The Journals of Parliaments

Westminster in the 27 ^th year of her Highnesses Raign; during which time, as also a great part of some other of the said former Parliaments he did not serve in the said House, but was for some causes as aforesaid disabled to be any Member of this House, and was also then committed Prisoner to the Tower of London. And so prayeth the advice and order of this Honorable House therein, unto the censure and order whereof the said Inhabitants do in most humble and dutiful wise submit themselves. And so shown the said Writ, which was then read by the Clerk. After the reading whereof, and some speeches had touching the former proceedings in this House against the said M ^r Hall, as well in disabling him to be anymore a Member of this House, as also touching his said imprisonment, the matter was referred to further consideration after search of the Precedents and Entries of this House heretofore had and made in the course of the said cause. Vide diem Veneries 2 ^um diem Decembris, & diem Mercurii 22 ^um diem Martii postea.

M ^r Treasurer shown that the Committees in the Cause for Conference to be had touching the answer to be made by this House to the Message lately delivered from her Majesty, did meet according to the Commission of this House, and after long and much debating, and many great arguments, it appeared very evidently by most strong reason, that no other way whatsoever can be taken for the safety and continuance of true Religion, of her Majesty's most Royal Person, and of the peaceable Estate of this Realm, but only by Justice to be done upon the Queen of Scots according to her demerits. Which Justice as her Majesty ought of duty to cause to be done, so they resolved utterly to insist upon the prosecution of the former Petition unto her Highness, as the one only way and none other to be performed in the said Cause. And so left to some other of the said Committees the more particular discourses of their said Conferences. Whereupon M ^r Vice-Chamberlain very excellently, plainly and aptly shown the manner of their Treaty in the said Conference, and of the Reasons therein both brought and confuted touching any manner of possible or conjectural course of the said safety other than only by the death of the said Queen of Scots, as neither by likelihood of reformation in her Person, hope of strait guarding or keeping of her, or of any caution of hostages to be taken for her; reciting and applying most apt and invincible reasons in the several proofs thereof; and so concluding his own opinion also only to be such and none other, wished that if any member of the House could conceive or show any other course or device tending to the purport of the said Message, than hath been erst now remembered or in the said Committee offered, he would show the same. And if not, that then M ^r Speaker would move the question for the consent of the whole House to the continuance of prosecuting that said Petition together with the said Committees. Whereupon after some little pause and none offering any speech to other end, M ^r Speaker moving the question to the House, it was resolved by the whole House, to insist only upon the said Petition accordingly. And also after sundry other speeches had tending all to the same resolution, and some of them urging the remembrance, purpose and present consideration of the former Association, it was ordered that tomorrow when the Lord's do sit in the Upper House the former Committees of this House (M ^r Robert Cecil being now added unto them) do repair unto their Lordships for Conference with their Lordships touching the said resolution of this House in answer to her Majesty's said Message. And also with request to their Lordships to give Licence unto this House to join with their Lordships in the said Answer to her Majesty, if it so please them.

M ^r Comptroller showing his full assent and good liking of the said conclusion touching the prosecution of the said Petition only, and of none other course at all, as well in his former delivery thereof upon treaty of the said cause, as now at this present, declared further, That he thinketh himself to have been in some of his late former speeches in that matter mistaken and misconceived by some of this House rather of ignorance in them (he thinketh) than of any evil disposition and purpose; and so affirming earnest and devout prayer to God to incline her Majesty's heart to the Petition of this House as a thing much importing, he moveth that some apt and special course of prayer to that end might be devised and set down by some of this House, and be not only exercised here in thus House every day, but also by all the members of this House elsewhere abroad, and also privately in their Chambers and Lodgings.

M ^r Treasurer liking well the motion and good meaning of M ^r Comptroller touching Prayer to be exercised as before, shown that fit Prayers for that purpose and extant in print are already used in this House, and so may also be by the Members of the same privately by themselves, and doth willingly wish the same might be so executed accordingly.

Sir John Higham assenting very readily to the continuation of pursuing the said Petition, urged further very zealously and earnestly the burden of the Oath of Association; and so thereby amongst other things of great and necessary consideration and importance, prayeth her Majesty may be solicited to the speedy execution of Justice upon the person of the Queen of Scots.

Mr. Recorder bending many Speeches, and reciting many Precedents of Petitions in former times granted by sundry of her Majesty's most noble Progenitors Kings of England to the subjects of this Realm at the humble Suits and Petitions of the Speaker and Commons of the Lower House, which the Lord's of the Upper House in those days could not obtain at their hands; doth not only persuade very earnestly the said insisting of this House upon the said Petition, but also undoubted assuredness of her Majesty's granting and performing of the same, as a thing answerable both unto her Highness most merciful, loving and tender care over her good Subjects, as also to the very necessity of the case.

Mr. Cope moved, that Mr. Speaker might put it to the Question for the resolution of this House touching the prosecution of the said Petition with all good and fit speed.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer putting the House in remembrance of their resolution therein given already even now at this very instant Court upon the Question then propounded by Mr. Speaker, moved the going forward with the Committee for Conference, to the end that with better expedition upon report of the same Conference to be made tomorrow to this House, and then the Resolution thereupon to be signified unto the Lord's and their favors prayed for joining further with this House, the Cause may receive such speedy good course of further proceeding to end and execution as shall best appertain.

On Tuesday the 22 ^d day of November M ^r Treasurer and sundry others of the Committees returning from the Lord's show, they have had Conference with their Lordships, and that their Lordships wholly and only insisting upon the said Petition, like as this House also doth, do purpose this Afternoon to send two Lord's, to wit the Lord Admiral and the Lord Cobham, to be Suiters for that House for access unto her Majesty for delivering their Lordships answer to the said Message; and so moved likewise, that Two of this House of the Privy Council, or such other as this House shall appoint, may also on the behalf of this House be Suiters unto her Majesty for like access in the same matter also. And thereupon were named for that purpose M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and M ^r Secretary Wolley.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain shown further, that the Lord's did prepare against the time of their access to be obtained of her Majesty, to be furnished with sufficient matter to answer unto any reasons happily to be objected unto them by her Highness at the time of their said answer to be made to her Majesty touching the said Message, and not to propound any such at all but only by way of answer, if it fall out that it please her Highness so to object, and else not. And so moved the like care by consideration to be also had by this House, and the same reasons to be such also (as near as may be) as were not lately delivered unto her Majesty by M ^r Speaker; for the avoiding of which iterations on the one side, and readiness of preparation to her Highness objections (if any happen) on the other side, he thinketh good that a Committee of this House were presently named for that purpose, and that M ^r Speaker also be with them at their meeting; whereby he may advertise them (as occasion shall serve) of such reasons as he had before inferred to her Majesty at the time of exhibiting the said Petition. Whereupon it was ordered, that all the former Committees in the great Cause, with M ^r Doctor Lewen now added unto them, do meet at two of the Clock this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber, and that M ^r Speaker be then there also.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain shown that he cannot be with them at the Committee, neither yet at this House before to Morrow at ten of the Clock at the soonest, but of necessity must both attend her Majesty's good pleasure for answer, and also lodge at the Court all night.

On Wednesday the 23 ^d day of November M ^r Speaker shown the travail of the Committees in their meeting yesterday, and also their appointment then of further meeting again this Forenoon, and of their conference at both times; in which (he said) were brought very many and sound reasons touching the matter in consultation to very great depth by sundry there present, delivered by some in speech, and by some other in writing; which as they were very many and hard to be all carried in memory, and withal sundry of the most principal and effectual of them uttered by M ^r Solicitor; so had he entreated M ^r Solicitor to take pains to abridge a summary note of the said most principal reasons: which having been done so by him and also delivered to M ^r Speaker, he offered the same to the House to be read.

Mr. Solicitor taking the said Note into his hand shown, that his meaning was to make the said Note only for a Memorial unto Mr. Speaker for himself, and not at all to be read to the House. And because the said Note is not in any part so fully and plainly set down, as by the reading thereof the House might so well conceive the effects of the said reasons as were requisite, himself therefore would, if it pleased them, show unto them the substance of the said Note, as himself for his own opinion conceived of the said reasons. And so holding the said Note in his hand, and discoursing the several particularities contained in the said Note, proveth by invincible reasons, that neither by expectation of reformation in the disposition of the Scottish Lady (if the Queens Majesty should spare her life) nor yet by safer or stronger guarding of her Person, nor by her promise upon word or Oath, nor by the Hostages of other Princes her Allies, nor by her Banishment, nor by the revocation of the Bull of Pope Pius Quintus, nor yet by the bonds or word of a Prince, or of any or all the Princes her Allies, nor by any other way or means whatsoever, other than only by the speedy Execution to death of the said Scottish Queen, the safety or continuance of the true Religion, of the most Royal Person of the Queens Majesty, and of the peaceable state of this Realm can in any wise be provided for and established. And so concluding, relied only upon the humble continuation of the Suit of this said House unto her Majesty in the said Petition.

Mr. Thomas Knyvet showing, that as Liberty was given to the Members of this House to deliver their conceits touching the matter presently in Consultation either in Speech or in Writing at their choices; so he for his part offered the same in writing, and prayeth the same may be read.

Mr. Vice-Chamberlain saith he thinketh Mr. Knyvet did mistake it, for that such Notes in writing were appointed to have been offered in the Committee, not in the House; and shown further, That he and Mr. Secretary Wolley having according to the appointment of this House attended her Majesty's pleasure for access for answer; and that her Highness is well pleased that for the time of their access, the same be tomorrow next being Thursday, betwixt one and two of the Clock in the Afternoon at the Court, and for the number to be such, and of such persons as this House shall think good, the Speaker, if they will, and the Committees, yea and as many else of the House also as please. And shown further, That they thought good in duty to make her Majesty acquainted with the great care and travail of this House in their diligent and dutiful proceeding to the satisfaction of her Majesty in the matter of the Message delivered unto them from her Highness. Which their exceeding great and especial care therein as her Majesty doth very well like of, and take and accept in most gracious and loving part; so did her Highness command him to signify unto this whole House her Majesty's most hearty thanks for the same, reposing (next under God) her own safety to be greater in the dutiful love and obedience of so faithful and loving Subjects (an inestimable blessing of God unto her Majesty) than in their riches, abilities and forces; rehearsing this Sentence, fide quàm ferro tutiùs regnant Reges. He also said, that for matter of other affair not of this House, he had cause even now very lately to be with the Lord's, and perceived by some of them that the Lord Chancellor also to Morrow did repair to the Court with twenty others of the Lord's at the least; And therefore it were very necessary also that M ^r Speaker also did in like sort go with these of this House. And further moved, that M ^r Speaker might be furnished with sufficient reasons to be by himself propounded unto her Majesty in the name of this House for her satisfaction in Answer to the said Message, and so not to expect reasons to be objected unto him by her Highness; for that (he said) he knew very well her Majesty looked for these reasons of satisfaction at their hands, by way of propounding and not only by way of Answering. Whereupon the House did then rise, and this Court was Adjourned till Friday next in the Forenoon.

On Friday the 25 ^th day of November M ^r Grice hearing it reported (as he shown) that the French Ambassador lately arrived, is appointed to have access unto her Majesty to Morrow at the Court, and fully persuading himself for his part that the said Ambassador cometh not for any good either to her Majesty or to the Realm; and knowing that their manner is in such Cases to be attended for the most part with a Company of Rascals and basest sort of People of their Nation, and all the rabble of them accustomed to thrust into the presence of the Prince with their Master, moved, That for the better safety of her Majesty's most Royal Person from peril of any desperate attempt of any of the said French, it would please those of this House of her Highness Privy Council to procure that the said Embassador might both be heard and also receive his answer at the hands of her Majesty's Council, and in no wise to have access unto her Highnesses Person.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain shown that at the last conference of the Committees of this House with the Lord's, this matter was remembered and considered of amongst them; And that the Lord Chamberlain and others at the Court about her Majesty were already appointed to take order for it accordingly.

M ^r Serjeant Gawdie and M ^r Attorney General do bring word from the Lord's, That where their Lordships according to some former direction had purposed presently to have sent for this House to have attended their Lordships for Prorogation of this present Parliament, their Lordships being set, had sithence received Letters of her Majesty, by which her Highness signified her pleasure to have the same Parliament yet continued two or three days longer for certain weighty considerations moving her Majesty thereunto, whereof their Lordships commanded them to advertise this House; and further to signify unto this House, that their Lordships had thereupon Adjourned the said Parliament in their House until Friday next: and so then the said M ^r Serjeant Gawdie and M ^r Attorney departed. Which Message being afterwards declared unto this House by M ^r Speaker, this Court was also adjourned until Friday next in like manner.

On Friday the 2 ^d day of December, upon a motion this day renewed on the behalf of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Grantham in the County of Lincoln, touching a Writ brought against them by Arthur Hall Esquire, whereby he demandeth wages of the said Inhabitants for his service done for them in attendance at sundry Parliaments, being Elected and returned one of the Burgesses of the said Borough in the same Parliaments; for as much as it is alleged that the said Arthur Hall hath been heretofore disabled by this House to be at any time afterwards a Member of this House; and also that in some Sessions of the same Parliaments he hath neither been free of the Corporation of the said Borough, and in some other also hath not given any attendance in Parliament at all; It is ordered that the examination of the state of the Cause be committed to the Right Honorable Sir Walter Mildmay Knight, one of her Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council, Chancellor of her Highnesses Court of Exchequer, Sir Ralph Sadler Knight, one other of her Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council and Chancellor of her Highnesses Duchy of Lancaster, Thomas Cromwell, Robart Markham and Robert Wroth, Esquires; to the end that after due examination thereof by them had, if it shall so seem good to them) they do thereupon move the Lord Chancellor on the behalf of this House, to stay the granting out of any attachment or other Process against the said Inhabitants for the said Wages at the suit of the said Arthur Hall: And the said Committees also to signify their proceedings therein to this House at the next sitting thereof accordingly. Vide November 21. antea &. Mar. 22. postea.

M ^r Serjeant Gawdie and M ^r Attorney General do bring word from the Lord's, that their Lordships do desire that M ^r Speaker and this whole House do presently repair unto their Lordships into the Higher House. Which being then signified unto the House by M ^r Speaker, all the House thereupon repaired thither presently accordingly.

Prorogued to the 15 ^th day of February.

But this Parliament was not at this time Prorogued, but only adjourned by the Lord's Commissioners appointed upon Saturday the 29 ^th day of October foregoing; and therefore M ^r Fulk Onslow at this time Clerk of the House of Commons is exceedingly mistaken in this place, and M ^r William Onslow his Kinsman who supplied his place in the next meeting of this Parliament doth likewise err in setting down the beginning or commencement of the said new meeting upon the foresaid 15 ^th day of February being Wednesday, where he styleth it a Session of Parliament holden by Prorogation; whereas it was neither new Parliament nor new Session, but a mere new meeting of one and the same Parliament.

