majesty and this noble Realm; even so are we fearful and loth to give or offer any offence to her Majesty or unto her Laws; the which we presume we shall not do if keep our selves within the Circle of them, and no man can observe that whereof he is ignorant. Wherefore I pray you Mr Speaker, eftsoons to move these few questions, by question, whereby every one of this House may know how far he may proceed in this Honourable Council in matters that concern the glory of God and our true and loyal service to our Prince and State. For I am fully perswaded, that God cannot be honoured, neither our NoblePrince or Commonweal preserved or maintained without free speech and consultation of this Honourable Council, both which consist upon the liberties of this Honourable Council, and the knowledge of them also. So here are the questions, Mr Speaker; I humbly and heartily beseech you to give them reading, and God grant us true and faithful hearts in answering of them; for the true, faithful and hearty service of our merciful God, our lawful Prince and this whole and worthy Realm of England will much consist hereafter upon the answer unto these Questions. Wherefore it behoveth us to use wise, grave and godly considerations in answering of them.
Therefore the Lord direct our tongues that we may answer them even with his spirit, the spirit of wisdom, without the which our wisdom is nothing else but foolishness.
The Questions follow.
Whether this Council be not a place for any Member of the same here assembled freely and without controllment of any person or danger of Laws, by Bill or speech to utter any of the griefs of this Commonwealth whatsoever touching the service of God, the safety of the Prince and this Noble Realm.
Whether that great honour may be done unto God, and benefit and service unto the Prince and State without free speech in this Council, which may be done with it.
Whether there be any Council which can make, add to or diminish from the Laws of the Realm, but only this Council of Parliament.
Whether it be not against the Orders of this Council to make any secret or matter of weight, which is here in hand, known to the Prince or any other, concerning the high service of God, Prince or State, without the consent of the House.
Whether the Speaker or any other may interrupt any Member of this Council in his Speech used in this House, tending to any of the forenamed high services.
Whether the Speaker may rise when he will, any matter being propounded, without consent of the House or not.
Whether the Speaker may over-rule the House in any matter or cause there in question; or whether he is to be ruled or over-ruled in any matter or not.
Whether the Prince and State can continue, stand and be maintained without this Council of Parliament, not altering the Government of the State.
At the end lastly, of the said Speech and Questions is set down this short Note or Memorial ensuing. By which it may be perceived both what Serjeant Puckering the Speaker did with the said questions after he had received them, and what became also of this business, viz.
These questions Mr Puckering pocketted up and shewed Sir Thomas Heneage, who so handled the matter, that Mr Wentworth went to the Tower, and the questions not at all moved. Mr Buckler of Essex herein brake his faith in forsaking the matter, &c. and no more was done.
After the setting down of the said Business of Mr Wentworth in the Original Journal-Book, there followeth only this short Conclusion of the business of the day it self, viz.
This day Mr Speaker being sent for to the Queens Majesty, the House departed.
On Thursday the 2d day of March Mr Cope, Mr Lewkenor, Mr Hurlston and Mr Bainbrigg were sent for to my Lord Chancellor, and by divers of the privy Council, and from thence were sent to the Tower. Vid. Febr. 27. antea.
The Bill for explanation of the Law touching Fines and Recoveries levied before the Justices of the Common Pleas, whereunto they or any of them be parties, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.
It is ordered, That all the Committees appointed before to meet about the Bill for the delay of execution of Justice, shall meet about the same to morrow in the Forenoon above in the Room of this House in the time of the reading of the Subsidy. See these Committees names on Munday the 27th day of February foregoing.
Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for continuance of Statutes was read the first time.
The Bill last past touching Fines and Recoveries, &c. was sent up to the Lords by Mr Treasurer and others.
A Proviso offered by Mr Recorder of London to be inserted in the Subsidy for saving the liberties of the Officers of the Mint, had its first reading.
On Friday the third day of March four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against the abuses of Purveyors was read the second time, and committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Sir John Cutts, Sir William Moore, Sir Thomas Scott and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr Chancellor, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.
