rnia PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS ; CONSISTING OF A COMPLETE COLLECTION OF KINGS SPEECHES, MESSAGES to PARLIAMENT, ADDRESSES and REPRESENTATIONS of BOTH HOUSES to the THRONE ; SPEECHES of the LORDS CHANCELLORS, KEEPERS, &c. and of the SPEAKERS of :he HOUSE of COMMONS, Fmn the Rejioratlon in 1660/0 the Dijfolutjcn of the lajl Parliament in May^ 17 9*5. A COMPLETE AND CORRECT COLLECTION OF THE LORDS PROTESTS, From the EARLIEST on RECORD in 1242 t» 1796. AN ACCURATE COPY OF THE STANDING ORDERS op the HOUSE of LORDS, Extrailcd from, and compared with, the Journals of the faid Houfe. A COLLECTION OF RULES AND STANDING ORDERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Relative to the applying for and pnffing Bills for Inclofuig and Draining of Land, making Roads, C:uiais, Navigations, Docks, Bridge^, Paving and Lighting Towns, Paying Small Debts, &c. AN- /. rcURATE LIST OP THE SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE of COMMONS, From the earlieji Account to the prefent Time. Thr jiho)-: carefully collated with the Records and Journals o!' Parliament. IN THREE VOLUMES. V O L. I. LONDON: PRINT), D FOR J. DFBRFTT, OPPasiTE BURLINGTON HOUSE, FICCADILLY. 1797- V ri PREFACE. f^^ V.I jF I were permitted to mention the ?iohle?nan ivho condefcemled to figgeji the fuhVicat'ion of thefe vo- lumes, it woidd he altogether unnecejfary to offer any other recommendation of them. A name ivhich cannot be heard orfpoken ivithoiU afenfe of fuperior talents, of rare fagacity, and political erudition, mufi, at once, attra^ the eager and favoiirahle regard of the piihllc to any work, whether original or colle3ive, that inay he ho- noured by its fanBion. But though I am not permitted to avail myfelf of fuch an authority, I have another, which, if it Jhould ?iot command fo univerfal ami vnmediate an attention, will, J tnifi, win its way to public eflimation ; and this is derived from a knowledge of the very impor- tant matter zvhich thefe volumes contain. The times in which we live have been, and continue to he,fo very different from thofe which have preceded thetri ; the events of the prefent period are in fuch direB oppo- fition to whatever has hitherto occurred in the hi/lory of the world, that the fcience of politics feems to have been forced over its former boundary, and to have taken the ' lead, if it has not, in a great meafure, ufurped the place y of all others. The fpirit of political inqiuryy like that of A 2 political ( iv ) political enterprlfe, has grcdnt upon us. It has opened new avenues of information^ and introduced itfeJf into thofe ranks and rcccffes of Jife^ among which, at no very dif- tant feriody the great events of the zvorJd alone found their flow way, and produced hut a fmall comparative fffeB on the opinions and concerns of thofe who thus read or heard them. Frinied coIIeSiions of fiate papers were then excJufivefy Confined, at lec/fi as ohjetfs of fUuiy^ to the fiat cfmrn, the lawyer^ and the Jifiorian. Publications of this kind alfo were uncommon, and related to former periods : while the people at large were not only contented with a very gene* al account of national tranfadions, hut were even fatisjied with fuch a knowledge of the hufinefs of parliament itfelf, as was offered in the printed votes and viinutes of hoth^ houfes. It would he not only needUfs, but almofi imper- tinent, to fiate at large the change which has fince taken place in the character of the Englijh people ; while the utility of that change, derived from an advancing fpirit of political inquiry, and a diffiflon of confiiiutional hiow~ ledge, may he afferted without the rijk of contradi£lion. That thefe volumes are calculated to ajfifi, enlarge, and dired, that fpirit of political inquiry, nmfi he evident to every one who becomes acquainted with their contents. Such a colledion of parliamentary papers are ejfential to the Jiutefman and the /emit or, and mufl he highly ufeful to every man who wifncs to know the hifiory and imderjland the confiitution of his country ^ The Kings Stpeeches, which contain a reprefentation of the Jiate of the nation, at the opcyiing and clofe of every f^Jfion ( V ) feffion bf Parliament J together with the Royal Mejfages to both HoufeSy and the Speeches of the Lords Chan'- cellars, and the Speakers of the Ihuje of Commons^ (^^'[fing from intermediate circumjlances, colleSled, as they are, from the refioration in 1660, to the dijfolution of the Parliament in 1796, muji form a very interefiing hifiorical feries ; ivhile the Addreffes and Repreferj-tations of the Lords and Commons to the Throne, may be confidered not^ fmly as ilhjirations of them, but as declarations of the ancient rights and privileges of Parliament, and con- flitutional exertions in fupport of the liberty of the jubjed. To thefe important records are added the Protcfts of the Lords from the year 1242, being the 26th year of Henry III. the earlieft period when any parliamentary protefi is known to have been made, dow?i to the iafi feffion of the Iafi Parliament in 1796. When the nature and ohje6ls of thefe Protefis are confidered, their f up erior value and importance mufl receive the ready acknowledgment of every refietding mind. They are not the warks of official or dependent men. They do not proceed from the heat of the moment^ the hurry of the occafion, or the impulfe of pajfton. They are not like public fpeeches, ivhich fo often take their colour as well as fentiments from accidental cir- cumflances, and whofe effe6ls are not expeBed to extend beyond their immediate obje6ls„ The eloquence of public debate paffes, as it were, with the hour that is em.ployed in it. The befl remembrance of it is imperfect, and what' ever depends for exiflence on memory alone, is liable to mifreprefentation. But protefis are the refidt of cool re- A 3 flection* f vi ) jleclion, bf an inve/iigating fpint. of cofifcious honour. 'I hey contain thefolemn, and, as they may be called, from their Jignatiires, the attejled jnji'ifi cations of men of the fijl political rank, for oppofmg ineafnres which they have oppofed in vain ; and are channels by which the principles of their parliamentary conduB arc communicated to the age in which they live, and will be made known to the ages that are to come. The fuhjeds of thefe Protrjis are of the highejl impor- tance to the inter cfis of the Tuition and the freedom of our conjlitution. They will be found to pojfefs a large fio re of political knowledge ; 'while many of them are cloathed with an energy of exprejfion, and a grace of language, which give them a place among the fhicfl compofitions of EngliJIi literature. But while the greater obji\^s of the conjiituliony as they appear in Pariiametit, have been more immediately regarded iti the formation of this work,fome attention has alfo been paid to the more minule and occajional tranf- a6Jihns which form the ordinary bufinefs of Parliament, A complete colledion is accordingly given of the Sfandm^ Orders of the JJoufe of Lords, as alf thofe of the Hoii/e of Commons, relative to the applying fjr and pajjing bills for inclnfivg and draining of land, making roads, canals, navigations, docks, bridges, paving and lighting towns, paying /mall debts, &c. Such are the priticipal materials that compose ihefe vo- lumes : and if Parliament is the great fchool of Britijh politics J ( vii ) ■politics y thefe authentic records of its proceedings muji le 7iecejfary to every man zvliofe duty or.'-jvijh it may he to he- come acquainted with thofe leading hra?iches of ■political knoivledge, the hijiory and legiflature of his country. THE EDrroR. Piccadilly. Jan,2T^,i-jg-j. A 4 A LIST A LIST OF THE SPEAKERS OK THE HONOUTIABLE HoUSE of CoMMONS, FROM THE From the earl'teji Aceoiuit to the prefent Time. PETRUS DE MOUNTFORD was the fjrft Speaker cer- tainly known ; when the Lords aiid Commons fat cither in feveral Houfes, or at leaft gave their afients feverally. He was killed at the battle of Evelliam — — /260 Sir Jefferv ScRooPE — ' — — William Trussel — — <^ Sir Henry Beaumont — — — ^33- — Peter DE LA, Mare — — — 1576 — Thomas HuNGERFORD, firft named on record — 1377 — Peter de la Mare — — — 1377 — James Pickering — — 1378 — John GoLDSBOKouGH — — 1380, &c. — Richard Walgrave, the firft that made any formal apology for inability. Anceftor of the Earl of Walde- GRAVE — James Pickering "— — 1386 — John Busbv, the firft prefented to the King by the Com- mons — ~ — __ i3g^ Sir 138^ ( « ) Sir John Busby — — _- ij^^. Ditto, This Parliament was held in a large timber-houle erefted in Palace Yard, Wertminder, for the impeach- ment of tlie Duke of Gloucester, wherein both Houfes met together — — — 1398 Sir John Cheyney. He growing infirm, John Dor- wooD, Efq. was chofen. He defired liberty to correal miftalies in what he fhould deliver from the Commons ^399 — Arnold Savage — — — 1400 — Henry de Redeford — — — 1403 — Arnold Sav^age — — — 1404 — William Sturmy. This was called Parliamentum iti' (iodorum^ from no lawyers being permitted to be chofen in it — — — — 1405 — John Tiptoft, figned and fealed the deed of entailing the crown with thefe words, Nomine totitis commuintatls. He was afterwards made Lord Treafurer, and created Earl of Worcester — — 1406 Thomas Chaucer, Efq. — — — 1408 William Stourton, Efq. who being (hortly after taken ill, John Dor wood, Efq. was appointed in his ftead • — 14' 3 Walter Hungerford, Efq. — — -4^4 Thomas Chaucer, Efq. — — — 1414 Richard Redman, Efq. — — — 14^5 Sir Walter Beauchamp — ■ — — 1415 Roger Flower, Efq. — — I4i6)<&c. Roger Hunt, Efq. — — — 1420, Thomas Chaucer, Efq. — — — 1421 Richard Baynard, Efq. — • — — i42r Roger Flower, Efq. — — — 1422 John Russel, Efq. — — -—1423 Sir Thomas Wanton — — • — 1425 Richard Vernon, Efq. — — — 1426 John Tirrell, Efq. — — — 1428 Willi AM AllingtoNj Efq. — — — 1429 John Tirrell, Efq. — — ■ — 1431 John Russel, Efq. — — ' — 1432 Roger Hunt, Efq. . — — — 1433 John Bowes, Efq. — — < — 1435 Sir John Tirrell — — — 1436, &c. Willi A.M Boerly, Efq. — — — 143^ William Tresham, Efq. — — 1439, &c, Wii- ( ^ ) William IJokrly, Efq. — — — 144S William Tresham, Efq. — — — H4/ John Say, Efq. — — — 1449 Sir John Popham, but excufing himfelf fliortly after, William Tresham, Efq. was again chofen Speaker — 1450 Sir William Oldhall — — — 1451 Thomas Thorp, Efq. arrefted in executiDn, and adjudged bv the Lords not to have privilege. The Commons then chofe Sir Thomas Charlton — — 1453 Sir John Wenlock — — — 1455 Thomas Tresham, Efq. »_ __ — 1460 John Green, Efq. — — — 1461 Sir James Strangwai'es — — 1461 John Say, Efq. — — — 1463? &c. William Allington, Efq. — ^ — H?^* ^c* John Wood, Efq. — — — 1482 William Catesby, Efq. At this time the Speaker was chofen, prefented, and approved by the King, according to the prefent practice — — — 1484 Thomas Lovel, Efq, afterwards Knight and Privy Coun- fellor — — — 1485 John Mordaunt, Efq. — — 1488 Sir Thomas Fitzwilliams — — 1489 Richard Empson, an eminent lawyer — — 1492. oir Reginald Bray — — — 1496 Ps.oDERT Drury, Efq. — — — 149^ Thomas Inglefield, Efq. — — 1497 Edmund Dudley, Efq. afterwards Privy Counfellor 1505 Sir Thomas Inglefield — — ^ S^9 — Robert Sheffield, Recorder of London, and anceftor of the late Duke of Buckingham — — 1510 — Thomas Nevil — — . — ^S'4 — Thomas More prayed, that if any of the Commons fliould in any debate fpeak more largely than thev ought, that he might be pardoned. Afterwards Lord Chancel- lor _ _ __ ,^23 Thomas Audley, Efq. Serjeant at Law, afterwards Lord Keeper, and then Lord Chancellor — 1P30 tlicHARD Rich, Efq. the firft Speaker recorded to have made requeft for acctfs to the King. Afterwards made Lord Chancellor, and created a Baron:. from whom is de- fcended die Earl of Warwick and Holland 1537 ( ^i ) SlrNicnoLAs Hare, afterwards Mafter of the Rolls. and Lord Keeper — — — iS4<^ Thomas^Moyle, Efq. the firft that petitioned for freedom of fpeech on record — — — 1 542 Sir John Baker — — — 1547 — James Dyer, Serjeant at Law, afterwards King's Ser- jeant, and Lord Chief Juftice of the Common Pleas 1553 John Pollard, Efq. — — — 1553 Clement Higham, Efq. afterwards Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer — — — ^555 John Pollard, Efq. — — " — ^5^^ William Cor dele, Efq. Mafter of the Rolls, and Privy Counfellor — — -^1558 Sir Thomas Gargr AVE, the Queen's Counfel — ^559 Thomas Williams, Efq. — • — ^5^3 Richard Onslow, Efq. afterwards Solicitor General — 1566 Christopher Wray, afterwards Lord Chief Juftice of the Queen's Bench -^ — — 1571 Robert Bell, Efq. afterwards Lord Chief Baron — ^57* John PopHAM, Efq. afterwards Attorney General, and Lord Chief Juftice of England ' — — 1581 Mr. Serjeant John Puckering, afterwards Lord Keeper 15S5 Mr. Serjeant Thomas Snag — — ^5^9 Edward Coke, Efq. afterwards knighted, made Lord Chief Juftice of Common Pleas, Privy Counfellor, and Lord Chief Juftice of England — — ^S9* Mr. Serjeant Christopher Yelverton, afterwards Judge of the Queen's Bench — — ^597 — Serjeant John Crook, afterwards Judge of the Queen's Bench — — — 1601 — Serjeant Edward Philips, Mafter of the Rolls — 1603 Sir Randolph Crew, afterwards Chief Juftice of the King's Bench — — — 16 14. — Thomas Richardson, Serjeant, afterwards Chief Juf- tice of the Common Pleas — — 162a — Thomas Crew, Serjeant — 1623, &:c. — Hen e AGE Finch, Recorder of London. Anceftor of the Earl of WiNCKELSEA and Nottingham • — 1626 — John Finch, afterwards King's Counfel, Chief Juftice of the Common Pleas, and Lord Keeper — — 162S John Glanville, Efq. — — 1640 William Lenthall, Efq. — — 164 1 Francis Rous, Efq. ' -=— — •<— 1653 WiL- ( xii ) William Lknthall, Efq. — — 1654, Sir Thomas WiDEiNGiov — — — i6^6 Chaloner Chute, Efq- was chofen, but being unable to attend, 'sir LiSLEBONE Long was defied, but vacated, after feven days pofTelTion ; and on the 15th of April Thomas Bampfield, Efq. was appointed — 1659 Sir Hartbottle Grimstone, afterwards Mafter of the Rolls. Anceftor of Vifcount Grimstone — 1660 — Edward Turner, afterwards Solicitor General, and Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer — — i66r — Job Charleton — — — 1675 Edward Seymour, Efq. — — 1673, ^<^' Ditto again chofen in 1678; but the King refufing his con- fent, the Commons chofe Mr. Serjeant William Gregory in Seymour's room — 1678 William Williams, Efq. — — 1679 Sir John Trevor — — 1685 Henry Powle, Efq. Speaker of the Convention — 1689 Sir John Trevor, afterwards Mafter of the Rolls — 1690 Paul Foley, Efq. — — — 1694 Sir Thomas Littleton — — — 1698 Robert Harley, Efq. afterwards Secretary of State, Earl of Oxford, and Lord Treafurer — i700> &c. John Smith, Efq. afterwards Teller of the Exchequer 1705 The First Parliament of Great Britain conftituted by the Union, which commenced on May-day, i 707, was fum^ moned for the 2 5d of Oftober following, and diflblved the 1 5th of April, 1708. John Smith, Efq. rechofen Speaker — — '707 Sir Richard Onslow, Bart. Anceftor of Lord Onslow 1708 William Bromley, Efq. — — — 1710 Sir Thomas Hanmer, Bart. — — ^7^5 The Honourable Spencer Compton. Anceftor of the Earl of Northampton — — 1714, &:c. Arthur Onslow, Efq. Anceftor of Lord Onslow 1727, &c. Sir John Cust, Bart. Anceftor of Lord Brov/nlow 1761, &c. — Fletcher Norton. Afterwards Lord Grantley 1770, &c. Charles Wolfran Cornwall, Efq. — 1780, &c. Honourable W. W. Grenville, Now Lord Gren- ville — - — — 1789 Henutt Addington, Efq. — — — 1789 TABLE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO VOLUME I. ETTER of King Charles IT. to the Speaker of the Hoiife of Commons, enclofing His Declaration, April -j^, .....* . xxxvii — — Ditto to General Monk, April y\, ... xl Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, May 2, xlii Letter of the Houfe of Lords to the King, May 3, . xlv 1760 The King's Speech to the Houfe of Peers, July 27, xlvi Declaration, . . , t — — - Meflage to the Houfe of Commons, June 18, 3 • Melfage to both Houfes of Parliament, Ju'yso* 4 « - ■ ■■ Speech, Sept. 13, .... 5 The Lord Chancellor's (Clarendon) Speech, Sept. 13, 6 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons (Sir Hartbottle Grimftone) to His Majefty, on the day of their adjournment, Sept. 13, . . . 15 — — Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty on prefenting bills for His alFent, Dec. 29> »7 His Majefty's Speech, Dec. 29, ... 22 - Speech of the Lord Chancellor, Dec. 29, . , 23 1661 The King's Speech on opening Parliament, May 8, 3a ■ The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 8, . . 34. - ' Speech of Sir Edward Turner to His Majefty, on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, May 10, 43 The King's Speech on approving the choice of the Commons in elefting Sir Ed. Turner their Speaker, May 10, . . - 44 1661 iiv CONTENT S. j66i Si;- Ed. Turner's Reply, May lo, ... 4; •■■■ ■ The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 10, . . 49 A Letter to His Majefty from the Eftates of Parliament in Scotland, fent by His Majefty to both Houfes of Pailiameiit, May 20, ..... 53 Letter from His Majefly to Sir Ed. Turner, Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, June 22, . . 54 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefiy, July 8, . ^ 55 His Majerty's Speech, July 8, .... 58 .■ Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons on prcfenting bills to His Majefty, July 30, . . 59 — — His Majefty 's Speech on clofing the Seffion, July 30, 63 • opening Parliament, Nov. 20, 64 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefly on prelenting a bill for His affent, grant- ing him a lum of money, Dec. 20, ... 66 His Majefty's Reply, Dec. 20, .... 68 1662 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, on prcfenting bills for His aflent, May 19, 69 — — His Majefty's Speech on clofing Parliament, May 19, 72 —— The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 19, . . y/^ 1663 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Hk Majefty, February 27, . . . . . .81 Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, March 16, 83 ' both Houfes, April 2, . 84 • the Houfe of Commons to the King, May .2, the King to the Houfe of Commons, May 16, . . . . . . . g- — — The King's Speech to the Houfe of Commons, June 5, 86 — — Speecii of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, July 27, 89 The King's Speech, July 27, ... . , 91 J 664 , March 21, • • • • 93 ■ Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, May 17, C)6 His Majefty'i Speech on clofing Parliament, May 17, 98 ■ opening , Nov. 24, 99 Narrative of the late Paflages between His Majefty and the Dutch, and His P»Iajefty's Preparation there- upon, laid before Parliament, Nov. 24, . . 100 1665 CONTENTS. XV J665 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to the King on prefenting a money bill for His allent, Feb. g, . . . . . . . 106 — — His Majefty's Reply, Feb. 9, . . . . 107 ■ Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, on prefenting bills for His alfent, March 2, .... . 108 » Subftance of His Majefty's Speech on cloiing the Seffion, March 2, . . . .109 Speech of the Lord Privy Seal on proroguing the Par- liament, March 2, . . . .110 — — The King's Speech on opening Parliament, 0£t. 11, no Speech of the Lord Chancellor, Oftober 11, . m ■ The Speaker of the Houfe of Commons' Speech to His Majefly, on prefenting bills for His allent, Ofto- ber3i, ..... 121 — — Subftance of the King's Speech, 06lober3r, . 124 • Speech of the Lord Privy Seal on proroguing Parlia- ment, October 31, .... 125 1666. His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, Sep- tember 21, ..... 125 ■ The King's Meflage to the Houfe of Peers, Dec. 15, 126 Commons, De- cember i^, , . . . .127 1667 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, January 18, . . . 127 — — — His Majefty's Speech, January 18, . . 129 — — — Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, on prefenting Bills for His aflent, February 8, . . . . . 130 His Majefty's Speech, February 8, . .13a — — — Speech of the Lord Privy Seal on prorog\iing Parlia- ment, February 8, . . . , 133 — — EfFe£l of His Majefty's Speech, July 29, . . 133 Speech of the Lord Chancellor on proroguing Parlia- ment, July 29, .... 134 His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, 061. 10, 134 Speech of the Lord Keeper (Sir Orlando Bridgman) Oftober 10, . . . . . 134 ' ' ■ Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, Odober 14, . . . . . 137 — — His Majefty's Reply to ditto, October 26, . 137 «-— — Meffage from His Majefty, adjourning Parliament, December 19, . . . , 137 5 1668 xvi CONTENTS. 1668 His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, Feb. 10, i;,S jMclTage from His Majefty to the Houfe of Commons, April 13, .... . 138 April 24, . ... . .139 His Majefty's Speech on adjourning Parliament, May g, 1 39 1669 His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, Oct. 19, 140 - Speech of the Lord Keeper, Oclober 19, . 14D 1670 His Majorty's Speech on opening Parliament, Feb. 14, 142 ■ Speech of the Lord Keeper, February 14, . . 142 . S})eech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, on prefenting bills for His alFent, April 1 1, ..... 144 The King's Speech on adjourning Parliament, April II,. . . . . 147 — — on opening Parliament, Oc- tober 24, . . . . ,147 Speech of the Lord Keeper, Otflo her 24, . , 147 167 1-» Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons ^ to His Majefty on prefenting bills for His aftent, ^Jarch 6, . . . . .151 EfFcft of His Majefty's Reply, March 6, . 151 Addrefs of both Houses to His Majefty, for prevent- ing the growth of Pupery, March 13, • . 151 Subftance of His Majefty's Anfwer, March 13, . 154 ■ FfTcft of the Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, April 22, (by miftake printed 1761-2) .... 155 His Majefty's Speech, April 22, . . 155 • Speech of the Lord Keeper, April 22, . . 156 1673 Speech of the Lord Chancellor (Sir Heneage Finch, afterwards E.arl of Nottingham), defiring the Houfe of Commons to chufe a Speaker, February 4, . J56 m. Speech of Sir Job Ciiarlton, on being chofen by the Houfe of Commons to be their Speaker, Feb. 4, 156 . Speech of the Lord Chancellor, approving of the choice of the Houle of Commons, Feb. 6, . 157 Sir Job Charlton's Reply, Feb. 6, . . 157 The Lord Chancellor's Anfwer, Feb. 6, . . 158 His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, Feb. 6, 159 — — Speech of the Lord Chancellor, Feb. 6, . . i6» -^- His Majefty's Conciufion of His Speech, Feb. 6, . 164 ». Petition and Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to tire King, Feb. 24, (by n.iftakc printed 44) , 165 1^74 CONTENTS. atvii 4673 His Majefty's Anfwer, February 24., . . 165 — — The Thanks of the Houfe of Commons for Kis Ma- jefly's Anlw£r, Feb. 26, . . .166 — - The King's Speech to the Houfe of Peers, March i, 167 ■ Addrefs of Thanks by the Houfe of Peers, for ditto, March i, . . . . . i6j — — Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majefty, refpeft- ing the Popifli Recufants, &c. March 7, . 167 — — His Majcfty's Speech in Reply,, March 8, • 169 » Report of the Lord Chancellor, March 8, . 169 ■ His Majefty's Meflage to the Houfe of CommoRS, March 24, . . . . .170 ■ Two Addrefles of the Houfe of Commons to the King, March 25, . . . . . 171-3 ■ Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majefty, March 27. ... .' . 173 — — The King's Speech, March 29, . . .174. — on opening Parliament, 0£t. 27, 174 — — Meffage from his Majefty, Oftober 30, . . 175 — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, October 31, . . . . • ^75 — — Petition of both Houfes to the King, defiring a day to be appointed for a general faft, November 3, 177 1674 His Majefty's Speech, January 7, . • ^77 —^ — Speech of the Lord Keeper, January 7, . . 178 • Petition of both Houfes to the King, January la, . i2b ■ The King's Speech, January 24, . . 187 ■ , on concluding a Peace, Feb. 1 1, 187 —— Addrefs of Thanks of both Houfes ini Anfwer, . 188 • EfFeft of the King's Speech, February 24, . 188 1675 His Majefty's Speech on opening Parliament, April 13, 189 The Lord Keeper's Speech. April 13, . . 190 — — Addrefs of the Houlis of Commons to the King, April !J3, . . . . .196 The King's Anfwer to the laft Addrefs, May 7, . 197 His Majefty's Speech on proroguing Parliament, June 9, . . . . .198 Speech of the Lord Keeper, June 9, • . 199 »■■■ ■ The King's Speech on opening Parliament, 0£t. i^, 199 ■ Joint Addrefs of both Houies to His Majefty, Nov. 10, aoo 1676 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Kia^, March ao, . , . , . 20© ^ Vol. L b 177© xviii CONTENTS. 1677 The King's Speech on opening Parliament, Feb. i^, aoi - Addreis of the Hoiife of Commons to His Majefly, April 10, . . . . . 202 The King's MefTage to the Houfe of Commons, April II,. . . . . 203 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, April 13, . . . . . 203 ■ Mtflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, April 16, . . . . . 204 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, April 16, . . , . . 204 - His Majefly's Anfwer, May 23, . . . 205 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commous to the King, May 25, . . . . . 206 The King's Anfwer, May 28, . . . 208 MeiTage from His Majcfiy, Dec. 3, . . 209 1678 [ — , January 15, . , 209 — — The King's Speech, Jan. 28, . . . 209 — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefly, Jan. 31, ..... 211 The King's Anfwer to ditto, Feb. 4, . . 212 — — The Houfe of Commons' Addrefs to His Majefty, March 15, . . . . .214 — : — Meflage from the King, March 19, . . 215 Speech of the Lord Chancellor, April 29, . 21^ ■« Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, May 10, . . . . .219 His Majefly's Speech, May 23, . . .221 ■ ■ MefTage from the King, May 28, . . 222 *• , June 7, . . . 22% The King's Speech, June 18, . . ► 223 — — , 0£t. 21, . . .225 — — Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majffty, » 226 . , Nov. 7, 228 , Nov. 8, 228 His Majefty's Anfver, Nov. 9, , . . 230 — — The King's Miflage to the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 13, . . . . .231 Addrefsof the Houfe ofCommons to the King, Nov. 16, 231 -— — " , Nov. 19, 232 — — , Nov. 19, 233 ■ ■' ■■■ ■ .■■... I . ., ,, ., Nov, 22, 234 1678 CONTENTS; xix 1678 The King's Anfwer, Nov. 23, . . . 234. The King's Speech, November 25, , . 235 • Me flage from the King, Nov. 26, . . 235 Joint Addrefs of both Houfes, Nov. 28, . . 236 — — Meflage from His Majefty, Dec. 2, . . 236 , , Dec. 4, . . 237 1679 Joint Addrefs to His jVIajedy, March 21, 4 ■ 23) ■ Two Addrefles of the Houfc of Commons to the King, April 8, .... . 238 ■ • His Majefly's Speech, April 22, . . . 239 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, /^pril 27, . . . . . . 239 — — The K'njtj's Speech, April 30, . . . 246 ■ Speech of the Lord Chancellor, April 30, . . 240 —— Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, May 8, 242 — — Meffage from the Ki:3g, May 14, . . . 243 1680 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oft. 27, ...... 244 — — His Majefty's Reply, Oft. 27, . . . 244 » Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oft. 29, . ... . 245 Mcflage from the King to the Houfe of Common?, Nov. 9, . . . . . 246 .. .. Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefly, Nov. ir, . • . . . 246 The King's MefTage to the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 15, 248 ■■. Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Nov. 19, . . . . . .248 «i. — . — , Nov. 22, 249 — — Joint addrefs of both Houfes to the King, Nov. 23, 249 His Majefly's Anfwer, Nov. 26, . . . 250 - ... m Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 27, 250 1 , Dec. 29, 255 1681 Meflage from the King, Jan. 4. . . . 259 1685 KiMG James II.'s firft Speech to Parliament, May 22, 259 The King'^ Speech, May 30, . . .261 « Addrels of the Houfe of Commons to his Majefly, June 13, . . . . .261 Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, June 18, . . . . . a6» Auguft 4, .... • 262 b 2 1685 xi CONTENTS. 1685 The King's Speech, Nov. g, . . « a6j Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No- vember 16, . . . . . 264 . His IVIajefty's Anfwer, November )8, . , 265 1688 Declaration of the Prince of Orange, 0£t. 10, . 26^ • Additional Declaration of ditto, 0£t. 24, . . . 276 Older of the Prince of Orange for the attendance of fuch perl'dns u ho had been Members of any Parlia- ment in the reign of King Charles 11. Dec. 23, 277 ' Speech of the Prince of Orange, Dec. 26, . . 278 — — Addreis of the Members of the former Parliaments, &c. to the Prince of Orange, Dec. 26, . . 278 The Prince of Orange's Anfwer, Dec. 28, . 280 J689 Letter from the Prince of Orange to the Houfe of Com- mons, Jan. 22, .... 280 *■' ■ • Addrefs of the Honfe of Comu>oi:s to the Pi ince of Orange, Jan, 22, . . . . 281 Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the Prince of Orange, Jan. 22, .... 281 — — The Pi ince of Orange's Anfwer, Jan. 23, . 28a "■'■•' Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Prince of Orange, Jan. 29, . . . .282 —— Pioclamation by both Houfes of Parliament, Feb. 12,. 283 — — — Declaration by ditto, Feb. 12, . . . 283 King William Ill's Speech on receiving the Decla- ration, Feb. 15, . . . '. 287 The King's Speech, Feb. 18, . . . 287 — — MelFage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, March 1, . . . . .288 . Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majefly, March i, 28S The King's Anfwer, Mjrch 6, . . .288 His Majelly's S])ee- h, iNlarch 8, . . .289 Addrefs of the Lord ?Jayor and Aldermen of the City of London, prefented to the King, March 13, 290 — — His Majerty's Thanks to the lafl: Addrefs, March 13, 291 — — Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, March 15, . 291 —— His Majcfty's Speech, T.larch 16, . . . 292 MefHige from His Tvbjeay to the Houfe of Commons, March 25, . . . ^ ^ - ^^^ — — Addrefs of Thanks of tl:e Houfe of Commons to the King, March 28, . . . .293 - His Majedy's Melihgc, April i, . . . 294 -— Addrefs of both Houfes to th€ King, April i^, . 294 I 1689 296 CONTENTS. x-u J689 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons (Henry Powie, Lfq.) to the King, April 13, . 295 — — The King's Anfvver, April 13, • • • 29S Addrefsof the Houfe of Commons to the King, April 19, . - His Majefty's Anfvyer, April 20, . . . 300 »— Addrefs of the Koufe of Commons to His Majefty, April 25, ..... 300 — — The King's Anfwer, April 26, . . .301 Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to the King, June 15, '. . . . . '301 ^—— Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majefty, June 18, 303 • Tiie King's Speech, June 29, . . . 304 ■ ■ ■ Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, July 15, 305 , July 19, 30s . The King's Speech, Oftober 19, . . . 306 ■ Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Nov. 29' • 307 - ■ The King's Meflage to the Houfe of Commons, No- vember 30, ...... 308 •— — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Dec. I r, 3c8 December 11, . . . . 309 i6go The King's Speech, March 20, , . .310 , May 23, . . . 312. , 06lober2, . . . 3^2 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oft. 8, 314 to the Queen, Od. 8, 315 The King's Speech, Dec. 20, . ' . . 315 i6gi His Majefty's Speech, January 3, . . . 3'^ , October 22,1. . . 317 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oc- tober 28, . . . . • 318 ., Oc- tober 28, . . . . ,318 — — The King's Speech, Dec. 31, . . . 318 1692 , Feb. 24, . . •319 ^— , Nov. 4, . . . 320 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No- vember II, . . • . . 32 1 -• ■ -' — • to the Qneen, November 11, . . . . yiz b X 1693 xxii CONTENTS. 1692 Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, November 14, 1693 The King's Speech, November 3, 1693-4 Reprefentation by the Houie of Commons to the King, January 27, 1694 The King's Anl'wer, Jan. 31, — — — . : — ■ Speech, March 23, . Speecli, Nov. 12, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to his Majefty, Dec. 29, . 1694-5 The King's Anfwer, January i, 1695 Reprefentation to His Majefty by the Houfe of Com- mons, February 26, . His Majefty's Anfwer, March 6, — — Speech of Paul Foley, Efq. to the King, on being chofen by the Houfe of Commons to be their Speaker, March 15, . - The Lord Keeper's (Sir John, afterwards Lord So- mer's) Speech to Mr. Foley, March 15, • Mr. Foley's Speech, March 15, . • The King's Speech, April 22, F— — Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to ' His Majefty, November 23, His Majefty's Speech, Nov. 26, . : — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No- vember 27, . . . . . His Majefty's Anfwer, November 29, Addrefs of both Hoijfes of Parliament to the King, December 14, . - Addrefs of the Houfe of Com.mons to His Majefty, December 14, The King's Anfwer to the joint Addrefs, Dec. 18, 1696 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Ja- nuary 17, . The King's Anfwer, Jan. 23, The King's Speech, Feb. 24, — — , Odober 20, r— Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oc- tober 22, ..... . The King's Reply, 0<5l. 26, . . . 1O97 MelTage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, Feb. 18, .... . — — The King's Sp'jfclj, December 3, , , 321 3*3 3*5 326 326 327 328 328 330 330 33^ 331 331 331 33* 334 335 335 336 337 337 338 338 339 340 341 341 34^ 1697 CONTENTS. xxiii 1697 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Dec. 7, 34a 1698 , June23, 343 , June 30, 344 ' " June 30, 345 His Majefty's Anlwer to the two Jaft Addrefles, July 2, 346 Speech of Sir Thomas Littleton to His Majefty, on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, December 9, . . . . 346 The Lord Chancellor's approbation of tile choice ri'i the Houfe of Commons in their Speaker, Dec. 9, 347 ■ The Speaker's Reply, December g, . . 347 1699 The King's Speech, February i, . . 347 " ■ Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Fe- bruary 3, . . . . .348 The King's Fv.eply, Feb. 6, . , . 349 — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Fe- bruary 18, . . . . .349 — — His JVlajefty's Reply, Feb. 22, . . • 3S^ — — JVIeflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, March 18, . , . . • 350 — — Addrels by the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, March 20, . . . . • 3 ?^ March 29, , . . , '35^ The King's A nfvver, April 4, . . . 352 The King's Speech, Nov. 16, . , . 3 -a — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, December i, . . . '35 + His Majefty's Speech, Dec. 5, ... 354 1701 Speeciies or Mr. Harley (afterwards Earl of Oxford), on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Com- mons, February 10, . . . . 35^ — — The King's speech, February 14, . . 356 Addrels of the Houfe of Commons to His Majeftj', April 16, .... . 357 His Majefty's Anfwer, April 24, . . 35B Meflage from His Majefty, May 8, . . 358 — — Copy of a Letter from the States General to His Ma- jefty, prefented with His Majefty's Meflage of Mav 359 Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stanhope to Mr. Secretary Hedges, prefented with His Majefty's Mefl^age of iM-iy 8, .... . 362 b 4 1701 xxlv CONTENTS. 1701 The King's Speech, June iz, . . . 36;^ — — Addrels ot the Houle of Cooimons to the King, June ij, . I . . . 364 - ■ ' — His Majetly's Reply, June 14, . . • 364 1704 The king's Speech, Jan. 2, . . . 364 — — Addrefs of the Huufe of Commons to HJs Majefty, January 3, ..... 367 Meflage fiom the King to the Houfe of Commons, February a 8,- .... 367 - Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Queen Annh, on her Acceffion to- the Throne, March 9, . 368 — — Her Majefly's Anfwer, March 10, . . . 369 The Queen's Speech, March 11, . . 369 — — , March 30. . . 370 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons ta Her Majefty, March 31, ..... 370 Her Majefty's Anfwer, April 8, . . ,. 371 — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefly, May 2, ..... 371 — — Her Majelly's Anfwer, May 5, . . . 371 Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to the Qneen, May i&, 37a ■'- Her Majefly's Anfwer, May 22, . . . 37a ■ The Qjjeen's Speech, 0&. 23, . . , 37a Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefty, Odt. 26, ..... 374 ■ Her Majefty's Anfwer, Oft. 28, . . . 37 r — — The Queen's Meffage to the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 21, 375 Dec. 10. . . . . .375 — — Add.f-efs to the Queen by the Houfe of Commons, Dec. 18, . . . . , 276 Her Majefty's Anfwer, Dec. 22, . . . oyi 1703 AddrefsoftlieHoufeofCommons totheQueen, Jan. 7, 377 • Her Majefty's Reply, (by miflake printed Addrefs) Jan. 0» • • . . . 378 ' "* '• Addrefs of the Houfe Commons to Her Majefly, Feb. II, . , . . • 378 ■' Her Majefty*s Speech, Nov^ 9» • • * 387 Addrefs to the Queen by the Houfe of Commons, Nov. II, ..... 389 * - • ■■ The Queen's Anfwer, Nov. 15, . , , 300 •— - Her Majefly's Speech, Dec. j;^, , ., ^ ^90 ^703 CONTENTS. xrt 1703 Adclrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen Dec. 18, . — — The Queen's Anfwer, Dec. ai, - — — Addi^isof the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefty Dec. 21, , 1704. Her Majefly's Anfwer, Jan. 3, — — Her Majefty's Speech, Jan. 21, — — Meflnge from the Qneen to the Houfe of Commons Feb. 7, , , . . . > Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefry Feb. 9, . . . . — — Her Majefty's Reply, Feb. 12, . Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, Feb 18, " The Queen's Anfwer, Feb. 22, Her Majefty's Speech, 061. 24., Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, 0 • . . . jixri CONTENTS. X707 Thc-Qiieen'£ Anfwer, Jan. g, . • • 414 Meflagc from Her I\^jelly, Jan. 9, . . 415 The Queen's Speech, Jan. 28, . • • 41? , March 6, . . . 416 — — Joint AddreCs of both Houfes to the Queen, March 8, 417 Her Majefty's Anfwer, March 12, . . 417 Speech,, April 14, . . 418 .. , November 10, . . 418 Aduiefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, No\-emberii, , . . • 420 Her Majelly's Anfwer, November 13, . . 421 . Speech, December 18, . . 421 Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to the Queen, Oft. 22, 422 1708 Her Majefty's Anfwer, January 7, . . 423 Addrels of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, Febiuaiy 24, , . . . 423. _— _— ^ March 4, » . . . . 4^4 Her Jl.'jefiy's Anfwef, March 6, . . 425 Speech, March 11, . . 42^ Addrels by the Houfe of Coiumons to the Queen, • March 12, . . > . . 426 Her Majofty's Aolwer, March 15, . i 427 Speech of the Lord Chancellor (Lord Cowper), No- vember 22, . . . . .427 — — Two AddrtflTes of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majtfly, November 23, . ... 4^0 Effeft of Her Mnjcfty's A:-.f\ver, November 2^, » 431 Addrefs by both Houfes to the Queen, Dec. 23, , 4^1 yjcg Her Majefly's Anfwer, January 10, . . 431 Atfdrefs f>f the Moufe of Cismmons to Her Majefly, Jsnuary 27, . . . .432 The Qjjetn'S Anfwer, January 29, . . 43a Joi'ir Addrefs of both Houfes to Her Majefiy, March 2, 432 Her iNlajcfty's Anfwer, March 4, . . 433 Speech, November t^, . . 433 — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, Novtmber 16, . . . . 404 Thi? Qjccn's Reply, November 19, . . 435 17*0 Adrlrefs of the Hou!c of Commons to the Qj:ecn, February 16, . . . .435 TIk Qucen*s Anfwer, February 20, , ^ 4^6 1719 CONTENTS. xxvn 1710 1711 1712 The Queen's Speech, November 29, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, No- vember 30, (by miftake printed Ott. 22, 1696) The Queen's Anfwer, December 2, Meflage from the Queen, January 2, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefty, January 3, . Her Majefty's Anfwer, January 5, Jiiint Addrefs of both Houfes to the Queen, March The Queen's Anfwer, March 14, . Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons, April 2, The Queen's Anfwer, April 10, MefTage from the Queen, April 20, Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to the Queen, April 20, Her Majefty's Reply, April 21, Reprefentation of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, May 31, Her Majefty's Anfwer, June 7, The Queen's Speech, December 7, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefty, December 8, Her Majefty's Reply, December 1 r, Meflage irom the Queen to the Houfe of Commons, January 14, ?7i3 January 17,. * Addrefs or the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, Ja- nuary 18, . . . . , Meflage from her Majefty to the Houfe of Commons, jaiuiar> 21, . Her Majt ily's Anfwer, January 22, Reprele:uation to the Queen by the Houfe of Com- mons, March r. Her Majefty's Anfwer, March 5, . MeflTage from the Queen, March 14, Her Majefty's Speech, June 6, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, June 6, . . . The Qiieen's Anfwer, June 10, Speech, June 2 1, , April 9, 436 437 439 439 440 440 440 441 441 442 442 443 443- 444 449 449 45^ 45a 45 = 4S3 453 454 45S 455 466 466 466 470 471 471 472 J 7 13 xxvin CONTENTS. 1714 1713 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen, Apr 10, . — — Her Majefty's Anfwer, April 13, . Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to Her Majefly Jane 24, .... Her Majefty's Reply, June 27, . . ■ Meffiige^ June 25, . — — Addrefs of tlie Houie of Commons to the Queen, July 3 Her Majefty's Anfwer, July 9, i Speech, March 2, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Queen March 4, . Her Majefty's Anfwer, March 6, , Joint Addrefs by both Houfes to the Queen, Apr 22, . . . . . The Queen's Anfwer, April 26, Speech of the Lord Chancellor (Lord Cowper) Aug. 5, , , . . Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Aug. 6 Speech of the Lord Chancellor, Aug. 13, , Aug. 21, His Majelly's Anfwer to the Commons' Addrefs, Aug 25, . . . Speech of the Hon. Spencer Compton to His Majefty on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Com nions, March 21, , . . The Lord Chancellor's Speech, March 21, The Speaker's Reply, March 21, . ^ The Lord Chancellor's Anfwer, Marelv^t^ His Majelly's Speech, March 23, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons, March 24,, The King's Anfwer, March 26, . . McfTjge from His Majefly, June 28, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, July i His Majefty's Anfwer, July 13, Addrefs to His Majefty bv the Houfe of Commons July 18, His Majefty's Anfwer, July 20, The King's Speech, July 20, . , Meflage from His Majefly, Aug. 30, His Majefty's Speech, Sep. 21, CONTENTS. XXI X 1715 Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons td His MaieO-;- rin nr-^fenting bills for his aflent, OJi, 6, . . t . »'■ " Meflage f^om the King to the Hoirfe of Common Decemuer 14, . . . j; 16 The King's Speech, January 9, — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majeft}' January 10, ■ ■ His Majefty's Anfwer, January 12, Speech, January 16, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty January 23, His Majefty's Reply, January 25, Speech, February 17, — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the Kin February 18, — ■ The King's Anfwer, February 21, MefTage to the Houfe of Commons 1717 - March 2.3, Speech, February 20, 1718 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Ft bruary 21, . • . The King's Anfwer, February 23, MefTage from the King, April 3, His Majefty's Speech, May 6, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefts May 7, . . . . His Majefty's Reply, May 10, Addrefs to the King by the Houfe of Common: July 4, .... His Majefty's Anfwer, July 6, Speech, November 21, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons, November 2Z, The King's Anfwer, November 25, Meflage to the Houfe of Commons, Fe bruary i, . Meifage from the King to the Houfe of Common March 17, . The King's Speech, November 11, The Lord Chancellor's (Earl of Macclesfield) Speed by the King's command, November 11, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No' vember 12, sxx CONTENTS. 1718 His Majefty's Anf'.ver, November 14, . . 513 17 ig Speech, March 10, . • 523 — — The Lord Chancellor's Speech, March 10, . 524 His MajeHy's Speech, November 23, . . 524 The Lord Chancellor's Speech, November 23, . 524 — — Addrefs to the King by the Houfe of Comirons, No- vember 24, ..... 526 His Majefty's Anfwer, November 25, . . 527 1720 MelTage froni t lie King, May 4, . . . 527 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons, May 7, . 528 His Majefty's Anfwer, May 5, . . . 528 Joint AddretJB of both Houfes to the King, June 3, 528 - His Majefty's Reply, June 8, . . . 52CJ Speech, December 8, . . 529 • The Lord Chnncsllor's Speech, December 8, . 529 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, De- cember 9, . . . . . 53a — — The King's Reply, Deccuiber 12, . . 531 1721 Meffage from tl.c King to the Houfe of Commons, ■J.ine 16, . . . . . 532 Jullyii, ..... 532 - His -Majefty's Speech, July 3 r, . . . £^3 The Lord Chancellor's Speech, July 31, . . 533 The King's Speech, Oftober 19, . . , 533 ' The Lord Chancellor's Speech, Oftober 19, . 534 Audi efs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Oc- tober 20, ..... f35 His Majefty's Reply, October 23, . . 537 1722 Speech of Mr, Compton to His Majefty, on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, Oc- tober II, . , . . . ri^ The Lord Chancellor's Speech, Oftober 11, . 538 The Speaker's Keply, Oftober i r, . . ^38 The Lord Chancellor's Anfaer, October 1 1, . 539 His Mnjefty's Speech, Oftober 15, . . ^39 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefty, Oftober <6, . . . . ^.4 The King's Anfwer, Oftober iS, . . -4.4 Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to His Majefty, No- ven.ber 17, . . . . .544 His Maj'efty's Atifwer, November 19, . . r^r ^723 CONTENTS. XXXI 1723 Addrefs of the Houfc of Commons to the King, March 18, . The King's Reply, March 22, . jy2:\. Speech, January 9, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Ja nuary 10, . . — — His Majefty's Anfwer, January 13, -. Speech, November 12, - Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No vember 13, . His Majcfty's Anfwer, November 16, . 1725 Meflage from His Majefty, February 9, _____ J February 10, , April 8, I. 1726 The King's Speech, January 20, Addrefs of the Home of Commons to His Majefty January 21, — — His Majefty's Reply, January 24, — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Fe bruary 18- . — — His Majefty's Anfwer, February 21, ■ Meflage from the King to the Floufe of Common Mar.h 24, . . . . ■ The King's Speech, May 2^, The Lord Chancellor's (Sir Peter, afterwards Lord King) Speech, May 24, 1727 His Majefty's Speech, January 17, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, J nuary 18, . "■ ■ His Majcfty's Reply, January 20, Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, March 14, — — His Majefty's Anfwer, March 17, Speech, May 15, . * ■ The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 1 5, His Majefty's (George IL) fn-d Speech, June 28, Address of the Houfe of Commons to the King, June 29, His Majefty's Reply, July i, Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, July 6, Julys, . ... His Majefty's Speech, Ju!y 17, . J 728 The Lord Chancellor's Speech, January 23, 57^ 572 573 172S MXH CONTENTS. 1728 Speech of Mr. Arthur Onflow, on being chofen Speaker ot the iioule of Coaimons, January 27, The Lord Chancellor's Reply, January 27, The Speaker's Anfwer, January 27, , . Speech of the Lord Chancellor, January 27, The King's Speech, January 31, Addrefa of the Iloufe of Commons to the King, Feb The King's Anfvver, February 3, Reprefcntation to His Majefly by the Houfe of Com mens, April 8, . . . — — The King's A nfwer, April ti, . i Mefiagc from His Majefty to the Houfe of Commions .May 6, . . . . — — His iMajefly's Speech, May 28, The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 28, , 1729 His Majefty's Speech, January 21, Addrcls of the Houfe of Cornn:»ns to the King, Jan — — His Majefty's Rep y, January 24, Jonit Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, March 24, • » His Majefty's Anfwer, March 26, • Mefiagc from His Majefty, May is, -— His Majefty's Speech. May 14, . . — — The Loid ChanccUoi's Speech, May 14, 1730 The King's Speech, January 13, , Addrtfs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan ■ H;fi Majefty's Speech, May 15, . ' The Lord Chancellor's Speech, ^lay 15, 1731 Hia Majefty's Speech, January 21, — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan ■ His Majefty's Reply, January 25, ", May 7, The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May -, 1732 His Majufty's Speech, January 13, -. Addrefs of the Hfuife of Commons to the King, Jan. H;s Majefty's Reply, January 17, ■ ■-■■ Addrels of the Houfe of Commons to the King, May —— His Majefty's Speech, June i, The Lord Chancellor's Speecli, June i, , *753 ^^'^ Majefty's Speech, January 16, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan «— His Maj'Jty'b Rt="ply, January 22, 14 H 474- 574 575 575 575 578 580 580 59i 594-' 594 595 595 597 599 599 600 60c 6oo 601 601 603 605 606 607 608 610 610 611 6n 614 615 o, 615 617 618 61& /> 019 620 1733 CONTENTS. xxxut 1 7^3 Meflage from the King ♦•o the Houfe of Commons, May 3, 620 Adcirefs of the Houfe of Commons, May 8, The King's Reply, May 10, . . • Speech, June 13, . . • Speech of the Lord Chancellor, June 13, 1734 His Majefty's Speech, January 17, — — Addrcfs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan His Majeily's Aniwer, January 22, Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons March 28, ... The King's Speech, April i6, Speech of the Lord Chancellor (Charles, afterwards Lord, Talbot), April '6 1735 , Jan. 23 Speech of Mr. Onflow on being chofen Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, January 23, — ^ Tim Lord Chancellor's Speech, January 23, — — The Speaker's Reply, January 23, The Lord Chancellor's Anfwer, January 23, The King's Speech, January 27, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan. ■ His Majelly's Reply, January 31, MelFage from His Majefty to the Houfe of Common March 26, . , . His Majefty's Speech, May 15, . Speech of the Lord Chancellor, May 1 5, 1736 The King's Speech, January 15, — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan. 16, His Majefly's Anfwer, January ig, J Speech, May 20, The Lord Chancellor's (Hardwicke) Speech, May 20, 1737 , Feb. I, 626 62 £ 621 622 622 624. 626 626 627 628 629 629 630 63® 630 631 634 635 635 636 637 638 640 641 64a 64a Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majefly, Feb. z, 644 Meflage from His Majefty, May 24, . . 645 His Majefty's Speech, June 21, . . 646 — — The Lord Chancellor's Speech, June 21, . 647 1738 The King's Speech, January 24, . . 647 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan. 25, 647 His Majefty's Reply, January 27, . . 649 — — ■ Speech, May 4o, . . 649 Speech of the Lord Chancellor, May 20, . 650 Vol. I. c. 1739 XXviv C O N T E N T 3. (739 The King's Speech February r, Addiefs of the Houfeof Commons to the King, Feb. 2, liis Majcft) 's Anfwer, February 5, — — MelTagc Irom .the King to the Houfe of Commons, May 3, * : , , May 10, The King's Speech, June 14, . , The Lord Chancellor's Speech, June 14, -^ His Majefly's Speech, November 15, .— Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to His Majefty, No vember 16, . His Majefty's Reply, November 16, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No vember 16, The King's Anfwer, November 19, 1740 MelTaj^e from the King to the Houfe of Comnx)n Febrn;iry 12, , 6cfl 1741 March 6, . Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, March 17, His Maiefcy's Reply, March 19, ' Speech, April 29, ' . The Lord Chancellor's Speech, April 29, His Mujefty's Speech, November 18, Addrefs of the Houfe cl Lords to the King, Nov. 19 His Majcfty's Aiiuver, Novcmb:;r 19, Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to His Majelh Nov. ao (printed by miftake November 10), His Majefty's Anfv/er, November 21, . — ■ Speech, April 8, Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, April i; The King's Rep!;-, April 10, Addrefs of the Hoiil'e of Commons to the King, April 9, His Majcfty's Anfwer, April 13, . • — Spetcli, April 25, The Lord Chancellor's Speech, April 25, Speech of Mr. Onflov; on being appointed Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, December 4, The Lord Chancellor's Speech, December 4, The Speaker's Anfwer, December 4, The Lord Chancellor's Reply, December 4, His Alajefty's Speech, December 4, Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, Dec. 5, CONTENTS. XXXV 1741 His Majefty'5 Anfvver, December 5, . . 67^ — — — Addrefs of the Houfeof Commons to the King, Dec. 9, 677 His Majefty's Anrwer, December 11, . . 67S — Addrefs of the Archbifliop, Bifliops, and Clergy, of the Province of Canterbury, in Convocation aflembled, to His Majefty, December 11, . 679 The King's Anfvver, December 11, . . 680 Meflage from the King to the H. of Commons, April i, 680 Lords, April 2, 680 - ■■ The King's Speech, July 15, . , .681 The Lord Chancellor's Speech, July 15, . 683 His Majefty's Speech, November 16, . . 682. Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to His Majefty, Nov. 17, 68^ — — His Majefty's Anfvver, November 17, . . 68 ^ — — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, Nov. 17, 68^ • His Majefty's Anfvver, November 22, , " . 686 •— — — ; Speech, December 21, . , 686 1743 Addrefs of the Archbifliop, Biftiops, and Clergy, of the Province of Canterbury, in Convocation af- fcmbled, to His Majefty, March 3, . 6S7 His Majefty's Anfvver, March 3, . , 683 Speech, Aprir2r, , . 688 Speech of the Lord Chancellor, April 21, . 689 The King's Speech, December!, . , 689 — — Addrefs of th® Houfe of Lords to the King, Dec. 2, 69t — — His Majefty's Anfvver, December 2, . . 692 Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to His Majefty, Dec. 2, 69Z —- — The King's Anfvver, December 5, . . 693 1 744. Mefl"age {rem the King to the Houfe of Commons, Jan. 3 1, 693 •• His Majefty's Speech, February 14, , . 694 ■ MfiTage from His Majefty to both Houfes, Feb. 15, 694 Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, Feb. 15, 695 His Majefty's Anfwer, February 20, . , 696 Speech, April 3, . . . 696 . Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, April 4, 697 ■ His IMajefty's Anfvver, April 4, . . 698 -— — Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, April 4, 699 His Majefty's Anfvver, April 6, . . , 700 ■ ■ ■ ' Speech, May 12, , . 700 Speech of the Lord Chancellor, May 12, . 701 —— His Majefty's Speech, November 27, . , 701 c 2. ,744. xxxx^l CONTENTS. 1744 Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, Nov. 28, 7o« — — His Majefty's Anfwer, November 28, . - 704 Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, No- vember 28, ..... 704 The King's Anfwer, Nov. 30, . . . 705 *74S Speech, Jan. 14, . . . 705 Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, Jan. 15, 707 His Majefty's Anfwer, Jan. 15, , . . 709 Speech, Feb. 14, . . 709 . . , May 2, . , ,710 —— The Lord Chancellor's Speech, May 2, . . 711 •— - His Majefty's Speech, O^. 17, . . . 71 r i Addrefs of the Houfe of Lords to the King, Oft. 18, 713 The King's Anfwer, Oft. 18, . . ,714 - *■ Addrefs of the Houfe of Commons to the King, ' Oft- 18, . . . . .714 His Majefty's Reply, Oft ober 21, , . 715 — — Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons to Hi» Majefty on prefcnting Bills for His aftent, May 2, 716 — — Meflage from the King to the Houfe of Commons, December 19, . . . • .^^9 SPEECHES, S PEECHES, C. Letter of King Charles the Second to the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, inclofing his Declaration cf -j'^ April, 1 660. Charles R„ npRUS'i'Y and well beloved, we greet you well. In thefe great, and unfupportable affii'5lions and ccilaaiities, under whicli the poor nation hath been fo lonij; exerclfe:!, and by which it is fo near exhaulted, we cannot think of a more natural and proper reir.edy, ihan to vefort to thofe for ccunfel arul advic^- who have (een and obferved the fir{t begii.nirj. of our mi.cnes, the progrefs from bfd to worfe, and the r Khkes and mitunderftandjngs which have produced and contributed to inconveni' nce^ .vhich were not intended : and a'^^e'' f) m?.ny revolutions, and vhe obfervatiori of what hath attend- d them, are now triifted by our good fubjcds to repair the breaches "which are made, and to provide pDper remedies for thofe evils, and for the lafting peace, happiucfs, and fecurity of the kingdom. We do afllire you, upon our royal word, that none of our predeceiiors have had a greater efteem of parliaments, as we have in our judgment, as well as from our obligation : we do believe them to be fo vital a part of the conftitution of Hie kingdom, and fo necelfary for the government of it, that we c 3 well ( xxxviii ) •well know neither prince nor people can be in any tolerable degree happy without them : and therefore you may be confi- dent we Ihall always look upon their counfels as the bei> we can receive ; and fhall be as tender of their privileges, and as careful to prefervc and proiedl tjiem, as of that which is moft rear to ourfelf, and moft ijecenary for our own prefervation. And as this is our opinion of parliaments, that their authority is moft neccflary tor the government of the kingdom, fo we are moft confident that you believe and find that the preferva- tion of the King's authority is as nectlTary for the prefervation of parliaments ;. and that it is not the name, but the right conftitution c.f them, which can prepare and apply proper remedies ibr thofe evils, which are grievous to the people, and which can thereby eftablifh their peace and fecuriiy: and therefore we have not the leaft doubt but that you will be as tender in, and as jealous of, any thing that may infringe our honour, or impair our authority, as of your own liberty and property, which is beft preferved by preferving the other. How far we have trufted you in this great affair, and how much it is in your power to reftore the nation to all that it hath loft, and to redeem it from any infamy it hath imdergone, and to make King and people as happy as they ought to be, you will find by our inclofed declaration, a copy of which "we have likewife fent to the Houfe of Peers: and you will eafily believe, that we would not voluntarily and of our felf have repofed fo great a truft in you, but upon an entire confi- dence that you will not abufe it, and that you will proceed in fuch a manner, and with fuch due confideration of us, who have trufted you, that we (hall not be afhamed of declining other afliftance (which we have affurance of), and repairing to you tor more natural and proper remedies for the evils we would be freed from, nor forry that we have bound up our own intereft fo entirely with that of our fubje£ts, as that we refer it to the fame perfons to take care of us who are trtifted to provide for them. We look upon you as wife and dif- paflionate men, and good patriots, who will raife up thofe banks and fences which have been caft down, and who will moft reafonably hope» that the fame profperity will again fpring from thofe roots from \\hich it hath heretofore and always grown. Nor can we apprehend, that you will propofe any thing to us, or exped any thing from us, but that we are as ready to give as you to receive. If you defire the advancement and propagation of the Pioteitant religion, we have, by our contant profeflion and prac- J ( XXXIX ) pra^ice of it, given fufficient tcfumony to the world, that neither the unkindnefs of thofc of the (ame faith towards us, nor the civilities and obligations from thofe of a contrary profeffion (of both which w^e have had abundant evidence;, could in the leaft degree ftartle us, or make us fwerve froiu it ; and nothing can be propofed to maniteft our zeal an i afFeclion for it, to which Ave will not readily confent : and we hope, in due time, our fclf to propofe iomevvhat to you for the propagation of it, that will fatisfy the world, that we have always made it both our care and our (tudy, and have enough obferved w hat is moll: like to bring difadvantage to it. If you delire fecurity for thofe who in thefe calamltoi;s times either wilfully or weakly have tranfgreired thofe bounds which were prefcribed, and have invaded each other's rights, we have left to you to provide for their fecurity and indemnity, and in fuch a way as you fliall think juft and reafonable, ■ and by a juft computation of what men have done and fuffered, as near as is pofiible, to take care that all men be fatisfied, which is the fureft way to fupprefs and extirpate all luch un- charitablcnefs and animolity, as might hereafter ftiake and threaten that peace wiiich tor the prefent might Teem efla- tliflied. If there be a crying fin, tor which the nation may be involved in the infamy that attends it, we cannot doubt but you will be as folicltous to redeem and vindicate the nation from that guilt and infam.y as we can be. If you defire that reverence and obedience may be paid to the fundamental laws of the land, and that juftice may be equally and impartially adminiflered to all men, it is that which we deiire to be fworn to ourfelf, and that all perfous in power a id authority fhijuld be fo too. In a word, there is nothing that you can propofe, that may make the kingdom happy, which we will not contend with you to compafs : and upon this confidence and allurance, we have thought fit to fend you this declaration, that you may, as much as is pofiible at this diftance, fee our heart; which, when God fhall bring us nearer together (as we hope he will do fliortly), will appear to you very agreeable to what we have profelfcd : and we hope that we have made that Chriflian ufe of our affli6lion, and that the obfervation and experience we have had in other countries hath been fuch, as that wc, and, we hope, all our fubjecls, fliall be the better for what w,c have feen and fuffered. We fhall add no more, but our prayers to Almigh.ty God, that he will fo blefs your counfcis, and dirctfl your endeavours, c 4, that ( xl ) *-hat his glory and worfhip may be provided for ; and the peace, honour, and happinefs of the nation, may be Citablifhed upon thofe foundations which can bed fupport it. And fo we bid you farewell. Given at our court at Breda, this t^\\\ day of April, 1660, in the twelfth year of our reign. Superfcribed, '* To our trujly and zvell-beloVed the Speaker of the Houje of Commons.'" Letter of King Charles II. to General Monk, Charles R. 'T^RUSTY and well beloved, we greet you well. It can- not be believed but that we have been, are, and ever muft be, as folicitous as we can, by all endeavours, to improve the afFeftions of our good fubjedls at home, and to procure the affiflance of our friends and allies abroad, for the recovery of that right which, by the laws of God and m.an, is unqueftion- able, and of which we have fo long been difpoirelTed by fuch force, and with thofe circumftances, as we do not defire to aggravate by any fharp exprellions, but rather wi(h that the memory of w hat is palt may be buried to the world : that we have more endeavoured to prepare and to improve the afFe6lions of our fubjc6ls at home for our reftoration, than to procure afliflance from abroad to invade either of our kingdoms, is as manifeft to the world : and we cannot give a better evidence, that we are ftill of the fame mind, than in this conjumf^ure, when common reafon mufl fatisfy all men, that we cannot be without an alfillancc from abroad: we chufe rather to fend to you, who have it in your own power to prevent tliat ruin and defolation which a war would bring upon the nation, and to piake the whole kingdom owe the peace, happinefs, fecurity, and glory it fhall enjoy to your virtue, and to acknowledge, that your armies have complied with their obligations, tor which they were firft raifed, for the prefervaiion of the Pro- teftant religion, the honour and dignity of the King, the privi- leges of Parliament, the liberty and property of the fubje£l, and the fundamental laws Of the land ; and that you have vin- fiicijted that tnift, which others mofl perfidioufly abufcd and \ betrayed. ( xli ) betrayed. How much we defire and refolve to {Contribute to thofe good ends, will appear to you by our enclofsd declaration ; •V^^hich we defire you lo caufe to be publifhed for the informa- tion and fati';fa£li'.n of all good fiibjecls, who do not dedre a further effufion of precious C'^riftla!-. blood, but to have their peace and fecurity c do, in the firft place, look up to the great King of Kings, and blefs his name, who hath put thefe thoughts into the heart of our King, to make him glorious in the eyes of his people, as thofe great deliverances Avhich that Divine Majefty hath afforded unto your royal per- fon from many dangers, and the fupport which he hath given unto your heroic and princely mind, under various trials, make it appear to all the world that you are precious in his figl't. And give us leave to fay, that as your Majefty is pleafed to declare your confidence in Parliaments, your efteem of them, and this your judgment and character of them, that they are fo neceftary for the government of the kingdom, that neither prince nor people can be in any tolerable degree happy without themi and therefore fay, that you will hearken unto their counfels, be tender of their privileges, and careful to preferve and proteil them : fo we truft, and W\\\ with all humility be bold to affirm, that your Majefty will not be deceived in us, and that we Avill never depart from that fidelity v.hich we owe unto your Majefty, that zeal which we bear unto jour fervice, and aconftant endeavour to advance your honour and greatuefs. And we befccch your Majefty we may add this further, for the vindication of Parliaments, and even of the laft Parliament, convened under your royal father, of happy memory ; — when, as your Majelly well obferves, tiirough miftakes and mifundcr- ftandings, many inconveniencies were produced which were not intended : that thofe very inconveniencies could not have been brought upon us by thofe perfons who had defigned them, ■without firlt violating the Parliament itfelf; for they well Jcnew it was not pollibie to do a violence to that facred perfon, whilft the Parliament, which had vowed and covenanted for the defence and fafety ot that pcrfon, remained entire. Surely, Sir, as the perfons of our kings have ever been dear unto Parliamenis, fo we cannot think of that horrid ad committed again It ( xiiii ) tgainft the precious life of our late fovereign, but with fuch a deteftation and abhorrcncy as we want words to exprcfs it. And, next to wifhing it bad never been, we wifh it may never be remembered by your Majefly, to be unto you an oc- cafion of forrovv, as it will never be remembered by us, but with that grief and trouble of mind which it deferves, being the greatcit reproach that ever was incurred by any of the Englilh nation ; an offence to all the proteftant churcives abroad, and a fcandal to the profelTion of the truth of religion here at home ; though boih profellion and true profcHbrs and the nation itfelf, as well as the Parliament, v\'erf mort inao~ cent of it, having been only the contrivance and aCt of Ibmc few ambitious and bloody perfuns, and fuch others as by their influence, were milled. And as we hope and pray that God will not impute the guilt of it, nor of all the cVil confequences thereof unto the land, whofe divine juftice never involves the guiltlefs with tlie gu hy, fo we cannot but give due praife to your Majeih's goodnefsj who are pleafed to entertain fuch reconciled and reconciling thoughts ; and with them not only meet, but, as it ■were, prevent your Parliament and people, propofmg yourfelf in a great meafure, and inviting the Parliament to confidsr fur- ther, and advife your Majefty what may be necefiary to reftore to the nation what it hath iolt, raife up again the banks and fences of it, and make the kingdom happy, by the advancement of religion, the fecuring our laws, libertic:^, and eftates. and the removing of all jealoufies and animofities which may render our peace lefs certain and durable ; wherein your Majefly gives a large evidence of your great wifdom judging aright that, after fo high a diltemper, and fuch an univerfal Ihaking of the very- foundations, great care mull be had to repair the breaches, and much circumfpedlion and inchiftry ufed to provide things ne- ceifary for the flrengthcning of thofe repairs, and preventing whatever may dilhirb and weaken them. We fliall immediately apply ourfclves to the preparing of thefe things; and, in a very lliort time, we hope, be able to prefent them unto your Majcdy : and, for the prefent, do, with all humble thankfulnefs, acknowledge your grace and favour, in alfuring us of your royal concurrence with us, and faying, that we (hall not expe6t any thing from you, but what you will be as ready to give as we to receive. And w^e cannot doubt of your Majefly's effectual performance, fince your own •princely judgment hath prompted unto you the ncceflity of doing fuch things ; and your piety and goodnefs hath carried yoi4 to a free tender of tliein to your faithful Parliament. Yott ( xliv ) You fpe^k as a gracious king ; and we will do what befits dutiful, lovit.g, and loyal fubjeds, wbo are yet more engiged to honour, and highly ellcem your Maii.fiy for your declining, as you are pieafcd to Uy, all foreign aflillance, and rather tnifl: to your people; who, Me do alTUre your Majelly, will, and do, open their arms and hearts to receive you, and will fpare neither their eliatcs nor their lives when your fervice fhall require it of them. Anu we have yet more caufe to enlarge our praifes and our prayers to God for your Majefty, that you have continued un- fliaken in yoiir faith: that neither the temptation of allurements, perAiafions, and promife?