A DECLARATION In Vindication of the Honour of THE PARLIAMENT, And of the COMMITTEE of the NAVY and customs; against all Traducers: Concerning the managing of the Navy and customs, and many other weighty affairs of State: Faithfully Relating what strength of Shipping have been yearly employed for the guarding of the Seas, and what moneys arising by the Revenue of the customs, Excise of Flesh and Salt, and other receipts, have been applied to that Use.  
The Rules by which they have been all managed; and a just Account how the moneys have been disposed.  
By GILES GRENE, a Member of the Honourable House of Commons.  
LONDON, Printed for Laurence Blaiklock. 1647.   

A DECLARATION In Vindication of the Honour of the PARLIAMENT, and of the Committee of the Navy and customs; against all Traducers. Concerning the managing of the Navy and customs, and many other weighty affairs of State.  
THere is no truth now more apparent, then that the tongues and pens of many men; and the press have in these latter times been so loose and disordered, as that they have been applied too frequently to the scandalising of proceedings in Parliament, and the several Committees, and Members by them employed, in the transacting of the weighty affairs of the kingdom, during the times of these late distempers: that so they might bring them into the disaffections of the people. The truth of this is clearly proved by those several Pamphlets which every day are engendered, and sent abroad into the world: and by the cunning and artifice of several evil disposed persons, of different tempers, they are made instrumental for different ends and intentions. And this is perceived by all wise men, so that it is hoped those libels take no impression with them, in regard of the persons scandalised: And amongst others finding the Committee of the Navy and customs, as they have had no small part of the care and trouble of these weighty affairs, so not to have the least share in those scandals and reproaches: In discharge of the duty I owe unto the Parliament, who when the King deserted them, were necessitated to undertake the Government of the Navy royal of this kingdom, for the safety and good thereof, and likewise of the customs appointed for its maintenance and support, and also in discharge of that particular duty I owe the Committee of the Navy and customs, and the Gentlemen attending those services, unto whose care and trust both Houses of Parliament committed that great and weighry Charge. And to clear up the Honour, Care, Prudence, and Fidelity of both Parliament and Committee, against all Traducers, in the advantageous and faithful discharge of the trust for the weal and safety of the People, and all the three kingdoms; I thought it not the least part of my duty, (being best acquainted with those affairs) to make this following Declaration of the beginning, progress, and present State of the same; relating to the customs and Navy; and by what Rules they have been transacted.  
In the year 1641. shortly after the Parliament first sat, and before the King deserted them, the House of Commons appointed some Gentlemen of that Committee, and recommended to their charge the discovery of the abuses of the than farmers of the customs, and the Examination of their Accounts from the first year of his majesty's reign, unto that time: And notwithstanding the work was conceived by many worthy Gentlemen not to be feazible, yet that Cmmittee within few Months by their report did so satisfy the House of the whole State of that affair, as it produced 176000. in fines to the use of the state.  
This done about the 25. of May 1641. the House of Commons commanded that Committee to frame a Bill for the legal payment of Tonnage and Poundage, to continue for a few weeks, until some difficulties and misunderstandings between the King and Parliament were removed; and upon the same grounds several other short Acts of Parliament were passed until July 1642.  
But the burdens upon merchandise, both foreign and domestic being unequally laid by the old Book of Rates, occasioned several complaints and Petitions, from Merchants, Cloathiers, Shopkeepers, and others, unto the Parliament, for ease of those burdens; whereupon in the year 1641. the House ordered that Committee to frame a new Book of Rates: This proved a work of that travel and consequence in relation to the support of the trade of the kingdom on the one side, and the Revenue of the kingdom for support of the Navy, the strength of the kingdom, on the other side, as it became full of labour and intricacy to keep the balance even; for the increase of the one, and support of the other, of which the very bare discovery of those Rules which the wisdom of that Committee found out to the due framing of that elaborate work, will sufficiently satisfy the Reader at first view.  