On Saturday the 4th day of March Sir John Higham made a motion to this House, for that diverse good and necessary Members thereof were taken from them, that it would please them to be humble Petitioners to her Majesty for the restitution of them again to the House.
To which Speeches Mr Vice-Chamberlain answered, That if the Gentlemen were committed for matter within the compass of the priviledge of this House, then there might be a Petition; but if not, then we should give occasion of her Majesties farther displeasure: and therefore advised to stay until they heard more, which could not be long: and further he said touching the Book and the Petition, her Majesty had for diverse good causes best known to her self thought fit to suppress the same, without any further examination thereof; and yet conceived it very unfit for her Majesty to give any account of her doings.
This Book and Petition touching the Ecclesiastical Government and for reformation of matters in the Church were delivered to the Clerk of the Parliament or the Speaker by Mr Cope on Munday the 27th day of February foregoing, who with Mr Lewkenor, Mr Hurlston and Mr Bainbridgg spake in the commendation of them, and desired they might be read.
Whereupon the said Mr Cope with the other three were on Thursday the second day of this instant March foregoing sent unto the Tower, and for the setting them at liberty it was that Sir John Higham made the motion foregoing; which Mr Vice-Chamberlain did answer with this supposition only, that they might perhaps be committed for somewhat that concerned not the business or priviledge of the House.
But whatsoever he pretended, it is most probable they were committed for intermedling with matters touching the Church, which her Majesty had so often inhibited, and which had caused so much disputation and so many meetings between the two Houses, the last Parliament in Anno 27 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1584. vide 13 Mar. sequentem.
A motion made by Mr Speaker to the House for giving leave to Mr Dillington a Member of this House to depart into his Country for his service there, which was then granted.
The Bill for Regrators of Barley had its second reading, and a Proviso to the same Bill presently after that was twice read, and the Bill was committed unto Sir Henry Cock, Mr Salkington, Mr Alford, Mr Aldersey and others; and the Bill and Proviso was delivered to the said Henry Cock, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Afternoon in the Guild Hall.
On Munday the 6th day of March the Bill for continuance of Statutes with the Proviso was read the second time, and committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Mr Sollicitor, Sir William Moore, Sir Thomas Browne and others, who were appointed to meet to morrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.
The Bill for Orford-Haven was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Jermin and others to meet to Morrow at the Guild Hall.
The Bill for bringing in of Fish into this Realm was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Recorder, Mr Sandes, Mr Grice, Mr Dalton, the Burgesses of the Cinque-Ports and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon at the Guild Hall, and the Committees also for the Bill of Ingrossers to meet at the same time and place.
Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer moved, that the Bill for the Purveyors should be further considered by the Committees this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber; and further he moved, that the Committees would at the same time and place meet for the further consideration of the benevolence that was offered to her Majesty, in respect of the great charges her Majesty is to sustain in the Low Countries.
Mr. Gresham hath Licence to depart into his Country.
This day William White was brought into the House to answer his contempt for arresting of Mr. Martin a Member of this House; who answered, that he caused him to be arrested the 22d day of January which was above fourteen days before the beginning of the Parliament. The House ordered that the Precedents should be sought, and thereupon proceeding should be had according to the direction of the House, and referred to the report of Mr. Morrice, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Alford.
On Tuesday the 7th day of March, the Bill for the Subsidy was read the third time; and before the rising of the House this morning was sent up to the Lords by Mr. Treasurer and others.
The Bill for the Attainders was brought in again by the Committees, with a Proviso for Mr Inglefeild.
Item another Proviso for the Lord Lumley.
The Bill was brought in again by the Commit tees for Purveyors with Amendments, which Bill with the Amendments was upon the second reading committed to be ingrossed.
The Bill for restraint of Horse-Stealing and other Beasts, sent from the Lords by Mr Serjeant Gawdie and Mr. Attorney, had its first reading, and was delivered to Mr. Morrice.
It is Ordered, That Edward Fisher now remaining Prisoner in the Fleet, shall be brought to this House to Morrow, to Answer such things as shall be objected against him. Vide on Thursday the 9th of March following.
Mr. Stoverd Burgess for Woodstock hath leave to depart about his necessary business.
Sir Thomas Scott and his Son have leave to depart.