And that these were two new meetings and not two Sessions, it is most plain by the very words touching the Adjournment thereof entered in the original Journal-Book of the Upper House in manner and form following, viz.

On Friday the second of December Commissionarii Reginae adjournaverunt praesens Parliamentum usque in decimum quintum diem Februarii prox.

Secondly, There was not any one Act that did pass at the end of this first meeting, which I conceive is an inseparable accident unto every Session of Parliament.

Thirdly and lastly, It is very plain that this Adjournment was of the like nature and upon the like occasion with that in the last Parliament in Anno 27. Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1584. viz. because Christmas drawing near, the Members of either House might have liberty to recede into their several Countries for the better relief of the Poor and maintenance of Hospitality.

And therefore whereas these two meetings are placed in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons very incongruously in two distinct and several Journals, as if they had been two distinct and several Sessions; they are here rightly placed together, and so the passages of the said second meeting do now follow in due course and order.

On Wednesday the 15 ^th day of February, (to which day the Parliament had been Adjourned by the Lord's Commissioners aforesaid on Friday the 2 ^d day of December foregoing) the two Houses met in their several places without any pomp or Solemnity, this being (as hath been before observed) neither new Parliament nor new Session, but a mere new meeting of either House upon the said Adjournment of the former meeting thereof, which began on the 29 ^th day of October being Saturday in Anno 28 Reginae Eliz. as is aforesaid.

The Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons being set, M ^r Serjeant Puckering then Speaker thereof, informed the House that M ^r Fulk Onslow Clerk of the Parliament was so weakened by Sickness that he could not at this present exercise his place; Therefore he had appointed M ^r William Onslow his Knisman a Member of this House here present to supply it; and therefore asked their allowance, which they very willingly granted.

The same time M ^r Cromwell moved the House, for that at their Petition her Majesty had done Justice upon the Scottish Queen to the greater Safeguard of her Majesty's Person and the whole Realm, he thought it fit that her Majesty might receive from them their humble thanks; which motion was well liked, but at this time it proceeded no further.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first was touching Fines and Recoveries before the Justices of the Common Pleas; and the second for limitation of time touching Writs of Error growing by fraud.

The same day M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, commanded as (he said) by her Majesty, moved the House, for that this Parliament was not expected to hold at this time, many of the Nobility being Lieutenants in their Countries, and others principal Members of this House were absent, by occasion whereof those great weighty causes for which this Parliament is called, cannot have such deep consultation as is fit; Therefore he thought it convenient to have an Adjournment: and therefore to move the Lord's of the Upper House for the liking thereof. Which motion being well liked, M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and a convenient number of the House, so many as would without nomination, did attend him to the Lord's; who upon his return from the Lord's made report, that they having considered of the motion, found the same want, and therefore yielded to an Adjournment of the Parliament until Wednesday next, being the 22 ^d day of this instant Month of February, if this House would condescend unto it. Unto which Adjournment this House also yielded; which consent M ^r Vice-Chamberlain did there presently signify to the Lord's, and upon his return the House brake up.

On Wednesday the 22 ^th day of February (to which day the Parliament had been last adjourned upon Wednesday the 15 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) the House again sitting, the Right Honorable Sir Christopher Hatton Knight Vice-Chamberlain to her Majesty and one of her Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council used this Speech in effect to the House, viz. That it was her Majesty's pleasure to have dangers disclosed, and to have the House know, that she thanked God for the goodness of the House, that she wished the Session (mistaken for Meeting ) to be short, that men of Government might go home for matter of Government, hospitality and defense, and to take another time for making of Laws, saving such as be now of necessity.

The dangers which her Majesty meaneth, proceed of ancient malice, and are to be prepared for, and God called upon for aid.

The principal heads of the dangers:

The Catholics abroad, the Pope, the King of Spain, the Princes of the League, the Papists at home and their Ministers.

The principal root hereof:

The Council of Trent which agreed to extirp Christian Religion (which they term Heresy) whereunto divers Princes assented, and bound themselves in solemn manner.

Pope Pius Quint us sent her Excommunication against her Majesty, Dr. Mourton and Mendoza a Spanish Ambassador bestirred them, a Northern Rebellion was bred, the Pope and the rest practiced for the Scottish Queen, and she being acquainted proceeds by her means.

Pope Paulus the Thirteenth proceeds and sends Jesuits and Seminaries to England and Ireland, and they proceed to inveigle the Subjects, and dissuade them from obedience. Visko beginneth a Rebellion in Ireland. James Fitz-Morris furthereth the Execution thereof. Doctor Sanders and Desmond stir new Rebellion there, and wrote into England, &c. Parry was moved to kill her Majesty, and persuaded it was meritorious.

Pope Sixtus the Fifth imitateth the other Popes to execute their former devices, and writeth to the Cardinal of Lorain and Guise, that he will overthrow the Gospel (which Mr. Vice-Chamberlain honourably termed the glorious Gospel) and therefore moved them to join with the Princes of the League, and to practice to win the King of Scots, and to set up the Scottish Queen in England, and made his reckoning of the Cantons that be Popish, the Swiss, the Duke of Savoy, the Duke of Ferrara, King of Spain, and King of France. A chief Instrument to work this, was one Carew, called also Father Henry.

He was sent into Germany and over Italy and France, wrote to the Scottish Queen that the Powers will join to overthrow England, and make known the effect of his labor to the Pope. Invasion should have been made into England and Ireland the last year, and not unlike to be attempted this year.

The Pope excommunicateth the King of Navar. The Pope accounteth not of Popish preaching and persuasions that way; but nevertheless moveth all to use the word, and for maintenance thereof spareth his Treasure otherwise, and withdraweth maintenance from Jesuits, Seminaries: and divers others Letters were found with the Scottish Queen, which prove all these to be true. If we serve Almighty God in sincerity of heart, we need not to fear. It is to be remembered that the King of Spain sought to recover some part of his Fathers credit by using our Treasure and force to get S ^t Quintines; but he soon made his advantage of it, and regarded not our Territories in France, but suffered the loss of Calais and all our Territories; and after the death of Queen Mary what he could. Her Majesty sought for his good will, sending the Lord Montague, the Lord Cobham, Sir Thomas Chamberlain Knight, M ^r Maun and others, and they were but hardly used, some of them were offered great indignity, and M ^r Mauns Son forced by strength to do a kind of Penance. He comforted the Queens Enemies, he giveth color of Wars, he chargeth the Queen that her Subjects have aided his Rebels in the Low Countries, with countenancing Monsieur with Money at Cambray, with sending her Nobility with him into the Low Countries, with the actions of Sir Francis Drake, with assistance of the Low Countries.

On Thursday the 2 ^d day of March M ^r Cope, M ^r Lewkenor, M ^r Hurlston and M ^r Bainbrigg were sent for to my Lord Chancellor, and by divers of the privy Council, and from thence were sent to the Tower. Vid. Febr. 27. antea.

The Bill for explanation of the Law touching Fines and Recoveries levied before the Justices of the Common Pleas, whereunto they or any of them be parties, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

It is ordered, That all the Committees appointed before to meet about the Bill for the delay of execution of Justice, shall meet about the same tomorrow in the Forenoon above in the Room of this House in the time of the reading of the Subsidy. See these Committees names on Monday the 27 ^th day of February foregoing.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for continuance of Statutes was read the first time.

The Bill last past touching Fines and Recoveries, &c. was sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others.

A Proviso offered by M ^r Recorder of London to be inserted in the Subsidy for saving the liberties of the Officers of the Mint, had its first reading.

On Friday the third day of March four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against the abuses of Purveyors was read the second time, and committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Sir John Cutts, Sir William Moore, Sir Thomas Scott and others, and the Bill was delivered to M ^r Chancellor, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

On Saturday the 4 ^th day of March Sir John Higham made a motion to this House, for that diverse good and necessary Members thereof were taken from them, that it would please them to be humble Petitioners to her Majesty for the restitution of them again to the House.

To which Speeches M ^r Vice-Chamberlain answered, That if the Gentlemen were committed for matter within the compass of the privilege of this House, then there might be a Petition; but if not, then we should give occasion of her Majesty's farther displeasure: and therefore advised to stay until they heard more, which could not be long: and further he said touching the Book and the Petition, her Majesty had for diverse good causes best known to herself thought fit to suppress the same, without any further examination thereof; and yet conceived it very unfit for her Majesty to give any account of her doings.

This Book and Petition touching the Ecclesiastical Government and for reformation of matters in the Church were delivered to the Clerk of the Parliament or the Speaker by M ^r Cope on Monday the 27 ^th day of February foregoing, who with M ^r Lewkenor, M ^r Hurlston and M ^r Bainbridgg spake in the commendation of them, and desired they might be read.

Whereupon the said M ^r Cope with the other three were on Thursday the second day of this instant March foregoing sent unto the Tower, and for the setting them at liberty it was that Sir John Higham made the motion foregoing; which M ^r Vice-Chamberlain did answer with this supposition only, that they might perhaps be committed for somewhat that concerned not the business or privilege of the House.

But whatsoever he pretended, it is most probable they were committed for intermeddling with matters touching the Church, which her Majesty had so often inhibited, and which had caused so much disputation and so many meetings between the two Houses, the last Parliament in Anno 27 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1584. vide 13 Mar. sequentem.

A motion made by M ^r Speaker to the House for giving leave to M ^r Dillington a Member of this House to depart into his Country for his service there, which was then granted.

The Bill for Regrators of Barley had its second reading, and a Proviso to the same Bill presently after that was twice read, and the Bill was committed unto Sir Henry Cock, M ^r Salkington, M ^r Alford, M ^r Aldersey and others; and the Bill and Proviso was delivered to the said Henry Cock, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Afternoon in the Guild Hall.

On Monday the 6 ^th day of March the Bill for continuance of Statutes with the Proviso was read the second time, and committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, M ^r Solicitor, Sir William Moore, Sir Thomas Brown and others, who were appointed to meet tomorrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for Orford-Haven was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Jermin and others to meet to Morrow at the Guild Hall.

The Bill for bringing in of Fish into this Realm was upon the second reading committed unto M ^r Recorder, M ^r Sandes, M ^r Grice, M ^r Dalton, the Burgesses of the Cinque-Ports and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon at the Guild Hall, and the Committees also for the Bill of Engrossers to meet at the same time and place.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer moved, that the Bill for the Purveyors should be further considered by the Committees this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber; and further he moved, that the Committees would at the same time and place meet for the further consideration of the benevolence that was offered to her Majesty, in respect of the great charges her Majesty is to sustain in the Low Countries.

Mr. Gresham hath Licence to depart into his Country.

This day William White was brought into the House to answer his contempt for arresting of Mr. Martin a Member of this House; who answered, that he caused him to be arrested the 22 ^d day of January which was above fourteen days before the beginning of the Parliament. The House ordered that the Precedents should be sought, and thereupon proceeding should be had according to the direction of the House, and referred to the report of Mr. Morrice, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Alford.

On Tuesday the 7 ^th day of March, the Bill for the Subsidy was read the third time; and before the rising of the House this morning was sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Treasurer and others.

The Bill for the Attainders was brought in again by the Committees, with a Proviso for M ^r Inglefeild.

Item another Proviso for the Lord Lumley.

The Bill was brought in again by the Commit tees for Purveyors with Amendments, which Bill with the Amendments was upon the second reading committed to be engrossed.

The Bill for restraint of Horse-Stealing and other Beasts, sent from the Lord's by M ^r Serjeant Gawdie and Mr. Attorney, had its first reading, and was delivered to Mr. Morrice.

It is Ordered, That Edward Fisher now remaining Prisoner in the Fleet, shall be brought to this House to Morrow, to Answer such things as shall be objected against him. Vide on Thursday the 9 ^th of March following.

Mr. Stoverd Burgess for Woodstock hath leave to depart about his necessary business.

Sir Thomas Scott and his Son have leave to depart.

On Wednesday the 8 ^th day of March Mr. Stoughton and Mr. Wallop had Licence from the House to depart.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the first was a Bill for the true performance of the last Will of Sir James Harvey.

The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders brought in again by the Committees, and now again upon divers reasons upon the reservations committed to the former Committees, and all that will may come to the Committees. Vide the said Committees on Saturday the 25 ^th day of February foregoing. The said Committees to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

This day the Bill for Orford-Haven was brought in again by the Committees.

Nota, There was a former Bill for Orford-Haven in the County of Suffolk read in the first meeting of this Parliament, and committed on Monday the 7 ^th day of November last past; which it seemeth being disliked by the said Committees was rejected, and a new Bill brought in again this second meeting of the same upon Friday the 24 ^th day of February foregoing, and lastly committed again after the second reading upon Monday the 6 ^th day of this instant March last past.

Upon a Motion made by Sir John Higham, that it were convenient to have the Amendment of some things whereunto Ministers are required to be sworn, and that some good course might be taken to have a learned Ministry; it was thought sit that some convenient number of this House might be appointed to confer upon some reasonable Motion to be made unto her Majesty for redress in these things. Whereupon these persons ensuing were appointed, viz. All the Privy Council of the House, Sir John Higham, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Dr. Lluen, Sir Henry Cock, Sir Robert Jermin, Mr. Doctor Cosins, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Brograve, Mr. Beale, Mr. Fortescue, Mr. Richard Brown, Sir William Moore, the Master of the Requests, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Conisby, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Fanshaw, Mr. Hastings, Sir Richard Knightley, Mr. Bronker, Mr. Amersham, Mr. Hearly, Mr. Francis Baker, Mr. Stanhop, Sir Walter Rawleigh, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Thomas Farmer and Mr. William Fleetwood.

Thomas Stampe Esquire one of the Burgesses for Wallingford in the County of Berks, is licensed by Mr. Speaker to be absent for his necessary affairs.

On Thursday the 9 ^th day of March Thomas Hudson Esquire Burgess for the Town of Barnstable in the County of Devon', is for his necessary affairs licensed to depart also for the Service of her Majesty, to be employed in causes of Musters with the Earl of Bath her Majesty's Lieutenant of the said County.

The Bill for Orford-Haven with the Amendments brought in by the Committees, was by the House Ordered to be engrossed.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Fines was read the second time and committed with the Bill for Errors in Fines unto Mr. Serjeant Snagg, M ^r Solicitor, Mr. Lewkenor and others, to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock at Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery-lane.

