The Journals of Parliaments, Journal 24 (1 of 3)

The Journals of Parliaments · Journal 24 (1 of 3)

p. 548THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

A Journal of the House of Commons in the Parliament holden at Westminster, Anno 39 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1597. which began there on Monday the 24^th Day of October, and then and there continued until the Dissolution thereof, on Thursday the 9^th Day of February Anno 40 Reginae ejusdem.

THIS present Journal of the House of Commons is not only abundantly stored with many and sundry Passages touching the Orders, Use and Priviledge of the House it self; but containeth in it excellent matter touching the publick affairs of Church and State: in which also her Majesty was most graciously pleased to give the said House free Liberty to reform some abuses of the first, and to search into the dangers of the latter. And that this said Journal might be the more exact and copious, in some few places the defects thereof are supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, and out of a certain imperfect and fragmentary Journal of the House of Commons.

The ninth Parliament of our Soveraign Lady Elizabeth, by the Grace of God of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c. begun at Westminster upon Monday being the 24^th day of October in the thirty ninth year of her Majesties Reign. Upon which day many of the Knights of the Shires, Citizens of Cities, Burgesses of Boroughs and Barons of Ports did make their appearance at Westminster, being returned into the same Parliament for the same Shires, Cities, Boroughs and Ports, before the Right Honourable the Earl of Nottingham, Lord Steward of her Majesties most honourable Household: And did then and there in the Room commonly called the Court of Requests, take the Oath of Supremacy, seven or eight at a time (being Enacted by and contained in the Statute de an. 1 Reginae Eliz. Cap. 1.) before the said Lord Steward, and before Sir William Knolles Knight Comptroller of her Majesties Houshold, Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sir Robert Cecill Principal Secretary, his Lordships Deputies. And thereupon the said Knights, Citizens, Burgesses and Barons entring into their own House, and expecting her Majesties further Pleasure, her Highness then being in her Royal Seat in the Higher House of Parliament, the said Commons were commanded to come before her Highness, and being there Assembled, the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Egerton Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, delivered unto the said Commons the Causes of her Majesties Calling of this Parliament; and so in the end willed them to repair again into the said House of Commons, and there to make choice of their Speaker according to the former laudable usage and custom of the same House in that Case accustomed; and willed them to present him unto her Majesty upon the Thursday next following. Which done, the said Commons presently repaired unto their own House, and there being Assembled and sitting some space of time very silent, at last the Right Honourable Sir William Knolls one of her Highness most Honourable Privy Council and Comptroller of her Majesties Household, stood up and spake to the effect following.

p. 549Necessity constraineth me to break off this silence, and to give others cause for speech. According to the usual Custom we are to chuse our Speaker, and though I am least able and therefore unfit to speak in this place, yet better I deem it to discover my own Imperfections, than that her most sacred Majesties Commandment to me delivered should not be fulfilled, or your Expectation of this first days work by all our silences to be in any sort frustrate. First therefore I think it very expedient to remember the Excellent and Learned Speech of that good man my Lord Keeper, (at which all of us, or the most part of us at the least, were present) who very wisely shewed the Cause of calling this Honourable Assembly, shewing unto us that it is partly for the reforming those Laws which be amiss, partly quite to repeal others, partly to augment those that be good, and partly to Enact new Laws, both for the Honour and profit of her Majesty and for the benefit of the Commonwealth. And in conclusion wished us to depart from whence we came and there to chuse our Speaker, who ought to be the Mouth of us all, and to whom we might commit such weighty affairs as in this place should be debated amongst us. For unfit it is if we have occasion to go unto the Sacred presence of her Majesty, to go either confusedly without order, or unorderly without Judgment. Now because that knowledge doth rest in certainty, I will with the more speed set afoot this motion, deliver my opinion unto you, who is most fit for this place, being a member of this House, and those good abilities which I know to be in him (here he made a little pause, and the House hawked, and spat, and after silence made he proceeded) unto this place of dignity and calling in my opinion (here he stayed a little) M^r Serjeant Yelverton (looking upon him) is the fittest man to be preferred (after which words M^r Yelverton blushed, and put off his Hat and after sate bare-headed) for I am assured that he is yea, (and I dare avow it) I know him to be a man wise and learned, secret and circumspect, Religious and faithful, no way disable but every way able to supply this place. Wherefore in my Judgment I deem him (though I will not say, best worthy amongst us, yet) sufficient enough to supply this place; and herein if any man think I err, I wish him to deliver his mind as freely as I have done; if not, that we all join together in giving general consent and approbation to this motion.

So that the whole House cried I, I, I, let him be. And then Master Comptroller made a low reverence, and sat down; and after a little pause and silence, M^r Serjeant Yelverton rose up, and after a very humble reverence made spake in effect thus much.

WHence your unexpected choice of me to be your Mouth or Speaker should proceed, I am utterly ignorant. If from my merits, strange it were that so few deserts should purchase suddenly so great an Honour. Nor from my ability doth this your choice proceed; for well known it is to a great number in this place now assembled, that my Estate is nothing correspondent for the maintenance of this dignity: For my Father dying left me a younger Brother, and nothing to me but my bare Annuity. Then growing to mans estate and some small practice of the Law, I took a Wise by whom I have had many Children, the keeping of us all being a great impoverishing to my Estate, and the daily living of us all nothing but my daily Industry. Neither from my Person or Nature doth this choice arise; for he that supplieth this place ought to be a man bigg and comely, stately and well spoken, his voice great, his carriage Majestical, his Nature haughty and his Purse plentiful and heavy: but contrarily, the stature of my body is small, my self not so well spoken, my voice low, my carriage Lawyer-like and of the common fashion, my Nature soft and bashful, my Purse thin, light and never yet plentiful. Wherefore I now see the only cause of this choice is a gracious and favourable censure of your good and undeserved Opinions of me. But I most humbly beseech you recal this your sudden Election; And therefore because the more sudden, the sooner to be recalled. But if this cannot move your sudden choice, yet let this one thing perswade you, that my self not being gracious in the Eye of her Majesty, neither ever yet in account with any great Personages, shall deceive your expectation in those weighty matters and great affairs which should be committed unto me. For if Demosthenes being so learned and eloquent as he was one whom none surpassed, trembled to speak before Phocion at Athens, how much more shall I being unlearned and unskillful, supply this place of dignity, charge and trouble to speak before so many Phocions as here be? yea, which is the greatest, before the unspeakable Majesty and Sacred Personage of our dread and dear Soveraign; The terror of whose countenance will appall and abase even the stoutest heart; yea whose very name will pull down the greatest courage. For how mightily doth the estate and name of a Prince deject the haughtiest Stomach even of their greatest Subjects? I beseech you therefore again and again to proceed unto a new Election, here being many better able, more sufficient and far more worthy than my self, both for the Honour of this Assembly and general good to the publick State.

Thus far out of the aforesaid fragmentary and imperfect Journal, the rest that follows is out of the Original Journal-Book it self.

After which Speech of Serjeant Yelverton's, the Right Honourable Sir John Forteseue Knight, one other of her Highness said most Honourable Privy-Council and Chancellor of her Majesties Exchequer, stood up and affirming all the said former Speech of the said M^r Comptroller in the Commendation and good parts of the said M^r Serjeant Yelverton; and inferring further that p. 550he the said M^r Chancellor had well perceived by the said M^r Serjeants own Speech, tending to the disabling of himself to the said place, that he was thereby so much the more sufficient and meet for the same. And so for his part likewise nominating the said M^r Serjeant Yelverton to be their Speaker, moved the House further for their liking and resolution therein, who all with one accord and consent yielded unto the said Election. Whereupon the said M^r Comptroller and M^r Chancellor did rise up and place the said M^r Serjeant Yelverton in the Chair. Which done, the said M^r Serjeant after some small pause stood up, and giving unto the whole House most hearty thanks for their good opinions and conceit of him, signified unto them nevertheless, that by their good favours he would endeavour when he should come before her Majesty, to be an humble Suitor unto her Highness to be discharged of the said place, if he so could. And immediately the House did rise, and were to meet there again upon the Thursday next following.

On Thursday the 27^th day of October, the House being set, and before M^r Speaker went up to her Majesty in the Upper House, M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer moved and admonished that none of this House should after this present day enter into the same House with their Spurs on, for offending of others, and withal that none do come into this House before they have paid the Serjeants Fees of this House due unto him according to the accustomed usage of this House in that case.