^, from fedncing Papifts on the one hand, nor the pcrjccuiion and hard "ifage from fome fediiccd and mifgiiided profelTors of the Pro'.cflant religion on the other hand, could at all prevail t:pc,n your Majcfly to make you for- fake the rock of Ifrael, the God of your fathers, the true Pro^ leftant religion, in which your Majedy hath been bred; but you have Hill been as a rock yourfelf, firm to your covenant with your and ovir (jod, even now exprelling your zea^ and zfTedion for the Proicftant religion, and your care and lludy for the propagation thereof. Thi^ hath been a rejoicing of heart to all the faithful of the land, and an a/Turance^to them that God would not forfuke you ; but, after many trials, \vhich iliculd but make you more preciotis, as gcJd out of the hre, jeilore your MajeOy unto your patrimony and people with more fplcndour and dignity, and make you the glory of Kings, and the joy of your fnbjcdis, which is, and ever (hall be, the prayer of your Mnjefly's moii loyal fuhjecls the Commons of Mngland, alTembicd in Parliament. Signed by the order and in the name of your Majefty's fub- jcds the Commons oi England, aircmbled in Parlia- ment, Har. Grimston. Speaker of the Comm.ons Houfc of Parliament. Ifejimin/!ery May 2, l66o. Letter ( xlv ; Letter of the Houfe of Lords to His Majejiy, in anjvjer io his Letter and Declaration, May i^y 1660. Moft Gracious Sovereign, XT'OUR loyal fubjecls, the Peers now aiTembled, do, with •*• all humility and thankful nefs, return their ackno\vledg- ments to your Majelty for your gracious letter and declara- tion ; and do efteem it their greateft honour that your Ma- jefty is pleafed to exprefs a confidence of their counlels and endeavours for the compofing the fad and unhappy diftrac- tions of your kingdoms ; and they owe this as their great ad- vantage, that they may now adl in difcharge of their own duty by your Majefty's command. Your Majefty's great and many fufFerings have long affecfled their hearts with deep refentments of trouble and forrow : but the fame power that ufurpcd and profaned your fceptre, diverted them of their rights and privileges, and kept them under fuch prellures and difficulties as they were rendered un- capable of ferving your Majefty, in order to thofe ends to which their duty and allegiance did engage them. It hath been their conftant defire that the nation had continued happy and innocent. But your Majefty's piety and wifdom hath (hewed you to what degree your clemency is to be extended. And we hope all your fubjeds will anfwer your Majefty's grace and favour to the utmoft point of fidelity and obedience. The Peers have a juft ground to own a more particular de- pendence and fubfervience to the throne of Majefty, not (^nly by the prefcriptions of law, but by that affeilion and duty which is fixed in their hearts upon the foundation of loyalty, which gives them the privilege to ftyle themfelves Your Majefty's Moft loyal, moft dutiful, and moft obedient, Subjeds and fervants. Signed in the name and by the command of the faid Houfe of Peers, by E. Manchester, Speaker of the fioufe of Peers pro tempore. Wejlminjier, 2,d of May^ 1660. For the Kings Moji Excellent Majefly. A7 C xlvi ) King Charles the Second's Speech to the Hotife of PeerSy jfuly 27^ 1 660, My Lords, TT7HKN 1 firft came hither to you, which was witlun iwo or tiaree days after I came to frhitchally I did, with as much earneftnefs as 1 could, both by myfelf and the Chan- cellor, recommend to you and the Houfe of Commons the fpeedy difpatch of the hOi of Indemnity, as a necefl'ary foun- dation of that fecuriiy we all pray for ; I did fince, by a par- ticular mf.!7age to the Houfc of Commons, again prefs thetn to haften that important work ; and did likewifc, by a procla- mation, pnblifh to all the kingdom, that 1 did with im- patience expe£l that the a6l fliould be prefcnted to me for my aflcnt, as the inofl: reafonable and folid foundation of that peace, happincfs, and fccurity, I hope and pray for to myfelf and all my dominions. I will not deny it to you, 1 thought the Houfe of Commons too long about that work, and, there- fore, now it is come up to you I would not have you guilty of the fame delay. I thank God I have the fame intentions and refolutions now I am here with you which I had at Breda, and believe that I owe my being here to God's blefllng upon the intentions and rcfolutions 1 then expreifed to have. 1 will read to you v. hat I then faid. ** And to the cud that the fear of punifhment may not engage any, confcious to themfelves of what is pafl'ed, to a pcrfeverance in guilt tor the future, by oppofmg the quiet and happincfs of tlieir country in the reiteration both of King, Peers, and people, to their ju(l, ancient, and fundamental riglits, we do, by thefe prefents declare, that we do grant a free and general pardon, which we are ready upon demand to pafs, under tmr great feal of England, to all our fubje(5ls, of ■what degree or quality foever, who within forty days after the publiihing hereof Hiall lay hold of tliis our grace and favour, and (ha I by any public zcx declare their doing fo, and that they return to the loyalty and obedience of good fubjcds (excepting only fuch pcrfons as Hiall hereafter be excepted by Parliament) : thofe only excepted, let all our loving fubjes to all who are worthy to be his fub- jeds, worthy to be thought Englifli!r.en ; by extending his heart, with a pious and a grateful joy, to find all his fubje£ls at once in his arms, and himfelf in theirs: and Ihall we fold our arms towards one another, and contract our hearts with envy and malice to each other, by any (harp memory of what hath been utmeighbourly and unkindly done heretofore? What is this but to rebel againfl the perfon of the King, againft the excellent example and virtue of the King, agaiaft the known law of the land, this blcffed a6l of oblivion ? My Lords and Gentlemen, The King is a fuitor to you ; makes it his fuit very hear- tily, that you will join with him in reftoring the whole nation to its primitive temper and integrity, to its old good manners, its old good-humour, and its old good nature ; good-nature! a virtue fo peculiar to you, fo appropriated to God Almighty, to this nation, that it can betranflated into no other language; hardly pra£lifed by any other people : and that you will, by your ( 10 ) your example, by the candour of your converfation, by yotif precepts, and by your pradice, and by all your interefts, teach yourntighbours, and your friends, how to pay a full obedience to this claufe of the ftatute, how to learn this excellent art of forgetfulnefs. Let them remember, and let us all remem- ber, how ungracious, how indecent, how ugly, the infolence, the fiercenefs, the brutilhnefs, of their enemies appeared to them : and we may ploufly and reafonably believe, that God's indjunatiop agalnft them, for thtir want of bowels, for their not being Englilhuien, (for they had the hearts of pagans and inndeh) fent a whirlwind in a troracnt to blow them out of the world j that is, out of a capacity to do more mifchief in the world : except we pra6life their vices, and do that our- fclves, which we pretend to deteft them for. Let us not be too much alhamed, ?s if what hath beer, done amifs proceeded from the humour, and the temper, and the nature of our nation. The aftrologers have made us a fair excufe ; and truly, I hope, a true one : all the niotions of thefe lart twenty years have been unnatural, and have proceeded from the evil in- fluence of a malignant (lar ; and let us not too much defpiie the influence of the (hirs : and the fame allrologers allure us, that the malignity of that Tear is expired ; the good genius of this kingdom is become fuperior, and hath maltered that malignity ; and our own good old (lars govern us again : and their iniiuence is fo llrong, that, with our help, they will repair in a year, what hath been decaying in twenty ; and they only ihall have no excufe from the ilar, who continue their ma!ii;nity, and oun all the ill that is pa (t to be their own, by con'inuing and improving it for th.e time to come. if any body here, or any wh.ere elfe, be too iiiuch exalted wiih what he hath done, or Avhat he hath fufFered, and from thence thinks himfelf warranted to reproach others, let him reuieir.ber the Itory of Nicephorus : it is an ex- celitnt Itory, and very applicable to fvich dillempers : he was a pious and religious man ; and for his piety and religion -was condemned to the fire. When he was led to execution, and when an old friend, who had done him injury enough, tell at his feet, and afked his pardon, the poor man was fo elated with the triumph he was going unto, with the glory of mar- tyrdom, that he rcfufcd to be reconciled unto him: upon wiiich he was difapp')intcd of 1.1s end ; and, tor this uncha- ritablenefs, the Spirit of God immediately forfook him, and he apoHatifed from the faiib. Let all thofe who are too proud of having been, as they think, lets faulty than other men, and fo are unwilling to be reconciled to thofe who have of- fended, take heed of the apodacy of Nicephorus j and that thofe ( ^^ ) thofe fumes of envy, and uncharitablenefs, and murmuring, do not fo far tranfport and intoxicate them, that they fall iaio thofe very crimes they value themfelves for having hitherto de- clined. But, my Lords and Gentlemen, Whilfi: we confpire together to execute faithfully this part of the bill, to put all old names and terms of diftindlion into utter oblivion ; let us riot find new names and terms to keep up the fame, or a worfe di(lin(flion. If the old reproaches of Ca- valier, and Roundhead, and Malignant, be cammitted to the grave, let us not find more fignificant and better words to fignify worfe things: let not piety and godiinefs grow into terms of reproach, and diftinguifh between the court, and the city, and the country ; and let not piety and godiinefs be meafured by a morofity in manners, an affeilation of gefture, a new mode and tone of fpeaking : at lead, let our conftitutions and com- plexions make us be thought of a contrary party ; and, becaufe we have not affecled aufterity in our looks, that we have not piety in our hearts. Very merry men have been very godly men ; and, if a good confcience be a continual feaft,- there is no reafon but men maybe very merry at it. You, Mr. Speaker, have this day made a noble prefent to the King: do you think, that, if you, and your worthy compa- nions, had brought it up with folded arms, downcaft looks, with fighs, and other inflances of defperation, it would not have been a very melancholy prefent ? Have not your frank and dutiful expreiHons, tliat chiCcrfulnefs and vivacity in your looks, rendered it much more acceptable, much more valuable ? No prince in Chriflendom loves a cheerful giver, fo well as God Almighty does ; and he, of all gifts, a cheerful heart : and therefore, I pray, let not a cloudy and diiconfolate face be the only, or the befl, fign of piety and devotion in the heart. I muft afk you pardon for inifplacing much of this difcourfe; which I fhould have mentioned, when I came to fpcak of the minifter's bill : they, I hope, will endeavour to remove thefe new marks of diftin6lion and reproaches, and keep their audi- tories from being iir.pq/ed upon by fuch charaiflers and defcrip- tions. The King hath palled this act very willingly, and done much to the end of this zS: before ; yet hath willingly admitted you to be fharers and partners v>'ith him in the obligation. I may fay confidently, his Majclly hath neygr denied his con- firmation to any man in poileflion, who hath alked it ; and they have all had thceffecSl of it, except fuch who, upon examina- tion and inquiry, appear not worthy of it; and fuch who, though thc-y are pardoned, cannot yet think themfelves worthy to ( 12 ) to be preferred. His Majefty well knows, tliat, by this afi, he hath gratified and obliged many worthy and pious men, who have conuibutcd mucli to his re(torat!on, and who (hall always receive frefh evidence of his Majefty's favour and kindnefs ; but he is not fure, that he may not likewife have gratified ibme who did neither eontiibute to his coming in, nor are yet glad that he is in. How comes it elfe to pafs, that he receives fuch frequent in- formation of feditious fermons in tiie city, and in tlie country; in which all indultry is uftd, to alienate the affedions of the people, and to infufe jcaloufies into them of the King, and his Government ? They talk of infrodncing popei-}', of evil counfellors, and fuch other old calumnies are pardoned by this acl of indem- nity. His Majefty told you, when he was lafl: here, what rigour r.nd fcverity he will hereafter ufe, how contrary foever it is to his nature, in thcfe cafes; and conjured you, my Lords and Gentlemen, to concur wiih him in t.'iis juft and necelTary ftve- rity : which, I am furc, you will do with your utmoft vigi- liMice ; and that vo\j will believe, that too much ill cannot befal thofe who do the bell tljey can to corrupt his Majefty's nature, and to extinguiih his mercy. My Lords and Gentlemen, I told ycu, I was to acquaint you with fome things his IVIa- jefty intends to do during this reccfs ; that you r(iay fee, he will give no intermiilion to his own thoughts for the public good, though for a time he difpenfes with your afTiltance. He doth confidcr the infinite importance the improvement of trade nnift be to tkis kingdom ; and therefore his Majefly in- tends forthwith to eflubiilh a council of Trade, confiding of fome prin."ipal merchants of the feveral companies ; to which he will add fome gentlemen of quality and experience ; and, for their greater honour and encouragement, fome of my Lords of his own privy council. In the next place, his iVTajcfty hopes, that, by a well-fettled p"3cc, and God's great bleHing upon him and you, this nation will, in a (hort time, fiourilh to that degree that the land of Ca- naan did, when Efau found it neceflary to part from his bro- ther ; for their riches were more than that they might dwell to- gether ; and the land, wherein they were, could not bear them, be^r^ufe of their cattle. We have been ourfelves very near this pinnacle of happinefs; and the hope and contemplation, tftat we may be fo again, dif- pofcs the King to be very folicitous for the improvenlent and profperity ( 13 ) profperity of his plantations abroad ; where there is fuch larg^ room for iheindultry and reception of fuch who Ihall defirc to go thither : and therefore his Majefty. likewife intends to eredl and eftablilh a council for thofe plantations ^ in which perfons well qualified will be wholly intent upon the good and advance- ment of thofe plantations. Ther-e are two other particulars, which I am commanded to mention, which were both mentioned and recommended to you by his Majefty, in his declaration from Breda : the one for the confirmation ol fales, or other recompenfe for purchafers; the other, for compofin^ thofe differences and difteirpers- in reli- gion, which have too much ciiilurbed the peace of the king- dom: two very weighty particulars! in which his Majelly knows you have fpent much time ; and concerning v/hich, he fhould have heard from you before this time, if you had not met with great difficulties in the difquifition of either. For the firft, his Majefty hath not been Vxiihout much thought upon the argument, and hath done much towards the accommodation of many particular perfons : and you fliall not be at your jour- ney's end, before his Majefty will put that bufinefs concerning fales, into fuch a way of difpatch, tliat he doubts not you will find a good progrefs made in it, before your coming together again : and I believe, the perfons concerned will be very much to blame, if they receive not good fitisfa6i:ion ; and foiue of you, who flay in town, fliall be advifed and confulted with in that fettlement. The other, of religion, is a fad argument indeed : it is a con- fideration, that muft make every religious heart to bleed, to fee religion, which fliould be the ftrongtft obligation, and cement of affection a/id brotherly kindnefs and compaftion, made now, by the perverfe wranglingsof paftionate and froward men, the ground of all animofity, hatred, malice, and revenge: and this unruly and unmanly palfion, (which, no queftion, the Di- vine Nature exceedingly abhors] fometimes, and, I fear, too frequently, tranfports thofe who are in the right, as well as thofe who are in the wrong, and leaves the latter more excufe- able than the former, when men v/ho find their manners and difpofitions very conform.able in all the necetTary obligations of human nature, avoid one another's convcrfation, and grow firfl: imfociablc, and then uncharitable, to each other, becaufe one cannot think as the other doth : and from this feparation we entitle God to the patronage of, and concernment in our fan- cies and diftindion ; anfl purely for his fake, hate one another Ijcartily. It was not fo of old, when one of the moft ancient fathers of the church tells us, that iove and charity were fo fig- nal and eminent m the primiiive chrirtians, that it even drew V admiration ( 14 ) tdmiration and envy from their adverfaries ; Fide^ inquiunt, ut inv'icem fe diligant. Their adverfaries, in that in which they moft agreed, in their very ni;.oieetition of them, had their paf- fions and animofities ^PfTtigll thenifelvcs : they were only chrif- tians that loved, ifficl cliciilhcd, and comiorted, and were ready to die for one another, ^nd tunic illi, d'lccrcnt Chrijilam., fi iioftra v'ldercut tcjnpora ? fays the inc():np:irablc Grotius. How ivouM they look upon our (harp and virulent contentions in the debates ot the chriltian religion, and the bloody wars that have proceeded from thofe contentions, whilft every one pretended to all the marks -which are to attend upon the true church ; except only that which is infeparablc from it, charity to one^ another r My Lords and Gentlemen, This difquifition hath coft the King many a figh, many a fad hour, Vvhcn he hatli confidered the almoft irreparable re- proach the Proteftant rt- ligion hath undergone, from the divifions and diftrafl ions which have been fo notorious within this king- dom. What pains he hath taken to compofe them, after feve- ral difcourfes with learned and pious men of different perfua- fions, you will (hortly fee by a declaration he will publilh upon that occafion : by which yon will fee his great indulgence to thofe who can have any pretcnfion from confcicncc to differ with their brethren : and, 1 hope, God will fo blefs the can- dour of his Majcfly, in the condefcenlions he makes, that the Church, as well as the State, will return to that unity and unanimity, which will make both King and People as happy as they can hope to be in this world. My Lords and Gentlemen, I fliall conclude with th.e King's hearty thanks to you, not only for wh.at you ha\e done towards him, which hath been very fignal, but for what you have done towards each other, for the excellent correfpondence you have maintained, for the very fcafonablc detcrence and condefcenfion you have had for each other ; whicli will rellore Parliaments to the veneration they ought to have: and, fince his Majedy knows that you all defire to pleafe him (you have given him ample evidence that you do ;) fo he hath appointed me to give you a furc receipt to attain that good end: it is a receipt of his own prcfcribing, and therefore is not like to fail : be but pleafed yourfelves, and perfuade others to be fo; contrive all the ways imaginable for your own happincf^, and you v\i!l make him the bed pleafed, and the mofl happy prince in the world. The ( 15 } In • - . . - jT^ speech of the Speaker of the IToifi of Commons to the King, Stpt. 13, 1660, the .Day of their Adjournment. Mod Gracious and Royal Sovereign, "\7"OUR Common?, the knights, citiyens, and burgelTes, have ■*■ commanded me to prefent your Majelty with the facritices of their hearts, moft himible thanks for their often and trequent admiffions unto your royal prefcnce, and for the freedom you have been plc-aied to allow them, upon all occafions, of making their wants arid dclires known unto your IVlajcity. Sir, This royal favour, and fatherly kindnefs, unto your people, hath naturalized their aftcdions to your perfon, and their obe- dience to your precepts : and as it is their duty, fo it is their defires, to manifeft and evidence the truth and reality thereof, by fupporting and upholding that grandeur and fplendor which is due to the Majefty of fo meritorious a prince, as you your- lelf: and therefore they have rcfolved, unajiatu, et nem'ine con- tradkcnte, to make up your royal Majefty's conflant and ordi- nary revenue, tvv'elve hundred thoufand pounds per annum. i3ut finding, as to fome part of the fettlement of that revenue, that there will be a neceliity of making ufe of the legillativp povi^er ; and that tlie bills, already brought into the Houfe for that purpofe, cannot pollibly be perfetfed, diipatched, and made ready for your royal aifent, until the next meeting ot your Houfes of Palliament again ; therefore they have taken into their confideration your Majefty's prefent fupply: and, firft, how to raife it in the moft expeditious way. to anfwer your Majeity's prefent occaiions ; and, then, how to lay it, "with the moii cafe and equality, upon your people : and, at laft, wrapped up their affections to vour Majclly, and the truft repofed in them by the people, in one of thefe bills here in my hand, entiiuled, An A6t for the fpeedy Railing of One hun- dred thoufand Pounds, for the prefent fupply of your Majefty, to b'j levied by way of land rate, within the fpace of one month', to begin the twenty-ninth of this infiant September, and to be paid into your Majefty's Exchequer before the end of 06lober following. Sir, . They liave likewife pafted another bill, with rules and in- flructions, to empower and diredt your commillioncrs, how, and in wiiat manner, to diftjand your army and garrifons, and to pay ofr fome part of your fleet, and to begin with thofe fliips now in harbour: but, not knowing for certain, what the monies upon the poll bill, which is dcfigned for that purpofe, will ( 16 ) tvlll be fufficient fully to defraiy that charge ; and being unwil- ling that any thing ftiould be wanting, on their parts, to pcr- fe£l and complete fo good a work, [o acceptable to your Ma- jefty, and fo grateful to all your people ^ they have paflec another ad for raifing one hundred and forty thoufand pound? , feventy thoufand pounds per menfeni, to begin the firftof No- vember, and to be paid to your Majcily's treafurers, in that bill nominated and appointed, before the twenty-fifth day of December next enfuing : both which bills I am commanded, in the name of your Commons, humbly to prefcnt your Majefty withal ; and to pray your gracious acceptance thereof, and your royal afient thereunto. Sir, There are other bills likeA\ifc, which wait and attend for your royal affent ; one entitulcd, An AS: for regulating the Bay Trade ; which is the only way to keep up the credit of that, which at tliis time is in fome danger to be loft. When the credit of trade begins to decline, the trade itfclf decays with it, and is never lone-lived after it. O Sir, Many thoufands of your people depend wholly upon that trade for tiieir li\elihood, and fultcnance of them and their fa- milies : and as the lofs of that trade would be a great damage unto your people, fo vour Majefty would likewife find the lofs of it in your cuftotns ; for that commodity hath its vent in Spain and Portugal, from whence we have always rich and quick re- turns: and to prevent the lofs of both, both prince and people, that bill is humbly tendered to your Majefty. Sir, There is another bill, entituled, An A61 for encouraging and increafing Shipping and Navigation : which will enable your Majefty to give the law to foreign princes, abroad, as your royal predeceifors have done before you : and it is the only way to enlarge your Majeftys dominions all over the world ; for, fo long as your MajcHy is mafter at fea, your merchants will be welcome wherever they come ; and that it is the cafieft way of conquering, and the chiefeft way of making whatfoever is, theirs : and when it is ours, your Majefty cannot want it. Sir, There is another bill, entitulcd. An A£l for reftoring fome Minifters into their Places, out of which they have been long and injurioudy eic(5lcd and expofed ; and for ttte confirming others in vacant places. Crazy titles need your Majefty's help, as much as crary bodies need the help of phyficians : and v/hat your Majefty hath alrtndy done, in that kind, to this Parlia- - I ' matit, ( 17 ) ment, and what you are now about to do, and what you have iEvcr exprelTed your readinefs, if we could be as ready to re- ceive, as your Majefty is to give, we hope to vanilh and banilli all fears and jealoufies oiit of men's minds for the future i and teach them howj with much confidence and conten^ednefs, to reft, and wholly rely upon your Maj.fty's grace and good- nefs, for what may be thought fiirther neceifary to be done hereafter, when a fitting opportunity iliall be oiFered, at the next meeting of your Houfes of Parliament. Royal Sir, We humbly beg your pnrdon for making thus bold with your patience ; and therefore, to pretermit, and pafs over, fome other fuch bills, which are not of fuch public concernment as thofe I have already mentioned, we moft humbly crave your Majefty's favour and leave to conclude all our work, at this time, with that which is our delight, as well as our duty, to pray for your Majefty's long life, and happy, blelfed, and prof- perous reign over us. Speech hy the Speaker of the tionfe of Comntons; Decemher 29, 1660.* Moft Gracious and Dread Sovereign, 'TpHE knights, citizens, and burgelTes, nowaflembled in Par- liament, being the reprefentative body of your Commons of England, are as conduit pipes, or quills, to convey the ftreams of your people's dutiful affections and humble defires into your royal prefence ; and, that being done, they need no Other fpeakerbut yourfelf ; for they know your (kill, and they have had experience of your will. And yet. Royal Sir, though they have nocaufe to complain, they cannot but take notice of your partiality ; for, when any thing in point of right, or but conveniency, hath fallen out to be, as w^e ufe to fay, a mea- furing caft, a difputable cafe between yourfelf and your people, without any regard or refpecl had unto your own right, or the advantage that might accrue to yourfelf by aiTerting the fame, if the good of your people hath come in competition with it, you have always caft it againft yourfelf, and given it in on your people's fide. Royal Sir, thus to undo yourfelf, to do your people good, is not to do as you would be done unto. And what can we do lefs, than, by way of a grateful retribution, cheerfully to pay • This Speech is copied from the Lords' Journals, p. 233. Vol. 1. C vour ( i8 ) your Majcfly the jiid: tribute of our dutiful obedience unto all your royal commands ; and upon all occafions readily to facri- Incefe et Jua, all that wc have or enjoy, lives and fortunes, in the fcrvice of fuch an incomparable fovereign? But, Royal Sir, it becomes not me to fill your Majefty'sears ■yiilh air. Liquet c ut te vidiom., is the only rhetoric the people ougiit to ufe to fuch a king of kindnefs, and a prince fo full of good works ; and therefore, as I am commanded, I mull humbly alVure your Majefly, that the many healing expedients propounded bv yourfelf, in your feveral moll gracious declara- tions, have been the fubjedl-matter upon which your Com- mons have wrought all this Parliament: and, in the firll place, they took into conlidcration the great and growing charges which then lay upon your people, for the pay of your army and navy: and they conceived it neceffary to begin with that part thereof next at hand, wherein your people would receive the mOit eafe, and the greateft fecurity and fatisfa6lion ; w hich w^as, the difbanding your Majefty's forces by land, and the paying off five and twenty of your fhips then in the harbour, and of no ufe : and this led them to the confideration of fuch ways and means as v\ ere to be ufcd to raife monies for that purpofe. And that for poll money being propounded and palled, fome w^ere of opinion, that that alone would have overdone the work ; others, having had experience of a former bill of the fame na- ture, and upon the like occafion, fearing it might not anfwer expectation, and being unw illing to be deceived a fecond time, cfpecially in fuch a buiinefs as this, wherein a miflake was like to prove fo penal, moved for a further fupply, which after fome debate, was agreed upon, of a two months afTefTment, at fe- vcnty thoufand pounds a month ; and both have not yet fully done the work for which they were defigned. But, with the help of two other bills here in my hand, the one entituled, ** An A<51 for the levying of the Arrears of the Twelve Months An'eiFment commencing the Four and Twentieth of June, One Thoufand Six Hiuidred Fifty and Nine, and the Six Months Alfenment commencing the Five and Twentieth of December, One Thoufand Six Hundred and Fifty* Nine," and the other entituled, *' An A6t for the further fupplying and explaining certain Defects in an A6t for the fpeedy Provi- viiion ot Money, for difbanding and paying off the Forces of this Kingdom both by Land and Sea," they hope this accompt will be fully cleared off at laft. Sir, your Commons have likewife taken into their confide- rations the charge of your fummer fleet j which, befides that • Deefl in Originali. part ( 19 ) J)art thereof your Majefty is pleafcd to take upon yourfelf for your ordinary guard of tl'.e feas, will amount unto a very great ium. And as it is a great debt, fo it is a growing debt ; in a few months it doubles. There is a faying, ^ci cito duty bis dat. 1 am fure, 'tis mod true in this cafe, ^ui cito fohit, bis folvit. To pay this debt readily, is the way to pay it but once ; and to take time to pay it, is the fure way to pay it twice. And therefore your Commons, laying afidethefad thoughts of their long fufferings, and thole miferable devaftations and pref- fures they have lain under for many years la(l pa(t, and looking upon the necefTity of affairs, which call importunately, and mull be anfvvered effedlually, have palfed another bill, here in my hand, entituled, '*An A61 for Six Months AlfelTment, at Seventy Thoufand Pounds per Menfem, to beu,in the Firft of January, and to be paid in, the One Moiety thereof before the Firft of February, and the other Moiety, being the re- maining Part, by the Firft of April next enfuiiig j" which is to be applied wholly to the paying off the arrears of your Ma- jefty's navy and army. I have three other bills in my hand, which have relation ta your Majefty's revenue, and the branches thereof; the one en- titled, '* An Acl for the better ordering the felling of Wines by Retail ; and for preventing Abufes in the mingling, cor- rupting, and vitiating of Wines, and for fettling and limiting the Prices of the fame :" and this bill is tehdered unto your Majefty, for preventingall future difputes touching the legality thereof; for we know it is your Majefty's defire, that nothing might be done, by any of your officers or minifters that a6t under you, Jinc figura juftitiip, et warranto legis. Another is entituled, *' An Aft for eredingand eftabliftiing a Poft-office :" and this, being likcwife legally fettled, will be of very great ufe to all your Majefty's people, and efpecially your mer- chants, for holding intelligence with their correfpondents, fac- tors, and agents, in foreign parts. Litera Junt indices animii and without the fafe and fpeedy difpatch and conveyance of their letters, they will never be able to time tlicir bufinefs, nor carry on their trades to an equal advantage with the merchants of other countries. The other bill provides for the increafrng your Majefty's ordinary and conftant revenue, by the grant of an import, to be taken upon ale, beer, and other beverages therein particularly mentioned and expreifed, to hold to your Majefty for life, which God long continue. And as it is the defire of your Commons that your Majefty might never be ne- ceilitated to refortto any extraordinary or unparliamentary ways and means for the raifmg of money upon your people \ fo they iikewife acknowledge it to be their duties, to fupport and up- C 2 hold, ( 20 ) Jiold, to the utmofl: of their powers, the honour and grandeur of your Majefly's royal ftate and dignity. And, for a further evidence of your Commons du'iful af- fe£tions to your Majefty's mod dear and royal pcrfon, tkey have prayed another bill, for the raifmg of feventy thoufand pounds for your Majelly's further fupply ; all which bills I am commanded humbly to prefent your Majelty withal, and to pray your gracious acceptance thereof, and your royal affent thereunto. There are other bills llkewife of public concernment, which have paired both Houfes, and do now attend upon your Ma- jefty, waiting tor your royal affent. The one is entituled, ** An A61 for the Attainder of feveral Perfons, guilty of the horrid Murder of His late Sacred Majefty, Your Royal Father, of ever-bleifcd Meinory." There is another adl, entituled, ** An Adl for Confirmation of Leafcs and Grants from Col- leges and Hofpitals :'' This will tend much to the quieting of many men's ellates, that in the late unhappy times were en- forced to renew and change their elfates much for the worfe, were it not for the favour your Majefty intends them in this bill. There is another bill to prohibit the exportation of wool, wool fells, fullers e:irth, or any other fcouring earths, woollen manufadlurcs, befides the duties they pay your Majefty for your culloms here at home, have great impolilions laid upon them in foreign parts where they arc vended : in the Low Countries, (ixteen or feventeen per cent, and in Portugal twenty per cent, at the leaft. But thofe, who for their own private bafe, filthy lucre's fake, having no regard or refpe<5t unto the public good, that fteal over the materials of which thofe manufactures arc made, pay not one penny here or there; and by that means (Irangers do make thofe manufaduresof our wool upon fuch eafy terms, that they can afford and do under- fell your merchants ; which is the occafion of a double lofs ; firft, to your Majefty in your cuftoms ; and, in the next place, to your people ; who are thereby diftieartened and difcouraged, and in a fhort time, if not prevented, will be utterly beaten out of that ancient native ftaple trade, upon which many thou- fands of families do wholly depend for all their livelihood and fubfiftence. There i< another bill, entituled, " An A£l for prohibiting the planting, fetting, or fowing of tobacco in England and Ireland." This climate is fo cold, that it never comes to any maturity or perfection ; for we find by experience, though it be never fo well heuled, made up with the greateft art and flciil that * pof- • Origin Poflible. fibly ( 21 > fibly can be, yet It is impoflible, after it is made up into the roll, to keep it, and preferve it from putrefying, above three or four months at the moft ; and therefore phyfit ians, even thofe that love it beft and ufe it moft, conclude generally, that it is unwholcfome for men's bodies. Btiides, many other great da- mages and inconveniences will follow upon it, if it Uiould be permitted : the abatement of your Majefty's cuftom ; the de- itrudlion of your plantations abroad ; the difcouraging of na- vigation ; and fo confequently the decay of fliipping, which are the walls and bulwarks of your Majefty's kingdom. There is another bill, entituled, "An A61 for the taking away the Court oi Wards and Liveries, together with Tenures in Caplte, Knights Service Tenures, and Purveyances." This bill, ex re natOy may properly be called, a bill of exchange ; for, as care is therein taken for the eafe of your people, fo the fupply of that part of your Majefty's revenue which formerly came into your treafury, by your tenures, and for your purvey- ances, is tiiereby likev/ife fully provided for, by the grant of another impofition, to be taken upon ale, beer, and other li- quors, to hold to your Majefty, your heirs and fucceffors, for ever : and that they (hould not look upon the confiderations mentioned in this bill as a full compenfation and recompcnfe for your Majefty's parting with two fuch royal prerogatives and ancient flowers of your crown, if more were not implied than is exprelTed. For, Royal Sir, your tenures in capile are not only turned into a tenure in foccage (though that alone will for ever give your Majefty a juft right and title to the labour of our ploughs, and the fweat of our brows,) but they are likewife turned into a tenure in corde. What your Majefty had before in your court of wards, you will be fure to find it hereafter in the exchequer of your people's hearts. The King of Spain's mines will fooner deceive him, than this revenue will fail you: for his mines have bottoms: but the deeper your Majefty finks yourfelf into the hearts and afFe6lions of your people, the greater you find your wealth to be, and the more invincible your ftrength. Royal Sir, we have nothing more to offer, or to afk: but muft conclude all our work this Parliament with an humble and thank- ful acknowledgment of God's infinite goodncfs and mercy, in reftoring your Majefty to your royal and imperial crown, throne, and dignity ; and for making you the reftorcr of that which isdearer unto us than our lives, our religion \ in which, through God's blefling and gracious afiiftance, we are tcfolved to live and die ; as likevvife for reftoring tis to our Magna Charta liberties, having taken the charge and care of them into C 3 youx ( 22 ) your own heart, which is our greateft fecurity, and more than athoufand confirmations. Royal Sir, you have denied us nothing we have afked this Parliament. Indeed you have outdone your Parliament, by doing much more for us than we could agree atnongfl: ourfelves to afk ; and thcretore mult needs be a happy Parliament : this is a healing Parliament ; a reconciling, peace-making Parlia- ment ; a blelTed Parliament ; a Parliament, propter cxcetlcn- tiam, that may truly be called P ar liamenu[fimum Parliamcntum. No man can fay, that hath made the molt curious fearch into b :oks or records, that there ever was fuch a Parliament as this: and it is our unfpeakable joy and comfort, that no man can fay, fo long as your Majelty lives, but vse may have fuch ano- ther ; for you have fet your royal heart upon it, to do your people good. And, as we have nothing more to fay, fo we have nothing more to do, but that which will be a-doing as long as we have a being, the pouring out ourfelves unto Almighty Gpd, for your Majelty 's long, long, Jong, and moft happy, tlelled, glorious, and profperous reign over us. His Majefiys Alofl Gracious Speech j December 29, 1 660. My Lords and Gentlemen, T WILL not entertain you with a long difcourfe ; the fum of all I have to fay to you being but to give you thanks. And 1 affure you I find it a very difficult work to fatisfy my- felf in my own exprcffions of thofe thanks. Perfun6lory thanks, ordinary thanks tor ordinary civilities, are eafily given. But when the heart is as full as mine is, it is a labour to thank you. You have taken great pains to oblige me ; and therefore it cannot be eafy for me to exprefslhe fenfe I have of it. I will enlarge no further upon this occafion than to tell you, That when God brought me hither, I brought with me an extraordinary affection and efteem for Parliaments. I need not tell you how much it is improved by your carriage towards me. You have outdone all the good and obliging a6ls of your predeceffors towards the Crown ; and therefore you cannot but believe my heart is exceedingly enlarged with the acknow- ledgment. Manjr former Parliaments have had particular denomina- tions from what they have done. They have been ftyled learned, and unlearned ; and fomctimes have had worfe epi- thets. I pray, let us all refolve that this be for ever called, *^ The healing and the blclfcd Parliament." As ( ^3 ) As I thank you, though not enough, for what you have done ; fo I have not the lead doubt, by the blelTing of God, but, when I fha]l call the next Parliament, which I fhall do as foon as reafonably you can expe6l or defue, 1 fliall receive your tlianks for what I have done fince I parted with you : tor, I deal truly with you, I fhall not more propofe any one rule to myfelf in my a6tions and my councils than this, '' What is a Parliament like to think of this adion, or this council r" And it ihall be want of underftanding in me, if ir will not bear that teft. I ihall conclude with this, which I cannot fay too often, nor you too often where you go, That, next to the miraculous blefling of God Almighty, and indeed as an immediate efFe£l of that blelTing, I do impute the good difpofition and fe- curity we are all in, to the happy Acl of Indemnity and Obli- vion ; that is the principal corner-itone which fupports this excellent building, that creates kindnefs in us to each other ; and confidence is our joint and common fecurity. You may be fure, I will not only obferve it religioufly and inviolably myfelf, but alfo exacl the obfervation of it from others. And if any perfon ihould ever have the boldnefs to attempt to per- fuade me to the contrary, he will find fuch an acceptation from me, as he would have who would perfuade me to burn Magna Charta, cancel all the old laws, and to ere£l a new go- vernment after my own invention and appetite. There are many other particulars, wliich I will not truft my own memory with ; but will require the Chancellor to fay the reft to you. After his Majefty had done, the Lord Chancellor came from his place, and kneeled down clofe by his Majelly's chair ; and received his Majefty's directions what to fay further. And being returned to his place, he faid as tolloweth : My Lords; and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Bur- geifes, of the Houfe of Commons, 'T'*HERE cannot be a greater manifeftation of an excellent teinper, and harmony of affections throughout the nation, than that the King and his two Houfes of Parliament meet with the fame affections and cheerfulnefs, the fame alacrity in their coimtenance, at the dilTblution, as when they met at the convention of Parliament. It is an unqueflionable evidence, that thev are exceedingly fatisficd in what they have done to- wards each other ; that they have very well done all the bufi- ncfs they c^me about. This is now vour cafe : you have fo C 4 ' well ( 24 ) \vell fatisfied your own confcienccs, that you are fure you have faiisfied the King's expedation, and his hope, and the defires and wifhes of the country. It was very juftly obferved by you, Mr. Speaker, '* That you have never afked any one thing ot the King, which he hath not with all imaginable checrfulnefs granted." And, in truth, his Majefly doth with great comfort acknowledge, that you have been fo far from denying him any thing he hath afked, tjiat he hath fcarce wiihcd anything that you have not granted. And it is no wonder that, having fo fully complied with your obligations, and having fo well compofed the minds of the na- t"on, you are willing to be relieved from this extraordinary fatigue you have fubmitted (o long to, and to return to the con- fideration of your own particular affairs, which you have fo long facrificcd to the public. And this reafonable wifh hath brought the King to comply with you ; and, which nothing elfe' could do, to part with you with an equal chcerfulnefs. And he makes no doubt, but all fucceeding Parliaments will pay you their thanks for all you have done; and look upon your adlions, and your example, with all pollible approbation and reverence. The King and you have given fuch earnefl to each other of your muiuil affcdion, you have been fo exadl and pundual in your proceedings towards each other, that you have made no promife, no profelhon to each other, of the making good and performing of which the world is not witnefs. You declared, at the adjournment in September laff, your refolution to fettle a noble revenue on the Crown : you have done it with all the circumflances of affc6lion and prudence. The King promifed you to eftablifli a council for trade, a council for the foreign plantations, a commifTion for compofing all difference lipou tales : all this he did before your coming together, and with very good efFcdl ; and you fhall hear that the proceedings in every one of them are more vigorous and effc£\ual after your diifolnt'.on. His Majefly then promifed you, that he would give up all l.is endeavours to compofe the unhappy differences in matters of religion, and to relfore the languilhing church to pca:e, unity, and o dc;r. Conltaniine himfelf hardly fpent fo much of his own time in private and public conferences to that purpofe. His Majefty in private conferred with the learned men, and heard all that could be fajd upon feveral opinions and interefts apart ; and then in the prefcnce of both parties, himfelf moderating in the debates fand Icfs care and ddigcnce ?nd authority would not have done the work.) And God hath fo bleffed his labour, and made his determinations in that affair fo generally agreeable, that he hath received thanks from his Houfes ( 25 ) Houfes of Parliament ; that is, from the whole kingdom. If, after all this, his Majefty doth not reap the full harveft he ex- efted from thofe condefcenfions ; if fome men, by their writing, and by their preachings, endeavour to continue thefc breaches, and very rafhly, and 1 think imconfcientioufly, keep lip the diflindions, and publicly jiiftify and maintain what hath heretofore been done amifs, and for which the A61 of Indem- nity was the beft defence ; I fhall fay no more, than that I hope their want of modefty and obedience will caufe them to be difclaimed by all pious and peaceable men, who cannot but be well contented to fee them reduced by law to the obedience they owe to law. And his Majefty is confident, that this his beloved city, towards which his heart is fo gracious, and fo full of princely defigns to improve their honour, their wealth, and their beauty, will difcountenance all thofe feditious defigns, and, by returning and fixing themfelves upon their good old foundations, make themfelves the great example of piety, of loyalty, and of hearty affeffion, to the whole kingdom. This difcourfc puts me in mind to fay to you, that though the King wonders much more at the many great things you have done, than that you left any thing undone ; yet he could have wifhed, and would have been glad, that your other weighty affairs had given you time to have publiihed your opinion and advice in the bufinefs of the militia; that the people, after fo many difputes upon that argument, might have difcerned that the King and his two Houfes of Parliament are as much of the fame mind in that as in all other things, as no doubt they arc. But, fince that could not be done, you may all affure yourfclves, that the King will proceed therein with all iirsagin- able care and circumfpedfion, for the eafe, and quiet, and fe- curity of his people. And as he did before the laft recefs, by the unanimous advice of his privy council, ilfue out his com- miflions of lieutenancy, for the fettling the militia in the feveral counties, to prevent any diforders which inany apprehended might arife upon the difl^anding the army; lo he will now again recommend it to themfelves, in fuch a pofture as may difappoint any feditious defigns which * are now on foot ; and there cannot be too much circumfpe6fion and vigilance, to fruftrate thofe defigns. You have heard of many fufpeiled and dangerous perfons which have t been lately clapped up; and it was high time to look about. His Majefty hath fpent many hours himfelf in the examination of this bufinefs; and fome of the principal officers, who, before they came to his Majefty's prefence^ * Deeft in Criginali. t Dssft in Originali. could ( ^6 ) could not be brought to acknowkdge any thing, after the King^ him felt had fpokcn to them, conieired, that their fpirits were infenfibly prevailed i:pon and fiibducd, and that it was not in their power to conceal their guilt from him. They have con- felicd, that there is a parry of the late difbanded oflicers and foldicrs, and others, full of difcontent and feditious purpofes, and a refohuii>n to atteoipt the clunge ol: the prefent govern- ment, and to erei.^ the republic. They acknowledge, that they did piirpofe to have made their attempt for the refcue of thofe wrctctics, who were fo jultly condemned at Newgate, and fo worthily executed, and that Ludlow (hould then have sppcared in the head of them ; that they made themfelves Aire, at the fame time, by parties and confederacy, to have furprifed the Tower of London, and the Caftle of VVjndfor ; bnt that they found, or at lealt apprehended, that their delign was c',if- covercd, which fo broke tlieir fpirits, that they concluded they muft acquiefce ior the prefent, and ftay till the army (hould hs difbanded; which, they faid, vv^as generally debauched, that is, returned to an honcll and fait obedience to the King j and that. it was evident they were betrayed by thofe w ho were mod en- tirely truilcd by them. And they were in the right : the King had notice of ail their defign, what progrefs it made, and the night they inter,ded to furprife the Tower and Windfor ; and g^.ve notice to the fevcral goveincrs ; and fo, without any noife, that mifchief was, by God's goodnefs, prevented. They ac- knowledge that they have fince recovered their courage and refolution, and wel-e about this time to make their full attempt. They have been promifed fome confiderable rifing in the well, under Ludlow ; and in the north, under others. But this place was the f:ene of greatcfl hope. Ihey made fure ot a body here, I think tiiey fay of two thoufand five hundred men, with which they refolved, in the firft place, to fecure (you know what that fccuiity is) the perfon of the general, the Duke of Albem.arle, with whom they have fo much reafon to be angry, and at the fame time to pofTefs themfelves of White- hall. You know tlie method ufcd in fuch poireding : kill, and take pcircfroi. And this infnpportable calamity God hath again diverted from r.s ; though I muft tell you, the poor men, who feem to fpeak honeftly, and upon the impuHion of con- fcience, are very far from being confident that there will not. be fome defperate infurredions and attempts in feveral parts of the kiui-Iom within a fhort time, which all poniblc care will be taken to prevent. And in truth this very good city fo well requires the King's abundant grace and kindnefs to it, that not only by the unwearied pains and diligence of the worthy Lord Mayor, but by the general temper and conftitution of the whole { 27 ) whole city, the difcontented and fedltloiis party (which can never be totally extirpated out ot fuch a metropolis) is like to receive little encouragement to piirfue their defperate councils. The King doth not believe that all thofe perfons who at prefent are apprehended, and in cuflody, will be found guilty of this treafon. It is a vulgar and known artifice, to corrupt inferior perfons, by perfuading them that better men are en- j;aged in the fame enterprife ; and the King will make as much hafle as he can to fet thofe at liberty againfl whom the evidence or fufpicion is not loo reafonable. in the mean time, they who in truth * are innocent, muft contefs that the proceeding towards them hath been very natural, and full of lemcncy ; and no man will wonder, if his Majclly be very defirous that in this conjuncture, and in order to prevent or fupprefs thefe too vifible diftempers and machinations, his Majefty in all places be in good order and preparation. And you -|~ may aflure yourfelves, that in the forming and conduft of it, he will have fo great a care of the eafe and quiet of his ■people, that if any perfon trufted by him fliall, through want of (kill or want of temper, fatisfy his own paffion or appetite, in grieving or vexing his neighbours, his Majefty will be [o fenfible of it, that, if it can be cured no other way, his truft fhall be quickly determined. And he is not at all referved in giving thofe animadverfions and reprchenfions when there is occafion, and his ears will be always open to receive thofe complaints. My Lords and Gentlemen, You are now returning to your countries, to receive the thanks and acknowledgments of your friends and neighbours for the great things you have done, and to make the burdens you have laid upon them eafy, by convincing them of the in- evitable necefTity of their fubmitting to them. You \\i\\ make them fee that you have proceeded very far towards the fepara- tion, and even divorce, of that neceility frorh them, to which they have been fo long married ; that they are now reftorcd to that bled'ed temper of government, under which their ancef- tors enjoyed fo many hundred years that full meafure of felicity, and the mifery of being deprived of which they have fo fen- fibly felt ; that they are now tree from thof-^ midnight alarms, with which they have been terrified ; and rife c\u of their beds at their own healthy hours, without being ^"aluted with the death of a hufband, a fon, and friend, mifeiably killed the • Deed in Originali. f Origii^. make. night ( 28 ) jijght or the day before, and with fuch circunifianccs killed, as improved the nvifery beyond the lofs itfelf : this enfranchife- ment is worth all they pay for it. Your Lcrdlhips will eafily recover that edimation and reverence that is due to your high condition, by the excrcife and practice of that virtue from whence your honours firlt fprang ; the example of your jufticc and piety will inflame the hearts of the people towards you ; and from your practice they will make a judgment of the King hiinfelf. They know very well, that you are not only admitted to his prefence, but to his converfation, and even in a degree to hjs triendlhip ; for you are his great council. By your example they will form their own manners, and by yours ihey will make a guefs at the King's. Therefore, under that obligation, you will caufe your piety, your juftice, your af- fability, and your charity, to fhinc as bright as is polFible be- fore them. They are too much in love with England, too partial to it, who believe it the beft; country in the world ; there is better earth, and a better air, and a better, that is, a warmer, fun, in other countries : but we are no more than jufi, when we fay that England is an inclofure of the beft people in the v/orld, when they are well informed and in- ftru£led ; a people in fobriety of confcience the moft devoted to God Almighty ; in the integrity of their affetlions, the mod dutiful to the King ; in their good manners and inclina- tions, moft regardful and loving to the nobility ; no nobility in Europe fo entirely loved by the people ; there may be more awe, and fear, and terror of them, but no fuch love towards ihem as in England, I befcech your Lordfhips, do not un- dervalue this love. They have looked upon your Lordfhips, ar.d they will look upon your Lordlliips again, as the greateffe examples and patterns of duty to the King, as the greateft fecurity and proteftion from injury and injuftice, and for their enjoying whatfocver is due to them by the law, and as the raoif proper mediators and interpofers to the King, if, by any failure of juftice, they (hould be expofed to any opprefllon and violence. And this exercife of your juftice and kindnefs to- "wards them will make them the more abhor and abominate that parity upon which a commonwealth muft be founded, becaufe it would extirpate, or fupprefs, or deprive them of their beloved nobility, which are fuch a fupport and fecurity to their full happinefs. And you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, you * are now returning to your country, laden with a truft not in- ierior, or lefs weighty, than that you brought from thence, Deeft in Origina|i. You ( 29 ) Yoxi came \ip their deputies to the King, and he returns you now his deputies to them ; his plenipotentiaries, to inform and aihire them, that he thinks himfelf the happieft and the greatefl: Prince of the world ; not trom the fituation of .his dominions and the power of his great navy, with which he can viiit his neighbours and keep them from vifiting him, or from the noble revenue you have fettled upon him, which he will improve with all good hufbandry ; but from being pof- feifed of the afFe£tions and hearts of fuch fubjeds ; that he doth fo entirely love them, and depend upon them, that all his adions and all his councils (hall tend to no other end, but to make them happy and profperous ; that he thinks his ho- nour and his interell principally to coniift in providing for, and advancing, the honour and intereft of the nation. That you may have the more crevlit in what you fay, he will not take it unkindly if you publifh his defedls and infirmities. You may tell them, that he is fo confident in the multitude of his very good and faithful fubje£ls, that he is very hard to be perfuaded, that his few ill and unfaithful fubjeds can do him much harm; that hefomuchdepends upon the affection of honeft men, and their zeal for his fecurity, that he is not fo folicitoiis and vigilant for his own fafety as he ought to be, amidft fo many combinations, of which he is fo well informed, that his fervants, who with grief and anguilh importune him not to take fo little care of his own fafety, can obtain no other an- fwer from him than what Csfar heretofore gave to his jealous friends, Mori fe malle^ quam tlmcri^ or timers ; he will die any death rather than live in fear of his own fubjeds, or that they (hould in fear of him. You may tell them, as a great infirmity, that a troubled and difcontented coimtenance fo afflids him, that he would remove it from them at his own charge, as if he himfelf were in the fault ; and when he hath been in- formed of any lefs kind or jealous thing faid amongft you, as your windows are never fo clofe (hut but that the found of your words goes to the feveral corners of the town, his Ma- jefty hath been heard to fay no more, but, *< What have I donei I wi(h that gentleman ,-ind I were acquainted, that I.e knew me better." Oh ! Gcntitmen, you cannot be yourfclves, nor you cannot make your friends too zealous, or too jealous, for fuch a Prince's fafe'y, or too folicitous for fuch a Prince's fatisfadion and conteni , to whom we may very juflly fay, as the king of Tyre writ to Solomon, *' Becaufe God hath loved h!. people, he hath made thee king over them." Everi his very defedls and infirmities are very necelTary towards the full meafure of our profperity. My ( 3<=> } My Lords and Gentlemen, God hath enabled us w invert one argument, \vlilch, I hope, may to a good degree repair the much mifchief it hath, heretofore done. It hath been urged very unreafonably, yet fuccefciully urged, in the worfl: times, << That it was not taith, but prefumption, to expeft that God vv'ould reftore a family, with which he feemed to have a controverfy, and had humbled fo far ; that he would ever countenance a party, that he had fo much dlfcountenanced, and almoft dePiroycd." We may now much more reafonably, and therefore, 1 hope, as effec- tually, prefs the miracles that God Almighty hath lately wrought tor King and People, as an evidence that he will not again eafily forfake them. We may tell thofe who are ufing all their endeavours to embroil the nation in new troubles, That it is not probable, that a nation againft which God feemed thefe late years ,to have pronounced his judgment in the very language of the prophet, '* Go, ye fwift meiiengers, to a na- tion fcattered and peeled, to a people terrible from the begin- ning hitherto, to a nation rooted out and trodden down, whofc land the rivers have fpoiled, the Lord hath mingled a per- verfe fpirit in the midll thereof ;" that he fliould reduce that perverfenefs to the grcatelt meeknefs and refignation ; that he Ihould withdraw his judgments from this nation, and in a moment reffore it to all the happinefs it can wifh ; and to no other end but to expofe it to the mercy and tury of a few dif- contented perfons, the worll of the nation, is not eafy to be believed. We may tell thofe who ftill contrive the ruin of the church, the beft and the bell:-rtformed church in the Chriftian world, reformed by that authority, and with thofe circumftances, as a reformation ought to be niade, that God would not fo ml- raculoully have fnatched this church as a brand out of the fire; would not have raifcd it from the grave, after he had fuffcrcd it to be buried fo many years, by the boifterous hands of pro- phane and*, fact ilegious perfons, under its own rubbifh, to ex- pofe it again to the fame rapine, reproach, and impiety. That clWirch, which delights itlelf in being called catholic, was never fo near expiration; never had fuch a rcfurretStion. That fo fmall a. pittance of meal and oil ihould be fufficient to pre- ferve and nourifli the poor widow and her family fo long, is very liitlc more mitraculous, than that fuch a number of pious, Jearned, and very aged bifliops, fhould fo many years be prc- ^fcrved, 'u\ fuch wonderful (Iraits and opprelhons, until they fhould j-lentifiillv provide for their own fuccellion : that after fuch a deep deluge of facrilcge, prophanenefs, and impiety^ ^ had ( 3- ) had covered, and to common underftanding fw^allowcd it up, that that church fhould again appear above the waters ; Gud be again ferved in that church, and ferved as he ought to be ^ and that there lliould be Hill fome revenue left, to fupport and encourage ihofe uho ferve him ; nay, that many ot thofe who feemcd to tliiiil after that revenue till ^hey had poirelTed it, fhould confcientioufly reftore what they had taken away, and become good fons and willing tenants to that cliurch they had fo lately fpoiled ; may make us all pioufly believe, tha:t God Almightly would not have been at the expcnfe and charge of fuch a deliverance, but in the behalf of a cliurch very acceptable to him, and which fhall continue to the end of the world, and againfl which the gates of hell fliall not be able to prevail. '^■ We m.ay tell thofe defpcrate wretches, who yet harbour in their thoughts wicked defighs againi'l the facred peifon ot the King, in order to the com.palling their own imaginations, that God Almighty would not have led him through fo many wilderneiles of affli6lions of all kinds, conduced him through fo many perils by fea and perils by land, fnatched him out of the midft of tliis kingdom when it was not worthy of him; and when the hands of his enemies were even upon him ; when they thought themfelves fo fure of him, that they vronld bid fo cheap and vile a price for him ; he would not in that article have fo covered him with a cloud, that he travelled even with fome pleafure, and great cbfervaiion, through the midff of his enemies ; he would not fo wonderfully have new- modelled that army, fo infpired their hearts, and the hearts of the whole nation, with an honcft and impatient longing for the return of their dear Sovereign, and, in the mean time, have fo exercifed him (which had little lefs of Providence in it than the other) with thofe unnatural, or at lead unufual, difrefpeds and reproaches abroad, that he might have a harm- lefs and an innocent appetite to his own country, and return to his own people, with a full value and the whole unwafted bulk of his afFe Alcibiades was condemned by the public juftice of the ftate, and a decree made, that tlie religiotii;," the priefts, and the nuns, ftiould re- vile and curfe Jiim, iioutly refufed to perform that office, fay- ing, ♦* That llie was profeflcd religious, to pray and lo blefs, not ( 39 ) not to curfe and ban.'* And if the perfon and the place can improve and aggravate the offence, as no doubt it doth both be- fore God and Man, metliinks the preaching rebellion and treafon out of the pulpit Ihould be as much worfe than the ad- vancing it in the market, as the poifoning a man at the com- munion would be worfe than killing him at a tavern : and it may be, in the catalogue of thofe fins, which the zeal of fome men declares to be againfl the Holy Ghoft, there may not be any one more reafonably thought to be fuch, than a minifler of Chrift's turniiig rebel againfl his prince, which is a mofl no- torious apoil:acy from his order ; and his preaching rebellion to the, people as the dodlrine of Chrift, adding blafphemy and pertinacy to his apoftacy, hath all the marks by v/hich good men are taught to know and avoid that fin againfl the Holy Ghofl, If you do not provide for the thorough quenching thefe firebrands \ King, Lordr, and Commons, fhall be their meaneil fubje£ls, and the whole kingdom kindled into one ge- neral flame. My Lords and Gentlemen, When the King fpake lafl in this place before this day, he faid, " When he fliould call the next Parliament, he fhould receive their thanks for what he had done fince he had diffolved the lafl ; for (he faid) he fliould no more propofe any one rule lo hirafelf, in his adlons or his councils, than this. What is a Parliament like to think of this adlion, or of that council ? And that it (hould be want of underflanding in him, if it would not bear that tefl :" he told you but now, " That he values himfelf much upon keeping his word, upon performing all that he promifes to his people." And he hath the worfl luck in the world, if he hath not complied with this promife, and if his underflanding hath failed him in it. It was in a very little time after the dilTolution of that Parliarnent, his Majefly giving himfelf a few days to accompany his royal mother to the fea fide, the only time he hath flcpt out of this town near thefe twelve months, that the mofldefperateand prodigious rebellion brake out in this city, that hath been heard of in any age ; which continued two or three nights together, with the murder of feveral honefl citizens. Let no man undervalue the treafon becaufe of the contemptiblenefs of the number engaged in it. No man knows the number ; but, by the multitude of inter- cepted letters from and to all the counties of England, in which the tirne was fet down wherein the work of the Lord was to be done, by the defperate carriage of the traitors themfelves, and their bragging of their friends, we may conclude the com- bination reached very far. And in truth we may reafonably D 4 believe. ( 40 ) believe, that if tlie undaunted courage, and the indefatigable induftry of the Lord Mayor, who defervcs to be mentioned be- fore King, Lords, and Commons, and to be efteemed by them, had not prevented it ; I fay, it is probable this fury would not have been extinguilhed, before this famous city, or a great part of it, had been turned into afiies. If you inquire what the King did upon this unheard-of pro- vocation, what vengeance he took upon thofe whofe profelfed and avowed principle was, not to diftinguidi between him and another man, na}-, to kill him fooncr than any other man, you will find (as was faid of Caefar) that libcnt'ius vitam v'l^or jam darct, quam viB'i accipcrcnt\ that his mercy hath been no lefs ob- ftinate than their malice and wickednefs ; that few perfons have fuffered j and that he hath reftrained the law from being fevere to many, who at the fame time continue their guilt, and undervalue his compafTion ; that there hath not been a week fince that tim.e^ in which there have not been combinations and confpiracies formed againll: his perfon, and agaiiifl the peace of the king- dom, which before this tifne would have taken effeft, if God had not put it into the hearts of fome who were trufted in the councils, to difcover the defign time enough for prevention. And upon all thefe alarms, and the interception of fuch letters^ as would in all other countries have produced the rack for fur- ther difcovcries, and under the late .government in this would have ereded high courts of judice for their punifl^ment, he hath left the oftlnders to the judges of the law, and thofe judges to the precife forms and ordinary rules of the law. My Lords and Gentlemen, If the new licence and corruption of this time hath exceeded the wickednefs of former ages, that the old laws have not enough provided for the punifhment of wickednefs they could not forefee or imagine ; it will become your wifdoms to provide new remedies for new difeafes, and to fecure the precious per- fon of our dear fovereign from the firft approaches of villany, and the peace of the kingdom from the firft overtures of fcdi- tion. If you will not provide laws to do it, the King will not do any thing extraordinary, even towards his own prefervation. .You fee the rule by which he hath walked ; and as he hath made good his proniife to you, fo, I doubt not, you will make good his prophecy, and that he Jhall receive thanks for what he hath done 41 nee he was lafl here. He hath told you now what he hath done ; that he is refolved to marry, and rtfolved whom to marry ; which, 1 believe, is the raoft grateful news that the whole kingdom hath longed for, or ( 41 ) or could receive, from the firft day of his landifighere. And when they Ihall know the great deliberation he hath ufed before that refolution, and the circiimfiances in refolving it, they will fiirely have caufe to confefs, that never King, in the difpofal of liimfelf in marriage, took fo great care for the good and felicity of his people. < Within a very fhort time after his landing in this kingdom, fie was moved by the ambaflador of Portugal to renew a treaty between that crown and the ufurper ; a treaty in very many re- fpedls the mod advantageous to this nation that ever was entere twice ( 47 ) twice five years : liberty they called it ; but it was Lihertax quidlibet audcndl. Your loyal Tubjeds were a prey to wolves and tvgers ; and to the molt cruel ot' all bealts, unreafonable men. Every man did what feemed good in his own eyes ; for in thf>f{ days there was no King in our Ifrael. But, as the former fpirit of reformation at firfl: brought us into this mifery, fo the fpirit of giddinefs, which God fent amongit our reformers, at length cured us. The bi.'a2en fer- pent was the beft cure for thoie that were bitten by the fiery ferpent. The divlfions and fubclivifions of thofe that exercifed doniinion over us, weakened their own power, and ftirred up the hearts, and flrengthened the hands, of your loyal fubje6ls, to reftore our ancient government, and to bring your Sacred Majefty back to your royal throne in peace, as, to the joy of all our hearts, we fee it this day. Tills was the v\'ork of God, and it is admirable in our eyes. And as we have caufe at all times to blefs God, that he hath thus brought your Vlajefty to your people ; fo we have juft caufe at this time to return our hearty thanks unto your Ma- jefty, that you have thus brought your people to yourfelf. The fun exhales the vapours from the earth, and fends them down again in fhowers of plenty. So we, to our great joy, do find that our obedience and affection to your Majefty are re- turned upon our heads, in plenty, peace, and protection. The laft meeting here in Parliament was happy, in healing the bleeding wounds of this nation. They were blefled alfo, even for their works fake. Your facred Majefly did blefs them ; and therefore they ftiall be bleffed to all pofterity. But, Sir, we hope you have a bleiling left for us too. That was your Parliament by adoption, but this is your's by birth- right. This Parliament is free-born. T hope this honour will beget in us an emulation to exceed the ailinns of our predecef- fors ; and not only to meet your Majefty as our fovereign with the duty of fubjefts, but with the love of fons to a moft indul- gent father. Next to the glory of your Majefty's royal throne, I cannot but obferve the brightnefs of this fecond orb. This firmament is richly deckt with ftars of feveral magnitudes ; each ftar ap- pears like the morning ftar, and yet each ftar differs from another in glory. You cannot want commanders, either by fea or land, to manage your defigns, whilftall thefe fons of Mars ftand can- didates to ferve you in the wars. You cannot want counfellors, to advife you in the great af- fairs of the nation, whilft all thefe rtatefmen, fenators, each fit to ( 4B y to be a conful, contend who fliall mod cafe you in the thorny tares of the government. Ai?i;dil thefe noble Englifh barons are placed the reverend judges of the land, the fagcs of the law ; men fo learned and expert in the cuftoms and ftatutes of this land, that if Wat Tyler, or Jack Cade, or the new fanatics of this latter age, had biirned our books, they were able to reflore our laws in pu- rity and ijjprfc»ilion. And ntxt to thefe, though in a lower orb, appear the wor- thy knights, the prudent citizens and burgcfTcs, of the Houic of Commons, being the third eitate of Parliament. When the fame of Solomon's wifdom had hlled the neigh- bouring nations, the Qi»een of Sheba could not contain herfelf at home ; but, with many camels, laded w^ith fpices, with gold, and precious itones in abundance, Ihe comes to Solomon, to coaimuiie with him of all that was in her heart. Great Sir, whilft this your native country was unworthy of you, foreign nations were made happy in the knowledge of your perlbn, your piety, and your wifdom. And now the Lord our God hath brought you home, and fct you on your throne, your lubjecls long to fee you. V/hat itriving and rejoicing was there, at your firft landing, lo fee our rifing fun 1 What iiriving was there, at your coronation, to fee the im- perial crown fet upon your royal head! What ftriving hath there lately been, in all the counties!, cities, and boroughs of this nation, who fhould be fent up ta hear your wifdom, and confer with you in Parliament ! Royal Sir, thefe chofen worthy m.efTengers are not come empty-handed ; they are laden, they are fent up to you heav)^ laden, from their feveral counties, cities, and boroughs. If the afte6lions of all Englilhmen can make you happy ; if the riches of this nation caa make you great ; if the ftrength of this warlike people can make you conlidcrable at home and abroad ; be alhired, you are the greateft monarch in the world. Give me leave, J befeech you, to double my v»ords, and fay it again, 1 Vv^ilh my voice could reach to Spain, and to the Indies too, you are the greateft monarch in the world. I fear your royal patience may be tired. I will therefore fpeak no more my own words ; but,' in the name of the Commons uf England, humbly prefent unto your Majefty their accuf- tomed petitions vvhen firfl they are aflembled in Parliament, zi'.d fo conclude : pjrft, I do befeech your Majeftyj that, for our better at- tendance on the important fervice of the Houfe, our- felvcs. ( 49 ) fcive?, and our neceflary fervants, may be free, in our perfons and eftates, from all arrefts and troubles. 