They first divided all merchandise into domestic and foreign.  
Domestic into Commodities totally to be prohibited, or to be transported.  
Transportations into Manufactures of wool, and Other Staple Commodities.    
The Manufactures of wool, in regard of their general influence throughout most conditions of men, and hazard of the loss of that Trade in foreign parts so much of late undermined by foreign manufactures, was much eased of its former imposition.  
The other Staple Commodities as Tyn, Lead, &c. not so subject to danger as the others, were raised to some higher Rates, according as the same could well bear.  


The foreign Commodities were divided into Necessaries. and Superfluities.    
Necessaries, and of certain use, as victuals, and all materials for to increase the Manufactures of the kingdom were eased.  
Superfluities which might be spared, and were incentives to Prodigality, either in apparrall, or diet, food, or raiment, had their full load; saving that in the very superfluities they found it necessary to make addifference: As,  

Those of bulk, advantageous in the employment of Shipping and mariners, in that relation, were somewhat eased.  
Those of small Stowage had a full load laid on them.   
Yet in those likewise they made a difference: 

Easing all such as were unmanufactured,  
Burdening the re●t.    
But the merchants of the kingdom not only suffering under the unequal impositions laid on their Commodities, but under the Arbitrary power, and undue Fees of the Officers of the customs, which oftentimes more oppressed them then the payment of the impositions themselves.  
It was not the least labour of that Committee, to dispose of the manner of payment of the duty, and to give such directions therein as by those Rules they delivered the Merchant, from all occasions of oppression, by the Officer, and yet kept up the Officer in his due esteem.  
In completing of this great work, the Committee proceeded by a further rule, as well to attain to the knowledge of the value of all Commodities, as to their usefulness, without which, they could not well agree on the duty: And to that end did make use of the labours and judgements of many Merchants of quality, of known integrity, and best experienced in foreign Trade, and Importers of the several Commodities, who having with much labour laid the foundation of this great work; It was also the wisdom of the Committee in so high a trust to take advice from the Retailors, and several Traders in the respective Commodities.  
And after divers days' disputes with them, having made their observations in writing of the differences in opinion between the Importer and Buyer, did refer the whole work together with their own observations, unto the Farmours and Officers of the customs, who according to their great experience and wisdom, did contribute much unto the completing thereof: And upon return of their opinions, the Committee finding yet further differences; did after divers days spent in conference with the three Parties, viz. the Importer, the Buyer, and the Officer, and upon observations from them all, appoint a general meeting of the Merchants, Retailors, and Officers, acquainted them with their differences in opinion, which were reduced to very few, considering the variety and greatness of the work: And after a deliberate debate with them jointly, the Committee did complete that work; and so presented it to the House of Commons, where it received a general approbation with very few amendments.  
The Book of Rates thus formed, and upon Report made to the House of Commons thereof, being approved and passed without a contradicting voice, Order was given for the same to be printed and published; and an Act of Parliament to be drawn for Tonnage and Poundage, relating to these Rates, which with great deliberation of that Committee, and advice with the King's council, learned in the Law, was drawn accordingly, reported and past both Houses, and sent to the King then at York, for the royal Assent, which his Majesty refusing, Order was given to that Committee to consider of a way how to continue the payment of Tonnage and Poundage by an Ordnance which they did accordingly, which upon Report passed both Houses: Here arose the great difficulty of managing the affairs of the customs, which by Ordnance of Parliament was committed to the charge of that Committee, wherein power was given them to remove and place all Officers belonging to the customs, to give Orders and Directions to the Commissioners of the customs as occasion should serve: To hear and decide all differences happening between the Merchants and Officers in reference to the customs; and by their Orders to dispose of all moneys arising on the customs, for the use of the navy.  
