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
a second time to the House Resolved That this House doth agree with the said Committee That Sir Thomas Holt by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and abhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Ordered That Mr. Thomas Staples and Sir Thomas Holt be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the Misdemeanors by them committed against the Priviledge of this House Mr. Treby acquaints the House that pursuant to the Order of the House he had prepared an Abstract in Writing of the several Letters and Papers in his custody relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That the said Letters and Papers be Printed and it is recommended to Mr. Treby to take care therein Sir Gilbert Gerard acquaints the House that he had Articles of Impeachment of high Crimes Misdemeanors and Offences against Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House which he delivered in at the Clerks Table Ordered That Mr. Seymour have a Copy of the said Articles and that he do make his Answer thereunto on Thursday morning next Colonel Birch Reports from the Committee to whom the Petition of Sir Thomas Whitgrave Francis Eld and Sampson Birch was referred That the Committee had agreed upon a Report which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read is as follows That the Committee upon the Examination of the Information against Francis Eld Lieutenant of some of the Trained Bands in Stafjordshire touching his neglecting to make a full Search in Taxal House upon the Discovery of the late Plot and upon hearing of the said Elds Defence to the said Information the said Eld did confess the Information given by Mr. Dugdale to be true but saith that his Warrant given him under the Deputy Lieutenants hands was only to Search for Offensive Arms of War And that he was to take to his Assistance a Constable or other Civil Officer which Warrant he produced And accordingly he taking a Constable with him when he brought his Men into the Lord Astons Hall at Taxall the Constable slipped away and he could by no means meet with him again So that the said Eld conceived himself incapacitated to make such a Search as he desired Which the Committee considering of and sinding him the said Eld to be a Sober Protestant and that this neglect was not done purposely with favour to the Papists but that the said Eld is an Enemy to the Popish Faction Are humbly of Opinion that the said Francis Eld be Discharged from his Restraint Resolved That the said Francis Eld be Discharged from the custody of the Serjeant at Arms. Lunae 22. Novemb. 1680. A Bill for Regulating Elections of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill to prevent the Offences of Bribery and Debauchery in the Election of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was read a second time Resolved That this Bill be referred upon the Debate of the House to the same Committee And the said Committee is to reduce the said Bills into one Bill or to put the same into more Bills as they shall see occasion Mr. Treby reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges that the Committee having taken into their Consideration the Matter of the Election and Return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Stockbridge in the County of Southampton had agreed upon the following Resolves viz. Resolved That Henry Whitehead Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Stockbridge in the County of Southampton to which the House Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges do make Report to this House touching the Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for Agmondishham in the County of Bucks tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Resolved That leave be given to bring in a Bill for the Repairing of the High-ways The Clerk of the Crown and Bayliff of Stockbridge being called in amended the Return for Stockbridge by taking off the Indenture whereby William Strode Esq was returned to serve for the said Burrough and Razing out the Name of Oliver St. Johns Esq and incerting the Name of the said Hen. Whitehead in the other Indenture Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been attended by such Members of this House as are of the Privy Council according to two several Orders of address from this House to His Majesty the one for a General Pardon and some allowance to Mr. Zeiâ—e the other for a full and further General Pardon of all Crimes and Misdemeanors to the several Persons in whose behalf the House had formerly addressed His Majesty was pleased to answer That he would grant a Pardon and some allowance to Mr. Zeile That Pardons shall be passed to the several Persons addressed for by the House of Commons for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries after Treason or Felony and His Majesty will give Order that a Noli prosequi be Entred to stop all prosecutions against the said persons for all Crimes or Misdemeanours whatsoever That His Majesty apprehends there may be some Inconveniency in granting a Pardon so general as is now desired but if any Instances shall be given wherein the Tryals may be hindered or prejudiced His Majesty will give such further Order as shall be agreeable to Justice Mr. Trenchard reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare an address to His Majesty to remove George Earl of Hallifax from His Majesties presence and Councils for ever 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 Resolved That the House doth agree to the said Address with some Amendments Ordered That such Members of this House as are of his Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council do know his Majesties pleasure when this House may attend him with this Address Ordered That all Committees that were discontinued be revived and do sit in the places formerly appointed Martis 23. die Nouemb. 1680. A Petition of Sir Thomas Holt Serjeant at Law in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House was Read Ordered That Sir Thomas Holt be called in and do receive the Censure of the House upon his knees at the Bar from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly Ordered That William Rapley Bayliff of Haslemere in the County of Surrey now in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar to Morrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to receive the Censure of the House Ordered That leave be given to