2. That, debate and difputes being necelfary to the dif. quilition of many matters in the Houfe, your Majeliy will be pleafed to vouchfafe us liberty and freedom of fpeech ; which, I doubt not, we fhall ufe with loyalty and fobriety. 3. That, if the great affairs require it, your Majefty, upon our humble fuit, will vouchfafe us accefs to your royal perfon. 4. That the proceedings of the Houfe may receive a benign interpretation, and be free at all times from mif- conftru6lions. The Speaker's fpeech being ended, the Lord Chancellor again conferred with His Majefly ; and anfw^ered, Mr. Speaker, 'T^HE King is well pleafed with your obedience, and that you have fo cheerfully fubmitted to undergo that province the Houfe of Commons hath defigned you to : he promifes himfelf and the King as great fruit and benefit from your joint fervices, as ever any of his progenitors received from a Speaker and a Houfe of Commons. The King did his part, by publifliing the very day he intended the Parliament fhould meet, a good, time before the writs were fealed ; by fending out rhe writs much longer than was neceflary before the day of meeting, that the country might not be furprifed in their eledions, but that they might fend up fuch, as he might make a clear view and profpedl of the afFeftions and tiefires of his people ; and he is perfuaded that the Commons of England were never more ex- actly reprefented than they are at prefent, in you, the knights, citizens, and burgelTes. And yet I have a very particular com- mand from his Majefty to tell you, which in truth he meant to have faid to you himfelf the other day, and which he hopes you will not take ill in point of privilege, that his Majefty takes notice, indeed he cannot chufe but take notice, of one ill cir- cumftance in many eledions, which he imputes rather to the vice of the times, a vice worthy your feverity, than to any corrupt intention ; that is, excefs of djinking, which pro- duceth that other fcandalous excefs in the expence. His Ma- jefty doth very heartily recommend it to your wifdom, for the honour and dignity of Parliaments, that you will take fome courfe to prevent this inconvenience for the future ; and if you Vol. 1. E thiiak ( so ) think fit to call for any help from him towards it, you will be fureto have it. You have made, Mr. Speaker, a very lively defcription of the extravagancy of that confulion which this poor nation groaned under, when they would throw off a government they had lived and profpered under fo many ages, indeed from the time of being a nation, and which is as natural to them as their food or their raiment, to model a new one for themfelves, which they knew no more how to do, than the naked Indians know how to drefs themfelves in the French fafliion ; when (as you fay) all ages, fexes, and degrees, all profefTions and trades, would become reformers, when the common people of England would reprefent the Commons of England ; and ab- je6l men, who could neither write nor read, would make laws for the government of the mod heroic and the mod learned na- tion in the world ; for fure none of our neighbours will deny it to have a full excellency and perfe£lion both in arms and let- ters. And it was the groffeft and moft ridiculous pageant that great impoilor ever expofed to public view, when he gave up the nation to be difpofed of by a handful of poor mechanic per- fons, who, finding they knew not what to do with it, would (he was fure) give it back to him again, as they fhortly did, which makes his title complete to the government he meant to exercife ; no man undervalues the common people of England, who are in truth the bed and the honefteft,* aye, and the wifeft common people in the world, when he fays they are not fit to model the government they are to live under, or to make laws they are to obey. Solomon tells us, there is a time when one man rules over another to his own hurt ; we have had abundant inftances of fuch a time. It is the privilege, if you pleafe, the prerogative (and it is a great onej of the common people of England, to be reprefented by the greateft, and learnedefl, and wealthieft, and wifeft perfons, that can be chofe out of the nation ; and the confounding the Comtr.ons of England, which is a noble reprtfentative, with the common people of England, was the iirft intiredicnt into that accurfed dole, which intoxi- cated the brains of men with that imagination of a common- wealth ; a commonwealth, Mr. Speaker, a government as in)poHible for the Ipirit and temper and genius of the Englilh nation to fubmit to, as it is to pcrfuade them to give their cattle and their corn to other men, and to live upon roots and herbs themfelves. I willi heartily that they who have been mofl de- lighted with that imagination, knew in truth the great benefit tjrider the government. There is not a commonwealth in Eu- • Origin. I. rope, I ( 51 ) rope, where every man that is worth one thoufand pounds doth not pay more to the government than a man of a thoufand pounds a year did ever to the crown here before thefe troubles. And I am perfuaded that monfter commonwealth co(t this na- tion more, in the few years fhe was begot, born, and brought up, and in her funeral (which was the beft expenfe of all,] than the monarchy hath done thefe fix hundred years. You have well done, Mr. Speaker, in taking notice of the great efleem the King hath of the memory of the laft Parliament. He takes all occafions himfelf to do it ; and it deferved ir at his hands : but as the wifeft father takes joy in the liopes his heir will be wifer than he, and the greateil monarch in the hopes tiiat his fuccelTor will be greater than he ; and if the fouls departed teel any joy upoH what is done in this world, it is in the cafe of fuch an heir, fuch a fuccelTor ; fo, you may be confident, the ghoft of the deceafed Parliament will be much delighted, much exalted, to fee your actions excel theirs, and your fame exceed theirs. It was a blelfed Parliament ; but there are other and greater blefiings referved for you. They began many things which you may have the happinefs to finilh ; they had not time, nor opportunity, to begin many things which you may have the honour to begin and finifh. They invited his Majefiy home, reftored him to his throne, and monarchy to the nation* It will be your glory, fo to eftablifli him in hio power and great- nefs, fo as to annex monarchy to the nation, that he and his pofterity fhall be never again forced to be abroad, that they be invited home, nor in danger to be reftored; fo to rivet mo- narchy to the hearts, and to theunderftandings of all men, that no man may ever prefume to confpire againft it. Let it not fuffice that we have our King again, and our laws again, and Parliaments again : but let us fo provide, that neithea King, nor laws, nor Parliament, may be fo ufed again. Let not our monarchy be undermined by a fifth monarchy, nor men fuf- fered to have the protedion of a government they protefs to hate. Root out all anti-monarchical principles ; at leaft, let not the fame ftratagems prevail againft us. Let us remember how we were deceived ; and let not the fame artifices over-reach us again. Let King, and church, and country, receive more and greater advantages, by the wifdom and induftry of this Parliament. Let trade abroad and at home be encouraged and enlarged, all vices and excelfes be reftrained and abolilhed, by new laws and provifions ; let profitable arts and induftry find fo great encouragement, that all thriving inventions may , be brought from all parts of the world to enrich this kingdom, and that the inventors may grow rich in this kingdorn. And upon this argument of encouraging induftry, I have a com- E a mand ( 52 ) mand from the King, to recommend to you the encouragement or prefcrvation of a great work of indullry, in which the ho- nour and iniereft of the nation is more concerned than in any work this age hath brought out, it may be in any nation ; and that is, all the dniiningsiu England, which have given us new countries upon our own continent, and brought an ineflimable benefit to the King awd people, an a£l of creation making earth, and mending air by wit and induftry. Let no way- wardnefs in particular pcrfons, or confidcration of private and particular advantage, give dilhnbance to works of fo public a nature, much lefs dcftroy fuch works; but provide out of hand for the upholdiug and fupporting them by fome good law, in which due care may be taken for all particular interells, when the public is out of danger. I have but one defire more, Mr. Speaker, to make to you from the King, to which the feafon of the year, as well as your iuclinations to gratify him, will difpofe you ; and that is, that you will ufe fuch expedition in your councils of mofl im- portance, that the reft may be left to a recefs in the winter, after an adjournment ; that his Majefty may have time to be- ftovv himfelf upon his fubjecls in a progrefs, which he would be glad io begin before the end of July. I have leave to tell you the progrefs he intends ; that he defires again to fee his good ', city of Worccfter, and to thank God for his deliverance there, and to thank God even in thofe cottages, and barns, and hay- lofts, in which he was {heltered, and feafted, and preferved ; and in the clofe of that progrefs he hopes he fhall find his queen in his arms, and fo return to meet you here in the beginning of winter. Mr. Speaker, all your petitions are very grateful to the King, You and your fervants, in your perfons and eftates, are free from all arrcfts or molcltations. Your liberty and free- dom of fpeech is very willingly granted to you. When you would repair to his Majefty, you Ihall be welcome. And his Majefty will be fo far from jcaloufy of your adlions, that he believes it is impollible for him to be jealous of you, or you of him ; and if you pleafe, he will make it penal to nourilh that unwholefome weed in any part of the kiaigdom. J Letter ( 53 ) A Letter to Hn Majifiy from the E/iates of Parliament in Scot- land, Jent by His Jilajcjly to the Lords and Commons, May 20, 1661. For the King's moft Sacred and Excellent Majefty. Moft Sacred Soveran, npHE many and great bleffings which this your Majefty's an- cient kingdom does now enjoy, under the adminillration ot your royal authority, and the deliverance they have thereby from the miferies, bondage, and tyranny, of thofe twenty-three years troubles, have fo ravifhed the fpirits of all your good fub- je6ls with joy and admiration, that, in a fenfe of their bypaft failings, and prefent duties, we are obliged, in difcharge of our confciences and truft, to aifure your Majefty, that this kingdom doth conceive it their happinefs, above other nations, to live under the government and prote6lion of fo religious, fo wile, and fo gracious a prince ; and will be zealous, that the returns of their duty and allegiance Oiall be fuitable thereunto; being ready, at all occafions, to hazard their lives and fortunes : in the maintenance of your Majefty's authority and govern- ment, in its prefent conftitution ; and in every other thing, that may concern your Majefty's royal power, prerogative, and greatnefs ; by which alone the liberties, freedom, and juft interefl, of your people can be fecured. And fmce your Majefty hath been pleafed to declare your gracious acceptance of our weak, but faithful endeavours, which we are obliged unto, in difcharge of that duty we owe to God, and to your Majefty, and for vindicating of the ho- nour and juftice of that glorious martyr, your royal father, and our native and dread foveran of bleffed memory, we are thereby encouraged, as your great council, to reprefent to your Majefty, that we conceive it necelfary, for your own honour, for the advancement of your fervice, and for fecuring a firttl and lafting peace to your people, that two hundred horfe, and fome foot, for the neceifary garrifons, be kept on pay: and that, befide thefe, there be a militia of fome troops, fettled upon confiding perfons, in the feveral counties of the kingdom. And it is our humble defire, that, for the further endearing the affeftions of your people, and for completing of their happinefs by your confidence in ihem, your Majefty may be pleafed to order, that all the forces to be made ufe of within this kingdom may confift of natives; and that all other may be removed. And, becaufe many of our late troubles were occafioned, cither by the too muc)i countenance given to difaifeded pei;- E 2 fojiii ( 54 ) I fons, who employed the royal favours, and crown revenues, bellowed upon them, for keeping up thofe troubles, or by the unltreightncfs of fome public minilters, we are confident your Majefty will have fpecial regard, in the difpenfing of favours and trufts, to fuch as have been and are faithful to the royal interefts ; which will be a great fatisfa£lion to the generality and body of this kingdom, who are fo loyal and affedlionate to your Majefty's intereft, as there is no reafon either to fear or flatter any who are othtrvvife difpofed. And, that your Majefty may have the more full account of our actings, and of the condition of this kingdom, and your affairs in it, we have, with the allowance of your commiffioner (v/hofe loyalty, prudence, and faithfulnefs, in this his truft, and in a more full and legal afferting of the royal power, than in any age formerly, doth much above what we are able recom- mend to your Majefty's fpecial favour': made choice o'f the Earl of Glencairne, your chancellor, and the Earl of Rothes, pre- fident of your council, who have been eminently inftrumental in your fervice here, to wait upon your Majefty; and do humbly recommend them, and their employment, to your fa- :, vourable acceptance ; expedling fuch a gracious return, as may be an eltablifhment to your Majefty's authority and fervice, and an encouragement to all honeft men ; and, among them, to Your Majefty's moft humble, moft faithful, moft. obedient fubjeds and fervants. The eftates of your Parliament of Scotland, Edinburgh, Jpril 24, 1661. A Letler fromh'is Majejlyy^ "June 11^ 1 66 1. To our trufty and well-beloved Sir Edward Turner, Knight, Speaker of our Houfe of Commons : to be communicated to the Houfe. Charles Rex. 'TPRUSTY and well-beloved, we greet you well. At the- opening our Parliament, you were told, that we had a ' great defire this fummer to make a progrefs through fome parts of our kingdom , which we refolve to begin, in devotion, to our city of Worcefter, that we may pour out our thanks to God for our deliverance there ; and the feafon of the year quickens us in that inclination, as we prefume it difpofes you to a defire to withdraw from this city, and to vifit your coun- tries : but you may remember, we told you then, that we had caufec^ < 55 ) caufed fome bills to be prepared for you, for confirmation of what we enaded at our lafl: meeting : and we faid all we could to you, of the value we fet upon the A61 of Indemnity, as we have great reafon to do ; and if we could have ufed ftronger exprefTions to have conjured you fpeedily to have dif- patched it, we affure you we would have done it. And we did think, what we faid would have made an inipredion in all, who profefs a defire to ferve us ; and therefore we expe£led every day, that the fame bill would have been prefented to us, for another aflent. We muft confefs we hear, you have fhewed great affedion to us, fmce your coming together; and that you have already prepared and paffed fome very good bills (for which we heartily thank you) that are ready for the royal affent : yet we cannot but tell you, that though we are enough concerned to expedite thofe bills, we have no mind to pafs them, till the A61 cf Indemnity be likewife prefented to us ; upon which (if you take our word) moll of our quiet and good depends ; and in which, we are fure, our honour is concerned -: thereof we muft again, and as earneftly as is pollible, conjpre you, to ufe all pofllble expedition in the pafling that a£l, in the fame terms we already pafled it ; to which we take ourfelves obliged ; and that you will, for the prefent, lay afide all pri- vate bufmefs, that fo, betaking yourfelves only to the public, you may be ready to adjourn by the middle of the next month, which will beft fuit with all our occafions. And fo, not doubting of your readinefs to comply with us in thefc our juft and neceflary defires, we bid you heartily farewel. Given at our court at Whitehall, the twenty-firfl: day of June, 1661, in the thirteenth year of our reign. WILLIAM MORICE. Speech by the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons y July 8, i66l» May it pleafe your mod excellent Majefly, 'TPHE writ of fummons, whereby your Majefty was pleafed to call together the knights, citizens, and burgefles, of the Commons' Houfe of Parliament, gave us to underftand, " That your Majefty had divers weighty and urgent matters to com- municate to us ; fuch as did concern your royal perfon, your ftate and dignity, the defence of the kingdom, and the church of England ; and in the fame method propounded to us by your Majelty, we have applied ourfelves to offer you our beft coun- fel and advic?." E^ Wf ( 56 ) We have found your Majefty miraculeufly preferved, by the hand of God, from the hands of your enemies : we found you peaceahly feated in the throne of your anceftors ; we found the hereditary imperial crown of thcfe nations aufpicioufly fet upon your royal head : and all this after a (harp and bloody civil war. We held it our duties, in the firft place, to endeavour the fafety and prefervation of your Majeity's perfon and govern- ment j and to that purpofe have prepared a bill. Next to the fafety of your Majcfty, we took into confidera- tion the ftate and power that is neccflary for fo great a prince ; and do hope ere long to fettle your militia fo, that, by the blefling of God, you need not fear ftorms from abroad, or earthquakes here at home. Your Majefty was pleafed, at the opening of the Parliament, to recommend unto us two bills ; one, for confirming of pub- lic ads ; another, for the private a6ls that palled the laft Par- liament. They were fc many in number, and great in weight, that hitherto we could not confider of them all : but fome we have perufed; the A£t for Confirmation of Judicial Proceed- ings ; for taking away the court of wards and liveries, and purveyances ; and alfo all thofe that do relate to your Majefty's cuftoms and cxcife. And, that we might with fome cheerfulnefs fee your Ma- jefty's face, v.e have brought our brother Benjamin with us : 1 mean, your Adl of Oblivion : I take the boldnefs to call it your's, for fo it is by many titles ; your Majefty firft conceived it at Breda. You helped to contrive and form it here in Eng- land ; and, we muft all bear you witncfs, you laboured and travailed till it was brought forth : and fince it had a being, fome queftion being made of its legitimation, your royal heart is not at * eafe until it be confirmed. And now, Sir, give me leave to fay, by the fufirage of a full, a free, and legal Parlia- ment, it is prefented to your Majefty, to be naturalized. Your Majefty's clefires are fully anfwered by all the reprefentatives of the people : and their hearty prayer to God is, that all your fubjeds may be truly thankful to you ; and that vour Majefty may long live to enjoy the fruits of this unparaJieled mercy. Your Majefty v/:is pleafed to intimate to us on Saturday laft, That you fo valued the quiet and fatisfadion of your people, and the keeping of your royal uord with them, that, although divers other bills were madeready for you, you would vouch- fafe the honour to this bill alone, your favourite, to come and • Origin, Eafy. pafs ( 57 ) pafs it. Sir, hereby you have made this a great holiday ; and we (hall obTerve it with joy and thankfgiving. Upon fuch folemn feftivals, there ufeth to be a fecond fervice, an anthem, and a colled, or at leaft an offering. My anthem ftiall be, ^uld tibi retribuamy Domlne ? And my collecV, a (hort report of your revenue. We know, great Sir, that money is both the finews of war, and bond of peace. We have, therefore, taken care of your Majefty's revenue ; and do defire to make it in fome good proportion , fuitable both to your grandeur and your merit. We do believe, the ftate of our King is the honour of our ftate ; and the bed way to preferve our peace, is to be well provided for war. Our time hath not permitted us to finifh this work ; but, as an earneft ot our good affediions, we defire your Majelly to accept an offering from us. We cannot enough admire your Majefty's patience, provi- dence, and frugality abroad. You did not bring home a debt for us to pay, great as a prince's ranfom. And fince your re- turn, you have not, with King Edward the Third after his wars in France, or Henry the Fourth, Henry the Seventh, or Henry the Eighth, defired new and great aids, and heavy fub- fidies, from your people for your fupplies. No, Sir ; you have been fo far from afking, that part of the money which was given you lafi: Parliament for your houfehold provifion, you have itfued out towards payment of our debts; ypu have robbed your own table (I had ahnoft faid given the meat out of your own belly) to feed the hungry feamen. Dear Sir, thefe thmgs have a juft influence upon the people ; they fill our hearts with joy and afFedlion to your Maielly. 1 do not pretend much to phyfiognomy ; but, if I miftake not greatly, the faces of the people do promife great franknefs and cheerfulnefs in your prefent fupplies. What would not your Majefty's friends have given, within thefe eighteen months, to have feen your Majefty thus happily fettled? And what can be too much for thofe to return, who have received all they enjoy from your Majefty's mercy. Great Sir, to conclude this folemn fervice ; the Commons of England do, by me their fervant, humbly prefent you with ^h is bill, intituled, '< An Ad for a free and voluntary Prefent i" and wifh it a fuccefs anfwerable to your royal heart's defire. After ( 58 ) After this, his Majefty was pleafed to make a very gracious fpcech, as foilovveth : My Lords and Gentlemen, IT is a good time fmce I heard of your pafling this bill for money ; and I am furc you would have prefcnted it to m© fooner, if you had thought 1 had defired it : but the truth is, though I have need enough of it, 1 had no mind to receive it from you, till I mi^ht at the Came time give my aHent to this other very good bill that accompanies it, for which I longed very impatiently. I thank you for both with all my heart; and tijough there are other good bills ready, with v\ hich you %vill eafily believe I am very well pleafed, and in which 1 am • indeed enough concerned, yet I chufe rather to pafs thefe two bills together, and to pafs them by themfelves Avithout any other, that you may all fee, and in you the whole kingdom, that I am at haft equally concerned for you and tbem, as for myfeif : and in truth it will be want oi judgment in me, if I ever defire any thing for myfeif, that is not equally good for you and them. 1 am confident, you all believe that my well- being is of fome ufe and benefit to you ; and I am fure your ■well-being, and being well pleafed, is the greateft comfort and bleffing I can receive in this world. I hope you will be ready within few days to difpatch thofe other public bills which are ftill depending before you, that I may come hither and pafs all together, and then adjourn till winter, when what remains may be provided for : and I would be very glad that you would be ready by the twentieth of this month, or thereabouts, for the adjournment ; which methinks you might eafily be, if you fufpended all private bufinefs till the recefs. The laft Parliament, by God's bleffing, laid the foundation of the happincfs we all enjoy ; and therefore I thought it but juflice to the memory of it, to fend you bills for the confirmation of what was ena6led then ; and I cannot doubt but you will difpatch what rcrnains of that kind with all convenient fpeed ; and that you will think, that what was then thought necelfary or fit for the public peace to be enaiSed, J ought not to be fliaken now, or any good inan lefs fecure of what he polfelfes, than he was when you came together. It is to put myfeif in mind as well as you, that I fo often (I think as oiten as I come to you) mention to you my declaration from Bre:la : and let me put you in mind of another declaration, pubiKhed by yourfelves about the fame tiine, and which, I am perfuaded, made mine the more efi^edual ; an honed, generous, ziA Chriftian declaration, figned by the moft eminent perfons, >vhQ» ( 59 } •who had been the moft eminent fufferers, in which you re- nounced all former aiiimofities. all memory of former unkind- nelfes, vowed all imaginable good-will to, and ail confidence in, each other. My Lords and Gentlemen, Let it be in no man's power to charge me or you with breach of our word or promife, which can never be a good ingredient to our future fecurity. Let us look forward, and not back- ward ; and never think of what is paft, except men put us in mind of it, by repeating faults we had forgot; and then let us remember no more than what concerns thofe very perfons. God hath wrought a wonderful miracle in fettling us as he hath done. I pray let us do all we can to get the reputation at home and abroad of being well fettled. We have enemies and enviers enough, who labour to have it thought orherwife; and ii we would indeed have our enemies fear us, and our neigh- iiours love and refpeil us, and fear us enough to love us, let us take all the ways we can, that, as the world cannot but take notice of your extraordinary affedlion to me, and of the com- fort I take in that afFedtion, fo that it may likewife take notice of your afFe6lion to and confidence in each other ; which will difappoint all defigns againft the public peace, and fully eila- blilh our joint fecurity. np] speech hy the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons^ July 30, 1 66 It May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, *HE wife men tell us, There is a time to fow, and a time to reap. Since your Majefty did convene the knights, citizens, and burgelTes of the Commons Houfe of Parliament, they have with unwearied labour confulted for the fervice of your Majefty, and the good of this nation ; and now the fields grow white to harveft. In the great field of nature all fruits do not grow ripe together ; but fome in one month, fome in another : one time affords your Majefty primrofes and violets ; another time prefents you with July-flo vers. So it- is in the courfe of our proceedings : fome of our fruits aie in the blof- fom, when others are in the bud ; fome are near ripe, and others fit to be prefented to your Majefty. Amongft the num- ber of our choiceft ripe fruits, we firit prefent you with a bill for the fafety and prefervation of your Majefty 's royal perfon and government. Your predccelfor Qiieen Elizabeth, of famous memory, in the thirteenth year of her reign, by Pius Quintus, then biihop of ( , 6o ) of Rome, was excommunicated and anathematized. John Felton ported v:p a bull at the Bifliop of London's palace, "whereby fhe was declared to be deprived of her title to the kingdom, and all the people of this realm abfolved from their allegiance to her ; the Qiieen of Scots was then a prifoner in England ; and the Duke of Norfolk, for many defigns againft our Qiiecn, committed to the Tower. Hiftorians tell us, the times were very troublefome, full of fufpicions and confpira- cies. But, Sir, what then was only feared, hath in our time been put in execution. No age hath known, no hiftory makes meniion of, fuch fad tragedies. It therefore now becomes your people, after this glorious reftitution, to endeavour all juft ways of prefervation. The Queen, in her time of trouble 'and danger fummoned a Parliament ; and fuch was the love of the people to her and her government, that they forthwith made a law for her fe- curity. According to which precedent, we your loyal Com- mons alfo, who have before them no lefs caufe of fear, but more obligations and affedlion to your Majefty, do humbly tender you a bill, wherein we defire it may be enabled, ** That if any perfon fhall compafs, imagine, or defign, your Majefly's death, deftrudlion, or bodily harm, to imprifon or reftrain your royal perfon, or depofe you, or fhall levy war againfl your Majefty within or without your realm, or ftir up any foreign power to invade you, and fhall exprefs or declare fuch his wicked intention, by printing, wrilingj preaching, or malicious and advifed fpeaking, being thereof legally convided, (hall be adjudged a traitor." And, becaufe much of our late mifery took its rife from feditious pamphlets, and fpceches from the pulpits, it is pro- vided, *' That if any man (hall malicioully and advifedly publifh or affirm your Majefty to be an heretic, or a papift, or that you endeavour to introduce popery, or (hall ftir up the people to hatred or diflike of your royal perfon or government, then every fuch perfon (hall be made incapable of any office or employment either in church or ftate ; and if any man fhall maliciouOv and advifedly affirm, that the Parliament begun at Weftminfter the third of November, 164.0, is yet in being, or that kny covenant or engagement fmce that time impofed upon the people doth oblige them to endeavour a change of the go- vernment either in church or ftate ; or that either or both Houfcs of Parliament have a legiflative power without' your Majefty ; then every fuch offender, being thereof legally con- vitled, (hall incur the penalties of z premunhef mentioned in the ftatute made 16 R. 11." Ill ( 6i ) In the riext place, Sir, give me leave, I befeech you, Cwith- out any violence to the Ad of Oblivion,) to remember a fad effecl of the diftempers in the laft age. When the fever began to feize upon the people, they v.ere impatient till they loft fome blood. The Lords Spiritual, who in all ages had enjoyed a place in Parliament, were by an a£t of Parliament •xcluded. Your Majefty's royal grandfather was often wont to fay, " No bifhop, no King." We found his words true ; for, after they were put out, the fever ftill increafing, in another fit the Temporal Lords followed, and then the K ing himfelf. Nor did the humour reft there ; but, in the round, the Houfe of Commons was firft garbled, and then turned out of doors. It is no wonder, when a fword is put into a madman's hand, to fee him cut off limb by limb, and then to kill himfelf. When there is a great breach of the fea upon the low grounds, by the violence of the torrent, the rivers ot fweet waters arc often turned afide, and the fait waters make them- felves a channel ; but when the breach is made up, good huf- bands drain their lands again, and reftore the ancient fewers. Thanks be to God, the flood is gone off the face of this ifland. Our turtle dove hath found good footing. Your Ma- jefty is happily reftored to the government ; the Temporal Lords and Commons are reftored to fit in Parliament. And ihall the church alone now fuffer ? Sit ecclejia AngUcana libera^ et haheat libertatesfuas dlafas. In order to this great work, the Commons have prepared a bill to repeal that law * which was made in 17 Caroli, where- by the bifhaps were excluded this houfe : thefe noble Lords have all agreed ; and now we beg your Majefty will give it life. Speak but the word, great Sir; and your fervants yet (hall live. We cannot well forget the method, how our late miferies, like waves of the fea, came in upon us : firft, the people were invited to petition, to give colour to fome illegal demands ; then they muft remonftrate, then they muft proteft, then they muft covenant, then they muft aftbciate, then they muft engage againft our lawful government, and for the maintenance ot the moft horrid tyranny that ever was invented. For the prevention of this pradice for the future, we do humbly tender unto your Majefty a bill, intituled, << An Ad againft Tumults and Diforders, upon Pretence of preparing or prefenting pub- lic Petitions, or Addrelfes, to your Majefty or the Parliament." • Deed in Originali. In ( 62 ) In the next place, we held it our duty to undeceive the peo- ple who have been poifoned with an opinion, that the militia, of this nation was in themfelves, or in their reprefentatives in Parliament ; and, according to the ancient known laws, we have declared the fole right of the militia to be in your Ma- jefty. And forafmuch as our time hath not permitted us to finilh a bill intended for the future ordering of the fame, we Ihall prefent you with a temporary bill, for the prefent ma- naging and difpofing of the land forces ; and likewife another bill for ellablifhing certain articles and orders for the regula- tion and government of your Majelty's navies and forces by fea. According to your Majefty's commands, we have examined many of the public and private bills which palfed lad Parlia- ment ; and have prepared fome bills of confirmation. We have alfo afcertained the pains and penalties to be impofcd upon the perfons or eftates of thofe milcreants who had a hand in the murder of your royal father of bleffed memory, and \\ere therefore excepted in your Majefty's A& of Oblivion ; wherein we have declared to all the world, how juft an indig- nation we had againft that-horrid regicide. ' We have likewife prepared a bill for the colleftion of great arrears of the duty of excife ; which I do here, in the name of the Commons, humbly prefent unto your Majefty. The reafon, we conceive, why it was not formerly paid, was be- caufe the people dillikcd the authority whereby it w^as impofed. But, underftanding that it is now given to your Majefty, it will come in with as great freedom; aliquifque malo erit ujus in illo. Your Majefty v,as plcafcd, at the opening of the Parlia- ment, to tell us, '* That you intended this fummer to take a progrcfs, and fee your people, and at your return did hope to bring a queen home with you." Sir, this welcome news hath made us caft about all ways for your accommodation. And therefore, that no con\'eniencies might be wanting, either f^r your Majefty, your queen, or your attendants, we have prepared a bill, intituled, " An Art providing nccelfary Carriages in all your Royal Progreftes and Removals." Your Majefty was likewife pleafed, at our firft meeting, to fay, *' You would not tire us with hard duty and hot fervice ; and therefore about this time intended a rccefs." That royal favour will now be very reafonable ; and we hope advan- tageous both to yf)ur Majefty and ourfelves : we know, in our abfence, your princely heart and head will not be free from cares and thoughts of our prote6lion ; and when we leave our " hive, like the iinhiftrious bee, wc fliall but fly about the feveral i< countries ( 63 ) countries of the nation to gather honey; and, when your Ma- jefty (hall be pleafed to name the time, return with loaded thighs into our houle again. After this, his Majefly was pleafed to make this following fpeech : ?v^y Lords and Gentlemen, T PERCEIVE, by this thin appearance of the members of both Houfes this day, that it is high time to adjourn. In truth, the feafon of the year as well as your particular affairs require it ; and therefore 1 do willingly confent to it, I thank you for the many good bills you have prefented me >vith this day ; of which, 1 hope, the benefit will redound to the whole kingdom. I thank you for the care you have taken for the fafety of my perfon-; which, trufl me, is the more valuable to me, for the confequence, I think, it is of to you. And, upon my confcience, there is nobody wifhes ill to m.e, but they who would quickly revenge themfelves of you if they could. I thank you for the care you have taken of yourfelves, of your own fafety and honour, in the a6l againft timiults and diforders upon pretence of petitions ; to which licence we owe much of the calamities we have undergone : but I thank you with all my heart, indeed as much as I can do for any thing, for the repeal of that a£l which excluded the bifliops from fitting in Parliament. It was an unhappy act, in an unhappy time, paffed with many unhappy circumrtances, and aitended with mlferable events; and therefore I do again thank you for repealing it. You have thereby reftored Parliaments to their primitive inftitutions : and I hope, my Lords and Gentlemen, you will in a fhort time reftore them to the primitive order, and gravity of debates and determinations, which the licence of the late diftempered times had fo much corrupted ; which is the only way to reftore Parliaments to * their primitive veneration with the people, which I heartily wilh they ftiould always have. My Lords and Gentlemen, You are now going to your feveral countries ; where you cannot but be very welcome, for the fervices you have per- formed here. I do very earneftly recommend the good go- vernraeot and peace of your countries to your care, and your * Origin, its. counfel. ( H ) counfcl, "and your vigllancy. There arc diftcmpcred fpirits enough, which lie in wait to do mifchief, by laying reproaches upon the court, upon the government ; reproaches upon me, and reproaches upon you. Your wifdoms and reputation and authority will, 1 doubt not, weigh down their light credit ; and the old and new good laws will, I hope, prevent any mif- chief they intend. However, you have done very well (and I do very heartily thank you for it) in declaring my fole right over the militia ; the qucfiioning of which was the fountain from which all our bitter waters flowed. I pray, make hafte to put the whole kingdom into fuch pollure, that evil men, who w ill not be converted, may yet chufe to be quiet, becaufe they find that they fliall not be able to do the harm they defire to do. I know you have begun many bills in both Houfes which cannot be finifhcd till your meeting again : and, that they may be finifhed then, I forbear to make a feflions now ; but am contented that you adjourn till the twentieth of November, when I hope, by God's blellmg, we fhall come happily toge- ther again. In a word, my Lords and Gentlemen, I thank you for what you have done ; and am confident, that what you have left luidone you will difpatch, with all alacrity, and ^to all our fatisfadions, at our next meeting. And fo you may adjourn till the twentieth of November. I I ITis Majcjiys Afojl Gracious Speech ^ "November 20, l66i. My Lords, and Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons. KNOW the vifit I make you this day is not neceflary, is not of courfe : yet, if there were no more in it, it would not be Orange that I come to fee, what you and I have fo long defired to fee, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and the Com- mons of England met together, to confult for the peace and fafety of church and ftate, by which Parliaments are reftored to their primitive luftre and integrity: I do heartily congratu- late with you for this day. But, my Lords and Gentlemen, as my coming hither at this time is fomewhat; extraordinary ; fo the truth is, the occafion of my coming is more extraordi- nary. It is to fay fomething to you on my own behalf, to alk fomewhat of you for myfelf ; which is more than I have done of you, or of thofe who met here before you, fince my coming into England. I needed not have done it then ; and, upon my confcience, I need not do it now. They did, and you do, upon all occalions, exprefs fo great an affedlion and care ( 65 ) care of all that concerns me, that I may very well refer both the matter and manner of your doing any thing for me, to your own wifdoms and kindnefs. And indeed, if I did think that what 1 am to fay to you now did alone or did mod concern myfelf ; if the uneafy condition I am in, if the ftraits and necelhties I am to flruggle v. Ith, did not manifeftly relate to the public peace and falety, more than to my own particular, otherwife than as I am concerned in the public, I Ihould not give you this trouble this day. I can bear my neceflities which merely relate to myfelf with patience enough. Mr Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I do not now importune you to make more hafte in the fet- tling the conrtant revenue of the crown, than is agreeable to the method you propofe to yourfelves ; to dehre you ferioufly to conflder the unlupportable weight that lies upon it ; the obligations it lies under, to provide for the intereft, honour, and fecurity of the nation, in another proportion than in any former times it hath been obliged to : but I come to put yoii in mind of the cr) ing debts which do every day call upon me ; of fome neceifary provifions which are to be made without delay tor the very fafety of the kingdom ; of the great fum of money that fliould be ready to difchargc the feveral fleets when they come home ; and for the necelfary preparations that are to be made for the fetting out new fleets to fea againft the fpring, that revenue being already anticipated upon as impor- tant fervices which fliould be aiiigned to thofe preparations. Thefe are the prelling occafions which I am forced to recom- mend to you with all pofhble earneftnefs, and to conjure you to provide for as fpeedily as is pofhble, and in fuch a manner as may give us fecurity at home, and fome reputation abroad. I make this difcourfe to you with fome confidence, bccaufe I am very willing and defirous that you fhould thoroughly exa- mine whether thefe necedities I mention be real or imaginary; or whether they arc fallen upon us by my fault, my own iil- inanagery or excefles, and provide for them accordingly. I am very willing that you make a full infpe6lion into my re- venue, as well the diAouifcments as receipts ; and if you find it hath been ill-managed by any corruption in the officers I trtjft, or by my own unthriftinefs, I Ihall take the information and advice you (liall give me very kindly : I fay, if you find it; for I would not have you believe any loofe difcourfcs, how confidently foever urged, of giving away fourfcore thoufand pounds in a morning, and many other extravagancies of that kind, 1 have much more reafon to be ferry that I' have ;iot Vol. I. F to ( 66 ) to rewai'd thofe \rho have ever faithfully ferved the King my father and myfclf, than alhamed of any bounty 1 have exer- cifed towards any man. My Lords and Gentlemen, I am forry to find that the general temper and afFcflions of the nation are not fo well compofcd as I hoped they would have been, after fo fignal blcllings trom God Almighty upon us all, and after fo great indulgence and condefcenfions from me towards all interelts. There are many wicked inftnmients, ftill as active as ever, .who labour night and day to dilhirb the public peace, and to make all people jealous of each other. It will be worthy of your care and vigilance, to provide proper remedies for the difeafes of that kind ; and if you find new difeafes, you muft lludy new remedies. Let us not be dif- couraged : if we help one another, we fhall, with God's blef- fing, marter all our difficulties. Thofe which concern matter^ of religion, I confcfs to you, are too hard for me ; and there- fore I do commend them to your care and deliberation, which can bell provide for them. I {hall not need to recommend, or put you in mind of, the good correfpondence that ought to be kept between you, for the good of yourfelves and mc, and the whole kingdom ; and 1 may tell you, it is very neceifary for us all. You will find, whoever doth not love me, doth not love you ; and they who have no reverence for you, have little kindnefs forme. There- fore, I pray, let us adhere faft to each other ; and then we ihall, with the help of God, in a fhort time, per fuade or oblige all men to that fubmiilion and obedience to the law, as may conftitute a full meafure of happinefs to prince and people, and perfuade our neighbours to that efteem and value they have formerly had for us. Speech hy the Speaker of the Houje of Commons ■, December 20, i66i. May it plcafe your mod Excellent Majefty, 'T^HE laft time the knights, citizens, and burgeiTes of the ■*■ Commons Houfe of Parliament had the honour to wait upon you in this place, your Majelly was gracioully pleafed to congratulate with thtm, for the glorious meeting of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons of England, in this your full, free, and legal Parliament. Great Sir, it is our prefent comfort, and will be our future glory, that God hath made us initrumeiital for the repairs of thofe ( 67 ) tliofe breaches which the worfl: of times had made upon the belt of governments. The late great eclipfe in our horizon, occafioned by the interpolition of the earth, is now vaniftied ; the {tars in our firmament arc now full of light ; the light of our moon is become like the light of the fun; and the light of our fun is fevenfold. A man that fees the river of Thames at a high water, and obferves how much it finks in a few hours, would think it running quite away ; but, by the fecret providence of God, we fee that when the ebb is at the lowell, the tide of a rifing water is nearefl: the return. Your Majefty was likev/ife gracioufly pleafed to fpeak fome- thing to us on your own behalf; and did vouchfafe to fay, you would afk fomething for yourfelf ; withal declaring fome uneafmefs in your condition, by reafon of fome crying debts which daily called for fatisfadlion. Great Sir, I am not able to exprefs, at the hearing of thofe words, with what a fympathy the whole body of the Parlia- ment was prefently affeded. The circulation of the blood, of which our naturalifts do tell us, was never fo fenfibly de- monftrated as by this experiment. Before your Majefty's w^ords were all fallen from your lips, you might have feen us blufh: all our blood came into our faces; from thence it hafled down without obftru6lion to every part of the body ; and, after a due confulting of the feveral parts, it was found ne- ceffary to breathe a vein. We cannot forget how much our treafure hath been ex- haufted ; but we remember alfo, it was by ufurping and tyran- nical powers ; and therefore w^e are eafily perfuaded to be at fome more expence to keep them out. The merchant tells us, it is good policy, in a troubled fea, to lofe fome part of our cargo, thereby to fave the reft. With your Majefty's leave, we have been bold to look into the prefent ftate of affairs ; and find thofe great fums that have been heretofore advanced upon us were raifed moft of them in bad times, and for ill purpofes, to keep your Majefty out of this your native kingdom ; and when your Majefty returned home from your long banifhment, you found the naval ftoj«houfe unfurniftied, which will not eafily be fupplied. The unfettled humours, and unquiet fpirits, that are amongft us, do neceftitate a coftly guard for your royal perfon ; the ho- nourable acceftions of Dunkirk, Tangier, and Jamaica, do at prefent require a great fupply ; but, we have reafon to believe, in time to come, will repay this nation their principal with good intereft. F Z Your ( 68 ) Your Majefty hath fent a royal fleet upon a happy errand, to bring your royal confort hither: and is there any Englifli- man will ilick to pay the wages of thofe mariners, whofe fhips do bring fo good freight ? Upon all thcfe confiderations, your loyal Commons were in pain, until, like prudent and good hufband?, they had redeemed the nation from all its public debts. And that your Majcity may at once have a full meafurc of their duty and affeclion to vourfelf, and that your neighbours abroad, as well as the dif- contented commonwealth's men with all their complicated intercrts here at home, may fee the happy correfpondence that is between our head and all the members of this body politic; ■we have cheerfully and unanimoully given your Majeiiy twelve hundred and thrcefcore thouland pounds; which fum we defire may be levied in eighteen months, by fix quarterly payments, after the rate of feventy thoufand pounds per menfem, to begin the five and twentieth of this prefent December ; in order whercunto, we humbly pray your Majefty's royal aifent unto this bill. After this, his Majefty was pleafed to make this fhort fpeech following : Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the Houfe o^ Commons, YOU have made me this day a very great and a very noble prefent ; a prefent that I have received benefit from al- ready, before you prefentcd it : for, truft me, the benefit is not fmall, which I an! you both have already, from the repu- tation of this prefent, from the alacrity and affcvSlion you have fo unanimoufly exprefled in this affair. My Lords and Gentlemen, I do thank you with all my heart for it ; and T M'ill not en- large thofc thanks further, than by telling you, that I do not come more willingly this day to pafs this bill, than I will do to pafs any other bills which you fhall provide for the eafe, benefit, and fcciirity of my people ; and I do verily believe that you and I fliall never be deceived or difappoinlcd in the cxpedation we have of each otU.er< Speech ( 69 ) Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, May 19, 1662. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, 'T^HE glorious body of the fun doth exhilarate the foul of man with its light, and fructify the earth by its heat. In like manner, we, the knights, citizens, and burgeflfes of the Com- mons Houfe of Parliament, do, with all humility and thank- fulnefs, acknowledge thefe frequent accelTions to your royal prefence do both comfort our hearts, and influence our a6lions. Geographers do tell us, the land of Egypt is a dry foil, but made fertile by the overflowing of the river Nilus ; and, ac- cording to the degrees of the flood, the inhabitants doprognof- ticate the fruittulnefs of theenfuing^year. If it flows to twelve degrees, it prefages a good harvefl: ; if to thirteen, then more plentiful ; but it to fourteen degrees, their hopes are raifed to an expectation of an abundant increafe. Great Sir, Your return into this nation in the twelfth year of your reign refembles the flowing of the river Nilus in the twelfth degree, That year was crowned with the enjoyment of your royal per- fon. The laft year, being the thirteenth year of your ?viajclty's reign, we were made happy in your coronation, and by your fanction of many good and ufeful laws, both for the church and itate. And now our river Nilus begins to flow fourteen degrees, we are, by the mercies of God, in an humble expectation of a great jubilee. Our gracious Qiieen is now happily landed ; who, we do hope, and daily pray, may prove a fuitablc com- panion to your royal perfon, and, ere long, a nurfing mother to this nation. If your Majefty but pleafe to cafl: your eyes upon the table, and behold the great number of bills that there prefent them- felves before you, like fo many flicaves of corn bound up and ready to be houfcd ; and will vouchfafe to fee how both my hands are filled with no light prefents from your loyal Com- mons ; and if your royal Majefly, the great lord cf the har- veft, (hall vouchfafe to crown this day by your gracious concef- lions to our defires, the world will then fee how great a duty your people cheerfully pay both to your royal perfon and your government ; and likewifc how great a zeal your Majefty hath, by the faithful advice of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, afl'embled in Parliament, to fettle the church in her ancient glory, and to refl^ore the haj^ipy people of this nation to their ancient rights and privileges. Some foreign writers, that envy the happinefs of our govern- ment, injurioufly afperfe this nation with a reproachful faying, F 3 "That ( 70 ) '< That the crown of England is only maintained by the bene- volence of the people ; which never is granted, but in exchange of fome royal prerogative." Great Sir, We knovi^, the ftrongefl: building mud fall, if the coupling pins be pulled out : therefore our care hath been to prepare fuch conftitutions, that the prerogative of the crown and the pro- priety of tlie people may, like fquared ftones in a well built arch, each fupport the other, and grow the clofer and ftronger for any weight or force that fhall be laid upon them. We cannot forget the late difputing age, wherein moft per- fons took a liberty, and fome men made it their delight, to trample upon the difcipline and government of the church. The hedge being trod down, the foxes and the wolves did enter; the fwine and other unclean beads defiled the temple. At length it wasdifcerned, the Smedlymnian plot did nor only bend itfelf to reform ceremonies, but fought to creft a popular authority of elders, and to root out epifcopal jurifdiction. In order to this work, church ornaments were firft taken away ; then the means whereby diftindlion or inequality might be upheld amongft ecclefiaftical governors ; then the forms of common prayer, which as members of the public body of Chrift's church were enjoined us, were decried as fuperlHtious, and in lieu thereof nothing, or worfe than nothing, introduced. Your Majefty having already reftored the governors and go- vernment of the church, the patrimony and privileges of our churchmen ; we held it now our duty, for the reformation of all abufes in the public worfhip of God, humbly to prefent unto your Majefty a bill for the uniformity of public prayers and adminiftration of facraments. We hope the God of order and unity will conform the hearts fif all the people in this nation, to ferve him in this order and uniformity. Next to the worfhip and fervicc of God, we applied our- fclves to the fettling our great concern, the militia. We have already, according to our duties and the laws, declared the fole right of the militia to be in your Majefty : and now, with your permilTion, we humbly tender your Majefty a bill for the better regulation and ordering the ftanding forces of this nation ; ' wherein we have taken care to make all things fo certain, that your Majefty 's lieutenants and their deputies may know what to command, and all the people learn how to obey. Andbecaufc our late wounds are yet but green, and poftibly, before the body politic be well purged, may incline to break out again, whereby your Majefty may be forced to draw your fword before your treafury be fuppiied with money ; we have eonfented ( 7^ ) confented that your Majefly may raife, for the three next en- fuing years, one month's tax in each year, after the rate of feventy thoufand pounds per menfem, if nccedlty ihall fo re- quire. Jn the next place, according to your Majefty's commands, we have furveyed the wafted revenue of the crown ; and, in purfuance of our promifes, do humbly propound "unto your Majefly a fair addition. We confidercd, that great part of your Majefty's revenue is but for life ; and both that, and alfo part of the reft, depends upon the peace, the trade, and traffic of the nation, and therefore may be much impaired by wars with foreign nations. This put us upon the fearch of fome- thing that might arife within our own walls, and not to be fub- ]c^ to fuch contingencies. We pitched our thoughts at lafl upon thofe places where we enjoy our greateft comforts and fe- curitieSj our dwclling-houfes; and, confidering even that fecu- rity is fecured unto us by your Majcfty's vigilance and care in the government, we have prepared a bill, whereby we defire it may be enacted, that all houfes in this kingdom, which are worth in yearly value above tweniy fliillings, and not inhabited by almfmen, may pay unto your Majefty, your heirs and fuc- celTors, two (hillings yearly for every chimney-hearth in each houfe for ever. When the great Ahithophels of our latter age had by force raviJhed the venerable laws of this nation (and abfurdo dato, fer- quuntur m'llle \) then every petty artift in his way, yea, eveji the very common beggars, had the confidence to offer violence to their chaftity. . We have therefore been conftrained to prepare fcveral bills for the regulation of trade, our cloathing trade, our fifhing trade, our trade for ftuffs, our trade for filks ; and, for the better maintenance of intercourfe in trade, to reinforce our former laws for maintaining the highways, with fome additions for decency and pleafure of travellers. God, in his providence, hath determined, that poor we muft have always with us : fome are made fo by the immediate hand of God ; others by their loyalty, duty, and fervice of your royal pcrfon and your blefled father; otheri by their own wickednefs and idlcnefs. We have taken care to relieve the firft, to encourage the fecond, and to reform the lall. Nor hath the cafe of any private perfon been unwelcome to us. Thofe many private bills that lie before your Majefty do enough confirm this truth, that where we found it juft and honourable, we have denied our helping hand to ^lone that prayed it. F 4 Aft4 ( 72 ) And now, great Sir, after thefe many months moft painful and faithful fervice of your Majefly and our countries, we hope we Ihull have leave to go home, to vifit our relations, to tell our neighbours what great things your Majefty hath done for us ; what great things (abjit in-vuila verba) we have done for your Majefty ; and what great things God hath done for us all; and fo pray Almighty God for his mercy to this nation, in the continuance of your Majefty's long and happy reign over us. H'lS Miijejlys Mojl Gracms Speech^ May 19, 1662. My Lords, and you the Gentlemen of the Houfe of Com- mons, THINK there have been very few feffions of Parliament iri which there have been fo many bills as I have palfed this day. I am confident^ never fo many private bills ; which I hope you will not draw into example. It is true, thefe late ill times have driven men into great Itraits, and may have obliged them to make conveyances colourahly, to avoid inconveniencies, and yet not afterwards to be avoided. And men have gotten eftates by new and greater frauds than have been heretofore praclifcd ; and therefore, in this conjundure, extraordinary re- m^edies may be necelTaiy, which hath induced me x.i^ comply with your advice, in paiiing thefe bills. But I pray let ihi.^ be very rarely done hereafter. The good old rules of the lavv are the belt fecurity. And let not men have too much caiife to iear that tiie fettlcmcnts they make of their eftates Ihail be too cailly unfeitied when they are dead, by the power of Parlia- ments. I My Lords and Gentlemen, You have fo much obliged me, not only in the matter of thof^ bills which concern my revenue, but in the manner of palhng them with fo great aftlction and kinduefs to me, that I know not how to thank you enough. I do alfure vou, and I pray af- fure your friends in the country, thai I will apply all you have given me to the uimolt improvement of the peace and hap- piiiefs ot the kingdom, and will, with the belt advice and gocd hiifbandry I can, bring my expenfes within a narrower compnfs. Now I am fpeaking to you of my ov/n good husbandry, I mull tell you, that will not be enough : I cannot but obferve to you, that the whole nation feems to me a little corrupted in their cxccfs of living. Sure all men fpend much more in their cloaths. ( 73 ) doaths, in their diet, in all their expenfes, than they have ufed to do. I hope it hath only been the excefs of joy, after fo long fiifFerings, that hath tranfported us to thefe other excefles. But let us take heed, that the continuance of them doth not in- deed corrupt our natures. 1 do believe I have been faulty that way mvfelf: I promife you, I will reform; and if you will join with me in your feveral capacities, we lliall by our exam- ples do more good, both in city and country, than any new laws would do. 1 tell you again, I will do my part ; and I will tell fome of you, if you do not yours. I hope the laws I have paiTed this day will produce fome reformation with reference to the multitude of beggars awd poor people which infeft the king- dom. Great feverity muft be ufed to thofe vv'ho love * idlenefs, and refufe to work : and great care and charity towards thofe who are willing to work. I do very heartily recommend the execution of thofe good laws to your utmort diligence ; and I am fure I need not put you in mind fo to fettle the militia, that all feditious infurre^ions may not only be prevented, to which the mindi of too many are inclined, but that the people may be without reafonable apprehenfion of fuch infecurity. You will ealily believe, that it is very neceffary for the pub- lic juftice of the kingdom, and even for the prefervation of the reverence due to Parliaments, that I make this a feflion. And it will be worthy of your wifdoms, when you come together .again, to provide that there be not fo great clamour againll the multitude of prote6lions. I will fay no more ; but renew my hearty thanks to you all, and refer the reft to the Chancellor. His Majefty's fpeech being ended, the Lord Chancellor came from his place, and kneeled to the King, and, having re- ceived dire6lions, returned to his place, and made this en- fuing fpeech : My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Bur- gelFes, of the Houfe of Commons, iT is now little more than a year that the King firft called yoii to attend him here, at the opening of the Parliament : then, you may remember, he told you, that he thouglit there were not many of you. who were not particularly known to him: that there were very few of whom he had not heard fo much good, that he was (he faid) as fure a<; he could be of any thmg that was to come, that you would all concur with him, and that he ftiould concur with you, in all things which might advance the ♦ Origin. Illnefs. peace, ( 74 ) prare, plenty, and prufperity of the nation. His Majefly faid, he lliould bcrxcetdiiigly cicccivcd elfe. It was a princely declaration, and a rare confidence, which could tiow from no other foimiain but the fmcerity and purity of his own confcience, which, admitting no other deligns or thoughts into his royal brcalt, but fuch as mull tend to the un- quellionablc profperity and grcatnefs of his people, could not but be alliircd ot your full concurrence and co-operation with him. It was a happy and a ble'Ted omen, which at the inftant Itruck a terror into the hearts of thofe who promifed themfelves fome advantages from the ditrcrences and divifions in your counfels, and hoped from thence to create new troubles :Lnd inoleftations in the kingdom. And God be thanked! the King haih been fo tar from being exceedingly deceived, that he doth acknowledge he iiath been exceedingly complied with, ex- ceedingly gratihed in all he halhdeiired; and he hopes, he hath not in the lead degree difappointcd your expectation. Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the Houfe of Com- mons, You have, like the richcfl: and the nobleft foil, a foil manured and enriched by the bountiful liearts of the belt fubjeCls in the world, yielded the King two full harvelts in one year ; and therefore it is but good hulLandry to lie fallow for lome time. You have not only fiipplicd the crown to a good degree, ior dif- charging many debts and prellures under v\ hich it even groaned, and enabled it to ftrugglc with the prefent Itraitsand neceflities, debts not contracted, and neceflities not run into, by improvi- dence and excefs ; you may, when you plcafe, receive fuch an accompt, as will clear all fuch reproaches : but you wifely, very v\ifely, provided fuch a conilant growing revenue, as may, with God's blelTing, preferve the crown from thofe fcan- dalous wants and neceflities as have heretofore expofed it and the kingdom to tiiofe difmal miferies, from which they are hut even now buoyed up ; for, whatfoever other human caufes inay be aiTigned, according to the feveral fancies and imaginations of men, of our late miferable diflrai^tions, they cannot be fo reafonably imputed to any one caufe, as to the extreme poverty of the crown ; the want of power could never have appeared, if it had not been for the want of money. You have, my Lords and Gentlemen, worthily provided for the vindication and manifellation of the one, by the bill of the militia ; and tor the fupply of the other, by the adl for the ad- ditional revenue: and 1 am confident, both the prefent and fuc- ceeding ages will blefsCjod, and celebrate your memories, for rhofe two bills, as the foundation of their peace, quiet, and fecurity, how frovvard and indifpofed ftscvcr many are at pre- fent, ( 75 ) fttU, who, finding fiich ob(tni6tions laid in their way to mu- tiny and fediiion, life all the artifice they can to perfuade the people that you have not been felicitous enough for their liberty, nor tenacious enough for their profit ; and wickedly labour to ieifen that reverence towards yuu, which furc was never more due to any Parliament, It was a very natural and an ingenious aniinndvcrfion and re- fledion, which the late incomparable Lord Vifeount of St* Albans made upon that old fable of the giants, who were firlt overthrown in the war againft the gods, when the earth, their mother, in revenge thereof, brought forth fame : which, he faid, is the fame when princes and motiarchs have luppreffed a(3:ual and open rebellion, then the malignity of the people, the mother of rebellion, doth bring forth libels, (landers, and taxa- tion of the ftate ; which, he fays, is of the fame kind with re- bellion, but more feminine. And without doubt this feditious daughter of the earth, this fpirit of libelling, was never more pregnant than it is now; nor King, nor Parliament, nor church, nor llate, ever more expofed to thofe fiagclla lingua, thole ftrokes of the tongue, from which God Almighty can onlypre- ferve the mod innocent and mod excellent perfons ; as if re- pining and murmuring were the peculiar exercife of the na- tion, to keep it in health ; as if hngiand had fo inuch of the merchant, nunquam habcndi fruciu felixy fempcr autem qutsrcndi cupidhaie m'lferrima. Men are in no degree difpofed to imitate or remember the general excellent temper of the time of Qiieen EiiKabeth ; the blelTed condefcenfion and refignation of the people then to the crown, the awful reverence they then had to the government, and to the governors both in church and flate. This good and happy fpirit was in a time beyond our memory ; but they re- member, as if it were but yeilerday, how few fubfidies parlia- ments then gave to that Q^ieen, how fmall fupplies the crown then had from the people \ and wonder that the fame meafures Ihould not dill fill the coffers, and give the fame reputation, and make the fame noife in Chrifteudom. But, my Lords and Gentlemen, how bold foever fome un- quiet fpirits are with you, upon this argument, you are much fupcrior to thofe reproaches. You know well, and you can make others know, without breaking the a6l of indemnity, how the crown hath been fmcc ufed ; how our fovercign lord the King found it at his blelfed return to it. You can tell the world, that as foon as he came hither, behdes the infinite that he forgave, he gave more money to the people, than he hath fince received from them ; that at lealt two parts of three, that they have lince given him, have ilfued for the difbanding armies never ( 76 ) never raifed by him, and for paying of fleets never fent out by him, and of debts never incurred by him. You will put them in mind of the vafi: difparity between the former times and thcfe in Aviiich we live; and confequently of the difproportion in the expenfe the crown is now at for the protection and be- nefit of the fubjeds to what it formerly underwent: how great difference there is in the prcfent greatnefs and power of the two crowns, and what they were then polfelfed of, is evident to all men ; and if the greatnefs and power of the crown of England be not in iomt proportion improved too, it may be liable to inconveniences it will not undc;rgo alone. How our neighbours and our rivals^ who court one and the fame milirefs, trade and commerce, with all the world, are advanced in lliipping, power, and an immoderate dedre to engrofs the whole traHic of the univerfc, is notorious enough ; and this unruly appetite will not be reftrained or difappointed, nor the trade of this na- tion fupported and maintained, with the fame fleets and forces ■which were maintained in the happy times of Queen Elizabeth. Isot to fpeak of the naval power of the Turks, who, inllead of. fculking abroad in poor iingle ibips as they were wont to do, domineer now on the ocean in ftrong fleets, make naval fights, and have brought fomc Chriftians to a better corrcfpondence, and another kind of commerce and traffic with them, than was expelled ; infomuch as they apprehend no enemy upon the fea, but what they find in the King of England's fhips, which hath indeed brought no fmall damage upon them, with no fmall charge to the King, but a great reputation to the nation. My Lords and Gentlemen, You may with a very good confcience affure yourfelves, and your friends and neighbours, that the charge the crown is now ai, by fea and land, for ihe peace and fecurity and wealth and bon')ur ot the nation, amounts to no lefs than eight hundred ihoufand pounds a year, all which did not coll t!.e crown before thrfe troubles fourfcore thoiifind pounds the year; and there- fore they will never blame you for any fupply you have given, jOr addition you have made to the revenue of the crown. And M'ho!oevcr unlkilfully miirmurs at the expenfe of Dunkirk, and the other new acqnilitions, whicli ought to be looked upon as jewels of an imTnenfe magnitude in the royal diadem, do not enough reme:nber what we have loll by Dunkirk, and fliould always do if it were in an enemy's hands; nor duly confider the vail advantages thofe Other dominions are like, by God's bl.nfir.g, in a Ihort time, to bring to the trade, navigation, wt-aith and honour of the King and kingdom. His Majefly haih enough expreifjd his delire to live in a perfedt peace and amity ( 77 ) amity with all his neighbours; nor is It an ill ingredient* to- wards the firmncfs and ftability of that peace and amity, which his royal ancellors have held and maintained witli them, that he hath fome advantages in cafe ot a war, which they v/ere without. It was a right ground of confidence, fuch an one as fcldom deceives men, that the great law-maker, the wife Solon, had, when he concluded that reverence and obedience would bs yielded to his laws, becaufe he had taken the pains to make his citizens know and underlland, that it was more for their profit toobey law andjuftice, than to contemn and break it. Theex- travagant times of licence, which I hope we have almoft out- lived, have fo far corrupted the minds, and even the nature of too many, that they do not return with that alacrity they ought to do into the road and paths of order and government, from which they have fo long been led aftray ; nor, it may be, is there pains enough taken to make them underftand the profit, benefit, and eafe, which always attends a cheerful obedience and ("ubmiflion to laws and government. 