out of any Warrant for taking into custody Sir Philip Skippon who made default in attending the House at the Call thereof on Tuesday last Colonel Birch reports from the Committee appointed to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland That the Committee having proceeded upon the Matters to them referred had taken several Examinations and received the Answer of Sir John Davis and had also perused several Informations transmitted from the House of Lords relating to the said Plot all which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same were again Read The House then taking into consideration the Message sent from the Lords on Tuesday last wherein they desire the concurrence of this House the House resolved That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Vote with the addition of these words That the Duke of York being a Papist and the expectation of his coming to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement thereto as well as to the horrid Popish Piot in this Kingdom of England Resolved That that the said Vote be delivered to the Lords at a Conference Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons to be offered at the said Conference Ordered That the several Informations of John Macnamara Maurice Fitz-Gerrald and James Nash this day Read to the House relating to the Irish Plot be forthwith Printed Resolved That Richard Poure Earl of Tyrone in the Kingdom of Ireland be Impeached of high Treason Ordered That the Lord Durseley do go up to the Bar of the Lords and Impeach him of high Treason in the name of this House and of all the Commons of England and do pray that he may be committed to safe custody Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare the Evidence against the Popish Lords in the Tower do prepare the said Impeachment Ordered That the further consideration of the said Report in relation to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis be adjourned to Saturday morning next ten of the Clock in a full House Veneris 7. Die Januarii 1680. THe Engrossed Articles of Impeachment of Sir William Scroggs Chief Justice of the Court of Kings-Bench of High Treason and other great Crimes and Misdemeanours being Read the same were carried up to the Lords by the Lord Cavendish Ordered That Mr. Lewknor and Collonel Strangewayes have leave to go into the Countrey for Recovery of their Health A Bill to prevent vexatious Actions was read a first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time A Bill to prevent Brewers to be Justices of the Peace in the place where they exercise that Trade was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a Second time A Bill to prevent the Simony of one person from prejudicing another was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time A Bill for the Bettter discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious uses was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House The House being informed that one John Fancourt had lately spoken certain seditious and dangerous words for which he hath been Secured in the City of Lincoln Ordered That it be Referred to the Committee Appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot to Examine the Matter of this Information and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order entered into the Consideration of His Majesties Message sent to this House on Tuesday last Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that there is no security or safety for the Protestant Religion the Kings Life or the well Constituted and Established Government of this Kingdom without passing a Bill for disabling James Duke of Tork to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging and to rely upon any other Means or Remedies without such a Bill is not only insufficient but dangerous Resolved That His Majestie in His last message having assured this House of his Readiness to concur in all other means for the preservation of the Protestant Religion this House doth declare that untill a Bill be likewise passed for excluding the Duke of Tork this House cannot give any Supply to His Majestie without danger to his Majesties Person extream hazard of the Protestant Religion and unfeithfulness to those by whom this House is intrusted Resolved That all persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York have given pernicious Counsel to His Majestie and are Promoters of Popery and Enemies to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that George Earl of Hallifax is one of the Persons who advised His Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majesty and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be presented to His Majestie to remove Laurence Hide Esq from his Majesties Council and presence and from his Office in the Treasury for ever Resolved That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty to remove Henry Marquis of Worcester from his Presence and Council and all the Offices and Imployments of Honour and profit for ever Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Henry Marquis of Worcester is one of the Persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majestie and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That Henry Earl of Clarendon is one of the persons who Advised his Majesty in His last Message to this House to insist upon an Opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York hath therein given pernicious Council to his Majestie and is a Promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Lewis Earl of Feversham is a promoter of Popery and of the French Interest a dangerous Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be made to his Majestie to remove Lewis Earl of Feversham from all Military Offices and Commands and from all other Publick Offices and Imployments and from His Majesties presence for ever A Motion being made for an Address to His Majesty to remove Edward Seymour Esq from His Majesties Council and Presence Ordered That the Debate thereof be adjourned to Munday morning next Ordered That the Committee Appointed to prepare an Address to His Majesty in Answer to his Majesties Message relating