without the presence of any Store-keeper and did afterwards sell the same pretending the same to be only Muscarado Sugars and did account with His Majesty for the same as such Whereas in Truth the said Ship was Laden with Cochineal and Indico Rich Merchandises of a very great Value Veneris 26 Nov. 1680. Resolved THat there is sufficient Matter in these Articles for Impeachment of Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House And that he be Impeached upon these Articles Sabbati 27 die Novemb. 1680. PEter Elers and John Bode did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization A Bill for the taking away of the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a Second time on Wednesday Morning next at Ten of the Clock The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for Westbury in the County of Wilts by Razing out the Names of Richard Lewis and Henry Bertie Esquires and inserting the Names of Edward Norton and William Trenchard Esquires instead thereof Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges That the Committee having taken into their Consideration the Matter touching the Election for the Burrough of Wells had agreed upon two Resolves to be Reported to the House which he read in his Place afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows Resolved That Edward Berkley Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Wells in the County of Somerset Resolved That John Hall Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Wells The First Resolve being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that Edward Berkley Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Wells in the County of Somerset The second Resolve being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That John Hall Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Wells The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the said Burrough of Wells by razing out the Name of Edward Berkley Esq and inserting the Name of John Hall Esq instead thereof Ordered That Sir William Waller be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower Ordered That an Humble Application be made to his Majestie from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most â—onourable Privy Council to desire his Majesty to grant a full and general Pardon to Mr. Bernard Davis Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the considerations of the Petition of Sir Thomas Whitegrave Francis Eld and Sampson Birch was referred That the Committee having Examined the matter relating to Sampson Birch had Ordered him to make the sollowing Report Resolved That Mr. Sampson Birch is Guilty of the Information charged against him That the said Birch Keeper of the Prison at Stafford his suffering Bromage a Popish Priest committed to his Custody and Condemned to walk abroad is contrary to Law To which Resolves the House agreed Mr. Hampden Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Address to his Majesty upon the debate of the House Humbly Representing the Dangerous State and Condition of this Kingdom in Answer to His Majesties Message relating to Tangier 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 A Message from the Lords by Sir Tymothy Baldwyn Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have appointed a Committee of five Lords to meet with a Committee of this House to adjust the methods and circumstances in the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford and have Appointed the Five Lords to meet this Afternoon at three of the Clock in the Inner Court of Wards Resolved That a Committee be appointed of Ten Members of this House to meet the Committee of Lords to adjust the Methods and Circumstances in the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford 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 may attend His Majestie with the last mentioned Address Ordered That the Matter touching the Election for Taunton in the County of Somerset be heard at the Bar of the House on Wednesday Morning next Lunae 29. die Novemb. 1680. A Bill for ascertaining Fines upon Convictions for Misdeameanors was Read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Repeal of part of the Law already made for regulating the Fishing in the River Severne Ordered That the Executors of Sir Matthew Hale late Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench be desired to print his Manuscripts relating to the Crown Law And a Committee is appointed to take care of the true Printing thereof Ordered That the said Edward Brett of Staffordshire be discharged from his further Imprisonment by Order of this House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That he having according to the Orders of the House attended His Majestie to know his Majesties Pleasure when this House should attend him with the Address His Majestie was pleased to appoint this House to attend him at three of the Clock this afternoon in the Banquetting House And further acquaints the House that His Majestie being humbly moved according to the Order of the House for a Pardon for Bernard Dennis was graciously pleased to grant the same and though neither the said Bernard Dennis nor any other by his appointment did carry on the said Pardon to the Seal yet the same together with the Pardon granted to Mr. Turbervil were now ready under the Great Seal And the directions of the House were desired into what hands to put the same Ordered That the said Pardon be lodged in Mr. Treyby's hands for the service of the House and benefit of the said Persons Ordered That the Clerk of this House do de die in diem attend the Committee appointed to examine Precedents touching the Committing of Members of this House to the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms when Impeached in Parliament A Petition of Mr. Thomas Dangerfield was read Ordered That a Committee be appointed forthwith to insect Mr. Dangerfield's Pardon as to the Validity thereof and likewise to examine what Allowances now are or formerly have been made to Mr. Dangerfield from His Majesty and to consider the Alterations and other Circumstances of his Allowances and to report the same to the House Ordered That the Members of this
by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council humbly to desire His Majesty That all Papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Horrid Popish Plot which have been delivered in to the Clerks of the Council or the Secretaries of State since the Dissolution of the last Parliament may be transmitted to this House Ordered That Mr. Serjeant Maynard Mr. George Pelham and Mr. Paul Foley be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower 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 give Orders for the issuing out a Sum of money for defraying the Charges of Summoning the Witnesses and other Expences incident to the Prosecution and Tryals of the Lords in the Tower Ordered That such Moneys as His Majesty shall be pleased to direct to be issued for the Uses aforesaid be deposited in the hands of Mr. Charles Clare Sabbati 13 die Novembris 1680. A Petition of Richard Whitehead Esq touching the Election for the Borough of Linnington in the County of Southampton was Read Ordered That the said Petition be Refered to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to Examine the Matter thereof and to Report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Richard Janeway in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms being called in acquainted the House That the Pamphlet by him published for which he stands Commited was Printed by _____ Everingham _____ Bradwell and Thomas James Samuel Lee and Thomas Simons Stationers and that the Copy by which the same was Printed was delivered by Mr. Andrew Tarington Ordered That the said Mr. Yarington Mr. James Mr. Everingham Mr. Bradwell Mr. Simons and Mr. Lee be summoned to Attend at the Bar of this House on Munday Morning next at ten of the Clock to Answer the said Charge to the House concerning the Printing and publishing of the said phamphlet Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council had attended His Maiesty pursuant to Five several Orders of Address from this House to His Majesty and that His