An employment of great weight and as great trust, and which they discharged with as much faithfulness, wisdom, and advantage to the State, the distractions of the times, the disaffections of many Merchants, and the want of a penalty to enjoin the payment, considered, as ever that affair was managed sithence the Conquest; which doth manifestly appear by their saving upward of twelve thousand pound per Annum, in the very charge of the Commissioners; and reduced unnecessary Officers, formerly employed in the managing of those affairs, and yet increased that Revenue at least one third per Annum, in those Ports which were still under the obedience of Parliament, besides the receipts of those Out-Ports that were regained from the Enemy.  
The distractions of the kingdom increasing after the Kings deserting the Parliament: It pleased both Houses by Ordinance in August 1642. to commit the charge of the Navy, and setting forth the yearly Fleets to Sea for the defence of the three kingdoms, unto the care of that Committee of the customs, and so they became the Committee of the Navy and customs: By which Ordinance they had power to order the payments of moneys arising from the customs to the Treasurer of the Navy, who was a member of that Committee, for the carrying on of that work: And the moneys being so settled in his hands, they were all to be issued out by him, by the only Order of that Committee; which Trust I dare confidently affirm he hath discharged with as much clearness and freedom from any corruption as ever Treasurer did. And to satisfy the world that this trust was faithfully discharged by that Committee, I will here give a short account of the several Fleets set to Sea, with their strength and charge.  
In the year 1642 the Parliament doubting that foreign Force would be invited into this kingdom, commanded that Committee that a strong Fleet should be set to Sea, for that year, which consisted of twenty sail of the King's Ships, and twenty three Merchants Ships with 5382. Mariners, the charge whereof as well in the Summer as Winter Guard, with other matters incident to the keeping up of the Navy, that year amounted to two hundred and one thousand, seven hundred sixty one pounds. 201761 l. In the year 1643. the Parliament having more particular information of preparation of foreign Forces to infest this kingdom, there were set forth for the Summer Fleet 34 of the King's Ships, & 34 Merchants Ships, with 7265 mariners, and for the Winter Guard 21 Kings Ships, and 24 Merchants Ships, with 4035 mariners, the whole charge whereof with other matters incident to the keeping up of the navy, did amount unto three hundred and thirty thousand three hundred sixty nine pounds. 330369 l. In the year 1644. there were set forth for the Summer Fleet, 36 Kings Ships, and 20 Merchants Ships, with 5099 mariners, and for the Winter Guard, 18 Kings Ships, and 13 Merchants Ships, with 2677. Mariners: The total charge whereof with other matters incident to the keeping up of the Navy, did amount unto two hundred thirty eight thousand four hundred and seventy pounds. 238470 l. In the year 1645. there were set forth for the Summer Fleet, 34 Kings Ships, and 20 Merchants ships, with 4483 mariners, and for the Winter Guard, 27 Kings Ships, and 14. Merchant's Ships, with 2950 mariners; the total charge whereof with other matters incident to the keeping up of the Navy, amounted to two hundred twenty five thousand, five hundred forty four pounds. 225544 l. In the year 1646. there were set forth for the Summer Fleet, forty four Kings Ships, and 29 Merchants Ships, with 5605 mariners, and for the Winter Guard, 26 Kings Ships, and 12 Merchants ships with 2880 mariners; the total charge whereof with other matters incident to the keeping up of the Navy, amounted to two hundred ninety six thousand, fifty one pound. 296051 l. And this year, there are set forth for the Summer Fleet 43 of the King's Ships and frigates, and 13 Merchants Ships; the charge whereof with the frigates now building, furnishing the magazine, and paying the Ordinaries, and the other matters of the Navy, will per estimate amount unto two hundred thirty three thousand four hundred and fifteen pounds. 233415 l.  
Besides, there have several years been set out several Ships, by private Adventurers by way of reprisal, which have been allowed victuals by the State.  
In all which Expeditions, these particular actions of that Committee are remarkable.  