of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was Read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time on Munday morning next And that the Bill for Regulating Elections of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament be read at the same time Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and priviledges That the said Committee having taken into consideration the matter of Election and return for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey that the Committee had agreed upon three Resolves to be reported to the House which he read in his place and are as followeth viz. Resolved That Sir William Moore Baronet is not duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey Resolved That Denzil Onslow Esq is duly chosen for the same Resolved That Francis Dorrington Esq is duly chosen for the same Which report being delivered in at the Clerks Table the House did agree with the Committee in the said several and respective Resolves Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere do attend the House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to amend the said return Ordered That William Rapley Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the misdemeanours by him committed in the Election and return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere Ordered That Mr. Turbervill and Mr. Jennison have the leave of this House to Print their several Informations relating to the horrid Popish Plot. Ordered That an humble address be made to his Majestie by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most honourable Privy-Council for a full Pardon to Mr. Jennison of all Treasons Misprisions of Treasons and other Misdemeanours by him committed to the time of the Discovery made by him to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. Mr. Hethrington Mr. Murphey M. John Fitz-Gerald and Mr. Daniel Fitz-Gerald being called in made a discovery at the Bar of the Popish plot in Ireland Ordered That all the Witnesses touching the Popish plot in Ireland do attend this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Sir William Jones Reports from the Committee appointed to draw up an address to his Majestie upon the Debate of the House in Answer to his Majesties Gracious Message An Address agreed upon by the Committee which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read was upon the Question Agreed to by the House Ordered That such members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council be desired to know His Majesties pleasure when this house-shall attend him with the said Address An Engrossed Bill to disable James Duke of York to inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland with the Dominions and Territories therunto belonging was Read a third time Resolved That this Bill do pass And that the Title be An Act for Securing of the Protestant Religion by Disabling James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Ordered That the Lord Russel do carry up this Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence Veneris 12. die Novembris 1680. A Petition of Sir Robert Yeamans in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Sir Robert Yeamans be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock A Petition of Richard Janeway in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Richard Janeway be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock An ingrossed Bill sent from the Lords intituled An Act for Freeing the City of London and His Majesties Courts and parts adjacent from Popish Inhabitants and Providing against other Dangers which may arise from Papists was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time after ten of the clock in a full House The Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being called in amended the Return of the said Borough by taking off the Indenture whereby Sir William Moore Baronet and James Gresham Esq were Returned and by razing out the Name of Sir William Moore and inserting the Name of Francis Dorington Esq in the other Indenture Mr. Hobart Bourk Mr. Thomas Sampson Mr. John Macnamarra and Eustace Coning being severally called in gave an Account of some Proceedings relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Ordered That an humble Address be made to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to grant a full and effectual Pardon to Edmond Murphy Hobart Bourke Thomas Sampson John Macnamarra John Fitz-Gerald and Eustace Coning who have made a considerable Discovery to this House of the Popish Plot in Ireland for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason Crimes and Offences by them committed to the time of their making their respective Discoveries to this House And that His Majesty would likewise be pleased to take them into His Royal Protection and Care Mr. David Fitz-Gerald being called in gave in a further Information to the House relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Resolved That a Message be sent to the Lords