Majesties Answer to the several Addresses was to this effect That as to the First Address whereby the House desired to know His Majesties Pleasure when this House should attend him His Majesty was pleased to Appoint three of the clock this afternoon for the House to attend Him in the Banqueting-House That as to the second Address whereby this House did make humble Application to His Majesty for the pardon of Mr. Jenison His Majesty was pleased to Answer That He will Grant Him a pardon for all Treasons misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries for Felonies That as to the third Address relating to money to defray the Incident charges in the profecution of the Lords in the Tower His Majesty was pleased to Answer That he had Directed 100 l. to be Issued out to such persons as is or shall be Appointed by this House for that purpose That as to the Fourth Address Desirng that all such papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Popish plot as were delivered in to the Clerks of the Council since the Dissolution of the last Parliament might be Transmitted to this House his Majesty was pleased to return this answer That upon the first sitting of the Committee of Examinations of the House of Lords upon the Plot his Majesty had Directed That all such papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Plot as were delivered in to the Clerks of the Council since the Dissolution of the last Parliament to be Transmited to the said Committee of Lords where they now still remain That as to the last Address desiring a pardon for Edmond Murphy Thomas Sampson John Macnamarra Hobart Bourke John Fiz-Gearld and Eustace Coning his Majesty was pleased to Answer That he would Grant a pardon to all the said several persons for all Treasons misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries for Felonies Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Laws concerning paving and Repairing of the Streets and Regulating of Hackney Coaches and to inquire into the proceedings of the Two last Parliaments relating to Hackney Coaches and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House to prepare and bring in a Bill for Regulating of hackney coaches repairing paving and cleansing of streets and opening of passages in and about the Cities of London and Westminster Sir Robert Yeamans being according to the Order Yesterday made brought to the Bar of this House did acknowledge the Offence by him committed and humbly begg'd the pardon of the House And being withdrawn Ordered That Sir Robert Yeamans be again brought to the Bar of this House and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms paying his Fees And Sir Robert Yeamans being accordingly brought to the Bar and there kneeling Mr. Speaker after having given him the Censure of the House acquainted him that he was discharg'd paying his Fees Mr. Norris being called in gave an Information in Writing relating to the Popish plot which was Read at the Clerks Table Ordered That a Committee be appointed to receive Informations concerning the Popish plot and to inquire into the same and to Report the same to the House as often as they shall see occasion And the Committee is Impowered to send for persons papers and Records And that the Information this day given at the Bar by Mr. Norris be referred to the consideration of the said Committee who are to Examine the matter thereof and to report the same with their Opinions there in to the House A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwyn Sir John Hoskins Mr. Speaker THe Lords have commanded us to acquaint you that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House Intituled An Act Prohibiting the Importation of Cattel from Ireland without any Amendment Ordered That the report made and delivered Yesterday by Sir Francis Winnington be read to the house on Munday morning next at Nine of the clock Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee to whom the Petition of divers Citizens of London against Sir George Jeffereys Recorder of the said City was referred That the said Committee had taken the same into consideration and had heard the Evidence of the petitioners and of the said Sir George Jeffereys and had agreed upon a Vote to be reported to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table and is as followeth Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That by the Evidence given to this Committee it does appear that Sir George Jeffereys Recorder of the City of London by traducing and obstructing Petitioning
the Address concerning Sir George Jeffreys 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 Mr. Zeile being called in delivered his Information in Writing relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House attend the Service of this House in his Place tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That an humble Application be made from this House to His Maiesty by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to grant to Mr. Zeile a full and General Pardon to this time and Grant him some Allowance for his Subsistence Ordered That an humble Application be made from this House te His Majesty by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council Representing the Condition and Circumstances of Mr. Hethrington and other the Witnesses touching the Popish Plot in Ireland And to desire His Majesty to grant them some Allowance for their Support Ordered That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such of the Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to confer upon Mr. Smith who hath made a considerable Discovery of the Popish Plot some Ecclesiastical Preferment Sabbati die 20. Novembris 1680. INformation being given to the House That Mr. William Stawell was Foreman of the Grand Jury for the County of Devon the last Summer Assizes and that by a mistake Mr. Colman was ordered to be sent for in Custody in stead of the said Mr. Stawell Ordered That Mr. Colman's Name be struck out of the Warrant directed to the Serjeant at Arms attending this House And that Mr. Stawell's Name be inserted instead thereof A Complaint being made of a Breach of priviledge committed against Mr. Ayloffe a Member of this House by John Dandridge in arresting and Detaining in Custody James Newman Menial servant of the said Mr. Ayloffe at the Suit of Richard Rawlins Ordered That the said John Dandridge and Richard Rawlins be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the said Breach of Priviledge The Question being put That the Bill against the Importation of Cattel from Scotland be now Read a Second time It was Resolved in the Affirmative The Bill being Read Resolved That the Bill be Committed Information being given to the House That George Eylles had committed a Breach of priviledge against Sir Patience Ward a Member of this House Ordered That the said George Eyles be sent for in Custody of the Serjeanr at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the said Breach of Priviledge Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That in pursuance of the Orders of this House His Majesty had been attended by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties Privy Council with several addrsses from this House That as to the address relating to Sir George Jeffreys after the same together with the Orders and Resolves of