M^r Speaker with the greatest number of the Members of this House after their abiding along time silent, and attending her Majesties Pleasure, from the Upper House to be sent for thither, did go out of this House towards the said Upper House, there to be the more near and ready to come before her Highness in the said Upper House, at such time as her Majesty should please to send for them. And afterwards being admitted, and the said Speaker presented and allowed by her Majesty according to the usual form in that case accustomed, and returning back again from the said Upper House, attended by the Serjeant of this House, bearing the Mace before him, upon his aforesaid allowance in the Upper House in the said place of Prolocutor he took his place in the Chair, and being there set signified unto the House, that whereas in former times the Order was to have a Bill read before the House did rise, the same could not be so done at this time, because her Majesty had in the Upper House Adjourned this Parliament till Saturday next come seven-night, being the 5^th of November next coming, at eight of the Clock in the Forenoon of the same day, till which time he and all the Members of this House might depart and take their ease. And so then every man went his way.

Nota, That this was a mistake of M^r Serjeant Yelverton now Speaker of the House of Commons, for the Adjournment in the Upper House did not nor could not hinder the reading of a Bill in the House of Commons, upon the allowance of their Speaker in the said Upper House, and their return from it, according to the antient use and custom, although the Adjournment of the Parliament by her Majesty being present in the said House is for the most part accounted an Adjournment of both the Houses. To make which truth more clear, there shall need no other Precedent to be cited than that in the last Parliament de An. 35 Regin. Eliz. where Edward Cooke Esquire the Queens Sollicitor being chosen Speaker of the beforementioned Commons House was presented unto her Majesty upon Thursday the 22^th day of February, and the words there were, Dominus Custos magni Sigilli ex mandato Dominae Reginae continuavit praesens Parliamentum, &c. to the next Saturday following; (by which very words the Parliament was also continued at this time unto the Saturday seven-night after.) And then upon the return of the said M^r Cooke their Speaker to the House of Commons in the said thirty fifth year of her Majesty, an ordinary Bill touching the pleading of a Bar at large in an Ejectione firmae, had its first reading; although after the reading he there declared, that it was her Majesties pleasure that the said House should be Adjourned and not meet again until the said Saturday, on which the Upper House met again also. And therefore it is plain, that M^r Serjeant Yelverton did at this time not only commit a great error in omitting to read some one Bill or other according to the usual Custom, but was also much mistaken in informing the House that it had been Adjourned and so now stood Adjourned by those words which the Lord Keeper had spoken in the Upper House; for his Lordship at this time, as appears plainly by the Original Journal-Book of that House, did only continue the Parliament and not Adjourn it; which words although spoken by the Queens Commandment being personally present, do only concern the said Upper House, and reach not at all unto the House of Commons, as was directly declared by the Lord Keeper himself in the next Parliament ensuing, in An. 43 Regin. Eliz. after that M^r John Crooke, M^r Recorder of London, their Speaker, upon his allowance in and return from the said Upper House, on Friday the 30^th day of October in An. eodem, had by a like mistake misinformed the House that it was Adjourned, and so caused it to rise without the reading of any Bill.

And therefore here once for all I have caused the true differences as I conceive in this kind to be here inserted, viz. If the Lord Keeper by the Queens Commandment being personally present, had either prolonged or Adjourned the Parliament, or that her Majesty with her own Mouth had pronounced the said words, or had caused the same to have been done by a Commission under the Great Seal in her absence; in all these Cases it had reached alike both unto the Upper House; and unto the House of Commons.

But if the Queens Majesty had with her own Mouth continued the Parliament, as she did here p. 551command the Lord Keeper to do it; yet this had only concerned the Upper House, so that the Lords could not have met again until the day to which the said Parliament had been continued; but the said House of Commons, whom the said continuance concerned not, might have met each day without intermission, and have agitated such businesses, and have given reading to such Bills, as offered themselves.

And lastly, If the Lord Keeper or Lord Chancellor for the time being do at any time Adjourn or continue the Parliament to a further day, as of course he doth one of them for longer or shorter time, every day the Upper House riseth, and that he doth it not by Command or Commission from the Soveraign for the time being, but do it of course as is aforesaid, this concerns only the Upper House, and the House of Commons are neither bound to take notice of it nor to surcease any of their daily Proceedings upon it.

On Saturday the 5^th day of November the House met about eight of the Clock in the Morning, having through a meer mistake and error of the Speaker and themselves conceived their House to have been Adjourned by the Lord Keeper, the first day of the Parliament, unto this present Saturday, as is more largely declared in fine diei praecedentis.

Nota also, that some part of the Passages of this present Saturday following are transcribed out of the before-recited fragmentary and imperfect Journal.

M^r Speaker this Morning, according to the usual course, brought in a Prayer to be used in the House during this Parliament, which was as followeth.

OEternal God, Lord of Heaven and Earth, the great and mighty Councellor, We thy poor Servants Assembled before thee in this Honourable Senate, humbly acknowledge our great and manifold sins and imperfections, and thereby our unworthiness to receive any grace and assistance from thee; Yet most merciful Father since by thy providence we are called from all parts of the Land to this famous Council of Parliament to advise of those things which concern thy Glory, the good of thy Church, the prosperity of our Prince, and the Weal of her people, we most intirely beseech thee, that pardoning all our sins in the Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, it would please thee by the brightness of thy Spirit to expel darkness and vanity from our minds, and partiality from our Speeches; and grant unto us such wisdom and integrity of heart as becometh the Servants of Jesus Christ, the Subjects of a gracious Prince, and Members of this Honourable House. Let not us, O Lord, who are met together for the publick good of the whole Land, be more careless and remiss than we use to be in our own private Causes. Give Grace (we beseech thee) that every one of us may labour to shew a good Conscience to thy Majesty, a good Zeal to thy word, and a loyal heart to our Prince, and a Christian Love to our Country and Common-Wealth. O Lord, so unite and conjoin the hearts of her Excellent Majesty and this whole Assembly, as they may be a threefold Cord not easily broken, giving strength to such godly I aws as be already Enacted, that they may be the better Executed, and Enacting such as are further requisite for the bridling of the wicked and the encouragement unto the godly and well affected Subjects: That so thy great blessing may be continued towards us, and thy grievous Judgments turned from us. And that only for Christ Jesus sake, our most glorious and only Mediator and Advocate, to whom with thy blessed Majesty and the Holy Ghost be given all Honour and Praise, Power and Dominion from this time forth for evermore. Amen.

M^r Francis Bacon spake first, after that one Bill mentioned in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons had been read the first time, viz. the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers, and made a Motion against Inclosures and Depopulation of Towns and Houses of Husbandry and Tillage. And to this purpose he brought in, as he termed it, two Bills not drawn with a polished pen, but with a polished heart, free from affection and affectation. And because former Laws are Medicines of our understanding, he said, that he had perused the Preambles of former Statutes, and by them did see the inconveniencies of this matter, being then scarce out of the shell, to be now full ripened. And he said, that the over-flowing of the people here, makes a shrinking and abate elsewhere; And that these two mischiefs, though they be exceeding great, yet they seem the less, because Qui mala cum multis patimur, leviora videntur. And though it may be thought ill and very prejudicial to Lords that have inclosed great grounds, and pulled down even whole Towns, and converted them to Sheep-Pastures; yet considering the increase of people and the benefit of the Common-Wealth, I doubt not but every man will deem the revival of former Moth-eaten Laws in this point a praise-worthy thing. For in matters of Policy ill is not to be thought ill; which bringeth forth good. For Inclosure of grounds brings depopulation, which brings first Idleness, secondly decay of Tillage, thirdly subversion of Houses, and decay of Charity, and charges to the Poor, fourthly impoverishing the state of the Realm. A Law for the taking away of such inconveniences is not to be thought ill or hurtful unto the general State. And I would be sorry to see within this Kingdom, that piece of Ovids Verse prove true, jam seges ubi Troja fuit, so in England, instead of a whole Town full of people, nought but green Fields, but a Shepherd and a Dog. The Eye of Experience is the sure Eye, but the Eye of Wisdom is the quicksighted Eye; and by Experience we daily see, Nemo putat illud videri turpe, quod sibi sit quaestuosum. And therefore there is almost no Conscience made in destroying the savour of the life, Bread I mean, for Panis sapor vitae. And therefore p. 552a strict and rigorous Law had need to be made against those Viperous natures who fulfil the Proverb, Si non posse quod vult, velle tamen quod potest; which if it be made by us, and life given unto it by Execution in our several Counties, no doubt but they will prove Laws tending to Gods Honour, the renown of her Majesty, the same of this Parliament, and the everlasting good of this Kingdom. And therefore I think them worthy to be read and received.

Thus far out of the aforesaid fragmentary and imperfect Journal: that which follows is out of the Original Journal-Book it self.

In the end of which said Speech, as it should seem, the said M^r Bacon did move the House that a Committee might be appointed to consider of the said matter touching Inclosures.