On Wednesday the 8th day of March Mr. Stoughton and Mr. Wallop had Licence from the House to depart.
Three Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the first was a Bill for the true performance of the last Will of Sir James Harvey.
The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders brought in again by the Committees, and now again upon divers reasons upon the reservations committed to the former Committees, and all that will may come to the Committees. Vide the said Committees on Saturday the 25th day of February foregoing. The said Committees to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.
This day the Bill for Orford-Haven was brought in again by the Committees.
Nota, There was a former Bill for Orford-Haven in the County of Suffolk read in the first meeting of this Parliament, and committed on Monday the 7th day of November last past; which it seemeth being disliked by the said Committees was rejected, and a new Bill brought in again this second meeting of the same upon Friday the 24th day of February foregoing, and lastly committed again after the second reading upon Monday the 6th day of this instant March last past.
Upon a Motion made by Sir John Higham, that it were convenient to have the Amendment of some things whereunto Ministers are required to be sworn, and that some good course might be taken to have a learned Ministry; it was thought sit that some convenient number of this House might be appointed to confer upon some reasonable Motion to be made unto her Majesty for redress in these things. Whereupon these persons ensuing were appointed, viz. All the Privy Council of the House, Sir John Higham, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Dr. Lluen, Sir Henry Cock, Sir Robert Jermin, Mr. Doctor Cosins, Sir Thomas Browne, Mr. Brograve, Mr. Beale, Mr. Fortescue, Mr. Richard Browne, Sir William Moore, the Master of the Requests, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Conisby, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Fanshaw, Mr. Hastings, Sir Richard Knightley, Mr. Bronker, Mr. Amersham, Mr. Hearly, Mr. Francis Baker, Mr. Stanhop, Sir Walter Rawleigh, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Thomas Farmer and Mr. William Fleetwood.
Thomas Stampe Esquire one of the Burgesses for Wallingford in the County of Berks, is licensed by Mr. Speaker to be absent for his necessary affairs.
On Thursday the 9th day of March Thomas Hudson Esquire Burgess for the Town of Barnstable in the County of Devon', is for his necessary affairs licensed to depart also for the Service of her Majesty, to be imployed in causes of Musters with the Earl of Bath her Majesties Lieutenant of the said County.
The Bill for Orford-Haven with the Amendments brought in by the Committees, was by the House Ordered to be ingrossed.
Two Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Fines was read the second time and committed with the Bill for Errors in Fines unto Mr. Serjeant Snagg, Mr Sollicitor, Mr. Lewkenor and others, to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock at Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery-lane.
The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders was brought in again by the Committees, with the Addition, which being twice read was Ordered by the House to be ingrossed. Vide the said Committees on Saturday the 25th day of February foregoing.
This day Edward Fisher by vertue of her Majesties Writ was brought into the House to Answer divers his misdemeanors, as well for indirectly taking away as imbezelling certain Evidences remaining in a Cubbard which was locked and sealed up by Mr. Recorder and others. Vide on Tuesday the 7th day of this instant March foregoing.
The Bill for Fish, brought into this House again by the Committees, was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Serjeant Snagg, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Attorney of the Dutchy, Mr. Recorder and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in Serjeants-Inn in Chancery-lane at two of the Clock.
Here it seemeth, Mr. William Onslow, who by the Licence of the House supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow his Kinsman, Clerk of the same, at this meeting, is much mistaken in setting down this Commitment; for the Bill it self was formerly twice read, and according to the usual course committed upon the second reading to Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sandes and others on Monday the 7th day of March, and therefore doubtless this was either a new Bill brought in by the said Committees, or else some new Additions and Amendments inserted into the old Bill, which had this day their first and second reading, and thereupon again committed unto some of the old Committees and others. Vide plus die sequente.
Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the payment of Sir Gerrard Croker Knight his Debts, was (upon the second reading) committed unto Mr. Alford, Sir Thomas Browne, Mr. Thomas Harris, Mr. John Ingleseild, and others.
On Friday the 10th day of March the Bill for Estretford was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Markham, Mr. Topclyffe, Mr. Savil and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle Temple Hall.
Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for stealing of Horses and other Cattel and Beasts was upon the second reading Committed unto Sir William Moore, Mr. Sands, Mr. Wroth and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Committee Chamber.
The Bill for bringing in of Fish was brought in again by the Committees; by which it is most probable that there was a new Bill brought in yesterday, which was twice read at one and the same time and then committed.
The Bill for Sir Gerrard Crokers payment of his Debts was brought in again by the Committees and amended.
On Saturday the 11th day of March the Bill against fraudulent Conveyances by Fugitives was read the first time.
The Bill for the payment of Sir Gerrard Crokers Debts was brought in again by the Committees, and committed to be ingrossed.
Three Bills being passed the House were sent up to the Lords; whereof the two last were the Bill for the great abuses of Purveyors, and the Bill for the confirmation of the Attainders of the late Lord Pagett and others.
A Motion being made by Mr. Treasurer for the matter of benevolence for the charges to be supplied in the Low Countries, whether that this House should only deal in it without the Lords, or else that they should make the Lords privy to it and join with them; It was thought good by the House to join with the Lords in the same cause, and commit it unto these persons, viz. all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Thomas Browne, Mr. Sollicitor, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Heigham, Master of the Requests, Mr. Francis Hastings, Mr. Sands, Mr. Topclyffe and others. Vide diem Saturn. 18. diem Mar.
This day a new Bill was brought in again for the payment of Edward Fishers Debts by the Committees, and therefore the new was twice read, and committed to be ingrossed.
Nota, That a Bill to this purpose was in great agitation the last Parliament de anno 27 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1584.
The Bill for confirmation of Letters Patents was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Mr. Sands, Mr. Sollicitor and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.
This day the Committees made report of the priviledge of Mr. Martin a Member of this House Arrested upon mean Process by White above twenty days before the beginning of this Parliament holden by Prorogation (mistaken for Adjournment) and in respect that the House was divided about it in opinion, Mr. Speaker with the consent of the House, the sooner to grow to some certainty of the Judgment of the House in this cause, moved these questions to the House, viz.
First, Whether they would limit a time certain or a reasonable time to any Member of the House for his priviledge.
The House Answered a convenient time.
Secondly, Whether Mr. Martin was Arrested within this reasonable time.
The House Answered yea.
Thirdly, If White should be punished for arresting Martin.
The House Answered no, because the arrest was twenty days before the beginning of the Parliament, and unknown to him that would be taken for reasonable time. But the principal cause why Martin had his priviledge was, for that White the last Session (mistaken for Meeting) of Parliament arrested Mr. Martin, and then knowing him to be returned a Burgess for this House discharged his Arrest:
And then afterwards Mr. Martin again returning out of his Country to London to serve in this House, Mr. White did again arrest him, and therefore this House took in evil part against him his second Arrest, and thereupon judged that Martin should be discharged of his second Arrest out of the Fleet by the said Mr. White. Vide Febr. 27 Monday.
The Bill to avoid fraudulent assurances made in certain Cases by Traytors, was sent down from the Lords to the House of Commons by Dr. Ford and Serjeant Gawdie.
Nota, That this Bill is not mentioned to have been sent down from the Lords to the House of Commons, which as it should seem happened through the negligence of Mr. William Onslow, who at this time supply'd the place of the Clerk of the said House. And therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
On Monday the 13th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against fraudulent Conveyances by Fugitives was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sands and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Hughes of Grayes-Inn, who with the rest was appointed to meet at Lincolns-Inn this Afternoon.
The Bill for Fish was brought in by the Committees and Ordered to be ingrosted. Vide concerning this Bill on Thursday the 9th day, and on Friday the 10th day of this instant March foregoing.
The Bills against delay of Execution by suing Writs of Error was read the second time upon the new bringing in of it by the Committees, and upon the question was ordered to be ingrossed.
The Bill for payment of Edward Fishers debts was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.
A Motion was made by Mr. Cromwell to have some conference with the Privy Council of this House and some others of the same, concerning those Gentlemen Members of this House lately committed to the Tower. Whereupon these were appointed, viz. all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir William Moore, Mr. Francis Hastings, Mr. Cromwell, Sir John Harrington, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Beal.