The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders was brought in again by the Committees, with the Addition, which being twice read was Ordered by the House to be engrossed. Vide the said Committees on Saturday the 25 ^th day of February foregoing.

This day Edward Fisher by virtue of her Majesty's Writ was brought into the House to Answer divers his misdemeanors, as well for indirectly taking away as imbezelling certain Evidences remaining in a Cubbard which was locked and sealed up by Mr. Recorder and others. Vide on Tuesday the 7 ^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The Bill for Fish, brought into this House again by the Committees, was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Serjeant Snagg, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Attorney of the Duchy, Mr. Recorder and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in Serjeants-Inn in Chancery-lane at two of the Clock.

Here it seemeth, Mr. William Onslow, who by the Licence of the House supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow his Kinsman, Clerk of the same, at this meeting, is much mistaken in setting down this Commitment; for the Bill itself was formerly twice read, and according to the usual course committed upon the second reading to Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sandes and others on Monday the 7 ^th day of March, and therefore doubtless this was either a new Bill brought in by the said Committees, or else some new Additions and Amendments inserted into the old Bill, which had this day their first and second reading, and thereupon again committed unto some of the old Committees and others. Vide plus die sequente.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the payment of Sir Gerrard Croker Knight his Debts, was (upon the second reading) committed unto Mr. Alford, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Thomas Harris, Mr. John Ingleseild, and others.

On Friday the 10 ^th day of March the Bill for Estretford was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Markham, Mr. Topclyffe, Mr. Savil and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle Temple Hall.

Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for stealing of Horses and other Cattle and Beasts was upon the second reading Committed unto Sir William Moore, Mr. Sands, Mr. Wroth and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow in the Committee Chamber.

The Bill for bringing in of Fish was brought in again by the Committees; by which it is most probable that there was a new Bill brought in yesterday, which was twice read at one and the same time and then committed.

The Bill for Sir Gerrard Crokers payment of his Debts was brought in again by the Committees and amended.

On Saturday the 11 ^th day of March the Bill against fraudulent Conveyances by Fugitives was read the first time.

The Bill for the payment of Sir Gerrard Crokers Debts was brought in again by the Committees, and committed to be engrossed.

Three Bills being passed the House were sent up to the Lord's; whereof the two last were the Bill for the great abuses of Purveyors, and the Bill for the confirmation of the Attainders of the late Lord Pagett and others.

A Motion being made by Mr. Treasurer for the matter of benevolence for the charges to be supplied in the Low Countries, whether that this House should only deal in it without the Lord's, or else that they should make the Lord's privy to it and join with them; It was thought good by the House to join with the Lord's in the same cause, and commit it unto these persons, viz. all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Solicitor, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Heigham, Master of the Requests, Mr. Francis Hastings, Mr. Sands, Mr. Topclyffe and others. Vide diem Saturn. 18. diem Mar.

This day a new Bill was brought in again for the payment of Edward Fishers Debts by the Committees, and therefore the new was twice read, and committed to be engrossed.

Nota, That a Bill to this purpose was in great agitation the last Parliament de anno 27 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1584.

The Bill for confirmation of Letters Patents was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Mr. Sands, Mr. Solicitor and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.

This day the Committees made report of the privilege of Mr. Martin a Member of this House Arrested upon mean Process by White above twenty days before the beginning of this Parliament holden by Prorogation (mistaken for Adjournment) and in respect that the House was divided about it in opinion, Mr. Speaker with the consent of the House, the sooner to grow to some certainty of the Judgment of the House in this cause, moved these questions to the House, viz.

First, Whether they would limit a time certain or a reasonable time to any Member of the House for his privilege.

The House Answered a convenient time.

Secondly, Whether Mr. Martin was Arrested within this reasonable time.

The House Answered yea.

Thirdly, If White should be punished for arresting Martin.

The House Answered no, because the arrest was twenty days before the beginning of the Parliament, and unknown to him that would be taken for reasonable time. But the principal cause why Martin had his privilege was, for that White the last Session (mistaken for Meeting) of Parliament arrested Mr. Martin, and then knowing him to be returned a Burgess for this House discharged his Arrest:

And then afterwards Mr. Martin again returning out of his Country to London to serve in this House, Mr. White did again arrest him, and therefore this House took in evil part against him his second Arrest, and thereupon judged that Martin should be discharged of his second Arrest out of the Fleet by the said Mr. White. Vide Febr. 27 Monday.

The Bill to avoid fraudulent assurances made in certain Cases by Traitors, was sent down from the Lord's to the House of Commons by Dr. Ford and Serjeant Gawdie.

Nota, That this Bill is not mentioned to have been sent down from the Lord's to the House of Commons, which as it should seem happened through the negligence of Mr. William Onslow, who at this time supplied the place of the Clerk of the said House. And therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Monday the 13 ^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against fraudulent Conveyances by Fugitives was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sands and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Hughes of Grayes-Inn, who with the rest was appointed to meet at Lincolns-Inn this Afternoon.

The Bill for Fish was brought in by the Committees and Ordered to be ingrosted. Vide concerning this Bill on Thursday the 9 ^th day, and on Friday the 10 ^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The Bills against delay of Execution by suing Writs of Error was read the second time upon the new bringing in of it by the Committees, and upon the question was ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for payment of Edward Fishers debts was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

A Motion was made by Mr. Cromwell to have some conference with the Privy Council of this House and some others of the same, concerning those Gentlemen Members of this House lately committed to the Tower. Whereupon these were appointed, viz. all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir William Moore, Mr. Francis Hastings, Mr. Cromwell, Sir John Harrington, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Beal.

These Members of the House touching whose Commitment Mr. Cromwell moveth, were sent unto the Tower on Thursday the 2 ^d day of this instant March foregoing; for whose liberty Sir John Higham had also moved before on Saturday the 4 ^th day of the same Month last past.

The Bill for errors in Records of Attainders was read the second time with the amendments, and upon the motion was ordered to be engrossed.

On Tuesday the 14 ^th day of March the Bill for confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy was thrice read, and passed upon the question.

The Bill against buying of Wares by strangers was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Aldersey, M ^r Saunders, M ^r Harris and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next in Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery Lane.

The Bill for Curriers was read the second time and committed to the Committees aforesaid, and to Mr. Recorder, Mr. Beale, Mr. Salkingston, and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Salkingston.

The Bill for fraudulent Conveyances by Traitors was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Conisbie, and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer one of the said Committees, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber this Afternoon.

The Bill for payment of Sir Gerrard Croker his debts was brought in again by the Committees being amended, after the same was engrossed and passed upon the Question.

The Bill for Horse-stealing was read the third time with the amendments and additions, and dashed upon the question.

Mr. Attorney and Mr. Doctor Carew do bring from the Lord's two Bills; of which the first was for the Sale of Thomas Hanfords lands.

Three Bill of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being an Act for the more speedy and due execution of certain Branches of the Statute of 23. of her Majesty, to keep her Majesty's Subjects in due obedience, was read the first time.

Two Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the first was the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy.

Nota, That there is no mention made of the sending up of these two Bills in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened through the negligence of M ^r William Onslow at this time supplying the place of the Clerk of that House, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Wednesday the 15 ^th day of March two Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; whereof the first was the Bill of Fines for abridging Proclamations.

The Bill for payment of Hanfords debts was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Morrice, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Comptroller and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Comptroller.

The Bill for delay of Execution in Writs of Errors was thrice read and upon some arguments upon the Bill again committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor, Mr. Wolley, Mr. Cromwell and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Nota. That this Bill was committed after the second reading upon Monday the 27 ^th day of February foregoing, and now again (as it seemeth) upon the third reading (which is not usual) by reason of some dispute that rose about it.

Two Bills were sent up to the Lord's this day; of which the first was touching errors in records of Attainders of High Treason, and the second for repealing of a Statute touching Fish made in Anno 13 Reginae Eliz.

The sending up of these two Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened in this place as in divers others of this second meeting of this present Parliament, through the inexperience and negligence of Mr. William Onslow, who supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of the said House, being detained from thence by sickness, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Thursday the 16 ^th day of March the Bill for Recusants was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir William Moore and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill against delay of Execution by Writs of Error being put to the question upon the third reading, by the division of the House the same was dashed.

The Bill for to take away one Proviso made 13 ^o of the Queen for Deeds, Grants, &c. was dashed upon the question; but after what reading it was dashed, it doth not appear; yet it is probable it was upon the second reading, it having been read the first time upon the Wednesday immediately foregoing.

The Bill for confirmation of Leters Patents from her Majesty under the great Seal of England, &c. was twice read and committed to be engrossed.

The Bill for making of Cloths in Suffolk was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir William Moore, Mr. Cromwell and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir Robert Jermin, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Guildhall.

M ^r Edward Penruddock, M ^r Sprynt, M ^r Richard Lewkenor, and M ^r Giles Estcourt have leave to depart; but upon what reasons or grounds the House gave them leave is very negligently omitted.

On Friday the 17 ^th day of March the Bill for Fines with Proclamation was upon the second reading committed to be engrossed.

The Bill for Avenon was upon the second reading committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, M ^r Chancellor, M ^r Woolley, Sir Robert Jermin, and others, who were appointed to meet tomorrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer-Chamber.

A Proviso added to the Bill of Fines was twice read, and ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for Errors in Fines brought in by the Committees with the Amendments was twice read, and committed to be engrossed.

A Saving to Hanford's Bill was twice read, and committed to the former Committees.

The Bill brought in again by the Committees against Recusants with a Proviso and Amendments also twice read.

The Bill for continuance of Statutes was read the third time, and passed not upon the Question. A Proviso also added to the same Bill, that no person shall put in Sureties upon any Information was twice read, and committed unto Mr. Recorder, Mr. Glanvile, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Philipps, Mr. Morley, Mr. Fansham, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Jones, who were appointed to meet at the Middle Temple Hall this Afternoon at four of the Clock.

Nota, That it is not expressed in the Original Journal-Book whether this Bill passed upon the third reading or not, but it is most probable that the House did defer to give their assent unto it, until the foresaid Proviso should likewise have its third reading: and that which further confirms the not passing of it at this time is, because upon Monday the 20 ^th day of this instant March following divers Committees were appointed to go up unto the Lord's, and to confer with them about this said Bill.

Sir George Hastings hath pardon of his absence this Parliament.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill against Extortion of Sheriffs was twice read, and committed unto M ^r Philip's, Mr. Harris, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Cromwell and others, who were appointed to meet in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

On Saturday the 18 ^th day of March, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Recusants with the Proviso, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Mr. Speaker declared to the House from her Majesty, That she thanked God, understanding of their great love unto her in regard of her charges sustained in the Low-Countries, and that her Majesty was contented this Afternoon that some convenient number of them should have Audience before her Majesty. Whereupon these persons were appointed by the House, all the Privy-Council of this House, Sir Robert Jermin, Sir John Higham, Sir Henry Cock, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Fortefoue Master of the Requests, Sir John Peter, Sir William Moore, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Markham, Mr. Revel and Mr. George Moore. Vide concerning this business on Saturday the 11 ^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The Proviso that persons Arrested by Informers may appear by Attorneys was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

Mr. Wingfield was brought into this House to Answer his misdemeanor against Mr. Walton a Member of this House, for that, as Walton informed, Mr. Wingfield did offer to draw his Weapon upon him and gave evil Language, which Mr. Wingfield denied, and said, for that his Brother ..... was slain by ..... of Walton, and Walton being an Accessary to that Murder, he said he could not well take it, and knew not what might happen.

Whereupon Mr. Speaker exhorted him to remit all that was past, seeing that he had taken the course of Law for his Brothers Death; unto which Exhortation Mr. Wingfield yielded, and so was discharged.

The Bill for payment of Fishers Debts was sent from the Lord's with a Proviso and Amendments, which were thrice read and assented unto by the House upon the Question.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; the first touching Exemplifications and Constats of Original Conveyances made to the Queens Majesty, and the second for limitation of time touching Writs of Error upon Fines and Recoveries.

The sending up of these two Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which happened in this place, as in divers others of this second meeting of this present Parliament, through the inexperience and negligence of Mr. William Onslow who supplied the place of Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of the said House, being detained from thence by sickness, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Monday the 20 ^th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment did each of them pass upon the Question after the third reading; of which the first was the Bill to prevent Extortion in Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs, &c. for Executions.

The House appointed divers to go up to the Lord's to confer with them about the Bill for continuance of Statutes, who were as followeth; Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Attorney of the Wards, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Saunders, Sir William Moore, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Francis Bacon.

Vide concerning this Bill on Friday the 17 ^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The old Committees (appointed on Wednesday the 15 ^th day of this instant March foregoing) in the Bill for the payment of Hanfords Debts, were to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall; and the Bill which came from the Lord's, and the new Bill drawn by the said Hanford (which was once read) were both delivered to M ^r Comptroller, being one of the said former Committees.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's; the first touching the Sale of Edward Fishers Lands; the second for the more speedy and due Execution of certain Branches of the Statute made in the twenty third year of the Queens Majesty's Reign, Intituled an Act to retain the Queens Majesty's Subjects in their due obedience; the third for continuance of Statutes; the fourth to prevent Extortion in Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, &c. the fifth for abridging of Proclamations to be made upon Fines levied in the Court of Common Pleas; and the sixth to avoid fraudulent Assurances made in certain Cases with a Proviso annexed and Amendments.

Nota, That the sending up of these six Bills is not at all mentioned in the Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and therefore it is supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Tuesday the 21 ^th day of March, the Bill for exemplifying Letters Patents was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

The Bill new brought in for the payment of Hanfords Debts, he himself being present assented to it, and did subscribe every leaf with his own hand; whereupon the Bill was read twice, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill to avoid fraudulent Conveyances made in certain Cases by Traitors, was sent down from the Lord's to the House of Commons. Two Bills also of no great moment were sent up from the said House to the Lord's.

The sending up of these two Bills to the Lord's, or the sending down the first Bill to the Commons is very negligently omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and are therefore inserted (as the like was done Yesterday and upon divers other days) out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

The Bill for payment of Hanfords Debts was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

The Bill for breeding of Horses in the wast grounds of Devon and Cornwall, was read the second time.

A Proviso offered by Mr. Conisbie to be inserted into the same Bill; which being read, the Bill and the Proviso were dashed upon the Question, whether they should be engrossed or no.

The Bill for the continuance and perfecting of divers Statutes was sent from the Lord's to the House of Commons by Serjeant Gawdie and Doctor Carew.

A new Bill also for the sale of Thomas Hanfords Lands was sent up to the Lord's (as it should seem) by Mr. Treasurer and others.