Which done, Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer in like manner shewed his opinion in this Case, much answerable to the said Speech of the said M^r Bacon; and so moving for a Committee to that end, the House did nominate all the Privy Council being Members of this House, all the Knights of the Counties and all the Citizens of the Cities returned into this present Parliament, Sir Edward Hobby, M^r Francis Bacon, M^r Nathaniel Bacon, Sir Wiliam Moore, M^r Sollicitor, M^r Finch and divers others, who were appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon of this present day.

M^r Finch shewing sundry great and horrible abuses of idle and vagrant Persons greatly offensive both to God and the world; And further shewing the extream and miserable estate of the Godly and honest sort of the poor Subjects of this Realm, moved for a Committee of this House to be selected for consideration to be had for redress thereof. Whereupon the same was referred to the former Committees in the Bill touching Inclosures and converting of Tillage into Pasture.

M^r Speaker putteth the House in remembrance for a Committee to be nominated to deal and travel in the examination of such Causes as shall occur in this House touching Priviledge and Returns during this present Sessions of Parliament, and from time to time to make Report to this House of their travel and proceedings therein, as occasion shall serve. Whereupon were nominated all the Privy Council being Members of the House, Sir William Moore, M^r Recorder of London, Sir Thomas Knivet, M^r Attorney of the Dutchy, M^r Attorney of the Court of Wards, M^r Doctor Heyward Master of the Requests, M^r Luke, M^r Edward Lukenour, M^r William Cecill, M^r Robert Wroth, Sir William Eyre, Sir Francis Hastings, M^r Miles Sandes, M^r Michael Stanhop, M^r Francis Bacon, Sir Edward Hobbie, M^r Sollicitor, M^r Tasbrough, M^r Conisby, M^r George Moore, Sir Edward Hastings, M^r Finch, M^r Crew M^r Peak, M^r Serjeant Hayle, M^r Lyel, M^r Jeram Horsey, M^r Hubbard, M^r Amersam, M^r Edward Boer, M^r Litten M^r Nathaniel Bacon, M^r Angeire, M^r Combes and M^r Robert Knolls, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber.

Sir Thomas Knivet, being a Member of this House returned one of the Citizens of the City of Westminster shewed unto this House, that being a Member of this House, he was since the beginning of this Parliament served with a Subpoena to appear in the Chancery, which he taketh to be done to the infringing of the priviledge and liberties of this House. Wherein praying the consideration of this House in that behalf, he is referred to attend the Committees formerly nominated at the said time and place, before appointed. Vide November 9.

The Bill for taking away of Clergy from Offenders against a Statute made in 3 Hen. 7. concerning the taking away of Women against their wills unlawfully, was read the first time.

On Monday the 7^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers was upon the second reading committed unto M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M^r Francis Bacon, the Citizens for London, York, Coventry, Bristol and Gloucester, M^r Nathaniel Bacon and others, who were appointed to meet upon Wednesday next in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; and the Bill and Committees names were delivered upon Tuesday next following to M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer one of the Committees.

The Bill for taking, away of Clergy from Offenders against a Statute made in the third year of H. 7^th concerning the taking away of Women against their wills unlawfully, was upon the second reading committed unto M^r Sollicitor, M^r Peutridge, M^r Recorder of London, M^r Bayes, Mr. Finch, Mr. Bourcher and Mr. Duport, to go presently together into the Committee Chamber of this House; who taking the Bill with them and returning again very soon after, they had inserted into the Bill these words, viz. [hereafter to be committed.] Which words being read unto the House, and not well liked of, were strucken out, and these words were set down therein by the consent of the House, viz. [to be committed after the end of this present Session of Parliament] and were then twice read. And so the Bill upon the question was Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Tuesday the 8^th day of Nov. Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching the transporting of Sheep-Skins and Pelts, was read the first time.

Mr. George Moore shewed the great and burthensome charge of the Subjects of this Realm, being compelled upon great penalties with the keeping and having of sundry sorts of Armour and Weapons which are altogether unprofitable for any use or service, and are charged nevertheless with the finding and providing of such other Armour and Weapons besides from time p. 553to time, as the Captains which were appointed to take charge, upon any occasion of service will call for and appoint at their own pleasure. And so for redress thereof, and for some certainty to be set down by Law touching the having and keeping of such Armour and Weapons, moved that a selected number of this House may be appointed to have Conference and consideration about the same. Whereupon were named for that purpose M^r Comptroller, Sir George Carey, Sir George Gifford, Sir Thomas Conisby, Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir Henry Bromley, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Edward Hastings, M^r Thomas Knivet, M^r George Moore, Sir Edward Hobby, Sir William Brereton, Mr. Leonard, Sir John Stacy, Sir Henry Norris, Mr. Francis Bacon, Sir Edmund Carey, Sir William Moore, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Edmond Boyer, Sir Richard Knightley, Sir Gervase Clifton, the Knights for all Shires, Sir Anthony Cope, all Deputy Lieutenants of Shires being Members of this House, Sir Henry Bamfield, Mr. Oglethorp, Mr. Miles Sandes, Mr. Warwick Heyle, Sir Henry Nevill, Mr. Francis Foscue, Sir William Woolgrave, Sir William Aire, Sir Henry Gawdie, Sir Robert Southwell, Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower, Mr. Henry Finch, Mr. Bourchier, Mr. Boyes, Mr. Attorney of the Dutchy, Mr. Attorney of the Wards, Mr. John Boyer, Mr. Edward Lewkenor, Mr. Robert Sackvile, Mr. Tasbrough, Mr. Francis Goodwyn, Mr. Angier, Mr. Emersam, Mr. John Lees and Mr. Adrian Gilbert, and appointed to meet in this House upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; and the Committees names were delivered to Mr. Comptroller.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the due performance of the last Will and Testament of George Durant, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Edward Hobbie, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Wimarke, Sir Robert Wingfeild, Mr. John Wingfeild, Mr. Oglethorpe, Sir Thomas Cecill and Mr. James Harrington, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Court at two of the Clock; and the Bill was delivered to Sir Thomas Cecill one of the said Committees.

Sir Francis Hastings moved for the abridging and reforming the excessive number of superfluous and burthensom penal Laws. Which Motion being seconded by Mr. Francis Bacon and others, the consideration of the managing thereof was committed unto all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, all the Serjeants at Law being likewise Members of this House, all the Lawyers of this House, Mr. Miles Sandes, Mr. Tasbrough, Mr. George Moore, Mr. Lewkenor, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. George Rotheram, Mr. Stephenson, Mr. Conisbie, Mr. Dykes, Mr. Crompton and others, and all the Knights for the Counties and for the City of London returned into this House, Sir William Moore, Sir Edward Hobbie, Mr. Heyle, Sir Thomas Hobbie and Mr. Hubbard, who were appointed to meet in this House upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Mr. Brograve Attorney of the Dutchy, one of the Committees for the Examination of matters of priviledge and of Returns, (whose names see on Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed, that he and sundry others of the Committees had met together about those businesses, according to the charge of this House in that behalf imposed upon them; and that the other Committees did appoint him to make report unto this House of their travels in this said business: And shewed, that as concerning the Liberties and Priviledges of the Members of this House, they are of opinion, that the serving of the Subpoena upon Mr. Thomas Knivet, one of the Members of this House, signified by himself unto this House on Saturday immediately foregoing, is a manifest contempt committed against this whole House, to the apparent prejudice of the Liberties and Priviledges of this House, as by some Precedents under the Clerk of this House his hand, in like former Cases accustomed, and shewed further unto the said Committees, it did appear; in that by reason of such Process served upon any Member of this House, the same Member so served with such Process must needs of force be withdrawn from his Service in this House, both in his mind and in his person, by the meer necessity of following his own private business occasioned by the said Process so served upon him: And therefore do resolve, that the said Mr. Thomas Knivet ought to be freed from the serving of the said Subpoena. And because the said Mr. Knivet affirmed unto the said Committees, that the Parties that served the said Subpoena upon him did execute the same in very dutiful and lowly manner; and that also the said party being examined by the said Committees did affirm and protest unto them, that he did not know the said Mr. Knivet to be a Member of this House, when he served him with the said Subpoena, the Committees were of Opinion to have the said party remitted without any further punishment to be inflicted upon him for the same, if this House should so think good, and else not. And where one Precedent in Quinto of Queen Mary was shewed unto the said Committees, whereby it appeared that a Member of this place at that time being served with a Subpoena out of the Chancery in Parliament time, was upon Declaration thereof made unto this House allowed to have the benefit and priviledge of this House; and for the due accomplishment thereof, this House did then send two Members of the same to the then Lord Chancellor of England, requiring his Lordship in the name of this whole House to revoke the said Subpoena, as by the same Precedent may appear; he shewed that the resolution of the said Committees in this Case, for the said Mr. Knivet, is, that in like manner two of the Members of this House may be sent by the Order of this House in the name of the whole House, to the now Lord Keeper, to require his Lordship to revoke the said Subpoena served upon thesai d Mr. Knivet, if this House shall so think p. 554good. And further, as concerning Returns, that he and the residue of the Committees had seen the Return of the Sheriff of the County of Dorset for the electing into this Parliament the Burgesses of the Borough of Weymouth and Melcomb Regis, heretofore two distinct Boroughs, but of late years united and incorporated into one by her Majesties Letters Patents, with ability and priviledge nevertheless to elect four Burgesses into the Parliament as in former times they had used to do, when they were distinct Boroughs. And that the Mayor, Bayliffs, Commonalty and Burgesses of Weymouth and Melcomb Regis had upon the Sheriffs Precept directed unto them elected four Burgesses, and returned them under the Seal of their Corporation, and that the Bayliffs have elected two others besides, which four Burgesses are certified into this House from the Clerk of the Crown, and are sworn into the same House accordingly; but the said other two Burgesses are neither certified nor sworn into this House, neither elected by Precept from the said Sheriffs for any thing the said Committees could perceive. And that therefore their Opinion was, that the said four Burgesses so as aforesaid duly and orderly elected and returned, should still continue Members of this House, and not the other two so indirectly returned, if it shall be so thought good unto this House; for that the said two Burgesses, if they find themselves aggrieved or injured in the said Election, may take their remedy against the Sheriffs. All which being recited unto the House by Mr. Speaker, it was Ordered thereupon, that Sir Edward Hobby, and the said Mr. Attorney of the Dutchy should be sent by this House unto the said Lord Keeper with the said Message touching the said Subpoena, and the party that served the same Subpoena should be discharged, and the said four Burgesses for Weymouth and Melcomb Regis continued accordingly.