1 am perfuaded, a little pains and kindnefs, and condefcenfion, in the wife towards the weak, half the diligence and dexterity in converfation and ex- ample which hath been ufed to corrupt the people in their loy- alty and underftanding, will quickly reduce them to their pri- mitive temper ; which is to be the heft neighbours, and the bed friends, and the beft fubjet^ls of the world : and I make no queition, but the great piety and devotion, the moderation, wifdom, charity, and hofpitulity, of my lords the biihops, ia their feveral diocefes, will in a Ihort time recover the poor milled people. And though the forwardnefs and pride of fome of their teachers may not be yet enough fubdued, though fome of the clergy (till repeat their old errors, for which they have been glad to receive pardon, and do in truth difcredit all their other doctrine with the abfence of any vifible repentance for what mifchief they have formerly done ; yet 1 hope the laity will foon return into the bofom of their dear mother the church, and eafily difcern the fraud and impoilure of their feducers ; and that all diligence and dexterity will be ufed, ferioufly and heartily to reconcile both clergy and laity, by all means which may prove effeclual. You have, my Lords and Gentlemen, likewife patriots. Upon your obfervation, that the moft fignal indulgence and condcfcenfions, the temporary fufpenfion of the rigour of for- mer laws, hath not produced the effedl which was expefted ; that the humour and fpirits of men are too rough and boillerous * Bis in Originuli, 1 for ( 78 ) for thofe foft remedies ; you have prepared fharper laws and penalties, to contend with thofe refradlory perfons, and to break that ilubbornefs which will not bend to gentler applica- tions ; and it is great reafon, that they upon whom clemency cannot prevail, (lioiild feci that feverity they have provoked. You have done your parts like good phyficians, made whole- fome prcfcriptions for the conllitution of your patients ; well knowing, that the application of thefe remedies, the execution of thefe fliarp laws, depends upon the wifdom of the molt liifcerning, generous, and merciful prince, who, having had more experience ot the nature' and humour of mankind, than any prince living, can beft diflinguifh between the tendernefs of confciencc and the pride of coufciencc, between the real effe (Sis of confcience and the wicked pretences to confcience^ who, having fought with bealts at Ephefus, knows how to gviard himfclf and the kingdom from the alfault and violence ot a llrong, malicious, corrupted underftanding and will, and how to fecure himfclf and the kingdom from the feeble traps and nets of deluded iancies and imaginations : in a word, a princ^ of fo excellent a nature and tender a confcience hlmfelf, that he hath the highefl: compafllon for all errors of that kind, and will never fuffer the \a eak to undergo the punifhment or- dained for the wicked, antl knovs and underftands better than any man that excellei;t rule of Qiiintilian, Eft allquid quod non Dportcty etiamji licet ^ et aliud cji jura JpcciarCy allud juj^ tliiam. My Lords and Gentlemen, Machiavcl, who, they fay, is an author much fludied of late in this kingdom, to extol his own excellent judgment and infight in hillory, in which indeed he was a mafter, would perfuadc men to believe, that the true reafon why fo many un- expelled accidents and mifchicfs fall out to the deftrudlion of Ilaies and empires is, becaufe their governors have not ob- ferved the fame inifchiefs heretofore in llory, and from whence they proceeded, and what progrefs they made; which, he fays, if they had done, they might ealily have preferved themfelves from niin, and prevented the incoveniencies which have lallen out. I am fure you are all good hillorians, and need only re- fort to the records of your own memories. Remember how yojir peace hath been formerly difturbed, by what contrivance and artifices the people have been alarmed with unreafonablc and unnatural fears and jealoufies, and what difmal effects thofe fears and jealouiies have produced. Remember how near mo- narchy hath been dilfolved, and the law fubverted, under pre- tence of r'j forming and fupporting government, law, andjuf- ? tice. ( n ) tice. And remember how many honed perfons were miiledl bv not difcerning confequences, who would as foon have re- nounced their part in heaven as have concurred in the firft un- warrantable action, if they had fufpecled what did follow. And if we fuffer the fame enemy to break in upon us at the •fame avenues, if we fuffer our peace to be blown up by the fame trains and machinations, we fliall be held very ill hiitorians, and worfe politicians. There is an enemy amongft us, o^ whom I doubt we are »ot jealous enough, and towards whoili we cannot be too vi- gilant, and, in truth, in comparifon of whom we may rca- fonably undervalue all other enemies ; that is, the republicans and com.monwealth's men, who are every day calling in aid of the law, that they may overthrow and abolilh the law, which they know to be their irreconcileable enemy. Indeed, my Lords and Gentlemen, there is a very great party of thofe men in every fa£lion of religion, who truly have no religion but as the pretence ferves to advance that fadlion. You can- not be too folicitous, too inquilitive atter thefe men, who are reftlefs in their councils, and wonderfully punftual and induf- trious in their correfpondences, which they maintain abroad as well as at home ; and you cannot doubt they have encou- ragement enough from abroad. Few of our neighbours love us fo exceeding well, but that they would «e glad to fee us entangled in domeftic broils. Thefe men are worthy of your care and diligence, in your fpeedy fettling the militia, which the King hath even now fo particularly recommended unto I fhall conclude with only putting you in mind, that there was fcarce ever a more dangerous fedition in the republic of Rome, than in a time of full peace ; when the citizens were fuUen, when there was no noife but in whifpers, when men negledled their trades, and itaid idle in their own houfes, as if they cared not. which way the world went ; from whence alone their neighbours the Etrurians were encouraged to make a war upon them. Novum fediiionis genus (fays Livy) yilentium otiumquc inter cives. Never any nation under heaven has lefs caufe of fullcnnefs than we, never more of joy and thankf- giving. We all know that God Almighty loves a cheerful giver, and we may as well know that he loves a cheerful re- ceiver. Befides all other ftupendous bledings conferred upon us, he hath given us the moll cheerful giver that ever people hath been bleft withal ; a King that hath with all imaginable cheerfulnefs given us all we have afked of him, all he hath to give y who would not take or retain any thing we give to him, but for our own fakes j that, by receiving and retaining it. ( 8o ) it, he may give it to us again in more abundance, in abundance of peace and plenty, and honour, and all the comforts which can make a nation happy. This time hath made a glorious addition to our happinefs, which ought proportionably to increafe our cheerfulnefs. We ■wanted only one blcfling, the arrival of our Queen, whom God hath now fafely brought to us ; a Queen of fuch rare perfedlion in body and mind, of fuch endowments of wifdom, virtue, and piety, that we may reafonably promife ourfclvcs from her all the happinefs we are capable of, and a fucceflion of princes to govern us till the end of the world : and there cannot be a more tranfccndent inRance of the King's love and paflion for his people, than that he hath ftaid thefe four days to take his leave of you ; and, that he might give you this day's work, all thefe good laws, hath denied himfelf fo long the enjoying the grcateit comiort he is alfured of in this world. If there be not the moft univerfal joy in the reception of thefe blelfings, if there be not an univerfal contentednefs and fatisfadlion in the hearts of all men, and if thst contentednefs and fatista6lion do not break out, and is not vifible, in the looks, and thoughts, and words, and aclions of the whole nation, to the inflaming the hearts of th.c other nations under his Majefly's obedience by our example ; we are guilty of an ingratitude that is worthy to deprive us of all we enjoy, and difappoint us of all we pray for. And therefore I do moft iiumbly befecch you, my Lords and Gcntlemc-, that as there is a moft noble cheerfulnefs and alacrity vifible in you, and hath filed itfelf over all your counicnances, fo that you will think it worthy of your pains, to infufe the fame good fpirit into city and county, that they may all exprefs that joy and delight in the blcifing they are poifelied of, and cheerfully en- deavour to improve thofe bleilings by their cheerful enjoying them, that God may continue thofe bledings to us, and the King's comfort he fees we have in him, and in what he hath done for us; and as all princes may take a pattern from him to govern, and make their fubjeds happy, fo that all fubje6ts may learn from us how to obey, by an eminent and innocent alacrity in their acknovv'hdgment. I am, by tiie King's exprefs command, to add one particu- lar, which his Majelty meant, but forgot to fay himfcif; you cannot but obfervc, that his Majefty hath not pailed the bill that concerns the Earl of Derby; which you cannot imagine proceeds from his Majefty's want of care of and kindnefs to that noble family, which hath fervcd him Co faithfully, and fijftcred to much for lo doing : but all parties having referred the matter to his Majcfty, he doubts nut but to make a better end ( 8i ) •end for that nobid earl^ than he would attain if the bill had paffed. Addrefs to his Afajefty by the Houfe of Commons, Feb. 27, i66a. . May it pleafe your Mod Excellent Majefty, 'TXT'E, your Majefly's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the knights, citizens, and burgefi'es of the Houfe of Com- mons, in Parliament alfembled, having, with all fidelity and obedience, confidered of the feveral matters compiifed in your Majerty's late gracious declaration of the twenty-fixth of De- cember laft ; and your moll gracious fpeech at the beginning of this prcfent fellion ; do, in the firft place, tor ourfelves, and in the names of all the Commons of England, render to your Sacred Majefly the tribute of our moft hearty thanks, for that infinite grace and goodnefs, wherewith your Majefty hath been pleafed to pubiifli your royal intentions of adhering to your a6l of indemnity and oblivion, by a conftant and re- ligious obfervance of it : and our hearts are farther enlarged in thefe returns of thanfgivings, when we confider your Ma- jefty's mod princely and heroic profeifions, of relying upon the affedtions of your people, and abhorring all fort of mili- tary and arbitrary rule. But, above all, we can never enough remember to the honour of your Majefty's piety, and our own unfpeakable comfort, thofe folemn and molt endearing invitations of us your Majefty's fubjecls, to prepare laws, to be prefented to your Majefty, againft the growth and increafe of popery; and, withal, to provide more laws againft licen- tioufne fs and impiety ; at the fame tim.e declaring your own rcfolutions for maintaining the a£l of uniformity. And it becomes us always to acknowledge and admire ynur Majefty's wifdom in this your declaration ; whereby your Majefty is pleafe-* to refo've, not only by fumptuary laws, but by your own royal example of frugality, to reftrain that excefs in men's expenfes, which is grown lb general and fo exorbitant ; and to dircdl our endeavours to find out fit and proper laws for advancement of trade and commerce. After all this, we moft humbly befeech your Majefty to believe, that it is with extreme unwillingnefs and relu£lancy of heart, that we are brought to differ from any thing which your Majefty hath thought fit to propofe : and, though we do no way doubt, but that tiie unreafonable diftempers of men's fpirits, and the many mutinies and confpiracies which were carried on during the late intervals of Parliament, did rea- fonably incline your Majefty to endeavour, by your declara- tion, to give fonie allay to thofe ill humours, till the Parlia- VoL. I, G ment ( 82 ) ment alfembled ; and the hopes of an indulgence if the Par- liament fhould confent to it, efpecially feeing the pretenders to this indulgence did feem to make fome title to it, by virtue of your Majclly's declaration from Breda ; neverthelefs, we your Majcdy's moft dutiful and loyal fnbjeds, who are now returned to fcrve in Parliament from thofe feveral parts and places of your kingdom, for which we were chofen, do hum- bly offer it to yuur Majefty's great m ifdom, that it is in no fort advifeable, that there be any indulgence to fuch perfons who prefume to dilfent from tiie -dO: of uniformity, and religion eftabiiflied ; for thefe reafons : We liave confidcred the nature of your Majefty's declara- tion from Breda ; and are htnnbly of opinion, that your Ma- jefty ought not to be prelfed with it any further; becaufe, it is not a promife in itfelf, but only a gracious declaration of your Majcfty's intention, to do what in you lay, and what a Parliament Ihould advife your Majefty to do ; and no fuch ad- vice was ever given, or thought fit to be offered : nor could it be otherwife underftood ; becaufe there were laws of uniformity then in being, which could not be difpenfed with, but by a(^ of Parliament. They, who do pretend a right to that fuppofed promife, put their right into the hands of their Teprefentatives, whom they chofe to ferve for them in this Parliament ; who have paffed, and your Maje/ly confcnted to, the adf of uniformity. If any Ihull prefume to fay, that a right to the benefit of this declaration doth ftill remain, after this adl: paffed ; it tends to diffolve the very bonds of government ; and to fuppofe a difability in your Majelly, and your Houfes of Parliament, to make a law contrary to any part of your Majefty's declaration, though both Houfes ihould advife your Majeiiiy to it. We have alfo confidcred the nature of tlie indulgence pro- pofed with reference to thofe confecpiences which muft ne- ceffarily attend it. It will cltabiifli fchifin by a law ; and make the whole go- vernment of the church prectirious, and the cenfures of it of no moment or confideration at all. It will no way become the gravity or vvifdom of a Parlia- liament, to pafs a law at one feilion fi>r uniformity, and, at the next feffion (the reafons for uniformity continuing Itill the fame,) to pafs another law, to fruibate or weaken the execu- tion of it. It will expofe your Majefly to the redlefs importunity of every fe6t or opinion ; and of every fingle perfon alfo that iliall prefume to diflcnt from the church of England. It ( 83 ) It ■will be a caufe of increafing feels and fedaries, whoffe numbers will weaken the true Protellant profellion fo far, that it will, at leaft, become difficult for it to defend itfelf againft them, and, which is yet further confiderable, thofe numbers which, by being troublefome, that fo, at length, they may arrive to a general toleration, which your Majefty hath de- clared againft ; and, in time, fome prevalent fed^ will, at laft, contend for an eftablifhment, which, for aught can be forefeen, may end in popery. It is a thing altogether without precedent, and will take away all means of convi6ting reculants, and be incionfiftent with the method and proceedings of the laws of England. Lailly, it is humbly ^'onceived, that the indulgence propofed will be fo far from tending to the peace of the kingdom, that it is likely rather to occaiion great difturbance : and, on the contrary, the aiTcrting of the laws and the religion efta- bliflied, according to the adl of uniformity, is the moft pro- bable means to produce a fettled peace and obedience through the kingdom ; becaufe the variety of profeflions in religion, when openly indulged, doth diredtly diftinguifli men into par- ties, and, withal, gives them opportunity to count their num- bers; which, confideiing the animofities that, out of a religious pride, will be kept on foot by tl;e feveral faftions, doth tend, directly and inevitably, to open difturbance : nor can your Majelty have any fecurity, that the do6lrine or worfhip of the feveral fadions, which are all governed by a feveral rule, ftiall conliftent with the peace of your kingdom. And, if any perfon ftiall prefume to difturb the peace of the kingdom, we do, in all humility declare, that we will for ever, and upon all occafions, be ready, with our uttermoft: endeavours and ailiftance, to adhere to and ferve your Majefty^ according to our bounden duty and allegiance. H' His Majefty' s Me[Jage to the Hou/c of Commons, March 1 6, 1663. Charles Rex. IS A'lajefty is unwilling to enlarge upon the addrefs lately made to him by his Houfe of Commons, or to reply to the reafons; though he finds what he had faid much mifunder. ftood : but renews his hearty thanks to them, for their expref- fions of fo great duty and afPedlion ; and for their free decla- ration, '*■ That, if any perfon ihall prefume to dilturb the peace of the kingdom, they will for ever, and in all occafions, be ready, with their utmoft endeavours and alfiltance, to adhere to, and ferve his Majefty :" and doth very heartily defire th^ m G a |j ( 84 ) fo to enable him, and to put the kingdom into fiich a pofturc, as, if any diftiirbance or feditious defigns arife, they may be eafily fuppreired. His Majeftys Mejfage to both Houfes, Jpril 2, 1 66 3. Charles Rex. TTlS Majefty having feriouily confide red and weighed the •*■ humble reprefentation and petition of his Lords and, Com- mons airembltd in Parliament, and the great afFe£lion and duty with which the fame was prefented unto him ; and after having made fume refle£lions upon himfelf, and his own a£lions, is not a little troubled, that his lenity and condefcenfions to- wards many of the Popifh perfuafion, which were but natural effects of his generolity and good-nature, and after having lived fo many years in the dominions ot Roman Catholic princes, and out of a jull: memory of what many of them had done and fufFered in the fervice of his royal father, of blelfed memory, and of fome eminent fervices performed by others of them towards his Majefly himfelf, in the time of his greatefi: affli6lion. have been made fo ill ufe of, and fo ill deferved, that the refort of jefuits and priefts into this kingdom hath been thereby increafed ; with M^hich his Majefty is, and hath long been, highly offended: and, therefore, his Majefty readily concurs with the advice of his two Houfes of Parliament ; and hath given order for the preparing and ilTuing.out fuch a proclamation as is defired ; with the fame claufe, Feferring to the treaty of marriage, as was in the proclamation, which, upon the like occafion, iftiied out, upon the advice of both Houfes of Parliament, in the year 1640; and his Majefty will take further care, that the fame (hall be effedual, at leaft to a greater degree than any proclamation of this kind hath ever been ; and his Majefty farther declares, and afiiires both his Houfesof Parliament, and all his loving fubjecits of all his dominions, that, as his aftec'^ion and zeal for the Proteftant religion, and the church of England, hath not been concealed, or untaken notice of in the world \ io he is not, nor ever will be, fo folicitous for the fettling his own revenue, or providing any otlier expedients for the peace and tranquillity of the kingdom, as tor the advancement and improvement of the re- ligion eftablifned ; and for the ufing ami applying all proper and effedual remedies, to hinder the growth of popery : both which he doth, in truth, look upon as the beft expedient to eftablifti the peace and profperity of all his kingdoms. Given at our court at Whitehall, the firft day of April, 1663, in the fifteemh year of our reign.. Mefjagi ( 85 ) Mejfage from the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jllay 12, 1663. TpHAT the King's Majefty be humbly moved, from the Houfe, to take care for the encouraging of tlie vent of woollen and other manufactures of England into Scotland and Ireland ; and that no impofitions be laid, or continued, in thofe kingdoms, that may difcourage the vent of them. That the King's Majefty be humbly moved, from the Houfe, to give leave, that there be a coniiant free exportation of geldings ; and that he would be pleafed to recall his proclama- tion that reftrains their exportation. That his Majefty be humbly defired, by the Houfe, that no confuHhip be continued, or hereafter granted, in any place, but at the defire of the refpedlive merchants trading to that place ; and at fuch allowances and charges only as the mer- chants ihall confent to give them. His Majefiys graciou% Mcffage to the Houfe of Common Sy May 16, 1663, Charles Rex. l.tLJiS Majefty hearing the meflage from his Houfe of Com- mons, of the twelfth of May, touching the pofl office, commands it be anfwercd-, that there is no new grant or con- trail made concerning that office ; what Mr. Oneale hath had, is but the remainder of that time which is yet to come upon Mr. Bifhop's patent : in the execution of which, his Majelly, not being fatistied for the extraordinary number of non-con- formirts and difaffecled pcrfons in that office, was inclined to admit of this change : but the term being expired, his Majefty will have a care to fee it raifed to that profit it may fairly be ; remembering always, that, it being an office of much truft, as well as a farm,, it will not be fit to give it to him that bids moft ; becaufe a dilhoneft or difaffedled perfon is likelieft to exceed that way. 2. His Majefty iffiied forth his late proclamation, forbidding the tranfportation of geldings, relieving (among other reafons) upon the great fcarcity of them, occalioned by the death of very many more thefe laft years than ufually : when his Ma- I jefty feeth the numbers reftored, he Ihall willingly comply witji the defirts of his Houfe of Commons, in allowing a free tranfportation of them. 3. His Majefty, knowing of how public a benefit it is, vill l)e always ready to encourage manufactures, efpecially the G 3 woollen ( 86 ) ivoollen ones : and that the impofitions ... be fairly laid, purpofeth to appoint com mi/fi oners of the refpedlive nations, who may reprefent to him the reciprocal conveniencies of them : upon which his Majefly will make his determinations accordingly. 4. His Maiefty finds, that the nomination of confuls, in the fadories abroad, hath always been in the crown, and kept there ; becnufe, in mod parts, they are agents to maintain the privilege of the nation, and the articles of peace made for the advantage of it : that, if his Majefly ihould grant what is de- fired to the merchants here, it would manifellly difoblige the reft of the kingdom, equally engaged in the trade: however, his Majeliy fo far complieth with the defires of his Houfe of Commons, as to promife care (hall be taken to nominate none, but in fuch places where they are precifcly neceflary ; and with fuch allowances as the merchants (hall think fit, in their refpeclive faclories : and alfo that the faid confuls be men fitly qualihcd, and acceptable to them. His Majeftys Speech to the Houfe of Commons, J^^^ 5> 1663. Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the Houfe of Com- mons, T HAVE fent for you this day, to communicate with you, as -*■ good friends ought to do, when they difcover the leaft jea- loufy growing, which may lefTen their confidence in each o'her: it is a freedom very neceifary to be ufed between me and you ^ and you. may all remember, that when there was lately a lirtie jealoufy amongft you, upon fomewhat I had faid or done, I made all the hafte I could to give you fatis- fadion : for which you all returned me your hearty thanks \ and were, I think, really fatisficd. Gentlemen, It is in no man's power, no not in your own power, to make me fufped, or in tht leaft degree imagine it pofTiblej, that your affection or kindnefs is leilencd or dimmillied towards me. I know very well, that the people did never, in any age, ufe that vigilance and circumfpcdion in their eledion of perfons of known and tried affcflion to the crown, of your good principles and unqueftionable inclinations to the peace of church and (late, for their reprtfentatives in Parliament, as they did when they chofe you. You are the very fame men who, at your firft coming together, gave fuch fignaj teftimo- nies of your affedtion and friendfliip to my perfpn, of your zeal ( «7 ) -zeal for the honour and dignity of the crown, and liberal fup- port of the government, and of your horror and deteftation of thofe men whofe principles, you difcerned, keep them awake, to take all occafions to dilturb the peace of tiie king- dom, and to embroil us all in a new civil war : which is as- much their endeavour now as ever ; and it may be not enough abhorred by others whi)fe principles and ends are very different from them. You are the fame men who, at your firlt meet- ing, by a wonderful and cheerful harmony and concurrence in whatfoever I could wifli, gave me reputation abroad, and fecurity at home ; made our neighbours foiicitous for our friendihip, and fet a jufl value uposi it! and, truft me, fuch a reputation is of vaft importance, and made my evil fubje6ls even defpair of bringing their wicked purpofes to pafs. And is it poHible, that the fame perfons can continue together, without the fame affedlion for me, or prudence for the public peace and profperity r I am fure it is impoilible : and yet I muft tell you, the reputation I had froin your concurrence and tendernefs towards me, is not at all improved iince the beginning of this felhon : indeed it is much leifened : and I am lure I never flood more in need of that reputation than at prefent, to carry me through many difficulties, in which the public is, at leafl, as much concerned as myfelf : let me and you thiiik never fo well of ourfelvcs, if all the world knows, or believes, that we are poor, that we are in extremity of want, if our friends think we can do them no good, and our enemies believe v/e can do them no harm, our condition is far from being profperous. You cannot take it aiuifs (you fhall ufe as much freedom with me, when you plea fe) that I tell you there hath not appeared that warmth in you of late, in the confideration of my revenue, as I expecied, as well from fome ot your melTages, as from my own confidence in your care and kindnefs. it hath been faid to myfelf, that it is ufual for Parliaments to give the crown extraordinary fup- plies upon emergent occafions, but not to improve the con- Itant revenue of the crown. I wi(h, and fo do you, that nothing had been lately done in and by Parliaments but what was ufual. But if ill Parliaments contrive the ruin and dif- inherifon of the crown, God forbid but good Parliaments fhould repair it, how unufual foever it is. If you yourfelves had not, in an extraordinary manner, improved my revenue, the government could not have been fupportcd : and if it be not yet improved in the proportion you have defigned, 1 can- not doubt but you will proceed in it with yoxir old alacrity. I am very well contented, that you proceed in your infpedfion : I know it will be to my advantage ; and that you "vvill neither G 4 fiud ( 88 ) find my receipts fo great, nor my expenfes fo exorbitant, as you imagine. Ai^d, for an evidence of the laft, 1 will give you prcfcntly an account of the ilujes of the twelve hundred thouland pounds you fo liberally gave me ; not one penny whereof was difpofed, but upon full deliberation with myfelf, and by my own order ; and I think you will all fay, for the public fcrvice. But, Genilemen, this inquifition cannot be fiuifhed in the (hort time we can now conveniently ftay to- gether : and yet, if you do not provide, before we part, for the better paying and coileding what you have already given me, you can hardly prefurae what it will amount to : and if you do not fupport even what you have already given me, by fome addition, you will quickly fee lawful ways found out to lelfen the revenue, more than you imagine : ami therefore I cannot but expedt, that your wifdom will feafonably and fpeedily provide a remedy for that grow ing mifchief. Believe me. Gentlemen, the moft difafFe6led fubjeds in England are not more unwilling to pay any tax or impofition you lay upon ihem, tlian I am to receive it : God knows, I do not long more for any blefllng in this world, than that I may live to call a Parliament, and not afk or receive any money from them : I will do all I can to fee that happy day. 1 know the valt burdens the kingdom hath borne- thefe laft twenty years, and more; that it is exceedingly impoverilhed: but, alas! what will that which is left do them good, if the government cannot be fupportcd ; if I am not able to defray the charge that is necetVary for their peace and fecurity. 1 mult deal plainly with you ; and I do but difcharge my confcience in that plain- iiefs : it you do not, befides the improving my revenue, in the manner 1 have recommended to you, give me fome prefent fupply of money, to enable me to ftruggle with thofe difficul- ties I am preffed with, I Ihall have a very melancholy fummer, and fliall mucii appfehend the public quiet. You have heard, 1 prefume, of the late dellgn in Ireland, for the furprife ol the callle of Dublin ; Avhich was fpread over all that kingdom ; and many Parliament men there engaged in it : there is an abloliite necellity, that I forthwith fend over a good'fum of money thither, for the payment of that army, and putting the garrilons there in good order. You will not doubt but that thofe feditious perfons had a correfpondence with their friends here ; and, 1 pray, let us not be too carelefs of them. I afllire you, I have fo great occalion of money here, which my re- venue cannot fupply me with, that I every day omit the doing fomewhat that' is very neceffary for the public benefit. Thefe, fure, are ju(t motives to perfuade you to give a fupply, as have ever moved a Houfe of Commons ; and therefore I con- jure ( 89 ) jure you to go cheerfully about it, and let me not be dlfap- pointed in niy confidence of your aifedions. And, I pray, remember the feafon of the year, and how neceifary it is, that we make a recefs in or about Midfummer. I have enlarged much more to you upon this occafion than I have ufed to do, and you may perceive -it hath not been very eafy to me : but I was willing you fliould underltand, from myfelf, what I de- fire and expe£l from you ; and the rather, becaufe I hear fome men have confidently undertaken to know my mind, who have had no authority from me ; and to drive on deligns very contrary to my defires. I do pray you heartily, that the efFedl of this day's converfation may be the renewing our con- fidence in each other, and raifing our joint reputation ; which will be our Itrongtfl; fecurity, with God's blelhng, the king- dom can have for its peace, plenty, and full profperity ; and, upon my word, you will all have great confort in what you (hall do for mc, upon this my very earneit and hearty recom- mendation. Speech by the Speaker of the Houje of Commons, delivered in the Houfe of Peers, July, 27, 1 663. May it pleafe your mod Excellent Majefty, 'TTHE knights, citizens, and burgefi'es of 'the Commons •^ Houfe of Parliament, have, fince their laft meeting, in many weighty and arduou-^ affairs, prefentedyour Majefty with their humble advice : which, wiih all thankfulnefs they ac- knowledge, never wanted a moft gracious reception. Never any prince did fo freely commune with his people ; and never any people did with more joy and duty commemorate their happinefs. The iaft fcflion of Parliament, our care was chiefly to fecure the being of this nation under our ancient, happy monarchical government. This feffion^ we have endeavoured to advance the peace and well-being both of church and ftate. Material Itrudtures are bell fecured by deep foundations in the earth ; but the foundations of true happinefs are from above. We have therefore, in the firil place, perufed' the laws which do enjoin the. obfervation of the Lord's day ; and where v/e have found any dcfe£l, either in rules or penalties, we have with great care fupplied them ; well knowing, thaj: he who doth not lem.embcr on the firfl day of the week to ob- ferve a Chriftian fabbath, will hazard before the week comes roimd to forget he is a Chriftian. We read in the ftory of Leuis the Ninth of France, when he took his voyage into the eaftern empire to aftift the diftrelfcd Chrif- C 90 ) Chriflians, the fame of his holinefs moved the King of Tar- rary to fend his ambalfadors to offer him friendfliip, and to ac- quaint him he had a defire to become a Chri9 ). in the City of London, and three juftices of peace in the coun- try, whereof one to be of the quorum, from time to time, to fet the prices of coals, having regard to the price paid to the importer, and other emergent charges. And now, great Sir, having finillied our prefent councils, we hope your Majefty will give us leave to return for a time into our countries, where, in our feveral fpheres, we fliall be ready to ferve you with our perfons and our purfes, and alfo with our prayers to the great God of Hofts, that he will be pleafed to (Irengthen your hands in the day of battle, and mak^ your Majefty victorious over all your enemies both at home and abroad. After this, his Majcfty made a fliort fpeech ; the efFetSl of which was : H E told the Lords and Commons, he had very little to fay more than again to renew his thanks to them for the pre- fent they made him when he met them h\\ here. He defired the Gentlemen of the Houf*; of Commons, that, when they are returned into their C':''int.-'cs, they would take care for the equal rating the taxes laid upon the people. His Majefty told the Commons, he had been at fome charge himfelf, that no counties might be over-rated ; and he per^ fuadcd himfelf, that if the members of the Houfe of Com- mons and the reft of the cornmiilioners, will take care that it might be equally taxed in the feveral counties, it v/ill be the more readily and cheerfully paid in. And his Majefty defired thofe that were lieutenants and deputy lieutenants, that they would take care to preferve the peace of the kingdom ; for, his Majefty did afture them, the republican party have ftill their councils on foot, and are yet in hopes to make fome ad- vantages to themfelves, upon the fcore of the prefent war. But his Majefty did not doubt but, by God's bleffing upon his and their endeavours, their expedlations would be fruftrated. His Majefty faid, his intentions were, that the Houfes fhould not meet here again till this time twelve months. But, left there ftiould be any occaficn of his needing their afliftancC fooner, he did intend the prorogation ftiall be only till June next ; before which, he ftiould, by a timely proclamation, give notice of the next meeting, if it hold not at that time. And fo he left the reft to the Lord Privy SeaU Then ( no ) Then the Lord Privy Seal fpoke to this efTecl : My Lords, and Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen, of the Houfe of Commons, IT is his Majefty's pleafure that this Parliament be prorogued to the one and twentieth day of June next. And accordingly this Parliament is prorogued to the one and twentieth day of June next. His Mfljeftys moft gracious Speech, Odoher 1 1, 1665. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM confident you all believe, that if it had not been abfo- ^ lutcly neceffar^ to confult with you, 1 would not have called you together at this time, when the contagion hath fo fpread itfelf over fo many parts of the kingdom. 1 take it for a good omen, to fee fo good an appearance this day ; and I doubt not every day will add to your number. And I give you all my thanks, for your compliance fo far with my dellres. The truth is, as I entered upon this war by your advice and encouragement, fo I do dcfire that you may as frequently as is polTible receive information of the conduct and effe£ls of it ; and that I may have the continuance of your cheerful fupply for the carrying it on. I will not deny to you, that it hath proved more chargeable than I could imagine it would have been. The addition they dill made to their fleets, beyond their frfl: purpofe, made it unavoidably neceflary for me to make proportionable pre»parations, which God hath hitherto blelTcd with fuccefs in all encounters. And as the enemy have ijfcd their utmoft endeavours, by calumnies and falfe fuggef- tions, to make ihemfelves friends, and to perfuade others to affid them againft us, fo I have not been wanting to encourage - thofe princes who have been wronged by the Dutch, to recover f thfir own by force \ and, in order thereunto, have afliftcd the Bilhop of Munilcr with a very great fum of ready money, and am to continue a fupply to him, who is now in the bowels of their country with a powerful army. Thefe ifllics, which I may tell you have been made with very good condiidl and huf- bandry (nor indeed do I know that anv thing hath been fpent that could have been well and fafely faved) ; I fay, this ex- pcnfc will not ftiffcr you to wonder, that the great fupply which you gave me for this war in fo bountiful a proportion IS upon the matter already fpent, fo that I muft not only expcd an aflilhnce from you to carry on this war, but fuch an allift- ancc as may enable mc to defend myfclf ar.d you againft a more powerful ( »II ) powerfiiV neighbour, if he fliall prefer the frlendflilp of the Dutch beibre mine. I told you, v/hen I entered upon this war, that I had not fuch a brutal appetite as to make war for war's fake. I am fljli of the fame mind ; I have been ready to receive any pro- portions that France hath thought fit to offer to that end ; but hitherto nothing hath been offered worthy my acceptance : nor is the Dutch lefs infolent ; though I know no advantage they have but the continuance of the contagion. .God Almighty, ] hope, will Ihortly deprive them oi that encouragement. The Chancellor will inform you of all the particulars. 77?e Lord Chancellor^ s Speech. My Lords, and you the Knights, Citizens, and Burgeffes, of the Houfe of Commons, 'T^HE King is not content, you fee, to leave you to your- felves, to make a fratc of the war, and the fuccefs that hath attended it, by your own obfervation and the general com- munication of all that hath fallen out, which in truth hath left few men ignorant of any thing, who have had any curiofity to inform them.felves ; but takes care that you be iilformed by himfelf, that you may know all that he knows, that fo you may be able to give him your counfel upon the cleareft evi- dence. In order to this, it will not, I hope, be unreafonable or ungrateful to you, to refrefh your memory, by looking fomc years backwards, even to the time of his Majefty's happy re- ftoration, that we may take the better profpedil of the pofture we are now in, and how we have come into it. What in- clinations his Majefty brought home with him to live in amity with his neighbours of Holland, though he had received in- dignities enough from them, and in truth had been little lefs pro- fcribed there than he had been in England, needs no other manifeftation, than that he chofe tliat place to embark himfelf in, when he was preiled by the two neighbour kings, from ■whom he had received more civilities, to have made ufe of their ports. It cannot be denied but that his reception in Holland was with great civility and luftre, and a fufficicnt evidence that they had a full fcnfe of the hi^^h honour his Majefty had vouch- fafed to them, and the dcpariure from thence was with equal and mutual fatisfadlionin each other; which made many men the more wonder, that, albeit the ambaffadors who were to fol- low had been nominated befoie the King left the Hague, there 1 was ( ili ) was fo long an interval bciore tlu^ir arrival here, that the two neighbour king? and many ou.cr princes had linilhed taeir cmballies of congratiihitions, before we had lieard any more from the United Provinces. You all remember h«jvv long it was before the armies were difbanded, and liic tlects paid off; during which time his Ma- jelly liv(.d upon his credit, and eafily contradled a great debt, for the mere Aipport of liimfelf and his houihold, vvhich Was not fo eafily dilchargcd afterwards. There was one thing that exceedingly furprifed him, when he found (which will be incredible to pofterityj that a triumphant nation, that had made iifelf terrible to Chriftendom, by having fought more battles than all the neighbour kingdoms and dates together had ever done in fo few years, and fecmcd to be in a pulture ready to fight them over again, that had fo long reigned over the ocean in formidable fleets, (hould, at the time of his Ma- jefty's happy return, as if on the fudden all their arms had been turned into plough-fliares, and their fvvords into pruning, hooks, not have in all the magazines, in all the i-lores, arms enough to be put into the hands of five thoufand men, nor provilion enough to fet opt ten new fliips to fea ; which his Majelty did not defire fhould be known to his bed neigh- bours, how little foever he fufpei5ted their affedions, nor did indeed fo much as make it knovn to his Parliament; but made it his firit care, without the lead noife, and with all ima- ginable Ihitts, to provide for the full fupply of thofe impor- tant magazines and ftores, which have been ever fmce fe- plenilhed as they ought to be. He had not the lead imagination, that any of his neighbours would wantonly affecl to interrupt the happy calm that he and themfelves enjoyed ; and therefore refolved to retrench the vaft «xpcnfe of the navy, under which he found the nation even to groan, and out of that good hufbandry to provide for more nccelfary difburfcments. Yet, that the world might not think that he had abandoned the ocean, and that the memory of the gloritnis actions the Englidi had fo lately performed upon it might not vanilh in an indant, after he had provided fuch a ^uard as the narrow feas never ought to be without, in the Jpring he fcnt a drong fleet againd the pirates of Algiers and Tripoli (who had grown to that drcngth and boldnefs that they interrupted the whole trade of Chriflendom) as the only enemies he v.ould chufe to have. It was a defign of great glory and equal expenfc, crowned m the end by God Almighty with the fuccefs wc could wifli, and with an entire Aibmiflion to the EngUdi flag, and as great fccunty to alj his iMajedy's fubjeds in their trade as the en- gagement ( 113 ) gagement and honour of infidels can give ; and this agree- ment ratified with all formality (the like whereof had never been befpre) by the great Turk. Hereupon the King again renewed his refolution for a fur- ther retrenchment of his naval expenfe, even to the lelVening the guard in the narrov/ feas, his merchants in all places re- ceiving lefs interruption in their trade tlian they had in any for:^.:er tirne undergone, until he received intelligence from the Straits, that the faithlels people of Algiers, who had fo lately fubmitted to hiro, had committed new infolencies upon fome of his fubje6ls, or rather upon foreign perfons taken by his fibjeCls into their prote6bions, and which the Turks pretended they might do without violation of the treaty-. But his Majefty, rcfolvii;g to admit none of thofe elucidations, loft no time in fending a new ftrong fleet into the Mediterra- nean fea, to chaftife thofe perfidious pirates ; and after a chargeable war made upon them for near or full twelve months, and after having taken fe\eral of their (hips from .them, and upon the matter blocking them up in their harbours, he received a fecond fubmiliion from them, with better and more advantacreous conditions than the former. O I muft not omit one circumflance, that about this time the Dutch, who received much more prejudice and damage from the Turks than the Eiiglifh had done, befought his Majefty, that he would once more fend a fleet into thofe feas againft thofe pirates, and that it might upon all occafions join with one they were likewife ready to fend out to the fame Chriftian end, and for the extirpation of thofe fea robbers ; and within a very fhort time after the Englifh fleet was gone, they like- wife feut De Ruyter with a good fleet thither, which was fo far from any conjun6tion with us, that when our fhips chaced any Algier men near them, they never offered to obftrudl their flight, but quickly made it manifeft that they rather brought money with them to buy a diflionourable and difad- vantageous peace, than to make a war upon them. Matters itanding thus, the King's fleet being gone into the Straits againft the Turkifh pirates, and there remaining few (liips in the narrow feas, we began every day to hear of de- predations by the Dutch upon our merchants in all parts. Inftcad of delivering .up the ifland of Poleroone in the Eaft Indies, as by the treaty they ought to have done, they by their naval power in thofe parts, hindered our fliips from taking in their lading of fuch merchandife as the fadtors had provided and made ready for their freight, upon pretence that thofe ports where the merchandife was ready to be embarked were in the domini- ' ens of fome princes who they had declared to be their enemies. Vol. I. I ' and ( lU ) and fo they v/ould not fuftcr any traffic to be maintained with them ; and they publifhed the like declaration, and challenged the fame fovercignty, i« Africa, and by virtue thereof would not futfer our Oiips to trade upon that coaft, where we had a trndc long before the Dutch had any fooling in thofe parts. Thcfe infolcncies made that noife in the world, that the Englilh merchants felt the effedls of it in all places, till it reached the ears of the Parliament, which in April was twelve months prefentcd the fame to his Majefly, and befought him that he wo'jld take Ibn.e fpcedy and efFcdlual courfe for the redrefs of thofe wrongs, difhonours, and indignities, which were the greatefl obflrii(Stions of our trade ; and declared, that in the profecution thereof, they would with their lives and fortunes alliit his Majefly againft all oppofltion whatfoever. My Lords and Gentlemen, You very well remember, fhat though his Majefly was very well plcafcd with the great zeal you fhev/fed for the advance- ment of trade, lie was far from refblving to make a war upon the vvarmih of that declaration; but told you, that he would examine and pcrufc the particular complaints which had been reprt-fcnted to iiis Parliament, and would thereupon demand jiiitice and reparation from the States General ; which demand he appointed liis miniikr refiding there to make in a fhort time alter. What effect that candid way of proceeding found, is cnoiigh known to the world : inftead of other application, they declared themfelves wonderfully offended with the decla- ration of the Parliament, with many infolent expreffions, fuitable to the manners of a commonwealth. They gave prefent order for equipping a very great fleet, and the raifmg many land foldiers, making greater preparations for war than they had done in many years before. They had a complaint to his Majeffy, that a captain of one of the Ihips which his Majelly had lent to the royal company had, in his voyage tjiitlier, taken a fort belonging to them, near Cape Verte, tor which they deinanded fatisfadion. The King alTured them, that he had not the leafl commillion or authority front him for fo doing; that he expeded him home very fpeedi'ly, and then he fhould be fure to undergo that punilliment which the nature of his offence required, when the matter iiiouid be examined; and they Ihould he fure to receive full reparation. This fatisiicd them not ; but, in a great fury, they refolved to fend forth a (\rong fleet to Guinea, and granted a comrniflion (which they took care to publifh) to the commander in chief, to make war upon the Englilh in thofe parts, and to do them all the milchicf they could. The ( ^15 } The King found himfclf now obliged, in what (Iraight foever, to provide for the protection ot his fubjedls in thofe parts, and for the fupport of that trade, which, I doubt, is not enough taken to lieart, and the vahje thereof not enough underftood ; and, in order thereunto, with great fpeed, caufed a fleet to be made ready for that expedition, under the com- mand of his Highnefs Prince Rupert, who was under fail for the voyas^e, when his Majefty found it ne(;eifary to flop the Prince's further profecution of it, upon good intelligence that the Dutch had appointed their admiral, with a fleet of fifty fail, to convoy the other fleet defigned for Guinea through the Channel, in contempt of his Majefty, who had a very fmall fleet in readinefs; and that De Ruyter was likewife fent out of the Straights, from profecuting the Turk,s, to make war upon the Engliih in Guinea, when at the fame time they had ear- neftly preiled the King, upon many profeihons of delire to prevent a war, that Prince Rupert's fleet might flay in harbour, as theirs fhould do, till fome means might be found for an accommodation of all differences ; and, in truth, this very difficult flratagem, of pretending one thing and intending another, of promiHng with all folemnity and never refolving to perform, of fwearing this day not to do a thing, when they had ferved their turn by having done it yeflerday, that nobody could know, is the highefl pinnacle of their wifdom of ftate, by which they govern their affairs, and dtiude their neigh- bours. The winds were not favourable to this triumphant defign. And now the King found the value of the vote and declara- tion of his Parliament ; it was a rich and a maffy vote, which in a fhort time he coined into two hundred thoufand pounds ready money, in the chamber of the city of London, with which he gave order forthwith to make ready more fhips; and the Duke going himfelf to the fleet, by his indefatigable in- duflry, with incredible expedition, added fo many good fhips to thofe under the command of Prince Rupert, that in No- vember he put himfelf on board the fleet, refolving to flop the Dutch, if the wind gave them leave to purfue their former re- folution, which, from the time the Duke was known to be at fea, they fairly declined, and were content rather to be fafe in their own harbours, than to look to the fecurity of their merchants. It was high time now to feize upon as many of their fhips as came in our way, to fatisfy the damages we had reafon to believe we fliould fuftain from De Ruyter's expe- dition into Guinea with the commiffion mentioned before ; but there was not the lading of one fhip fold, or difpofed of, till his Majefly received full information of De Ruyter's having 1 2 begun ( ii6 ) bertin \he war iipcm the coaft of Afiica, by feiz'ng upon onr ihips, taking our lorts, and comnTU'.ing all the a£ts ot hoftility which his mw comn.ilfion diredcd him unto ; his Majefty like- •vvifc at the fame time receiving new advertifement of their rcfufal to deliver up the ifland of Poleroone to him, which they weie bound to by their treaty. And will you not wonder, after all thi •, at the confidence of thcfe men ; and more, that anv ntighboiir prince Hiould liavc that confidence in them, as to declare, that the King our mailer is the aggrefibr, that he firfl began the war r I- roni this lime the war began to be more in carnefl:, and to be carried on at anotht.r expcnfe. Though his Royal Highnefs ventured himfclf in November, in a tieet confiding of little moic tiian fifty lliips, to {lop the Dutch from palfing through the Clvanncl, ytt, in April (which was within few days after your prorogaiioj) at the end of your lalf fcilion) he went again to fea, with a much ftronger fleet, and more proportionate to the great prtpara.ions the enemy had made ; and even after lie v.as gone to fea, upon great additions of ftrength every day made by tlie Dutch, more good fliips were fent to rein- force the fleet ; infomuch iis, upon that glorious third of June, wht .1 they had the courage to vifit our coarts, after the Duke had in vain called upon thetn at their own doors, and took many of their ir.erch^nts (hips in their fight, the Englifti fleet confillcd of very few kfs than one hundred fail. The adion and bleding of that day have been celebrated in all the churches in England, and in the hearty devotions of all true Englifli- men ; and therefore 1 fhall fay no more of it here, fave only, that whether the public joy then, even upon the folemn thankf- giving-d.iy, was fuperior to the univerfal confternation that fprcad itfelf over the nation before, I appeal to the breads of all here prcfent. We, who had the honour to be near the Kmg at that time, obferved him to be in that agony that can- not be exprefleJ, an agony himfelf could not have long en- dured, even when, by all the intelligence he received hourly from the coad, he had reafon to alfure himfelf of the vidory. In that great action, wc funk, burned, and took, eighteen good fhips of war, whereof half were the bed they had, with the h^fs c,t one imglc fmall Ihip of ours, but of many noble and gallant perfon<=, of too much value to be ventured (if there had not been a greater venture) againd fuch trafh, and whole memories ought ever to be prcferved, and extolled, and made precious to podcrity. No diligence was omitted, but all imagmable expedition ufed, in rcfrelhing, repairing, and fet- tmg out the fleet again ; in order to which, the King himfelf made a journey thither, and daid till he faw all ready and fit to- ( "7 ) to fail ; but then, no intreaty, no importiinlty, could prevail with him to venture his brother again, though his family and all preparations for the voyage were Itill on board. His Ma- jefty too well remembered, and ftill felt, the imprellions he had undergone the third of June; and having got his brother into his arms again, he would not return without him, com- mitting the charge of the fleet to the Earl of Sandwich, who had adfed fo good a part in it. Within few days after, th.e beginning of July, the Earl of Sandwich went again to the coa(f of Holland, with a fleet in no degree inferior with the former, and rode before the Texel, to invite the Dutch to a new engagement, they having ufed all the arts at home to conceal tlie lofs and dilhonour they had undergone, and pretended to be very ready and feli- citous for another battle, when there was no appearance of their purpofe to come out : and, upon fure intelligence that the Eaft India fleet was coming about by the north, he received orders to go for Norway, upon fuch encouragement as was not made good : fo that he was difappoiiited of the expecla- tion he had very reafonably carried with him thither, and' at a feafon when that climate gives little encouragement to abide in thofe feas. I am not yet to enlarge upon that matter, till we hear a better account from fome of our friends ; hov/ever^ though he could not meet with their whole fleet as he endea- voured to do, yet he hath had the good fortune, in two en- counters, to take eight of their great Ihips of war, two of their belt Eaft India (hips, and about twenty of their mer- chant (hips, all under the prote6lion of their fleet, or ougbl^ to have been ; and was then, by tempeli, and other reafons which no \\ ifdom of his could prevent, obliged to put into our own harbours. I do not mention the great number of prifoners we have taken, an army of prifoners, who in truth do us more harm at land than ever they did at fea ; and are a charge that never fell under our eftimate and computation. I would not be un- derfl;ood, that we had entered upon « war and never thought of prifoners, and fick and wounded men; but that the piifon- ers and wounded men ibould bring upon us fo prodigious an cxpenfe, and of which we can yet fee no bottom, infomuch as in one place, I think Colchefter, that charge comes to twelve hundred pounds the week ; I fay, fuch an expenfe never cama into our computation. The King tells you, he hath enabled the Prince and Bifliop of Munfter to demand juftice from thofe Avho have fo noto- rioufly opprefled him with fuch outrageous circumftances of infolepce and fcorn as are enough knov/n to the world ; and he I 3 hath ( ii8 ) hath demanded it bravely, in fuch an equipage as hath not been made for litde money, in which he can take as well as alk faiistac^iion. After all this, (ince there is a juftice due to the woril: ene- mies, vvc murt do them this right, that they do not at all feem weary of the war, they do not difcover the leafl inclina- tion to peace. It is true, the French King hath offered his mediation ; and truly, if he intends no more than a mediation, it is an office very worthy the mofl: Chriftian Kirig. I w ifh with all my heart that (as a mediatory he would make equal propofitions, or that he would not fo importunately prcfs his Majefty to confcnt to thofe he makes, upon an inltance and argument that he holds himfelf engaged by a former treaty (of which we never heard till (ince the beginning of this war, and had fome reafon to have prefumed the contrary) to affift the Dutch with men aiid money if his Majefty doth not confent. His Majclly tells you, that he hath not an appetite to make war for war's lake, but will be always ready to make fuch a peace as may be for his honour and the intereft of his fubjeds; and, no doubt, it will be a great trouble and grief to him, to find fo great a prince, towards whom he hath manifeiled fo jrreat an affcdion, in conjundion with his enemies. Yet even the apprehenilon of fuch a war will not terrify him to pur- chafe a peace by fuch conceflions as he would be aihamed to make you acqtiainted with ; of which nature you will eaiily believe the propofitions hitherto made to be, when you know that the releafe of Poleroone in the Eafl Indies, and the de- moliiTiing the fort of Cabo Corfo upon the coaft of Guinea, are two, which would be, upon the matter, to be content with a very vile trade in the Eaft Indies, under their controul, and with none in Guinea; and yet thofe are not propofitions unreafonable enough to pleafe ' the Dutch, who reproach France for intcrpoling for peace, inftcad of allifting them in the war, boldly infilling upon the advantage the contagion in London and fome other parts of the kindom gives them ; by which, they conhdently fay, the King will be no longer able to maintain a fleet againft them at fea, and as if God Almighty had fcnt this heavy vifitation upon the kingdom on their be- half, and to expofc it to their malice and infolence. They load us with fuch reproaches as the civility of no other language will admit the relation. The truth is, they have a dialed) of rudenefs fo peculiar to their language and their people, that jt is high time for all kings and princes to obhge them to fome rcfofmation, if they imend to hold cor- re.pondence or commerce with them. My ( "9 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, You fee in what poflure we (land with reference to our neighbours abroad, who are our declared enemies. Their malice and adiv^ty to make others declare themfelves fo too, the great preparations they make, and even declarations that they will have another battle, towards which they have in rea- dinefs an equal number of new, greater, and better fliips than thofe they have loft, furnillicd with larger nnd greater artillery ; fo that, if they were to be manned with any other nation than their own, they might be worthy our apprehenlion. What preparations are to be made on our part, you can beft judge. I have fully obeyed the command ihat was laid upon rae, in making you this plain, clear, true narrative of what hath palTed. I have no order to make refieclion upon it., nor any dedudion from it. The King himftlf h^th told you, that the noble unparalleled fupply you have already given him is upon the matter fpent ; fpent with all the animadverfions of good hufbandry that the nature of the affair will bear What is more to be done he leaves entirely to your own generous under- ftandings ; being not more atTured ot any thing that is to come in this world, than that the fa:i)e noble indignation for the ho- nour of the King anJ the nation, that hrft provoked yoi; to in- flani.e the King himfelf, will continue the fame pail. on llill. boiling in your loyal breal]^s ; that all the world may fee, which they hoped never to have feen, that never prince and people wpre fo entirely united in their afiedlions, for their true, joint, infeparable honour, as the only fure, infallible expedi- ent to preferve their diftind feveral intereils. My Lords and Gentlemen, Having yet only prefented you a fhort view of your foreign enemies, it may not be altogether unfeafonable that you take a little profpcdl ot thofe at home ; thofe unquiet and relllefs ipirits in your own bowels, upon whofe inhdelity, I doubt, your enemies abroad have more dependence than upon their own fleets. I muft appeal to every one ot your obfervations, whether the coimtenances of thefe men have not appeared to you more ereded, more infolent, in all places, fince the be- ginning of this war, than they were before. In what reacii- nefs they were, if any misfortune had befallen the King's fleet, (which they promifed themfelves,) to have brought the calamity into your fields and into your houfes, is notori'niily known. The horrid murderers of our late royal mafter have been received into the raofl fecret counfels in Holland ; and other I 4 infamous ( 120 ) infamous proflitutcd perfons of our nation are admitted to a jliarc in the condudt of their affairs, and mainlaia their cor- refpondence here, upon liberal allowances and peniions. Too many of his Majclfy's fubjeds, who were lent by this crown to alfiil and defend this ungrtiteful ftate againlf their enemies, have been miferably wrought upon, for the keeping a vile mean fiibfiftence, rather than livelihood, to renounce their alle- giance, and become enemies to their native country ; fome of whom have wantonly put themfelves on board the enemy's fleet, without comm.and or ollice, purely out of appetite and delight to rebel againil their King, and to worry their country. It is great piiy thefe men fhould not be taught, by fome exem- plary brand, that their allegiance is not circumfcribed within the four feas ; but that they have obligations upon them of duty and loyalty towards the King, in what part foever of the world they fliall inhabit. Their friends at home, impatient of long delays for the fucceifes they had promifed themfelves, and for the fuccours which others had promifed to fend to them, made do doubt of doing the buiincfs themfelves, if they could appoint but a lucky day to begin the work ; and you had heard of them in all places upon the third of the lall month (their fo much cele- brated third of September,) if the great vigilance and indefa- tigable induftry of the good general, who is always aclive for the King's fafety and the peace of the kingdom, had not two days before apprehended the feditious leaders, and given adver- tifemcnts for the ftcuring others in mod parts of the king- dom ; by the contcihons of many of whom, their wicked de- fign is enough manifcfted, and ready forjuftice; yet fome of the principal perfons are not yet taken, and fome others got themfelves refcued after they were apprehended. My Lords and Gentlemen, Let it not, I bcfeech you, be faid of us, what was hereto- fore faid ot the fenate of Rome, when they were profperous enough, and when they had obtained greater v:6lories over their enemies abroad than we have done, Exceilentibus ingeniis alius defuit ars^ qua chcm regant, /jttam qua hojlem perdant. Let not thofe fcorpions be kept warm in our bofoms till they (ling us to death : let not thofe who hate the government, would de- ftroy the government, be fhehcrcd under the fhadow and pro- tcdion of the governm.ent. It is poOiblc, and God knows it is but poflible, that f6me men,, who are not friends to this or that part of the govern- ment, rtor you are not to believe that they alv\avs difcovcr w)im m truth they an.- mod angry with,) who would not buy tbofe ( I^-I ) thofe alterations they moil defire at the price of a civil war, they wouid brir.g it fairly about, Avait for a godly Parliament, and do all by their confent : yet thofc perfons muft not take it ill that we cannot defire they flioidd ever have It in their power to bring thofe alterations to pafs, by thefe means they novsr feeni to abhor ; and I do heartily wifh, I am fure they will not be the worfe men nor the worfe fnbjeds for it, that they would a little reflect upon what is pair, remember how much they have outdone, more than they intended to have done ^ nay, vvhat they heartily abhorred the ihought of doing; and they will then find, the only way to preferve themfelves inno- cent is to keep their minds from being vitiated by the firft im- prellions, by jealoufies, murmurings, and repinmgs, and above all, by their converfations with thofe men, or indulgence to- wards them, who would facrifice the peace of the kingdom to their own ambition, pride, and even to their humour. If you carefully provide for the fuppreffing yoiir enemies at home, which will put you to little other expenfe than of cou- rage, conftancy, and circumfpe6lion, you \vi\[ find your ene- mies abroad lefs exalted, and in a (hort time more inclined to live in amity with you than to make war upon you, efpecially when they fee you do in bello pads get ere negot'mm \ and that you take the carrying on the war to heart, as the belt and the only expedient to produce a happy and an honefl: peace. Speech by the Speaker of the Hoiife of Commons, 0^. 31, 1665. May it pleafe yonr moll Excellent Majefty, 'T^HE knights, citizens, and burgelles of the Commons Houfe of Parliament, in obedience to your Majelty's writ of adjournment, camiC cheerfully to this city of Oxford, to re- ceive your royal commands. And when your Majefty was pleafed to fpcak to them, and acquaint them with your great expenfes this fummer, and the continuing inf(.:)lencies of the Dutch, they were fo inflamed with an affedion and zeal tor your Majelly's fervice, that they could not fufler the leaft pun£lo of time to pafs, before they had made a return fuitabl to their engagements, that they would afTill your Majefly with their live and fortunes, againft the Dutch, or any others that Ihould allill them in oppofition of your Majefty : Tibi nos, tibl nojlra fuppellex. Ruraque fcrvicrint. The ( 122 ) The Englifliman ufclh to fpeak as he writes, and the Englifli Parliament to fptak as they think. No fecuiity upon earth can be greater than the engagement of your two Houfes of Parliament. Scd quid verba aud'iam^ dum faSia v'ldcam .^ As a ilemonilration of thtir fidelity, I am commanded to pre- fcnt unto vour Majelly this bill, whereby they have given you, for a prtlcnt fupply, twelve hundred and fifty thcnfand pounds, to be levied in two years, to begin from Chriftmas next, by quarterly payn:ents, added to the tormer rnyal aid. And, to the end your Majefly's occafions may be fnpplied with ready money before this additional aid can be raiftd, we have by ihis bill prepared an undoubted fecurity for all fuch pcrfons as fhall bring their money into the public bank of your exchequer : as the rivers do naturally empty themfelves into the fta, {o we hope the veins of gold and filver in this nation will pleniifully run into this ocean, tor the maintenance of your Aiajelly'sjuit fovereignty on the feas. Great Sir, When firfi: we befought your Majedy to correcl the infolen- cies, and to repair your fubjecls againft the rapines of the Dutch, we did reafonably fuppofe, that the jultice of your Majefty's demands would at lead have had a fair and ingenuous reception : but the Diitch refolved, with Machiavel, to keep by force what they had got by wrong, and to return their an- Iwer by the thundering voice of their cannon. The great God of Hoffs, to whom vengeance belongs, hath eminently appeared in your Majefly's quarrel, and fharply rebuked the infolence of that proud people, whofe heart is hardened even to deflrudion. It is true, our fins do cry aloud, as well as theirs ; but God is plcafed in mercy to corred us himfelf, whilft by our hands he doth pun i lb them, and make them fly before us. I hope this mercy will invite us to a national repentance : and if God be with us, who then can be againlt us ? W'c cannot but take notice of the fordid defedion of fome Enghlh fugitives, who have traiteroufiy joined with the Dutch, both in thtir cot;ncils and adions, againll your Majefty and this their native country. We therefore have prepared a bill, whereby they are enjoined to return by a day, and anfwer the law ; or elfe they Ihall be attainted, and be fubjcc^ to the pains and penalties of condemned traitors. It hath been an old obfcrvation, " That fcandalous livings " make fcandalous minillers ;" and this moft frequently falls out in cities and corporate towns, where are little or no predial tithes ; and therefore the preachers, for mere want, are forced tQ ( 123 ) to chant fuch fuch tunes as may bed pleafe the rich men in their parifhes : ibr prevention of tliis tor the future, there is a hill prepared, tor the uniting of fmall churches and chapels in, cities and towns coiporate by the confent of the patron, re- ferving all other parochial rites diftin6l as they were before. ' This being a time wherein your Majeliy needs great fi:p- plies, we held it our duty to eafe the people in fome-unnecef- lary expenfes , and therefore we have prepared a bill for the more elfcdUial proceeding upon diftrelies and avowries for renis ; another to avoid circuity of a61ions ; and a third to lefTen the charge of unnece'Tary fuitsin law : there is an ancient fee received in your Majeify's courts of law, called damage clear, or damna clericorum, which is the tenth peimy ot fuch damage, as are there recovered in many adlions. This was firft intro- duced for the encouragement of clerks, to employ themfelves to the (ludy of drawing fpecial pleadings, which are grown fo familar by the difulc of real aclions, that the tee now is looked upon as a grievance, efpecially when the plaintiff is forced to pay it upon the figning of his judgment ; and per- haps the defendant is not able to anfwer any part of the exe- cution : theretore we have prepared a bill for the regulating of this for the prefeut, and after feven years to take it quite away- Tacitus hath a facing, '* Such as are falfe in their love, ** are true in their hate :" and this rule we find verified in our nonconformifts. Whilft they were in the bofom of the. church of England, they were like inward vapours and inward bleed- ings, always oppreffing and llrangling the body of the church ; and now tliey are ejected and excluded from ihcir miniiferial function, they have more m.alice, and no lefs opportunity to propagate their principles than they had before. Some of ihem are objefts of pity. They fubmitted their reafon to their lead- ers of a higher clafs, who failed them in their hopes, and left them to the rigour of the law. Thcfe poor creatures have fecn their error, aj;d feel the fmart, arid would live peaceably ; but their jefuitical leaders keep up their fpirits, and herd. with them in cities and corporate towns, where, by pretence of perfecution'and felf-dcnial, they move the city of good-na- tured people, and with their charity keep up iheir party, lef- fen the maintenance (jf conforming minilters, and fpread their contagion amongft the youth of the nation : tor the prevention of this growing mifchief, we have prepared a Shibboleth, a teft to diftinguifh amongfl them, who will be peaceable and give hopes of future conformity, and who of malice and evil difpofiii'/U remain obdurate. The one we Ihall keep amongfl ps with all love and charity; the other Ave (hall exclude from cities ( 124 ) cities and corporate towns, like thofe that have an infeclioiis difeafe upon thtm. It is not uniifual for the Commons, at the clofe of a fef- fion of Parliament, by their Speaker, to prefent a petition to their fovcreign ; and, with your Majefly's leave, 1 am now commanded that fervice. We do, with all humble thankfulnefs to God, acknowledge our great happinefs, that we are governed by a prince, whofe prudence in counfel, whofe valour in a£lion, and whofe fa- therly c:ire in protetPiion of his people, is eminent through all the world : and it is not the leall mercy, both to your Majefty and your people, that God hath blelTed you wiih a brother fo like yourfelf. The name of his Royal Highnefs is already enrolled amongft the heroes of other nations ; but this his native country had tiot fo LTcat experience of him, till your Majefty was pleafed in this fiimmer's expedition to truft him with the condu£l of the mod royal fleet that ever failed upon the Britifh feas, wherein he Ihewed that prowefs, and that prudence, and, by the blefling of Almighty God, was crowned with that fuccefs againft the Dutch, that we cannot pafs'it by in fijence ; and yet ■we are at a lofs how to exprefs our thanks both to your Ma- jefty and to him. I am commanded, therefore, to befeech your iVlajcfly, that you will vouchfate to let us make a prefent to you ot a month's tax, to come in the rear, alter the four and twenty months of your Majefty 's royal aid ; and that your Majefty will be pleufed to beftow it upon his Royal Highnefs. And now, great Sir, I have no more, but to befeech Al- mighty God, who hath fo rniraculoully preferved your royal perfon and your two Houfes of Parliament, from all ficknefs and"contagion, during this fellion, that he will be pleafed to fend health throughout the nation ; that he will crown all your dcfigns againft your enemies with vi£lory and fuccefs, and give your Majefty a long and happy reign over us. This being ended, his Majefty made a ftiort fpeech, to this effea : TjrlS Majefty told his two Houfes of Parliament, that he did not comidiment wiih them, when he Ihoukl tell them, that they had done for him all that he could wifti they ftiould have done ; and therefore thanked them heartily. His Majefty further faid, that he believed that no one there would imagine that he would rave called them hither at this time, if there had not been an abfolute neceflity for it. He thanked ( 125 ) thanked them with all his heart for their afFeclions fliewed to liim in this prefent fupply ; which, though it is not to be fuppofed that it can laft till the end of the time in which it is to be raifed, (if the war fliould fo long continue,) yet his Majefty faid, he could not expe£l that his two Houfcs fhould do more than they had done at this meeting, confidering the deadnefs of trade through the whole nation, by reafon of the contagion, which addeth to the many ftraits they have to ftruggle with. And his Majefty faid, that for their kindnefs to his brother, he thanked them no lefs than if what they had done for his brother had been done for himfelf ; he having deferved fo well of himfelf and the whole nation. His Majefty told them, that it is probable they fliould not meet till April next ; but yet,' left he might have occafion for their afliftance fooner, he had given order tor the proroguing this Parliament but till February next ; and if there fhould be no occafion of coming together then, he W'ould, by a procla- mation, give timely notice thereof; and fo left the prorogation to be pronounced by the Lord Privy Seal. Then the Lord Privy Seal fpoke to this efFe61: : My Lords, and you Gentlemien of the Houfe of Com- mons, TT is his Majcly's pleafure, that this Parliament be pro- -*- rogued to the tv.entieth day of February next to the city of Weflminfter. And accordingly this Parliament is prorogued to the twentieth day of February next. I His Majc/Iy's mojl Gracious Speech, Sept. 2i, 1666. My Lords and Gentlemen, AM very glad to meet fo many of you together again ; and God be thanked for our meeting together in this place. Lit- tle time hath paffed iince we were almoft in dcfpair of having this place left us to meet in. You fee the difmal ruins the fire hath made ; and nothing but a Iniracle of God's mercy could have preferved what is left from the fame deftrudion. 