1. That being furnished with this great power and trust, in setting forth of Ships, providing of materials and payment of moneys, they took along with them the concurrent advice and full consent of the Commissioners of the Navy, victualers of the Navy, Officers of the Ordnance, and all other Officers of the Navy respectively, as fellow servants trusted with them, who by the order and directions of that Committee, did with all cheerfulness and faithfulness, for any thing that ever appeared unto that Committee, act and execute all things for the greatest advantage of the State, in relation to the honour, safety, and profit thereof.  
2. That with their concurrent advice and help, the several Yards, & storehouses of the Navy Royal, were so plentifully & seasonably maintained with Pitch, tar, Hemp, Cordage, Planck, Timber, and all other materials for shipping: And the Office of Ordnance so furnished with Ordnance, Powder, Shott, & other gunner's Stoares, The victualling Office so carefully and advantageously managed, as that there was not one ship of all these several Fleets, but at her setting to Sea was completely and Arithmetically furnished with double Equipage, of Cordage, sails, &c. with due proportion of Powder, Match, Bullett, according to the Number and dimensions of her Ordnance: and with Beef, Pork, Fish, Pease, Butter, Cheese, Bread, beer, and all other victuals, and all of the choicest and best, as there was never complaint made to the Parliament or Committee of any defect of any of these, either for quantity or quality.  
3. That coming in of ships, (saving in the time of the late Commissioners of the customs, who for some reasons best known to themselves, did refuse upon pressing occasions to furnish the Parliament or that Committee with money or credit:) The Committee took that care for providing of moneys, (many times with their credit) as the mariners were so timely paid off, that the State was not at the charge of one days dead pay, neither was ever complaint of mariners hard at the doors of the Parliament, since the time of these Commissioners.  
4. That the whole body of the Navy was kept up, in that honour, strength, and readiness for service, as no age can parallel, there being at this present an increase of above thirty ships and frigates more than they found belonging to the Navy royal, whereof some have been taken by reprisal, some bought for money, and some built from the stocks, which are most active nimble Vessels, all now in service.  
5. That this great work was so advantageously carried on, as notwithstanding the State was sometime above three hundred thousand pounds in debt, an● atpresent about two hundred and fifty thousand pound● yet hitherto (saving in the time before mentioned) there never wanted moneys to carry through all the difficulties of that service.  
Neither was the managing of the customs and of the Navy, though two such great works, the only employment of that Committee: But in the year 1643. the Parliament having by reason of the great fleets contracted great debts on the Navy, were pleased to put an Excise on Flesh and Salt, the profits whereof they appropriated to the use of the Navy, and committed the charge and care thereof to that Committee, by whose wisdom and care, with the concurrence of the Commissioners of Excise, only by changing the manner of the collection, the yearly income was increased from about seven or eight thousand pound, unto near sixty thousand pound per Ann. as by the Commissioners of Excize Accounts will appear; All which moneys were disposed of by that Committee by the same Rule of customs. Besides, there are several Gentlemen of this Committee who being with divers honourable Lords, appointed a Committee for the excise, have transacted very great matters concerning the regulating of those Receipts, and reconciling of differences happening in the same. There was a further charge lay on that Committee, which was the managing of the ships, and goods taken by reprisal, which begot not the least trouble to the Committee, in regard of the many intricare cases, which fell out, scarce numerable, in so short a Narrative, yet was that distracted work with the faithfulness, care, and 〈◊〉 of the Commissioners and Collectors appointed for reprisal goods, carried on with all advantage as was possible for so unhappy a work to be managed, which proved much the more troublesome and intricate, (though the chiefest part of that trouble fell to the Collectors) by reason owners of merchants' ships and all mariners had shares in all prizes and prize goods taken; And this is here remarkable, that there is not an owner of shipping, nor mariner in the kingdom that can justly complain, but that he hath received his full payment of all advantages which have been made in this kind, saving in some cases of late, only for want of a judge of the Admiralty to adjudge the same.  