to acquaint them with the Resolution of this House to proceed to the Trial of the Lords in the Tower and forthwith to begin with William Viscount Stafford and to desire their Lordships to appoint a convenient Day for the Tryal of the said William Viscount Stafford And likewise to desire their Lordships That the Lords in the Tower may be confined and kept from holding Correspondence with one another as persons impeached and committed for High Treason by Law ought to be And That Sir William Jones do go up with this Message to the Lords Sir Francis Winnington reported and delivered in at the Table the Abstracts of the Proceedings of the Two last Parliaments as well relating to the Popish Plot as to the Impeachments against the Lords in the Tower Sir William Jones acquaints the House That he had according to the Order of the House attended the Lords with the Message and that their Lordships were pleased to return Answer by him to this effect viz. That as to that part of the Message relating to the Confinement of the Lords and their Correspondence they had already given Order therein as desired by this House That as to the other part of the Message relating to the appointing of a Day for the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford their Lordships have appointed Tuesday come fortnight for the said Tryal Ordered That a further Address be made to His Majesty
fly into France where he imbraced that Religion About the same time he the said Thompson said the Church would be Militant but greatly commended the decency of Solemnizing the Mass in France and that it was performed with much more Reverence and Devotion then any other Religion doth use He further heard him say in a Sermon about the time of Petitioning he would rather cut off his hand then Sign it and had many bad expressions of it that it was the Seed of Rebellion and like 40 and 41. And further the said Mr. Thompson at one Sanford's Shop door in Bristol speaking of Bedlow said That he was not to be believ'd because Bedlow had said he meaning Mr. Thompson was at St. Omers where Mr. Thompson said he was not and that Bedlow was of a bad Life and in many Plots and not to be credited in any thing he said And that in another Discourse he commended the Romish Clergy for their single Life and is himself so and did at the same time Vilify Rail at the English Clergy for Marrying saying it was better for a Clergy Man to be Guelt then to Marry that the Calvinists in France were Lecherous Fellows and could scarce be two years a Priest without a Wife About the time and after the Election of Sir John Knight to this Parliament Mr. Thompson said he was not fit to be believ'd and as bad as any Fanatick He further said in the Pulpit at St. Thomas's that after Excommunication by the Bishop without Absolution from the Spiritual Court such a one was surely Damned and he would Pawn his Soul for the Truth of it Evidence ended Mr. Thompson after the Evidence given by every particular person Face to Face was asked to every one If he had any Questions to ask before they called another Who answer'd he should not say any thing at present When the Witnesses before-mentioned were all Examined Mr. Thompson being desir'd to make his Defence and declare whether he were Guilty of the Matters laid to his charge did for the greatest part confess words spoken to that effect and in other things endeavoured to turn the words with more favour towards himself but the Witnesses being of great Credit and many more being ready to have made good the same things the Committee lookt upon the business to be of a high Nature therefore ordered the matter to be reported specially leaving it to the Wisdom of the House The Resolution of the House of Commons upon the said Report Resolved Nemine contradicente THat Richard Thompson Clerke Hath publickly defamed his Sacred Majesty Preached Sedition vilified the Reformation Promoted Popery by asserting Popish Principles decrying the Popish Plot and turning the same upon the Protestants and endeavoured to subvert the Liberty and property of the Subject and the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament and that he is a Scandal and Reproach to his Function And that the said Richard Thompson be Impeached upon the said Report and Resolution of the House And a Committee is appointed to prepare the said Impeachment and to receive further Instructions against him and to send for Persons Papers and Records Lunoe 3. Die Januarii 1680. AN Engrossed Bill for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was read a third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others Aliens born Ordered That Mr. Papillon do carry up the said Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence An Engrossed Bill for the prohibiting the importation of Cattle from Scotland was Read a third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act limiting the times of Importation of Cattle from Scotland Ordered That Sir George Downing do carry up the Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence A Bill for repealing an Act made in the 13th year of His now Majesties Reign Entituled An Act for the well Governing and Regulating of Corporations was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday morning next A Bill for the better Discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious Uses was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time on Fryday morning next after Ten of the Clock in a full House Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the matter touching the Election for the Borough of Steyning