the House were Read to His Majesty His Majesty was pleased to Return answer That He would consider of it That His Majesty upon presenting the address for some allowance to Mr. Lewis and for a general Pardon to him and all the rest of the Persons that have given Information relating to the Popish plot for all Crimes and Misdemeanours whatsoever His Majesty was pleased to answer That His Majesties Pardon should extend to all Crimes and Misdemeanors whatsoever by them committed to this time Perjury only excepted That His Majesty was further pleased to answer That Consideration should be had of Mr. Lewis for some reasenable allowance to him That as to the address relating to Mr. Smith for some Ecclesiastical Preferment His Majsty would have him in Consideration That as to the address concerning Mr. Hethrington and the rest of the Witnesses touching the Popish plot in Ireland His Majesty in regard that the Number and Circumstances of those Persons are not yet well known had referred the Consideration thereof to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury Resolved That a further address be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty That the Pardon 's granted to the several persons for whom application hath been already made to His Majesty by this House may extend to all Crimes and Misdemeanors whatsoever by them committed to the last time of their respective Discoveries respectively Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee to whom is referred to Enquire after such persons as have offended against the Rights of the Subjects to Petition His Majesty for the Sitting the Parliament That the Committee had ordered him to make the following Report viz. That Information being given to the said Committee That Examinations were taken upon Oath in the County of Monmouth by five Justices of the Peace of the said County viz. James Herbert Henry Baker William Herbert William Jones and Robert Gunter Esquires against John Arnold Esquire for procuring Subscriptions to a certain Petition to be presented to His Majesty for the Sitting of the Parliament Which said Examination was sent up to the Council Table by the said Justices and there Exhibited in Charge as an Article against the said Mr. Arnold and was Subscribed by one Thomas Herbert Esquire who undertook to prosecute the same And that the Committee desired the Directions of the House therein And further Reported That the Committee had agreed upon two Resolves which are as so lows Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That Mr. Thomas Staples by obstructing Petitoning to His Majesty for the siting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and abhorence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That Sir Thomas Holt Serjeant at Law by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and obhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Which Report he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read The House taking into Consideration the Matters specially Reported Ordered That Mr. Thomas Herbert be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the Misdemeanors by him committed against the priviledge of this House The First of the said Resolves being Read a Second time to the House Resolved That this House doth agree with the said Committee That the said Mr. Thomas Staples by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike ad abhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject The Second of the said Resolves being read
concerning the Committing of a Member to Custody when Impeached in Parliament and to Report the same to the House The Humble ADDRESS of the COMMONS in Parliament presented to His MAJESTY to Remove George Earl of Hallifax From His presence and Counsels With His MAJESTIES Answer VVE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled being deeply sensible of the manifold dangers and mischiefs which have been occasioned to this Your Kingdom by the Dissolution of the last Parliament and by the frequent Prorogations of this present Parliament whereby the Papists have been greatly encouraged to carry on their hellish and damnable Conspiracies against Your Royal Person and Government and the Protestant Religion now established amongst us and have had many opportunities to contrive false and malicious Plots against the Lives and Honours of several of Your loyal Protestant Subjects And having just reason to believe that the said Dissolution was Promoted by the evil and pernicious counsels of George Earl of Hallifax Do therefore most humbly pray Your Majesty for the taking away of occasions of distrust and jealousie between Your Majesty and Your Loyal Commons and that we may with greater chearfulness proceed to perfect those matters now before us which tend to the safety and honour of Your Sacred Person and Government and to the preservation of the true Protestant Religion both to our Selves our Posterity That You would be graciously pleased to remove the said George Earl of Hallifax from your Presence and Counsels for ever His Majesties Answer to the Address CHARLES R. HIs Majesty having received the Address of this House relating to the Earl of Hallifax hath thought fit to return this Answer That He conceives the said Address to be lyable to several Exceptions but having a great desire to preserve all possible good understanding with this House He chooses to decline to enter into particulars to avoid all occasions of dispute He therefore thinks fit to tell them that He doth not find the grounds in the Address of this House to be sufficient to induce Him to remove the Earl of Hallifax But He assures them at the same time that whenever this House shall in a due and regular course prove any Crime either against the said Earl of Hallifax or any other Person who either now is or shall hereafter be in his Councels He will leave him or them to their own legal defence without interposing to protect them ARTICLES of Impeachment against Edward Seymour Esq With the Vote of the COMMONS in Parliament Upon the said Articles Articles of Impeachment of High Crimes Misdemeanours and Offences against Edward Seymour Esq one of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council Treasurer of His Majesties Navy and one of the Members of the House of COMNONS now in Parliament Assembled Imprimis THat Whereas the Sum of Five hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred seventy Eight Pounds Two shillings Two Pence was raised by an Act of Parliament for the speedy Building of Thirty Ships of War and thereby appropriated to the said Use By which Act it was particularly directed That the Treasurer of the Navy should keep all moneys payed to him by vertue of the said Act distinct and appart from all other moneys and should Issue and pay the same by Warrant of the Principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy or any three or more of them and mentioning and expressing that it is for the Building for the Guns Rigging and other Furnishing of the said Thirty Ships of War and to no other Use intent or purpose whatsoever He the said Edward Seymour on or about the year One thousand six hundred seventy seven being then Treasurer of the Navy did contrary to the said Act and contrary to the Duty of his said Office lend the Sum of Ninty thousand Pound at Eight pound per Cent. parcel