Beyond all this, It is observable, that in the first year of these unhappy distractions, six of the Committee of the Navy with three honourable Lords, did discharge the office of the Lord high admiral, and of the Judge of the Admiralty: and with unexpressible trouble and care, without the help of the Admiralty Court, the judge having deserted it, did by the order of the Parliament, wade through those intricare cases which fell out that first year. Besides this, several worthy Gentlemen of that Committee, have for divers years since, together with divers honourable Lords, for want of a Lord High admiral, by command of both Houses, carried on the whole frame of the affairs of the Admiralty and Cinque-ports. There lay yet a further charge on divers Gentlemen of that Committee, in regard of those relations which that Committee had unto all Sea affairs and to trade: It pleased the Parliament to join them with divers honourable Lords as a Committee of foreign affairs, who by reason of the variety of complaints, which came from the several Ambassadors of Spain, France, the States, and orhers, of the ships and goods of their Master's subjects to be taken in reprisal, by ships employed by the Parliament, were often encumbered with many intricate points of State; And it was no ordinary service which those noble Lords and the rest of that Committee, laboured under to defend the just rights of the Parliament, upon those several Emergencies which fell out, in special, between the Ambassadors of the States; And this Committee, who after three months' debate, did maintain the Actions of the Parliament as warrantable, by Treaties of State, and by Law of Nature, and Nations; As by a Declaration sent unto the States from both Houses of Parliament, most clearly appeareth▪ and this Committee held constant weekly intelligence with the Parliaments Agents employed in France, Flanders, and Holland, for the obtaining of Justice for those Merchants, who were aggrieved by the taking or seazure of their ships or goods, or otherwise.  
There was another burden lay on that Committee, which was the managing of that most Christian and honourable work for the Redemption of the poor Captives from their slavery under the Turk, who with the help and unwearied pains of divers worthy Merchants of the City of London, did with all advantage carry on that work, which will be memorable to Posterity: The care of the money collected for those uses, and the employment of them being trusted by the Parliament, with that Committee, and that trust with all faithfulness discharged, so as had not that sad accident happened on the Ship Honour in the loss of the first Cargason at Gilbraltar, (which much increased the trouble of that Committee, and those Gentlemen) the work had well near been finished; yet blessed be God, two hundred and fifty Captives are redeemed and brought home, Ten thousand pounds sterling more in pieces of Eight sent away for Argier, and another Cargason of the like value ready to be sent upon the first intelligence from the Agent at Argier: And care is taken for the redemption of those in Tunis, Sally, Saphia, and all south Barbary. Besides all those public and weighty employments of that Committee, uncessant were their labours in particular businesses referred unto them by the House of Commons: As the recovery in of the money's due on the bonds delivered in by the Farmours taken for customs in the time of the late Act of Parliament: preparing Ordinances for the advancement of the Trade of several companies of Merchants trading into foreign parts, with limited Rules and Restrictions; composing of differences upon several occasions between Merchants and Officers of the customs; and examining, and stating that intricate affair of the Vintners, which subjected them to just Fines; and many other businesses of great weight and intricacy, and were with all cheerfulness and faithfulness transacted to clear up the Honour and justice of the Parliament: and that without the use of any Arbitrary power, but in all cases which they found proper to receive their trials in any Courts of justice, were careful to refer such causes to their proper Courts.  
But the whole former Narrative may be true, yet the Honour of the Parliament, or of the Committee of the Navy no way cleared, but rather stands the more deeply charged: For it doth appear by several passages in the Narrative, That the Committee of the Navy have executed the power and trust of two great Officers of State; as in the first year of these unnatural Distempers, being 1642, the Office of the Lord High admiral: and from that very year to this day the greatest part of the office and trust of the Lord Treasurert; These had the power of disposing multitudes of offices, the one In the Navy, the other in the customs; besides great fees and other perquisites of profit and great advantage; yet the power of the Committee rested not here, but the Narrative sets forth divers other employments of trust, whereby great advantages have been very probably made by that Committee or some private Gentlemen, as the preferment of persons to Offices, and those unworthy or not qualified for such Offices, and men of more merit, sufferings and abilities laid by, which doth lay a great blemish on the honour of the Parliament, to employ their own Members in such great places of trust and advantage; And this is visible to all men, that the chairman of that Committee, had five hundred pounds per annum, allowed him, besides all his other great advantages, or otherwise neither he nor some others of that Committee would ever have followed the affairs of that Committee, with that zeal and pains early and late, that scarce a tradesman in the City, or husbandman in the country took the like: so that he was thereby brought to such weakness at three times, he was at the very gates of death by sedentary diseases.  