in the County of Sussex was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had agreed upon two Resolves viz. 1. That John Tufton Esq was not duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Steyning in the County of Sussex 2. That Philip Gell Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Steyning To both which Resolves the House agreed with the Committee Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do attend tomorrow morning to amend the Return for Steyning A Petition of John Fairchild in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said John Fairchild be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwin Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent this House a Bill entituled An Act for distinguishing Protestant Dissenters from Popish Recusants to which they desire the Concurrence of this House Sir Edward Harley Reports from the Committee to whom the bill to regulate Elections of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament and the Bill to prevent the Offences of Bribery and Debauchery in such Elections were committed That the Committee having taken the said Bills into their Consideration had reduced the same into one Bill and had agreed upon several amendments to be made and Clauses to be added to the same which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table which with some amendments made at the Table upon the question were severally agreed to by the House the Clause to be inserted being Read Ordered That the said Clause be recommitted to the said Committee upon the Debate of the House A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwin Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent us to put this House in mind of the Bill for the better regulating the Tryals of the Peers of England A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir Adam Oteley Mr. Speaker We are commanded to acquaint this house That the Lords have received a Petition from Mr. Seymour wherein he desires a day may be appointed for his speedy Tryal that their Lordships finding no Issue by replication of the Commons think fit to give this House notice thereof The Answer of Edward Seymour Esq to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him by the Commons assembled in Parliament was read Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare Evidence against Mr. Seymour
to prosecute the plot but Popery also and to take care of the Protestant Religion Established by Law And if We join and this House go on calmâ—y in their Debates without heats He did not doubt but to beat down popery and all that belongs to it Mr. Harbord Reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare and draw up an Address Declaring the Resolution of this House to preserve and Support the Kings person and Government and the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad The Address Agreed unto by the House May it please Your Most Excellent Majestie WE your Majesties most dutiful and obedient Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled do with most thankful hearts acknowledge not onely your Majesties many former Royal Declarations of your adherence to the Protestant Religion in the Preservation and Protection thereof but your further Manifestation of the same in your Gracious Speech to both Houses at the Opening of this present Parliament in which your Majesty is pleased to Command us strictly and impartially to prosecute the Horrid Popish Plot without which we do fully assent to your Majesties great Judgment That neither your Person nor Government can be safe nor your Protestant Subjects it being part of the very Religion of Popery where it can obtain to extirpate all Protestants both Prince and People which hath caused in the times of your Royal Ancestors since the Reformation that great care to oblige the Subjects against their return to the Papal Yoke in the very same Oaths wherein they swear Allegiance to their Prince And as now the Eyes of all the Protestant Kingdoms and States Abroad are upon Vs and looking upon your Majesty as the Royal Head of so many Protestant Countries cannot but hope upon a happy and solid Security in our Religion at home That your Majesty will be the greatest Protection to them from whom we may expect a Mutual Assistance as being involved in the same Common Danger So we do humbly assure your Majesty That We shall be always ready to Preserve your Majesties Person and Government and to Support the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad And do humbly beseech your Majesty to Esteem all Persons whatsoever who shall otherwise represent Vs to your Majesty as those who design to divide between the King and his People and to defeat the Meeting and Siting of Parliaments That those Popish Designs may succeed which they well know cannot otherwise prosper And this they have made more undeniably evident in the interval of Parliaments by Contriving with unparallel'd Insolence a most damnable and wicked Design to transfer their own Crimes upon so many of your Majesties Loyal Protestant Nobility and Gentry hoping thereby to destroy those who with the greatest Zeal and Integrity endeavour to Prosecute them The house then proceded to the consideration of the Matter relating to Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this house and several Witnesses being called in and examined at the Bar of this house in that Matter And It appearing to the house upon the Confession of the said Sir Francis Wythens in his place and upon the Evidence given at the Bar of the house against him that he had presented an