THE EXAMINATION OF Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir john Winter, Sir John Stowell, with two other Knights, upon their knees at the Bar, in the House of Commons, the 14 day of this instant October.  
With the Articles of high Treason, exhibited against them by the House of COMMONS.  IN DOMINO CONFIDO  printer's or publisher's device 
London, Printed in the year 1642.   

The Examination of Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir john Winter, Sir john Stowell, with two other Knights, brought upon their knees at the Bar in the House of Commons the 14. day of this instant October with the Articles of High Treason exhibited against them by the House of Commons.  
Friday being the 14 of October was Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir john Winter, Sir john Stowell with two other Knights, which were apprehended at Falmouth in the County of Cornwall, by the Earl of Bedford's Forces, brought to the Bar in the House of Commons, and after submission severally made to the House, they were commanded out again by a Sergeant at Arms, upon which the House falling into debate of the offences by them committed in the County of Summersetshire  and Cornwall against the King's good Subjects. They were unanimously voted Delinquents against both King and Parliament, after which Sir Ralph Hopton was again called to the Bar, and examined upon these questions.  
First, by what authority or Commission the said Sir Ralph did levy and cause to be leavyed Forces in the County of Summersetshire against the express order and declaration published by authority of both Houses of Parliament.  
2. Wherefore he endeavoured to put the Commission of Array in execution in that County, it having been declared illegal by the judgement of both Houses of Parliament, and in opposition to the Ordinance of both Houses for putting the Militia in execution.  
3. By what authority the said Sir Ralph caused to be raised Horse, Money and Plate for maintenance of the war begun against the Parliament, and seizing by force of Arms the goods of divers Gentlemen well affected to the Parliaments proceed, which refused to lend any money or plate, or to set forth any Horse according to his desires.  
Upon which, the said Sir Ralph Hopton was called to make answer to the said questions, who answered in brief, That whatsoever he had done was by authority from marquis Hartford, the Lord Seymour and the Lord Paulet, who had received a Commission of Array from His Majesty, That he was not convinced in his judgement of the illegality of the said Commission, but by virtue thereof had lawful power to put that County into a posture of Defence.  
For his endeavouring to raise money, Horse and plate for the use and service of His Majesty, it was by virtue of Warrants in His Majesty's Name directed to him for that purpose, which he conceived he was bound by his Oath of Allegiance to obey, upon which his answers he was again commanded from the Bar, and the House falling into consideration and great debate touching the same, una voce voted these particulars.  
1. That the raising of Forces without consent of both Houses of Parliament, and marching with the same against any of his Majesty's Subjects, is actually levying of war, and hath been by the Laws of this Land adjudged Treason against King and Parliament.  
2. That for any Member of either of both Houses to leave their attendance for the service of the State, and privately departed without leave of the House, and shall in disobedience to the Orders and Summons of the same refuse to make his appearance is a high breach of the privileges of Parliament.  
3. That to endeavour to raise or procure any money, Arms or Ammunition for the nourishing or maintenance of any war raised against the State is Treason.  
4. To join any Forces so raised against the Laws of the Land, and Ordinances of Parliament, with any persons that by both Houses are declared Traitors, is Treason.  
5. That the said Sir Ralph Hopton is guilty of every the aforesaid Votes, and aught to be proceeded against accordingly.  
6. That the aforesaid particulars shall be drawn into a charge against the said Sir Ralph Hopton, and a Committee appointed for the perfecting of the same, and presenting it to the House on Monday next.  
7. That the said Sir Ralph Hopton shall be forthwith committed prisoner to the Tower.  
After which, Sir john Stowell and the rest were called in severally, and after examination it being put to the question, it was resolved that the said Knights, first for joining and confederating themselves with marquis Hertford, Lord Seymour, and the Lord Paulet in the war against the Parliament, who are declared Traitors.  
2. For raising of Forces jointly and severally in the Counties of Summersetshire, Dorchester, Devon-shire and Cornwall, and marching against the Forces raised by Authority for Parliament, for suppressing tumultuous and malignant persons that have endeavoured to disturb the peace of the Kingdom.  
3. For refusing to appear before the House of Commons upon their Summons as Delinquents, but returning sleight and disobedient answers.  
4. For endeavouring to put the Commission of Array in execution against the Parliament are guilty of high Treason.  
5. Then the House of Commons appointed a Committee to draw up a charge of Treason against the said Knights upon these several Votes, and present the same to the House on Tuesday following, and ordered that Sir john Stowell, and Sir john Winter should be committed to the Tower, Captain Digby to the Gatehouse, and the other to the Fleet, which was done accordingly.  
FINIS.