Mr. Wingfield reneweth in some parts a Motion of Mr. Francis Moore delivered yesterday in this House touching sundry enormities growing by Patents of Priviledge and Monopolies, and the abuses of them, together with some Speeches therein then had by Mr. Secretary; and Mr. Sollicitor making some reply, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon seconded the said Mr. Wingfield: which done, Sir Francis Hastings moved for a Committee to take particular Informations of the abuses of the said Patents of priviledge, the better to be instructed in the courses of the same, for the more ready preparation to further means for redress to be had therein; but it was then no further proceeded in by reason the day was far spent. Vide concerning this business on Wednesday the 9^th day, Thursday the 10^th day, and Wednesday the 16^th day of this instant November ensuing, as also on Wednesday the 14^th day of December following, where it was agitated by the House, but nothing concluded in it; only the Speaker moving her Majesty about it the last day of this Parliament, she promised Reformation therein.

On Wednesday the 9^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill to suppress multitude of Maulsters, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Hubberd, the Burgesses of York, Hull, Worcester and Gloucester, and M^r Nathaniel Bacon and others, and the Bill was delivered to Sir Robert Wroth, who with the rest was appointed to meet at two of the Clock in the Middle-Temple Hall. Vide Jan. 12.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Amendment of Weavers and Spinners Wages was read the first time.

Sir Edward Hobbie shewed, that himself and Mr. Brograve Attorney of the Dutchy, have according to the direction of this House unto them, been with the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and in the name of this whole House did require his Lordship to revoke two Writs of Subpoena which were served upon Mr. Thomas Knivett a Member of this House since the beginning of this Sessions of Parliament; and that his Lordship thereupon demanded of them whether they were appointed by any advised consideration of this House to deliver their Message unto him with the word Require in such manner as they had done or no; and that they Answered his Lordship, Yea. And that his Lordship then said, that as he thought very reverently and honourably of this House, and of the Liberties and Priviledges of the same, so to revoke the said Subpoena in that sort, was to restrain her Majesty in her greatest Power, which is Justice, in the place wherein he serveth under her: And that he said he would be further advised before his giving Answer to this House, as the House was advised to send unto him the said Message. Vide concerning this business on Saturday the 5^th day, and on Thursday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing. But what further proceeding ensued touching the serving of the said Subpoena is not found in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; but it's likely the Lord Keeper did further satisfie the House.

After this Report made, the House (but upon what occasion is not set down) began to name Committees touching Monopolies and Patents of priviledge; of which Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Barker, Mr. Lawrence Hide, and some nine others being appointed, Mr. Secretary Cecill moved the House, that the day being now far spent and the business in agitation of great weight, the nominating of the said Committees might be deferred till the day following, and that then also it might be discussed and set down touching what matters the said Committee should treat. Whereupon upon the Question it was deferred accordingly. Vide plus concerning this matter on Tuesday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing.

On Thursday the 10^th day of November, the Bill for the establishing of the Town Lands of p. 555Wanting in the County of Berks to the relief of the Poor, amendments of High-ways, and maintaining of a School-Master within the Town of Wanting aforesaid, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Comptroller, the Knights for the County of Berks, Mr. Henry Nevill, Sir Humphrey Foster, M^r Sollicitor, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Oglethorpe, Mr. Lawrence Hide, Mr. …, Mr. Tasbrough, and Mr. Oldsworth; and the Bill was delivered unto M^r Francis Moore, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Saturday next at two of the Clock this Afternoon in this House.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for re-edifying the Town of Langsord Estover in the County of Somerset, was upon the second reading committed unto the Knights for the County of Somerset, Sir Francis Hastings and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir Francis Hastings, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill for taking away Clergy from certain Offenders, was sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller, M^r Chancellor and others; in the mean time whereof, and before they were gone into the Upper House, they met M^r Doctor Stanhop by the way with a Message to this House, and so returned back to this House till the said Message was delivered by the said Mr. Doctor Stanhop, who coming from the Lords said he had a private Message from their Lordships to Mr. Speaker, and so speaking unto the Speaker and departing, again, Mr. Speaker did thereupon tell this House, that the Lord Keeper did send privately unto him from the Lords to know whether this House had expedited any Bill to send unto their Lordships.

The Bill for Amendment of Weavers and Spinners Wages was read the second time, and upon the question committed unto Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir William Moore, Mr. Martin, the Burgesses of Nottingham and Derby, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon and others; and the Bill with a Note of the Committees names was delivered to Sir William Moore, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon at the Guild-Hall.

Mr. Walgrave moved touching the abuses of Licences for Marriages granted by Ecclesiastical persons, and prayeth consideration may be had for reformation thereof by this House.

Mr. Davies reneweth the motion touching Monopolies and the abuses of Patents of Priviledge. Whereupon after sundry other Speeches of other Members of this House, some of them tending to urge the nomination of Committees in regard it was Yesterday Ordered upon the question that there should be a Committee for that purpose, these Committees following were nominated, all the Privy Council being Members of this House, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Edward Hastings, Sir Henry Bromley, Mr. Foulke Grevil, Sir William Cornwallis, all the Knights of all Shires, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Oldsworth, Mr. Lawrence Hide, the Burgestes of Rochester, Mr. Robert Wingfield, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Henry Yelverton, the Burgesses of all Port Towns, Sir Thomas Egerton, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Henry Nevil, Mr. John Bowyer, Sir William Moore, the Knights and Citizens for London, the Citizens for York, Mr. Tasbrough, Mr. Jerom Horsey, Mr. Davies, Mr. Hubberd, Mr. Doctor Crompton, Mr. Finch, Mr. Edmund Boyer, Mr. Hext, Mr. Jackman, Mr. Hicks, Mr. John Harper, Mr. Angier, Sir William Howard, Sir John Lewson, Mr. Bourcher, Mr. Pembridge, Mr. Henry Lewsey, Mr. Conisbie, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Portington, Burgesses of Derbie, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next in this House at two of the Clock in the Afternoon. Vide concerning this business on Tuesday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing.

On Friday the 11^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first was the Bill concerning the Hospital of Warwick.

Mr. Robert Wing field, Mr. Doctor James and Mr. Simnell do shew sundry great abuses by Licences for Marriages without Banes, granted by Registers and other inferiour Officers: Whereupon Sir Thomas Cecill moved for a Committee for drawing of a Bill for Reformation thereof. Whereupon were nominated Sir Thomas Cecill, Mr. Simnell, Mr. Finch, Mr. Doctor James, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Robert Wingfield and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in Grayes-Inn.

Mr. Hext moved touching the abuses of Probates of Wills.

Sir Francis Hastings shewed, that the Committees in the motion touching Inclosures and Tillage, and in the motion touching the punishment of Rogues and relief of the Poor (who were appointed on Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November foregoing) had spent all their travel hitherto only about the said Inclosures and Tillage, and nothing about the said Rogues and Poor, and signifying that some Members of this House have travelled for framing of two or three Bills for that purpose of Rogues and Poor, moved that those Bills might be received into the House to be further considered of; and so it was thereupon yielded unto by the House accordingly.