The mutual sending of these two Bills from either House to other, is very negligently omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and is therefore inserted out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

On Thursday the 23 ^th day of March the Bill for the Queens Majesty's most gracious general and free Pardon was sent down from the Lord's by Serjeant Gawdie and Doctor Carew, which having passed the House was sent back again this Morning unto their Lordships, with another Bill which was for the continuance and perfecting of divers Statutes.

This day finally the Speaker with the rest of the House of Commons being sent for into the Upper House, and thereupon repairing thither, two Commissions under the Great Seal were read; by the first of which her Majesty being absent gave her Royal Assent to ten several Acts or Statutes which passed at this time, and by the other this Parliament was dissolved.

Nota, That all this days Passages are supplied out of the Upper House Journal.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of LORD'S.

THE Queens Majesty, soon after that her wonderful and glorious Victory which God Almighty had given her Navy over that vainly styled Invincible Armado sent against her Realm of England by the Spanish King, summoned this her High Court of Parliament to begin on Tuesday the 12 ^th day of November that present year 1588. and the 30 ^th year of her Reign, that so by common Advice and Counsel she might prepare and provide against the inbred malice of that Prince and Nation, Sir Christopher Hatton Knight her Majesty's late Vice-Chamberlain, being made Lord Chancellor in the room and stead of Sir Thomas Bromley Knight, who having been sick a great part of the last Parliament died in April following Anno 29 Regin. Eliz. Anno Domini 1587. But other occasions of some importance requiring the deferring of the said Assembly, her Majesty Prorogued the same in manner and form following.

Memorandum, That whereas the Queens Majesty by her Writ summoned her Parliament to begin and to be holden at Westminster this present Tuesday being the 12 ^th day of November, her Highness for certain great and weighty Causes and Considerations her Majesty specially moving, by the advice of her Privy Council and of her Justices of both her Benches and other of her Council learned, did Prorogue and adjourn the said Parliament until the 4 ^th day of February next, by virtue of her Writ Patent sealed with the Great Seal, and bearing date the 15 ^th day of October last past. Whereupon at this said 12 ^th day of November the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancellor, William Lord Burleigh Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Bishop of London and three other Barons repaired to the Parliament-Chamber commonly called the Upper House, and there in the presence of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses summoned to the said Parliament declared, That her Highness for divers good causes and considerations her specially moving, by her Highnesses said Writ had Prorogued the said Parliament from this said first summoned day until the 4 ^th day of February next. Whereupon the Writ for the said Prorogation in the presence of all that Assembly was openly read by the Clerk of the Upper House in haec verba.

On Tuesday the 4 ^th day of February in the 31. year of her Majesty's Reign, to which day the Parliament had been last Prorogued upon Tuesday the 12 ^th day of November foregoing, and accordingly now held, The Queens Majesty was personally present, accompanied by the Lord Chancellor and divers of the Lord's both Spiritual and Temporal; but the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House doth not at all mention the presence of any Lord's, which happened through the great negligence of M ^r Anthony Mason at this time Clerk thereof, yet it may be collected February 8.

The Queen being set under her Cloth of State, and the Lord's placed in their Parliamentary Robes according to their several ranks and orders, the Knights, Citizens, Barons and Burgesses of the House of Commons had notice thereof, and thereupon repaired to the said Upper House, and as many of them as conveniently could being let in, stood before the Rail or Bar at the nether end thereof. Then Sir Christoper Hatton Knight Lord Chancellor of England, in a Speech which he used, did at large declare the Queens gracious disposition to peace, and her great wisdom in preserving the same and singular government of the Realm. Next he shown the great benefit which this Kingdom enjoyed by her government, and remembered her great Conquest over the Spanish late wonderful Army or Fleet on the Seas, videlicet in Anno 30 Reign. Eliz. Anno Domini 1588. He further declared how much the King of Spain remained bent against this Kingdom. And lastly, shown the Cause of calling this Parliament to be, that by the consent of the most grave and wise Persons now called together out of all parts of the Realm, preparation may as far forth by the Counsel of man as is possible, be made and provided, that Arms, Soldiers and Money may be in readiness; and an Army prepared and furnished against all Events.

The Lord Chancellors Speech being ended, the Clerk of the Parliament read the names of the Receivers and Triors of Petitions in French, according to the usual form, which were these.

Receivers of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, Sir Christopher Wray Chief Justice, Sir Gilbert Gerrard Knight Master of the Rolls, Sir Robert Shute one of the Justices of Kings Bench, D ^r Aubrey and D ^r Ford.

Receivers of Petitions for Gascoigne and other Countries beyond the Seas and the Isles, Sir Edmond Anderson Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Sir Roger Manwood Chief Baron, Francis Windham one of the Justices of the Common Pleas, D ^r Clerk and D ^r Cary.

Tryors of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Darby, the Earl of Worcester, the Earl of Sussex, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Howard of Effingham Lord Admiral, Lord Cobham, the Lord Grey of Wilton.

Tryors of Petitions for Gascoigne and for other Countries beyond the Seas and the Islands.

The Earl of Oxford great Chamberlain of England, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Pembrook, the Bishop of Salisbury, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Rochester, the Lord Hunsdon Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, the Lord Lumley and the Lord Buckhurst.

As soon as the Clerk of the Parliament had read these names, and had likewise ended other things of course belonging unto them, viz. That the first Tryors of England, &c. or any four of them, calling unto them the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Treasurer and also the Queens Serjeants, should at their leisure meet together in the Chamberlains Chamber, and that the last Tryors of Gascoigne, &c. or any four of them, calling unto them the Queens Serjeants, the Queens Attorney and Solicitor, should hold their place when their leisure did serve them to meet in the Treasurers Chamber. Then the Queen continued the Parliament unto a day to come, which is entered in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in manner and form following; viz. Ipsa Regina continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox' hora secunda post Meridiem.

On Wednesday the 5 ^th day of this instant February, although the Upper House sat not, yet was one extraordinary Proxy returned or brought in unto the Clerk of the said House, as there had formerly been another of a like nature returned on Monday the third day of the said Month foregoing, which because it was returned before the Parliament itself began, and is entered together with that before mentioned in the beginning of the Original Journal-Book of the said House, it shall not be much amiss to set them down both together in this place, in such manner and form as they are entered in the said Journal-Book, viz.

Vacat. 3. die Februarii introductae sunt Literae procuratoriae Willielmi Assaphen' Episcopy, in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Johannem Archiepiscopum Cantuar' & Johannem Episcopum Roffen, & Hugonem Episcopum Bangoren'.

Nota, That though the word vacat be here placed in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in the Margent of this Proxy in such manner and sort as this is transcribed; yet there doth not appear any reason thereof: for as it may be collected by the presence of the Lord's set down on Saturday the 8 ^th day of this instant February following, neither the said Bishop of S ^t Asaph was present himself after the said Proxy sent, nor all nor any of his Proctors absent, nor himself dead, which are only causes of a Vacat.

5 ^to Die Februarii introductae sunt Literae procuratoriae Johannes Carliolen' Episcopy; in quibus Procuratorem suum constitiuit Johannem Archiepiscopum Cantuarien'.

Nota, That these Two Proxies are therefore called unusual and extraordinary, because these two Bishops did constitute (the first of them) three Proctors, and the last of them but one; whereas for the most part the Spiritual Lord's do nominate two, and the Temporal Lord's but one; which may be collected in part out of the very Returns of this Parliament: for of five Spiritual Lord's that sent their Proxies, three constituted two Proctors a piece, and of seven Temporal Lord's not any nominated more than one.

It is also worth the observation, that the Lord Burleigh the Lord Treasurer had this Parliament four several Proxies sent unto him (entered in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in such order as they be here set down) viz. from the Lord Dacres, the Earl of Warwick, Viscount Mountacute and the Lord Lumley.

On Thursday the 6 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Queens Majesty was personally present, coming unto the said Parliament in her accustomed State and Order about three of the Clock in the Afternoon, it being the time appointed for the House of Commons to present their Speaker or Prolocutor, whom they had been authorized to choose on the last Tuesday when the Parliament first began. And thereupon accordingly the Queen and Lord's being set, and the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesles of the House of Commons let into the Upper House, two of the most eminent Personages of the said House did lead up to the Bar of the Upper House George Snagg Serjeant at Law who was chosen the Speaker or Prolocutor of the said House of Commons, who being placed at the said Bar, and silence being made, did in a modest and discreet Speech disable himself by reason of his many imperfections, and humbly desired her Majesty to discharge him of that great place, and to nominate some other more able and sufficient Member of the said House. Whereupon the Lord Chancellor by commandment from the Queen did let him know, that her Majesty did very well allow of his choice, and thereupon encouraged him willingly and cheerfully to undertake and execute that charge and place to which he had been by the free and unanimous consent of the House of Commons elected and chosen. Upon which Speech of the Lord Chancellor the said Speaker according to the usual course and form rendering all humble thankfulness to the Queens Majesty for her undeserved goodness towards him in conceiving him able and worthy for the execution of a place of that great charge and trust, and promising his care and readiness with all diligence to undergo the same, he did offer up unto her said Majesty divers petitions in the name and on the behalf of the said House of Commons; first, That during the continuance of this Session, themselves and their necessary attendants and servants might be freed from all suits and arrests; secondly, That they might have free access unto her Majesty upon all urgent and important occasions; and thirdly, That they might have free liberty of speech in the said House to debate and dispute of such matters and things as shall be there purposed: And lastly, He petitioned her Majesty in his own behalf, that if anything should be mistaken or unwillingly omitted by himself, that she would be graciously pleased to pass by and pardon the same. To which speech the Lord Chancellor by commandment from the Queen shortly replied, That her Majesty was graciously pleased to grant all his said Petitions, and that he the said Speaker and the House of Commons should use and enjoy all such liberties and privileges as others before them had been accustomed to use and enjoy in the times of her Majesty's most noble Progenitors, and withal admonishing them not to extend the said privileges to any irreverent and misbecoming speech, or unnecessary accesses to her Majesty.

Nota, That the presence of the Lord's is here omitted, as it was before upon the first day of this Parliament through the Clerk of the Upper House his great negligence; where also the foresaid Presentment of the Speaker is but shortly set down.

Then followed the continuance of the Parliament, which is thus entered in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, viz. the Lord Chancellor by the Queens Commandment continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Sabbathi prox' hora octava.

On Saturday the 8 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were present these Lord's Spiritual and Temporal following, viz.

• Archiepiscopus Cantuarien'.
• Episcopus London'.
• Episcopus Winton'.
• Episcopus Sarum.
• Episcopus Roffen'.
• Episcopus Cestren'.
• Episcopus Coven'. & Litchf.
• Episcopus Gloucestren'.
• Episcopus Lincoln'.
• Episcopus Petriburgen'.
• Episcopus Hereford.
• Episcopus Cicestren'.
• Episcopus Bangor.

Nota, That though the Bishops names are sometimes placed after the Earls and Viscounts, as they are commonly in all places where they are made Committees; yet in all the Journals of the Upper House where the presence of the Lord's is marked, they are always thus placed on the dexter side, in respect chiefly of the Archbishop of Canterburies place, which is before all others next the Prince.

• Christopherus Hatton Miles Cancellarius Angliae.
• Dominus Burleigh Dominus Thesaurarius Angliae.
• Marchio Winton'.
• Comes Darbiae Magnus Seneschallus.
• Comes Kantii.
• Comes Sussex.
• Comes Huntingdon.
• Comes Bathon.
• Comes Pembroke.
• Comes Hartford.

Barones.
• Dominus Howard Admirallus Angliae.
• Dominus Hunsdun Camerarius.
• Dominus Audeley.
• Dominus Strange.
• Dominus Cobham.
• Dominus Stafford.
• Dominus Gray de Wilton.
• Dominus Darcie.
• Dominus Sands.
• Dominus Windsor.
• Dominus Cromwell.
• Dominus Wharton.
• Dominus Rich.
• Dominus Willoughbie.
• Dominus North.
• Dominus S ^t John.
• Dominus Buckhurst.
• Dominus Norris.

Nota, That these names of such Lord's as were present, are supplied here out of the Original Journal Book of the Upper House on the third day of the Parliament, because it is the first on which their presence is noted, it having been omitted in the two foregoing days by the great negligence of Mr. Anthony Mason at this time Clerk of the said House.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the last was the Bill for the maintenance of Husbandry and for increase of Tillage.

Dominus Cancellarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Lunae prox' hora nona.

On Monday the 10 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were four Bills read; whereof the last being a Bill concerning Captains and Soldiers was read secunda vice & commissa Domino Thesaurario, Marchioni Winton', the Earl of Oxford, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord Steward, the Earl of Kent, the Earl of Cumberland, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Essex, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Coven' and Litchf. the Bishop of the Lord Admiral, the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Audley, the Lord Strange, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Grey, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord North, the Lord Buckhurst and the Lord Norris, Serjeant Puckering and Mr. Attorney.

Nota, That here were Attendants of the Upper House and no Members of it, are made joint Committees with the Lord's, which is very usually done in the Parliaments foregoing in the Reign of this Queen; where also the Judges being but mere Assistants of the said House are often nominated Committees also: Whereas in the two last Parliaments of her Majesty's Reign, viz. in Anno 39 & Anno 43. and in these latter times of King James and our present Sovereign his Son, these are seldom or never nominated as Committees, but only as Assistants to the Committees to give their advice if they shall be required, and not otherwise. And though the Clerk of the Parliament might at some time mistake and err in setting down such for Committees as were only Commanded to be Attendant upon or Assistant unto the said Committees; yet that he should so often mistake in so many Parliaments, and the rather because such Committees are frequently named divers times in sundry of the several Sessions, it is most unlikely and improbable.

On Friday the 14 ^th day of February the Bill for the more speedy payment of Fines and Tenths was read prima vice.

Memorand. The Lord's Committees brought in the Bill concerning Captains and Soldiers with Amendments; and by reason of divers defects in the same Bill, they had framed a new Bill, which new Bill by the consent of all the Lord's was received and read prima vice.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill touching Constats of Original Conveyances made to the Queens Majesty was read secunda vice; And the second being a Bill to save discontinuance of Writs of Error upon Errors in the Court of Exchequer, was read secunda vice & commisia Archiepiscopo Cantuar' & Ebor', Domino Senesechallo, three Earls, three Bishops, six Barons, Magistro Rotulorum, Servienti Shuttleworth, Magistro Attornato & Sollicitatori.

Dominus Cobham & Dominus Stafford robis Parliamentariis induti introduxerunt Dominum Talbot, eúm{que} ad locum suum perduxerunt praeeunte Gartiro principali Reg. Armorum, qui etiam tunica armorum indutus erat.