1 need make no excufe to you for difpenfmg with your attendance in April. I am confident you all thanked me for it. The truth is, I defire to put you to as little trouble as I can ; and I can tell you truly, I defire to put you to as little coif as is pofTible. I wifti with all my heart that 1 could bear the whole charge of this ' r lib } thU war myfelf, and that my Aibjeds fliould reap the benefTc^ oi it to thciufcivcs. But we have two very great and powerful enemies, vho ufe all the means they can, fair and foul, t^ make all the world to concur with them ; and the war is moH: chargeable, by that conjundion, than any hotly thought it would have betn I need not tell you the fuccefs of this fummer, in wF,ich God hath given us great fuccefs, and no quefUon the enemy hath uridt- re;one great loilijs. And if it had pleafed God to have withheld this late iudgment by hre, we had been in no ill condition. You have given me very large fupplies for the carrying on the war. And yet I muff tell you, if I had not, by antici- patins^ my own revenue, raifed a very great fum of money, I had not been able to have fet out the fleet this laft fpving : and J have fome hopes, upon the fame credit, to be able to pay ofF the great fliips as they come in. You will confider what is to be done next, when you are well informed of the expenfc. And 1 mull leave it to your wifdoms, to find out the beft expedients for the carrying on this war with as little burden to the people as is poilible. I (hall add no more, than to put you in mind that our enemies are very infolent ; and if they were able this lall year to perluade their miferable people, whom they miflead, that the contagion had fo wafted the nation, and impoverifhed us, that we would not be able to fet out any fleet, how will they be exalted with thi^ laft impoverilhmcnt of this city,- and con- temn all reafonable conditions of peace ! and therefore I cannot doubt but you will prsnivle accordingly. His Mujejly\ Mcfjuge to the Houfe of Pccrsy Jignified to thi Houfe by Lord Arlington y Dcccmkr 15, 1666.* Charles Rex. J^IS Majefty is forry the difficulties have been fuch, that the fiipply he hoped for is not yet perfe£lcd. His Majeliy could wilh that The polture of his affairs would perm.it the giving his two Ho.ifes a Ihort recefs at Chriftmas; but, the- feafon ot the year being confidered, and how much the neccf- fary preparations against the fprii.g depends upon the difpatch ot the fupply he ailiires: himfelf is preparing for him, he can- not thuik itcoi^.nacnt wi;h his fcrvicc and the public fafety, to permit any adjournment, except for the chief fcflival days, until that and the orlier moft public bills be perfcacd ; which he dcfires may be hafkned, and which his Majeffy fhould be • From till- Joiiinab uf the Iloiifc ol" Lords, vol. xli. p. 47. glad. ( 127 ) glad, if poffible, might be finillied by Chriftmas, as well for their eafe as for his fervice. Given at the court at Whitehall, this 15th day of De- cember, 1666. His JUajcJiy^ s AlcJJage to the Houfe of Commons, delivered by Secretary Alorice, December i^, 1666.* Charles Rex. TTIS Majefty is forry, that the difficulty his Houfe of Com- mons hath met vvith, hath detained them fo long, without perfeding his fupply. His Majefly could wifli, that the pof- ture of his aifairs would permit the giving his two Houfes a (hort recefs at Chriftmas ; but the feafon of the year being con- fidered, and how much the neceifary preparations againfl the fpring depend upon the difpatch of the fiipply he allures him- felf is preparing for him, he cannot think it confiftent with his fervice, and the public fafety, to permiit any adjournment, ex- cept for the chief fcftival days, until that and the other mod public bills be perfefled ; w^hich he defircs may be haftened : and which his Majefty fliould be glad, if poilible, might be finlfhed by Chriftmas, as well for their cafe as for his own fervice. Given at the court at Whitehall, the 15th day of De- cember, 1666. Speech of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons^ January 18, 1666. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, CINCE the two Houfes of Parliament, by your Majcfty's command, were laft convened, they have with great care infpe6led the ftate of the kingdom : they find your Majefty en- gaged in a ftiarp and coftly war, oppofed by mighty princes and ftates, that are in conjunilion againft us. They fee with for- row the greateft part of your metropolitan city buried in afties. Thefe are arJua regn'i indeed, and Ht only for the advice of a loyal Parliament. But, Sir, looking narrow^ly into things, we found our body politic entering into a confumption ; our trea- fures, that are the fmews of war, and the bond of peace, as much exhaulted; the great aids which are given to your Ma- jefty for the maintenance of the war are but like the blood in its * From the Jouroals of the Houfe of Commons, vol. viii. p. 663, circulation. ( 128 ) circulation, ■which will return again, and nourlfh all th^ parts: but a great deal is yearly tranrponed in fpccie into France. toT^riug home apes and peacocks ; and the beli returns are but fnperfiuities and vanities: v. e have therefore unani- moufly bcfought your Majefty to flop this iifue of blood ; and •we hope your Majeftv's moft feafon^ble and grscious proclama- tion Avill prevent the tr.ure expiration of thcfe fpiri's. We hav. Jikev, ife been alarmed from all parts ot the king- dom, by ihe ii^.folencies of popilh priefts and jefuits, who, by their gieat nun-beis, and bold writings, declare to all the world, they are in expectation of a plentiful harvelt here in England : but your Majefty, by yoijr gracious anfwer to the defire of both your Houfes, your command for all officers. and foldiers in your JNiajtfly s pay to take the oaths of allegiance and fupre- niacy, and your proclamation for the departure ot priefts and jefuits out of this nation, liave in a great meafure fecured us againftthofe fears. When your Majefty was pleafed, at the opening of this fef- fion of Parliament, to fpcak to us, you commanded us to find out the beft expedient-j we could, for carrying on the war with as little burden to the people as was poftible. The knights, citizens, and burgeffes of the Commons Houfe of Parliament, have induftrioufly applied themfelves to the confideration of this matter. They quickly refolved on a fupply for your Majefty, fuitable to your occafions, of eighteen hundred thoufand pounds : but it hath taken much of their time fo to lay this aid, that it may not feem a burden. A little weight lying always upon one flioulder will at length become uneafy ; but being fliifted fometimes to the other ihoulder, there will be fome refrefhment. The greatcft part of the taxes that have been raifed thefe fix and twenty years were laid upon our lands, which made us de- fire to give them fome reft : we have therefore prepared a poll bill ; whereby we have brought in all forts of perfons, profef- fions, and perfonal eftates, to give their afliftance to your Ma- jefty, and to eafe the land tax : jVIultorum Alanihus grande Icvatnv onus. This bill we hope, will fppedily bring in a confiderable fum of ready money, for your Majefty's prefent ufe. We have likewife taken care for fupplying the remainder of the eighteen hundred thoufand pounds by another bill remaining with us, which in a fhort time will be ready to be prefented to your Majefty, The better to enable your Majefty's good fubjeds to pay thefe fcveral aids, and with cheerfulnefs to fupply your Majefty's iu- 3 lure ( i29 } ture occafions, we thought it necelTary to rerfioVe a nuifance out of their way. The infinite number of foreign cattle that were daily imported did glut our market-, and bring den the prices both of * home-bred cattle and our lands; therefore we have prepared a bill for the prohibiting of any foreign cattle for (ewen years. We find your Majefly's mint is not fo well employed as for- merly ; and the reafon is, becaufe the fees and wages of the of- ficers and workmen is in part paid out of the bullion t!iat is brought tb be coined, and what is wanting is made up by your Majefty. We have, therefore, for the eafe of your Majcity and thofe that fhall bring in any plate or bullion to be coined there, made another provilion, by an impofition upon wines, brandy, and cyder, imported from any foreign natirns. Having given your Majeliy this fhort acceunt at prefent, we fhall, with your leave, return to perfed thofe bills ttiat itill re- main with us ; and we hope fo to finifh them to your Majefty 's fatisfaftion, that all your Majefty 's enemies, both at home and abroad, may fee and feel the effedl;s of this bleiTed correfpondence between our gracious King and his loyal Parliament. I Afterwards his Majefty made this fpeech following: My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE now pafted your bills; and I was in good hope to have had other bills ready to pafs too. I cannot forget, that within few days after your coming together in Septeinber, both Houfes prefented me with their vote and declaration, that they would give me a fupply proportionable to my occafions ; and the confidence of this made me anticipate that fmail part of my revenue which w^as unanticipated for the payment of the fea- men : and my credit hath gone farther than I had reafon to think it would ; but 'tis now at an end. This is the firft day I have heard of any money towards a fupply, being the 1 8th of January; and what this v/ill amount to, God knows ; and what time I have to make fuch prepara- tions as are neceifary to meet three fuch enemies as I have, you can well enough judge: and I muft tell you, what difcourfes foever are abroad, 1 am not in any treaty ; but, by the grace of God, I will not give over myfelf and you, but will do what is in my power for the defence of myfelf and you. 'Tis high time for you to make good your promife ; and 'tis high time tor you to be in the country, as well for the i-ai(ing of money, as that * Origin, home-breed. Vol. I. K the ( 13^ ) 'the lords lieutenants and deputy lieutenants may watch thofe Te- ditious fplrits which are at work to difturb the public peace ; and therefore I am refolved to put an end to this feifion on Mon- day next come ft-vennight, before which time, I pray, let all things be made ready that I am to difpatch, 1 am not willing to complain you have dealt unkindly with me in a bill I have now paifed, in which you have manifefted a greater diftruft of me than I have deferved, I do not pretend to be without in- firmities : but I have never broken my word with you ; and, if 1 do not flatter myfelf, the nation never had lefs caufe to complain of grievances, or the leaf! injullice or oppreflion, than it hath had in thefe feven years it hath pleafed God to reftore me to you. I would be ufed accordingly. Speech hy the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons y February 8, i666. May it pleafc your Moft Excellent Majefly, "NjOl HING conduceth more to the happinefs of a nation, than a right underftanding between the prince and the people ; and nothing more advanceth this correfpondence, than frequent meetings in common council. By the wifdom of our forefathers, the iccurity of our lives, our liberties, and our pro- perties, is lodged in our Englifh Parliaments; and fo gracious have your Majcfly's predecelfors been, that, for the fatisfadlion of their people, they have made feveral laws, fome for triennial, fome for annual Parliaments. Your Majefly, by their exam- ple, upon the humble fuit of your Lords and Commons, hath, in a former felTion of this Parliament, palfed an ail for trien- nial meetings in Parliaments; but in this your Majefty hath ex- ceeded all your predeceflTors, that, as your happy reftoration was in a convention of Parliament, fo of your own accord^ for the public good, and as a demonltration of your extraordi- nary love to Parliaments, you have vouchfafed, ever fince your return, to converfe with your people in Parliament ; this being the fixth year, and the lixth feflion, of this prefent Par- liament. The lafl time your Majefty was pleafed to fpeak to us, you commanded us to make ready all things you were to difpatch this feflion. In obedience thereunto we have with all induftry imaginable endeavoured fo to prepare thofe matters that were before us, that your Majefty and the whole nation may receive fatisfa£lion in our difpatches. Firft, it concerned us to keep our words with your Majefty, in finifhing that fupply which we promifed you for carrying on the war. In ( 13' ) In order whereunto, I do here prefent unto your Majefty this bill of eleven months aireflment upon our lands, to take place in a poft-charge after the additional royal aid now current is ex- pired. This 3(3;, together with the poll bill lately paflled, we conceive, will fully make up the eighteen hundred thoufand. pounds we promifed to your Majefty. We muft for ever with humility acknowledge the juftice of God in punilhing this whole nation by the late dreadful confla- gration of London. We know they were not the greateft fm- ners on whom the tower of Syloe tell ; and doubtlefs all our fms did contribute to the filling up that meafurc, which, being full, drew down the wrath of God upon that city. But it very much reviveth us to behold the miraculous bleilingof God upon your Majefty's endeavours for the prefervation of that part of the city which is left : et fas eft rejurgere maenia Trojcs. We hope God will dire£l: your royal heart, and tortunate hand, in a few days, to lay a foundation ftone in the rebuilding that royal city ; the beauty and praife whereof fhall fill the whole earth. For the encouragementof this noble work, we have prepared feveral bills: one, for the eftablifhing a judicatory, for the fpeedy determining all adlions, and caufes of a6lion, that have or may arife between landlords and tenants, upon this fad acci- dent. Though, I perfuade myfelf, no Englifhman would be exempted from making fome ofi^ering to carry on this pious un- dertaking, yet the exemplary charity of your Majefty's twelve reverend judges is fit with honour to be mentioned before your Majefty : they are willing to fpend all their fand that doth not run out in your Majefty's immediate fervice, of difpenfing juf- tice in their feveral courts to your people, in hearing and deter- mining thofe controverfies that may arife upon old agreements, and making new rules between owners and tenants, for their mutual encouragement in this glorious adtion. We have likewife prepared a bill for the regularity of the new buildings, that they may be raifed with more conveniency, beauty, and fecurity, than they had before. Some ftreets we have ordered to be opened and enlarged, and many obftru£lions to be removed \ but all with your Majefty's approbation. This we conceive cannot be done with juftice, unlefs a compenfation be given to thofe that ftiall be lofers : we have therefore laid an impofition of twelve pence upon every chalder, and twelve pence upon every chalder, and twelve pence upon every ton of coals, that ftiall be brought into the port of London, for ten years, the better to enable the lord mayor and aldermen torecompenfe thofe perfons whofe grounds ftiall be taken from them. K 2 Rome ( 132 ) Pome was not built in a day; nor can we, in the clofe of this fellion, linilh the rules for the dividing of parilhes, rebuild- ing of the churches, and the ornamental parts of the city. 1 hefe things muft re(l that we intended, till another feffion. But we know your Majelly in the mean time will take them into )our princely conlidcration, and make it your care that the houfes of G('d and your own royal chamber be decently and conveniently reltored. And now, great Sir, having thus happily finifhed the bu^nefs of this fcllion, we beg your Majcfty's leave that we may return to our own homes, there to put in execution the good laws which you have made, and to defend our feveral counties againit all defigns to difcurb the peace of the nation. And we befecch Almighty God, who hath hitherto wonderfully pre- ferved your Majefty's pcrfon, and made you glorious in all yuiir acl.i'f\ement:-:, ftill to profper your forces both at fea and land, till he hath m.ade your Majelty an afylum for all your triends, and a terror to your enemies both at home and abroad. Afterwards his Majefty made the following fpeech : My Lords and Gentlemen, T THANK you for this other bill of fnpply which you have given me ; and 1 alfure you, the money Ihall be laid out for the ends it is given. 1 hope we (hall live to have bills of this nature in the old fiile, with fewer provifos. I looked to have had fomewViat offered to me concerning the accompts of the money that haih been already raifed iince the war; which, lince you have not done, I will take care, after fo much noife, that the fame be not ftifled, but will iifue out my comiTiiffion in the manner I formerly promifed the Houfe of Peers : and the commiflioners (hall have very much to anfwer, if they do not difcover all matters of fraud and cozenage. The (cafon of the year is very iar fpcnt, in which our ene- mies have got great advantages over us : but, by the grace of God, I will make all the preparations I can, and as fall as I can. And yet I muff tell you, thai if any good overtures be made for an honourable peace, I will not rtjeft them ; and I believe all fobcr men will be glad to fee it brought to pafs. I Ihall now prorogue you till towards winter, tliat you may, in your feveral places intend the peace and fecurity of your fe- veral counties, where there are unquiet fpirits enough working. And I do pray you, and I do expcd it from you, that you will life yoi!r utraoft endeavours to remove all thofe falfe imagina- tions in the hearts of the people, which the malice of ill men have t 133 ) have Induflrioufly infufed into them, of I know not v/bat jea- loufies and grievances ; for I muit tell you again, and I am fure I am in the right, that the people had never fo little caufe to complain of opprclhon and grievances as they have had fince my return to you. If the taxes and inip ylitionsare heavy upon ^ them, you will put them in mind, that a war with fuch power- jfol enemies cannot be maintained -vvithout taxes ; and I am fure the money raifed thereby comes not into my purfe. I (hall add no more, but that I prom.ife myftlf all good ef- feS:s from your affe^iions and v/ifdoms, wherever you arc. And I hope we Ihall meet agaiii of one mind, for my honour, and the good of the kingdom. And now, my Lord Privy Seal, do as I have diredled you. Wheretipon the Lord Privy Seal faid : My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgefles, of the Houfe of Commons, T is his Majefty's pleafure that this Parliament be pro- rogued to the tenth day of Odober next ; and accordingly this Parliament is prorogued to the tenth day of Odober next. I EfFed of his Majefly's Speech, July 29, 1667. TTE conceived, he could not give his Houfes of Parliament a greater teftimony of his affections to them, than by fending for them when he was in fuch it raits as were fuperior to any other counfels ; which now being over, he was confidentj he could not better pleafe them, than todifmifs tjiein again to their feveral counties at fuch a time as this is. His Majefty faid, the peace being now concluded, the articles would be made public within a few days, which he fnppofed would feem rea- fonable to them, and all Christendom as much rejoice at the peace as they were difturbed by the war. His Majefty further told his Houfes, that their own affairs now require their pre- fence elfewhere ; and he did hope they v/ould ufe all induftry and feverity ;for both were necelfary) to reduce the people to a better temper than they have been in of late. His Majefty fur- ther faid, he wondered what one thing he had done fmce his coming into England, to perfuade any fober perfon that he did in- tend to govern by a (tanding army : he faid he was more an En- glilhman than fo. He delirtd, forafmuch as concerned him, to preferve the laws; and if others will pay that due refpe£l tbey owe to the laws, there would be no fear of any fuch things K 'i His ( ^34 ) His Majefty faid, the laft year he railed fome troops, whkh he difbanded as foon as the feafon would p-rrmit ; and he was cer- tain, he deferred raifing forces long enough this year, in that he gave not one commiflion till the enemy was landed; and he was fure, that the perfons now in commifTion are fuch as will be as deiirous to be out of the employment as to continue in it. He further faid, he would fay no more, but that he hoped his two Honfts of Parliament (hould meet here in October next, and that they would then come with fuch inclinations as may reftore the kingdom to as good a condition as it was ever in ; and he did aflbre them, he fhould not be wanting on his part. After this, his Majefty bid the Lord Chancellor do as he had commanded. Whereupon the Lord Chancellor faid : My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and BurgelTes, of the Houfe of Commons, TT is his Majefty's pleafure that this Parliament be prorogued to the tenth day of Odlober next ; and accordingly this Parliament is prorogued to the tenth day of Oftober next. Hh Majejly s Mojl Gracious Speech y O^ober lo, 1 66 7. My Lords and Gentlemen, TX/'HEN we laft met here, about eleven weeks ago, I thought fit to prorogue the Parliament till this day, re- folving that there {hould be a feflion now, and to give myfelf time to do force things I have fince done, which 1 hope will not be unwelcome to you, but a foundation for a greater confidence between us for the future. The other reafons of that proroga- tion, and fome other matters with which I would acquaint you, 1 have commanded my Lord Keeper to declare unto you. Then the Lord Keeper fpake as followeth : My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgeffes, of the Houfe of Commons, npHIS Parliament, after many good and wholefome laws made with your advice in feveral feflions, many great ,fup- plies and aids given to his Majefty, and for the maintenance of the wars, and many other fignaf tefti monies of your affe^ than that the condition of his affairs could fo long have want- ed it : and his Majefty hath commanded me now to fpeak more fully and plainly upon this lubje£i:. His Majefty hath not only by his minifters, but in his own royal perfon, examined the accompts touching the expenfes of the lalt war ; and hath thought himfelf concerned to let you know, that all the fupplies which you gave him for the war have been by him applied to the war, and no part of them to any other ufes : nay, fo far from it, that if the preparations towards the war Ihall be taken to be for the ufe of the war, as they muft be, a great part of his own revenue, to many hun- dred thoufands of pounds, hath been employed alfo, and fwal- lowed up in the charges of the war, and what did neceflarily relate to it : to which may be added, the great debts contracted by his Majefty in the war, and the great charge in the repairs of the hullsof his ftiips, and putting his navy into fuch a con- dition as it was before. JBefides, his Majefty thinks it ought to be confidered, that when the charges of the war were at the higheft, the inevi- table effefts of it, and thofe other calamities which it pleafed God (at that time) to bring upon us, did make fo great a dimi- nution in his revenues, that (befides all other accidents and difadvantages) the lofs that he fuftained in three branches of his revenues, in his cuftoms, excife, and hearth-money, by reafon of the war, the plague, and the fire, did amount to little lefs than fix hundred thoufand pounds. Thus you fee, that though your fupplies have been great, yet the charges occafioned by the war, and the calamities which accompanied it, have been greater ; and that the debt which is left upon his Majefty, and which he complains of, hath been contraded by the war, and not by the diverfion of the monies defigned for it. His Majefty hath coinmanded me to fay one thing more to you upon this fubje£l : that he did not enter into this war upon any private inclination or appetite ot his own. The firft ftep he made towards it did arife from your advice, and the promifes of your afliftance : but if the charges and acci- dents of the war have outgone all your fupplies, and left him under the burden of this debt, he thinks that, as well the juf- tice to your promife as the duly and loyalty you have always Ihewed him, will oblige you to relieve him from it ; and the rather, when you fhall ferioufly confider, how un^afy this burden muft be to him, and what ill confequence the con- tinuance under it muft draw upon all his affairs. In which 3 P^r- ( H4 ) jparticular, ybu, and every perfon you reprefent in this nation, will be concerned as well as himfelf. His Majcfty dotli therefore command me, in his name, to defire you once more, and to conjure you, by that conftant duty and loyalty which you have always exprefled to him, and by all the concernment you have for the fupport of the honour and fafety of his government, to provide fuch a fupply for him at this time as may bear proportion to the prelling occa- fions that he hath, and to the Itate of his affairs at home and abroad ; and fo fpeedily and fo effe6tually, as may anfwer the ends for which he hath defired it. His Majcfty hath further commanded me to put you in mind of what was at your lafl: meeting propofcd to you concerning an union between the two kingdoms ; and to let you know, that the Parliament of Scotland hath fmce declared to his Ma- jefty, that fuch commiflioners as his Majefty fhall name lliall be authorized on their part to treat with commillioners for this kingdom upon the grounds and conditions of the union. His Majefty therefore thought fit now again to recommend it to you, to take that matter effectually into your confideration. A' Speech by the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, Jpr'il 1 1, 1670. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, T the opening of this feftlon of Parliament, your Majefty was pleafed to fpeak to your two Houfes, and recom- mended ihi;;;^ things efpecially to us ; unity amongft ourfelves, the union of your Majefty's two kingdoms of England and Scotland, and the fupply of your Majefty's prefent and urgent cccafions: in obedience to your Majefty's commands, we have induftrioufly applied ourfelves to the confideration of thefe matters. By the bicfling of God, all differences are buried in obli- vion. Your Majefty's happy expedient hath, like a ftrong gale of wind, blown up the rolling fands, and filled up all impreilions ; vejligla nulla retrorfum. And as your people will univerfally enjoy the fruit of this happy union, fo our united prayers to God ftiall be, that your Majefty may be crowned with the promifed bleiling, beatl padfici. In order to the union of your Majefty's two kingdoms, both your Houfes of Parliament have humbly bcfought your Majefty to name commiftioners for this your kingdom of England; and we have prepared a bill to authorife them to treat with commiftioners to be appointed for your kingdom of Scotland, upon fuch grounds as (hall be thought conducing to that end, and ( H5 ) and to report them to your Majefty, and to both Houfes of Parhament of this your kingdom of England ; referving always to your Majefty and the two Houfes of Parliament the entire confideration of the wI\ole, and the allowing or difallowing thereof, or any part thereof, as they fhall think fit. We have alfo confidered of a fupply for your Majefty's occafions : and I am commanded, by the knights, citizens, and burgefTes, of the Houfe of Commons, to prefent your Majefty with this bill, whereby we have given to your Ma- jefly an impofition upon all wines and vinegar imported, after the rate of eight pounds per tun for all French wines and vinegar, and twelve pounds per tun for all other wines j and have granted this unto your Majefty for eight years, to com- mence from Midfummer next. And I am further commanded to acquaint your Majefty, that we apprehend the revenue arifing by the power of granting wine licences, fettled upon his Royal Highnefs by a£l of Parliament, hath been preju- diced by the lall impofition upon wines, and will be much more impaired by this prefent impofition ; we therefore added the laft year unto this bill of fupply with this vote, ** That your Majefty be humbly defired therewith to recompenfe his Royal Righnefs the Duke of York for the damage he hath received, and (hall receive, in his revenue of wine licences, by this and the laft impofition." Having thus, in the firft place, with all dutifulnefs obeyed your Majeftv's commands, we held it neceftary to remember thofe that fent us hither, and to prefent unto your Majefty fome bills that will be of public ufe for all the people of this nation. There is, firft, a bill for the preventing of fcditious con- venticles, whereby no man is hindered the ufe of his own judgment in the exercife of religion, by himfelf, or in his own family, or iri the prefence of four ftrangers ; but, bccaufe the peace of the nation may be endangered by more populous meetings, contrary to the liturgy and pra^ice of the church of England, we have impofed a penalty of five fliillings for the firft offence, and ten Ihillings for the fecond, and every other oifence, upon all fuch offenders ; to be levied by diftrefs and fale of the offenders goods. We are informed, that your Majefty fuffers much by the ftealing and embezzling of your ordnance, ammunition, fail cloths, and ftores ; and likewife your good people are much damnified by a wicked fort of people, who make it their prac- tice, in the night time, to fteal woollen cloths and fluffs from off the racks ; and they are much encouraged in this their wickednefs, by reafon they have their clergy : We have there- VoL. I. L fore ( 146 ) fore prept5"ed a bill for the taking away the benefit of clergy upon the conviiSlion of all fiich offenders. We have likevvile prepared an additional bill for the rebuilding the city of Lon- don, wherein vvc have revived the judicatory of your Majefty's twelve judges, empowering them to hear and determine the reinainder of caufes and contioverfies, which have not already received a fettlement by them ; we have alfo made provifion for tiie widening many more ftreets than were mentioned in the former a£t, and to enable the lord-mayor and aldermen of the city of London to give fatisfa6lion to thofe "whofe grounds fliall be taken from them i and alfo for laying the foundation, at leaft, of the fainous cathedral of St. Paul, and towards the rebuilding of fifty-one parilh churches, we have added an im- pofition of two fhillings for every chaldron of coals that fhall be brought into the port of London for the fpace of feventecn years yet to come. We have likevvife prepared a bill for the afcertaining the meafures of corn and fait ; and provided, that one meafure fhall be ufed in all the market towns of this kingdom. We have found great incoveniences by the want of due re- pairing the highways of this kingdom ; and have therefore taken care for time to come, both to amend them, and to prevent the fpoiling of them again, by carrying excellive loads, and drawing them with extraordinary number of horfes and other cattle. Experience tells us, when the confumption of foreign com- modities exceeds the ufe and exportation of our native com- modities, the nation mufl infcnfibiv grow poor, and our trca- fure will be exhaulted : we have therefore prepared a bill for the encouragement of tillage, by permitting the exporting of corn ; and alfo for the encouragement of other forts of good hufbandry, by exporting of horfes, fwine, and other cattle, and of butter and cheefe ; and have made them all free mer-. chandife, paying certain duties to your Majedy upon the ex- portation. There be fome other bills of a public nature, and divers private bills, all which are ready to be prefented to your Ma- jefty for your royal adent ; the which I Ihall forbear to enu- merate, for fear it may prove tedious to your Majcfty. Having given your Majelty this account of our proceedings, fmce our !a(t meeting in this our Ibort but happy fedion ; it is evident we have not mifpent our time ; but, with the good fer- vant in the gofpel, have gained many talents, fo that we may with comfort and fatisfa£tion return to our houfcs ; and wc hope we fhall carry our Mailer's blclling witli us. His ( 147 ) jH^is Afajeftys moft Gracious Speech j Jpril iiy 1670, My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM unwilling to let you go away without telling you, that I am very well fatisfied with the fuccefs of this meeting, and that you have fo well complied witli my defires, both in the correfpondence between the two Ho'ufes, and in the pro- grefs you have made towards an union between the two kingdoms. I heartily thank you for the fupply you have given me ; and I aiTure you I will make it go as far as I can towards the fa- tisfying of my debts. And becaufe you have been long from !)ome, I am content you adjourn yourfelves till ihe 24th of Odlober next. His Majejtys mcft gracious Speech y Oilohcr 24, 1670. My Lords and Gentlemen, "JV,TY principal defign being the good of the kingdom, and "*• believing that will be beft provided for when the Houfes are fuUeft, I thought fit by my proclamation to fummon you all to be here. My Lord Keeper will open at large the particulars I hav» to recommend to you at this prefent ; and what you do, I ■would have difpatched before Chiiilmas, that you may then have leifure to return home, and that your own domeflic affairs may not fufFer by the care you take of me and the public. You have given me fo many great tcitimonies of your zeal and affeftion, that it were to do you an injury to fufpeih your want of kindnefs at a time when there is lu ii\uch need of it ; and if you could poflibly make any queftlon of the value and love I have for you, I Ihould think myfelf unhappy, fince I have nothing more in my heart than to give evidences of it to the whole world, • Then the Lord Keeper fpake as follows ; My Lords, and you, Knights, Citizens, and BurgefTes, of the Houfe of Commons, TX7HEN the two Houfes were laft adjourned, this day (as * you well know) was- prefixed for your meeting again. The proclamation \ fince iffued) requiring uU your attendances at the fame time, fhews, not only his ivlajefty's belief that his bufinefs will thrive beft when the Houles ar<; fulklt, but the L 2 iropor- ( 148 ) importance alfo of the affairs for which you are fo called ; and important they are. You cannot be ignorant of all the forces, both for land and fea fervice, which our neighbours of France and the Low Countries have raifcd, and have now in adual pay ; nor of the great preparations which they continue to make, in levy- ing of n.cn, building of (hips, filling their magazines and ftores with immenfc quantities of all forts of warlike pro- vifiqns. Since the beginning of the laft Dutch war, the French have Increafed the number and greatnefs of their fhips fo much, that their ftrength by fea is thrice as much as it was before ; and fmce the end of it, the Dutch have been very diligent alfo in augmenting their fleets. In this conjun6lure, whilft our neighbours arm fo potently, even common prudence requires that his Majefly fhould make fome fuitable preparations, that he may at lead keep pace with his neighbours (if not outgo them) in the number and flrength of his (hipping ; for, this being an ifland, both our fafety and our trade, our being and our well-being, depend upon our force at fea. His Majerty, therefore, of his princely care for the good of his people, hath given order for the fitting out of fifty fail of his greatell (hips againfl: the fpring (befides thofe which are to be for fecurity of our merchants in the Mediterranean) ; as forefeeing that, if he fhould not have a confiderable fleet whilft his neighbours have fuch forces both at land and fea, temptation might be given, even to thofe who now feem not to intend it, to give us an affront (at leaf!) if not to do us a mifchief. / To which may be added, that his Majefty, by the leagues •which he hath made for the common peace of Chriftendom, and the good of his kingdoms, is obliged to a certain number of forces, in cafe of infradlion thereof, as alfo for the a(riftance of fome of his neighbours, in cafe of invafion : and his Ma- jefty would be in a very ill condition to perform his part in the leagues, if (whillt ihc clouds are gathering fo thick about us) he fhould (in hopes that the wind would difperfe them) omit to provide againft the ftorm. My Lords and Gentlemen, Having named the leagues made by his Majefty, I think it jiecelTary to put you in mind, that, fince the clofe of the laft \var, his Majefty hath made feveral leagues, to his own great honour, and of infinite advantage to the nation : one, known by the name of the triple alliance, wherein his Majefty, the . Crowo ( H9 ) Crown of Sweden, and the States of the United Provinces, are engaged to preferve the treaty at Aix la Chapelle, concern- ing a peace between the two then warring princes ^ which league produced that efFeft, that it quenched the fire which was ready to have fet all Chriftendom on a flame; and (befide other great benefits by it which fhe ftill enjoys) gave opportunity to tranfmit thofe forces againft the infidels, which vi^ould (otherwife) have been imbrued in Chriflian blood. Another, between his Majefty and the faid States, for a mutual afliflance, with a certain number of men aiid ihips, in cafe of invafion by any others. Another, between his Majefty and the Duke of Savoy, efta- blilhing a free trade for his Majefty's fubjeds at Villa P>anca, a port of his upon the Mediterranean, and through the domi- nions of that prince, and thereby opening a pafTage towards a rich part of Italy and part of Germany, which will be of very great advantage, for the vending of cloth and other our home commodities, and bringing back filk and other materials for manufaitures here. Another, betw^een his Majefty and the King of Denmark, whereby thofe impofitions which were lately laid upon our trade there are taken off, and as great privileges are granted to our merchants as ever they had in former times, or as the fub- jedls of any other prince or ftate do now enjoy. And another league upon a treaty of commerce with the Crown of Spain, whereby there is (not only) a ceflion, and giving up tO} his Majefty, of all their pretenlions to Jamaica, and other the illands and countries in the Weft Indies, in the polTeftion of his Majefty or his fubjefts ; but withal, free li- berty is given for his Majefty's fubjcds to enter their ports, for viiSluals and water, and fafety of harbour ; and return, if ftorms and other accidents bring them thither: privileges which were never before granted by them, either to the Englifh or any others. Not to mention the leagues formerly made with Sweden and Portugal, and the advantages which we enjoy thereby ; nor thofe treaties now dependiug between his Majefty and France, or his Majefty and the States of the United Provinces, touch- ing commerce, wherem his Majefty will have a fingular re- gard to the honour of the nation, and alfo to the trade of it, which was never greater than now it is. In a word, almoft all the princes of Europe do fcek his Majefty's fricmiftiip, as acknowledging they cannot fecure, much lefs improve, their prefent condition without it. His Majefty is confident, that you will not be content to fee him deprived of all tlie advantages w'hich he might pro- L 3 cure cure hereby to his own kingdoms, nay even to all Chriftcn- dom, in the repofe and quiet of it ; that you will not be con- tent abroad to fee your neighbours ftrengthening themfelves in Ihipping fo much more than they were before, and at home to fee the government ftruggling every year with difficulties, and not able lo keep up our navies equal with theirs. He finds, by his accounts, that from the year 1660 to the late war, the ordinary charge of the fleet (communlhus ann'is) came to about five hundred thoufand poimds a year, and it cannot be fupported with lefs : if that particular alone takes up fo much, add to it the other conftant charges of the go- vernment, and the revenue (although the commilhoners of the treafury have managed it with all iinaginable thrift) will in no degree fuffice to take off the debts due upon intereft, much lefs give him a fund for the fetting out this fleet, which, by eftimatc thereof, cannot cofl lefs than eight hundred thoufand pounds. ilis Majefly, in his moft gracious fpeech, hath exprefled the great fenfe he hath of your zeal and afFe6lion for him : and as he will ever retain a grateful memory of your former rcadinefs to fupply him in all his exigencies, fo he doth with particular thanks acknowledge your frank and cheerful gift of the new duty upon wines at your lail: meeting : but the fame is like to fall very fhort in value of what it was conceived to be worth \, and (hould it have anfwered expe6lation, yet far too fhort to eafe or help him upon thefe occaflons. And therefore, fuch a fupply as may enable him to take off his debts upon intereft, and fet out this fleet againft the next fpring, is that which he defircs from you, and recommends it to you as tl.at whiv h concerns the honour and fupport of the government, and the welfare and fafety of yourfelves and the ■whole kingdom. My Lords and Gentlemen, You may perceive, by what his Majefty hath already faid, that he holds it requifite that an end be put to this meeting before Chrilhnas: it is fo, not only in reference to the pre- paration of his fleet, which muft be in a readinefs in the fpring, but alfo to the feafon qf the year: it is a time when you would be willing to be in your counties, and your neigh- bours would be glad 10 fee you there, and partake of your hofpitality and charity ; and you thereby endear yourfelves unto them, and keep up that intereft and power amongft them v.'hich is necedary for the fervice of your King and country. And a recefs at that time (leaving your bufinefs unfinifhed till your return) cannot be either convenient for you, or fuitable to the ( 151 ) ihe condition of his Majedy's affairs, which requires your fpcedy, as well as aiFedlionatc, confiderStion. This is all 1-havc in command to fay at this time. Speech hy the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons^ March 6, 167 1-2. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty* npHE knights, citizens, and burgeires, in the Commons Houfe of Parliament, taking into their"" lerious confidera- tion the fupply of your Majelty, for the carrying on the great charge of the government and payment of your Majefly's debts, prefent your Majefty with two bills , the one intituled, " An ** A£l for granting a Siibfidy to his Majefty, for Supply of his *' extraordinary Occafions," the other, *' An Ail for an Ad- ** ditional Excife on Beer, Ale, and other Liquors ;" which they befeech your Majeiiy to accept of, as an earned of their dutiful aftedions to you. EfFed of his Majefty's Speech, March 6, 1671-2. My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE nothing to fay to you now, but to thank you very •*■ heartily for the tv\'o bills nov/ pafled for ray fupply ; and to defire you to make what hafte you can in fuch public bills as are in your hands, that there may be a recefs towards the lat- ter end of this month. Acldrefs hy both Houfesy prefented to his Majejty^ for preventinr the Growth of Popery y March 13, 1671-2. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, "TTTE your Majefty's moft humble and loyal fubje61s, the '^ ' Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in this pre- fent Parliament aflembled, being fenHble of your Majefty's conftancy to the proteftant religion both at home and abroad, hold ourfelves bound, in confcience and duty, to reprefent to your moft facred Majefty the caufes of the dangerous growth of popery in thefe your Majefty's dominions, the ill confe- quences whereof we heartily defire may be prevented : and therefore, what we humbly conceive to be fome prefent reme- dies for the faid growing mifchiefs, we have hereunto added, in our moft humble petitions. L 4 Caufes ( 152 ) Caufes of the Growth of Popery. 1. THAT there are great numbers of priefts and jefui'ts frequenting the cities of London and Weftminfter, and mod of the counties of this kingdom, more than formerly, fedu- cing your Majefty's good fubjefts. 2. That there are feveral chapels and places ufed for faying of mafs, in the great towns, and many other parts of this kingdom ; bcfidcs thofe in ambalfadors houfes ; whither great numbers of your Majefty's fubjeds conftantly refort and re- pair without controul, and efpecially in the cities of London and Weftminfter, contrary to the eftabliftied laws. 3. That there arc fraternities or convents of Englifh popifh priefts and jefuits at St. James, and at the Combe in Hereford- ihire ; and others, in other parts of the kingdom ; befides, fe- veral fchools are kept in divers parts of this kingdom, for the. corrupt educating of youth in the principles of popery. 4. The common and public felling of popiih catechifms, and other feditious popifti books, even in the time of Parlia- ment. 5. The general remiflhefs of the magiftrates, and other of- ficers, or clerks of the afhze, and clerks of the peace, in iiot conviding of papifts, according to law. 6. That fufpciled recufants are free from all offices charge- able and troublefome ; and do enjoy the advantages of offices and places beneficial, executed either by themfelves, or per- fons intruded by them. 7. That the advowfance of churches, and prefentations to livings, are difpofed of by popiih recufants, or by others in- truftcd by them, as they direct ; whereby moft of thofe livings and benefices are filled with fcandalous and »mfit minifters. 8. That many perfons take the liberty to fend their children beyond the feas, to be educated in the popifh religion; and that feveral young perfons are fent beyond the feas, upon the notion of their better education, under tutors or guardians, who are not put to take the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy j and ufually corrupt the youths under their tuition into popery. 9. That there hath been few exchequer procelfes inTucd forth fince the a£l of oblivion, againft tlu popiih recufants convift, though many have been certified thither. 10. The great infolencies of the papifts in Ireland, Avherc doth publicly appear archbiftiops and billiops, reputed to be made fuch by the pope, in oppofition to thofe made under l.is Majefty's authority, according to the religion eltabliftied in England and Ireland ; and the open exercife of mafs in Dub- lin, ( ^53 ) lin, and other parts of that kingdom, is a further great caufc of the prefent growth of popery. That Peter Talbot, the reputed archbifliop of Dublin, was publicly coufecrated fo at Antwerp, with great and public fo- lemnity ; from whence he came to London, where he exer- cifed his fun6tion, and was, all along his journey to Cheller, treated with the chara6^er of ** His Grace," by the popilTi recufants whom he vifiicd ; and, at his landing in Dublin, he was received with very great folemnity by thofe of the popilh religion there ; where alfo he exercifed his fundtioa publicly, great multitudes then flocking to him ; and ftill con- tinues to do the fame : his prefent refidence is within three miles of Dublin, at his brother's. Colonel Richard Talbot, who is i-ow here, foliciting your Majelty, as public agent, on the behalf of the Iriih papiifs of that kingdom. That Remedies againft theje growing Mijchiefs^ we, the Lords Spiriiual and Temporal, and Commons, in this prefent Parlia-' mcnt ajjembledy do, in all humility, reprefent to your Sacred Majejtyy in theje our Petitions following : 1. THAT your Majefty, by your proclamation, would be moft graciouily pleafed to command, that all popilTi priefts and jefuits do depart this realm, and all other your Majefty's do- minions, on or before a fhort day to be prefixed, at their perils; excepting only fuch foreign priells as attend her Majetfy's per- fon by the contrail cf marriage, and ambalfadors, according to the law of nations : and that all judges and juftices of the peace, and all other miniflers and officers of juftice, do caufe the laws now in force againft popifh recufants to be put ia due execution ; and, in the firft place, for the fpeedy convic- tion of fuch popifli recufants, that all judges and jultices afore- faid do ftridlly give the faid laws in charge unto the juries, at all affizes and feflions, under the penalty of incurring your Majeily's highelt difpleafure. 2. That your Majefty would be gracioufly pleafed to re- ftrain and hinder the great concourfe of your native fubjedls froai hearing of mafs, and other exercifes of the Romifh re- ligion, in the houfes of foreign ainbaliadors or agents, and in all other chapels and places ot this kingdom. 3. That your Majeity would be molt gracioufly pleafed, out of your mcfl: princely wifdom, and pious confideration, to take care, and caufe that no office or employment of public authority, truft, or commar.d, in civil or military affairs, be committed to, or continued m, th.e hands of any perfon, being a popilh recufant, or jultly fufpedted to be fo. 4. That ( 154 ) 4. That your Majc(ly would be gracioufly pleafed to take notice of all fraternities and convents of Englifh and other popidi pnefts, jefuiis, or friars, and fchouls for the educating of youth in the principles (^t popery, erected within your Majedy's dorr.inions ; and to caufc the fame to be aboHlhed, and the faid priefts, jefnits, friars, and fchoolmafters, to be duly punifhed for fuch their iufolcncies. 5. That your Majefty would be gracioufly pleafed, from time to time, to require, and caiife, that all the officers of, or relating to the exchequer, iffue forth procefs efFctlually upon popilli recufants convict certified thither : and that fucl^ officer, as ihall refufe or negledl to do his duty as aforefaid, be fe- verely puniflied for fuch his failure. 6. 'I'hat your Majefty would be gracioufly pleafed to give order for appreheUding, and bringing over iiiio England, one Plunckett, who goes under the name of Primate of Ireland, and one Peter Talbot, who takes upon him the name of Archbilhop of Dublin, to anfwer fuch matters, as Ihall be ob- jefted againft them. To thefe our moll: humble petitions, proceeding from our duty and zeal for the glory of God, and good of your facred Majefty, and from the care incumbent on us, fbr the fafety and peace of thefe your Majefty kingdoms, we do, in all hu- mility, befeech your Majefty to vouchfafc a gracious anfwer. And we your Majefty's moft loyal and obedient fubjefls, the Lord and Commons in this prefent Parliament af- fembled, fhall ever pray for your Majefty's long and happy reign over us ; and, as in confcience we are obliged, fhall conftantly adhere to, and affift your Ma- jefty, intlie maintenance and defence of your Majefty's fupremacy, and the true proteftant religion now efta- bliflicd in your Majefty's dominions, in oppofition t<* all foreign powers and popilh pretenfions whatfoever. His Majefty's anfwer was to this efFe£l : 'T'HAT he would prefently ilfue out his proclamation for the baniffiiug of popilh priefts and jefuits, and give charge that the laws againft popery fliould be put in execution i and that he would take all the care he could, for fuppreffing the growth of popery. That it was no wonder, if he did make a diftin£lion between thofe who had newly changed their religion, and thofe who were bred up in it, and had faithfully ferved his father and himfclf, in the late wars. { 155 ) Effe(5l of the Speaker's Speech, April 22, 1761-2. 'X'HAT his Majefty v/as pleafed, in Oclober laft, fwhen the ■*■ Parliament then met) to acquaint them how his revenue was clogged with debts ; and that the Commons, taking the fame into confideration, refolved to fupply his Majefty accord- ingly ; and that, on the lixlh day of March laft, he prefented his Majefty, from the Houfe of Commons, with the fubfidy and excife bills ; and now, by their command, he prefented his Majefty with the bill for laying impofitions on proceedings at law : that he was coinmanded humbly to befeech his Ma- jefty, that the revenue thereof might be efFedlually applied to the payment of his debts : and that he had further in com- mand from them, to let his jVIajefty know, that they had en- larged the tinie for the impofitions on proceedings at law to nine years, that thereby his Majefty might be the better ena- bled to fatisfy his debt owing to the Prince of Orange: he begged his pardon, that he called it his debt, it being con- tradled for fupplies afforded to his royal father and himfelf in their unhappy neceflities, and therefore not to be forgotten* He faiJ, that geographers write of fome iHands called Infulee Fortunato', whofe harveft is faid to be in March and April ; he hopgd, that England might be accounted one of thofe iflands, having afforded his Majefty fuch a crop in March laff, and this April, which he humbly bei'bught his Majefty to ac- cept as a pledge of their dutifnl alfedion to him. I His Majefty then fpake as followeth : My Lords and Gentlemen, GIVE you very hearty thanks for the fupply you have now given me. His Majefty alfo proceeded further to thank them .for what they had further intended him ; and aifured them, *' That what they had given him fhould be employed " toward the payment of his debts, and his expenfes for this ** year : that it was now time for them to go into their coun- " ties ; and he defired them to take care that in the laying and " colle6ling of the fubfwly they had given him, it might be ** improved to what they intended." He faid further, "That *' he intended the Parliament fhould be prorogued, not to '* meet again for almoft a year ; but hoped that when they dD " meet, they would come again with the fame affedlions to '* his fervice as formerly ; and what he had further to fay to •* them, they fhould underftand by the Lord Keeper." Then ( '56 ) Then the Lord Keeper fpake to this efFe 1673. Mofl Gracious Sovereign, 'T'HE knights, citizens, and burgeffcs, of your Houfe of -*■ Commons, in obedience to your royal command, have proceeeJed to the choice of a Speaker. They have among them many worthy perfons eminently qualified for fo great a truft ; ( ^57 ) truft ; yet, with too favourable an eye, have caft It upon me, who am really confcious to myfelf of many infirmities, ren- dering me much unfit for fo great an employment. And al- though my endeavours of excufing myfelt before them have not been fuccefsfiil, yet they have been fo indulgent as to per- mit me to continue my endeavours therein before your Ma- jefty's mod piercing and difcerning judgment. The veneration due to Majelty, w^hich lodgeth in every loyal bread, makes it not an eafy matter to fpeak before your Majefty at any time, or in any capacity. But to fpeak before your Majefcy in your exaltation, thus glorioufly fup- ported and attended, and that as Speaker of your Houfe of Commons, requires greater abilities than I can pretend to jown. I am not alfo without fear that the public affairs, wherein your Majedy and your kingdom in this jundure of time are fa highly concerned, may receive detriment through my weaknefs. I therefore, with a plain humble heart, proflrate at your ^oyal feet, befeech that you will comm.and them to review what they have done, and to proceed to another election. Then the Lord Chancellor, by directions from his Majeftyj returned this anfwer : Mr. Serjeant Charlton, npHE King hatk very attentively heard -your difcreet and handfome difcourfe, whereby you endeavour to excufeand difable yourfelf for the place of Speaker : in anfwer wh.ereof, his Majedy hath commanded rne to fay to you, that he doth in no fort admit of the fame ; for his Msjedy hath had long ex- perience of your abilities, good affedHon, integrity, and refo- lution, in feveral employinents of great trud and weight. He knows you have been long a Rarliament man, and therefore every way fitted and qualified for the employment. Befides, he cannot difapprove the election of this Houfe of Commons, efpecialiy when they have expreiTcd fo much duty in chufing one worthy and acceptable to him. And therefore the King doth allow of the elcdion, and admits you for Speaker. Whereupon Mr. Speaker made this reply. Great Sir, CiNCE it is your gracious pleafure not to accept of my hunj- *^ bleexcufe, but by your royal approbation to fix me under this great though honourable weight, and to think me fit to be inveiled ( ^58 ) inverted with a truft of fo high a nature as this is ; 1 take il, in the firlt place, to be incumbent upon me, that I render you/ Majefty all poffible thanks ; which I now humbly do, with a heart lull of all duty, and aft'ected with a deeper lenfe of gratitude than 1 can find words to exprefs. Next, from your royal determination in this affair, where- by you have imprinted a new character upon me, 1 take cou- rage againit my own diffidence, and cheerfully bend myfelf, "with fuch Ifrength and abilities as God (hall give, to the fer- vice fo gracioufly alligned me ; no way doubting that your Majeiiy will pleafe to pardon my frailties, to accept of my faithful endeavours, and always to look favourably upon the ivork of your own hands. And now. Sir, my firfl: entrance upon this fervice obliges me to make a few neceflary, but humble petitions, on the be- half of your moil loyal and dutiful Houfe of Commons : 1. That, for our better attendance on the public fervice, we and our fervants may be free in our perfons and eftates from arrefls and other diilurbances. 2. That, in our debates, liberty and freedom of fpeech be allowed us. 3. That, as occafions (hall require, your Majefly, upon our humble fuit, and at fuch times as your Majefly fhall judge feafonable, will vouchfafe us accefs to your royal perfon. 4. I'hat all our proceedings may receive a favourable conftru6lion. That God who hath brought you back to the throne of your fathers, and with you all our comforts, grant you a long and profperous reign, and fend you vidtory over all your enemies i and every good man's heart will fay, Amen. Upon which, by his Majefty's further dire£lion, the Lord Chancellor faid as folio weth ; Mr. Speaker, n^HE King's Majefly hath heard, and well weighed, your fhort and eloquent oration ; and, in the firfl place, much approves that you have with fo much advantage introduced a fhorter way of fpeaking upon this occafion. His Majefly doth well accept of all thofe dutiful and affectionate expreffions in which you have delivered your fubmiffion to his royal plea- fure ; and looks upon it as a good omen to his affairs, and as an evidence that the Houfe of Commons have flill the fame heart, that have chofen fuch a mouth. The conjundure of 1 time. C 159 ) time, the King and kingdom's affairs require fuch a Houfeof Commons, fuch a Speaker ; for, with reverence to the Holy Scripture, upon this occafion the King may fay, *' He that is not with me, is aguinft me ^" for he that doth not now put his hand and heart to fupport the King in the common caufe of this kingdom, can hardly ever hope for fuch another opportunity, or find a time to make fati.-fadion for the omiilion of this. Next, I am commanded by his Majelty to anfwer your four petitions ; whereof the firft being the freedom of you and your fervanrs, your perfons and edates, without arrefts or other difturbancc, the King has graciouily pleafed to grant it, as full as to any of your predeceflors : the fecond, for liberty and freedom ot fpeech : the third, for accefs to his royal perfon ; and the fourth, that your proceedings may receive a favourable con- flrudion ^ are all freely and fully granted by his Majelty. I Then His Majefty fpake as followeth : My Lords and Gentlemen, AM glad to fee you here this day. I would have called you fooner together, but that 1 was willing to eafe you and the country till there were an abfolute necell^ty. Since you were laft here, 1 have been forced to a moft im- portant, neceffary, and expenfive war ; and [ make no doubt but you will give me fuitable and effeftuai ailiftance to go through with it. I refer you to my declaration for the caufes, and indeed the neceility of this war ; and (hall now only tell you, that I might have digelled the indignities to my own per- fon, rather than have brought it to this extremity, if the inte- reft as well * as the honour of the whole kingdom had not been at flake , and if 1 had omitted this conjundure, perhaps I had not again ever met with the like advantage. You will find, that the laft fupply you gave me did not an- fwer expe£lation for the ends you gave it, the payment of my debts : therefore I muft, in the next place, recommend thera again to your efpecial care. Some tew days before 1 declared the war, I put forth my declaration for indulgence to dilfenters, and have hitherto found a good effect of it, by fecuring peace at home, when I had war abroad. There is one part in it that hath been fubje6t to mifconftru£lions, which is that concerning the papiits ; as if more liberty were granted thera than to the other recufants, when it is plain there is lefs ; for the others have public places allov/ed them, and I never intended that they fhould have any, but only have the freedom of their religion in their own houfes, without * Origin, of. ( i6o ) without any concourfe of others. And I could not grant theril lefs than this, when I had extended fo much more grace to others, moft of them having been loyal, and in the fervice of me and of the King, my father ; and in the whole courfe of this indulgence, I do not intend that it iliall any way preju- dice tlie church, but 1 will fupport its rights, and it in its full power. Having faid this, 1 (hall take it very ill to receive contradiction in what I have done. And, I will deal plainly with you, I am refolved to Hick to my declaration. There is one jealoufy more, that is maliciouHy fpread abroad, and yet fo weak and frivolous that I once thought it not of mo- ment enough to mention, but it may have gotten fome ground with fome well-minded people ; and that is, that the forces I have raifed in this war were defigned to controul law and pro- perty. I wiih I had had more forces laft fummer ; the want of them then convinces me I muft raife more againft this next fpring ; and I do not doubt but you v,'ill eonlider them in your fupplies. i will conclude with this aflurance to you, that I will pre- ferve the true reformed proteftant religion, and the church as it is now eftablilhed in this kingdom, atid that no man's property or liberty Ihall ever be invaded. 1 leave the reft to the Chancellor. .. >*i: ~ Then the Lord Chancellor fpake as follows: My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgefles, of the Houfe of Commons, 'TpHE King hath fpoken fo fully, fo excellently well, and fa like hiriifelf, that you are not to expedt much from me. There is not a word in his fpeech that hath not its full weight and I dare with alfurance fay, will have its efFe£i: with you. His Majeiiy had called you fooner, and his affairs required it, but that he was refolved to give you all the eafe and vacancy to your own private concerns, and the people as much refpitc from payments and taxes, as the necelfay cf his bufinefs, or their prefervaticn, would permit. And yet (which I can- not but here mention to you) by the crafty infmuations of fome ill-jfFe£ted perfons, there have been fpread llrange and dcfperate rumours, which your meeting together this day hath fufficiently proved both malicious and falfe. His Majefty hath told you, that he is now engaged in an important, very cxpcnfiVe, and indeed a war abfolutely nccef- fary and unavoidable. He hath referred you to his declaration, where you will find the pcrfonal indignities by pidlures and medals- ( 16I ) ftiedals, and other public affronts his Majefty hath received from the States ; their breach of treaties both in the Surinam and Eafl India bufinefs ; and at laft they came to that height of infolence, as to deny the honour and right of the flag, though an undoubted jewel of this crownj never tb be parted with^ and by them particularly owned in the late treaty of Breda, and never contefled in any age. And whilftthe King firft long ex- pedled, and then folemnly demanded fatisfadion, they difputed his title to it in all the courts of Chriftendom ; and made great offers to the French King, if he would fland by them againfl us. But the Moil Chriftian King too well remembered what they did at Munfter, contrary to fo many treaties and folemn engagements, and how dangerous a neighbour they wej e to all crowned heads. The King and his minlflers had here a hard tiine, and lay every day under new obloquies : fometimes they were re- prefented as felling all to France for money to make this war ; Portfmouth, Plymouth, and Hull were to be given into the French hands, for caution. The next day news came, that France and Holland were agreed. Then the obloquy was turned from treachery to folly. The minifters were now fools, that fome days before', were villains. And indeed the coffee- houfes were not to be blamed for their laft apprehenfions, fmce, if that conjunftion had taken effedt, then England had been in a far worfe cafe than now it is, and the war had been turned upon us. But both Kings, knowing their intereft, re- folved to join againftthem, who were the cominon enemies to all monarchies, and I may fay, efpecially to our's, their only competitor for trade r,nd power at fea, and who only ftand in their way to an univerfai empire as great as Rome. This the States underftood fo well, and had fwallowed fo deep, that, under all their prefent diilrefs and danger, they are fo intoxi- cated with that vaft ambition, that they flight a treaty, and refufe a cefTation. All this you and the whole nation faw before the laft war ; but it could not then be fo well timed, or our alliances fo well inade. But you judged aright, that at any rate, delenda ejl CarthagOy that government was to be brought down ; and therefore the King may well fay to you, 'tis your war. He took his mcafures from you, and they were juft and right ones; and he expedls a fuitable afhftance to fo necelFary and expen- five an a(?tion, which he hath hitherto maintained at his own charge, and was unwilling either to trouble you, or burthen the country, until it came to an inevitable neceflity. And his Majefty commands me to tell you, that unlefs it be a certain fum, and fpeedily raifed, it can never anfwer the occafion. Vol. L M My ( i62 ) / My Lords and Gentlemen, Reputation is the great fupport of war or peace. This war had never begun, nor had the States ever flighted the King, or ever refufed him fatisfaclion, neither had this war continued to this day, or fubfilted now, but that the States were deceived in their meafures, and apprehended his Majefty in that great want of money, that he mufi fit down under any affronts, and was not able to begin or carry on a war. Nay, at this day, the States fupport themfelves amongft their people by this only falfehood, ** that they are alfured of the temper of England, and of the Par- liament, and that you will not fupply the King in this war ^ and that if they can hold out till your meeting, they will have new life, and may take new meafures." There are lately taken two of their principal agents, with their credentials and in- ftrudlions to this purpofe, who are now in the Tower, and ihall be proceeded againft according to the law of nations, But the King is fufficiently alfured of his people : knows you better ; and can never doubt his Parliament. This liad not been mentioned, but to Ihew you of what importance the Iranknefs and feafonablenefs of this fupply is, as well as the fulnefs of it. Let me fay,, the King hath brought the States to that condition, that your hearty conjundion at this time, in fupplying his Majefty, will make them never more formidable to kings, or dangerous to England. And if, after this, you fuffer them to get up, let this be remembered, the States of Holland are England's eternal enemy, both by intereft and inclination. In the next place to the fupply for the carrying on of the war, his MajeRy recommends to you the taking care of his debts. What you gave the laft feflion, did not near anfwer your own expedation. Befides, another confiderable aid you defigned his Majeity was unfortunately loft in the birth ; fo that the King was forced, for the carrying on of his affairs, much againft his will, to put a ftop to the payments out of the Exchequer. He faw the preflines upon himfcif, and growing inconvenien- cies to his people, by great intereft ; and the difference, through all his bulinefs, between ready money and orders. This gave the King the necellity of that proceeding, to make ufe of his own revenue, which hath been of fo great effc6l in this war. But, though he hath put a ftop to the trade and gain of the bankers, yet he would be unwilling to ruin them, and opprefs lo many families as are concerned in thofe debts. Befides, it were too difproportionable a burthen upon many of his good fubje6ls. But neither the bankers nor they have reafon to complain, if you now take them, into your care, and they have paid ( i63 ) paid them what was clue to them when the flop was made, with fix per cent, interelt from that time. Tiie King is very much concerned both in honour and intereft to fee this done ; and yet he defires you not to mif-time it, but that it may have only the fecond place ; and that you will firil fettle what you intend about the fupply. His Majefty hath fo fully vindicated his declaration from that calumny concerning the papifts, that no reafonable fcruple can be made by any good man. He hath fufficiently juftihed it by the time it was publilhed in, and the effedts he hath had from it ; and might have done it more, from the agreeablenefs of it to his own natural difpofition, which no good Englifhinan can wifh other than it is. He loves not blood, nor rigorous fe- verities ; but where mild or gentle ways niay be ufed by a wife prince, he is certain to chufe them. The church of kngland and all good proteftants have reafon to rejoice in fuch a head, and fuch a defender. His Majefty doth declare his care and concerns for the church, and will maintain them in all their rights and privileges, equal if not beyond any of his predccef- fors. He was born and bred up in it : it was that his father died for : we all know how great temptations and offers he re- fitted abroad, when he was in his lowefl condition ; and he thinks it the honour of his reign, that he hath been the reftorer of the church : it is that he will ever maintain, and hopes to leave to pofterity in greater luftre, and upon furer grounds than our anceftors ever faw it. But his Majeft:y is not convinced that violent ways are the intereft of religion, or ot the church. There is one thing more that I am commanded to fpeak to you of, which is, the jealoufy that hath been foolifhly fpread abroad, of the forces the King hath raifed in this war ; wherein the King hath opened himfelf freely to you, and confeffed the fault on the other hand : for if this laft fummer had not proved a miracle of ftorms and tempefts, fuch as fecured their Eaft India fleet, and proteded their fea coafts froin a defcent, nothing but the true reafon (want of money) could have juftified the defeft in the number of our forces. 