of the said Sum raised by the said Act being then in his hands for and towards the support and continuance of the Army then Raised after such time as by an Act of Parliament the said Army ought to have been Disbanded whereby the said two several Acts were Eluded and the said Army was continued and kept on foot to the great Disturbance Hazard and Danger of the Peace and Safety of the Kingdom And the Nation was afterwards put to a new Charge of raising and paying the sum of Two hundred thousand pound for the Disbanding of the said Army Secondly That whereas an Act of Parliament had passed for Raising of money by a Poll for Enabling His Majesty to enter into an actual War against the French King and the Money raised by Vertue of the said Act was thereby appropriated to the said Use and to the Re-payment of such Persons as should furnish His Majesty with any Sums of mony or any Stores necessary for the said Service And whereas certain East-land Merchants were desired by His Majesties Officers to furnish and supply great quantities of Stores for the Navy and as an Incouragement thereunto were assured that the Sum of Fourty thousand pound parcel of the moneys raised by the said Act was at that time actually in the hands of the said Edward Seymour which he did acknowledge so to be and did promise the said Sum should be payed to the said Merchants in part of Satisfaction for the said Stores which they did furnish upon the credit of the said Affirmation and undertaking He the said Edward Seymour did on or about the year One thousand six hundred seventy eight issue out and pay the said Sum to the Victuallers of the Navy by way of advance and for provisions not then brought in contrary to the true intent and meaning of the said Act Whereas the same by the provision of the said Act ought to have been payed to the East-land Merchants who had furnished His Majesty with Flax Hemp and other Necessaries for the said Service Of which said Deceit and Injustice the said Merchants did complain in the last Parliament Thirdly That the said Edward Seymour being Treasurer of the Navy and then and still having a Salary of 3000 l. per Annum clear for the same did during the time that he was Speaker of the late long Parliament receive out of the monies appointed for secret Service the Yearly Sum of 3000 l. over and above his said Salary which was constantly payed to him as well during the Intervals as the Sessions of Parliament and particularly during the Prorogation of Fifteen months Fourthly That on or about the Eighteenth year of His Majesties Reign and during a War with the States General of the United Netherlands He the said Edward Seymour being then one of the Commissioners for Prize Goods did Fradulently Unlawfully and in Deceipt of His Majesty Unlade a certain Prize Ship taken from the Subjects of the said States without any Order or Authority for the same and did House the Lading and Goods of the said Ship and Lock up the same
Stafford in the Name of all the Commons of England before the Lords in Parliament And the Managers this day insisted upon the general Evidence to prove the Popish Plot against the King's person the Protestant Religion and Government Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returning to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Then the House Adjourned to Eight of the Clock to Morrow Morning Mercurii 1 die Decemb. 1680. A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this House that they intend to proceed to the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford at Ten of the Clock this morning in Weflminster-Hall A Petition of Samuel Gibbs Mayor of Westbury in the County of Wilts being in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House being presented to the House Ordered That the said Petition do lye upon the Clerks Table in order to the Reading thereof in a full House Ordered That the matter touching the election for Taunton in the County of Somerset be heard at the Bar of this House on Saturday morning next Ordered That the Bill for taking away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales be read a Second time on Friday morning next Ordered That the Bill for the better securing the payment of an Annuity or Rent Charge of 130 l. per annum out of the Mannors and Farms of Bex-hill and Cowding in the County of Sussex to the use of the poor of several Parishes in the County of Surry be Read on Friday morning next Ordered That Mr. John Farington a member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recover ie of his Health Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair The managers appointed by the Commors proceeded to the particular evidence against the Lord Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament and having produced and Examined several Witnesses to prove the Impeachment against him At the desire of the Lord Stafford he had time to make his further defence tomorrow Morning Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons return to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this House that they have ordered the Prisoner William Viscount Stafford to be brought to the Bar in Westminster-Hall tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That all Committees be adjourned And then the House Adjourned to eight of the clock tomorrow morning Jovis 2. die Decemb. 1680. I Ohn van Hattem and William Henry Cornelissen this day took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy in order to their Naturalization A Bill for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time Ordered That Edward Kynaston Esq a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recovery of his Health A Petition of John Dandridge being in Custody of the Searjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered That the said John Damdridge be discharged from his Confinment Complaint being made to the House of a Breach of Priviledge committed by Mr. Kne vet Hastings in Striking and Wounding the Servant of Hender Roberts Esq a member of this House Ordered That the said Knevet Hastings be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer for the said Breach of Priviledge by him Committed Ordered That nothing that hath been or shall be said by any Member of this House or by any Person that shall be produced as a witness in behalf of the Commons of England in the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford be Printed or Published without the leave of this House A Petition of Griffith Jones Esq touching the Election for the Town of New Radnor in the County of Radnor was Read Ordered That the said Petition be Referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges who are to Examine the Matter thereof and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons Proceeded in the management of the Evidence upon the Impeachment of William Viscount Stafford Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons return to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this house That they have Ordered the Prisoner William Viscount Stafford to be brought again to his Tryal at the Bar in Westminster-Hall to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That his Majesty had Commanded him to Communicate to the House a Letter written by Dr. Lamphire Principal of Hart-Hall in Oxford directed to Mr. Secretary giving an account That one William Pickering a Taylor at Wheatly in the County of Oxon and Brother to Pickering that was Executed for the Horrid Popish Plot had spoken these Words viz. That if the King should Try the Lords he should not live half a year after and that the said Pickering was Committed to Oxford Goal by the said Doctor Lamphire Which Letter was Read to the House Ordered That the Thanks of this House be humbly presented to his Majestie by such members thereof as are of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council for this His Majesties Gracious Communication Ordered That the said William Pickering be forthwith brought up to the Bar of this House to Answer this high Charge Ordered That the further Consideration of this Matter be Adjeurned to tomorrow morning Veneris 3 die Decemb. 