Sir Edward Hobbie moved for a Committee for continuance of Statutes. Whereupon were nominated Mr. Attorney of the Dutchy, and Mr. Attorney of the Court of Wards, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Sollicitor, Sir Edward Hobbie, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Bourcher, Mr. Francis Bacon, all the Serjeants at Law being of this House, Sir William Moore and others, and a Note of the Committees names delivered to Sir Robert Wroth, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon p. 556Thursday next at the Inner-Temple Hall at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Saturday the 12^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the repeal of the Statute of the twenty third of the Queens Majesty, Intituled, An Act for the encrease of Mariners and maintenance of the Navigation, was upon the second reading committed unto all the Burgesses of the Port Towns, all the Citizens for London, York, Hull and Norwich, the Burgesses of Caernarvon, Mr. Miles Sandes and others; and the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Sandes, who with the rest was appointed to meet on Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

M^r George Moore, one of the Committees for priviledges and Returns (whose names see before on Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November) shewed the differences for the Returns of Ludlow, before the Committees, which grew from the Sheriffs directing of his Precept to the Bayliff of the Borough of Ludlow in the singular number, whereas it should have been to the Bayliffs thereof in the plural; and thereupon the House was divided, whether the Sheriff who might through hast or want of Experience run into that Error, ought to be punished, or the Town of Ludlow, which had, as might well be concluded, wilfully made use of that his Error. Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Edward Lewkenor and others urging, that the Town ought to be amerced; and Mr. Bourchier, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Pelham, and others urging, that the Sheriff ought to be amerced: It was upon the Question referred to the former Committees, and if it cannot be divided by them, then they are to learn the Opinion of some of the Judges.

The Bill against the Counterfeiting of the Hands of the Lords was read the second time, and upon the Question was committed unto all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, all the Serjeants at Law which are of this House, Mr. Brograve Attorney of the Dutchy, Sir Tho. Hobbie and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the better Answering of her Majesties Tenths and Subsidies from the Clergy was upon the second reading committed to M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Recorder, M^r Nathaniel Bacon, M^r Wingfield, Sir Edward Hobbie and others, who were appointed to meet on Wednesday at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber; and the Bill was delivered to M^r Sollicitor.

Sir Robert Wroth, one of the Committees in the Bill to suppress the multitude of Maulsters, (who had been appointed on Wednesday the 9^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed that the Committees have met and have travailed therein, and thought good to draw a new Bill; and so brought in both the old Bill, and also the new Bill.

On Monday the 14^th day of November, M^r Lawrence Hide, one of the Committees in the Bill concerning the Town of Wanting (whose names see on Thursday the 10^th day of this instant November foregoing shewed the meeting of the said Committees and some Amendments made by them in some parts of the said Bill; which Amendments being twice read unto the House, the Bill was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

M^r George Moore, one of the Committees in the Motion touching Armour and Weapons, who were appointed on Tuesday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing, shewed their meeting upon Saturday last, and required to have a new day of meeting, and that some of the Lawyers which are of this House being in this Committee may then attend in the same. Whereupon day was given to meet again in this House upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; and the Committees names being then read by the Clerk, M^r Serjeant Williams, Serjeant Harris and Serjeant Heyle were added unto them.

M^r Simnell, one of the Committees in the Committee touching the abuses for Licences for Mariages without Banes (appointed on Friday the 11. day of this instant November foregoing) shewed, that the Committees have met together, but did not conclude of any thing, by reason that it was doubtful whether they were to treat of that matter only, or else both of the same, and also touching the stealing away of Mens Children without assent of their Parents, and touching the abuses in the Probates of Testaments and Processes ex Officio by Ecclesiastical Officers in matters of the same, being before several propounded at the Motion of sundry Members of this House.

Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer shewed, that her Majesty did yesterday last call Mr. Secretary and himself unto her, and telling them that her Highness had been informed of the horrible and great incestuous Marriages discovered in this House, and minding due punishment and redress of the same, commanded them to take information of the grievances in particular of the Members of this House, that her Highness having certain notice thereof, may thereupon give order for the due punishment and redress accordingly. Whereupon after sundry other Speeches tending to sundry courses, but yet most of them very well liking and approving the said Message delivered to this House therein from her Majesty by the said Mr. Chancellor, it was in the end resolved, that the former Committees (who were appointed on Friday the 11^th day of this instant November foregoing, to draw a Bill for reformation of abuses occasioned by Licences granted for Marriages without Banes asking) should meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Court at two of the Clock for that purpose, and that Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Robert Wroth, Sir Edward Hobby, Mr. Robert Wingfield, Mr. Fulk Grevill, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Symnell, p. 557Mr. George Moore, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Francis Goodwyn, Sir Edward Hastings, Sir Henry Worth, Sir Anthony Cope, Sir William Moore, Mr. Hexte, Sir John Sudmore, Mr. Finch and Mr. Francis Moore, should receive Informations of the grievances touching Ecclesiastical Causes, this day moved in the House, and should meet to that purpose upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber. Vide Nov. 16.

M^r Francis Bacon, one of the selected Committees concerning Inclosures and Tillage, moved for a time to be appointed for the same selected Committees to impart their travels therein to the general Committees, (who were appointed in the same Cause upon Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November foregoing) to the end that thereupon the same may afterwards be reported unto this House accordingly. Whereupon it was Ordered, that they should for that purpose meet in this House to Morrow next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

M^r Francis Moore, one of the Committees in the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers, &c. shewed the meeting of the Committees in that Bill, and some Amendments by them made in the same; and so delivereth in the same Bill so amended.

The Bill for repressing of Robberies, and touching Huy and Cry, was read the second time, and upon the question for Commitment was denied to be committed, and upon another question for the ingrossing, was denied to be ingrossed, and so rejected.

On Tuesday the 15^th day of November, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for extirpation of Beggars, was read the first time.

Sir Robert Wroth, one of the Committees in the Bill for Repeal of the Statute of the 23^d year of the Queen. Intituled An Act for encrease of Mariners and for maintenance of Navigation (who were appointed on Thursday the 10^th day of this instant November foregoing) brought in the Bill with some Amendments made by the Committees; which Amendments being twice read in the House, the Bill was afterwards and after some Speeches against the Bill, Ordered to be ingrossed upon the question.

M^r Serjeant Drew and M^r D^r Stanhop do bring from the Lords the Bill lately passed in this House for the taking away of Clergy from Offendors against the Statute made 3 Henr. 7. concerning the taking away of Women against their Wills unlawfully, which Bill their Lordships have also passed with a Proviso thereunto annext.

The Bill concerning the establishing of the Town-Lands of Wanting in the County of Berks was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, putting the House in remembrance of the Speech delivered unto this House by the Lord Keeper upon the first day of this present Parliament by her Majesties direction touching the Causes of her Highnesses calling of this Parliament, and shewing at large her Majesties great and excessive Charges sustained for the defence of her Highnesses Realms and Dominions against the force of the King of Spain, amounting to more than a treble value of the last three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths granted unto her in the last Parliament; and declaring further the great necessity of some Mass of Treasure, to be provided towards the supply of her Highness Charges in the continuation of the maintenance of her Majesties Forces in defence of her Highness Realms, Dominions and Subjects against the Forces and Invasions of the said King of Spain; and further referring the particularities of the designs and attempts of the said King of Spain since the last Parliament to be reported unto this House by M^r Secretary, moved for a selected Committee of this House, to be nominated to treat and consult concerning that matter.

M^r Secretary Cecill shewed at large the purposes, practices and attempts of the said King of Spain against her Majesty and her Realms, Dominions and Subjects, in divers sorts and at sundry times, together with his great overthrows in the same by the mighty hand of God, and of her Highnesses Forces, to his perpetual ignominy and great dishonour throughout the whole World. And so after a large discourse most excellently delivered by him, concluded with a Motion for proceeding to the said Committees. Whereupon some Speeches being had to that end by Sir Edward Hobby and Mr. Francis Bacon, It was agreed, that all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, all the Knights returned for the Counties into this present Parliament, and all Citizens for Cities returned into this House, should meet about the said business on Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in this House, and any other of this House then to come to them also at their pleasures that will. Vide plus on Wednesday the 7^th day of December following.

On Wednesday the 16^th day of November, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the Town of Northampton was upon the second reading committed unto the Knights for the County of Northampton, and the Burgesses for the Town of Northampton, Mr. Edward Mountague, Sir Edward Hobbie and others; And the Bill was delivered to Sir Thomas Cecill. All which were appointed to meet at two of the Clock in the Afternoon of this day at Sir Thomas Cecill's House.