Unto all which it is necessary to give this further account that as to my own particular, I do here in the presence of the Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, and the righteous judge as well of all men's intentions, as of their Actions, protest; That next that duty I owe unto God, who hath called me to this employment, and to the Parliament, who hath entrusted me with the same, and to my Country, for whose sake and preservation I was sent hither, all irresistible motives to an Ingenious and conscionable Christian, to make me account no labour too great, nor care too much, to be any way instrumental in so great and glorious a work as the Reformation in Church and State, being the main end of the Endeavours of the Parliament; I say next the duty I owed to those former relations, I was impatiently studious (with the help, wisdom, and care of that Committee) to manage those great works with that advantage to the commonwealth, and with that clearness from all private ends, as that on the one side the King, on the other side the people, might be in love with Parliaments; the King that he might see the great difference in the managing of the affairs of State, between the counsels of the Parliament, and his old counsellors, of whom he was so fond, and by most of whom he was so grossly deceived, and the State abused; on the other side, that the people might see their happiness under the Government of a King directed by the council of Parliament, in receiving redress of their grievances, releise in their wants, due and speedy justice with all clearness, and without consumption of their time, by long attendance, or of their estates by needless and forced expenses. And as to the five hundred pound allowed me by the Parliament, towards the defraying of my expenses, having my whole estate then under the power of the Enemy for above three years; I acknowledge it a great mercy from God, and a great favour in the Parliament, to provide so liberally for me: year I do profess that those moneys have not supplied my necessities, but before the Quarters have come about, I have been forced to borrow money of my children or servants, for to defray my ordinary disbursements; yet have I not been profuse either in apparel or diet, but have lived in a far less plenty then before I came to attend the service of the Parliament.  
And as to the disposing of those several Offices, either in the Navy or customs; I do make this Answer, that it is true, that many hundreds of persons most of them destroyed in their Estates by these civil wars, had their Petitions lie before that Committee for preferments unto office; and that Committee did accordingly dispose of very many as they fell, wherein they used all possible care that the persons they preferred should be qualified for the employment, men that had suffered in their Estates, and recommended for their integrities; And to my best remembrance they never preferred any but upon the special recommendation and certificate of the Members of one or both Houses or Parliament: All which offices were by that Committee conferred with so much care and clearness, as what ever was the former practice of officers of State, in disposing of them for money, a thing too apparent, and too great a blemish to those times: yet I do with all confidence affirm, that neither myself, nor any Gentleman of that Committee ever received one penny for any such preferment; And that Committee in this point have been so exact and tender, in regard of the scandal that might arise to the Parliament, by sale of Offices, as that they have from time to time taken strict Account of the Clerks attending that Committee, what advantages they made by the disposing of such Offices; And it appears by their Accounts duly kept, they have gotten between them all for Orders, Warrants, and Grants for Offices, not full thitty five pound, whereof near forty places have been Customers, Comptroulers, and Searchers in the custom house, all places of repute and profit,  
And as to the profits which did arise the first year, for the admiral tenths, and were always by him carefully taken and converted to his private use. I do confess there were Prizses taken that year which amounted unto twenty two thousand pound or thereabouts, whereof two thousand two hundred pound accrued to the tenths, but that neither out of the tenths, nor any other profits whatsoever, I never received one farthing, but all the profits were faithfully converted by that Committee to the use of the State.  