On Saturday the 15 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, three Bills were read; whereof two of them, the first being a Bill for maintenance of Houses of Husbandry and Tillage, and the second being a Bill for Horse-stealing and House-burning were read secunda vice & tunc commissae Domino Thesaurario, 4 Comitibus, 2 Episcopis, 8 Baronibus, Justiciar' Gawdie, Servienti Puckering, & Sollicitatori Reginae.

On Monday the 17 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued four Bills were read; of which the first being a Bill for reformation in excess of Apparel was read secunda vice & commissa Domino Thesaurario, 3 Comitibus, 2 Episcopis, 6 Baronibus, Servienti Shuttleworth, & Sollicitatori Reginae. Quod nota.

On Tuesday the 18 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were four Bills read; whereof the first being a Bill providing remedy against discontinuance in Writs of Error in the Exchequer and Kings Bench, was read tertia vice & conclusa, and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Shuttleworth and Dr. Aubery with three other Bills.

On Thursday the 20 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were four Bills read; of which the first being a Bill for having Horse-Armor and Weapons was read prima vice.

On Saturday the 22 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were three Bills read; of which the last being a Bill concerning Captains and Soldiers was read tertia vice & conclusa, and together with the two Bills aforesaid sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Puckering and Doctor Ford.

Three Bills were also sent from the House of Commons, viz. a Bill concerning Informers; and two others of no great moment.

On Monday the 24 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were four Bills read; whereof one of them being a Bill for Writs upon Proclamation upon Exigents to be Currant within the County Palatine of Durham, was read secunda vice & commissa Justiciario Gawdie. Quod nota.

On Tuesday the 25 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, were two Bills read; whereof the first being a Bill concerning Informers was read prima & secunda vice & conclusa, and so expedited.

And the second being a Bill for the abridgment of Proclamations upon Fines to be levied at the Common Law was read secunda vice, wherein the Lord's finding some imperfections sent down Serjeant Shuttleworth and D ^r Clark to the lower House, to pray a Conference with some of that House; which being yielded, the Lord's Ordered for Committees. the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Steward, the Bishop of Winton, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Buckhurst, and the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to attend the Lord's.

Nota, That here one of the Judges is particularly nominated to attend upon the Lord's Committees, which may further prove, that in all those former places where the Judges or the Queens Learned Council are named as Committees, it is no Error nor mistake of the Clerk. So that hence the difference may very well be gathered to be this, That where a Committee of the Lord's was formerly used to be selected out to meet with another Committee of the House of Commons, here neither the Judges being but Assistants, nor the Queens Learned Council being but Attendants of and upon that House, were ever nominated or appointed as Joint Committees with the Lord's, because the very Members of either House only are then admitted to partake of such matters of weight and secrecy as they do there commonly confer upon: But when the Lord's do amongst themselves appoint a Committee to consider only of some ordinary Bill that is to pass their House, and especially if the Bill do concern matter of Law, here it anciently hath been used, and may still without any prejudice to the honor of that House be continued, that the Kings Learned Council but especially the Judges may be nominated as Committees alone or as Joint Committees with the Lord's; for in regard that nothing can be absolutely concluded at a Committee, all matters shall still depend upon the resolution of the House, and so no inconvenience shall ensue thereupon.

After the Committees of both Houses had met, the Lord's Committees proceeded to the Amendment of the Bill, and afterwards this present day the Bill and Amendments received their second reading and passed the House, and was sent down to the House of Commons to be amended by them, by D ^r Carew and M ^r Solicitor.

It appeareth by the Journal-Book, that the House of Commons having yielded to a Conference, did presently choose Committees, and sent them up to the Upper House.

Two other Bills had each of them one reading in the House, and one Bill was sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, all being of no great moment.

On Thursday the 27 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill for reformation of excess in Apparel was read secunda vice & commissa uni Comiti & 4 Baronibus.

On Saturday the first day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Thursday foregoing, two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill for Writs upon Proclamations and Exigents to be currant within the County Palatine of Durham, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

This Forenoon also the Lord's Committees returned the Bill for the having of Horses, Armor and Weapons, signifying that they could get no meeting but of so small a number as their Lordships would not deal in; so that the whole House presently proceeded to the Question whether it should be engrossed or no; upon which question asked the Lord's with one consent agreed that it should be engrossed.

On Monday the 3 ^d day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which one of them was concerning the Sale of Thomas Hanfords Lands towards the payment of his Debts, and another had been this Morning sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

These Bills being sent up to the Lord's by Sir Francis Knowles Knight Treasurer of her Majestics Household, and other Members of the House of Commons, they had also Order to desire of their Lordships in the name of the said House, that Mr. Solicitor being returned a Member thereof might be suffered to come thither and give his attendance in the same. To which desire of theirs their Lordships a little after sent down word by Mr. Serjeant Puckering and Mr. Attorney General to the said House, that the said Mr. Solicitor was called by her Majesty's Writ to serve in the Upper House long before he was chosen a Member of the said House of Commons, and therefore thought it very fitting he should still continue his attendance in the said Upper House.

Nota, That there is no mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House of this Question touching the Attendance of the Queens Solicitor, but it was supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, fol. 242. a.

On Tuesday the 4 ^th day of March, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the latter being a Bill for the sale of Thomas Hanfords Lands, &c. was read secunda vice. Whereupon the Lord's Ordered, that as well the said Thomas Hanford, as those that followed the Bill, should be warned to be before them with their learned Council at the next sitting of the Court, which shall be on Thursday next at nine of the Clock.

Two Bills also of no great moment were this Forenoon sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for the better recovery of such costs and damages as shall be adjudged to any person against common Informers.

On Thursday the 6 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Tuesday foregoing, the amendments of the Bill for the maintenance of Husbandry and Tillage were read prima & secunda vice & commissae ad ingrossand.

One Bill concerning the preservation of Orford-Haven was brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill to avoid abuses in choosing of Fellows and Scholars was read prima vice.

On Saturday the 8 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Thursday foregoing, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill for the maintenance of Husbandry and Tillage was read tertia vice & conclusa.

M ^r Serjeant Shuttleworth and M ^r Doctor Awbery were sent down from their Lordships to the House of Commons with two Bills; of which the first was the Bill for maintenance of Houses of Husbandry and Tillage, and the second for reformation of excess in Apparel: both which said Bills had been passed by their Lordships this Morning upon the third reading.

Nota, That the sending down of these two Bills is wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House through the great negligence of the Clerk of the said House, and is therefore supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, fol. 245. b.

On Monday the 10 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill for an assurance to be made of the Jointure of Anne Wife of Henry Nevill Esquire, was read secunda & tertia vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

Memorandum. That before the third reading and passing of the Bill for the Jointure of the Wife of Henry Nevill, by which all former Conveyances made by the said Henry Nevill of the Manors of Waighfield and Wadhurst, &c. in the County of Sussex were made frustrate and void: The Lord's Ordered that the said former Conveyances should by the Parties to the same be brought into this House and delivered to the Clerk of the Parliament sealed up, to the end that if it shall please her Majesty to give her Royal Assent, That then the said Indentures and Conveyances should be forthwith cancelled; but if it shall not please her Majesty to give her Royal Assent, Then the said Indenture and Conveyances should be safely re-delivered to the said parties unseen of any, and uncancelled. And to this all the parties agreed, as well before the Lord's the Committees, as before the whole House.

Memorandum, That according to the said Order the Deeds mentioned were cancelled the 12 ^th day of May Anno Regni Eliz. 31.

The Bill against Pluralities and Non-residence was this day brought up to their Lordships from the House of Commons.

Nota, That the bringing up of this Bill to their Lordships being omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, is supplied out of that of the House of Commons, fol. 246. a.

On Tuesday the 11 ^th day of March, The Bill against erecting and maintaining of Cottages was read tertiâ vice.

Two Bills also of rio great moment were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was a Bill of four Fifteens and Tenths, and two entire Subsidies granted by the Temporalty.

The Bill for the assurance to be made of the Jointure of Ann the wife of Henry Nevill Esq (which had been sent up to their Lordships from the House of Commons, with another Bill against Informers on Tuesday the 4 ^th day of this instant March foregoing) was this day sent down again to the said House with some amendments by Doctor Aubery and Doctor Cary.

Nota, That the sending down of this Bill from their Lordships to the House of Commons is by the negligence of M ^r Anthony Mason, at this time Clerk of the Upper House, wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the said House and is therefore supplied here (as elsewhere also) out of that of the House of Commons.

On Thursday the 13 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Tuesday foregoing, the amendments of the Bill for having Horses, Armor and Weapons, was read prima & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

The Amendments also and a new Proviso annexed unto the Bill against Informers was read secunda & tertia vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusae; and one other Bill of no great moment had its first reading.

The Bill for the better recovery of Costs and Damages against Informers (which had been sent up to their Lordships on Tuesday the 4 ^th day of this instant March foregoing) was sent down again this day to the said House by M ^r Doctor Ford and M ^r Doctor Cary.

Nota, That the sending down of this Bill from the Lord's to the House of Commons is wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, and is therefore supplied out of that of the House of Commons.

On Friday the 14 ^th day of March, The Bill of Subsidy was once read, and the Provision of the Bill for Orford-Haven was read and concluded; and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Shuttleworth and M ^r Powle.

On Saturday the 15 ^th day of March, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which one being a Bill for the confirmation of the Subsidies of the Clergy, was read prima & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand. And another being a Bill against erecting and maintaining of Cottages was read tertia vice & conclusa, and sent to the House of Commons by Doctor Clark.

On Monday the 17 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill of the Subsidy was read tertia vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

There were also sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons this Forenoon six Bills of no great moment; of which the first was the Bill for reviving and enlarging of a Statute made in the 23 ^d year of her Majesty's Raign for repairing of Dover Haven, and the second was the Bill for the preservation of the Haven of Orford in the County of Suffolk.

On Tuesday the 18 ^th day of March, Seven Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill against the abuses in election of Scholars and Presentation of Benefices was read tertia vice & conclusa; And the scond being a Bill, that the Children of Aliens shall pay Strangers Customs was read tertia vice and concluded, and was sent down to the House of Commons with the former Bill by Doctor Clark and Doctor Cary.

There were also this morning brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons four Bills of no great moment; of which the first was a Bill for the better execution of the Statute made in the 8 ^th year of her Majesty's Reign touching Cloth workers and Cloths to be shipped over the Seas, and the second touching Outlawries.

The Two other Bills touching forcible Entries, and touching pleading at large in an Ejectione firmae, which were sent up at this time with the two former, are omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House and are therefore supplied out of that of the House of Commons.

On Wednesday the 19. day of March. Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for avoiding of certain Conveyances and other Estates supposed to be procured by Thomas Drewry of the lands of Thomas Hasilrigge with the Amendments was read secunda & tertia vice & conclusa.

On Thursday the 20 ^th day of March, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill concerning Pleadings in Actions of Trespass for Trespasses under the value of forty shillings was read tertia vice & conclusae.

An Act providing remedy against Discontinuances in Writs of Error in the Exchequer and Kings Bench was brought from the House of Commons.

On Friday the 21 ^th day of March, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill concerning the Hospital of Lamborne was read tertia vice & conclusa, and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Puckering.

There were also sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons this Forenoon three Bills of no great moment; of which the first was a Bill for Writs upon Proclamations and Exigents to be currant within the County Palatine of Durham.

On Saturday the 22 ^th day of March four Bills of no great moment were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first was a Bill for avoiding of certain Conveyances, &c. procured by Thomas Drewry of the Lands and Leases of Thomas Hasilrigg, and the second was the Bill for the better recovery of such costs and damages as shall be adjudged to any person against common Informers.

The Lord's having this Forenoon given three readings to the Amendments of the Bill for the better assurance of Lands and Tenements to the maintenance of the free Grammar School of Tunbridge in the County of Kent, did send the same Bill with those new Amendments to be passed also in the House of Commons by Doctor Carew and M ^r Powle; the Bill itself having before passed that House, and had been sent up from them to the Lord's on Monday the 17 ^th day of this instant March foregoing.

On Monday the 14 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, the Amendments of the Bill against abuses in Election of Scholars, &c. were read and concluded.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill for the repeal of certain Statutes was read secunda vice.

Five Bills were also brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was an Act against the erecting and maintaining of Cottages, sent up with the Amendments from the House of Commons; which said Amendments were thrice read, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusae.

Memorand. quod Christopherus Wray Miles Capitalis Justic. de Banco Regis secum adduxit in Parliamento in Camera Parliamenti intra Dominos breve de error & billam de Regina indorsat. ac Rotul. in quibus continebantur placit. & process. in quibus supponebatur error, & ibidem reliquit transcriptum totius recordi cum Clerico Parliamenti simul cum praedicto breve de error in Parliamento.

On Tuesday the 25 ^th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was an Act for confirmation of the Subsidy of the Clergy.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being a Bill for the continuance of divers Statutes was read secunda vice.

No mention is made in the Journal-Book of the continuance or Adjournment of the Parliament, which seemeth to have been omitted by the Clerks negligence.

On Wednesday the 26 ^th day of March, Three Bills were read; of which the first being a Bill to avoid secret Outlawries of her Majesty's Subjects was read tertia vice, and sent to the House of Commons by D ^r Carew. One Bill also of no great moment was sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

On Thursday the 27 ^th day of March, divers of the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal met, but nothing was done, saving the continuance of the Parliament unto the day next following.

On Friday the 28 ^th day of March, Three Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was a Bill for Explanation or Declaration of the Statute of the eighth year of H. 6. concerning forcible Entries, the Indictments thereupon found expedite.

A Bill for the Naturalizing of Joice the Daughter of Ralph Esking Gentleman, and Wife of Richard Lambert Merchant, born beyond the Seas, was read secunda & tertia vice, and expedited.

Dominus Cancellarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in Crastinum dimid. horae ante septimam.

On Saturday the 29 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, one Bill for continuance of divers Statutes was read tertia vice, and sent to the House of Commons by D ^r Stanhope and M ^r Powle.

M ^r Doctor Carew (in some other places also written Carie ) and M ^r Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lord's two Acts, viz. the Act of the Queens most gracious, general and free Pardon, and also the Act of the two Subsidies and four Fifteenths granted by the Temporalty, which they carried down to the House of Commons, from whence the Bill of Pardon having there passed, it was a little after sent back again unto their Lordships by M ^r Fortescue and others.

Nota, That the sending of these two Bills is omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, and is therefore supplied out of that of the House of Commons.