1680. A Petition of Richard Rawlins in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attended this House Ordered That the said Rich Rawlins be discharged from his Imprisonment A Bill for takeing away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was read a Second time Ordered That the adjourned debate touching the information yesterday communicated to this House from his Majestie be resumed this afternoon when the Committee of this House returns from the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford and that the Serjeant at Armes attending this House do give the Members of this House notice thereof in the mean time A Petition of John Hutchinson Esq in custody of the Serjeant at Armes was read Ordered That the said Mr. Hutchinson be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That Edward Vaughan Esq be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons did proceed in the Management of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Ordered That Collonel Stawell a member of this House have leave to
the Affirmative A Bill for Exporting Leather was Read a Second time and committed The Clerk of the Crown being called in Amended the Return for the Burrough of Eye in the County of Suffolk by taking off the Indenture whereby Sir Charles Gaudy and Sir Robert Reeve were Returned Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do Attend tomorrow morning to Amend the Return for Rygate in the County of Surrey Colonel Birch Reports from the Committee Appointed to Examine the matter of the Information given to this House by Mr. Peter Norris That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had not thought fit to come to any Resolution therein but had Ordered him to Report the matter specialy which was Reported accordingly Ordered That Mr. Sherridon and Mr. Day be forthwith brought in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to the Bar of this House Ordered That a Committee be Appointed forthwith to search the Papers of the said Mr. Sherridon and Mr. Day and to Report the same to the House A Motion being made to the House That the Matter touching the Election for the City of Glocester be appointed to be heard before the Committee of Elections and Priviledges on the Third day of January next Ordered That the Consideration of this Motion be referred to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges Ordered That the Matter of the Complaint made against Mr. Tyler be referred to the Committee of Priviledges to Examine the same And they are to proceed therein in the first place and make Report thereof to the House Ordered That the further Consideration of the whole Matter upon the said Special Report be Adjourned to Ten of the Clock tomorrow morning Ordered That Mr Sherridon and Mr. Day do severally continue in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms during the pleasure of this House and that no Person be Admitted to câ—me to them but such as shall have occasion to bring them necessaries Veneris 10. die Decemb. 1680. A Bill for Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was Read a Second time Resolved That the said Bill be Committed Ordered That Mr. Heming and Sir William Yorke Members of this House have leave to go into the Country Ordered That the Order of this House made on Wednesday last for Summoning such Members as have absented themselves without the leave of the House to attend within Ten Days That the time be extended to Ten Days from Saturday next The Clerk of the Crown being called in Amended the Return for the Burrough of Rygate in the County of Surry by razing out the Name of Ralph Freeman Esq and inserting the Name of Dean Godwin Esq in the Indenture Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee appointed to enquire after all such Persons as have offended against the Right of the Subject to Petition His Majesty for the Sitting of Parliaments That the Committee had agreed upon the following Resolve which he Read in his Place and afterwards delivered it in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read is as followeth viz. Resolved c. That Captain Castle by Obstructing Petitioning to his Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament hath offended against the Rights of the Subject Resolved c. That this House doth agree with the Committee That Captain Castle by Obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament hath offended against the Rights of the Subjects Ordered That the Committee Appointed to Examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall and to prepare an Impeachment against Sir Francis North Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for High Crimes and Misdemeanors do make Report to the House of the Matters to them Referred on Monday Morning next Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee appointed to examin the Matter of the Information against Sir Robert Peyton a Member of this House do make Report thereof to Morrow Morning and that Sir Robert Peyton do Attend in his Place at the same time Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges do make Report of the Matter touching the Election for the Borrough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks to Morrow morning at Nine of the Clock and the same is to be the first business to be entered upon The House then resumed the Adjourned Debate concerning the Matter of the Information formerly given to the House by Mr. Peter Norris The Matter being Debated in the House and Mr. Secretary Jenkins having given an Account to the House of his proceedings therein And being withdrawn Resolved That the late Imprisonment of Peter Norris at Dover was illegal and that the Proceedings of Sir Leoline Jenkins Knight one of the Principle Secrataries of State by discribing the Person of the said Peter Norris and directing such his Imprisonment was Illegal and Arbitrary and an Obstruction to the Evidence for the Discovery of the Horrid Popish Plot. Ordered That the further Consideration of this Debate be Adjourned to Monday Morning next Sabbati 11 die Decemb. JAmes Raillard did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in Order to his Naturalization Ordered That the Name of the said James Raillard be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization A Bill for Sale of the Mannor of Billingford and other Lands in the County of Norfolk for Payment of the Debts of Sir Edward Chisenhale was Read the First time Resolved c. That the said Bill be Read a Second time in a Full House after Ten of the