Sir Edward Hobby, one of the Committees for the Information of Grants lately moved in this House in Ecclesiastical Causes, moved for a new day of meeting. Whereupon Monday next in the Afternoon was appointed for the same, and to be in this House.

Nota, That although her Majesty had formerly been exceeding unwilling and opposite to all p. 558manner of Innovations in Ecclesiastical Government; yet understanding at this Parliament of divers gross and great abuses therein, she had on Monday the 14^th day of this instant November foregoing, not only given leave and liberty to the House of Commons to treat thereof, but also had encouraged them to proceed in the reformation thereof, by a Message brought unto the said House by Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer. Whereupon the aforesaid Committee here mentioned by Sir Edward Hobby was appointed. Touching whose further proceedings in the said matter, see on Monday the 21^th, and on Tuesday the 22^th day of this instant November ensuing.

The Bill for keeping of Horses from stealing was upon the second reading committed unto M^r Hubberd, Sir Robert Wroth, M^r Maynard, M^r Portington, Sir William Brereton, M^r Henry Nevill, M^r Pennington and others; And the Bill and Committees names were delivered to M^r Hubberd, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Amendments in the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers were twice read, and the Bill was committed to the former Committees, (who were appointed to meet on Monday the 7^th day of this instant November foregoing) And there were added unto them M^r Hext, Sir Robert Wroth, M^r Francis Moore, M^r Litton, M^r Henry Maynard, Sir George Carew, M^r Henry Hubberd, all Barons of Ports, and Sir Nicholas Parker, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall; And the Bill was delivered to M^r Francis Moore and M^r Lawrence Hide.

The Proviso which came from the Lords in the Bill from taking Clergy from certain Offendors, and lately passed in this House and sent up unto their Lordships, was three times read and passed upon the question.

M^r Hext, one of the Committees in the Bill for the Town of Langford Estover (who were appointed on Thursday the 10^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees, and many Causes wherefore he thinketh the Bill very unmeet to have any passing in this House. Whereupon none offering to speak for the said Bill, the same was rejected upon the question for ingrossing.

The Bill for repeal of a Statute of the twenty third of the Queens Majesty, Intituled, An Act for encrease of Mariners and maintenance of Navigation, had its first reading; And after some Speeches both with the Bill and against it, it was in the end passed upon the question.

Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer shewed unto the House, that this Afternoon being appointed for two Commitments, the one touching Monopolies and Patents of Priviledge, and the other for the true Answering of the Tenths and Subsidies from the Clergy to her Majesty, in both which himself is a Committee amongst others; and that himself and M^r Secretary Cecill are specially commanded to wait upon her Highness this Afternoon, and therefore cannot attend the said Commitments; and so moving for a new day of meeting wished the same to be upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon: Which albeit it was well liked of, and yielded unto by some; yet was it over-ruled by number of Voices, That as concerning the said Monopolies and Patents of Priviledge, the said Commitments should be continued to be held in the Afternoon of this present day in this House. Vide plus touching this business on Tuesday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing.

On Thursday the 17^th day of November, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last concerning the Lands and Debts of Sir Henry Unton Knight deceased, had its first reading.

M^r Thomas Jewks is added to the former Committees for Examination of Priviledges and Returns (who were appointed on Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November foregoing) and are to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill also for erecting of Houses of Correction and the punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars, was read the first time.

On Friday the 18^th day of November, Twelve Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for erecting of Hospitals or abiding or Working-Houses for the Poor, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir John Hart, M^r Recorder of London, M^r Tasbrough, all the Readers of the Middle-Temple, M^r Boyce, M^r Henry Bellasis and others; And the Bill was delivered with the Committees names to the said M^r Boyce, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Middle-Temple Hall.

M^r Francis Moore, one of the Committees in the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers, (who were appointed on Monday the 17^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed, that the Committees have withdrawn out of the said Bill those points that concerned Corn, Grain and other Victuals, and have framed a new Bill for that purpose, Intituled, An Act to make void Contracts upon Ingrossing of Corn, Grain or Victual, which had its first reading; And the old Bill, for as much thereof as was not withdrawn, was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Sir Francis Hastings, M^r Francis Bacon and M^r Secretary moved touching the further preparing of the Bills for the re-edifying of Houses and encrease of Tillage. Whereupon after some other Speeches it was resolved, that the Committees therein should meet again for the same this Afternoon in this House.

The Bill against dying of Cloths with black Wood alias Logwood, was upon the second reading committed unto the Citizens for London, York, Coventry, Canterbury, Bristol, the Burgesses p. 559of Hull and Redding, M^r Finch and others; And the Bill was delivered to Sir John Hart, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the Guild Hall upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

M^r Sherley, one of the Committees for continuance of Statutes (who were appointed on Friday the 11^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed, that the greater number of the residue of the Committees being Yesterday imployed in sundry other Committees, could not be present at the same Committee; and so prayed another day of meeting. Whereupon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon was appointed at the former place, viz. the Inner-Temple Hall.

The Bill to restrain the carrying of Worsted-Yarn out of Norwich and Norfolk unwrought was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees for Logwood, and to meet at the same time and place; And the Knights of Norfolk, M^r Nathaniel Bacon and M^r Southerton were added unto them; And the Bill was delivered to Sir John Hart one of the Committees.

The Bill concerning the Hospital of Warwick was read the second time, and committed unto the Knights for Warwickshire, the Burgesses of Warwick, M^r Linley, Sir Francis Hastings, M^r Recorder of London, Mr. Doctor Caesar, Mr. Foulk Grevill, Sir Robert Wroth and others; And the Bill was delivered to M^r Foulk Grevill with a Note of the Committees names, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Thomas Layton Esquire, one of the Knights for the County of Salop having been much visited with sickness since his coming up to this Session of Parliament, is for the better hope of recovery of his health licensed by M^r Speaker to depart home into his Country.

On Saturday the 19^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. George Moore, Mr. Attorney of the Dutchy, and Mr. Attorney of the Court of Wards, Mr. Francis Bacon, Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir William Moore, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Recorder of London and others; who were appointed to meet on Tuesday next in the Middle-Temple Hall at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer, one of the Committees for the Subsidy, who were appointed on Tuesday the 15^th day of this instant November foregoing, shewed the meeting of the Committees yesterday, and their assents to grant unto her Majesty three intire Subsidies, and six Fifteenths and Tenths; the two first Fifteenths to be levied before next, and three Subsidies to be paid at three intire payments in the three next years. Whereupon some of the House were of opinion that the last of the said three Subsidies should have been in two several years, at two several payments, in the like manner as the third and last Subsidy granted in the last Parliament was paid. Whereupon Mr. Secretary Cecill purporting to the House the said Assent of the Committees for the said payments in manner as Mr. Chancellor had before declared, shewing very many forcible reasons and causes of very great importance for the said speedy performance of the said payments accordingly. Which done, it was upon the Question resolved, that the said last payment of the said three Subsidies shall be made in one year and at one intire payment, in like sort as the two first of the same three Subsidies are to be paid. Vide Decemb. 7^th post.

Mr. Davies shewing many Corruptions in the Masters of Colledges in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, in their abusing of the Possessions of the same Colledges contrary to the intents of the Founders, converting the benefit of the same to their own private Commodities, prayed the advice of this House for reformation, and having a Bill drawn to that purpose desired he might have assistance of some of the Members of this House being learned in the Laws, for the better digesting of the said Bill against the next sitting of this Court. Wherein Mr. Speaker referred him to Mr. Francis Moore and Mr. Boise, with such other Members of the House as are of the Temple together in the same House with the said Mr. Davies.

Sir Edward Hobbie liking very well of the said Motion made by the said Mr. Davies, moved that like consideration may be had of Deans and Chapters as of the said Masters of Colledges.

On Monday the 21^th day of November, the Bill against Bastardy was read the second time, and committed unto the former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and the punishment of Rogues and sturdy Beggars, to meet at the former time and place.

The Bill for imployment of the Poor on work, and to refrain them from idleness, was read the second time, and committed to the former Committees, to meet at the same former time and place.

The Bill for the Lord Mountjoy had its first reading.

Sir Thomas Cecill, one of the Committees in the Bill for George Durrant (who were appointed on Tuesday the 8^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and sundry particulars of their travel in the said Bill to the good satisfaction of this House. Whereupon the said Bill was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Adrian Gilbert, one of the Burgesses for Burtport in the County of Dorset, is for his necessary repair into the Country unto his Brother Sir Walter Raleigh Knight (being as it is said visited with sickness) licensed by Mr. Speaker p. 560to depart into the Country unto his said Brother.