The presence of such Lord's as attended her Majesty, who was herself this day at the Dissolving of the Parliament in Person, is not much differing from that set down on Saturday the 8 ^th of February foregoing, only the two Earls of Northumberland and Essex then absent attended this day, as also the Lord Strange, the Lord Morley, the Lord Talbot, the Lord Wentworth, and the Lord de la Ware were at this time also present, though not then. Whereas the Lord's Audeley and Cromwell then present were now absent; and for the Spiritual Lord's it appeareth not at all who were present.

These being thus set, and the House of Commons, with Serjeant Snagg their Speaker, being let into the Upper House, the said Speaker according to the usual form presenting her Majesty with the Bill of two Subsidies and four Fifteenths granted by the Temporalty, desired her Highness graciously to accept thereof as the free testimony of the faithful and loyal respects of their Subjects, and withal desiring her Majesty to give her gracious consent to such Acts as had been prepared and expedited by the two Houses.

After the passing of which Bills the Dissolution of the Parliament is Entred in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in manner and form following, viz.

Dominus Cancellarius ex mandato Dominae Reginae tunc praesentis dissolvit praesens Parliamentum.

It should seem that her Majesty gave her Royal Assent, and that this Parliament was Dissolved this present Saturday the 29 ^th day of March in the Forenoon, contrary to the usual course in such cases accustomed; for it appeareth in all other Journals for the most part to have been deferred till the Afternoon; and that this present Parliament was so Dissolved as aforesaid, it appeareth plainly by the last continuance of it on Friday immediately foregoing to this day in the Forenoon half an hour before seven of the Clock, to which early and unusual time of the day I suppose it was continued, because all things might be better expedited against her Majesty's coming.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

THIS Parliament was Summoned about three Months after God's miraculous preservation of Religion, the Realm and her Majesty's Person, from the ambitious and bloody Conquest of the Spanish King: and therefore the House did not only regard their private business, as the passing of Bills, discussing Elections, preserving their Privileges and the like, with which this Journal is abundantly stored; but also the public safety of her Majesty and her Realms by aiding her Highness with the unusual and extraordinary gift of four Fifteenths and Tenths and two entire Subsidies, the Clergy also adding two Subsidies of their own, and by desiring her also in the conclusion of this Parliament to denounce open War against the King of Spain, who had so lately invaded her, whom they concluded to have been the Root and Fountain of all the Conspiracies practiced, and of all the Rebellions raised against her Majesty.

Although this Parliament had been summoned to have begun and to have been holden on Tuesday the 12 ^th day of November last past; yet it held not, but was upon the said day in the thirtieth year of her Majesty's Reign further Prorogued by her Majesty's Writ unto Tuesday the 4 ^th day of February in the thirty first year of the same.

On which said Tuesday the 4 ^th day of February it held accordingly, and her Majesty came in Person unto the Upper House, where Sir Christopher Hatton, being now Lord Chancellor, in her Highness presence declared unto the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and to the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons then and there Assembled, how great happiness they enjoyed under her Majesty's peaceful and victorious Reign; and that though the Spanish late Wonderful Fleet had been lately defeated, yet there wanted not still power and malice in him against this Nation and her Majesty: and so much the more implacable it may be conjectured he now remains, because of his late defeature and loss before-mentioned. And therefore he shown, that the cause of the calling of this Parliament was to provide by common Counsel against all his future attempts. And lastly he gave notice to those of the House of Commons to make present choice of someone amongst them to be their Speaker. Whereupon the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the said House departing thither, did choose George Snagg Serjeant at Law for their said Prolocutor; who having modestly disabled himself, was notwithstanding allowed by the House, and thereupon placed by two of the most eminent Personages thereof in the Chair.

Concerning the former Prorogation or this latter days Passages upon the Parliament began, there is not any one word in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, which (as it seemeth) happened through the great negligence of M ^r Fulk Onslow at this time Clerk of the said House: For in the first page of the same Journal in the upper part thereof, it is thus written, viz. Martis 4 ^to Februarii, Anno Reginae Eliz. 31 ^o 1588. and after it the whole leaf is left a blank, with intention doubtless at first that the manner of the beginning of this Parliament on the said day, together with the choice of the foresaid Speaker, should have been inserted at large.

It should seem also that according to her Majesty's continuance of the Parliament on the foresaid Tuesday the 4 ^th day of February unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon of the Thursday following being the 6 ^th day of the same Month, the House of Commons sat not this present Wednesday, being the 5 ^th day thereof; and the rather, because their Speaker was not yet presented: which is gathered, as the Passages also of the two former days are transcribed, out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House; that so by that means this present Journal might remain perfect.

On Thursday the 6 ^th day of February the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons having notice about two of the Clock in the Afternoon, that her Majesty and the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal were already come unto, and had taken their several places in the Upper House, expecting their attendance, they repaired thither with George Snagg Serjeant at Law their Speaker or Prolocutor Elect, and presented him unto her Majesty; who notwithstanding his humble disablings and excuses of himself, did by the Mouth of the Lord Chancellor signify her allowance of him: and afterwards also did in like manner Answer to his Petitions of course made in the name of the House of Commons for freedom of Access, liberty of Speech, and freedom from Arrests and Suits; and lastly in his own name for Pardon for himself; That the said House of Commons and himself should enjoy and use all such Privileges and Freedoms as had in the like case been enjoyed by any others in the times of her Majesty's most Noble Progenitors. Whereupon the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, with their Speaker, departed to their own House.

Nota, That there is no mention made of the manner of the Presentment of the Speaker before mentioned in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, but only in the upper part of the second leaf thereof is written in one line, M ^r Serjeant Snagg M ^r Speaker presented, and immediately under it in another line do follow these words, viz. Jovis 6 ^o die Februarii 1588. and after it the whole page is left a blank, except a few lines in the bottom of it, which contain the Bill usually read after the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the said House of Commons return to their own House with their Speaker newly admitted upon their Presentment of him. Which said blank page was doubtless left (as those others before mentioned) to the intent and end at the first to have inserted therein the whole form and manner of the said Presentment and Admission.

The foresaid Bill, finally, read at this time upon the return of the Speaker and the rest from the Upper House, is Entred in the said Journal-Book in manner and form following, viz.

And then was read a Bill for reformation of deceitful practices used in reversal of Fines at the Common Law, the first reading.

On Friday the 7 ^th day of February, upon a Motion made unto this House (which had likewise been made yesterday touching matters of the privilege of this House, it is Ordered that M ^r Comptroller, Sir William Moor, M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir George Barns, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Robert Wroth, M ^r Thomas Cromwell, M ^r Morrice, M ^r Humphrey Conisbie and M ^r Francis Alford and every of them shall examine such matters of privilege as shall happen in this present Session of Parliament to come in question, and to make reports thereof unto this House, for the further order and resolution of this House and every of the same cases, as shall appertain.

The Bill touching Informers and Informations upon penal Statutes was read the first time.

Upon report this day made by John Butler Esquire one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Malden in the County of Essex, that William Vernon Gentleman also returned the other Burgess for the same, is sick, and not able to give his attendance in the service of this House, and likewise willing and desirous that another be chosen to serve in his place; It is Ordered that a Warrant from this House be made unto the Clerk of the Crown for sending forth a new Writ for choosing another Burgess in the lieu and stead of the said William Vernon.

Upon the like Motion also by Hugh Hare Gentleman, one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Halesmeer in the County of Surrie, made on the behalf of Nicholas Hare Esquire, returned one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Horsham in the County of Sussex; It is Ordered that a like Warrant be made for the returning of another Burgess for the said Borough of Horsham, in the lieu and stead of the said Nicholas Hare.

This day the House was called, and all those that did then sit in the House and were present at the calling of the same, did thereupon severally Answer to their names, and departed out of the House as they were called.

Amongst whom one Master Gerrard Esquire being returned into this House one of the Knights for the County of Lancaster, and also for the County of Stafford, made his choice to appear and stand for the said County of Stafford; and thereupon it was Ordered that a Warrant of this House should be directed to the Clerk of the Crown for her Majesty's Writ to choose a new Knight for the said County of Lancaster in the lieu and stead of the said M ^r Gerrard.

On Saturday the 8 ^th day of February the Bill to avoid the abuses grown by forestalling, Ingrossing and Regrating was read the first time.

Upon a motion this day made by Sir Edward Hobby touching the sundry abuses of returning the Knights and Burgesses into this House this present Session of Parliament, as in some not returned at all, some others returned erroneously, and for some places for which none hath been returned heretofore, and some returned superfluously, as two for one place and one for two places, and other corrupt courses in sundry of the Returns, to the great prejudice both of the liberties and also of the service of this House; It is ordered that it be committed unto Sir William Moore, Sir Edward Hobby, M ^r Edward Dyer, M ^r Cromwell, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Alford, M ^r Francis Hastings, Sir Edward Dymock, M ^r Robert Markham, M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, M ^r Rowland Watson Clerk of the Crown, and that he do attend as well with the Returns of the Sheriffs as with his own Book of the same Returns certified by him into this House, and to meet in the Exchequer Chamber upon Monday next at three of the Clock in the Afternoon.

And upon a further motion made by M ^r Humphrey Conisby for due consideration to be had that the Members of this House may give their better attendance in this House hereafter than hath been of late accustomed, This matter is also referred to the said former Committees, and the said M ^r Conisby added unto them.

The Bill touching Informers and Informations upon Penal Statutes was read the second time, and committed unto all the Privy Council of this House, M ^r Recorder, Sir William Moore, M ^r Grafton and others who were appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Monday the 10 ^th day of February the Bill touching the benefit of Clergy in some cases of Offenders, was upon the second reading committed unto M ^r Cromwell, M ^r Secretary Wolley and others, who were appointed to meet in the Star-Chamber upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Upon a motion this day made by M ^r Treasurer, that M ^r Robert Knowles Esquire being returned into this House both Knight for the County of Brecknock and also one of the Burgesses for the Town of Reading, and hath made his choice to appear as Knight of the said County of Brecknock; It is ordered that a Warrant from this House be directed to the Clerk of the Crown for another Writ to choose another Burgess for the said Town of Reading, in the lieu and stead of the said Robert Knowles.

Upon motions also made for some Burgesses returned into this Session and which are sick and desirous to have others to serve in their places to be returned upon new Writs, partly by Certificate of the same parties under their hands, and partly by report of some of the Members of this House; It is ordered after sundry arguments, that this Case be considered of by the foresaid Committees this Afternoon (whose names see before on Friday the 7 ^th day of this instant February ) and Sir Francis Godolphin, Sir Henry Cobham, M ^r Francis Bacon, M ^r Francis Moore and M ^r Fane are now added unto them.

A Bill that Lands Intailed and Copy-hold Lands may be liable to the payment of debts was read the first time, and after sundry Arguments rejected upon the question.

On Tuesday the 11 ^th day of February a Bill touching the pursuit of Hue and Cry was read the first time.

M ^r Treasurer in the name of himself and of the residue of the Committees (whose names see before on Friday the 7 ^th day of this instant February ) for examination of the Returns and attendance of the Members of this House, doth show, that they met yesterday in the Afternoon, and having conferred together about those matters, were of opinion that this House is to take notice of all Returns only in such sort as the same shall be certified unto this House by the Clerk of the Crown in the Chancery and not otherwise, without any intermeddling at all with any business of the Sheriffs or of any others in making the Election of any such Member to be Knight, Citizen, Burgess or Baron; but yet that this House hath nevertheless authority in cases where no Return is made at all, to direct their Warrant under the hand of M ^r Speaker unto the said Clerk of the Crown Office for her Majesty's Writ to go forth for choosing and returning any Knight, Citizen, Burgess or Baron into this House in every such Case where any such shall not before happen to be returned at all. And further, that upon Conference they do find, that no new Knight, Citizen, Burgess or Baron hath been chosen in the place of another being sick, unless the sickness be irrecoverable in all likelihood, as Frenzy or such like. And moreover where in the Return of the Burgesses for the Borough of Appleby in the County of Westmorland it appeareth, that in the Indenture returned being razed in the sentence of Election, Laurence Lister and Thomas Musgrave are named Burgesses, and in the sentence for giving them authority being likewise razed, Robert Warcop and Anthony Felton are named with the former hand, they do think it convenient upon the insufficiency and uncertainty thereof that a new Writ be granted for choosing of new Burgesses for the said Borough, and the said former Return not yet received of Record to be utterly disallowed. Which opinion of the said Committees in every behalf was well liked of by this House. And that as concerning better attendance to be given hereafter by the Members of this House for the service of the same House, they think it meet to be redressed by way of Fines or Amerciaments to be inflicted upon such the Members of this House as upon the calling of the House or otherwise shall be found to make such default, or to be much or long absent from the service of this House without Licence or some reasonable cause to be shown for the same. Which course was also well liked and allowed of by this said House.

And after this report made by Mr. Treasurer, M ^r Speaker putting the House in remembrance of some persons already in this present Session allowed by this House to be returned into the place of some others sick, and the Warrants already gone out for the same being repugnant directly to one part of the said report now allowed and liked of by this House, doth desire to know the further resolution of this House touching those persons so now to be newly returned upon the said Warrants. And after some Speeches thereof had not thoroughly digested, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer stood up, and offering to speak of some great matter (but yet without prejudice to the due consideration of the things then in disputation) as very necessary, but yet to be referred to another time, putteth the House in mind of the prosperous and quiet state of this Realm under her Majesty's most happy and Blessed Government by the space now of thirty years.

But what should here follow is very negligently omitted, especially there being almost three entire blank pages left for the inserting of it: but it may probably be conjectured that the chief end and scope of his Speech was, as to set forth the Excellency and Justice of her Majestres Government, so also to demonstrate the great Malice and Cruelty of the King of Spain, backed and assisted by so many Potent Allies; and that therefore it would be most necessary that some timely consultation be had for speedy preparation to be made, whereby to resist all his future attempts. And that lastly he did thereupon move the House to think of some supply to be given to her Majesty both in respect of her late great Charges, and also for the better enabling her to provide for the future safety of her Highness Dominions. And that the latter part of the foresaid Speech of Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellor of the Exchequer was touching some Aid to be given to her Majesty, it is most probable, in respect that the next business which is set down to have followed at the end of his said Speech, is the appointing of these Committees following, to consider of a Bill of Subsidy to be framed for her Majesty's Aid, viz. All the Privy Council being of the House, the first Knight returned for every Shire, and in the absence of the first the second, M ^r Cromwell, Sir Edward Dyer, M ^r Morrice, M ^r Beal, M ^r Ancon, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Skinner, Mr. Doctor Lewin, Mr. William James, Mr. Fairfax, Mr. Thomas Liefield, Mr. Arthur Throckmorton, Mr. Fleming, Mr. Thomas Hamman, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Michael Sands, Mr. Rugg, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. George Moor, Mr. Richard Brown, Mr. York, Mr. Walter Jones, Mr. Cope, Mr. Alford, Mr. Grimston, Mr. Finns, Mr. Bacon, Sir Henry Gray. Mr. Owtred, Mr. Aldersey, Mr. Hutton, Mr. Humphrey Conisbie, Mr. Robert Sackvile, Mr. John Stubbs, Mr. William Brunker, Mr. Tanfield, Mr. Fanshaw, Mr. Vivian, Mr. Davers, Mr. Sands and Mr. Weeks, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at three of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber. Vide Febr. 17.