As to the Office of the L. Treasurer in the disposing of moneys, the last particular, and wherein satisfaction may more especially be expected, of what advantages have been made by the moneys arising by those three springs, or otherwise appropriate to the disposal of this Committee.  
From the customs hath been ordered unto Sir Henry Vane (whereof seventy thousand pounds is borrowed) nine hundred twenty three thousand eight hundred sixty four pounds two shilling & ten pence halfpenny. 923864 l. 2 s. 10 d. . From the Excise of Flesh and Salt, one hundred forty five thousand four hundred seventy one pounds seventeen shillings and seven pence. 145471 l. 17 s. 7 d. From Prize goods, twenty three thousand nine hundred forty three pounds six shillings six pence halfpenny. 23943 l. 6 s. 6 d. From other hands and receipts being either moneys borrowed, which are since repaid, or otherwise for special reasons appointed for the use of the Navy, ninety three thousand six hundred pounds three shillings and nine pence. 93600 l. 3 s. 6 d. Amounting in the whole, 1186879 l. 10 s. 9 d.  
To which I say, That as in the case of Offices, so in this also, the Committee have commanded their Clerks to give an account of what hath been given them for the Orders signed for moneys; and it appears, it hath not been communibus annis, fifty pounds per Annum unto each; yet in Orders, Letters, &c. twenty reams of Paper at least, have yearly been written, besides the Journals of the Committee, which are with all faithfulness and care preserved for the use of the Parliament.  
And to satisfy the World of my own integrity, I do solemnly profess, as in the presence of God, at whose tribunal, I must give an account for all my Actions before all Men and Angels; that for the appointing of all those moneys disposed of by that Committee, I never received, nor any other to my knowledge for my use, any sum or sums of money, not the value of a penny from any person or persons whatsoever as a Fee, Bribe, Reward, or what other name you may give it; but the same hath in every part been faithfully conveyed from the Treasury of the State to the hands of the subject without any advantage made upon them, saving that there was about four years since, three pounds sent unto me from a captain at Sea for a Beaver hat, which money I gave freely away, and was disposed to my best remembrance thirty shillings to the distressed protestants which came from Ireland, the other moiety to maimed soldiers in the Parliaments service:) Nor have I ever received any Sume or Sums for any other affai●●s of Parliament whatsoever transacted by that Committee All provocations tending there unto I have avoided, and declined, I abhor and from my soul detest the very thought of such proceedings: It is so far below a Gentleman and a Member of the high Court of Parliament. If any man can justly charge me with any such matter, there is a Committee appointed by the House of Commons for examination of such matters, where he may complain: and I will give him fouresold reparations; Or further, if any man can make it evident, that he hath given any thing as a reward, gratuity, or such like to my wife, any child, servant, or any other for my use, I will make him reparation to the full value.  
And for any Gentleman, or other person, that hath at any time by way of civility brought or sent me any thing whatsoever, which yet among men is lawful, and may have in it no dishonest intentions either in the giver or receiver; I do hereby invite and desire him to let me know the value of the same, and I will willingly satisfy him for it: And what I have here asserted on my own behalf, I am confident I may with much freedom assert on the behalf of those worthy Gentlemen of the Committee, who constantly attended those Services.  
And now I have done, and by this I hope have 〈◊〉 all modest Christians, and stopped the mouth 〈◊〉 slander: whereby I trust I have discharged my first ●●gagement, in clearing up the honour of the Parliam●●● and of the Committee of the Navy and customs, 〈◊〉 their faithful transacting of all the affairs 〈◊〉 to their trust and charge: that they have been 〈◊〉 not with any base or private ends or advantages, 〈◊〉 with public spirits to the honour of the Parlia●●●● good of the people, advantage and safety of the ●●●dom.  By GILES GRENE Esquire A Member of the Honourable House of Commons. 
FINIS.