These Members of the House touching whose Commitment Mr. Cromwell moveth, were sent unto the Tower on Thursday the 2d day of this instant March foregoing; for whose liberty Sir John Higham had also moved before on Saturday the 4th day of the same Month last past.
The Bill for errors in Records of Attainders was read the second time with the amendments, and upon the motion was ordered to be ingrossed.
On Tuesday the 14th day of March the Bill for confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy was thrice read, and passed upon the question.
The Bill against buying of Wares by strangers was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Aldersey, Mr Saunders, Mr Harris and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next in Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery Lane.
The Bill for Curriers was read the second time and committed to the Committees aforesaid, and to Mr. Recorder, Mr. Beale, Mr. Salkingston, and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Salkingston.
The Bill for fraudulent Conveyances by Traytors was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Conisbie, and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer one of the said Committees, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber this Afternoon.
The Bill for payment of Sir Gerrard Croker his debts was brought in again by the Committees being amended, after the same was ingrossed and passed upon the Question.
The Bill for Horse-stealing was read the third time with the amendments and additions, and dashed upon the question.
Mr. Attorney and Mr. Doctor Carew do bring from the Lords two Bills; of which the first was for the Sale of Thomas Hanfords lands.
Three Bill of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being an Act for the more speedy and due execution of certain Branches of the Statute of 23. of her Majesty, to keep her Majesties Subjects in due obedience, was read the first time.
Two Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the first was the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy.
Nota, That there is no mention made of the sending up of these two Bills in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened through the negligence of Mr William Onslow at this time supplying the place of the Clerk of that House, and therefore it is supplyed out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
On Wednesday the 15th day of March two Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; whereof the first was the Bill of Fines for abridging Proclamations.
The Bill for payment of Hanfords debts was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Morrice, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Comptroller and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Comptroller.
The Bill for delay of Execution in Writs of Errors was thrice read and upon some arguments upon the Bill again committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor, Mr. Wolley, Mr. Cromwell and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.
Nota. That this Bill was committed after the second reading upon Monday the 27th day of February foregoing, and now again (as it seemeth) upon the third reading (which is not usual) by reason of some dispute that rose about it.
Two Bills were sent up to the Lords this day; of which the first was touching errors in records of Attainders of High Treason, and the second for repealing of a Statute touching Fish made in Anno 13 Reginae Eliz.
The sending up of these two Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened in this place as in divers others of this second meeting of this present Parliament, through the inexperience and negligence of Mr. William Onslow, who supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of the said House, being detained from thence by sickness, and therefore it is supplyed out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
On Thursday the 16th day of March the Bill for Recusants was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir William Moore and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.
The Bill against delay of Execution by Writs of Error being put to the question upon the third reading, by the division of the House the same was dashed.
The Bill for to take away one Proviso made 13o of the Queen for Deeds, Grants, &c. was dashed upon the question; but after what reading it was dashed, it doth not appear; yet it is probable it was upon the second reading, it having been read the first time upon the Wednesday immediately foregoing.
The Bill for confirmation of Leters Patents from her Majesty under the great Seal of England, &c. was twice read and committed to be ingrossed.
The Bill for making of Cloths in Suffolk was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir William Moore, Mr. Cromwell and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir Robert Jermin, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Guildhall.
Mr Edward Penruddock, Mr Sprynt, Mr Richard Lewkenor, and Mr Gyles Estcourt have leave to depart; but upon what reasons or grounds the House gave them leave is very negligently omitted.
On Friday the 17th day of March the Bill for Fines with Proclamation was upon the second reading committed to be ingrossed.
The Bill for Avenon was upon the second reading committed to Mr Vice-Chamberlain, Mr Chancellor, Mr Woolley, Sir Robert Jermin, and others, who were appointed to meet to morrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer-Chamber.
A Proviso added to the Bill of Fines was twice read, and ordered to be ingrossed.
The Bill for Errors in Fines brought in by the Committees with the Amendments was twice read, and committed to be ingrossed.