Address to his Majesty expressing an abhorrency to petition His Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments Resolved That Sir Francis Wythens by promoting and presenting to his Majesty an Address expressing an Abhorrency to Petition his Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments hath betrayed the undoubted Rights of the Subjects of England Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens be Expelled this House for this high Crime Ordered That Sir Francis Wythins do receive his Sentence at the Bar of this House upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker Which he received accordingly Sabbati 30. die Octobris 1680. MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been Attended by such of the Members of this House as are of the Privy Council to know His Pleasure when this House should Wait upon His Majesty with their Address Declaring their Resolution to preserve His Majesty's Person c. He was pleased to appoint Three of the Clock this afternoon for this House to Attend Him in the Banquetting-house He further acquainted the House That His Majesty being Attended by such Members of this House as are of His Privy Council with the Address relating to Dr. Tongue His Majesty was pleased to return answer That he had already taken some care of Dr. Tongue and that he would take him into further Consideration Resolved That the Votes of this House be Printed being first Perused and Signed by Mr. Speaker and that Mr. Speaker nominate and appoint the persons to Print the same Seignior Francisco Ferria being called in delivered his Evidence at the Bar of this House relating to the Popish Plot. Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House will forthwith proceed to the full Examination of the Popish Plot in order to bring the Offenders to Justice Resolved That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments and make a Report to the House of their proceedings relating to the Popish Plot And it is referred to c. or any three of them and they are to meet this afternoon at three of the Clock in the Speakers Chamber and are to Sit de die in diem Ordered That an humble Address be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council That all the Letters Papers and Evidences which have been delivered into the Privy Council relating to the horrid Popish plot may be delivered into this house Lunae 1. die Novembris 1680 MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House that according to the Order of this House made on Saturday last for an humble address to be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesties Privy Council that all such papers Letters and Evidences relating to the horrid Popish plot as have been delivered in to the Privy Council might be transmitted to this House His Majesty had been attended in this matter who was pleased to answer That the House of Lords having at their first fitting appointed a Committee for Examination of the Popish plot His Majesty had been pleased on the 24th day of the last month to Order all Examinations papers and Writings relating to the Popish plot and in the Custody of the Clerks of the Council to be sent to that Committee and that on the 27th day of October last they were all sent accordingly A Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture of England by the general wearing thereof was Read the first time Resolved c. That the said Bill be Read a Second time Mr. Speaker acquaints this House that the House attended His Majesty on Saturday last in the afternoon at the Banquetting-House with their address declaring the Resolution of this House
and the said Committee is impowered to send for persons papers and Records A Petition of the Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Poole in the County of Montgomery touching the Election of a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Shire-town of Montgomery was Read And a debate arising in the House whether the said petition be Exhibited within the time prefixt by the Orders of this House The Question being put whether the said Petition shall be referred to the consideration of the Committee of Elections and priviledges it passed in the Negative Sir John Trevor Reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattel was committed several amendments and Clauses agreed by the said Committee to be made and added to the said Bill which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the clerks Table where the same being twice read they were with some amendments made at the Clerks Table upon the Question severally agreed to Resolved c. That the Bill with the amendments and clauses agreed to be Engrossed Ordered That Mr. Joseph Paget be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer for notorious misdemeanours by him committed against the Priviledge of this House A Message from the Lords by Mr. Baron Atkins Mr Baron Gregory Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded Us to acquaint you That they desire a present Conference with this House in the Painted Chamber to impart to this House several Examinations relating to the Popish plot in Ireland The Messengers being withdrawn Resolved That this House doth agree to meet the Lords at a present conference in the Painted Chamber as is desired The Messengers being called in Mr. Speaker acquaints them That the House had agreed to meet the Lords at a present Conference as desired Managers appointed to manage the said conference Mr. Hambden Reports from the said conference That the same was managed by the Lord Privy Seal and that his Lordship did then