The Committees touching Informers, (whose names see on Saturday the 8 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) are deferred to Friday next in the Afternoon, which had been appointed on the foresaid Saturday to have met this Afternoon.

M ^r Speaker moved the House in the behalf of (M ^r Fulk Onslow ) the Clerk of the same, that having of late been long sick and yet somewhat recovered, albeit but weak still and sickly, and enjoying his Office by Letters Patents of the Grant of her Majesty to exercise the same by himself and his sufficient Deputy or Deputies, it might please this House in his absence (if he shall happen in regard of his health and necessary ease sometimes to withdraw himself from the exercise of his Office in this House in his own person) to accept therein the attendance and service of such of his own Clerks or Servants, as before his intermeddling therein within this House shall first have taken the Oath usually ministered unto all the Members of this House. And thereupon it was so granted and assented unto by this whole House accordingly.

On Wednesday the 12 ^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill touching Orford-Haven in the County of Suffolk.

Upon a Motion made unto this House by M ^r Puleston Esquire returned into this House Knight for the County of Flynt, that William Aylmer Esquire did since the beginning of this Session of Parliament cause a Subpoena to be served upon him out of the Court of Star-Chamber, to the prejudice of the Liberties and Privilege of this House, to Answer unto a Bill there containing almost forty sheets of paper, and so praying the Order of this House, offereth forth a Precedent of this House under the hand of the Clerk of this House heretofore in a like Case between one M ^r Alban Stepneth a Member of this House, and M ^r Anthony Kirle Gent. (which said Case was discussed in the Parliament de Anno 27 Reginae Eliz. on Wednesday the 10 ^th day, and on Thursday the 11 ^th day of February ) which Precedent being read by the Clerk, it was after some Speeches resolved, that the said M ^r Aylmer should be called into this House by the Serjeant to Answer the said matter. Whereupon the said Mr. Aylmer being brought to the Bar, M ^r Speaker in the name of this House charged him with the said contempt, and required his Answer thereunto; who in all reverent and humble sort shown, that the said Bill whereupon the said Subpoena was awarded, did concern a wrong not only unto her Majesty, but also unto this honorable House, in an indirect course of proceeding in the Election of the Knights for the County of Denbigh into this present Parliament, procured by the said M ^r Puleston; and so intimating, that the said Bill and serving of the said Subpoena did tend to the maintenance (he well hoped) of the Liberties and Privileges of this House, he was sequestered the House, and the said Mr. Puleston likewise; and then after some further Speeches had, it was, (partly withal for the good opinion that many Members of this House did conceive of the said Mr. Aylmer, being oftntimes heretofore a Member of this House, and an honest and grave Gentleman,) resolved, that the said Cause with the circumstances thereof comprehended in the said Bill should be considered of by some Committees of this House, and so afterwards report to be made of the same accordingly: And that the said Mr. Aylmer should then give his attendance upon the said Committees, and presently withal be left to his own liberty, free from any Custody or restraint of the Serjeant of this House, and shall also be charged by M ^r Speaker in the name of this whole House to surcease his said Suit and proceeding against the said Mr. Puleston in the mean time. And thereupon Mr. Vice-chamberlain, Mr. Recorder of London, Sir William Moor, Sir Edward Hobby, Mr. Cromwell, Sir Edward Dymock, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Grymston, Mr. Conisby, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Morrice, Mr. Cook and Mr. Harris were nominated for that purpose, and appointed to meet upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon. And then the said Mr. Aylmer being brought in again to the Bar, Mr. Speaker signified unto him the said Order of this House in that behalf, discharging him from the Custody of the said Serjeant, and requiring him to give his attendance upon the said Committees at the said time and place accordingly, and also to forbear any further to proceed in the mean time against the said Mr. Puleston. Whereunto he willingly assented.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill to avoid the abuses grown in forestalling, regrating and ingrossing, was read the second time; and after many Speeches and Arguments had upon the same, was committed unto Sir Valentine Dale Master of the Requests, Mr. Recorder of London, Sir Edward Dymock and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Star-Chamber.

The Committees in the Bill touching Clergy in some Cases of offenders (whose names see on Monday the 10 ^th day of this instant February foregoing appointed to meet that Afternoon) is deferred until Tuesday next in the Afternoon at the former House and place.

On Thursday the 13 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill to reform disorders of common inns and other Victualling Houses, was read the second time, and after many Speeches and Arguments committed unto Sir Valentine Dale Master of the Requests, Mr. Francis Hastings, Mr. Cook and others, who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery-lane.

The Bill touching Orford-Haven was read the second time, and after some Speeches committed unto Mr. Arthur Hopton, Mr. Anthony Wingfeild, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Grymston, Mr. Robinson and others, who were appointed to meet upon this day se'night at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

On Friday the 14 ^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being a Bill touching Exactions upon the Subjects of this Realm by the Officers of the Exchequer was read the first time; which said Bill was brought into the House by Sir Edward Hobby, who alleged that the said Exactions did nothing tend to any further profit or commodity of her Majesty.

The meeting of the Committees in the Bill touching Informers (whose names see on Saturday the 8 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) is again deferred (as it had been before on Tuesday the 11 ^th day of the foresaid February last past) till to Morrow in the Afternoon.

Mr. John Hare maketh a Motion unto this House for consideration to be had for meeting with the disorders of Purveyors, and offereth a Bill unto this House for that purpose.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for abridging of Proclamations upon Fines to be levied, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Morice, Mr. Broughton, Sir Henry Knivet and others, who were appointed to meet at Serjeants-Inn Hall in Fleetstreet, upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill touching Orford-Haven (committed yesterday) was this day delivered to Mr. Arthur Hopton one of the Committees in the same Bill.

On Saturday the 15 ^th day of February, Sir Edward Hobby moved (he said) upon good cause, that Mr. Speaker do give admonition unto this whole House, that Speeches used in this House by the Members of the same be not any of them made or used as Table talk, or in any wise delivered in notes of writing to any person or persons whatsoever not being Members of this House, as of late (is thought) hath been done in this present Session: And thereupon by consent of this House admonition was given by Mr. Speaker in that behalf accordingly, showing unto them that they are the Common Council of the Realm.

A Bill to reform disorders in Purveyers was read the first time. Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Cradock, Sir William Moor, Mr. Harris, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Cromwell, Sir Edward Dymock, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain and Mr. George Moor did speak to the Bill; and afterwards it was Ordered upon the question, that the said Bill should be read again this present day for the second reading. Whereupon the same was then presently read again, and upon the question committed unto all the Privy Council being of this House, all those that have spoken to the Bill, M ^r Edward Dyer, M ^r Robert Wroth, Sir Henry Grey, M ^r Hare and others, who were appointed to meet in this House upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon: and the same time and place is also appointed for the Committees for Informers, and that the Serjeant of this House do in the mean time repair to the Clerk of the Higher House for the Bill that passed this House this last Parliament touching Purveyers, and was then sent up to the Lord's or at least for a Copy of the same Bill, to the end the said Committees may consider of the same in the proceeding of this Bill as shall be thought convenient. And it is also resolved, that such Officers of her Majesty's Honorable Household and Court of Green Cloth as shall please to be at the said Committee, may be heard and conferred with touching the purport of the said Bill at their good pleasures. Vide. 27. Febr. postea.

On Monday the 17 ^th day of February the Bill touching the multiplicity of Suits and the excessive number of Attorneys, was upon the second reading committed unto the Knights for the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Cromwell and others, who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery Lane.

Sir Edwad Hobby shown with his great grief that since the last sitting of this House he hath been of some great personage (being no member of this House) very sharply rebuked for some his Speeches delivered in this House by him upon Friday last, in the setting forth the Bill for reformation of abuses in some Officers of the Court of Exchequer, and that the same his Speeches have been by some (he thinketh of this House) delivered unto the said great personage very untruly, as tending unto all the Officers of the same Court; and so showing other the particulars as well of his own said former Speeches as of the said untrue report and sinister construction of the same somewhat at large, doth in the end refer himself therein to the testimony of this whole House: And with all praying the good consideration of this House towards him in this his honest and just excuse, as in like former cases hath been erst accustomed towards other Members of this House, and especially in regard of the maintenance and preservation of the ancient Liberties of the same, desired, that by some of this House the said great personage may be satisfied of the truth of the case, and also moved to show the name of the reporter of the said untrue Speech; and to that end citeth unto them two like Precedents of this House, the one in the time of King Edward the 6 ^th and the other of the Queens Majesty that now is. And showeth further that he thinketh his said Speech by him first delivered in this House was discovered since M ^r Speaker his late admonition generally given to this whole House against the uttering of the secrets of this House either in Table-talk or Notes in Writing, and not before. And so concluding giveth due commendation to the said Bill, and prayeth another reading thereof presently, and also all good and speedy course both in the Commitment and other pastages of the same. Vide Febr. 27. postea.

M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer showeth first, that he offereth not to speak to any prejudice of the said motion, but putting the House in remembrance of their charge given unto him and others for Conference to be had touching some convenient supply of Treasure to be had and levied for the necessary defense of her Majesty and this Realm, now presently in danger of such mighty and great enemies, as erst of late hath been at large delivered unto this House by some Members of the same, declared unto them, that he and the greater part of the residue of the Committees therein, though divers of them did not give that attendance therein which so great and weighty a cause doth require, have met and had Conference together about the same four several times, and that at the last and fourth time of their said conference they resolved upon such an extraordinary proportion of provision as they thought the present extraordinary occasion of necessity doth require, and that they did set the same down in writing, which he also moved might be read unto them, to the end that if it might upon the reading thereof stand with their good liking to allow of it and give their assents unto it, M ^r Speaker might then deliver it to her Majesty's learned Council to have the same framed into the form of a Bill to be proceeded in and past in this House; and shown further, that as the grant of this Contribution is greater than hath been heretofore for the most part ordinarily used to be granted (the present necessity so requiring it) so thinking good amongst them it should not hereafter be an occasion of a Precedent to posterity for the like (without like cause) divers of them were of opinion, that some meet words to such effect might be inserted in the Preamble of the Bill. And shown further, that one of the Committees, to wit M ^r Francis Bacon, had for that purpose set down a Note in Writing, which he said (if it pleased them) they might also hear read, and afterwards (if they so thought good) might also be delivered to her Majesty's said learned Council likewise with the said other note; and that withal the said M ^r Bacon might repair to her Majesty's said learned Council for the further proceeding therein with them, if this House should so think good. Whereupon the House liking well of this motion, both the said Notes in writing were read by the Clerk and afterwards agreed by the whole House, that the same Notes should be forthwith delivered by M ^r Speaker to her Majesty's said learned Council accordingly, and the said M ^r Bacon also to repair unto them.

Sir Henry Knyvet entereth into Speech of some recital of the said grief of the said Sir Edward Hobby, and well liking and allowing of due consideration to be had thereof by this House, reciteth very briefly the whole substance in effect both of the said first Speech of the said Sir Edward Hobby, and also of his said late Motion, and giving due commendation of the same his first Speech and also of his said protestation of excuse, urgeth the present reading and proceeding of the said Bill withal speed. Whereupon after sundry other Speeches tending likewise to the prosecution of the said Bill to Commitment, it was upon the question Ordered that the same Bill should be presently read accordingly.

The Bill Quo titulo ingressus est was read the second time, and after sundry Speeches and Motions deferred to further Argument to be had upon the same Bill again to Morrow.

The Bill touching Informers and Forestallers were delivered to Mr. Cromwell one of the Committees.

And also the report of the Committees in the cause between Mr. Puleston and Mr. Aylmer upon a Motion made by Mr. Nicholas Hare is likewise deferred until then, for lack of convenient time for the same now. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 12 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.

On Tuesday the 18 ^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the last was the Bill for the relief of Thomas Haselrigge Esquire.

Sir Edward Dymock, Mr. Clark and Mr. Peter Osburn arguing to the Bill of Quo titulo (read the second time in the latter part of the day foregoing) do each of them hold Sir Edward Hobby free and thereby excused of any such Speeches touching the higher Officers of the Exchequer, as he had been charged with and rebuked for. And the whole residue of their Arguments show no misliking at all of his simile's or words used in the setting forth of the said Bill. Whereupon after sundry other Disputations of other Members of this House had upon the said Bill, it was at last upon the question committed unto Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Parrot, Mr. George Moor, Mr. Sutton, Sir Edward Dymock and others, who were appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Serjeant Shuttleworth and Mr. Doctor Awberry do bring from the Lord's a Bill Intituled An Act providing remedy against discontinuances in Writs of Error in the Exchequer and Kings Bench.

Mr. Speaker noting the great disorder in this House by some that standing up and offering to speak sometimes three or four together, and persisting still without offering to give place one of them to another, knowing well nevertheless which of themselves did first stand up, and so by the Order of this House ought to be first heard, but yet expecting by Acclamation of the residue of the House growing for the most part to a great confused noise and sound of senseless words, do stand still continuing their offer to speak first, and do also many times in their Motions and Arguments utter very sharp and bitter Speeches, sometimes rather particularly offensive than necessarily with such great vehemency delivered, putteth them in remembrance, that every Member of this House is a Judge of this Court, being the highest Court of all other Courts, and the great Council also of this Realm, and so moveth them in regard thereof, that as in all other Courts, being each of them inferior to this high Court, such confused courses either of contention, acclamations, or reciprocal bitter and sharp Speeches, terms or words are not any way either used or permitted amongst the Judges of the said Inferior Courts, or the Counselors admitted in the same Courts, so they would hereafter forbear to attempt the like disorders, as the honor and gravity of this House justly requireth.

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, that the Committees in the Bill for Purveyors (appointed on Saturday the 15 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) do meet again this Afternoon at three of the Clock; And also that the report to be made by him touching the dealing of the Committees in the cause between Mr. Puleston and Mr. Aylmer be deferred till to Morrow in the Afternoon.

On Wednesday the 19 ^th day of February, Mr. Serjeant Walmesly one of the Committees in the Bill touching the abridging of Proclamations (appointed on Wednesday the 12 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) upon Fines at the Common Law, showeth, that they have met and conferred upon the said Bill, and having in some parts amended the same, offer another Bill containing the same Amendments.