Clock Ordered That Mr. Austin a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recovery of his Health Ordered That the Bill for Supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts be Read on Tuesday Morning next after Ten of the Clock in a Full House Ordered That Sir Bryan Stapleton a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country A Petition of Captain William Castle being presented to the House Orderd That the said Petition do lie upon the Clerks Table Ordered That Michael Ball in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms be Discharged without paying any Fees Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter touching the Election for Agmondesham in the County of Bucks was referred that the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had agreed upon several Resolves which he read in his Place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read are as follows uiz Resolved c. That in the Burrough of Agmondesham alias Amersham in the County of Bucks those Inhabitants who onely pay Scott and Lott have right to give Voices in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the said Burrough Resolled c. That Algernoon Sidney Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Agmondesham Resolved c. That Sir William Drake Baronet is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the
severing his Head from his Body only A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Francklin Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to present this House with a Coppy of Mr. Seymour's Answer to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this House that Mr. Joseph Broom ought to be restored to 〈◊〉 the Offices and Places which were taken from him by occasion of a Judgment given against him in the Court of King's Bench in Trinity Term 29. Caroli Secundi upon an Information for publishing an unlicensed Book called The Long Parliament dissolved Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certain Laws be read a second time to Morrow morning The first business Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the Examination of the Complaint against Richard Thompson Clerk was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had directed him to make a special Report thereof to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table Ordered That the said Report be read at the Table to Morrow morning Ordered That the Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election of St. Edmnndsbury in the County of Suffolk and Marleborough in the County of Wilts be made to Morrow morning Ordered That Mr. Sydney's Petition be read to Morrow morning Number 16. HIS MAJESTIES Most GRACIOUS Speech to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT On Wednesday the 15th of December 1680. My Lords and Gentlemen AT the opening of this Parliament I did acquaint You with the Alliances I had made with Spain and Holland as the best measures that could be taken for the safety of England and the Repose of Christendom But I told you withall That if Our Friendship became unsafe to trust to it would not be wondred at if Our Neighbours should begin to take new Resolutions and perhaps such as might be fatal to Vs I must now tell you That Our Allies cannot but see how little has been done sine this Meeting to incourage their dependance upon Vs And I find by them that unless We can be so united at home as to make Our Alliance valuable to them it will not be possible to hinder them from seeking some other Refuge and making such new Friendships as will not be consistent with Our safety Consider that a neglect of this opertunity is never to be repaired I did likewise lay the matter plainly before you touching the Estate condition of Tangier I must now tell you again That if that place be thought worth the keeping you must take such consideration of it that it may be speedily suppli'd it being impossible for Me to preserve it at an Expence so far above My power I did promise you to the fullest satisfaction your hearts could wish for the Security of the Protestant Religion and to concur with you in any Remedies which might consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its Due and Legal course of Descent I do again with the same Reservations renew the same Promise to you And being thus ready on my part to do all that can reasonably be expected from Me I should be glad to know from you as soon as may be how far I shall be assisted by you and what it is you desire from Me. The Humble Address of the House of Commons Presented to his Majesty upon Tuesday the 21 day of December 1680. in Answer to his Majesties Gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament Upon the 15th day of the same December May it please Your most Excellent Majesty WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled have taken into our serious Consideration Your Majesties Gracious Speech to both Your Houses of Parliament on the 15th of this instant December and do with all the grateful Sense of Faithful Subjects and sincere Protestants acknowledge Your Majesties great Goodness to us in renewing the Assurances You have been pleased to give us of Your readiness to concur with us in any means for the Security of the Protestant Religion and Your Gracious Invitation of us to make our desires known to Your Majesty But with grief of Heart we cannot but observe that to these Princely Offers Your Majesty has been Advised by what secret Enemies to Your Majesty and Your People we know not to annex a Reservation which if insisted on in the instance to which alone it is applicable will render all Your Majesties other Gracious Inclinations of no effect or advantage to us Your Majesty is pleased thus to limit Your promise of concurrence in the Remedies which shall be proposed that they may consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal course of Descent And we do Humbly inform Your Majesty that no Interruption of that Descent has been endeavoured by us except onely the Descent upon the Person of the Duke of York who by the wicked Instruments of the Church of Rome has been manifestly perverted to their Religion And we do Humbly represent to Your Majesty as the Issue of our most deliberate Thoughts and Consultations that for the Papists to have their hopes continued that a Prince of that Religion shall succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms is utterly inconsistent with the Safety of Your Majesties Person the Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the Prosperity Peace and Welfare of Your Protestant Subjects That Your Majesties Sacred Life is in continual danger under the prospect of a Popish Successor is evident not onely from the pinciples of those devoted to the Church of Rome which allow that an Heretical Prince and such they term all Protestant Princes Excommunicated and Deposed by the Pope may be destroyed and murther'd but also from the Testimonies given in the prosecution of the Horrid Popish Plot against divers Traitors Attainted for designing to put those accursed principles into practice against Your Majesty From the expectation of this Succession has the number of Papists in Your Majesties Dominions so much encreased within these few years and so many been prevailed with to desert the true Protestant Religion that they might be prepared for the Favours of a Popist-Prince assoon as he should come to the possession of the Crown And while the same Expectation lasts many more will be in the same danger of being perverted This it is that has hardened the Papists of this Kingdom animated and confederated by their Priests and Jesuits to make a Common purse provide Arms make application to Forreign Princes and sollicite their Aid for imposing Popery upon us And all this even during your Majesty's Reign and while your Majesty's Government and the Laws were our protection It is Your Majestie 's Glory and true Interest to be the Head and Protector of all Protestants as well abroad as