deliver to them several Examinations in Writing relating to the Popish plot in Ireland contained in Seven several parcels of paper which he delivered in at the Clerks Table And further reported that his Lordship acquainted them that all other papers in the Custody of the Clerk belonging to their House relating to the Popish plot should be delivered to the Clerk of this House he giving acquittances for the same Ordered That the several papers now delivered in at the Clerks Table be Read tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Ordered That Mr. Hethrington do attend this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock to give in his Information relating to the horrid Popish plot A Petition of Sir Robert Cann Knight and Baronet now Prisoner in the Tower was Read whereby he acknowledged his Offence and begs the Pardon of the House and to be released from his Imprisonment Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be discharged from his Imprisonment and that Mr. Speaker do Issue out his Warrant for the doing thereof The House then Resolved into a Committee of the whole House to proceed in the Consideration of the Bill to disable James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Mr. Speaker left the Chair Sir Willam Pulteney took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Sir William Pulteney humbly moved from the said Committee of the whole House That the House would be pleased to Order the Serjeant at Arms to go into the hall and the Court of Requests and to require the immediate attendance of such Members of the house a are of the long Robe and all others the Members of the house And that the house would then Resolve again into a Committee of thâ— whole house to proceed further in the Consideration of the said Bill Ordered That the Serjeant at Arms do go into the hall and thâ— Court of Requsts and to Require all the Members of the long Robe and all other the Members of the house to give their immediate at tendance on the Service of this house Resolved That this house do now Resolve into a Committee oâ— the whole house to proceed further in the Consideration of the said Bill Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair Sir William Pulteney took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Sir William Pulteney Reports from the Committee of the wholâ— house That the said Committeee had taken into Consideration thâ— said Bill and other the matters to them referred and had agreed up on an amendment to be made and a Clause to be added to the saiâ— Bill which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the samâ— in at the Clerks Table where the same were twice Read And upon the Question severally agreed to An amendment being proposed to be made at the Table in the saiâ— Bill by filling up the Blanks in the 11th line of the 3d page of thâ— said Bill the first with the word Fifth the second with the word November in the Year of our Lord God 1680. was upon the Questioâ— agreed to A Clause being tendered to be added to the said Bill and Read to to the house and several amendments being made therein Resolved That the said Clause so amended be added to the said Bill Resolved That the said Bill with the said several Clauses and amendments be Ingrossed Ordered That Mr. Jennison do attend this house tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock with his Evidence in Writing Martis 9. die Novembris 1680. Ordered THat all Committees that are discontinued be revived and do meet at Three of the Clock this Afternoon in the respective places formerly appointed A Petition of the Master Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Silk Thorsters London was Read Ordered That this petition be referred to the consideration of the Committee to whom the Bill for the Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture by the general Wearing thereof is committed to Examine the matter thereof and Report the same with their Oppnions therein to this Hose A petition of the Bailiffs Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Silk-Weavers London was Read And the Question being put whether the said petition should be referred to the consideration of the Committee to whom the Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen-manufacture by the general Wearing thereof stands committed It passed after a long Debate in the Negative Resolved That the said petition be referred to the consideration of the Grand committee for Trade And they are to proceed upon the same in the first place And they are then likwise to consider of the present state of the East India company and to Report the same with their Opinions therein to the house Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the house that he had a message to deliver from his Majesty to this house And the same being by him delivered in Writing to Mr. Speaker was