A Saving to Hanford's Bill was twice read, and committed to the former Committees.
The Bill brought in again by the Committees against Recusants with a Proviso and Amendments also twice read.
The Bill for continuance of Statutes was read the third time, and passed not upon the Question. A Proviso also added to the same Bill, that no person shall put in Sureties upon any Information was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Recorder, Mr. Glanvile, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Philipps, Mr. Morley, Mr. Fansham, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Jones, who were appointed to meet at the Middle Temple Hall this Afternoon at four of the Clock.
Nota, That it is not expressed in the Original Journal-Book whether this Bill passed upon the third reading or not, but it is most probable that the House did defer to give their assent unto it, until the foresaid Proviso should likewise have its third reading: and that which further confirms the not passing of it at this time is, because upon Monday the 20th day of this instant March following divers Committees were appointed to go up unto the Lords, and to confer with them about this said Bill.
Sir George Hastings hath pardon of his absence this Parliament.
Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill against Extortion of Sheriffs was twice read, and committed unto Mr Philips, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Cromwell and others, who were appointed to meet in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.
On Saturday the 18th day of March, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Recusants with the Proviso, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.
Mr. Speaker declared to the House from her Majesty, That she thanked God, understanding of their great love unto her in regard of her charges sustained in the Low-Countries, and that her Majesty was contented this Afternoon that some convenient number of them should have Audience before her Majesty. Whereupon these persons were appointed by the House, all the Privy-Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir Henry Cock, Sir Thomas Browne, Mr. Fortefoue Master of the Requests, Sir John Peter, Sir William Moore, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Markham, Mr. Revel and Mr. George Moore. Vide concerning this business on Saturday the 11th day of this instant March foregoing.
The Proviso that persons Arrested by Informers may appear by Attornies was read the third time, and passed upon the question.
Mr. Wingfield was brought into this House to Answer his misdemeanor against Mr. Walton a Member of this House, for that, as Walton informed, Mr. Wingfield did offer to draw his Weapon upon him and gave evil Language, which Mr. Wingfield denied, and said, for that his Brother ..... was slain by ..... of Walton, and Walton being an Accessary to that Murther, he said he could not well take it, and knew not what might happen.
Whereupon Mr. Speaker exhorted him to remit all that was past, seeing that he had taken the course of Law for his Brothers Death; unto which Exhortation Mr. Wingfield yielded, and so was discharged.
The Bill for payment of Fishers Debts was sent from the Lords with a Proviso and Amendments, which were thrice read and assented unto by the House upon the Question.
Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; the first touching Exemplifications and Constats of Original Conveyances made to the Queens Majesty, and the second for limitation of time touching Writs of Error upon Fines and Recoveries.
The sending up of these two Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened in this place, as in divers others of this second meeting of this present Parliament, through the inexperience and negligence of Mr. William Onslow who supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of the said House, being detained from thence by sickness, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
On Monday the 20th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment did each of them pass upon the Question after the third reading; of which the first was the Bill to prevent Extortion in Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs, &c. for Executions.
The House appointed divers to go up to the Lords to confer with them about the Bill for continuance of Statutes, who were as followeth; Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Attorney of the Wards, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Saunders, Sir William Moore, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Francis Bacon.
Vide concerning this Bill on Friday the 17th day of this instant March foregoing.
The old Committees (appointed on Wednesday the 15th day of this instant March foregoing) in the Bill for the payment of Hanfords Debts, were to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall; and the Bill which came from the Lords, and the new Bill drawn by the said Hanford (which was once read) were both delivered to Mr Comptroller, being one of the said former Committees.
Six Bills were sent up to the Lords; the first touching the Sale of Edward Fishers Lands; the second for the more speedy and due Execution of certain Branches of the Statute made in the twenty third year of the Queens Majesties Reign, Intituled an Act to retain the Queens Majesties Subjects in their due obedience; the third for continuance of Statutes; the fourth to prevent Extortion in Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, &c. the fifth for abridging of Proclamations to be made upon Fines levied in the Court of Common Pleas; and the sixth to avoid fraudulent Assurances made in certain Cases with a Proviso annexed and Amendments.