The Bill concerning the Lands and Debts of Sir Henry Vnton Knight deceased was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Sir Thomas Cecill and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir William Cornwallis, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

M^r Baker, one of the Committees concerning Weavers and Spinners (who were appointed on Thursday the 10^th day of this instant November foregoing) brought in the old Bill, which was recommitted unto the former Committees, and Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Hext, Sir John Savile, Mr. Davies and Mr. Bourchier were added unto them: All which were appointed to meet in the Middle-Temple Hall upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; And the Bill was delivered unto Mr. Nathaniel Bacon.

Mr. Francis Bacon, one of the Committees for Tillage and re-edifying of Houses (who were appointed on Saturday the 5^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the sundry meetings and traverses of the Committees in divers and sundry courses concerning the converting of Tillage into Pasture; And that as touching the said matter of Tillage they have framed a Bill, which he offered unto this House, requiring the same might be read to Morrow: And as touching the said matter of re-edifying of Houses, being not so throughly digested in the said Committee as the other was for Tillage, he hopeth nevertheless to have the same very shortly ready to go forward together with the other.

Mr. Boyse, one of the Committees in the Bill for Hospitals, abiding and working Houses for the Poor (who were appointed on Friday the 18^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and some Amendments in the Bill; and delivered in the Bill so amended: which Amendments being twice read, the Bill was upon the Question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Robert Wingfield, one of the Committees touching the abuses of Licences (who were appointed on Friday the 11^th day of this instant November foregoing) delivered some particular informations to Mr. Chancellor, and a Licence with a Blank to M^r Speaker. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 16^th day of this Instant November foregoing.

M^r Winch, one of the Committees in the Bill to keep Horses from stealing (who were appointed on Wednesday the 16^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and some Amendments in divers parts of the Bill; and so delivereth in the Bill with some Amendments; and the Bill was re-delivered unto him again to be further considered of by the Committees, and the Committees names were read, and thereupon were appointed to meet again at two of the Clock in the Afternoon of this present day in the Middle-Temple Hall.

M^r Bourcher moved the House touching the discovery of the Counsel of the same by some Member thereof, as it should seem; for his said motion is set down very briefly and imperfectly in the Original Journal-Book of the said House; neither is there any other issue of it there inserted than that Sir Edward Hobbie moved to have the matter proceeded to further Examination, and the Party to be named.

Sir John Fortescue Chancellor of the Exchequer brought in the Articles for the three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths, with the manners and days of Payments; which being read unto the House and well liked of, were presently delivered to Mr. Sollicitor to draw the Book. Vide December the seventh Wednesday postea.

On Tuesday the 22^d day of November the Bill for the necessary habitation and relief of the Poor, Aged, Lame and Blind in every Parish was read the second time, and committed unto the former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars, who were appointed on Saturday the 19^th day of this Instant November foregoing.

The Bill for relief of Hospitals, poor Prisoners and others impoverished by casual losses, was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues, &c. Vide Committees names pag. seq.

The Bill for Supply of Relief unto the Poor was upon the second reading committed unto the said former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues, &c.

The Bill for setting the Poor on work was read the second time and dashed upon the third question for the Committee, and rejected upon the question for ingrossing.

The Bill for petite Forfeitures to go to the relief of the Poor was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees in the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and sturdy Beggars.

Sir Edward Hobby moved the House for priviledge for Sir John Tracie being a Member of this House, and now presently at the Common Pleas to be put on a Jury. Whereupon the Serjeant of this House was presently sent with the Mace to call the said Sir John Tracie to his attendance in this House, which was thereupon so done accordingly, and the said Sir John then returned to this House.

The Bill for the better relief of Souldiers and Mariners was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and sturdy Beggars (who were appointed on Saturday the 19^th day of this instant November foregoing) and Mr. Arnold was added unto them.

The Bill for the better governing of Hospitals p. 561and Lands given to the relief of the Poor was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees for the erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars, and Mr. Hubbard was added unto them.

The Bill for Hospitality was read the second time, and dashed upon the questions for committing and ingrossing.

The Bill for the relief of the Poor out of Impropriations and other Church Livings, was read the second time; And after some Speeches both with the Bill and against the Bill, upon the doubtfulness of the double question for the committing was upon the division of the House rejected, with the difference of twenty nine Voices, viz. with the Yea a hundred and seventeen, and with the No a hundred forty six.

The Bill for levying of certain sums of money due to the Poor was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars. And the Bill for extirpation of Beggery was committed to the same Committees: And then were the said eleven Bills concerning the relief of the Poor, and the punishment of idle and sturdy Beggars delivered to Sir Robert Wroth, together with the names of the Committees (whose names being for the most part omitted upon the said Saturday the 19^th day of this instant November foregoing, when the said first Bill touching the erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and sturdy Beggars was first committed unto them, are here all expresly named with such as were added unto them. Now in respect that nine other Bills were this present Tuesday referr'd likewise to them as Committees to consider of them, being a thing scarce to be pattern'd that one and the same Committee had at one and the same time eleven Bills in agitation before them, though all upon the matter tending to a like end and purpose, the said Committees were as followeth, viz. Mr. George Moore, Masters Attorneys of the Dutchy and Court of Wards, Mr. Francis Bacon, Sir Thomas Philips, Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir William Moore, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Edward Philips, Mr. Recorder of London, Sir Thomas Maunsell, All the Readers of the Houses of Court, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Mr. Miles Sandes, Mr. Finch, Mr. Colbrond, Mr. Edmund Boyer, Mr. Edward Leukenor, Mr. Henry Warner, Mr. John Boyer, Mr. Rosse, Mr. Whalley, Sir William Cornwallis, Mr. Lea, Mr. Hext, Mr. Richard Mills, Mr. Thomas Smith, Mr. Lea of Lincolns-Inn, All the Serjeants at Law, Mr. James Harrington, Mr. Wingfield, Sir Thomas Hobbie, Sir Anthony Cope, Mr. Mark Steward, Mr. Henry Yelverton, Mr. William Coke, Mr. George Rotheram, Mr. Fettiplace, Mr. Winch, Mr. Hide, All the Knights of Shires, the Burgesses of Hull, Mr. John Hare, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Hugh Biston, All Citizens of Cities, and Mr. Tasborough, to which Committees this present Tuesday also were added Mr. Arnold and Mr. Hubbard.

Sir Edward Hobbie, one of the Committees in the Bill against Counterfeiting of the hands of the Lords (who were appointed on Saturday the 12^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed their meeting yesterday, and complaining that albeit Yesterday last in the Afternoon was appointed for their meeting, and the Committees names with the time and place read yesterday in the House, none except Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Chancellor, himself and one other more of the said Committees came to the said Committee, so that nothing was done therein. And so the names of the said Committees being eftsoons now read by the Clerk, the said Committees were appointed to meet in the former place at two of the Clock in the Afternoon of this day, and the Bill with a note of the Committees names was then delivered to Mr. Comptroller; And thereupon the meeting for the matter of Tillage was deferr'd from this Afternoon till to Morrow in the Afternoon.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and others; of which the two last were, one for the establishing of the Town-Lands of Wanting in the County of Berks to the relief of the Poor, &c. And the last was the Bill for repeal of the Statute of the twenty third year of her Majesty, Intituled An Act for encrease of Mariners and maintenance of Navigation.

The Bill concerning certain Lands of Sir John Spencer Knight, Mary his Wife and Robert his Son, was read the first time.

M^r Winch, one of the Committees in the Bill for keeping of Horses from stealing (who were appointed on Wednesday the 16^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meetings of the Committees, and sundry particulars of their Travels therein; And that resting partly upon the Fairs in sundry Countreys to be certainly set down by those that best know the same Countreys, the Bill was recommitted to the same Committees to meet at the former place upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Arthur Hatch was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Sandes, Mr. Philips, Mr. Crew, Mr. Finch, Mr. Francis Popham, Sir Robert Wroth and others, who were appointed to meet upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

Mr. Finch one of the Committees for drawing of a Bill for the reformation of the abuses by Licences for Marriages without Banes, shewed, that some of the Committees have met at sundry times for the drawing of a Bill for that purpose, and that himself hath by their appointment drawn such a Bill, and shewed the same to such of the Committees as were assembled at their last meeting, being but very few of them at that time; p. 562and so leaveth it to the Choice of the House either to appoint another day for the meeting of another greater number of the said Committees, that they may be acquainted with the substance of the same Bill, or else to receive the same Bill into this House presently at their own good pleasure. And thereupon he was required by this House to deliver in the said Bill, which he then so did accordingly, and delivered the same to Mr. Speaker.