the said Borough Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the Election for Great Marlow as to the said Sir Humphry Winch and Thomas Hobby is void The first of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that in the Borough of Great Marlow in the County of Bucks those Inhabitants onely who pay Scot and Lot have right to give voices in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the saiâ— Borouâ—â— The second of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that Sir Humphry Winch Baronet is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Great Marlow The Third of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That Thomas Hobby Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough The Fourth and last of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That the Election for Great Marlow as to the said Sir Humphry Winch and Thomas Hobby is voyd Mr. Hyde acquaints the House that his Majesty according to the order of the House having been waited on by such Members of the House as are of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to know his Majesties pleasure when this House might attend him with an Address His Majesty was pleased to appoint 3 of the Clock this afternoon for the House to attend him in the Banqueting-house Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the Electing a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Great Marlow in the County of Bucks A Petition of Mr. Baldwin Leighton was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Grievances to examine the matter thereof report the same with their opinions therein to the House and that the Committee do sit on Thursday next in the afternoon A Bill for uniting His Majesties Protestant Subjects to the Church of England was read a second time Resolved That the said Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the penalties of certain Laws be read on Thursday morning next Ordered That the Report from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election for St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk be made on Thursday morning next Ordered That leave be given to bring in one or more Bill or Bills for inspecting and Correcting Pluralities and Non-residences relating to Ecclesiastical Benefices Ordered That Mr. Sidney's Petition be Read on Thursday morning next Ordered That Mr. Lucy a member of this House have leave to go into the Country The Report of the Committee for Receiving INFORMATIONS Concerning the POPISH PLOT upon the Complaint of Mr. Peter Norris presented to the House of COMMONS upon Thursday December the 9th 1680. UPON consideration of the information given at the Bar by Mr. Peter Norris and Referred to this Committee Resolved By this Committee that the Examination of this matter be Reported Specially This Committee in the first place after hearing of the said Norris his Complaint that several Papers were taken from him sent for the said Papers which were informed then to be in a Chest in the Council Chamber which Papers were brought to this Committee by an Inventory which the said Norris then acknowledged to be all and they still remain with this Committee In the next place they proceeded to examine upon what occasion the said Norris was sent beyond Sea which not only by the said Papers but also by a Certificate delivered to the Chairman of this Committee from the Earl of Essex and divers other Informations as well as the said Norris his Instructions given by Dr. Tonge was to fetch over one Dowdall an Irish Priest who had been conversant with the Priests in France and Flanders who managed the Plot both in England and Ireland and mixing himself among them was privy to the whole Plot which the said Dowdall by several Letters had made known to Dr. Tonge which Letters were perused by the Earl of Essex and also satisfaction was given by a known Merchant in London that the said Dowdall was an honest man of good understanding and might be credited Then the Committee proceeded to inquire who at any time had knowledge of the sending over for the said Dowdall and found by an Order of Council bearing date the eighteenth day of July 1679. that the said Dowdall by the name of Edward Dowdall was permitted to come from Dover and stay for a Month but in that Order there is no mention of Dowdall's being a Priest And it likewise appears to this Committee that not long after the said Order for his coming over Dowdall dyed and not without suspicion that it was a violent Death But it doth not appear to this Committee that the Death of Dowdall was known in England till after the return of Norris who was sent to fetch the said Dowdall over which was about Ten months after the Date of the said Order of Council Upon which this Committee proceeded to Examine how it came to pass that the said Norris was in such danger beyond Sea and particularly at his coming aboard the Pacquett-Boat at Calais and likewise his Imprisonment at Dover in the common Prison and his being brought from Dover by a Messenger and they found the Cause of it to be a Discription given of Peter Norris to Secretary Jenkins the Twenty Ninth of May 1680. in these words Peter Norris some call him Morris a Scotch-man handsome neat Face sanguine Complexion short Nose bald-pated white Wigg slender Body little Stature Civil and Smooth in Discourse speaking French aged Thirty four Years more or less Taylor by Trade and under this Description written with another Hand and Ink these words viz. Went into France on Wednesday was three weeks to bring with him a Priest Thereupon this Committee proceeded to Examine who brought this Description to the said Secretary and were and by whom it was drawn with all the Circumstances that they could find about it And first they found that Thomas Sheridon a Gentleman who affirmed himself a Protestant born in Ireland heretofore employed in Collecting the Revenues there and lately with the Duke at his Court at Brussells and came over with him in the same Yacht confessed upon his Examination that he carryed the said Description to the said Secretary but it being shewed him he denyed the writing any part of it save the last Line but confessed that it was written and brought to him by one Anthony Day Doctor of Physick to the late Army in Flanders Whereupon the said Sheridon was commanded to