Nota, That the sending up of these six Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
On Tuesday the 21th day of March, the Bill for exemplifying Letters Patents was read the third time, and passed upon the question.
The Bill new brought in for the payment of Hanfords Debts, he himself being present assented to it, and did subscribe every leaf with his own hand; whereupon the Bill was read twice, and Ordered to be ingrossed.
The Bill to avoid fraudulent Conveyances made in certain Cases by Traytors, was sent down from the Lords to the House of Commons. Two Bills also of no great moment were sent up from the said House to the Lords.
The sending up of these two Bills to the Lords, or the sending down the first Bill to the Commons is very negligently omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and are therefore inserted (as the like was done Yesterday and upon divers other dayes) out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
The Bill for payment of Hanfords Debts was read the third time, and passed upon the question.
The Bill for breeding of Horses in the wast grounds of Devon and Cornwall, was read the second time.
A Proviso offered by Mr. Conisbie to be inserted into the same Bill; which being read, the Bill and the Proviso were dashed upon the Question, whether they should be ingrossed or no.
The Bill for the continuance and perfecting of divers Statutes was sent from the Lords to the House of Commons by Serjeant Gawdie and Doctor Carew.
A new Bill also for the sale of Thomas Hanfords Lands was sent up to the Lords (as it should seem) by Mr. Treasurer and others.
The mutual sending of these two Bills from either House to other, is very negligently omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and is therefore inserted out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.
An Order delivered by Mr Cromwell Entred by consent of the House.
WHereas upon complaint made to this House (upon Monday the 21th day of November in the first meeting of this present Parliament) on the behalf of the Borough of Grantham in the Country of Lincoln, against Arthur Hall Gentleman, that the said Arthur Hall had Commenced Suits against them for Wages by him demanded of the said Borough, as one of the Burgesses of the Parliament in the Sessions of Parliament holden the thirteenth, fourteenth, eighteenth and twenty third years of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady the Queens Majesty, wherein it was alledged that the said Borough ought not to be charged as well in respect of the negligent attendance of the said Mr. Hall at the said Sessions of Parliament and some other offences by him committed at some of the said Sessions, as also in respect that he had made promise not to require any such Wages; the Examination of the said cause on the second day of December in the last Session (mistaken for Meeting) of this Parliament by Order of this House was committed unto Sir Ralph Sadler Knight Chancellor of the Dutchy, Sir Walter Mildmay Knight Chancellor of the Exchequer, Thomas Cromwell, Robert Markham and Robert Wroth Esquires; This day report was made by the said Committees that not having time during the last Session of Parliament (mistaken for Meeting) to examine the circumstances of the cause, they had in the mean Season by their Letters advertised my Lord Chancellor, that the said cause was committed unto them, and humbly requested his Lordship to stay the issuing forth of any further Process against the said Borough until this Session of Parliament (mistaken for Meeting), which accordingly his Lordship had very honourably performed. And the said Committees did further declare, that having, during this Session of Parliament (mistaken for Meeting) sent for Mr. Hall, declared unto him the effect of the complaint against him, they had desired him to remit the said wages which he had demanded of the said Borough, whom they found very conformable to condescend to such their request; and that the said Mr. Hall then affirmed unto them, that if the said Citizens of the said Borough would have made suit unto him, he would upon such their own Suit then remitted the same, so was he very willing to do any thing which might be grateful to this House, and did freely and frankly remit the same; which being well liked of by this House, it was by them this day Ordered that the same should be entred accordingly.
On Thursday the 23th day of March the Bill for the Queens Majesties most gracious general and free Pardon was sent down from the Lords by Serjeant Gawdie and Doctor Carew, which having passed the House was sent back again this Morning unto their Lordships, with another Bill which was for the continuance and perfecting of divers Statutes.
This day finally the Speaker with the rest of the House of Commons being sent for into the Upper House, and thereupon repairing thither, two Commissions under the Great Seal were read; by the first of which her Majesty being absent gave her Royal Assent to ten several Acts or Statutes which passed at this time, and by the other this Parliament was dissolved.
Nota, That all this days Passages are supplied out of the Upper House Journal.