and manage the same at his Tryal Sir Richard Corbet Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Impeachment against Sir William Scroggs Knight Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench upon the former Report of the said Committee and the Resolutions of the House thereupon That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into Consideration had agreed upon several Articles of Impeachment against the said Sir William Scroggs which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same were read The Question being proposed that the said Articles be engrossed Debate arâ—sing in the Housethereupon Resolved That the Debate be adjourned till Wednesday morning next after ten of the Clock in a full House Martis 4. die Januarii 1680. THe Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the Borough of Stayning in the County of Sussex by taking off the Indenture wherein John Tufton Esq was returned and by rasing out the name of the said John Tufton and inserting the name of Philip Gell Esq in the other Indenture A Petition of Algernoon Sydney Esq touching the Election for the Borough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of the said Petitioner be heard at the Bar of this House upon Wednesday the 12th of this Instant January Sir William Temple delivered in a Message from His Majesty to this House which being Read by Mr. Speaker the House Resolved to take the said Message into Consideration upon Friday next after ten of the Clock in a a full House A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Miles Cooke Mr. Speaker We are commanded to acquaint this House that the Lords have past a Vote viz. Die Martis 4 Januarii 1680. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That they do declare that they are fully satisfied that there now is and for divers years last past there hath been a Horrid and Treasonable Plot and Conspiracy contrived and carried on by those of the Popish Religion in Ireland for Massacring the English and Subverting the Protestant Religion and the ancient establish'd Government of that Kingdom to which their Lordships desire the concurrence of this House They have further commanded us to acquaint this House That their Lordships have agreed to the Bill sent from this House Entituled An Act for the Rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in the Marriage Settlement of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet without any Amendments The House according to their Order proceeded to the calling over the Members thereof Ordered That such Members of this House whose default of attendance was entred this day be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that they be not admitted to sit in the House before they shall have paid their Fees and have the leave of this House Resolved Nemine contradicente That such Members of this House who in this time of Imminent danger do absent themselves without the leave of the House are to be reputed Deserters of their Trust and Neglectors of that Duty they owe to this House and their Country Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit at four of the Clock this afternoon in the Speaker's Chamber Mercurii 5. Die Januarii 1680. A Bill to supply a defective Conveyance made by Roger Price of the Mannor of Westbury in the County of Bucks was Read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed Ordered That such Members who were ordered to be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms for not attending the service of this House at the Call of the same yesterday made And who were in town last night be admited to sit in the House without paying Fees Ordered That Dr. Burnet be desired to proceed with and compleat that good Work by him begun in writing and Publishing the History of the Reformation of the Church of England A Petition of Thomas Hobby Esq touching the Election for Great Marlow in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of this Cause be heard at the Bar of this House this day seven-night A Petition of Richard Thompson Clerk in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered The said Serjeant at Arms be impowred to receive sufficient seâ—urity for the forth-coming of the said Richard Thompson to answer to the Impeachment against him A petition of Samuel Nash and others complaining against the African Company was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom a former Petition of divers Merchants against the African Company was referred 'to examine the matter thereof and Report the same with their opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order Resumed the adjourned Debate touching the Articles of Impeachment delivered in to the House against Sir Willi Scroggs Kt Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. Upon the Debate thereof Resolved That the said Sir William Scroggs be impeached upon the said Respective Articles Resolved That the said Articles be engrossed Ordered That the Lord Cavendish do carry up the said Articles to the Lords Ordered That the Committee appointed to examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-hall and to prepare Impeachments against Sir Francis North Chief Justice-of the Court of Common-Pleas Sir Thomas Jones one of the Justices of the Court of Kings Bench and Sir Richard Weston one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer do bring in such Impeachments with all convenient speed Ordered That Mr. Macnamara Mr. Maurice Fitz Gerald and Mr. Murtogh Downy do attend this House tomorrow morning 10 of the Clock The House being informed that one Bowyer was upon Intimation given by the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Popish Lords in Tower taken into custody Ordered That the said Bowyer be delivered into the hands of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that he be brought to the Bar of this House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock in order to his Examination Ordered That Richard Green and Woodhouse do attend to Morrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit this Afternoon in the Speakers Chamber and that the said Committee do make Report to the House of the Matters to them referred at Nine of the clock to Morrow morning Jovis 6 die Januarii 1680. A Bill for the more easie collecting the Duty of Hearth-mony was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill for repealing an Act made in the 13th year of his now Majesties Reign Entitled An Act for the well governing of Corporations was Read the second time Resolved That the said Bill be committed upon the debate of the House Ordered That Mr. Speaker do suspend the issuing
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