Mr. Vice-Chamberlain one of the Committees in the Cause between Mr. Puleston and Mr. Aylmer, showeth, that he and others of the Committees have had Conference together and heard both Parties, and the Council also of the said Mr. Aylmer at large, and so reciting amongst many of the circumstances delivered unto them touching the said matter, some of the causes moving the said Mr. Aylmer to cause the said Mr. Puleston to be served with a Subpoena to appear in the Star-Chamber, doth in the end show, that he and the residue of the said Committees were of opinion, that the said Mr. Aylmer had committed a contempt unto this House in prejudice of the Liberties and Privileges of the same House, which as for his part he wished should not escape unpunished in some sort, so giving very good commendations of the said M ^r Aylmer for his humble and dutiful behavior before the said Committees in the whole course of his dealing with them in the said cause, and showing withal that he had to his great charge attended now a long time upon the said Committees for their report to this House in the said matter, and had withal ignorantly and yet not without the privity and advice of some learned in the Laws proceeded to the causing of the serving of the said Subpoena, as he was informed, without offense to this House or Liberties of the same, he might (acknowledging his fault and upon his humble submission to be made to this House, and craving pardon for his said contempt) be set at liberty and discharged paying the Serjeants Fees of this House. And afterwards upon sundry other Speeches and Arguments (the whole House agreeing and resolving directly that the said M ^r Aylmer had committed the said contempt) and some also moving to inflict some other further punishment upon him (over and besides such his submission to be so made) that he might not only bear the Charges of the said Mr. Puleston sustained touching the said matter of contempt, but also surcease any further proceeding at all against the said M ^r Puleston by reason of serving the said Subpoena, but should (if he would) take out another Subpoena after this Session of Parliament ended against the said Mr. Puleston the next Term; and some others again being of a contrary opinion, moved, that the said M ^r Aylmer should neither pay the said Mr. Puleston his Charges, nor yet surcease his proceeding against him upon the said Subpoena already served, because the said Mr. Puleston had already voluntarily without the privity of this House, and also since the time of his grief and complaint unto this House exhibited, put in his Answer to the Bill in the said Court of Star-Chamber against him; and the said Answer also being offered forth unto this House and read by the Clerk, it appeared manifestly, that the said Mr. Puleston had voluntarily put in his said Answer to the said Bill, and so was at Issue, in that he pleaded to the said Bill Not guilty; It was upon the question resolved and Ordered by this House, that M ^r Aylmer should not only be at his liberty to proceed in his said Suit without offense to this House, but should also upon his humble submission to be made to this House be discharged of his said contempt paying his Fees to the Serjeant of this House.

And then it was thought good the said M ^r Aylmer might be called in and heard what he could say for himself in the matter; and (the said M ^r Puleston being sequestered) he was brought presently to the Bar, and charged by M ^r Speaker with the said contempt; who humbly shown, that if it were a contempt, it was done by him simply and ignorantly and no way arrogantly, and without all peril of contempt to this House as his Council had informed him, and therefore humbly submitting himself craved their pardon; and thereupon being sequestered the House again, it was after sundry other Speeches upon another question resolved, that the said M ^r Aylmer should likewise upon his said humble submission be discharged of his said contempt, paying only the Serjeants Fees. Which done, the said M ^r Aylmer was brought in again by the Serjeant, and M ^r Speaker pronouncing unto him the said Judgment of this House, both for his Licence to prosecute his said Suit in the Star-Chamber, and also for his liberty and discharge of the said contempt, the said M ^r Aylmer yielding unto this honorable House his most humble thanks, departed and went his way. Vide concerning this business upon Wednesday the 12 ^th day, and on Monday the 17 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.

M ^r Vice Chamberlain shown, that he and others the Committees in the Bill concerning Purveyors have met, and also have had Conference together with some of her Majesty's Officers of the Green-Cloth, and according to the Commission of this House. And further, that they have in some parts amended the said Bill, and also added a Proviso thereunto such as they think fit both for her Majesty's Service, and also for the better passage of the Bill and relief of the Subject. And prayeth the same Amendments and Proviso may be read. Which said Amendments and Proviso were thereupon twice read accordingly. Which done, there followed sundry Speeches upon the same Amendments and Proviso. And so for that time it was left at large without any further course or question to ingrossing or anything else, the time being far spent and the House ready to rise.

The Bill touching Quo titulo ingressus est was delivered to Sir Edward Hobby one of the Committees in the same. The Bill concerning common Inns and Victualling-Houses was delivered to Mr. Prat one of the Committees in the same Bill. And the Bill touching multiplicity of Suits and the excessive number of Attorneys was delivered to Mr. Heydon one of the Committees in the same Bill.

On Thursday the 20 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for relief of Thomas Haselrigg Esquire, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Richard Knightley, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr. Recorder of London and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber.

The Committee in the Bill touching Informers and Informations is deferred unto Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon at the former place of meeting.

Mr. Vice-Chamberlain one of the Committees in the Bill touching Informers and Informations upon penal Statutes showeth, that he and such other of the Committees as were met together yesterday in the Afternoon, had conferred together upon the same Bill, and then had amended it in some parts thereof, as they upon good considerations in their own conceits thought convenient. And so offering the said Bill in such sort amended, delivered in the same to be further dealt in by this House as this House should think good. And withal moved further, for avoiding of confusion hereafter, and for a more orderly and speedy proceeding of this House in the making of Laws, that they would from henceforth in their Commitments use to name a fewer number than they have hitherto in this Session of Parliament for the most part used to do. And that those so to be named should give better Attendance in the same Commitment than hitherto they have done this Session. And further, that at each meeting of the same Committees at the times and places appointed for the same, the names of all the said such Committees should then be first read, and if the more part of them, or at least the one half of them shall be present, then the more part or one half of them to proceed to Conference accordingly or else not. Which Motion was well liked of and allowed.

Sir John Parrot one of the Committees in the Bill of Quo titulo ingressus est, showeth, that by reason of the great time spent yesterday in the Commitment of the Bill touching Informers and Informations upon penal Statutes, he and the residue of the said Committees in this Bill could not end their Conference in the same; And therefore moved another meeting again about the same this Afternoon; and that her Majesty's learned Council might also be there with them. Whereupon for that it was then Answered by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, that her Highness said learned Council could not be there this Afternoon, but were (he well knew) to be elsewhere employed all the same whole Afternoon; It was resolved that the said Committees should nevertheless then meet together, and proceed in the said Conference as much as they could in the mean time, until a further time might be afterwards taken for her Majesty's said learned Council to be with them.

On Friday the 21 ^th day of February, the Bill for the true payment of the Debts of Thomas Hanford, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Sir Henry Knyvet, Mr. Alford, Mr. Hare, Mr. Graston and Mr. Francis Moor, who were appointed to meet to Morrow Morning at seven of the Clock in the Committee Chamber of this House; and then Mr. Hanford to attend the said Committees: and also the Bill that passed in the last Parliament from this House to the Lord's, to be also delivered to the said Committees; both which Bills were then delivered to Mr. Comptroller.

Upon a Motion made by Mr. John Stubs it is Ordered, that Thomas Drury may with his free liberty by the privilege of this House attend the Committees in the Bill for the relief of Thomas Haselrigg Esquire, exhibited into this House against him, and also to prosecute in the same cause without any molestation or arrest during the pleasure of this House. Vide March 7. March 18, & Mar. 19. following, & Mar. 21.

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Harris, that divers Members of this House having Writs of nisi prius brought against them to be tried at the Assizes in sundry places of this Realm to be holden and kept in the Circuits of this present Vacation, and that Writs of Supersedeas might be awarded in those Cases in respect of the privilege of this House due and appertaining to the Members of the same; It is agreed, that those of this House which shall have occasion to require such benefit of privilege in that behalf, may repair unto Mr. Speaker to declare unto him the state of their Cases, and that he upon his discretion (if the Cases shall so require) may direct the Warrant of this House to the Lord Chancellor of England for the awarding of such Writs of Supersedeas accordingly.

Upon a Motion made by this House that ..... Saintpole Esquire, one of the Knights in this present Parliament for the County of Lincoln, being also Sheriff of the said County of Lincoln at this present time, might have Licence by this House to depart into the Country about the attendance of his said Office of Sheriffwick; It was granted and agreed that he might so do accordingly.

Nota, That by this it appeareth to be a thing no ways strange or in itself incompetible for a Sheriff of any Shire to be a Member of the House of Commons, and there to perform the service of that House: And that the Licence given to such at any time to depart, is no other than is at any time vouchsafed of course to the Members of that House upon any urgent occasions by them alleged requiring their absence for some time, be it longer or shorter, of which also there is a remarkable Precedent in the Journal of the House of Commons de Anno 27 Reginae Eliz. upon Friday the 4 ^th of December, and another Precedent also in the same Parliament upon Tuesday the 23 ^th day of February de anno isto praedicto 27 Reginae Eliz. yet was there a Precedent in this very Case otherwise adjudged by the House after much dispute upon Wednesday the 4 ^th day of November in the Parliament de anno 43, & 44 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1601. Where Sir Andrew Nowell being Sheriff of the County of Rutland, was afterwards Elected one of the Knights for the same, and so compelled to return himself; which perhaps also may make the difference in the Case, and that where any man is first Elected a Member of the House of Commons and afterwards made Sheriff of some County, his first Election stands good. Vide etiam Dec. 2. de anno isto 43.

The Proviso to the Bill concerning Purveyors was twice read, and in the Bill these words [or within] were interlined in one place of the said Amendments in the said Bill, and inserted in the Bill by Order of this House, which were also twice read, and so the Bill and Proviso Ordered upon the question to be engrossed.

The Amendments in the Bill touching Informers were twice read, and upon the question Ordered to be engrossed.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for repealing of certain Statutes was read the second time, and upon the question committed unto Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Broughton, Mr. Edward Dyer, M ^r Grafton and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next at Serjeants-Inn Hall in Chancery Lane at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Committee in the Bill touching Orford-Haven (who were appointed on Thursday the 13 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) is deferred till tomorrow in the Afternoon at two of the Clock in the place formerly appointed.

The Commitment in the Bill against multiplicity of Suits and the excessive number of Attorneys (who were appointed on Monday the 17 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) is appointed to be dealt in at one of the Clock in the Afternoon of this present day.

The Commitment in the Bill touching the benefit of Clergy in some cases of offenses (who were appointed on Monday the 10 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) is appointed to be dealt in this present day at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber, and the Bill was delivered to M ^r Wroth.

The Commitment in the Bill touching Common Inns and other Victualling-Houses is appointed to be dealt in (who were appointed upon Thursday the 13 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, in the former place (being the 26 ^th day of this instant February following,) and the Bill was delivered to M ^r George Barn.

On Saturday the 22 ^d day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the second being the Bill for the relief of George Ognell Esquire was upon the second reading, and upon the question committed unto M ^r Henry Brooke, M ^r Serjeant Walmesley the Knights for the Shire of the County of warwick and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber.

The Bill for the assurance of the Jointure of Ann the wife of Henry Nevill Esquire was read the second time, and upon the question Committed unto Sir Edward Hobby, M ^r Cook, M ^r Cradock, M ^r Francis Bacon and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber.

The Bill for relief of Thomas Haselrigge Esquire (committed on Thursday the 20 day of this instant February foregoing) was delivered this day to Sir Edward Hobby one of the Committees.

Three Bills which had this day passed the House upon the third reading, were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, Sir John Parrot and others, with commendations and request for their Lordships favorable expedition; of which the two last were one touching Purveyers, and the other touching Proclamations in Fines.

M ^r Comptroller one of the Committees in the Bill for the true payment of the debts of Thomas Hanford reporteth their meeting together; and that Hanford himself was present with his Council, and also the Council of another Gentleman, and referreth the residue of the report to M ^r Grafton one other of the same Committees, who likewise making a further report of the same, especially touching the allegations made to them by the said Thomas Hanford and his Council, and afterwards upon some further speeches the Bill then rested to be presently amended in some things before thought fit by the said Committees, but not as then yet set down in writing.

The Bill touching the free Grammar School of Tunbridge in the County of Kent was upon the second reading committed unto M ^r Cook, Sir Edward Dymock, Sir Edward Hobby, Sir George Cary and others, who were appointed to meet upon Tuesday next in the Star-Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the second being the Bill touching Mortmain, was upon the second reading committed unto M ^r Treasurer, Sir John Parrot, Sir Edward Hobby, Sir William Moore and others, who were appointed to meet on Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer.

M ^r Serjeant Puckering and M ^r Doctor Ford did bring from the Lord's three Bills; of which the two last were one for reviving of a Statute made in the 23 ^d year of her Majesty's Reign for repairing of Dover Haven, and the other for repairing of the Pier of Hartilpool, with their Lordships like requital of commendation for the furtherance of this House in the said two Acts for Dover Haven and Hartilpool, as their Lordships erst this present day received from this House for their Lordships furtherance in expediting of the Bills concerning Purveyors and the abridging of Proclamations in Fines, &c. brought this day unto their Lordships from this House.

On Monday the 24 ^th day of February, The Bill for four Fifteenths and Tenths and two entire Subsidies had its first reading.

M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, one of the Committees in the Bill touching Quo titulo ingressus est, reporteth the meetings and Conferences of the Committees at sundry times, and that in the end they thought good for divers respects to alter some things in the said Bill, and so to make a new Bill, which he offered unto this House together with the old Bill, and praying the new Bill might be read, the same new Bill was thereupon read accordingly: which being then read, it was after some Speeches upon the same reading then further declared by the said M ^r Chancellor, that M ^r Osburn the Treasurer's Remembrancer in the said Court of Exchequer had been with them in the said Committment, and not only satisfied the said Committees very truly, that he could not erst use any other course of dealing in the said Office than hitherto he hath done, as having no warrant to the contrary; so did he also very willingly and honestly for his part give his assent and good liking to the passing of this Bill, and professed to be ready and well pleased to follow the rule of the same when it shall be established for a Law, which then may be good Warrant unto him in that behalf, like as he would have been contented so to have done before if he might safely and lawfully avowed the same. And so thereupon moved (for the better expediting of the said Bill) another reading presently, and that thereupon the said Bill may be Ordered to be engrossed, which was so then read again, and upon the question Ordered to be engrossed accordingly.

M ^r Cromwell one of the Committees in the Bill for Orford-Haven reporteth the meeting of the Committees and their travel in the same, and showeth some Amendments made by them in the said Bill, and their reasons for the same; which Amendments were then thereupon twice read accordingly, and so the Bill upon the question Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for the true payment of the Debts of Thomas Hanford delivered into this House on Saturday last by some of the Committees with these words stricken out viz.