'Tis that his Majefty is providing for againft the next fpring, having given out orders for the railing of feven or eight regiments more of foot, under the com- mand of perfons of the greateft fortune and quality. And I am earneftly to recommend to you, that in your fupplies you will take into your confideration this neceffary addition of charge. And after his Majefty's conclufion of his fpcech, let me conclude, nay, let us all conclude, with blelling God arid the King : let us blefs God, that he hath given us fuch a King, to be the repairer of our breaches both m church and ftate, and the reftorer of our paths to dwell in ; that, in the midft of war M 2 and ( 1^4 ) and mifery, which rage in our neighbour countries, our gar- ners are full, and there is no complaining in our ftreets ; and .jnan can hardly know there is a war : let us blefs God, that nath given this King fignally the hearts of his people, and mod particularly of this Parliament, who, in their affecSlion and loyalty to their prince, have exceeded all their predeceflbrs ; a Parliament with whom the King hath many years lived with all the careffes of a happy marriage. Has the King had a con- cern ? You have wedded it. Has his Majefty wanted fup- plies ? You have readily, cheerfully, and fully provided for them. You have relied upon the wifdom and condudl of his Majefty in all his affairs, fo that you have never attempted to exceed your bounds, or to impofe upon him : whilft the King^ on the other hand, hath made your counfels the foundation of all his proceedings ; and hath been fo tender of you, that he hath upon his own revenue and credit endeavoured to fupport even foreign wars, that he might be leaft uneafy to you, or burthenfome to his people. And let me fay, that though this marriage be according to Mofes' law, where the hufband can give a bill ot divorce, put her away, and take another, yet, I can aflure you, it is as impoHible for the King to part with this Parliament, as it is for you to depart from that loyalty, affec- tion, and dutiful behaviour, you have hitherto (hewed towards him. Let us blefs the King for taking away all our fears, and leaving no room for jealoufies ; for thofe afTurances and pro- mifes he hath made us. Let us blefs God and the King, that our religion is fafe ; that the church of England is the care of our prince ; that Parliaments are fafe ; that our properties and liberties are fafe. What more hath a good Englifhman to afk, but that this King may long reign ; and that this triple alliance of King, Parliament, and People, may never be dillolved ?' After this, his Majefty fpake to this efFed : /^NE thing I forgot to mention to you, which happened ^-^ during this prorogation : I did give order that fome writs might ifTue out, for the eledtion of members inflead of thofe that are dead, to the end the Houfe inight be full at their meeting ; and I am miltaken if this be not done according to former precedents: but I defire that you fall not to any other bufinefs till you have examined that particular ; and I doubt not but precedents will juflify what is done. 1 ana as careful pf all your privileges as of my own prerogative. Pttition I ( »65 ) Petition and Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to the King, February 44, 1 673. Moft gracious Sovereign, TTJE your Majefty's moft loyal and faithful fubjeds, the Commons aflembled in Parliament, do, in the hrft place, as in all duty bound, return your Majefty our moft humble and hearty thanks for the many gracious promifes and aflurances which your Majefty hath feveral times, during this prefent Parliament, given to us, that your Majefty would fecure and maintain unto us the true reformed proteftant religion, our li- berties and properties : which moft gracious afturances your Majefty hath, out of your great goodnefs, been pleafed to re- new unto us more particularly, at the opening ot this prefent feftion of Parliament. And further, we crave leave humbly to reprefent, that we have, with all duty and expedition, taken into our confidera- tion feveral parts of your Majefty 's laft fpeech to us, and withal the declaration therein mentioned, for indulgence to dilfenters, dated the fifteenth of March laft : and we find ourfelves bound in duty to inform your Majefty, that penal ftatutes, in matters ecclefiaftical, cannot be fufpended but by a£l of Parliament. We therefore, the knights, citizens, and burgefles, of your Majefty's Houfe of Commons, do moft humbly befeech your Majefty, that the faid laws may have their free courfe, until it fhall be otherwife provided for by a6l of Parliament : and that your Majefty would gracioufly be pleafed to give fuch direc- tions herein, that no apprehenfions or jealoulies may remaiii lii the hearts of your Majefty's good and faithful fubjeds. Hh Majejifs Anfiver to the Pa'ition and Addrefs, February 24, 1673. Charles Rex. TlTlS Majefty hath received an addrefs from you ; and he hath ferioufly confidered of it, and returneth you this an- swer : That he is very much troubled, that that declaration, which he put out for ends fo necelfary to the quiet of his kingdom, and efpecially in that conjundture, ftiould have proved the caufe ot difquiet in his Ploufe of Commons, and give occafion to the queftioning of his power in eccleliaftics, which he finds not done in the reigns of any of his anceftors. Ht is fu;e he n,c;'er had thoughts of ufing it otherwife than as it haih been M 3 intrufted f i66 ) intruded in him, to the peace and eftabllfliment of the church of England, and the eafe of all his fubjefts in general : neither doth he pretend to the right of fufpending any laws, wherein the properties, rights, or liberties, of any of his fubjefts are concerned ; nor to alter any thing in the eftablifhed doitrine or difcipljne of the church of England : but his only delign in this was, to take off the penalties the ftatutes inflict upondif- fenters ; and which he believes, when well con fidered of, you yourfelves would not wifh executed according to the rigour and letter of the law. Neither hath he done this with any thought of avoiding or precluding the advice of his Parliament : and if any bill fiiall be offered him, which fhall appear more proper to attain the aforefaid ends, and fecure the peace of fhc church and kingdom, when tendered in due manner to him, he will iTiew how readily he will concur in all ways that fhall appear good for the kingdom. Given at the court at Whitehall, the twenty-fourth of February, 1672-3. W' Thanks of the Houfe of Commons for his Alojcjifs Anjixjcry February 26, 1 6 73. Mod Gracious Sovereign, E your Majeffy's moft hutnble and loyal fubjecls, the knights, citizens, and burgcfTes, in this prefent Parlia- ment aiTcmbled, do render to your facred Majefty our mofl dutiful thanks, for that, to our unfpeakable comfort, your Ma- jefty hath been pleafed fo often to reiterate ynto us thofe gra- cious promifesand afTurances of maintaining the religion now eftablifhed ; and the liberties and properties of your people : and we do not in the leaft meafure dOubt, but that your Ma- jefty had tlie fame gracious intentions, in giving falisfadfion to your fubje^ts, by your anfwer to our laff petition and addrefs : yet, upon a ferious confideration thereof, we find, that the faid anfwer is not fufhcient to clear the apprehcnfions that may juflly remain in the minds of your people, by your Majefly's having claimed a power to fufpend penal ftatutes, in matters eccleiiaftical ; and which your Majefty does ftill feem to affert in the faid anfwer, to be intrufted in the crown, and never queftioned in the reigns of any of your anceflors : wherein we humbly conceive, your Majefty hath been very much mifin- forined ; fmce no fuch power was ever claimed or exercifed by any of your Majefty's predecefTors : and if it fhould be ad- mitted, might tend to the interrupting of the free courfe of the laws, and altering the legiflative power, which hath always been ( J67 ) teen acknowledged to refide in your Majefty, and your two Houfes of Parliament. f' We do therefore, with an unanimous confent, become again moft humble fuitors unto your facred Majefty, that you would be pleafed to give us a full and fatisfaftory anfwer to our faid petition and addrefs : and that your Majefty -vould take fuch efFedlual order, that the proceedings in this matter may not, for the -future, be drawn into confequence or example. Uh Majeft^s mojt gracious Speech to the Houfe of Peirs, March I, 1673. My Lords, - ■ '17'OU know that, at the opening of this feflion, I fpake here •*- to your fatisfaflion : it hath notwithftanding begotten a greater difquiet in the Houfe of Commons than I could have imagined. I received an addrefs from them which I looked not for ; and I made them an anfwer that ought to have contented them: but, on the contrary, they have made me a reply, of fuch a nature, that I cannot think fit to proceed any further in this matter without your advice. I have commanded the Chancellor to acquaint you with all the tranfadlion, wherein you will find both me and yourfelves highly concerned. I am fenfible for what relates to me ; and I affure you, my Lords, I am not lefs fo for your privileges and the honour of this Houfe. Addrefs of Thanks hy the Houfe of Peers to his Jidajefy. W 'E, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament af- fembled, do unanimoufly prefent to your facred Majefty our moft humble thanks, for having been pleafed to communi- cate to us what hath pafled between your Majefty and the Houfe of Commons ; whereby you have gracioufly offered us the means of fhewing our duty to your Majefty, and of aifert- ing the ancient juft rights and privileges of the Houfe of Peers, Joint Addrefs of both Houfes to the King, Moft Gracious Sovereign, "TXTE, your Majefty 's moft loyal fubje£ts, the Lords Spiritual and TeiTiporal, and Commons, in this prefent Parlia- ment afferabled, being very fenfible of the great dangers .ind M 4 mifchiefi ( i68 ) ivjlfcbiefs that may arifc within this your Majefty's realm, by the incrcafe of Popifli recufants amongfl: us ; and conliderine the great refort of priefts and jefuits into this kingdom, who daily endeavour to feduce your Majefty's fubjedls from their religion and allegiance ; and how defirous your loyal fubjedls are, that no Popilh recufants be admitted into employments of trull and profit, and elpecially into military commands over the forces now in your Majefty's fervice ; and having a tender regard to the prefervation of your Majefty's perfon, and the peace and tranquillity of this kingdom, do in all humility defire : That your Majefty would be pleafed to ilTue out your roya^ proclamation, to command all jiriefts and jefuits (other than fuch as, not being natural-born fubjcds to your Majefty, are obliged to attend upon your royal confort the Queen) "to depart within thirty days out of this your Majefty's kingdom; and that if any prieft or jefuit ftiall happen to be taken in England after the expiration of tlie faid time, that the laws be put in due execution againft them ; and that your Majefty would pleafe, in the faid proclamation, to command all judges, juftices of the peace, mayors, bailiffs, and other ofticers, tc put the faid laws in execution accordingly. That your Majefty would likewife be pleafed, that the Lord Chancellor of England fliall, on or before the five and twen- tieth day of March inftant, iiTue out commiftions of dcdimus foieftatcm to the judge advocate and comniifTaries of the muf- ters, and fuch other perfons as he fliall think fit (not being officers commanding fokliers,) to tender the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy to all ofticers and foldiers now in your Majefty's, fervice and pay ; and that fuch as rcfufe the faid oaths may be immediately difbanded, and not allowed or continued in any pay or penfion ; and that the Chancellor (hall require due re- turns to be made thereof within fome convenient time after the iftuing out of the faid commifiion^. That the faid commilVaries of the mufters be commanded and enjoined, by your Majefty's warrant, upon the penalty of lofing their places, not to permit any oflicer to be muftered in |he fervice and pay of your Majefty, until hp fliall have taken the oaths of allegiance and fupreinacy, and received the Sacra-, ment of the Lord's fupper according to the laws and ufage of the church of England ; and that every foldier ferving at lan4 ftiall take the faid oaih>- before his firft iraifter, and receive the facrament in fuch manner before his fecond mufter. And this we prefent in all dutiiulnefs to your Majefty's princely uifdom and confideration, as the bcft means tor the fatisfying and. corapofing the minds of your loyal fubjeds ; humbly ( 1^9 ) l"i«mbly defirlng your Majefty gracioufly to accept of this our petition, as proceeding from hearts and affedtions entirely de- voted to your Majefty 's fervice, and to give it your royal ap' probation. His Afajejiy's mo/I gracious Speech, Afarch 8, 1673, My Lords and Gentlemen, \7ESTERDAY you prefented me an addrefs, as the bell ■^ means for the fatistying and compoiing the minds of my fubjcds ; to which 1 freely and readily agreed : and I fhall take care to fee it performed accordingly. I hope, on the other fide, you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, will do your part j for I muft put you in mind, it is near five weeks fince 1 demanded a fupply ; and what you voted unanimouily upon it, did both give life to my affairs at home, and diiheartened my enemies abroad : but the feeming delay it hath * met withal fince, hath made them take new- courage ; and they are now preparing for this next fummer a greater fleet (as they fay) than ever they had yet ; fo that, if the fupply be not very fpeedily difpatched, it will be altogether inetfediual ; and the fafety, honour, and intereft of England, muft of nccedity be expofed. Pray lay this to heart ; and let not the fears and jealoufies of fome draw an inevitable ruin ypon us all. My Lords and Gentlemen, If any fcruple remain with you concerning the fufpenfion of penal laws, I here faithfully promife you, that what hath been done in that particular fliall not for the future be drawn cither into confcquence or example ; and as I daily exped^ from you a bill for my fupply, fo, I aflure you, I Ihall as wil- lingly receive and pafs any other you fliall offer me, that may tend to the giving you fatisfa£lion in all your juft grievances. Then, the Lord Chancellor reported, that both Houfes waited upon the King yefterday, and prefented him with the ad- drefs againft the growth of popery ; and his Majefty hath been pleafed to return this anfwer : My Lords and Gentlemen, DO heartily agree with' you in your addrefs, and fliall give fpeedy order to have it put in execution : there is one part to which I believe it is not your intention that it fliould ex- ♦ Orig. meet. tend; I ( I70 ) tend ; for I can fcarce fay thofe are in my pay that are pre- fently to be employed abroad ; but as for all the other parts, 1 ihall take care it (hall be done as you defire. After which, the Lord Chancellor faid, *' He had fomewhat more to impart to the Houfe, by the King's command ; which vas, that liis M^jefty laft night, having fpoken with feveral members of both Houfes, found fome diflatisfaclion remained concerning his anfwer to their addrefs, in the particular of the oinccrs to be employed abroad ; of which number he had five cr fix that were of the beft officers of France or Flanders ; and, being his own fubjeds, he hath been very felicitous to get : but if that breed any umbrage, the King commanded him to let them know; that he refolves to give both his Houfes full iatisfadlion to their defires," '* There was another particular, (the Lord Chancellor faid) he thought fit to acquaint them with ; which, though it was by his Majefty's leave, yet it was not by his command : how- ever, he thought it his diuy to acquaint the Houfe with it (Mr. Secretary Coventry intending to acquaint the Houfe of Commons with the fame) : tliat his Majclly had the laft night, in purfuance of what he then intended, and declared this morn- ing, concerning the fufpenfion of penal laws not being for the future drawn either into confequence or example, caufed the original declaration under the great feal to be cancelled in his prefence ; whereof himfelf and feveral other Lords of the council were witnefles." AieJJage from his Majcjly to the Houfe of ConwiOHSf March 24, 1673. Charles Rex. T AM commanded by his Majefty, in purfuance of his late ■*• melfage, to acquaint you, that his Majefly intendeth you fliall rife before Eafter ; and therefore expects an expedition of fuch bills as are of mofi importance ; the bill of popery, and tliat of fupply, particularly : and, for fuch other bills, that concern eiiher the public, or particular, and cannot be fo foon ready ; that they may not receive a difappointmcnt, his Ma- jefty refolveth to make this an adjournment, till the beginning of Odober ; when you may continue their profecution : and, in the mean time, his Majefty will take fuch care of the pro- tellant religion, as you fhall have no occafion to complain. At the cou^rt at Whitehall, this 24th day of Margh, ^673^ TwQ ( I?" ) J'wo AddreJJcs hy the Commons to the King, March 25, 1673, TTTE your Maiefty's moft loyal fubje£ls, the Commons in this prefent Parliament airembled, conceiving ouriclves bound, in neceifary duty to your Majefty, and in difchar^e of the truft repofed in us, truly to inform your Majefty of the eftate of this your kingdom ; and, though we are abundantly fatisfied that it hath always been your royal will and plcafure, that your fubjefts Ihould be governed according to the laws and cuftoms of this realm ; yet finding, that contrary to your Majcfty's gracious intentions, fome grievances and abufes are crept in ; we crave leave hum.bly to reprefent them to your Majcfty's knowledge ; and to defire. That the impofition of twelve pence a chaldron upon coal, for the providing of convoys, by virtue of an order ot council, dated the fifteenth of May 1672, may be recalled ; and all bonds, taken by virtue thereof, cancelled. That your Majcfty's proclamation of the fourth of Decem- ber 1672, for prevention of diforders which may be com- mitted by foldiers ; and whereby the foldiers, now in your Majcfty's fervice, are, in a manner, exempted from the ordi- nary courfe of juftice, may like wife be recalled. And, whereas great complaints have been made, out of feve* ral parts of this kingdom, of divers abufes committed in quar- tering of foldiers, that your Majefty would be pleafed to give order to redrefs thofe abufes ; and, in particular, that no fol- diers be hereafter quartered upon any private houfes ; and that due fatisfadion may be given to the innkeepers and vi6luallers where they lie, before they remove. And, fince the continuance of foldiers in this realm will neceflarily produce many inconveniencies to your Majcfty's fubjedls, we do humbly prefent it as our petition and advice, that, when this prefent war is ended, all the foldiers, which have been raifed fince the laft feflion of Parliament, may be dift)anded : That your Majefty would likew'fe be pleafed to confider of the irregularities and abufes of prelfing foldiers; and to give order for the prevention thereof for the future. And, ahhough it hath been the courfe of former Parliaments' to defire redrefs in their grievances, before they proceeded to give a fupply ; yet we have fo full afturance of your Majcfty's tendernefs and compaftion towards your people, that we humbly proftrate ourfelves at your Majcfty's feet with thefe our peti- tions ; defiring your Majefty to take them into your princely confideration, and to give fuch order for relief of the fubjeds, 2 and ( »72 ) and the removing thefe prelTures, as fliall feem beft to your royal wifdom. \T7'E your Majefty's moft loyal fubjefls, the Commons in ' this prefent Parliament alFembled, taking into confi- deration the great calamities which have formerly befallen your Majefty's kingdom of Ireland from the popifli recufants there, •who, for the moft part, are profefled enemies to the proteftant religion, and the Knglifh intereft ; and how they, making ill ufe of your Majefty's gracious difpofition and clemency, are, at this time, grown more infolent and prefumptuous than for- merly, to the apparent danger of that kingdom, and your Ma- jedy's proteftant fubjedls there ; the confequence thereof may likewife prove very fatal to this your kingdom of England, if not timely prevented ; and having ferioufly v^eighed, what re^ medies may be moft prwperly applied to thefe growing diftem- pers, do, in all humility, prefent your Majefty with thefe our petitions : That for eftablifliing and quieting the pofTeflions of your Majefty's fubjeds in that kingdom, your Majefty wrould be pleafed to maintain the ad\ of fettlement, and the explanatory acl thereupon ; and to recall the commiilion of inquiry into Irifli affairs, bearing date the feventeenth of January laft ; as containing many new and extraordinary powers, not only to the prejudice of particular perfons, whofe eftates and titles arc thereby made liable to be queftioned y but, in a manner, to your overthrow of the faid ads of fettlement ; and, if purfued, may be the occafion of great charge and attendance to many of your fubjccls in Ireland; and Ihake the peace and fecurity of the whole kingdom. That your Majefty would give order, that no papift be ei- ther continued or admitted to be a commander or foldier in that kingdom : and, that bccaufe the Irifti papifts have furnillied themfelves with great quantities of arms, that your Majefty •would pleafe to give direilions fo to difarm them, that they may not be dangerous to the government there ; and that their arms be brought into the public magazine. That the like order may be given, that no papifts be either continued, or hcrcuftcr admitted to be judges, juftices of the peace, fticriffs, coroners, mayors, fovereigns, or portreves in that kingdom. That the titular popifli archbirtiops, bifliops, vicars general, abbots, and all other exercifing ecclefiaftical jurifdidion by the Pope's authority, and in particular Peter Talbott, pretended Archbifliop of Dublin, for his notorious diiloyalty to your Ma- jefty, ( 173 ) jefty, and difobedience and contempt of your laws, may hi commanded by proclamation forthwith to depart out of Ireland and all other your Majefty's dominions ; or otherwife to be pro- fecuted according to law : and that all convents, feminaries, and public popilh fchools may be dilfolved and fupprelTed, and the regular priefls commanded to depart, under the like penalty. That no Irifli papifts be admitted to inhabit in any corpora- tion of that kingdom, unlefs duly licenfed, according to the aforefaid ads of fettlement : and that your Majefty would be pleafed to recal your letters of the twenty-fixth of February 1671, and your proclamation thereupon ; whereby general li- cence is given to fuch papifts to inhabit in corporations there. That your Majeft:y's letter of the twenty-eighth of September 1672, and the order of council thereupon, whereby your Ma- jefty's fubjeds are required not to profecute any adions againft the Irifh, for any wrongs or injuries committed during the late rebellion, may likewife be recalled. That Colonel Richard Talbott, who hath notorioully af- fumed to himfelf the title of agent of the Roman Catholics in Ireland, be immediately difmilfed out of all command, either civil or military ; and forbid an accefs to your Majefty's court. That your Majefty would be pleafed, from time to time, out of your princely wifdom, to give fuch further orders and direftions to your Lord Lieutenant, or other chief governor of Ireland for the time being, as may beft conduce to the encou- ragement of the Englifli planters, and proteftant intereft there ; and the fuppreftion of the infolencies and diforders of the Irifli papifts. Thefe our humble defires we prefent to your Majefty, as the beft means to preferve the peace and fafety of that your kingdom, which hath been fo much of late endangered by the pra6lices of the faid Irifti papifts, and particularly of the faid Richard and Peter 3"albott : and we doubt not but your Majefty will find the happy eife6ts thereof, to the great fatisfadion and fecurity of your Majefty's perfon and government : which of all earthly things is moll dear to your Majefty's moft loyal and obedient fubjeds. Joint Jddrefsby both HoufcSi March 27, 1673, Moft Gracious Sovereign, "IXrE your Majefty's moft loyal and dutiful fubjeds, the ' Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament aflembled, do huinbly befeech your Majefty, that you will be gracioully pleafed, by your own example, to encourage 1 the ( m ) the conflant wearing of the manufactures of your own king- doms and dominions ; and to difcountenance fuch perfons (men or women in your court) as fhall wear any manufactures made in foreign countries. I His Majefiys mo/i gracious Speechy Anarch 29, 1673* My Lords and Gentlemen, THANK you very kindly for the fupply you have given me \ and, that you may fee how- kindly I take it, I have given to my fubjedls a general pardon, which I have made as large as e. er was granted by any of my predecelfors. What you have now left undone, 1 hope you will finilh at your next meeting; and fo you may adjourn yourfelves to the twentieth day of October next. His Majejfjs mojt gracious Speechy Odobcr 27 » 1673. My Lords and Gentlemen, T THOUGHT this day to have welcomed you with an ho*' nonrable peace ; my preparations for the war, and conde- fcenfions at the treaty, gave me great reafon to believe fo : but the Dutch have difappointed me in that expectation, and have treated my ambaffadors at Cologne with the contempt of conquerors, and not as might be expeCted from men i» their condition. They have other thoughts than peace. This obligeth me to move you again for a fupply : the fafety and honour of the nation necedarily requiring it. It mufl be one proportionable to theoccafion. And I muft tell you befides, that if I have it not fpeedily, the mifchief will be irreparable in my preparations for the next fpring. The great experience I have had of you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, will not fuffer me to believe, that the ar- tifices ot our enemies can poffibly divert you from giving me tliis fupply ; or that you can fail of adjufling the proportion of it. I hope I need not ufe inany words to perfuade you, that I am ftcady in maintaining all the profellions and promifes I have made you concerning religion and property : and I fhall be very ready to give you frefli inftances of my zeal for preferving the eltablilhed religion and laws, as often as any other occafion lliall require. In the lad place, I am highly concerned to recommend to your confideration and care, the debt I owe the goldfmiths, in which very many other of my good fubjcCts are involved : I heartily I ( 175 ) heartily recommend their condition to you ; and defire youraf- iillance for their relief. H' A McJJage from His Majejly^ Odober 30. 1673. Charles Rex. 'IS Majefty having received an addrefs from the Houfe of Commons, prefenting their humble defire, that the in- tended marriage between his Royal Highnefs and the Duchefs of Modena be not confummated ; commandeth this anfvver to be returned : That he perceiveth the Houfe of Commons have wanted a full information of this matter ; the marriage not being barely intended, but completed according to the forms ufed among princes, and by his royal confent and authority: nor could he in the leaft fuppofe it difagreeable to his Houfe of Commons, his Highnefs having been, in the view of the world, for feveral months, engaged in a treaty of marriage with another catholic princefs ; and yet a Parliament held during that time, and not the leaft exception taken at it. Addrefs hy the Houje of Commons^ Odoher 31, 1673. TTTE your Majefty's moft humble and loyal fubjedls, the Commons, in this prefent Parliament affembied, being full of an alfurance of your Majefty's gracious intentions to pro- vide for the eftablifhment of religion, and the prefervation of your people in peace and fecurity ; and forefeeing the dangerous confequenccs which may follow the marriage of his Royal Highnefs the Duke of York with the Princefs of Modena, or any other perfon of the popifh religion ; do hold ourfelves bound in confcience and duty to reprefent the fame to yourfacred Ma- jefty ; (not doubting but thofe conftant teftimonies that we have given your iVJajefty of our true and loyal affedions to your facred perfon, will eafily gain a belief, that thefe our humble defires proceed from hearts ftill full of the fame affetlions to- ward your facred Majefty, and with intentions to eftablilh your royal government upon thofe true fupports ot the proteitant re- ligion, and the hearts of your people;) wi;h all humility, de- firing your Majefty to take the fame into your princely confi- deration ; "and to relieve your fubjeds from thofe fears and ap- prehenfions which at prefent they lie under, from the progrefs that has bees made in that treaty. We We do therefore humbly befeech your Majefty to connjer, that if this marriage do proceed, it will be a means to difquiet- the minds of your protellant fubjeds at home, and to fill them with endlefs jealoufics and difcontents ; and will bring your Majefty into fuch alliances abroad, as may prove highly prejudi- cial, if not dcftrudive, to the intereft of the very proteftam re-^ ligion itfelf. That we find, by fad experience, that fuch marriages ha-ve increafed and encouraged popery in this kingdom ; and givert opportunity to prieds and jefuits to propagate their opinions j and feduced great numbers of your proteitant fubjeftsi And we do already obferve, how much that party are ani- mated with the hopes of this match, which were lately difcou- raged by your Majefty's gracious conceflions in the lalt meeting of this Parliament. That we greatly fear this may be an occafion to leflen the af- fedions of the people to his Royal Highnefs, who is fo nearly related to the crown ; and whole honour and efteem we defirc may be always entirely preferved. That, for another age, at leaft, this kingdom will be under continual apprehenfions of the growth of popery, and the dan- ger of the proteilant religion. Laftly, we confider, that this Princefs, having fo near a re- lation and kindred to many eminent perfons of the court of Rome, may give them great opportunities to promote their de^ figns, and carry on their pradlices amongft us ; and by the fame means penetrate into your Majefty's moft fccret councils, and moreeafily difcover the ftate of the whole kingdom. And, finding, that by the opinions of very many learned men it is generally admitted, that fuch treaties and contrails by proxy are dilTolvable ; of which there are feveral inftances to be produced ; we do, in all humblenefs, befeech your Majefty to put a ftop to the confummation of this intended marriage : and this we do the more importunately defire, becaufe we have not, as yet, the happinefs to fee any iflTue of your Majefty'si that may fucceed in the government of thefe kingdoms : which bleffing we moft heartily pray Almighty God in his due time tc» beftow upon your Majefty and thefe kingdoms, to the unfpeak- able joy and comfort of all your loyal fubjedls ; who defirc no- thing more than to continue under the reigns of your Majeftyj and your royal pofterity for ever. Petition ( 177 ) Pet'itlcn prcfcnted to His Adajejly^ Kovemher 3, 1673, Moft Gracious Sovereign, X^^TE your Majelly's mod loyal and obedient fubjeftsj the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, m Parlia- ment airembled, being paffionately fenfible of the calamitous condition of this kingdom, not only by reafon of the war, wherein it is at prefent involved, but many other inteftine dif- ferences and divifions amongfl; us, which are chiefly cccafioned by the undermining contrivances of popiih recufants, whofe numbers and infolencies are greatly of late increafed, and whofe reftlefs pra61ices threaten a fubverfion both of church and ftate, all which our fins have juftly deferved ; ai^d, being now alTem- bled in Parliament, as the great council of this your kingdom, to confult on fuch means as we Ihall think fitteft to redrefs the prefent evils wherewith we are furrounded : we do, in the firft place, humbly befeech your Majefty, that, by your efpecial command, one or more days may be forthwith folemnly fet apart, wherein both ourfelves, and this your kingdom, may, by fading and prayer, feek a reconciliation at the hands of Al- mighty God ; and, with humble and penitent hearts befeech him to heal our breaches, to remove the evils we lie under, and to avert thofe miferies wherewith we are threatened, and con- tinue the mercies we yet enjoy ; and that he wmU be gracioufly pleafed to beftow his abundant blefling upon yoisr Majefty, and this prefent Parliament, that all our counfels and confultations may tend to his glory, and the honour, fafety, and profperity, of your Majefty, and all your people. His Majefty s moft gracious Speech, January"], 1674. My Lords and Gentlemen, TXTHEN I parted with you laft, it was but for a little time, ^^ and with a refolution of meeting fuddenly again : that alone was enough to fatisfy my friends, they need not fear ; and my enemies, that they could not hope for, a breach between us : I then told you, that the time of this (hort recefs Ihiouid be employed in doing fuch things as might add to your fatisfadion. I hope I have done my part towards it ; and, if there be any thing elfe, \vhich you think wanting to fecure religion or pro- perty, there is nothing which you ftiall reafonably propofe, but I Ihall be ready to receive it. 1 do nowexped you Ihall do your parts too ; for our enemies make vigorous preparations for war \ and yet their chief hopes are too difunite us at home : it VoL.L N is ( 178 ) is their common difcourfe, and they reckon upon It as their beft relief. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is not poflible for me to doubt your afFedions at any time, much lefs at fiich a time as this, when the evidences of your affedions are become fo necelfary to us all. I defire you to con- fider, that, as the war cannot be well made without a fupply, fo neither can a good peace be had without being in a polture of Tvar. I am very far from being in love with war for war's fake ; but if I faw any likelihood of peace, without difhonour to myfelf, and damage to you, I would foon embrace it : but no propofals of peace have yet been offered, which can be ima- gined with intent to conclude, but only to amufe. Therefore the way to a good peace is, to fet out a good fleet, which we have time enough to do very effedually, if the fupply be not delayed. If, after this, a peace ihould follow, yet the fupply would be well given ; for, whatever remains of it, I am wil- ling (houid be appropriated for building more (hips. To conclude, a fpeedy, a proportionable, and, above all, a cheerful aid, is now more neceffary than ever, and I rely upon you for it. I lately put you in mind of my debt to the goldfmiths : I hope a fit time will come to take thi\t into confideration. I cannot conclude without (hewing you the entire confidence I have in you. I know you have heard much of my alliance with France ; and, 1 believe, it hath been very flrangely mif- reprefented to you, as if there were certain fccret articles of dangerous confequence ; but I will make no difficulty of letting the treaties, and all the articles of them, without any the leaft referve, to be feen by a fmall committee of both Houfes, who may report to you the true fcope of them : and I affure you, there is no other treaty with France, either before or fmce, not already printed, which fhall not be made known. And, having thus freely trufled you, I do not doubt, but you will have a cs^tc of my honour, and the good of the kingdom. The reft I refer to my Lord Keeper. Then the Lord Keeper fpake to this efFe6t: My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and BurgefTes, of theHoufeof Commons, 'TpHE King hath already, in part, told you what he hath done for you fince the laft recels ; what he is (till ready to do ; and what it is he doth now exp.cl from you ^ and this in terms io ( 179 ) fo full, atid fo obliging, fo generous, and fo fatlsfa£lory, that he, whofe affedlions are not raifed by that difcourfe ; he, who cannot acquiefce in the fulnefs of this afiurance ; he, whofe heart is not eftabliflied by it in fuch a belief as may entirely dif- pofe him to the fervice of the crown, will hardly be recovered to a better difpofition by any other expedient. For, indeed, what better way can be found to undeceive thofe who have been abufed ? the King refers you to the time paft, not to his promifes, but to his performances ; gives men leave to judge by what they fee, of what they hear ; by what hath been done fince the laft feflion, of what is offered you now ; and what is likely to be done for the time to come. And doth not every man fee, that the King hath given nevy life and motion to fuch laws as were long dead, or fail afleep ? that he hath once more repaired the hedge about our vineyard, and made it a fence indeed againft all thofe who are enemies to the planting of it ; who would be glad to fee it trodden down, or rooted up, and ftudy how to fap and undermine our very foundations. Do you not fee, that the King hath made it his care, and his bufmefs, to do all that is poffible to preferve us in our civil rights too ? That he makes the laws of his kingdom the mea- fures not only of his power but his prudence ? That he fufFers BO man to be wifer than the law ; and he thinks he cannot j udge of the healths or ficknefles of his (late, by any better indication than the current of his laws ; and fuffers nothing to remain, that may, in the leaft meafure, hinder juftice from flowing in its due and proper channels ? A very few inftances, of many that might be ufed, will ferve to demonftrate it. If the convidion of all recufants, and bringing them under the penal laws, can fupprefs popery; If, without ftaying for the forms of law, in points of con- vidion, the prefent forbidding of all papifls, or reputed papifts, to come to court, and the extending this prohibition to his royal palace at St. James's, be enough to difcountenance them ; If the not extending his prerogative beyond its due limits can fecure your liberties ; If his Majefty's leffening and reducing all his land forces, and maintaining fo few extraordinary, that they will fcarce be enough to help to man his fleet this fummer, can extinguifh the fears of a Handing army ; If a rigorous and fevere profecution at law, of all the officers and foldiers in his Majefty's ordinary guards, when they mif- behave themfelves towards the meanelt fubjeds, can fecure your properties ; N a If ( i8o ) If the abrogation of all the privileges from arrefts, which tvere claimed by his Majelly's fcrvants extraordinary, who are very numerous, can prevent the delays and obftrudions of juftice ; Then furely his Majefty has reafon to believe, that nothing is wanting wliich can lawfully be done, or modeftly be wilhed, either for your fatisfaclion or your fecurity. Thefe are not fingle and tranfient adls, but fuch a£ls as flow from habits; thefe arc not leaves and bloffoms, but true, folid, and lafting fruits. Long, long, may that royal- tree live and fiouriih upon which thefe fruits do grow ! And yet his Majelly's indulgence to you rcfls not here. He gives you leave to Itudy and contrive your own affurance; and if you think you want any further fecurity,. if any thing have cfcaped his Majcfty's care, (who meditates nothing more than your prefervation) you fee you have free leave to make any reafonable propofuion ; and his gracious promife that he will receive it. This is a fatisfa^^ion equal to all your wifhes : now, if ever your joys are full, there wants no more to the improvement of this happiriefs, but the wifdom of the Parliament, to ufe' thefe advantages with due moderation. If therefore, upon inquiry, you (hall think it needful to apply any other remedies, it is extremely to be wilhed, that thofe remedies may be few ; and withal, that they may be gentle and tafy too. For they that are fick, perifh as often by too many remedies, ns by none at all ; but none fall fo fatally and fo finally as they, who, being entered into fome degree of convakfcence, re-' folve to recover in an inftant; and had rather make fome great effort, or try fome bold experiment upon themfelves, than ob- fervc the methods, or attend thofe gradual progreffions, which areneceirary to pcrfedl that health, and complete that recovery. I muft not omit one inftance more of his Majcfty's care for yow ; and that it is the great induPiry and application of mind, which his Majefty hath ufed all along, in hopes to obtain, by this time, (if it had been.polfible) an honourable and a juft peace. A very few words will ferve to give you the whole deduction of it, from the firit original to this prefcnt moment. Miich tinie -was fpent in agreeing the i)laces of treaty, where the Dutch were gratified m their delires i and the city, of Cologne is accepted for the place. When his Majelly's ambalfadors arrived there, the very firft meeting with thofe from the States General made it evident, that their plenipotentiaries came not with any intention to enter ( i8i ) .enter upon a ferious treaty, but only to draw the matter out in length, until their affairs might meet with a better and more pleafmg conjundture. For their very credentials or plenipotentiaries were fo pen- ned, that there were no lefs than tour grofs equivocations in the body of them ; which was fo manitVft, and without all reply, that they were fain to fend to their maPiers at the Hague, to get them mended. And that which gave greateft offence of all, and was pur- pofely done for th"t end, was the pre:imble ; wherein they take upon them to beg the queflion, lo de'lre the juliice of the caufe, and to afTirm fuch matters of (i\&. as they had reafon to believe would never be admitted. No argumicnts of our ambailadors, no inftrnce of the me- diators, though never fo importunate, could prevail then, or yet prevail, to have it altered. The treaty (hould naturally have flopped here, but that h.is Majefty 'vas refolved to give a beginning to it ; and which was all that could be done, fuffered his ambalTadors to enter upon it vvith a proteflation. Our dem.ands are no fooner given in, but prefently two of the Durch ambaifadors go away to the Hagiie, on pretence to confult their mafters , u here they flaid a full month without any kind of anfwer given, or exceptions taken, to his Majefly's demands, or any the leaft flep made in this negociation. When they cair.e back, their anfwer was a remonftrance' rather than an anfwer ; and fuch a remonftrance, as was fitter for a rupture than a treaty : there was fcarce one period in it, which did not rather give occafion of new offence, than any fatisfaftion for what was pafTed. Their very converfation, from that titr^e forward, wanted much of its former civility. They waited for the concluHon of a treaty with Spain ; wherein one article was, that, as foon as Spain had broke v/ith France, they would prefently break off their treafy-.ap Cologne. ' !' And now this article is in effed performed ; for two of their principal ambaifadors are adlually gone away from Co- logne, as they long threatened they would do, leaving only two other for form fake ; v^ho, in all probability, either mult not, or will not, conclude without their colleagues. His Majefly, notwithftanding, hath not fuffered himfelf to be diverted from ufing all the ways and means that were pofli- ble to facilitate a peace : to this end, he dire6\ed his ambaf- fadors, from time to time, to moderate their demands in fuch particulars as were capable of it ; and wholly relaxes fome N 3 points ( i82 ) points which were of the higheft importance to the Dutch to- gain, and very confiderable abatements of his Majefty'sjuft fatisfadion. A condefcenfion well efleemed and received by the media- tors, though it hath not yet found any fuitable reception from the Dutch minlfters, as their fuperior lords. By this time they began to hope, that the fubjedls of Eng- land would grow weary of the war ; and that they (hould be able to profit themfelves very much by our impatience. To increafe this as much as was poffible, they prepare a letter, which they fend by a trumpeter, fitting the Parliament, or very near it, and caufe it to be given out, that nothing could be more defired than they had offered. His Majefty quickly made that letter, and his anfwer to it, public ; and, for that time, defeated the defign of this paper ftratagem. The next recourfe was, to fuch propofals as they could procure the Spanifh ambaffadors to deliver on their behalves. Wherein, befides the demands of reftitution of prizes,, which was wholly impra6licable, there was a total omillion of any regulation of trade in the Indies ; no mention made of releafmg his Majefty 's fubjedls at Surinam, where they re- main in a ftate of bondage ; no recompenfe offered, nor fo much as leave afked, for the liberty of fifhing upon our coaft. And yet the right of our fole fiftiing is fo clear, that we find in our ancient rolls of Parliament, in the time of Richard II. a tax laid upon all ftrangers who fifh in our leas ; and this not by way of cuftom, when they came into our ports, but by way of tribute, for filhing in our feas. And this evidence of his Majefty's dominion in the Britifh feas hath been, in all ages downward, preferved in fome meafure, until the time of the late ufurpcr, who, for private reafons, firft abandoned it. As for that fatisfadlon in the matter of the flag, which the propofals mention, it is but reafonable to underftand it in that fenfe, wherein they fometimes ufed to exprefs themfelves at Cologne : Tliat is, the thing fhall be done : whole fleets fliall ftrike their fails to fingle fhips ; and they fhall do it out of the Britifh feas too : but that, of right, they ought to do it within the Britilh feas, will never be acknowledged. So they defire to change the ancient inheritance of the crown into a new purchafe, and to turn that purchafe into a matter of civility ; which they may equally pay to all crowned heads, and equally refume, according to their good pleafure and occafions. Now, ( i83 ) Now, thongh thefe propofals have been backed with fomc kind of intimation of a war with Spain, in cafe of refufal, yet his Majefty, who knows the articles of peace between himfelf and that king, and his own care to prcferve them ; who knows the ufefulnefs of his alliance to that king, and the many good offices he hath always been ready to do for him ; and, withal, confiders the great wifdom and prudence of that council, and how carefully they ufe to deliberate, before they come to great and important refolutions ; will not eafily be- lieve it polhble for that king to proceed to fuch extremities : The rather, becaufe the Dutch themfelves have fmce de- parted from thofe very propofals, which they procured the Spanifh ambaffador Co earneftly to recommend : for they after- wards fent the ambaffador a reply to his Majefty's anfwer to their letter; wherein they abate much of what the anibafTadors had offered, and feek to reduce things to the ftate they were in at Breda. So that it Is hard to know, by what kind of propofals they intend to be bound ; but it is mod reafonable to believe, they intend thofe made by themfelves, rather than thofe made for them : and yet this reply, befides the difrefpedl it carried to Spain, whole propofals it Ihrunk from, was fo offenfive to his Majefly, that the ambalTador, like a wife and great mi- nifter, that is, like himfelf, thought it became him to fend it back again, without offering to prefent it. Neverthelefs, this paper hath fince ftolen into the prefs, and is printed at the Hague, as a letter delivered ; and hath been fent hither, under covers to feveral members of the Houfe of Commons, whom they libelled in the former war for their zeal, and now pretend to reverence for their deliberation. And all this, in hopes you will not think them obftinate, who refufe to treat at the place of their own appointment, or, to be well underftood any where elfe : how is it poilible to un- derftand thefe proceedings to be real, and with a true defire of peace ; and if they fhould yet fend, during this fefTion, any- new propofal, (for who knows the defign of an enemy) what forms foever thefe overtures may be drclTed in, we may juftly fufped, that their end is, if they cannot divide us, at leaft amufe us, and lelFen our care in providing for the war. Perhaps it is more than an honourable war doth allow, to go about to raife fedition, though in the country of an enemy; but furely the artifice of appealing in a manner to the people, and making them the judges of peace and war, is a little too plain and open to take any effetSt here. I have done with thefe few inflances of his Majefty's care; thof;dience, fo it is a juR and lawful liberty which fvveetens that command, and en-* dears it to you. Let other princes therefore g1'~'ry in the moft refigned obe- dience of their vaifals, his Majeity values himfeif upon the hearts and affedions of the people, and thinks his throne, when fcated there, better eltablilhed than the moft exalted fovereignty of thofe who tread upon the necks of them that rife up againft them. Since ( i«6 ) Since the world flood, never any King had fo great a caufc 10 reft upon this fecurity ; they were your hearts that mourned in fecret for the abfence of the King ; they were your hearts and afFedlions to the King, which tired out all the late ufur- pations, by your invincible patience and fortitude : it was you that taught our Englilh world to fee and know, that no go- vernment could be fettled here, but upon the true foundations of honour and allegiance. This, this alone, made way for all the happy changes which liave followed. And yet pofterity will have caufe to doubt, which was the greater felicity of the two ; that Providence which reftored the crown, or that which fent us fuch a Parliament to preferve it when it was redored. What may not the King now hope from you ? what may not y/ju alfure yourfelves from him r can any thing be difficult to hearts fo united, to intereft fo iwifted and interwoven together, as the King's and your's are ? Doubtlefs the King will furpafs himfelf at this time, in en- deavouring to procure the good of the kingdom : do but you excel yourfelves too in the continued evidences of your affec- tions ; and then the glory of reviving this ftate will be entirely due to this feifion. . Then they, who wait for the languifhing and the declina- tion of the prefent government, will be amazed to fee fo happy a crifis, fo blelfed a revolution : And ages to come will find caufe to celebrate your memo- ries, as the tnieft phyficians, the wifefl counfellors, the nobleft patriots, and the belt feflion of the beft Pariiamenl, that ever king or kingdom met with. W Petition of both Houfes, yanuary 12, 1674. 'E your Majefly's mofl: loyal fubjeds, the Lords and Commons, in Parliament aifembled, being paflionatcly fenftble of the calamitous condiiion of this kingdom, not only by reafon of the war, wherein it is at prefent involved, but many other inteftine differences and divilions amongft us, which are chiefly occafioned by the undermining contrivances of Popilh recufants, whofe numbers and infolencies are greatly of late increafed, and whofe reftlefs pradices threaten a fub- vcrfion both of church and ftate ; all which our fms have juftly deferved ; and being now alTembled in Parliament, as the great council of this your kingdom, to confult on fuch means as we fhall think fitteft to redrefs the prefent evils, wherewith we are furrounded j we do, in the firft place, hum- bly ( 18? ) bly befeech your Majefty, that, by your fpecial command, one or more days may be folemnly fet apart, wherein both our- felves and this your kingdom may, by falling and prayer, feek a reconciliation at the hands of Ahuighty God ; and with hum- ble and penitent hearts befeech him to heal our breaches ; to remove the evils we lie under; and to avert thofe miferies wherewith we are threatened ; and continue the mercies we yet enjoy ; and that he will be gracioufly pleafed to beftowhis abundant bleffing upon your Majefty and this prefent Parlia- ment, that all our councils and confultations may tend to his glory, and the honour, fafety, and profperity of your Majefty, and all your people. A His Majefty s moft gracious Speech, January 24, 1674. My Lords and Gentlemen, T the beginning of this feflion I told you (as I thought I had reafon to do) that the States General had not yet made me any propofals which could be imagined with intent to conclude, but only to amufe. To avoid this imputation, they have now fent me a letter by the Spanifh ambaflador, offering me fome terms of peace, upon conditions formerly drawn up, and in a more decent ftyle than before. It is upon this that I defire your fpeedy advice: for, if yoti fhail find the terms fuch as may be embraced, your advice will have great weight with me : and if you find them defedive, I hope you will give me your advice and afiiliance, how to get better terms. Upon the whole matter, I doubt not but you will have a care of my honour, and the honour and fafety of the nation, ■which are now fo deeply concerned. His Majefty s moft gracious Speech, February ii, 1674. My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE purfued your advice ; and I am come hither to tell ■^ you, according to your advice and defire, I have made a fpeedy, honourable, and, I hope, a lafting peace ; which is figned already, ,0 Mr. ( i88 ) Mr. Speaker, an.d you Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I told you yeftcrday, in the Banqueting Houfe, that I would give you a fpecdy anfwer to your addrefs, about difbanding the forces tlierein mentioned : and I do allure you, that, before you had made that addrefs, I had given orders for doing of it as foon as 1 Ihould be fure of the peace ; and I Ihall reduce them to a lefs number than they were in the year 1663. As for thofe forces that came out of Ireland, I fliall give diredions for their march hence thither : but as our forces arc lefiened at land, it will be necenary to build more great fhips ; feeing we lliall not be fafe, unlefs we equal the llrength of our neighbours at fea : therefore I fliall recommend it to your care, to give me means for the efFcdlual doing thereof i and this is all I have to fay to you at this time. Addrcji by both Houfes. 'TpHE Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament alfembled, do return their humble thanks to his Majefly for his gracious fpeech made this day ; and concluding a peace, according to their humble advice and defire. T' Effecl of his Afajejlfs Speech y February 24, 1674. ^HAT when his Majefty was here lad, he told them that the peace was figned : he was come now to tell them that it is ratified ; and his Majefty hopes it will be a happy and a laft- ing peace to both nations. This, and the fpring coming on fo fafl:, his Majefty faid, he knows they will ail defire to be at home in their fevcral countries, where they may do their own bufinefs, and his Ma- jefty's alfo. His Majefty therefore thinks it fit to make a re- cefs at this time ; the winter being more fit for bufinefs and confultation here. In the mean while, his Majefty will do his endeavour to fatisfy the world of his fteadfaftnefs to the pro- teftant religion, as it is now eftabliftied ; and of his defire for the fecuring of their properties. And fo, his Majefty faid, "he hath given order to the Lord Keeper to prorogue the Parlia- ment to the tenth- of November next. Mis ( ,89 ) His Majeftys moft gracious Speech, April 13, 1675, My Lords and Gentlemen, 'TpHE principal end of my calling you now is, to know what you think may be yet wanting to the fecuring of religion and property, and to give myfelf the fatisfadlion of having ufed the utmofl ot my endeavours to procure and fettle a right and larting underftanding between us ; for, I muft tell you, I find the contrary fo much laboured, and that the pernicious de- figns of ill men have taken fo much place under fpecious pre- tences, that it is high time to be watchful in preventing their contrivances ; of which it is not the leaft, that they would, by all the means they can devife, make it unpra6licable any longer to continue this prefent Parliament : for that reafon, I confefs, I cannot think fuch have any good meaning to me ; and, therefore, when I confider how much the greateft part of this Parliament has, either themfelves, or fathers, given me teftimony of their afFeilions and loyalty, I fhould be extreme loath to oblige thofe enemies, by parting with fuch friends ; and they may be afiured, that none Ihall be able to recommend themfelves to me by any other way than their good fervices. I have done as m-uch as on my part was poflible, to extin- guifli the fears and jc-aloufies of popery, and will leave no- thing undone that may fhew the world my zeal for the pro-, teftant religion as it is eftabliihed in the church of England, from which I will never depart. I muft needs recommend to you the condition of the fleet, which I am not able to put into that ftate it ought to be ; and which will require fo much time to repair and build, that I fhould be forry to fee this fummer (and confcquently a whole year) loft, without providing for it. The feafon of the year will not admit any long felTion ; nor would I have called you now, but in hopes to do fomething that may give content to all my fubjeits, and lay before you the conhderation of the fleet ; for I intend to meet you again at winter. In the mean time, I earneftly recommend to you all, fuch a temper and moderation in your proceedings, as may tend to unite us all in counfel and aft'edion, and difappoint the expec- tation of thofe who hope only by violent and irregular mo- tions to prevent the bringing of this fellion to a happy conclu- fion. The reft I leave to the Lord Keeper. Then ( X9<5 ) • Then the Lord Keeper fpake as followeth : My L'/rds, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and Borgefles, of t< i. Houfe ot Commons, 'T^HE folemnity of this day's appearance is equal to the ■*■ weit^ht ai.d importance of the occafion. The matters lo be treated ot dtferve no lefs than an aifeinbly of the three cftates, and a full concourfe of all the wife and excellent per- fons who bear a part in this great council, and do conftitute and complete this high and honourable court. The King hath called you, at this time, to examine and concur with him in the beft expedients for the prefervation of the proteftant religion, for fecuring the eitablilhment of it by a due execution of the laws, for providing for the fafety of the kingdom, and for the improvement of its honour and reputa- tion ; and withall, in order to thefe ends, and above all the reft, to unite the hearts of his Parliament and people to him- felf, by all the emanations of grace and goodnefs that from a great and generous prince can be expedted. To all which the King is pleafed to add, the confideration of your liberties and properties ; and while he does fo, you may be fure, that he who is fo careful of your rights, will be mindful of his own too ; for he that does juftice to all, can never be wanting to himfelf. Thefe points are fuch, as though they be but mentioned by the King, though they are but only touched, as I may fay, by his golden fceptre, yet this royal declaration of himfelf, joined to what he hath already done, doth not only raife all our hopes, but carries in itfelf fo evident an alTufance, and is ftampt by fo facred an authority, that there remains no place for doubting, nothing can be added to the efficacy of it. ' His Majefty begins with the confideration of religion. * He fees it is the hrft thing in all your thoughts ; and you cannot but fee that it hath been, and ftill is, the firft and principal part of his care. His Majefty hath confidered religion, firft, in general, as it is proteftant, and ftands in oppofition to popery ; and upon this account it is that he hath awakened all the laws againft the papifts : there is not one ftatute extant in all the volume of our laws, but his Majefty hath now put it in a way of taking its full coiirfe againit them ; and upon this account alfo it is, that, in a league lately renewed with a proteftant crown, his , Majefty hath made it one article of that league, that there Ihali be a mutual defence of the proteftant religion. His ( '9> ) His Majefty hath confidered religion again more particu- larly, as it is the proteftant religion eftablKhed by law in the church of England : he fees, that as fuch, it is not only beft fuited to the monarchy, and mod likely to defend it, but moft able to defend itfelf againfl: the enemies of all reformation ; and therefore upon this account it is, that his Majefly, with equal and Impariial juftice, hath revived all the laws againfl (iifiTenters and non-conformifts : but not with equal feverity ; for the laws againfl the papifls are edged, and the execution of them quickened, by new rewards propofed to the informers; thofe againfl diifenters are left to that ftrength which they have already. Both thefe, and all other laws whatfoever, are al- ways underflood to be fubjc6l to tlie pleafure of a Parliament, which may alter, amend, or explain themfelves, as they fee caufe, and according imto public convenience. For, when we confider religion in Parliament, we are fup- ppfed to confider it as a Parliament fhould do, and as Parlia- ments in all ages have done ; that is, as it is a part of our laws, a' part, and a neceffary part, of our government : for, as it works upon the confcience, as it is an inward principle of the divine life by which good men do govern all their adlions, the Hate hath nothing to do with it, it is a thing which belongs to another kind of commiffion than that by which we fit here. Now, as it relates to government, it is fomevvhat an un- pleafant obfervation, to fee how flow many inferior magiflrates are in the difcharge of this part of their duty, which refers to the fafety of the church againfl the enemies on both fides of it, the papifi:s and the difTenters : for this is that which opens men's mouths to objedl againfl the lawsthenifelves; this is that which encourages offenders to difpute that authority which they fhould obey, and to judge thofe laws by which they ought to be judged. They have found a way to make even juftice itfelf criminal, by giving it a hard name, and calling it per* fecution. To what a firange kind of perplexity do men labour to re- duce this government : if the laws againfl recufants be not executed, the church of England is abandoned ; if they be, all forts of recufants complain of perfecution, as if the aban- doning of the church of England were not in fome fenfe a perfecution too. Let us fuppofe that pofTible, which the piety and goodnefs of the King hath made next to impofTible : but let it be for once fuppofed, that the church of England were forfaken, her authority made infignificant, her government precarious ; fuppofe her difarmed of all thofe laws by which fhe is guarded, denied all aid from the civil magiflrate, and that none were obliged ( »92 ) cbliged to obey her commands but thofe that have a mirlid to It ; wojild not this turn a ii^tional church into noti.ing alfo but a tolerated fe£l or party in the nation r Would it not take away all appearance ot eiiabUfhmcnt from it? Would it not drive the church into the Avildernefs again, where fne fhould be furo to find herfelf cncompaifed with all forts of enen ies, if at leaft Ihe could find herfelf at all, in the midfl: of fo many to- lerations r Seeing then no way can be taken, but one fide or other will either call or think it perfecution, the choice is not difficult ;, it is better to have a If rid rule than none at all ; better to make the law that rule, than to leave every man to be a law and a rule unto himfelf. Happy is that government when men complain of the flri6t execution of the laws, efpecially when a Parliament is fitting, which can take the truelt meafiires, and where the wifdom ot the nation is to jud^e of tlie intereft of it. In the next place, the King hath thought fit to cliredl your Gonfiderations upon the fafety and honour of the ftate ; both which are then beft provided for, when we keep up the flrength and reputation of our fleet. So the Roman ifate thought, (when as the orator tells us) they decree, Non Jolum pra/id'iiy fedetiam ornandi Imperii cauja xavigandum ejje. It is not altogether the natural decay of fiilpping, no, nor the accidents of war, that have leirened our fleet, though fome- thing may be attributed to both thefe ; but our fleet feems ra- ther to be weakened for the prefent, by being outgrown, and outbuilt by our neighbours. Now, as the times of youth and health are befl employed in providing againif the incommodities and inconveniencies of licknefs and old age ; fo there cannot be a better ufe made of times of peace, than to provide for times of war \ there can- not be a greater fecurity againfl: your enemies, than to be al- ways in a pofture ready to receive them. Fleets may lecure you abroad, but good laws are necefiary to preferve you at home. Nothing recommends the prefent age. unto poflerity fo much as the wifdom and the temper of the laws that are made in it ; for all fucceeding ages judge of our. laws, as we do of our anceftors, by the true and unerring rule o/ experience. In making of laws, theiePorc, it will import us to confider, that too many laws arc a fnarc, too few are a weaknefs in the government ; too gentle are feldom obeyed, too fevere are as feldom executed ; and fanguinary laws are, for the mod part, either thecau.e or the eft'cCl ot a •.ii;(emper in the Itate. To ( 193 ) To eftablifn this ftate, there feems not to need many new laws: fome will always be wanting ; and thout^h all tliat is wanting (hould not now be finilhed, yet whatever ihall remain iinfinifhed, may be perfe(^ed in winter ; at which time, we have a gracious intimation from his Majefty, tliat we ihall meet again. But, leil your greater and weightier aifairs fhould make you pafs by things of lefler moment, it may not be amifs to put you in mind to provide againft the excefsof new buildings near London and Weftminfter : it is a growing mifchief, which no- thing but a new law can put a fkop to ; a mifchief which for a long time hath depopulated the country, and now begins to depopulate the city too, by leaving a great part of it uninha- bited. Yet, that you may not only entertain yourfelves with careful and provident thoughts for the future, be pleafed a little to Gonfider and rejoice in the happinefs of our prefent eftate. If we look upon the ftate of things abroad, we Ihall find ourfelves in fuch circumftances, that it were great impiety not to acknowledge thofe mercies which, by a rare felicity, have diftinguifhed us from our now miftrable neighbours. Wars and confufions cover the face of the reft of the chrif- tian world ; while we have no other part in all thefe afflidlions but that of a chriftian companion. We are newly gotten out of an expenfive war, and gotten out of it upon terms more honourable than ever. The whole world is now in peace with us, all ports are open to us, and we exercife a free and uniaterrupted traffic through the ocean ; and we are reaping the fruits of all this peace, by a daily iin- provement of our trade, and in the increafe of our Ihipping and navigation. Our conftitution feems to be fo vigorous and fo ftrong, that ■nothing can diforder it but ourfelves. No influences of the ftars, no configurations of the heavens, are to be feared, fo long as thefe two Houfes ftand in a good difpofition to each other, and both of them in a happy con- junction with their Lord and Sovereign. Why fhould we doubt it ? Never was difcord more unfea- fonable. A difFerence.in matters of the church would gratify the ene- mies of our religion, and do them more fcrvice than the befl ot their auxiliaries. A difference in matters of flate would gratify our enemies too, the enemies of our peace, the enemies of this Parliament j even all thofc; both at home and abroad, that hope to fee. Vol. I. O and f 194 ) and praflife to bring about, new changes and revolutions in the government. They underftand well enough that the befl: health may be deftroyed by too much care of it j an anxious fcrupulous care, a care that is always tampering, a care that labours (o long to purge all ill "humours out of the body, that, at lall, it leaves neitlier good blood nor fpirits behind. In like manner, there are two fymptoms which are dange- rous in every ftate, and of which the hiftorian hath long fmcc given us warning. . One is, when men do quicia movcre, when tiiey flir thofc tilings or queftions which are and ought to be in peace; and, like un/kilful architects, think to mend the building by remo- ving all the materials Vv'hich are not placed as they would have them. Another is, Cicm res parva magn'is motibus agunlur, when things that are not 'of the greatell moment, are agitated with the greateft heat, and as much weight is laid upon a new, and not always very neceifary propofition, as ii the whole fum of affairs depended upon it. Who doth not fee that there are in all governments difficul- ties more than enough, though they meet with no inteftine di- vifions ; difficulties of fuch a nature, that the united endeavours of the llatc can hardly ftruggle with ? But, after all is done that can be, they will Hill remain infuperable. This is that which makes the crowns of princes, when they are worn by the cleareft and the noblefl title, and fupport- ed with the mightieft aids, yet at the belt but wreaths of glo- rious thorns. He that would go about to add to the cares and iolicitudcs of his prince, does what In him lies to make thofe thorns pierce deeper, and lit clofcr to the royal diadem than ever they did before. No zeal can excufe it ; for, as there may be a religious zeal, a zeal for God, which is not according to knowledge, fo there may be a ftate zeal, a zeal for the public, which is not accord- ing to prudence, at leuft not according to the degree of pru- dence which the fame men have when they are not under the ■ tranfport of fuch a fervent palTion. Hath it not been a ftrange mi flake in fome general coun- cils, and a mirtake which is fatal at this day to the peace of thechriftian church, that in moft of their canons and faniStions they have more conlidered whom they ihould oppofe, tiian •what they fliould eftablifh ? And may it not prove a piece of as ill condu61 in any fe- cular alTcmbly, to purfue good ends by violent means, and, in ( 195 ) in the heat of that purfuit, to chufe rather to lofe that good they might have compafled, than to fall (hort of any of thofc good ends which they have once propofed unto thcrafelves ? My Lords and Gentlemen, The King is far, infinitely far, from fearing any excefs of this kind here. He knows too well the wifdom, the honour, and the loyalty of this great aiffmbly, to apprehend any kind .of error, either in your judgments or your afPeilions. He does not only find himfelf fafe^ but he thinks himfelf armed too, while he is attended with fuch a nobility, fuch a gentry, as this. You that were able to raife the King's affairs when they were in their loweft and moit deplored condition, will furely be able to keep them from any relapfe. You that w^ere able to make this government take root again, will furely be able to preferve it in a growing and flourilhing ftate. ' Such pilots need not fear a florm. If you could, this con- fideration alone were enough to fupport you, that you carry Casfar and his fortunes : you ferve a prince, in v^^hofe pre* fervation miracles are become familiar ; a prince, in whofe flyle Dei Gratia feems not to be written by a vulgar pen, but by the arm of Omnipotence itfelf. Raife up then, by your example, the hearts and hopes of all thofe whom ill men have wrought upon to fuch a degree, as to calt them into fadnefs, and into a defpondency, which is mofl: unreafonable. What the Romans fcorned to do after the battle of Canna;, what the Venetians never did when they had loft all their terra firma^ that men are now^ taught to think a vir- tue, and the figii of a wife and good man, delperare dc republican and all this in a time of as much judice and peace at home, as good laws for the fecurity of religion and liberty, a§ good execution of thefe laws, as great plenty of trade and com- merce abroad, and as likely a conjundlure of affairs for the continuance of thefe blellings to us, as ever nation profpcred under. Confirm the faith, then, of thofe that are made weak, by ihewing them the fteadfaftnefs of your belief. Give the King the hearts of all his fubjeds, by making him a prefent of your's. Then will the King efteem himfelf a richer prince Than if he were polFelTed of all the treafures of the Eaft. Then, though this fefiion (hould clofe in a few weeks, yet it may be perpetual, for the fruit it lliall produce, and for the comme- moration that will follow it. Then will this year be a true O 2 yeai ( 19^ ) year of juhilee; and we fhall have nothing left to wifh or pray for in this world, but the blelft'd continuiincc of his IVia- jeily's long and happy reign over us. Addrcjs by the Houfc of Comr/ions, April 23, 1 675. •TXrE your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the Commons, in this prefent Parliament alfeir^blcd, do, with humble thankfulnefs, acknowledge your Majelty's care, for the fafety ot your people, in calling us tf)gether at this time, to confult ot tlie beft means for the prefervation of o'.n- reii-^icn and properties: and though we have great caufe to reft aifured ot the continuance of your Majelly's gracious difpofition to- wards us ; yet we find, upon a ferious examination of the flat© of this kingdom, that there is a great jealoufy arifcn from fome 3ate proceedings in the hearts of your fubjecls, that fome perfons in great employment under your Majeliy have fomented dcfigns contrary to the interell both of your Majelty and your people, intending to deprive us of our ancient rights and liberties, that thereby they might the more eafily introduce the Popifh religion, and an arbitrary form of governm.ent over us, to the ruin and deft ruftion of the whole kingdom. Amongft thofe who are at prefent crnployed under your ivlajefty, we have juft reafon to accufe for a promoter of fuch defigns, the Duke of Lauderdale, laiqly created Earl of Ouilford ; becaufe we have had it tcftiiied in our Houfe, by leveral of our own members, that, in the hearing before the council of the cafe of Mr. Penyftone Whaley, wlio had com- roitted Mr. John James, contrary to your Majeliy's declara- tion of the 15th of March, 1671, he the faid Duke of Lau- derdale did openly affirm, in the prefence of your Majefty fit- ting in council, and before divers of your fubje61s then at- tending there, that your Majeliy's edi6fs ought to be obeyed ; lor your Majefty's edi£ls are equal with laws, and ought to be obferved in the nrft place; thereby, as iniich as in him lay, jullilying the faid declaration, and the proceedings thereupon ; and declaring his inclination to arbitrary councils, in terror of your good people. And we are further confirmed in this opinion by tvs'o late a(Sls of Parliament, of a very ftrange and dangerous nature, which we have obferved amongft the printed llatutes of the kmgdoiTi of Scotland ; the firft whereof was in the-third feffion of the firft Parliament held there under your Majefty, cap. 25. «nd the other in your Majefty's fecond Parliament, cap. 2. the like whereof have never paficd fince the union of the two cxowns ; ( 197 ) crowns; and are dire"£lly contrary to the hitention of an acfl palled here in the fourth year of the reign of King James, for the better abolition of all memory of hoftility, and the de- pendencies thereof, between England and Scotland, and for the reprelTing of occafions of difcords and diforders in time to come; and of a like a6t, paifed about the fame time in the kingdom of Scotland ; by force of which faid late aiSls there is a militia fettled in that kingdom, of twenty thoufand foot, and two thoufand horfe, who are obliged to be in a readinefs to march into part of this kingdom, for any fervice v/herein your Ma- jcfty's honour, authority, or greatncfs may be concerned ; and- are to obey fuch orders and directions as they ihall from time to time receive from the privy council there. By colour of which general words, vv^e conceiv^e, this realm may be liable to be invaded, under any pretence whatfoever. And this hath been done, as wc apprehend, principally by the procurement of the faid Duke of Lauderdale ; he having all the time of thefe tranfaclions been principal fecretary of the faid kingdom, and chiefly intrufled with the adminiftration of affairs of flate there ; and himfelf commillioner for holding tlve Parliament at the time of palling the latter of the faid ads, whereby the providing of the faid horfe and foot is effedually impofcd upon the faid kingdom, and this extraordinary power vetted in the privy council there : and we conceive we have jult reafon to apprehend the ill confequences of fo great and unufual a power ; efpecially while the affairs of that kingdom are managed by the faid Duke, who hath manifefted himfelf a pcrfon ot fuch pernicious principles. We do therefore, in all humility, implore your facred Ma- jclly, confidering how univerfal a fame and clamour of the faid mifdemeanors runneth openly throughout all your realm, that for the eafe of the hearts of your people, who are pof- felfed with extreme grief and forrow to fee your Majelly thus abufed, and the kiiigdom endangered, that your Majeliy would graciouHy be pleafed to remove the faid Duke of Lauderdale from all his employments, and from your Majeity's prefence and councils, for ever, as being a perfon obnoxious and dan- gerous to the government. Anfvjer to the above Addrefs^ Afay 7, 1675. Charles Rex. TJ IS Majefty has confidered of the addrefs againft the Duke •*^ of Lauderdale, and the reafons accompanying it.