On Wednesday the 23^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill concerning Leases made by Archbishops and Bishops was upon the second reading rejected upon the question for commitment, and so likewise upon the question for ingrossing.

The Bill for repealing part of the Charter granted to the Town of Yarmouth was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Wroth, M^r Fulk Grevill, all the Burgesles of the Port Towns, and Knights for Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon and others, who were appointed to meet on Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

M^r Walgrave moved touching the Transporting of a great number of Herrings to Leghorn, which occasioneth both a very great scarcity of Herrings within the Realm, and is, he saith, a great means of spending much Butter and Cheese, to the great inhancing of the prices thereof by reason of the said scarcity of Herrings. And having drawn a Bill for redress thereof, offered the said Bill to the House, and delivered the same to M^r Speaker accordingly.

Seven Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the speedy punishment of certain Felonies hereafter to be committed, was upon the second reading committed to the former Committees for relief of Poor, and punishment of Rogues, &c. (whose names see before on Tuesday the 22^th day of this instant November foregoing) and M^r Wiseman, M^r Littell, and M^r Lea were added unto them: And the Bill was delivered to Sir Robert Wroth, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

M^r Francis Moore, one of the Committees in the Bill concerning the Lands and Debts of Sir Henry Vnton deceased, (who were appointed on Monday the 21^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees, and opening divers parts of the said Bill at large, shewed further the adding of a Proviso, which Proviso being twice read, the Bill and Proviso were upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Sir Thomas Cecill, one of the Committees in the Bill for the Town of Northampton (who were appointed on Wednesday the 16^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and some part of their travel; and so delivered in the Bill, referring the same to the further pleasure of this House. And so the Bill upon the question was Ordered to be ingrossed.

M^r Snagg, one of the Committees in the Bill to restrain the Carriage of Worsted Yarn out of the City of Norwich and County of Norfolk unwrought, (who were appointed on Friday the 18^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees without concluding upon any thing. And thereupon further day was given to the former Committees to meet again about the same upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber, and the Bill was delivered to the said M^r Snagg.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords An Act passed with their Lordships concerning the confirmation and establishment of the deprivation of divers Bishops in the Beginning of her Majesties Raign, with recommendation thereof from their Lordships unto this House. Which being after their departure back again, signified unto the House by Mr. Speaker, it was shortly after found by Sir Edward Hobby, that the said Act was not rightly and duely endorsed by their Lordships, the same Indorsement being made above the Contents of the said Act, which ought to have been made under it. Whereupon the House being made privy thereof by Mr. Speaker, Mr. Comptroller, being accompanied with divers Members of this House, was sent to the Lords with the said Act to signify the error, and pray the Amendment. Vide plus concerning this matter in fine hujus diei.

The Bill concerning Coopers was read the second time, and upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

M^r Comptroller and the residue returning from the Lords, shewed unto this House, that they have delivered the said Act together with the said Message of this House unto their Lordships according to the said charge given them by this House.

The Bill that Lessees may enjoy their Leases against certain Patentees in certain Cases was read the first time.

M^r Francis Bacon, one of the Committees concerning Tillage and re-edifying of Houses and buildings (who were appointed on Saturday the 5^th day of this Instant November foregoing) shewed very eloquently and at large the travel of the said Committees in their sundry meetings together, with his framing a Bill by their appointment for some fit means of procuring the re-edifying of such Houses and Buildings; And so offered the Bill to the House, and recommending the same to their good considerations delivered the Bill to M^r Speaker.

The Bill concerning the Lands of the Lord Mountjoy was upon the second reading committed to M^r Comptroller, M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M^r Sollicitor, M^r Francis Bacon, M^r Recorder of London, Sir Tho. Cecill, M^r Pellham and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir p. 563Tho. Cecill, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Treasury Chamber.

The Bill concerning George Durant was read the third time, and after many Speeches both with the Bill and against the Bill, and some tending to amendments to be made in some parts of the samè, it was in the end deferr'd from being put to the question till Saturday next, upon some expectation that the parties to the same Bill may in that mean time grow to some good end amongst themselves without any further troubling of this House therein.

The said M^r Attorney and Mr. Doctor Stanhop coming from the Lords do signifie unto M^r Speaker, that where their Lordships had this present day sent unto this House an Act concerning the confirmation and establishment of the deprivation of divers Bishops in the beginning of her Majesties Reign, with a recommendation thereof from their Lordships unto this House; and did afterwards receive the same Act back again from this House, because the indorsement thereof was contrary to the ancient, usual and due Custom of the Parliament, subscribed, and not subscribed according to the same ancient usual and due Custom of the Parliament, as it ought to have been, their Lordships have now sent down the said Act again unto this House, indorsed under the same Act, according to the ancient former usage of the Parliament; And do further signify unto this House, that as the said superscribing of the said Indorsement of the said Act in such manner before was indeed a fault, so the same did grow only by an error in the Clerk of the Upper House, who had never exercised the place before this present Sessions of Parliament; And that their Lordships liking very well of that which was done by this House touching the said Error, do withal wishs this House to continue all former good Order and Courses in all Parliament proceedings. Vide initium istius materiae inter praecedaneas relationes hujus Diei.

On Friday the 25^th day of November four Bills had each of them one reading; Of which the last being the Bill concerning the Lands and Tenements of Sir John Spencer Knight, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Winch, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Rotheram, M^r Henry Yelverton, M^r Luke, Sir Richard Knightley, M^r Henry Hubbard, M^r Robert Wingfield, the Knights for Bedfordshire and M^r Bourchier; And the Bill was delivered unto Sir Robert Wroth, who with the rest was appointed to meet at the Middle Temple Hall to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for assuring of certain Lands and Tenements unto Robert Cotton, &c. was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees in the Bill concerning Sir John Spencer, and at the same time and place; And there were added unto them Sir John Hungerford, M^r William Cecill, the Knights for the County of Huntington, M^r William Cotton, M^r Henry Mountague and M^r Valentine Knightley, and the Bill was delivered to Sir Robert Wroth.

The Bill concerning the draining of certain surrounded grounds in the County of Norfolk was upon the second reading committed unto M^r Nathaniel Bacon, Sir Anthony Cope, M^r Henry Yelverton, M^r Henry Spillman, Sir Robert Wroth and others; And the Bill was delivered to the said Sir Robert Wroth, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

M^r Bourchier, one of the Committees in the Bill for the relief of Arthur Hatch (who were appointed on Tuesday the 20^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and their travels in hearing of the Councel of all the said Parties: And so reporting the particularities of the state of the Case to the good satisfaction of the House, delivered in the Bill, which was thereupon presently Ordered upon the question to be ingrossed.

M^r Snagg, one of the Committees concerning Blockwood and Worsted Yarn (who were appointed on Friday the 18^th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees with their Amendments in the said Bill concerning Blockwood, and delivered in the same Bill with the Amendments, which being thrice read was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for encrease of people for the service and defence of the Realm was read the first time.

M^r Secretary Cecill moved the second reading of this Bill to be to Morrow, and wished all the Members of this House to be present at the same, and provided, as they shall think fit, to imploy their endeavour and Speeches to the furtherance of the proceedings in the said Bill. Whereupon it was agreed, that both this Bill, and also the other Bill for encrease of Tillage, shall be both of them read to Morrow next for their second reading.

M^r..... one of the Committees in the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and sturdy Beggars, (whose names see on Tuesday the 22^d day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the sundry meetings and travel of the said Committees, and their Amendments of sundry parts of the said Bill, with addition of the two last leaves; and so delivered in the Bill in such sort amended. Which Bill being very long and the said Amendments many, the day being also far spent, the reading of the said Amendments and Addition were deferred till some other more convenient time.

On Saturday the 26^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for enrolling and exemplifying of Defeasances, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Edward Hobby, M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, M^r Francis p. 564Moore, M^r Edward Lewkenor and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill concerning the carrying of Sheep-Skins and Pelts over the Seas was read the second time, and committed unto Sir Robert Carie, the Burgesses of Newcastle, Barwick, Northampton and Lincoln, M^r Francis Moore and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Serjeant Drew and Mr. Dr. Stanhop do bring from the Lords the Bill Entituled An Act for establishing of the new Colledge of the Poor at Cobham in the County of Kent.

The said Mr. Serjeant Drew and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring word from the Lords, that their Lordships do desire that some half a score of this House may be presently sent to confer with their Lordships in the Chamber near unto the Upper House, touching an Act lately passed this House and sent up to their Lordships, Intituled, An Act for the Repeal of a Statute made in the twenty third year of her Majesties Reign, Intituled, An Act for the increase of Mariners, and for the maintenance of Navigation. Whereupon Mr. Comptroller, Sir Robert Wroth and others were sent unto their Lordships for that purpose accordingly.