^ As t« the ads of Parliament, mentioned to have been palfed in Sto O3 ( 198 ) land, his Majefty obferves, that the firft of thofe a£ls was in the year 1663 i which was long before the Duke of Lauderdale ■was his Majelty's commiflioner in that kingdom ; the latter was in purfuance of the former. As to the words, ** by the time of Mr. Peniuone Whaley's cafe," His Majelly perceives, that if they had been fpoken, they muft have been fpoken be- fore the laft a6l of general pardon : and his Majelly, b>ring fenfible how great a fatisfadion and fecurity the inviolable prefervation of the former a£l of indemnity and oblivion has been to all his fubjeds, cannot but apprehend the dangerous confequences of inquiring into any thing that has be:-n par- doned by an ad of general pardon, left the example of that might give men caufe to fear their fecurity under the lirft a6l of oblivion. Given at the court at Whitehall, the feventh of May, 1675. I His Majcjiys mojl gracious Speech y "June 9, 1 675. My Lords and Gentlemen, THINK I have given fufficient evidence to the world, that I have not been wanting, on my pnrt, in my endeavours to procure the full fatisfadion of all my fubjcds in the matters both of religion and property. I have not only invited you to thofe ccnfiderations at our firft meeting ; but I have been care*- ful through thi?' whole feihon, that no concern of my own fhould divert you from them. Bcfides, as I had only defigned the matter of it to be the pro- curing of good laws, fo, for the gaining of them, I have al- ready waited much longer than I intended ; and ihould have been contented ftill to have continued my expcdation, had there any hopes remained of a good conclufion : but, I muft confefs, the ill defigns of our enemies have been too pr^ valent againft thofe good ones I had propofed to myfelf in N half of my people ; and thofe unhappy differences between my two Houfes are grown to Inch an height, that I find no poflible means of putting an end to them, but by a prorogation. It is w ith great unwiilingnefs that I make \\{c of this expe- dient ; having always intended an adjournment, for the pre- ferving of fuch bills as were unfiniftied : but niy liopes are, that, by this means the prefent occadon of diirerences being taken away, you will be fo careiul hereafter of the public, as not to fetk new ones, nor to revive the old. I intend to meet you here agrin in winter; and have di- reded my Lord Keeper to prorogue you till the thirteenth of Odober next. Then ( 199 ) Then the Lord Keeper faid, My Lords, and you, Knights, Citizens, and BurgefTes, of the Houfe of Comnaons, TT is his Majefty's pleafure that this Parliament be prorogued "^ to the thirteenth day of Odober next : and this Parliament is prorogued to the thirteenth day of Odtober next. I His Majejlys moji gracious Speech^ Odobcr 13, 1675. My Lords and Gentlemen, MEET you now with a more than ufual concern for the event of this feiI:on ; and 1 know it is but what may rea- fonably be expe6ted from that care I owe to the prefervation of the government. The caufes of the laft prorogation, as I, for my part, do not defire to remember, fo 1 hope, no man elfe "will, unlefs it be to learn from thence how to avoid the like cccafions for the future: and I pray, confider how fatal the confequences may be, and how little benefit is like to redound to the people by it. However, if any thing of that kind (hall arife, I defire you would defer thofe debates, till you have brought fuch public bills to pcrfe61ion, as may conduce to the good and fafety of the kingdom : and particularly I recom- mend to you whatever may tend to the fecurity of the proteftant religion, as it is now ellabliflied in the church of England.,, I muft likewife defire your alliftance in fome fupplies ; as well to take off the anticipations which are upon my revenue, as for building of fliips. And, though the war hath been the gre^t caufe of thefe anticipations, yet I find, by a late account I have taken of my cxpenfes, that 1 have not been altogether fo good an hufband as I might have been, and as I refolve to be for the future ; although, at the fame time, I have had the fatisfaclion to find, that I have been far from fuch an extravagancy in my own expcnfe, as fome would have the world believe. I am not ignorant that there are many who would prevent the kind- nelfes of my Parliament to me at this time: but I as well know, that your affe£lions have never failed me ; and you may remember it is now above three years fince I have afked you any thing for my own ufe. O 4 Addrefi ( 2CO ) Addrefs to his Majcjiyy November lO, 1675. Mofl Gracious Sovereign, TX7"E your Majefty's moft dutiful fubjefts, the Lords Spi- ^ ritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament af- fcmblcd, taking notice, to our great fatisfadion, of your Ma- jefty's royal proclamation, bearing date the nineteenth of May, 1675, intituled, •* A Proclamation, commanding the imme- diate Return of all your Nlajcfty's Subjects who have gone into the Service of the French King, as Soldiers, fince the late Treaty of Peace with the States General of the United Pro- vinces, and prohibiting all your Majefty's Subjeds to enter into the faid Service for the Time to come:" And. finding there hath not been that cbfervance paid to it, which your Ma- jefly might have expected, and all your loyal fubje£ls could have wifhcd, do, out of our earneil defires that your royal in- tentions, fo agreeable to the intereft and welfare of your peo- ple, Ihould no longer be difappointed, humbly make this our petition and addrefs unto your Majefly, that you would be gra- cioufly pleafed to renew your former proclamation, flrengthen- ing it with fuch additional feverities, upon thofe who fliall not obey it, as fliall be agreeable to law. Addrefs to h:s Majcfiy, March 10, 1 676. May it pleafe your Majefty, 'TT7E your Majefliy's mod: loyal fubje(5ls, the knights, cltiicns, and burgefTes, in Parliament alTembled, find ourfelves obliged, in duty and faithfulnefs to your Majefty, and in dif- charge of the trult repofed in us by thofe whom we reprcfent, moft humbly to offer to your Majefty's ferious confideration, that the minds of your Majedy's people are much difquieted •with the manifeil danger arifmg to your Majefty's kingdoms by the growth and power of the French King; efpecially by the acquifitions already made, and the further progrefs likely to be made by him in the Spani(h Netherlands ; in the prefer- vation and fecurity whereof, we humbly conceive tjie intereft of your Majefty, and the fafety of your people, are highly con- cerned : and, therefore, we mofl: hum.bly befeech your Ma- jefty to take the fame into your royal care, and to ftrengthen yxjurfelf with fuch ftridter alliances, as may fecure your Ma- jefty's kingdom, and preferve and fecure the faid Netherlands; and thereby quiet the minds of your Majefty's people. His ( 201 } Uis Majcjiys mofl gracious Speech, February 15, 1677, Mj' Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE called you together again, after a long prorogation, that you rnight have an opportunity to repair the misfor- tunes of the lalf feflion ; and to recover and reilore the right €nd and u{c of Parliaments. The tiiTie I have given you to recoUecb yonrfelvcs in, and to conflder whither thofe differences tend, wh'ch have been fa. unhappily managed and improved between you, is enough to leave you without all excufe, it ever you fall into the like again. I am now refolved to let the world fee, that it {hall not be my fault, if they be not made happy by your confultations ia Parliament : for I declare myfelt very plainly to you, that I come prepared to give you all the fatisiadlion and fecurity in the great concerns of the proteftant religion, as it is eflabliihed in the church of England, that fhall reafonably be afked, or can confift with chriilian prudence. And I declare myfelf as freely, that I am ready to griatify you in a further fecuring of your liberty and property, as you can think you want it, by as. many good laws as you Ihall propofe, and as can confift with, the fafety of the government \ without which there will nei- ther be liberty nor property left to any man. Having thus plainly told you what I am ready to do for you, I fhall deal as plainly with you again, and tell you, what it is I do expect from you. I do expe6l and require from you, that all occafions of dif- ference between the two Houfes be carefully avoided ; for elfe they who have no hopes to prevent your good refolutions, will hope, by this referve, to hinder them from taking any effe£l. And let all men judge who is mole for arbitrary government; they that foment fuch diiferences as tend to diifolve all Parlia- ments ; or I, that would preferve this and all Parliaments from being made ufelefs by fuch diifenfions. In the next jdace, I defire you to confider the neceflity of building more Ihips; and how much all our fafeties are con- cerned iu it. And fmce the additional revenue of excife will fliortly expire, you that know me to be under a great burthen of debts, and how hard a Ihift 1 am making to pay them off as faft as I can, I hope will never deny me the continuance of this revenue ; and fome reafo;jable fupply to make my condi- tion more eafy. And that you may be fatisned, how impoHible it is (what- ever fome Ricn think} to fupport tiie government with lefs than I the ( 202 ) the prefent revenue, yon may at any time fee the yearly efla- blifhed charge ; by which it will appear, that, the conftant and unavoidable charge being paid, there will remain no over- plus towards the difcharging thofe contingencies which may happen in all kingdoms, and which have been a confiderable charge to me this lall: year. To conclude, I do recommend to you the peace of the kingdom, in the careful prevention of all differences ; the fafety of the kingdom, in providing for fome greater ftrength at fea ; and the profperity of the kingdom, in alliiting the ne- ceflary charge and fupport of the government. And, if any of thefe good ends Ihould happen to be difap- pointed, I call God and men to witnefs this day, that the mif- fortune of that difappointment fhall not lie at my door. Addrejs to his Majcjly, April lo, 1 67 7. May it pleafe your Majefty, TX7E your Majefty 's mofl loyal fubjedls, the knights, citi- 2ens, and burgefl'es, in this prefent Parliament alfembled ; having, at the petition of divers commioners, greatly concerned in the prefervation of the life and eftate of the Duke of Nor- folk, entered into confideration of the prefent condition of the faid Duke ; and, upon folemn hearing of counfel on both fides, and examination of feveral witneffes before the Houfe, having found that the faid Duke is a hinatick, and hath been fo for many years paft \ and during all that time to have been kept in parts beyond the fea, at Padua, under the dominion of the ftate of Venice ; notwithflanding his condition is fuch, as we conceive, that he may be fafely and conveniently, and to the great benefit of his perfon, (confidering his dii'iemper) be re- moved thence into England ; do moil humbly befeech your Majefty, that you would gracioufty be pleafed to take fome efFe6tual courfe, that the faid Duke may be fpeedily brought over into this kingdom ; that thereby he may be more imme- diately under your Mujcfty's care ; which wilUbe not only to the great comfort and relief of the faid petitioners, but the ge- neral fatiifadion of your Majefty's fubjects ; who think them- felvcs, and all others in whom they are concerned, moft faie and fccure under your Majefty's royal protedion. Hh H^ ( 2<53 ) His Mqjcftys Mejfage to the Houfe of Commons y j^pr'd ii, 1677. Charles Rex. 'IS Majefty having confidered your laft addrefs, and finding fome late alteration in the affairs abroad, thinks it necef- fary to put you in mind, that the only way to prevent the dan- ger ■which may arife to thefe kingdoms, mull be, by putting his Majefly timely in condition to make fuch fitting prepara- tions as may enable him to do what (hall be moit for the fecu- rity of them. And if, for this reafon, you inall defire to fit any longer time, the King is content you adjourn now before Eaiter, and meet again fuddenly after ; to ripen this matter, and to perledl fome of the mofl neceifary hills now depending. Given at the court at Whitehall, the eleventh day of April, 1677. Addrefs to his Majefy^ April 13, 1 677. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, "ITT'E your Majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the Commons in this prefent Parliament aifembled, do, with great fatistadion of mind, obferve the regard your Majefly is pleafed to exprefs to our former addreifes, by intimating to us the late alteration in affairs abroad ; and do return our moft humble thanks for your Majefty's gracious offer made to us thereupon in your laft meffage : and, having taken a ferious deliberation of the fame, and of the preparations your Majefty hath therein intimated to us were fitting to be made, in order to thefe public ends ; we have for the prefent, provided a fe- curity, jn a hill for an additional duty of excife ; upon which your iM.-jjefty may raife the fum of two hundred thoufand pounds : and if your Majefty (hall think fit to call us together again for this purpofe, in fome fhort time after Eafter, by any public fignification of your Majefty's pleafure commanding our attendance, we (hall, at our next meeting, not only be ready- to reimbufe your Majefty what fums of money (hall be ex- pended upon fuch extraordinary preparations as (hall be made in purfuance of our former addreffes ; but fliall likewife, with moft cheerful hearts, proceed, both then, and at all other times, to hirnifti your Majeity with fo large proportions of a(riftances and fuppUes upon this occafion, as may give youi Majefty and the wi.oie world an ai7,p!c tellimony oi our loyalties and affec- tions to your Majeftys fervice ; and may enable your Mtajcfty, by the help of Almighty God, to maintain fuch ftii^^r al- liances ( 204 ) li?.nce^ as you fhall have entered into, againfl: 'all oppofition what foe ver. JidcJJage from his Majefty to the Houfe of Commons f Jprii 1 6, 1677. Charles Rex. T!f IS Majefty having confidered the anfwer of this Houfe to "*■ his laft meiTage, about enahling him to make fitting pre- parations for ihe fecurity of thefe kinguoms, fimls by it, that tht^y have only enabled him to borrow two humlrcd thoufand^ pounds, upon a iund given him for other ufes : his Majeify defires, therefore, the Houfe ihould know, and he hopes they will always believe of him, that not only that fund, but any other within his power, fhall be engaged to the utmoft for pre~ fervation of his kuigdoms. But, as his Majeity's condition is, (which, he doubts not but is as well known to t^ds Houfe as to himfejf,) he muft tell then plainly, that, without a fum of fix hundred thoufand pounds, or credit for fucli a fum upon new funds, it will not be pollible for him to fpeak or a<5t thofe things which Ihould anf\ver the ends of their fcveral addrelfes, without expofing the kingdoms to much greater dangers. His Majefty does further acquaint them, that having done his pact, and laid the true ftate of things before thein, he will not be wanting to ufe the beft means for the fafety of his peo- ple, which his prefent condition is capable of. Given at the court at Whitehall, the fixteenth day of April, 1677. Y Addrefs by the Houje of Commons, Jprll 16, 1677. May it pleaie your Majefty, OUR Majefty 's moft loyal and dutiful fubjefts, the Com- mons, in this prefent Pnrliameut aifemblcd, having con- fidered your Majeily's laft meilage, and the gracious expreffions therein contained, for employing your whole revenue, at any time, to raife money for the prefervation of your Majeily's kingdoms, do find great caufe to return our moft htmible thanks for the fame ; and to defire your Majefty to reft aftured, that you Ihall find as much duty and afFediou in us, as can be ex- preifed by a moft loyal people to a m.oft gracious fovereign. And, whereas ybur Majeily is pleafed to fignify to us, that the fum of two hundred thoufand pounds is not fufficient, without further fupplies, to enable your Majefty to fpeak and a6l thofe things ( 205 ) things which are defired by your people, we humbly take leaf* to acquaint your Majefty, that many of our members being, upon an expedation of adjournment before Eafier, gone into their feveral countries ; we cannot think it parliamentary, in their abfence, to take up-.m as the granting of money ; but do therefore deOre your Majefty to be plealed, that this Houfe may adjourn itfelf for feme Ihort time, before the fum of two hundred thoufand pounds can be expended, as your Majefty fhall think fit ; and by your royal proclamation command the attendance of all our members at the day of meeting : by which time we hope your Majefty may have fo formed your affairs, and fixed your alliances, in purfuance of our former ad- dreffes, that your Majefty may be gracioufly pleafed to impart them to us in Parliament. And we no ways doubt, but, at our next aflembling, your Majefty will not only meet with a compliance in the fupply your Majefty defires, but with all fuch afliftances, as the pof- ture of your affairs ftiall require : in confidence whereof, we hope your Majefty will be encouraged, in the m.ean time, to fpeak and a61: fuch things, as your Majefty ftiall judge neceffary for attaining thofe great ends we have formerly reprefented to your Majefty. His Majcjlys Jnfivcr, Alay 23, 1677. Gentlemen, T SENT for you hither, that I might prevent thofe miftake* •*■ and diftrufts, which 1 find fome are ready to make, as if I had called you together only to get money from you for other ufes than you would have it employed. I do alfure you, upon the word of a king, that you Ihall not repent any truft you repofe in me for the fafety of my king- doms; and I defire you to believe, I would not break my cre- dit with you. But as I have already told you, that it will not be pofRble for me to fpeak or a£l thofe things, which Ihould anfwer the ends of your feveral addreftes, without expofing my kingdoms tb much greater dangers ; fo'I declare to you again, that 1 will ' neither hazard my own fafety nor your's, until I be in a better condition than I am able to put myfelf, both to defend my fub- jeds, and offend my enemies. 1 do further affure you, that I have not loft one day fince your laft meeting, in doing all I can for your defence ; and I tell you plainly, it Ihall be your fault, and not mine, if our fecurities be not fufticiently provided for. Jddrfh C 206 ) Addrefi hy the Commons to the Khtgy May 25, 1 67 7. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, 'Y'OUR Majcfty's moft loyal and dutiful fubjeds, the Com- mons, in Parliament aifemhled, having taken into their fc- rious confideration your Majefty's gracious fpeech, do befeech your Majelty to believe it is a great afflidion to them, to find themfelves obliged, at prcfent, to decline the granting your Majefty the fupply your Majefty is pleafed to demand ; con- ceiving it is not agreeable to the ufage of Parliament, to grant fuppli-s for maintenance of wars and alliance, before they. are iignified in Parliament : which the two wars againft the States of the United Provinces, fmce your Majefty's huppy reftoration, and the league made with them in January 1668, for preferva- tion of the Spanifti Netherlands, fufficiently prove, without trou- bling your Majefty with inftances of greater antiquity. From which ufage if we fliould depart, the precedent might be of dangerous confequence in future times ; though your Majefty's goodnefs gives us great fecurity during your Majefty's reign; which we befeech God long to continue. This confideration prompted us, in our laft addrcfs to your Majefty before our late lecefs, humbly to mention to your Majefty our hopes, that, before our meeting again, your Majefty's alliances might be fo fixed, as that your Majefty might be gracioufly pfcafed to im- part them to us in Parliament ; that fo our earneft defires of iupplying your Majefty for profecuting thofe great ends we had humbly laid before your Majefty, might meet with no impedi- ment or obftruclion ; being highly fenlible of the neceftity of fupporting as well as making the alliances humbly defired in our former addreftcs : and which we ftill conceive fo important to the fafety of your Majefty and your kingdoms, that we cannot, without unfaifhfulnefs tc your Majefty, and thofe we reprefent, omit, upon all occalions, huinbly to befeech your Majefty, as "we now do, to enter into a league, offend ve and defenfive, with the States General of the United Provinces, againft the growth and power of the French king; and for the prefervation of t!ie Spanifh Netherlands; and to make fuch other alliances with fuch other of the confederates as your Majefty fhall think fit and ulcful to that end. In doing which, that no time may be loft, we humbly offer to your Majefty thefc reafons for the expediting it : I. That, if the entering into fuch alliances (hould draw on a war wirh the French king, it would be leaft detrimental to your Majefty's fubjcds at this time of the year ; they having, now, feweft effcds within the dominions of that king. II. That ( 207 ) IT. That though we have great reafon to believe the power of the French king to be dangerous to your Majefty and your kingdoms, when he fliall be at more leifure to moleft us ^ vet we conceive the many enemies he hath to deal with at prefent, together with the fituation of your Majelty's kingdoms, the unanimity of j^our people in this caufe, the care your Majefty hath been pleafed to take of your ordinary guard tor the fea ; together with the credit provided by the late adi, cntituled, *' An Ad: for an additional Excife for Three Years;" make the entering into and declaring alliances very fafe ; until we may, in a regular way, give your Majelty fuch further fupplies as may enable your Majefty to fuppori your alliances, and de- fend your kingdoms. HI. Becaufe of the great danger and charge which muft ne- ccilarlly fall upon your Majefty's kingdoms, if through want of that timely encouragement and affiftance, which your Majefly's joining with the States of the United Provinces, and other the confederates, would give them, the faid States, or any other confiderable part of the confederates, ihould this next winter, or fooner, inake a peace or truce with the French king (the prevention whereof hitherto muft be acknowledged to be a fin- -gular effect of God's goodnefs ;) vvhich if it Ihould happen, your Majefty would afterwards be neceftitated with fewer, perhaps with no alliances or aftiftances, to withftand the power of the French king, which hath fo long and fo fuccefsfully con- tended with fo many and potent adverfaries : and, whilft he con- tinues his overbalancing greatnefs, muft always be dangerous to his neighbours ; fu:ce he would be able to opprefs any one confederate before the reft could get together, and be in fo good a pofture of ofrending him as they now are, being jointly en- gaged in a war : and if he ftiould be fo fucccfsTul as to make a peace, or difunite the prefent confideration againft him ; it is much to be feared, whether it would be poffible ever to reunite it : at leaft, it would be a work of fo much time and difficulty, as would leave your Majefty's kingdoms expofed to much mifery and danger. Having thus difcharged cur duty, in laying before your Ma- j-efty the dangers threatening your Majefty and your kingdpms; and the only reinedy we can think of for preventing it, and fe- curing and quieting the minds of your Majefty's people ; with fome few of thofe reafons which have moved us to this and our former addrelTes on this fubjcdl, we '.noft humbly befecch your Majefty to take this matter into your moft fL-rious confideration; and to take fuch refolutions, as may not leave it in the power of any neighbouring prince to rob your people of that hnppin' fs which they enjoy under your Majefly's £ra<"*OUS government: befceching f 20S ) TjefeccMng ymir Majcfly ^o reft confident and afllireJ, that, when your M.-ijeltv ihail be plcafed to declare fucli alliances in Parli.MTient, we fh..U hold ourfelves obliged, not only by our prnmiie^ and alfurances given, and now with great unanimity rencvved in a full Houfe, but by the zeal and defnes of thofe vhom we reprcfcnt, and by the intereft oi all ou-r fafetics, mofl cheerfully to give your Majefty ftich fpeedy fupplies and aflift- ances, as may fnlly and pl^^niitully ani'wer the occafions ; and, by God's blelling, preferve your Majefiy's hunour, and the fafety of your people. All which is inoft humbly fubmitted to your Majefty's great wirdom. His Majeftys J n fiver , Mr.y 28, 1677. Gentlemen, /^OULD I have b.ecn fiient, I Avonld rather have chofen to ^^ be fo, than to call to mind things fo unfit for you to med- dle with, as are contained in fome part of your addrefs ; wherein you have entrenched upon fo uudou hted a right of the crov/n, that 1 am confident it will appear in no age (when the fword was not drawn) that the prerogative of making peace and war bath been fo dangeroufly invaded. You do not content your- felves with defiring me to enter into fuch leagues, as may be for the fafety of tiie kingdom ; but you tell me what fort of leagues they mnft be, and w^ith whom : and as your addrefs is v/ordcd, it is more liable to be underftood to be by your leave, than your requeft, that 1 fhould make fuch other alliances as 1 pleafe with other of the confederates. Should I fuffer tliis fun- damental power of n aking peace and war to be fo far invaded (though but once) as to have the manner and circutnifances of leagues prefcribed to me by Pa'liament, it is plain, that no prince or ftate would any longer believe, that the fovereignty of England rePis in the crown; nor could I think myfelf to fignily any more to foreign princes, tiian the empty found of a king. Wherefore you may reft alfured, thr.t no condition (hall make me depart from, or Iclfen, fo elfenlial a part of the monarchy : and I am willing to believe fo well of this Houfe of Commons, that I am confident thefe ill confequences arc not intended by you. Thcfc are, in frioit, t?lc reafons, why I can by no means approve of your addrefs. And yet, though you have declined to grant me that fupply, which is fo ncceiiary to the ends of it, I do again declare to you, that, as I have done all that lay in my power, fince your lad meeting, fo 1 will flil! apply myfelf, by ( 209 ) by all means I can, to let the world fee my care, both for the fecurity and fatisfaftion of my people ; although it may not be with thofe advantages to them, which, by your affiftance, I might have procured. A Mejfage from his Majcfly^ December 3, 1677. Charles Rex. TJIS Majefty, having given notice by his proclamation, thai he intended the Houfes fhould be adjourned till the fourth of April, hath now, for weighty confiderations, thought fit to meet with both Houfes fooner : and therefore his pleafure is, that this Houfe be adjourned to the fifteenth day of January next. A Mcjfagefromhh Majefty, jfanuary i^^ 1678. Charles Rex. XJIS Majefty hath matters of very great importance to com- municate to both Houfes, in order to the fatisfadtion of their late addrelTes for the prefervation of Flanders : but it fo happening that matters are not yet fo ripe, as within a few days, they will be; therefore his Majefty's pleafure is, that this Houfe be immediately adjourned till Monday, the twenty-eighth of this inftant January. His Majejlys moji gracious Speech y January 28, 1678, My Lords and Gentlemen, IT/'HEN we parted laft, I told you, that, before we met ^^ again, I would do that which fhould be to your fatisfac- tion. I have accordingly made fuch alliances with Holland as are for the prefervation of Flanders ; and which cannot fail of that end, unlefs prevented either by want of due allillances to fupport thofe alliances, or by the fmall regard the Spaniards themfelves muft have to their own prefervation. The firft of thefe I cannot fufped, by reafon of your repeated engagements to maintain them ; and I know you are fo wife, as to confider, that a war, which muft be the necelfary confe- quence of them, ought neither to be profecuted by halves, nor to want fuch aflTurances of perfeverance, as may give me encouragement to purfue it : befides, it will not be lefs necelTary to let our enemies have fuch a profped of our refolutions, as mav let them fee certainly, that we (hall not be weary of our Vol. I. P ar^^S ( 2ie ) arms, till Chriftendom be reftored to fuch a peace, as fiiall not be in the power of any prince alone to difturb. I do acknowledge to you, that 1 have ufed all the means pof- fible, by a mediation, to have procured an honourable and fate peace tor Chrillendom ^ knowing how preferable fuch a peace would have been to any war, and efpecially to this kingdom ; which mud neceflarily own the vail benefits it has received by peace, whilfl: its neighbours only have yet fmarted by ihe war : but, finding it no longer to be h(;ped for by fair means, it (liall not be my fault, if that be not obtained by force, which can- not be had otherwife. p or this reafon I have recalled my troops from France ; and have confidered, that, although the Dutch fhall do their parts, we cannot have Icfs on our's, than ninety fail of^apital lliips conftantly maintained ; nor lefs than thirty or forty thoufand landmen, with their dependencies, to be em- ployed upon our fleets, and eire\Ahere. And becaiife there fhall be nojeakmfy or fear of mii'employing what you fhall give to thefe ufcs, I am contented, that Inch money be appropriated to thofe ends as ftridlly as you can delire. I have given tefti- snony enough of my care in that kind, by the progrefs I have' made in building the new fhips ; wjierein, for the making them more ufeful, I have diredled fuch larger dimenficns, as will coft me above one hundred thoufand pounds more than the a6l allows. I have gone as far as 1 could in repairing the old fleet, and in buying of necelTary florcs for the navy and ord- nance : and in this and other provifions for the better fecuring both my foreign plantations, and the illands nearer home, 1 have expended a great deal miore than the two hundred thoufand pounds you enabled me to borrow upon the exCife ; although 1 have not found fuch credit as I expedled upon that fecurity. I have borne the charge both of a rebellion in Virginia, and a new war with Algiers : I fland engaged to the Prince of Orange for my niece's portion ; and I fhall not be able to maintain my conflant ijecclfary eitablifhmcnts, unlcfs the new impofls upon wines, Sec. be continued to me ; which would otheiwife turn only to their profit, to whom we leaft intend it. I hope thefe things will need little recommendation to you, when you confider your promifes in fome, and the neceflity of the refl. And, to let you fee, that I have not only employed my time and trcafure for your fafcty, but done all I could to re- move all forts ot jealoufies, I have married my niece to the Prince of Orange ; by which I hope I have given full alfurances, that I (hall never fuffer his interefls to be ruined, if I can be af- fifted as I ought to be ti^preferve them. Having done all this, 1 expert from you a plentiful fupply fmtable to fuch great occafions ; whereoa depends not bnly the honour. T 5it ) honour, but, for aught 1 know, the being of an Englllh nation; which will not be faved by finding faults afterwards ; but may he prevented by avoiding the chief fault of doing weakly and by halves what can only be hoped from a vigorous and thorough profecution of what we undertake. Thefe confiderations are of the greateft importance that ever concerned this kingdom : and therefore I would have you enter immediately upon them, without fufFering any other bufinefs whatfoever to divert you from bringing them to good refolutions. W jt^ddrefs by the Houfc of Commons y 'January 31, 1678. "E your Majefty's moft humble and loyal fubjedls, the Commons, in this prefcnt Parliament alfembled, do, in all duty and gratitude, render our mod humble thanks to your moft facred Majefty, for the great care your Majefty hath ex- prelfed for the prefervation and encouragement of the proteftant religion, by concluding a marriage between the Lady Mary, your Majefty's niece, and the Prince of Orange; being a Prince profefling the fame religion with us, and engaged in arms for the defence of the common caufe of Chriltendom : for the promoting of which we do, in all humility, and with the higheft zeal to your Majedy's honour, and the fafety of your people, befeech your Majefty not to -admit of any treaty of peace, whereby the French King (hall be left in the poifeflioa of any larger dominions and territories, or of any greater power, than what he retained by the Pyrenean treaty : lefs than which, ■we conceive, cannot fecure your Majefty's kingdoms, and the Tefl: of Europe, from the growth and power of the faid King; but that he alone may be able to difturb the peace thereof, when- foever he is minded to attempt it ; the places referved by that treaty to the King of Spain, in the Netherlands, being advan- tageous, as well by the vicinity of feme important towns and garrifons to the kir.j^dom of France, as by the extent of the ter- ritory. And we do moft humbly defire, that in all treaties, ar- ticles, and confederations, in order to the obtaining that end, your Majcfly would be pleafed to provide, that none of the parties that fhall join with your Majeily in making war for that purpofe, may lay down their arms, or depart from their alli- 'ances, until the faid King be reduced at lead to the faid treaty : and v\ e do further defire, as one of the moil: effedlual means to obtain thofc ends, that it may be agreed between your Majefty "knd the confederates, that neither ourfelves, nor any of thern, ihall hold any commerce or trade with the French King, or his fubjea?, during fuch war ; and that no commodity of th« P 2 growth^ ( 212 ) growth, produ£l, or manufadure of France, or of any of the ter* ritories or dominions of the French King, be admitted to be brought into your Majefty's, or any of their countries and domi- nions, either by land or fea ; or to be fold within the fame : but that they be feized anddeftroycd wherefoever they be found ; and days to be limited for the fame, in as fhort a time as the nature of fuch affairs will permit : and that in all treaties, articles, and confederations, made in order to or for the profeciition of fuch tvar, it may be agreed and declared, that no velfel of any na- tion whatfoever Ihall be permitted to enter into, or come out of the ports of France, but that the fhip and men (hall be feized, and the goods dellroyed. We do therefore muft humbly defireyour Majefly to proceed in making fuch alliances and confederations, as (hall be necef- /ary for the attaining thofe ends : and though we believe your Majefty can never doubt of the affections of your people, yet, upon this occafion, we do, with all alacrity, and, with one iuianimotis confent, renew our former proinifes and engage- ments : befeeching your Majefty to reft confidently affured of X)ur perfeverance in the profecution of the faid war ; and that, when your Majefty ftiall pJeafe to impart fuch alliances and confederations to us in Parliament, we (hall, upon all occa- fions, give your Majefty fuch ready afTiftances and fupports, as may, by the blelling of God, bring the faid war to a happy conclufion. H }^h Majefifi Anjvjir to the above Addrtfsy February \^ 1678,. Charles Rex. IS Majefty hath received and pcrufed the late addrefs of this Houfe ; and thereunto returneth this anfwer. He is not a little fuiprifed to find fo much inferted there, of ■what there (hould not be, and fo little of what (hould. In the firft. place, his Majefty's fpeech was to both Houfes jointly : and the matter being of fo public a concern, it is cer- tainly very convenient the return to that fpeech (hould be made jointly : for to receive feveral addrelfes, and poflibly verj dif- ferent, cannot but adminiftcr matter of diftraftion to his coun- fels, and confequently to the affairs of the nation : nor is the Houfe of Peers reafonably to be left out, in tranfading thofe things which at laft muft needs pafs by them. In the next place, he obferves in the addrefs of this Houfe, of the twentieth of May laft, ycu iiavite his Majefty to a league, offenfive and dcfenfive, witii Holland, againft the growtik and power of the Frencii Ki"g, and for prefervation of the Spaniih Netherlands i and, upon his declaration of fuch alli- ances. ( 2^3 ) ances, you alTure his Majefty of fuch fpeedy afliflances and fupplies, as may fully and plentifully anfwer the occafions : his Majefty hath made, accordingly, the alliances, offenfiva and defenfive, with Holland ; and declared it to you in Parlia- ment ; fo his part is performed : but, as to th.at of this Koufc for fupplies, though he afked it in his fpeech, you give no an- fwer, nor the leaft hint of affording him any thing to fupport the treaties he hath made : only the old promifes are put to nc\T conditions ; and fo he may be ufed to eternity, fhould he feem fatisfied with fuch proceedings. You are not to think, that either his Majefty, or the States General, being to embark in fo great a defign, would deprive themfelves of the other fo confiderable alliances. Some minif- ters of the moft concerned princes have known and approved his treaty with the States General : and, that he hath not for- merly concluded one with them, the rcafon is, that the diftance of the places the princes concerned refide in, would not give time to perfe£l fo many treaties, to be ratified in places fo re- mote : and, laying well the foundation in Holland, there could not be much doubt of their confent, for whofe intereft that treaty is made : but nothing can delay, or indeed difappoint, thofe treaties, more than the failing of this Houfe to fupport thefe his Majefty hath made : he muft acquit his credit there, and fee his word (hall be maintained, before he can engage it elfc where afrefti. In his Majefty 's anfwer to the addrefs of this Houfe, of the twentieth of May, he told you how highly he was offended at that great invalion of his prerogative : but you take no notice of it ; but, on the contrary, add to your former ill conduct new invafions, equally offenfive to his Majcfly's authority, as contrary to his, and, bethinks, moft other men's judgments. This Houfe defircs his Majefty to oblige his confederates never to confent to a peace, but upon condition the Moft Chriftian King be reduced to the Pyrenean treaty at leaft : a determination fitting only for God Almighty ; for none can tell what can be fitting conditions for a peace, but he that can cer- tainly foretel the events of the war. You advife his Majefty to enjoin not only his allies, but all the world, not to let a Ihip of their's to go to, or come from France, upon pain of lofs of goods, capture of ftiip;» and men, not excepting either ally, prince, or ambaftador, (if amongft them) : he doth not believe that ever any affembly of men gave fo great and public a provocation to the whole wo^ld, without cither having provided, or fo much as confidcred how to pro- vide, one fliip, one regiment, ox one penny, towards juftify* ing it, (at leaft as far as you have acquainted him.) However, Jo (hew you how willing his Majefty is to give a,ll reafonable P ^ fatisfaitjiorj. ( 214 ) fatisfa£lion to this Houfe, how unreafonable foever the propo- iitions made him are, he doth again repeat to you what he faid on the twenty-eighth paft, that if, by your afliftance, he may be put into arms fufficient for fuch a work, his Majcfty will not be weary of them, till Chriftendom be reftored to fuch a peace, as it Ihall not be in the power of any prince alone to difturb. This is, in the confequence of it, as much as a prince that valueth his word, can fay to you : and he is fuch a one. But, to fay he will make no other peace, than fuch a particular peace, whether 'able or not able, whether' abandoned by his allies or not, is not to be faid upon folemn engagement ; be- caufe not certainly to be performed. In fum. Gentlemen, the right of making and managing war and peace is in his Majefty : and if you think he will depart from any part of that right, you are miftaken. The reins of government are in his hands ; and he hath the fame rcfolutioa and concern to preferve them there, as he hath to preferve his own perfon ; and he keeps both for his people's proteftion and fafcty ; and will employ them fo far as he can. If this Houfe encourage his Majefty to go farther in alliances, by fupp'ying him in maintaining thofe he hath made, his care and utmolt endeavour will be employed for you. If this 'Houfe doth in- tend this, it muft be fpeedy : the time and conjundlure afford not lelfure to confult long : and therefore his Majefiy defireth, that, without further lofs of time, you apply yourfelves to the confideration of that fupply ; for from thence he muft take his ixieafures. W Addrejs by the Houfe of Commons y March 15, 1678. 'E your Majefty's mod humble and loyal fubjcdts, the Commons, in this prefent Parliament alfembled, Ao., in all duty and faithfulnefs to your Majefty's fervice, humbly pre- fent your Majefty with this our advice : that, for the Gitisfying the minds of your good fubjedls, who are much difquieted with the apprehenfions of the dangers arifmg to this kingdom from the growth and power of the French King ; and for the encouragement of the princes and ftates confederaitd againft liim ; your Majefty would gracioufly be pleafed immediately to declare, proclaim, and enter into an adlual war againft the faid French Ki ig : for the profecution whereof, as we have already pafTed a bill of fupply, which only wants yoi-r royal aflent, fo wc defire your Majelly to reft conltantly affurrd, that we will, frotn time to tiine, proreed to fiand by and aid your Majefty with fuch plentiful fupplies and afliftances, as I your f 215 ) your Majcfty's occafions for fo royal an undertaking fliaH re- quire. And becaufe your Majelty's endeavours, by way of mediation, have not produced tHbfe good effects your Majefty intended, w^e do molt humbly befeech your Majelty, that you would gracioufly be pleafed to recal your ambaliadors from Nimegucn and France, and to caufe the French ambailador to depart from hence ; that your Majefty being publicly difen- gaged from ading as a mediator, or upon fuch terms and con- ditions as were then propofed, your Majefty may enter into the war to no other end, than that the faid French King may be re- duced unto fuch a condition, as he may be no longer terrible tp your Majefty's fubjedls; and that Chriftcndom may be reftore4 to fuch a peace, as may not be in the power of the faid King to diftur,b. McJJagi from his Alajejly, March 19, 1 678. Charles Rex. TTIS Majefty hath received the notice fent him by this Houfe, that the poll bill was now ready for the royal alFent: which his Majefty was well pleafed to hear, and refolvcth to pafs it to-morrow. His Majefty defireth this Houfe to difpatch the reft of the fupply promifed him, with all expedition : the fea and land preparations run great danger of being difappointecj^ if thofe fupplies be retarded : and it woidd be a fatisfadlion to his Majefty, that no more time lliould be loft in a work fo ne- ceftary for the fafety and reputation of the nation, as the finilh- ing thofe fupplies. Speech hy the Lord Chancellor, Jpril 2(), 1678. My Lords, and you, the Knights, Citizens, and BurgefTes, of the Houfe of Commons, TJTIS Majefty, having made a league offenftv? and detcnfive with Holland, and endeavoured to improve thai league by entering into further and more general alliances, for the profe- cution of the war, hath nevcrihelcfs thought ht, before he make his laft ftep, to take the further advice of boih his Houfes of Parliament ; and rcfolves to govern himfelf by it. And to the end his Parliament may be able to give a clear and certain judgment in this matter, his Majefty hath com- manded that the prefent ftate and couuftion of affairs Ihould be fully and plainly opened to you. And this 1 Ihall do in few words. P4 . The ( ai6 ) TTie addrefs to his Majefty from both Houfes was upon the fixteenth of March, one thoufand fix hundred and feventy-fix ; wherein the dangerous growth of the French monarchy being obferved, and the conquefts made in Flanders, together with the ill confequences arifing from thence, his Majefty isdefirotis to ftrengthen himfelf by fuch flriiler alliances as may fecure his own kingdoms, and preferve the Spanifh Netherlands. But this addrefs did neither defire nor feem to intend, that his Majefty fhould fo fuddenly and fo abruptly depart from his figure of mediator, as immediately to become a party in the ■war, before any fuch alliances were made : for this addrefs was followed with feveral other addreffes from the Commons, in the months of March, April, and May following, all of them preiTing his Majefty to halten his entry into fuch alliances ; and one of them particularly pointing at a league offenfive and de- fenfive with the States General. And, in truth, as no alli- ances could well be made, till we had concluded with Holland; fo no entry could be made upon any alliance with Holland, un- til the mind of the Prince of Orange were perfectly known; for upon him would depend much of that certainty and fecrecy which was abfolutely neceflary to bring fuch a treaty to perfec- toi: but the Prirce was in fo great a hurry of bufinefs, and fuch a h^at of adion, that no time could poftibly be found all j^at fummer to enter upon this treaty. And yet that no time might be loft, his Majefty did all he could at home, to fit and prepare himfelf for fuch an alliance, when the time fhould come : he repairs his old fleet ; buys in neceflary ftores for the navy and ordnance: and in this and other provifions, for better fecuring his foreign plantations and iflands nearer home, ex- pended a great deal more than the two hundred thoufand pounds which he was enabled to borrow upon the excife : and if he could have then prevailed to have had the fix hundred thoufand pounds completed, as he defired, the expenfe of that in other ftores and provifions, both for land and fea, would by this time have given an univerfal content and fatisfadion. Nor did his Majefty reft here, but he continued all the reft of that fummer to make all the fteps he could towards an alliance with Holland. To this end he did, in t^e month of June, fend for his ambalTador, Sir Wm. Teinplis^ to come to him from Nime^nien, in order to his being employed to'negociate with the Prince of Orange, touching thofe meafures which v/erc neccftary to be taken for the common fafety : but the Prince's continual adion caufed it to be deferred ; and yet, in Auguft following, the King appoints his ambaftador Mr. Hyde to wait upon the Prince, and to know of him what courfe he thought ( 217 ) thought beft to be taken, as things then ftood ; ancT to defire him, that he would either write his own mind, or fend fome perfon hither, inftru6led with it, or come himfelf. The Prince was plcafed to chufe the latter. By that converfation with his Highnefs, his Majefty quickly underftood to what a low eftate the affairs of Holland were re- duced ; and in Avhat great diforders the reft ot the confederates were; they in Flanders totally defpor.ding, and the people in Holland being violent for a peace. So that there seemed to be no other remedy or expedient left, but for His Majefty to try whether a peace could be obtained upon reufonable conditions ;. this being the main and principal point to w^hich the King had been all that year earnellly folicited by the States ; that is to fay, in the months of January, May, and September laft, juft be- fore the Prince came over: and his Majefty had realon to be- lieve, that fuch endeavours would be grateful to the States ; and took thereby an opportunity to engage the States, that, in cafe of refufal, they (hould enter into fuch an alliance with his Majefty, as might enable him to obtain his dclires by force of arms : for his Majefty did well perceive, that the State? of Holland, whom he had fo long found weary of the war, would never enter into any alliance with his Majefty for the profecu- tion of this war without a profpe6l of a peace. And, to convince the world that his Majefty was refolved to efpoufe the intereft of the States General to the uttermoft, his Majefty (who could not but fee that the happinefs and prof- perity of the Prince did very much depend upon the quiet and lepofe of thofe countries,) did, in the time of their moft prellrng dangers, give Iiis own niece in marriage to the Prince ; •which a6l alone was enough to extinguifli all the fears at home, and raife the hopes of all that were abroad. And with this af- furance, and this evidence of the King's good intentions to the States, the Prince returned. And now, to the end it might be known whether his Moft Chriftian Majefty would confent to fuch conditions of peace, as might be grateful to the States ; and that fuch meafures might be taken as were fit, in cafe of refufal, conditions were prepared and fent to Paris, by the Earl of Feverftiam, in No-' vember laft ; and in December followir.g^, the Earl of Fe- verftiam returns with an anfwer very dilfatisfaclory. This ill anfwer being returned, his Majefty haftened the meeting of the Parliament ; and proceeded to clofe up the treaty with the States General, for obtaining of ihofe condi- tions by force of arms, which could not be obtained by tair means. 3 ( 21$ ) And this is the league ofFenfive and defenfive made with Holland, and concluded in the beginning of January laft : TV'hich his Majefty is gracioufly pleafed may be communicated to the Parliament, if they fhall defire to fee it. And his Majefty, at the fame time, and for the fuller fatis- fadlion of his Parliament, and the better fecuring of his king- doms, in all events, did further take care to conclude another perpetual defcnlive treaty with the States General. In execution of the offenfive and defenfive league, his Ma- jefty fent to the States, to have the number of forces by fea and land adjufted ; and did agree Avhat his own quota by fea Ihould be ; and fent over fome forces into Flanders ; and had fent ^nore, but that fome difficulties were made on that fide ; which his Majefty, for the friendfhip fake which he hath with them, does not think fit to remember. The next thing abfolutely necelfary to be done, was, to have one common alliance for all parties to enter into for the car- rying on of the war, by difpoling the feveral ftations of the joifiit forces, by the general prohibition of commerce, and by providing againft all pofhbilities of any feparate peace : for which caufes, his Majefty appoints his own commillioners, to meet and treat with the foreign minifters ; but to the King's great difappointment, it appeared, that the Dutch ambalTador had no power to treat; which made the other minifters refufe to enter upon any difcourfe ; and therefore, to obtain thefc powers to be fent, his Majefty, befides the repeated and pref- iing inftances of his own ambaftadors in Holland, was pleafed to write himfelf to the States very earneftly in this matter. At laft powers come : but then the ambalfador wants inftruc- tions ; fo that nothing at all could be concluded touching thofe points vv'hich were moft eftential and neceifary to be fettled between us ; and which the King hath never ceafed to prefs for, to this very day. But hitherto the King finds what he always feared, that the Dutch are making hafte to get out of the war ; and are fo far from difpoling them (elves to enter into any new alliance for tlie more vigorous proiecution of it, that whether they will perfcvere in the league offenfive and defenfive which they have made with the King, or to what degree they will a6t, if they fhould perfevere, depends upon very many and very great uncertainties : for they are at this very time entered upon confiderations of accepting fuch a peace as the Moft Chrif- tian King hath thought fit to ofter lately at Nirneguen, though it be without his Majefty 's confent or privity, and contrary to that league by which they ftand obliged to him to profecute the war, till a much better peace can be obtained, * To ( ^19 ) To prevent this, the King hath fent an exprefs, on purpofe to know what they intend by this manner of proceeding ; and to diifuade them from it, by letting them fee, that this will be as ill a peace tor themfelves and the reft of Chriftendom, as their enemies could wifti. But the King, as yet, can receive no other account from them, but complaints t»f their great poverty and uiter inability to be any further charge in carrying on the war : and the King is informed by his ambaflador, that they intend to fend over an envoy extraordinary to his Majelly, to beg his Majefty to accept of thefe propofitions ; and to excufe themfelves for this, upon the general impatience of their people. This is the ftate oi the cafe ; and thus it (lands at this day between us and Holland ; from whom we have little hopes now, that they ftiould ever fo far enter into this new and common alliance, as to m.ake it quadrupartite. And now, upon the whole matter, the King demands your advice, -what may be fit for him to do in this difficult cen- juncture ; and refolves to purfue it : and therefore defires you to take this matter into your moft fpeedy and mod ferious corur (iderations. Addrcfs by the Hoiife of Ccmmom to the King, May 10, 1 678. TXT'E, your Majefty's moft humble and loyal fubjefls, the Commons, in this prefent Parliament aifcmbled, do, in all duty and thankfulnefs, humbly acknowledge your Majefty's great grace and favour, in demanding our advice upon the ftate of your affairs in this prefent jundlure, wherein your Majefty 's honour and the fafety of this kingdom is fo nearly concerned : according to which command of your Majefty's, we did im- mediately enter upon contideration of what was imparted to us by your Majefty's order \ and after ferious exainination and vveighing of the matter, we did refolve upon an advice ; which, becaufe of the urgency of affairs, arid the exhibition they require, we did prefent in that form as was not ufual in a matter of To great importance; and which we then direiled to icxcufe to your Majefty, upon that coniideralion. And becaufe we apprehended ihe dangers were fo eminent, that the delay of the leaft time might be of grc^t prejudice to your Majefty's ferv5:e, and the fafety of your kingdom, after fo much time alre-dy loft, w^e thought it neceJary to apply immediately to your Majefty by ourftlves ; whicli in matters of this nature is wholly in the choice of this Houfe, and hath been frequeatly pradifed by us. And becaufe thcfe occafion' are fo prefling upon your Majefty, and the whole kingdom fo deeply tcafible thereof; ( 2?0 ) tliercof ; wc moft earneftly befeech your Majcfty to communi- cate to us the rcfolutions your Majelty kath taken upon our faid advice, that ihereby thefc imminent dangers may be timely prevented. And whereas the Commons conceive, that the prefent in- convenicncies and dangers under which the kingdom now lies, might either totally, or in a great meafure, have been pre- vented, if your Majefty liad accepted of that advice, which in all humility and faithfulnefs ive prefented to your Majelty fjpon the 26lh of May lait ; and which we reiterated to your Majeily t)pon the one and thirtieth ot January enfuing: the retuling of which advice, and difmilling of the Parliament in May laf}» was liic occafion of thofe ill confequences, which have fmce fucceeded both at home and abroad ; all which hath arilen from thofe mifreprefcntations of our proceedings, wliicii have been fuggefted to your Majeily by fome particular per- sons, in a clandeftine way, without the participation and ad- vice, as wc conceive, of your council board ; as though we had invaded ycu'r Majelty 's prerogative of making peace and war ; whereas we did only offer our humble advice in matters wherein the fafcty of the kingdom was concerned : which is a right was never yet queftioned in the times of your royal pre- d'v'ceflbrs, and without which your Majefty can never be fafe : upon which grounds vonr Mjjefly was induced to give us fuch anfwers to thofe two addreOl-s, reje«Sling our advice, as thereby your Majelty's good fubjects have been infinitely difcouraged, and the Itat'i of your Majelly's affairs reduced to a molt deplo- rable condition : we do therefore mod humbly defire, that, for the good and fafety of this kingdom, and the faiisfaction of your fubjetts, your Majeily would gracioufly be pleafed to re- move thcfe counfellors whoadvifcd the anfwers to our addrefles of the fix and twentieth of May, and the one and thirtieth of January lalt, oreiih^T of them. And we do further molt humbly defne your Majefty favour- ably to accept this our humble petition and addrefs, a? pro- ceeding from hearts entirely devoted to your Majelly's fervice ; and that as we have never yet failed of giving tellimonies of our afteciions and loyalty to your Majelly's pcrfon and govern- ment, fo your Majelty rnay reft confidently allured, that we fiiall never be wanting to fupport your Majefty 's greatnefs and jntcreft whilll your Majefty relies upon our councils ; which can have no other end than what fmcerely tends thereunto, not- wiihftanding any finider or felf-intcrefted endeavours tQ make j!iTij> re (lions in yoiu- M '.jefly to the contrary. ins ( 211 ) ITn Majcjiy s moft gradous Speech, May 23, 1678- My Lord^ and Gentlemen, V^HEN I met you laft, I aflced your advice upon the great conjnndines abroad. What return you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, made me, and whether it Ava€ fuitable to the end I intended (which was the faving of Flan- ders) I leave to yourfelves, in cold blood, to confider. Sinca I alked your advice, the conjunctures abroad, and our diftem- pcrs, which influence them fo much, have driven things vio- lently on towards a peace : and where they will end I cannot tell \ but will fay this only to you, that I am refolved, as far as I am able, to fave Flanders, either by a war^ or a peace, which way foever I iLall find moft conducing towards it : and that muft be judged by circumftances, aslhey play from abroad. For my own part, I fhould think being armed were as ne~ ceifary to make peace as war ; and thereiore, if I were able, would keep up my army and navy at fea tor fome time, till a peace were concluded, if that muff be : but, becavife that will depend upon your fupplies, I leave it to you to confider, ■whether to provide for their fubfiitence fo long, or for their difbanding fopner ; and to take care in either cafe, not to dil- courage or ufe ill fo many worthy gentlemen, and brave men, who came to off'er their lives and fcrvice to their country upon this occafion ; and in purfuit of your own advices and refolu- tions. I muff put you likewife in mind of a branch of my revenue, which is now expiring ; and of another greater, which is cut oft^ by a claufe in the Poll Bill ; as alfo of the two hundred thoufand pounds, taken up upon the credit ot the ex- cife at your requeft : and I fhall confent to any reafonable bills you (hall offer me, for the good and fafety of the nation. My Lords and Gentlemen, I fhall fay no more, but only to alTure you, whatfoever fome ill men would have believed, \ never had any intentions but of good to you and my people, nor ever fhall ; but will do all that I can for your' fafety and eafe, as far as you yourfelves will fuffer me : and fince thefe are my refolutions, 1 defire ycu will not d;-Ive me ihto extremities, which muft end ill both for you and mc, and (which is word: of all) for the nation ; ^S. My Lords and Gentlemqn, T HAVE thought the time very long fincc we parted laft ; and ■■• w^ould not have deferred your meeting by fo many proroga- tions, if 1 could well have met you fooner. The part which 1 have had this fummer, in the preferva- tlon of our neighbours, and the well-fecuring what was left of Flanders, is fufficiently known and acknowledged by all that are abroad. - . , Vol. I Q, And ( 126 ) And tho\igii, for this caufe, I have been obliged to keep !ip my troops, without which our neighbours had abfolutely de- spaired; yet both the honour and intereft of the nation have been ft) far improved by it, that I am confident no man here would repine at it, or think the money raifed for their difband- iiig to have been ill employed in their continuance : and I do aflin-e ycu, I am fo ir.uch more out of purfe for that fervice, that I expert you fhould fupply it. How far it may be neceifary, confidering the prefent ftate of ChriRendom, to reduce the land and fea forces, or to what degree, is wortliy of all our ferious confideration. I now intend to acquaint you (as I (liall always do with any thing that concerns mel that I Isave beeji informed «of a defign againft my pcrfon by the jcfuiis ; of which I (hall for- bear any opinion, left I may feem to fay too much, or too little : but I will leave the matter to the law ; and, in the mean time, will take as much care as I can, to prevent all manner of pra6lices by that fort of men, and of others too, who have been tampering in a hTgh degree by foreigners, and contriving how to introduce popery araongft us. I fhall conclude with the recommending to you m.y other concerns. I have been under great difappointmcnts by the defedl of the poll bill. My revenue Is under great anticipations ; and, at the beft, was never equal to the conftant and ncceffary ex- penfe of the government ; whereof I intend to have the whole llate laid before you ; and require you to look into it, and ccnfidcr of it, with that duty and afftiiion w^hich I am furc I fhall e\'er find from you. joint Jddrcfs hy both IJiqufcs to the Ktngy Holey 2§ix;l678. "TTiTE, your MajePiy's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament aflembled, having taken into our ferious confideration the bloody and traiterious defigns of popiih recufants againft your Majefty's facr«d perfon and government, and the proteftant religion, wherewith your Majefty hath been gracioully plcafed to acquaint us : for the preventing whereof, we do moft humbly befecch your Majefty, that your Majefty would graciouOy pleafe, by your royal proclamation, to com- mand all and every perfon and peifons, being- popifh recu- fants, or fo reputed, forthwith, under pain of your Majefty 's higheft difpltafure, and fevere execution of your laws againft them, to depart and retire themfelves and their families from your ( 227 ) your royal palaces of VVhlfehall, Soir.erfct lionfe, and Sr. James's, the cities of London a:.d Wellminfter, and from all other places wilhin ten miles of the fame ; and that no fuch perfon or perfons do prefume at any time hereafter to repair or return tO your Majefly's faid palaces, or the faid cities, or either of them, or witliin ten miles of the fame, other than houftolders being traders exercillng fome trade, or manual occupation, and fettled for twelve months laft part in houfes of their own, and not having an habitation elfe ; giving in their own names, and the naines of all other perfons in their families, to the two next jiillices of the peace*: and that it may be infertcd in the faid proclamation, that, immediately after the day limited for their departure, the conflabIes,church- M'ardens, and other the parilTi officers, go from houfe to houfe in th.eir feveral parishes, hamlets, conflableries, and divifions, refpedively, and there take an account of the nam.es and fur- nauies of all fuch perfons as are popilh recufants, or fufpeded fo to be, as well houfeholders as lodgers or fervants ; and to carry a lift of their names to the two next juffices of the peace ; who are to be thereby required and enjoined to fend for thpm, and every of thein, and to tender them, and to every of them, the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy ; and to cojra- mit to prifon, till the next fucceeding feffions of the peace, all fuch perfons as fliall refufe the faid oaths ; and at the faid feflions to proceed againft them according to law : and that your Majefty w|]l be pleafed to direft commiflions to be forth- with ilTued under the great feal of England to all juftices within the cities of London and Weilminfter, and within ten miles of the fame, to authorife and require them, or any two of them, to adminilfcr the faid oaths accordingly: and that your Majelly would further pleafe to command, that no war- rant or licence be granted by the Lords of your Majefty's mofl honourable privy council, or any of them, or othcrwife, for the (lay, return, or repair of any fuch perfon or perfons, in or to any of the faid places, till foine more effedual law be palfed for preventing the faid popifli confpiracics, and for the preferVation of your Majefly's facred perfon, and the religion and government by law cflablilTied ; for which w^e your Ma- jefly's molt loyal and dutiful fubjeds will aUvays employ oiii; ytmoft endeavours and daily prayers. Q^ 2, Jii'^ni ( 228 ) jfoint Jddrefs by both Houfes to the Kingi November 7, 1678. W 'E your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, thq Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this prefent Pnrlianient alfembled, confidering how reftlefs the en- deavours of priefls and jefuits, and other popifh recufants, have always been to pervert your loyal fubjefts, and to reduce this kingdom again under the bondage of popifh fuperftition; and feeing how that, notwithflanding your Majefty's goodnefs and clemency, they have, for feveral years paft, carried on a moll wicked defign, for the utter extirpation of the pro- tcftant religion and the government eftablifhed in this king- dom ; and fince we find it necellary to proceed againft them ■with greater feverity than hath hitherto been ufed, we do hum- bly conceive, that the beft way to fatisfy the minds of your fubjetls, and to ftop the mouths of our adverfaries the papifts, whofe daily praclice is to raife fcandals upon your MajelFy's perfon, and to defame the proteftant religion, and thofe that profefs the fame v. ill . . to caufe fome undeniable evidences of their tranfadlions here, and their correfpondences abroad, to be divulged : we do therefore moft humbly defire, that your Majefty would be pleafed to orders that Mr. Coleman's letter to Monf. Le Cheze, the French King's confeObr, dated the twenty-ninth of September, 1675, wherein much of the fa id matter is contained ; as alfo another letter of Mr. Coleman's to the fame perfon. wherein he owns the fending of the faid letter ; and Monf, Le Cheze's anfwer, whereby he acknow- ledges the receipt thereof; may be fpeedily printed and pub- liftied, for the prefent fatisfaction of your Majefty's proteftant fubje£ls, until a furtlier narrative of the particulars relating to this horrid confpiracy may be publickly fet forth. ydnt Addrejs by both Houfes to the King, November 8, 1678. XT'OtJR Majefty's moft loyal and dutiful fubjeds, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament aflembled, Ao humbly befeech your moft facred Majefty to iftue out your Royal proclamation, that certain perfons, called George Conyers, * Simonds, Thomas Beddingfcild, and John Catiawav, who ftand charged as perfons guilty of the damna- ble and hellidi plot for tie deftrui'tion of your Majefty's royal perfon^ and liie fubverfion of the government, and the extir- pation of the Proteftant religion, and are fled from juftice, that they cannot be proceeded againft according to law, do, by ( 229 ) by a day certain, after the proclamation thereof, render themfelves to foine one or more of your Majefty's juf- tices ot the peace ; who are thereupon to commit the party or parties, fo rendering him or themfelves, to your Majefty's gaol of the county or place where he or they ihall fo render him or themfelves, there to remain in fafe cui'cody; and to give prefent notice thereof to the Lord Chief Juftice of your Ma- jefty's Court of King's Bench, in order to their receiving their legal trial : willing and commanding therein all lieutenants, deputy-lieutenants, and all juftices of the peace, ftieriff^, con- ftables, and other your Majefty's officers and loyal fubjeds, to do their utmoft endeavour for the apprehending of the faid perfons, and every of them ; and for their imprifonment and fafe cuf- tody: and that it be inferted in the faid proclamat ion, that the con- ftables, churchwardens, headboroughs,tythingmen,borfeholders, and other parilh officers, within the cities, counties, liberties, and places of this your Majefty's realm, and the dominion of Wales and town of Berwick upon Tweed, do, with all poiTible expedition, make diligent fearch and inquiry in all houfes fvithin their refpe£live parifhcs, hamlets, and villages ; and there take an exa61: account of the names and firnames of all fuch perfons as are popifh recufants, or reputed fo to be, as well houftiolders as lodgers and fervants, and every of them ; and to inake up a prefent lift of the names and firnames, age and quality, of all fuch perfons, being of the age of fixteen years, or upwards ; and to deliver the fame forthwith to one of the juftices of the peace near adjoining, to fend for the faid perfons fo lifted, and every of them, and to tender to them, and every of them, the oaths of allegiance and fupre- macy ; and, in cafe of refufal, to enter into recognizance to appear at the next feftions of the peace for fuch ci.y, county, or liberty ; or, in default of entering into fuch recognizanee, to commit them to the common gaol, there to remain under fafe cuftody until the next quarter fcifions of the peace ; and then all fuch perfons, fo refuling, to be proceeded againft ac- cording to law : and that fpecial commiftlons be for^hy/ith iflued, under your Majefty's great feal of England, autlioriring the refpedfive juftices of the' peace, or any two or more of them, to adminifter the faid oaths : and that all the faid lieu- tenants arid deputy-lieutenants, and juftices of the, peace, within their refpedive jurlfdidions, do proceed without delay to difarm all fuch perfons as ftiall fo refufe to take the faid oaths: and, for the better effeding thereof, and bringing to juftice the aforefaid offenders, that your Majefty would gra- cioufty be pleafed to declare, that a reward ihall be given to fuch perfons as ftiall difcover any of the arms of popiffi re- Q 3 cufants,' ( 250 ) cufatits, or peiTons fo reputed ; and ^..11 apprehend, and bring before any julVice of the peace, Vr . r.^c. of the faid offenders: and iiirther, that all your Majeliy s officers of, or belonging to any of your Majslty's fea pofts, may be enjoined to, take fpecial care for the apprehending all popifh prielts, and other perfons, who they fhall find caufe to fufpeil, coming into, or going out of this your realm ; and to carry every fuch perfon before fomc juliice of the peace ; who ihall be required to tender to every of them the faid oaths ; and, upon refufal thereof to commit the perfon, fo refuiing, to the proper prifon of the 'place ; and to certify their proceedings therein to your Ma- jelly's moil honourable privy council, from time to time, that fuch further courfe may be taken for the fafety of your Ma- jefty and the government, as in your Majeily's wifdom ihall be. thought fit. His Majcflys Anfivcr^ l^ovcmbcr 9, 1 6^8. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM fo very fenfible of the great and extraordinary care you have already taken, and full continue to Ihew, for the faicty and prefcrvation of my perfon in thefe times of danger, that I could not fatisfy inyfelf without coming hither, on purpole" to give you all my moil hearty thanks for it : nor do I think it enough to give you my thanks only, but I hold myfclf obliged to let you fee, withal, that I do as much lludy your prefcrvation too as I can poilibly ; and that I am as ready to join with you in all the ways and merfns that may ellablilh a firm fecurity of the protcftant religion, as your ov/n hearts- can wilh : and this, not only during my time, (of wliich 1 am' fure you have no fear) but in all iuture ageSj even to the end of the world. And therefore I am come to aiuire youj that whatfocvcr reafonable bills you Ihall prefent to be palled into laws, to make ,you fate in trie reign of my fucceiibr, lo as they tend not to impeacji the right of fuccellion, nor the'defccnt of the crown in the true line ; and fo as they retrain not mv power, nor the jull rights of any proteftant fuccelUbr, fhall find from me a ready concurrence. And I delire you, Avithal, to thiuk of fome more cffeclual means for the convidlion of popilh recufaius ; and to expedite your counfels as fall as you. can, that the world may fee our unanimity, and that I may have the opportunity of (hewing you how ready I am to do any thing that may give comfort and fatisfadiou to fuch dutiful and loyal fubjtds. I HIa ( 231 ) His Majefxys Meffage to the Houfe of Commons, November la, 1678. H' Charles Rex. IS Majefty having confidered of the addrefs of this Houfe, of the twelfth inftant, deHring his Majefty, that a fpecial commiHion may be ilfued. forth, for tendering the oaths of alle- giance and fupremacy to hll the fcrvants oi his Majefly, and his Royal Highnefs, and to all other perfons fexcepi her Ma- jefty's Porti!gal fervants) refiding within his Majeily's hx:)ufcs of Whitehall, St. James's, and Somerfet houfe, and all othsr his Majefly.'s houfes; and that there may, likewife, fpecial cominiflions be illued forth for tendering the faid oaths to all perfons refiding within the two Serjeants Inns, all the Inns ot Court, and Inns of Chancery ; his Majefly is pkafed that this anfwer be returned : That as to all his Majefty's own fervants, all the fervants of his Royal Highnefs, all other perfons refiding in Whitehall, St. Jam.es's, Somerfet houfe, or in any other of his Majefty's palaces or houfes, except the menial fervants of the Qiieen, and of the Duchefs ; as alfo, all perfons within either of the Ser- jeants Inns, or any of the Inns of Court or Chancery, his Majefty willingly grants it : but, as to the Queen's menial >fervants, who are fo very inconfiderable in number, and wuthin the articles of marriage, his Majefty doth not think it fit. And his Majefty cannot but take notice, that in a late addrefs from the Houfe of Peers, for prohibiting all papifts to come to court, the menial fervants of the Qiieeu and Duchefs were excepted : and his Majefty hopes this Houfe will proceed with the fame moderation as to that particular. Given at the court at Whitehall, the 14th day of November 1678. Mcircfs by the Houfe of Commom, November 16, 1 67 8. May it pleafe your Majefty, TTTE your 'Majefty's moft loyal and dutiful fubje6ls, the ^^ Commons, in Parliament alTemblcd, having informa^ tion, that Charles Mehaine hath continued in cuftody, in the borough of Denbigh, in the county of Denbigh, fince June laft, upon violent fufpicion of being a popifh prieft ; and that William Lloyd now remains in gaol at Brecon, in the county of Brecon, upon a commitment for being a popiftt prieft : and forafmt.'ch as your Majefty's juftice for the ^leat fcftions for ( ^32 ) the county of Denbigh, at the great feHlons lield for the faid county in September laft, did not try the faid Charles Mehaine for the faid offence ; your Majefty's proteftant fubjefts being much difquietcd, and popifh recufants animated, by reafon that delinquents of that kind are not brought to fpeedy juftice, efpecially at this time of manifeft danger to your Majefly's facrcd perfon, government, and religion ellablilhed by law, proceeding from the notorious confpiracies of popifh priefts, jefuits, and popilh recufants: we humbly apprehending it to be highly neceilary, as fome eafe to the hearts of your Majefty's good protellant fubjedts, filled with prefent fears of popery, to. have the lav/s Ipeedily and effedlually executed upon popilli prielfs ; do, wiih all humility, befeech your Majefty, t;» grant one or more commillions of Oyer and Terminer, for the trial of the faid Charles Mehaine and William Lloyd, according to the known and well-eflablilhcd laws of the kingdom. And we do further and humbly befeech your Majefty, that your Majefty may be plcafed to command your Attorney Ge- neral, wiih all care and diligence to prepare the whole evi- dence againft James Colker, a Benedi61ine monk, and who aftumes to himfelf the title of Biftiop of London, for his trial, at the next gaol delivery for the county of Middlefex and city of London. And we do further humbly. befeech your Majefty, that your Majefty will gracioufly be pleafed to iffue forth your procla- mation, with a promife of a reward to any perfon that Ihall apprehend a popifh priefl: or jefuit. Addrefi by the Houfe of Commons^ November- 19, 1678. May it pleafe your Majefty, TXT'E your Majefty's moft loyal and moft dutiful fubje£ls, the Commons, in Parliament ailembled, cannot fufii- ciently admire your Majefty's lo\e ot juftice, and care of your people, which have moved your royal heart to propofe a par- don, and reward, to fuch as ihall reveal the murderers of Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey ; whilft no encouragement is given imto fuch as iliall make a further dlfcovery of the perfons de- fifning againft your Majefty's own life, (which we befeech Ciod long to prefervc) : and therefore we humbly befeech your ^iajcfty, fo far to confider your own fafety, the prefcrvation of the proteftant religion, and fafeiy of your people, which fo much depend upon it, as to ilTue out your proclamation, where- by fome fitting encouragement may be given to any who ihall do fo important a fcrvice; ihat fo men of fuch wicked prin- ciples ( 233 ) clples.may be difencouraged from the like attempts for the future. Addrefs by the Honfe of Commons, November 19, 1678. May it pleafe your Majefty, TXTE your Majelty's moil loyal and dutiful fubjeds, your " Commons, alfemblcd in Parliament, having taken into our ferious confideration, what your Majefty was pleafed to deliver to us this day in the Banquetting houfe ; and being moft defirous, not only to exprefs our loyalty and affedlions to your Majefty 's fervice, but alfo to preferve your Majefty's good opinion of the manner of our proceedings, do humbly prefent to your Majefty the reafon of our proceedings in the commitment of Sir Jofeph Williamfon, a member of the -Houfe- That divers commiftions were granted to popifli officers, and counterfigned by the faid Sir Jofeph Williamfon; and deliver- ed out in October laft, fince the meeting of this Houfe, and the difcovery of the prefent popifli confpiracy. Divers warrants have alfo been produced before us of dif- penfations, contrary to law, for popilh officers to continue in their commands, and to be palled in mufter, notwiihftanding Jthey have not taken the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy, ^nd received the blefled facrament of tiie Lord's fupper, ac- cording to the late ad of Parliament in that behalf: all which faid warrants were likewife counterfigned by the faid Sir Jofeph Williamfon. Which being complained of to us, and confefled by the faid Sir Jofeph Williamfon, in the Houfe of Commons ; we, your Majefty's moft dutiful fubjeds, having the immediate confi- deration before us of the imminent danger of your Majefty's perfon (the fafety whereof is above all things moft dear,) and likewife the dangers, from popifti plots, fo nearly threatening the peace and fufety of your Majefty's government, and the proteftant religion, were humbly of an opinion, we could not difcharge our duties to your Majefty and the whole kingdom, without the committing of the faid Sir Jcfeph "\A' illiamfon ; and therefore moft humbly defire, that he may not be dif- charged by your Majefty. And we further moft humbly defire your Majefty to recall all commiffions granted to all papifts within the kingdoms of England and Ireland, or any other your Majefty's dominions and territories. Jddrcfs ( 234 } Addrtfs to h':s Majcjty by the Houfc cf Commons y 'November 22^ 1678. May It pic-afe yourMajefly, TTTE your Majefty's moft loyal and dutiful fubjeds^. thcr ^^ Comirions, in Parliament airembled, taking into confi- dcration the imminent dangers aridng to your iSlajedy and the vhole kingdom, from popilh practices and confpiracies ; and conceiving that nothing can fo well refift their attempts, as fome part of ihe militia, the fettled legal forces of this king- dom, aclually in arms, (on whom your Majelty may rely with the greatefl confidence and fecnrity) : we do therefore humbly defu'c your Majerty to commai^.d your Hcntenants and deputy lieutenants of the feveral coimties ot this kingdom, to give order to all their trained bands to be in a readinefs \ and to draw together one third part of their refpedive rnilitia, and to continue them in a body for fourteen days \ and alter tliey arc difmifled, to draw up another third part for the fame time : and to require them to be very vigilant ii> the feizing all fufpi- cious perfons, efpecially fuch as travel with arms, or at inifea- fonable times, or in unufur.1 numbers. And we" likewife humbly defire your Majcfty to command the flicriifs of the re- fpedive counties of this kingdom to be ready wilh-their /j;?//? commitatusy to fupprefs any infurreifion or diiturbance of the peace that may happen within the precindls of their feveral jurifdidions. His A'fajcjiys A,>fiver, November 23, 1678. Charles Rex. "OIS Majcfty, having received an addrcfs the nineteenth in- •*"*• flant, from this Houfe, is pleafcd \rt return this anfwer : *' That he relcafed Mr. Secrctgj-y Williamfon feveral hours before your addrefs came;" as he lold you in the Banquetting houfe he would do. As to the rcafons of granting thofe commiflions, his Majefty acquainted you at large wMth them, in his fpeech, when you lalt attended him : but, in anfwer to yoi;r prefent addrefs, his Majtfly promifeth to recall all commiffions whatfo(2vcr given to pnpiits, or reputed papilts, either in England or Ireland^ immediately: and for his remoter dominions, they fhall be likewife re -called, with all the expedition the fafety of thofe places will permit. His ( 235 ) Ilis Majejlys mojl gracious Speech, November 2^, 1678. My Lords and Gentlemen, T TOLD you in the beginning of this feflion how much I had ■^ been obliged to keep up my forces in Flanders ; that with- out it our neighbours had abl'olutely defpaircd ; and by this means, whatever had been faved of Flanders is acknowledtjed to be wholly due to my intcrpofition : and I (hewed you withal, that 1 had been forced to euTploy that money, which had been Tiiifed for difbanding thofe troops, in the continuance of them together ; and not only fo, but that I had been much more out of purfe for that fervice ; a fervice by v/hich the honour and intereft of the nation had been fo far improved, that, as 1 am confident, no man u ould repine at it, fo I did not doubt but you would all be willing to fupply it. I have now undergone this expcnfe fo long, that I find it abfolutely impollible to fupport the charge any longer ; and did therefore think of putting an end to that charge, by re- callip.g my troops with all polfible fpeed, who are already cx- pofed to the utmoft extremities of want and mifery, being without any profpe^l of further pay or fubliftence : but whilll 1 was about to do this, I have been importuned by tlie Spanilli "minifters to continue them a little longer, until the ratifications of the peace be exchanged: wiihout which, all that hath hi- therto been done, they fay, will be utterly loft ; and that which hath hitherto been faved of Flanders, will inevitably fail into the hands of their enemies. And now, between their importunity to keep upthefe troops, and my own inability to pay ihem any longer, I find myfelf in great difficulties what to refolve. If you do not think that the public fafcty may require their continuance, Ldo wifh, as heartily as any man, that, for th« ■public eafe, they may be fpeedily difbanded and paid olt. I have thought fit thus to lay the matter beture you : and, having acquitted myfelf to all the world, by aflcing your advice and afliftance, J dcfire it may be fpccdy, and without any man- 's\eT of delay. , \ His Majcf.ys Mejfagc,^ November 26, 1678. Charles Rex. TTIS Majefty having received an addrefs from th.e Houfe of ■'■ Commions, defiring his Majefty, that Mr. Bcdlow's par- don may extend to this day inclufive ; his Majefty is pleaied, that this anfwer be returned, " That Mr, Bedlow's pardon, to ihr ( 236 ) the firft of November, is as full to all offences a* can be .J lired :" if any offence hath been committed fi nee that time, 1;.^ Majefty ought to know it, before he pardon il : for a pard^ni for an offence to come (as a pardon for a whole day inclufively amounts to, when it is granted before the day is expired) will not be good in law. Given at our court at Whitehall, the fix and twentieth day of November, 1678. W Joint Jddrcfs of both Ho:ifcSy November iS, 1678. 'E your Majefty 's moft loyal and dutiful fubje£ls, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament affembled, having received informations by feveral wit- nefles, of a m(5ft dcfperate and traiterotjs dehgn and confpiracy againft the life of your mcft facred Majefty ; wherein, to their great aftoniftiment, the Queen is particularly charged and ac- ■cufed ; in difcharge of our allegiance, and out of our affe6lions and care for the prefervation of your Majefty's facred perfon, and confequently of the whole kingdom, do moft humbly be- feech your Majefty, that the Q^ieen, and all her family, and all papilts, and reputed or fufpeded papifts, be forthwith re- moved from your Majefty's court at Whitehall. H' Menage by his AfajeJIy, December 2, 1678. Charles Rex. [IS Majefty, having received an addrefs from the Houfe of Commons, dated the eight and twentieth of November laft paft, hath thought fit to return this anfwer : That his Majefty will give a pardon to Mr. Oates, for mi(^ prifion of treafon, from the beginning of the world till the laid eight and twentieth of November laft paft : that he (hall have liberty to walk where he plcafeth in Whitehall and St. James's park ; and enjoy all other liberties of writing and con. verfing, which he had in Whitehall, before Sunday the four and twentieth of the f^id November. He (hall have a convenient allowance for all things necef^ fary for him. But the guards his Majefty doth not think fitting to remove in refped of the fafcfy of Mr. Gates his perfon. AAfage ( 237 ) AlcJJage from his Majcjiy to the Houfc of Commons^ JDectmbcr 4, 1678. Charles Rex, ¥_^TIS Majefty, to prevent all mifunderflan dings that may arife from his not palling the late bill of the militia, is pleafed ?u declare, that he will readily ailbnt to any bill ot that kind, "v\ hich ihall be tendered to him, for the public fecurity of the kingdom by the militia ; fo as the whole power of calling, continuing, or not continuing of them together, during the time limited, be left to his Majefty, to do therein as he {halt hi;d it to be moil: expedient for the public fafety. W^ Joint Addrefs to his Alajrjiyy March 21, 1 679. 'E your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal futjefts, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this prefent Parliament alTembled, being deeply fenfible of the fad ajid calamitous condiiion of this your IVlajelty's kingdom, oc- cafioned chiefly by the impious and malicious confpiracies of a popifh party ; who have not only plotted and intended the de- llru6tion of your Majefty's royal perfon, but the total fubver- fion of the government, and true religion eftabliihed amongft us, (all which our many and grievous lins have juftly deferved) ; and being now, by your gracious favour, alfembled in Parlia- ment, as the great council of your faid kingdom, to confult on fuch means as we conceive fitted to redrefs the manifold evils wherewith the nation is furrounded ; do, in all humility, be- feech your Majefty, that, by your royal proclamation, one or more days may be folemnly fet apart, wherein both ourfelves, and all your Majefty's loyal fubje6fs, may, by faftmg and prayers, feek a reconciliation with Almighty God ; and, with humble and penitent hearts implore him, by his power and -goodnefs 10 infatuate and defeat the wicked councils and ima- ginations of our enemies , and continue his mercies, and the light of his gofpel amongft us, and our pofterities : and par- ticularly to bellow his abundant blellings upon your facred Majefty, and this prefent Parliament ; that our confultations and endeavours may produce honour, fafety, and profperity, to your Majeftvj and your people. I'wo f 238 ) Two A.Urc(fcs by the Hoiifc of Commons to the K'lngf Jpril^y 1679. May it plcafc your Majcfty, TTTTE your Majcfty's mod dutiful and loyal fubjccts, the ' ^ Commons, in Parliament ailcmbled, hiving, according to our duty, made inquiry into the damnable and hellilh plcJt againft your Majeily's fucred perlbn and government, and for the fxtirpa;iin Meffage from his Majcjiy to the Houfc of Commomt November 15, i68o. Charles Rex, TTIS Majefty did, in his fpeech, at the opening of this fefllon, ^^ deli re the advice and alliftance of his Parliament in rela- tion to Tangier : the condition and importance of the place obliges his Majefty to put this Houfe in mind again, that he relies upon them for the fupport of it ; without which it can- not be much longer preferved : his Majefty does therefore very earnertly reconuncnd Tangier to the due confnleration and care of this Houfe. Addtcfs by the Houfc of Commons to his Afajrjiyj Nov. 1 9, 1680. XTTTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the ■ ' Commons, in Pailianient ailembled, having received a complaint again Sir George Jefferyes, Knight, your Majefty's Chief Juftice of Chefter ; and heard the evidence concerning the fame ; and alfo what he did allege and prove in his defence ; and beirig thereupon fully faiisticd, that the faid Sir George Jefferyes, well knowing that many of your loyal proteftant fubjeds, and particuljrly thofe of your great and famous city of London, out of zeal for the prefervation of the proteftant religion, your Majeity's royal perfon and government, and in hopes to bring the popifh confpirators to fpeedy juftice, were about to petition to your Majefty, in an humble, dutiful, and legal way, or the fitting of this Parliament, the faid Sir George Jefferyes, not regarding his duty to his Majefty,, or the welfare of your people, did, on purpofe to ferve his own pri- vate ends, and to create a mifunderftanding between your Ma- jefty and your good fubjeds, though difguifed with pretence of fervice to your Majefty, malicioufiy declare fuch petitioning fometimes to be tumultuous, feditious, and illegal \ and at other times did prefume publicly to infinuate and aifert, as if your Majefty would deprive your citizens of London of their charters, and divers other privileges, immunities, and advan- tages, and alfo of your royal favour, in cafe they fhould fa petition, there fhould not be any meeting or fitting of Parlia- ment ; thereby triducin'g your Majefty, as if you would not purfue your gracious intentions, the rather, becaufe they were grateful to your good fubjetls ; do, in the moft humble manner, befeech your Majefty to remove the faid Sir George Jefferyes out of the faid place of Chief Juftice of Chefter, and out of all other public offices and employments under your Majefty. Jddrefi ( 249 > Addvcp hy the Hcufc of Commons^ Novemhr 22 y 1680. Mofl gracious Sovereign, '\\T^i your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in this prefcnl Parliament airernbled, being deeply fenfible of the manifold dangers and mifchicfs which have been occa(ioned to this your kingdom by the diifolution of the lafi: Parliament, and by the frequent prorogations of this prefent Parliament ; whereby the papifts have been greatly en- couraged to carry on their hellifh and damnable confpiracies againlt your royal pcrfon and government, and the proteflant religion now eilablilhed amongll us ; and have had many oppor- tunities to contrive falfe and malicious plots againft the lives and honours of feveral of your loyal proteftant fubjeds ; and having juft reafon to believe that the faid dilfohuion was pro- moted by the evil and pernicious counfels of George, Earl of Halifax, do therefore moft humbly pray your Majefty, for the taking away of occafions of diftrult and jealoufy betweea your Majefty and us your loyal Commons, and that we may with greater cheerfulnefs proceed to perfe£l thofe matters now before us, v/hich tend to the fafety and honour of your facred perfon and government, and to the prcfervation of the true proteftant religion, both to ourfelves, and to our pofterity, that you would be gracioufly pleafed to remove the faid George, Earl of Halifax, from your prefence and counfels for ever. Addrefs hy both Houjes to the Kingy November 23, 1680. "VITE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje6ts, the Lords and Commons, in this prefent Parliament alTem- bled, being deeply fenfible of the fad and calamitous condition- of this your Majefty's kingdom, occalioned chiefly by the im- pious and horrid confpiracies of a popifti party, who have not only plotted and intended the dcltru£lion of your Majefty's royal perfon, but the total fubverfion of the government and true religion eftabliftied amongft us ; and finding the fame de- teftable machinations ftill obdinately profecuted by them, as well by fomenting divilions amongft your Majefty's loyal pro- teftant fubjeds, as all other the luoft wicked contrivances, not- withftanding the many difcoveries thereof by God's great mercy and wonderful providence lately brought to light ; all which dreadful judgments are now impending over us, moft defer- vedly, for our many and grievous fins ; and cannot otherwifc in human reaJbn be prevented, but by the particular blelfing of 1 God ( 250 ) God upon the confultations and endeavours of your great coun- cil now aflembled in Pi-ihamer.: \ do, in all humility, befeech your Majefty, that by your royal proclamation, a day may be folemnly fet apart, wherein both ourfelves and all your Ma- jefty's loyal fubjc6ls, may, by fafting and prayers, endeavour a reconciliation with Almighty God ; and with humble and penitent hearts implore him, by liis power and goodnefs, to divert thcfe judgments, aod ^l.teat the wicked counfels and de- vices of our eneir ;«,'-- to unite the hearts of your loyal protef- tant fubje^ls, and lo continue his mercy, and the light of his gofpel, to us and our polterities ; and more efpecially to be- Itow his abundant blclTmgs on your facred Majefty, and this prefent Parliament, that our confultations and endeavours may produce honour, fafety, and profperity to your Majefty, and your people. , looi'MioBsnaa H' I-j!s A4ajeflys Anjvjcr^ November 2(), 1 680. Charles Rex. IS Majefty having received the addrefs of this Houfe re- lating to the Earl of Halifax, hath thought fit to return this anfwer : That he conceives tjie faid addrefs to be liable to fevera! ex- ceptions ; but having a great delire to preferve all potlible good underftanding with this Houfe, he chuies to decline to enter into particulars, to avoid all occafions of difpute : he therefore thinks fit to tell them, tliat he doth not find the grounds in the addrefs of this Houfe to be fufficient to induce him to remove the Earl of Halifax : but he anfwers them at the fame time, that, whenever this Houfe (hall, in a (\\\e and regular courfe, prove any crime either againft the faid Earl of Halifax, or any other perfon, who either now is, or fhall hereafter be, in his council, he will leave him or them to their own legal defence, without interpofjng to protect them. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons ^ Nov. 27, 1680. May it pleafe your mofl excellent Majefty, TX/'E, your Majefty's moft obedient and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament aftemblcd, having, with all duty and regard, taken into our ferious confideration your Ma- jefty's late meftage relating to Tangier, cannot but account the prefent condition of it, as your Majefty is pleafed fo reprefen* ^t in your faid mcftiige, after fo vaft a trcafure expended tc .<^ make { 2,1 ) ftiake it ufeful, not only as one infelicity more added to the af- fiidted eftate ot your Majeity's faitiiful and loyal fubje and of the moft dangerous fort, to the terror of your Majefty's pro- teftant fubjeds, do daily rcfort hither, and abide here. l.'i;der thefe and other fad elTcifls and evidence of the preva- lency ot popery, and its adherents, we, your xMajefty's faithful Commor.s, tound this your Majciiy's diilreiied kingdom, and other parts of your dominions, labourii^.g, when we airemblcd : and therefore, from our allegiance to your Majeily, our zeal to our religion, our faithfulnefs to our countrv, and our carri of poftcrity, we have lately, upon mature deliberation, pro- pofed one remedy of thefe grcot evils, without which, (in our judgments) all others will prove vain and fruftlefs ; and, like all deceitful fe*. critics againft certain dangers, will rather cxpofc yout IVi.jcUy's perfon to the greatelt hazard, and the ( =i-s ) the people, together with all that is valuable to them, as men or Chriftians, to utter ruin and deftru6lion. We have taken this occafion of an accefs to your Majefty's royal prefence, humbly to lay before your Majesty's great judg-* meat, and gracious confideration, this irofl: dreadful defign of introducing popery, and, as neceflary confequences of it, all other calamities, into your Majefly's kingdoms : and if, after all this, the private fuggeftions of the fubtle accomplices of that party and defign fhoiild yet prevail, either to elude, or to- tally obftru6l, the faithful endeavours of us, your Commons, for an happy fettlement of this kingdom, we fhall have this re- maining comfort, that we have freed ourfelves from the guilt of that blood and defolation which is likely to enfue. But our only hope (next under God) is in your facred Ma- jefty ; that, by your great wifdom and goodnefs, we may be efFe£tually fecured from popery, and all the evils that attend it; and that none but perfons of known fidelity to your Majefty, and fincere aiFeftions to the proteftant religion, m.ay be put into any employment, civil or military : that, whilfi: we fhall give a fupply to Tangier, we may be allured w^e do not augment the ftrength of our popifh adverfaries, nor increafe our own dangers. Which defires of your faithful Commons, if your Majefiy (hall gracioully vouchfafe to grant, we (hall not only be ready to alTift your Majefty in defence of Tangier ; but do whatever elfe lliall be in our power, to enable your Majefty to protect the proteftant religion and intereft at home and abroad, and to reiift and repel tlic attempts of your Ivlajefty's and the kingdom's enemies. Addrefs to his Majefty by the Houfc of Commons ^ December CQj i68o. May it pleafe your Majefty, TXrE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefts, theCom- ^^ mens, in this prefentPariir.ment aflembled, have taken into ourferious confideration your Majefty's gracious fpeech to both yourHoufesof Parliament, on the fifteenth of this inftant De- cember ; and do, with all the grateful fcnfj of faithful fubjeds and fincere proteftants, acknowled::'e your Majefty's great goodnefs to us, in renewing the -ufurances you have been pleafed to give us, of your readinefs to concur with us in any beans for the fecurity of the proteftant religion ; and your gra- cious invitation of us to make our defires known to youf Majeftv. But, C 256 ) But, with ''grief of heart, ^ve cannot hut ohferve, that t(9 thefe princely offers your Majefty has been advifcd (by what fecret enemies to your Majefty and your people we know not) to annex a refervation, w hich, if inlirted on, in the inftance to ■which alone it is applicable, will render all your Majelly's other gracious inclinations of no efFe£l 01 advantage to us. Your Majefty is pleafed thus to limit your promife of con- currence in the remedies which (hall be propofed ; that they may confift with preferving the fuccefiion of the crown in its due and legal courfe of defcent ; and we do humbly inform your Majefty, that no interruption of that defcent has been en- deavoured by us, except only the defcent upon the perfon of the Duke of York, who, by the wicked inftruments of the church of Rome, has been manifeftly perverted to their reli- gion. And we do humbly reprefent to your Majefty, as the itfue of our moft deliberate thoughts and confultations, that for the papifts to have their hopes continued, that a prince of that religion ftiall fticceed in the throne of thefe kingdoms, is utterly tnconfiftent with the fafety of your Majefty "s perfon, the prefervation of the protcftant religion, and the profperity, peace, and welfare of your proteftant fubje^s. That your Majefty's facrcd life is in continual danger, under the profpe£l of a popifli fucceflTor, is evident, not only from the principles of thofe devoted to the church of Rome, which allow, that an heretical prince (and fuch they term all pro- teftant princes excommunicated and depofed by the pope) may be dcftroyed and murdered; but alfo from the teftimonies given in the profecution of the horrid popifn plot, againft divers traitors attainted for dcfigning to put thefe accurled principle into practice ugainil your Majefty. From the expedtation of this fuccefiion has the number of papifts in your Majefty's dominions fo much increafed within thefe few years, and fo many been prevailed with to defcrt the true pro'cftant religion, that they might be prepared for the favours of a popifti prince, as foon as he fhouid come to the polTefTion of the crown : and while the fame expedatlon lafls, many more will be ib the fame danger of being perverted. This it is that has hardened the papifts of this kingdom, animated and confederated by their priefts and jefuits, to inake a common purfe, provide artiis, make application to foreign -princes, and foiicit their aid for impofing popery upon us: and all this even duriiig your Miiieil)"s reign, and while your Majefty's government and the laws were our protedlion. It is your Majefty's glory and true intereft to be the head and protector of all proteftants, as well abroad as at home: but ^f thefe hopes remain, wh.ir alliances can be made for the ad- vantage ( 257 ) vantage' of the proteftant religion and interert, which fhall give con.'dence to your Maje(ty's allies to join fo vigoroufly with your Majefty, as the ftate of that intereft in the world now requires ; while they fee this proteftant kingdom in fo much danger of a popifh fuccelFor ; by whom, at the prefent, all their counfels and actions may be eluded (as hitherto they have been) and by whom, if he Ihould fuccced, they are fure to be deitroyed ? We have thus humbly laid before your MajeO:y fome of ihofe great dangers and mifchiefs which evidently accompany the expedtation of a popifh fucceflTor : the certain and un- fpeakabie evils which wili come upon your Majefty's proteftant fubjedfs, and their poilerity, if fuch a prince fhould inherit, are more alfo than we can well enumerate: our religion, which is now fo dangeroufly fhaken, will then be totally overthrown; nothing will be left, or can be found, to protefl or defend it : the execution of old laws muft ceafe, and it will be vain to expeil new ones: the moft facred obligations of contrails and promifes -if any fhould be given) that fhall be judged againft the intereft of the Romifti religion, will be violated ; as is undeniable, not only from argument and experience elfewhere, but from the fad experience this nation once had on the like occafion. Ip the reign of fuch a prince the pope will be ac- knowledged fupreme, though the fubjefts of this kingdom have fworn the contrary , and all caufes, either as fpi ritual, or in order to fpiritiial things, will be brought under iiis jurif- di£lion : the lives, liberties, and eftates, of all fuch proteitants, as value their fouls and their religion more than their fecular concernments, will be adjudged forfeited. To all this we might add, that it appears in the difcovery of the plot, that foreign princes were invited to aftift in fecuring the crown to the Duke of York ; with arguments, from his great zeal to eftablilh popery and to extirpate proteftants (whom they call heretics) out of his dominions ; and fuch will expe6l performance accordingly. Wcj further humbly befeech your Majefty in your great wifdom to confider, whether, in cafe the imperial crown of this proteftant kingdom fhould defcend to the Duke of York, the oppofition which m.ay poflibly be made to his poiTcfling it, may not only endanger the farther defcent in the royal line, but even monarchy itfelf. For thefe reafons, we are moft humble petitioners to your moft facred Majefty, that, in tender commiferation of your poor proteftant people, your Majefty will be gracioufly pleafed to depart from the refervation in your faid fpeech : and, when a bill ftiall be tendered to your Majefty, in a parliamentary Vol. I. S ^vay, ( 258 ) way, todifable the Duke of York from inheriting the crown, your Majefty will give your royal afl'ent thereto : and, as ne- cellary to tortily and defend the fame, that your Majefty will likewife be gracioufly plcafed to aflent to an adl, whereby your Majefty 's proteltant fubjedts may be enabled to aflbciate themfelves for the defence of your Majefty 's perfon, the pro-? teftant religion, and the fccurity of your kingdoms. Thefe requerts we are conltrained humbly to make to your Majefty, as of abfulute neceiiity for the fate and peaceable en- joyment of our religion. Wirliout thefe things the alliances of England will not be valuable, nor the people encouraged to contribute to your Majefty ^^ fcrvice. As fome farther means for the prefcrvation both of our re- ligion and property, we are humble fuitors to your Majefty, that from henceforth fuch perfons only may be judges within the kingdom of England, and dominion of Wales, as are men of abiiiiy, integrity, and known afFedion to the proteftant religion ; and that they may hold both their offices and falaries quam dlu fc bene gcjjer'int : that (feveral deputy lieutenants and juftices of the peace, fitly qualified for thofe employments, having .been of late difj/laced, and others put in their room, who are men of arbitrary principles, and countenancers of papifts and popery) fuch only may bear the office of a lord lieutenant as are perfons of integrity, and known afFe and of j/our early affiftance againll a powerful enemy, " who ( 28i ) who hath declared war againft them : and as England is, by treaty, already engaged to help them, upon any Tuch exigen- cies, fo I am confident, that their cheertul concurrence to pre- ferve this kingdom, with fo much hazard to themfelves, will meet with all the returns of friendfhip and aflillance, which may be expeiled from you as proteftants and Englifhmen, whenever their condition fhall require it. Given at St. James's, this two and twentieth day of January, 1689. Addrefs hy the Houfes of Commons to his Highncfs the Prince of Orange, January 22, 1 689. T^T^E the Commons, now afTembled at Weftminfter, do, with all thankfulnefs, acknowledge the great deliverance this nation has -received by the feafonable afhftance which it has pleafed Almighty God to put into your Highnefs's heart, to bring unto us againft that power which had introduced popery and flavery ; and for the care your Highnefs has been pleafed to take in the adminiftration of public affairs, in purfuance of the advice of divers Commoners of England, lately affcmbled, at your Highnefs's defire, in this extraordinary conjunilure. In purfuance of the fame advice, we are now met, and do fit, at Weftminflier, this twenty fecond day. of January, being, chofen upon your Highnefs's letters, direiled to the feveral counties, cities, univerfities, boroughs, and cinque ports, who have right to fend members to Parliament, according to fuch right ; and obferving, that the defire and advice of that late affembly to your Highnefs, to take upon you the adminiflra- tion of public affairs, extended no further in time than this prefent tvventy-fccond day of January ; but, having in our eyes the fame delirable ends for which that advice w^as given, the prefervatiori of our religion,, laws, and liberties, and the peace of the nation, do make it ovtr unanimous requeft to your Highnefs, that you will continue the fame adminiftration in all particulars, in the aforefaid advice exprefTcd, until further ap- plication, in reference thereto, fliall be made to your Highnefs by us the Comniqiis.niiiv afTembled 'at Weftminfler as aforefaid. Addrefs by the Lords to his Highnefs the Prince of Orange, ■ ; : . ., _. /January 12, 16S9. TyE the Lords fpiritual and temporal, affembled at Weft- minfler, being highly fenfible of the great deliverance of this kingdom from popery and arbitrary power ; and that our prefer- ( 282 ) prefervation is (fteXt Uridet God) owing to your Highnefs, do return our mol> humble thanks and acknowledgment to your Highnefs, as the glorious inll:rument of fo great a blelling to us. We do further acknowledge the great care your Highnefs has been plealed to take in the adminiitration of the public affairs of the kingdom to this time ; and we do moft humbly defire your Higlii'.efs, that you will take upon you tne adminiltration of public atfairs, boih civil and mil'^ary, and the difpofal of the public revenue for the prefervation of Oiir religion, rights, laws, liberties, and properties, and of the peace ot the na- tion; and that your Highnefs will take into your particular care the prefent condition of Ireland, and endeavour, by the moft fpeedy and efFeclual menns, to prevent the dangers threatening that kingdom : all wl ich we make our requell to your High- nefs to undertake and exercife, till further application fhall be made by us ; which (hall be expedited with all convenient fpeed ; and fhall ufe our utmoft endeavours to give difpatch to the matters recommended to us by your Highnefs's letter. His Highnefi's Jnfwer, January 23, l68g. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM glad that what I have done hath pleafed you ; and, -*■ fince you delire me to continue the adminiftration of affairs, I am willing to accept it. I muft recommend to you the con- lideration of affairs abroad, whicl] maketh it fit for you to ex- pedite your bufinefs, not only for making a fettlement at home upon a good foundation, but for the fafety of all Europe. W Addr«J% to his Highnefs the Prince of Orange hy the Houfe of Commons y J^n. 29, 1689. 'E the knights, citizens, and burgefTes, afTcmbled at Weft- minflcr, do humbly repiefent to your Highnefs the great dangers and inconveniences that may happen to this nation, in this conjun6lure, by the great number of fhipping of this na- tion that at this fe;ifon are going for France ; and therefore do make it our humble defire to your Highnefs, to take fome ef- feftual courfe, that an immediate flop be put to the going of any fliips or vclTels to France ; that fo the feamcn finay be kept St heme for the fcrvice of the nation. Frocia- ( 283 ) Proclamation by both Houfes of Parliament, Feb. 12, 1680. • TyHEREAS it hath pleafed Almighty God, in his great mercy to this kingdom, to vouchfafe us a miraculous de- liverance from popery and arbitrary power : and that our pre- fervation is due, next under God, to the refokition and conduct of his Highnefs the Prince of Orange, whom God hath chofen to be the glorious inftrument of fuch an ineftimable happinefs to us and our pofterity : and,, being highly fenfible, and fully perfuaded, of the great and eminent virtue of her Highnefs the Princefs of Orange, whofe zeal for the proteftant religion will, no doubt, bring a bleiling along with her upon this na- tion : and whereas the Lords and Commons, now alTembled at Weftminfter, have made a declaration, and prefented the fame to the faid Prince and Princefs of Orange, and therein defired them to accept the crown : who have accepted the fame accordingly : we, therefore, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, together with the lord mayor and citizens of London, and others of the Commons of this realm, do, with a full confent, publifh and proclaim, according to the faid de- claration, William and Mary, 'Prince and Princefs of Orange, to be King and Qi^ieen of England, France, and Ireland, with all the dominions and territories thereunto belonging ; who are, accordingly, fo to be owned, deemed, accepted, and taken, by all the people of the aforefaid realms and dominions ; who are, from henceforward, bound to acknowledge and pay unto them all faith and true allegiance : befeeching God, by whom kings reign, to blefs King William and Qiieen Mary with long and happy years to reign over us. God fave King William and Queen Mary. Declaration by both Houfes by Parliament, Feb. 1 2, 1689, TTTHEREAS the late King James the Second, by the aflif- ^^ tance of divers evil counfellors, judges, and minifters, employed by him, did endeavour to fubvert and extirpate the proteftant religion, and the laws and liberties of this kingdom ; By afluming and exercifing a power of difpenfmg with and fufpendingof laws, and the execution of laws without confent of Parliament ; By committing and profecuting divers worthy prelates, for humbly petitioning to be excufed from concurring to the fame alfumed power : ( ^s^ ) I By ifTuing and caufing to be executed a commiflion, wndef the great feal, for erecling a court, called, The Court of Corii- miflioners for Eccleriaftical Caufes ; By levying money for and to the ufe of the crown, by pre- tence of prerogative, for other time, and in other manner, than the fame was granted by Parliament ; By raifing and keeping a ftunding army within this kingdom in time of peace without confent of Parliament ; and quar- tering foldiers contrary to law ; By caufing feveral good fubjefts, being proteftants, to be dif- armed, at tlie fame'time whenpapil's were both armed and em- ployed contrary to law ; By violating the freedom of election of members to ferve in Parliament ; By profecutions in the Court of King's Bench, for matters and caufes cognizable only in Parliament : and by divers other arbitrary and illegal courfes; And whereas, of late years, partial, corrupt, and unqualified perfons have been returned, and f:?rved on juries in trials ; and, particularly, divers jurors, in trials for high treafon, which were not freeholders ; And exceilive bail hath been required of perfons committed in criminal cafes, to elude the benefit of the laws made for the liberty of the fubje6ls ; And cxceflive fines have been impofed; And illegal and cruel punifhments infliiled ; And feveral grants and promifes made of fines and forfei- tures, before any convidtion or judgment againlt the perfons upon whom the fame were to be levied ; All which are utterly and diredly contrary to the known laws and ftatutes, and freedom of this realm : And whereas the faid late King James the Second having abdicated the government ; and the throne being thereby va- cant 5 His Highnefs the Prince of Orange, whom it hath pleafed Almighty God to make the glorious inftrumcnt of delivering this kingdom from popery and arbitrary power, did, by the advice of the Lords fpiriiual and temporal, and divers principal perfons of the Commons, caufe letter? to be v ritten to the Lords fpiritual and temporal, being proteftants ; and other letters, to the feveral counties, cities, univerfities,^ boroughs, and cinque ports, for the chufing of fuch perfons to reprefent them as were of right to be fent to Parliament, to meet and fit at Weftminfter upon the.22dday of January, in this year 1688, in order to fuch an eftablifliment, as that their religion, laws. ( --^5 ) laws, and liberties, might not again be in danger of being Subverted : >, Upon which letters, ele^lions having been accordingly made; And thtreupon, the faid Lords fpiritual and temporal, and -.Commons, purfuant to their relpty r.tolcrable impofitions of taxes, to be employed in main- taining an incredible number of dragoons, and other foldiers, to be the inftrui ents of his cruelty, upon fuch of thera as re- f\ife, in all things, to comply with his unjuit demands ; but like wife, to hold all the neighbouring powers in perpetual alarm and expenfe for the maintaining of armies and fleets, that they may be in a poflure to defend themfelves againft the in- vader of 'heir common fafety and liberties. Examples of this fort might be innumerable ; but his inva- fion of Flanders and Holland, fince the lad truce of 1684, and the outrages committed upon the Empire, by attacking the fort of Philipfljiirgh. without any declaration of wrar, at the fame time that hjs Imperial Majefty was employing,: all his forces againft the com., 0:1 enemy of the chriftian faith; and his wailing the Palatinate with fire and fword, and murdering an infinite number of innocent perfons, for no other reafon, a» himfclf has publicly declared, but becaufe bethought the Elec- tor Palatine faithful to the^ntereft of the Empire, and an ob- ftacle to the compalling of his ambitious defigns j are fufticient jnftancesof this. I'o thefe we cannot but, with a particular refcntment, add the injuries done to your Majefty, in the moft unjuft and vio- lent feizing of your principality of Orange, and the uunoft info- Jences committed upon the perfons of your Majefty's fuhjeds there i ( 298 ) there ; and how to facilitate his conqued upon his neighbour princes, he engaged the I'urks in a war againft Chriilendom at the lame time. And, as il' the violating of treaties, and ravaging- the coun- tries of his ncig!ibour Hates, were not i'utiicicnt means of ad- vancing his exorbitant power and greatnefs, he has conftantly I^d recourfe to tiie vilelt and meancft a6Vs, for the ruin of thofe whom he had taken upo:i him to lubdue to his will and power ; infinuating himfcii ';y liis emi:Taries, under the facred name and character o^ publiij nJaifters, into thofe who were intruiled in the governn^ent of kiiigdoms and dates, fuborning them by gifts and penlions, to the felhng their m«ftei's and be- traying their trufts ; and dcfceading even to intrigues by wo- men, who were fent or married into the countries of divers potent princes, to lie as fnakes in thei>' bofoins to eat out their bowels, orto inftil that poilbn into them, that might prove the detlru£tion of them and their countries : of vvhich Poland, Savoy, and Spain, to mention no more at prefeat, can give but too ample teflimonies. The infolent ufe lie ha- made of his ill-gotten greatnefs, has been as extravagant as the means oi piocming it : fo. this, the fingle inftance of Genoa may fulhce : which, v. ithout :he leall notice-, or any ground of a quarrel whatfoever,. was bombarded by the French fleet; and the Doge, ai.d tour principal 'ena- tars of that free (tate,*con{lrained in perfon to humble them- fel'/es at that monarch's feet, which, in the icyle of France, is called chaftifmg fovereigns, for caiiing umbrage upon his great- nefs. His practices againft England have been of the fame nature ; and by corrupt means, he has conltantly, and with too much fuccefs, endeavoured to get fuch power in the court of Eng- land, in the tiaie of King Charles the Second, and the late King James, as might, by degrees, undermine the govern- nient and true intereil of this fiouriiliing kingdom. Another art which he has ufed to weaken England, and fub- Jeft it to his defigns, was, never to admit an equal balance o£ trade, nor confent to any juft treaty or fettlement oi com- merce \ by which he promoted our ruin at our own charge. W'hen, from a juft apprehenlion ot this formidable growing power of France, the nation became zealous to right thcm- felves ; and the Houfe of Commons, in tlie year 1677, being alfured they fhould have an a6lual war againll France, cheer- fully ra^ifcd a great fum of money \ and an army as readily appeared to carry on the war ; that interell of France had ftill power enough to render all this inc{fe6lual, and to fruftrate the nation of all their hopes and expeclations. Nor ( 299 ) 'Nor did France only render this defired war inefTeflual, but had power enough to make usprailife their injuitice and barba- rity, bytiirning our force againR our next neighbours, by aflault- ing their Smyriia fleet. Nor were they more induftrious, by corrupt means, to ob- tain this power, than careful, by the fame ways, to fupport it ; and knowing that from Parliam.cnts only could probably pro- ceed an obitrudlion to their fecret pradlices, they attempted to make a bargain, that they (hould not meet in fuch a time, ia which they might hope to perfedt their deiigus of enflaving tjie nation. In the fame confidence of this power, they violently feized upon part of Hudfoi-.'s Bay ; and, when tb.e matter was com- plained of by the Company, and the injury offered lo be proved, the belt expedient France could find to cover their injuftice, and prevent fatisfadion, was to makeufe of their great intereft in the court of England, to keep it from ever coming to be heard. The French King, in purfuance of his ufual methods of lay- ing hold of any opportunity that might increafe his power, and give dirturbance to others, has now carjied on an aftual war in Ireland, fending thither a great number of officers with money, arms, and ammunition ; and, under the pretence of affifiing the late King James, he has taken the government of affairs into his hands, by putting all officers into commands, and managing the whole bufinefs by his minirters ; and has al- ready begun to ufe the fame cruelties and violences upon your Majefty's fubjecls there, as he has lately pradlifed in his own dominions, and in all other places where he has got power enough to dedroy. LalUy, the French King's declaration of war againfl the crown of Spain is wholly grounded upon its fricndfhip to your Majefty's royal perfon : and no other caufe of denouncing war againft it is therein alleged, than the refolutions taken in that iGOurt to favour your Majefty, wliom he moft injurioully terms, the ufurper of England ; an infolence never enough to be re- fcnted and detefted by your Majefty's fubje6ls. After our humble reprefentation of all thefe particulars to your Majefty, if your Majeity ftiall think fit to enter into a wnr againft France, we humbly aflure your Majefty, that we will give you fuch aftiftance in a parliamentary way, as fliall enable yoiir Majefty to fupport and go through the fame : and we fhall not doubt, but, by the blelfing of God upon your Majefty's prudent conduft, a ftop may be put to that growing grcatnefs of the French King, which threatens all Chriftendom with no lefs than abfolutc liavery j the incredible quantity of innocent ( 3^^ ) innocent b?ood flied may be revenged ; his opprefTed nelgh-^ bours reftored to their jult rights and pofTeflions ; your Majef- ty's aUiances, a?id the treaty of Nimeguen, fupported to that degree, that all Europe in general, and this nation in particu- lar, may for ever have occafion to celebrate your Majelty as the great maintainer of juftice and liberty, and the overthrouer of all violence, cruelty, and arbitrary power. His Majcjifs Jnfwcr, Jpril 20, 1 689. William Rex. 'TPHOUGH I have had many occafions of aflliring you, that -■- I will maintain the cluirch of England, as by law ella- bliftied ; yet I am well pleafed with every opportunity of re- peating thofe promifes which I am refolved to perform by fup- porting this church ; whofe loyalty, I doubt not, will enable me to anfwer your juft expeiTtations. And as my defign in coming hither was to refcue you from the miferies you laboured under, fo it is a great fatisfadion to me, that by the fuccefs God has given me, I am in a ftation of defending this church, which has efFcdually (hewn her zeal againil popery, and fhall always be my peculiar care ; and I do hope, the eafe you defign to dilTenters will contribute very much to the edablilhment of this church ; which therefore, I do earne(\ly recommend to you, that the occafions of differences, and mutual animolities, may be removed : and, as foon as conveniently may be, I will fummon a convocation. W Addrcjs hy the Hoi:fc cf Commons y April 2^, 1689. To the King's moft excellent Majefty, The humble Addrefs of the Knights, Citizens, and BurgelTes, in Parliament aiFemblcd. 'E, your Mnjcily s mort loyal and dutiful f.ihjeds, the Com- mons, in this prefent Parlirtmtnt al^lmbicdj mu(t humbly lay before your Majefty our earned Jefirc, that your Majefly ■will be pleafed to take into your mort fcrious conliJcr.tion the deftru£live methods taken, of h.te yeais, by the French King, againft the trade, q-iiet, .and intereft of th.s yrur kingdom ; and, particularly, the prefent invafion of the kingdom of Ire- land, and fi'pportin^ your Majef^y's rebellious fubjefts there; not doubling, in the lealt, but th..r, tlirough your Majcity's "wifdom, the alliances aKT.dy made, v irh frch as may i.ere- after be concludcu on this occafion by your Majcliv, may be effc£lual to reduce the French King to fuch a condition, that it may not be in his power hereafter to violate the peac-; of Chriftea- ( 301 ) Christendom, nor prejudice the trade and profperity of this your Majelty's kingdom. To this end, we moft humbly befeech your Majerty to reft affured, upon this our folcmn and hearty promife and engage- ment, that, when you fliall think fit to enter into a war againft the French King, we will give your Majefiy fuch ailiftance, in a parliamentary way, as may enable your Majefty (under that prote6lion and blefling God Almighty has ever afforded you, ) to fupport and go through with the fame. I His Alajcjiy's Jnfwer, April 26, 1689. William Rex. RECEIVE this addrefs as a mark of the confidence you have in me ; which I lake very kindly, and Ihall endeavour by all my a6lions to confirm you in it. I alfure you, that my own ambition (hall never be an arg\i- ment to incline me to engage in a war, that may expofe the nation either to danger orexpenfe. But, ill the prefent cafe, I look upon the war, fo much al- ready declared, in efFed, by France againfl England, that it is not fo properly an a6l of choice, as an inevitable neceflity in our defence. I fliall only tell you, that, as I have ventured mv life, and all that is dear to me, to refcue this nation from what it fuffered, I am ready ftill to do the fame, in order to the preferving it from all its enemies. And, as I do not doubt of fuch an ailif- tance from you, as ihali be.fuitable to your advice to me, to declare war againft a powerful enemy ; fo you may rely upon me, that no part of that which you (hall give for the carrying it on with fuccefs, Ihall be diverted by me to any other ufe. Mdrefs by the H.ufc of Commons^ June 15, 1 689. WE, your Majefties moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the knights, dtizens, and burgeifes, in Parliament affem- bled, having taken into our ferious and tender confiderations the many great futferuigs of the protcftant nobility and gentry of Ireland^ with their V.eal for the proteftant religion, your Majefties fervice, theintereft of England in that kmgdom, and love to our nation, have expofed them to, whereby great num- bers have been forced to fiy hither, deprived of all their real eftates, as well as perfonal ; fo that they are thereby reduced to the moft prefting nece (Titles, and are become great objeds ot * * companion ; ( 3^2 ) eompafnoil ; hetng the only body of proteftants that are ruined by the late happy revolution, which h^iih vvrcn^iii fo great a deliverance, noi only tor the reft of your Maj cities fubje6\s, but for all the protertant intereft in Europe ; moll heartily crave Ie;'vc, on their Khalf, to offer their deplorable coiiditioa to you; Majeftics moft princely coniidcration. And whereas they are, by reafon of their nunnbers, very ap- preheniive of their being and continuing a burden and charge to this kiugdoin, while they remain in fuch condition unem- ployed ; and that many of them are, for their intereft in, and knowledge of that kingdom, as well as experience in military affairs (having fervcd there, and thereby inured to the coimtry,) well qualified to ferve under your Majcily for the reducing thereof ; and all of them preiling ai-.d forward for that fervice, as well as to redeem their iJvives, children, and friends, or re- lations, from the prefent flavery, and miferable oppreflion they groan under : I. We humbly recommend fuch of the faid nobility an-d gentry, as are fit for military employments, as very proper pcrfons for reducing of that kingdom to its due obedience to the crown. 2. That fuch of them as are not fit for fuch employments as your Majefty fhall have opportunity, be put into fuch civil employments as they are capable of, according to their feveral abilities and profefiions. 3. For the prefent fiipply of the great neceflities of the faid nobility and gentry of Ireland, we humbly pray, that the fum of fifteen thoufand pounds be forthwith diflributed among them, according to a lift of didribution : and that, for a further and ilanding fund for their future fubfiflcnce, imtil Ireland be re- duced, your Majcftic-i v^ill be graciouliy pleafed to ilfiie forth your royal proclamation, requiring all papifts beyond the feas, who have eftatcs in England, and all proteflants that are in arms, or otherwife engaged in fervice againft your Majeflics, if any fuch there be, to return within feme convenient time : and, that the eflates of all fuch as fhall not give obedience thereunto, (hall be felzed into your Majcfties hands for the relief of the nobility and gentry who are, or ihall be, deprived of their eftates there. And we are the rather induced to make this our htunble fupplication to your MajelUes, on behalf of the faid nobility and gentry, bccaufc we elteem ourfelves obliged to alford them prefent relief and fupport, to reprefent the fpeedy recovery of the kingdom of Ireland, of great importance to this in all refpecls, as your Majeflies and the nation's true intereft : and we do humbly befeech your Majefty to take the confidera- tion of the Duke of Ormond, and kis great merits a«d fuffer- ings, ( 3^3 ) ings, into your particular and royal confideration : and that your Majeity will be pleafed alfo to conflder of the reit of the nobility and gentry already fled, and daily coming from Ire- land, that remain unprovided for. And that your Majefties favour and bounty to the faid nobi- lity and gentry may be diftribtited with the greater eafe and ad- vantage, we do humbly recommend to your Majcdy, that what you Ihall be gracioully pleafed to advance for their prefent fupply and relief, you will be pleafed to order the fame to be oaid into the chamber of London, or fuch other place as your Majelly ihall judge convenient, with as much expedition as the prefent urgency of your afrairs will admit; to be thence paid out for them refpe£tively, with as little charge and trouble of atten- dance as may be. jfohit dddrefs by both Honfes to his Afajcjiy, June i8, 1689- T^TE, your Majefty's mod loyal and dutiful fubjefts, the Lords, fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament ali'embled, having taken into our confideration the great importance the illes of Wight, Guernfey, and Jerfey^ are to your Majcdy's dominions, and the great danger to which they are exp<;)Xed during this war with France, do in mod humble manner reprefent to yourMajefty, that we are inform- ed that the ifle of Wight may be put into a pofture of defence in a fmall rime, and with a i'mall charge. And we do humbly defire your Majefty would be pleafed to fend, with all expedi- tion, a fupply of troops, provifions, and (tores, to all thefe places ; and particul.irly to order fome men of war to Guernfey and Jerfey, that may conRantly attend there tor the better de- fence of thofe illands ; and likewife to give fuch further orders for the fecurity of the ides of Man, Scilly, and Anglefey, and of the cinque-ports, Milford, Pendennis, and Falmouth, and all other places that lieoppofite to France and Ireland, as your Majefty, in your princely wifdom, Ihall think fit. And we further defirc your Majefty to give effedlual order, that the adl for confining papills within five miles of their own houfes, and the law lately made for difarming papifts and reputed papifts, and for taking away their horfes, may be forth witli executed : and in order thereunto that th.e judges may be diredcd to give thefe adts in charge to the juftices of the peace in their fcveral circuits ; and particularly that they examine whether any pro- teftants have, contrary to that a6f, owned fuch horfes as iiv truth belong to papiif s» ( 3^4 ) We humbly lay thefe things before your Majefly, as cort- fidering them to be of great importance to the fafcty of your Majefty's perfon, government, and dominions. His Majejiy's mo/I gracious Speech, June 29, 1689. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'T^HE time of the year being To far advanced, and there being fcvcral a£ts yet to be palfed for the fafety and fettle- iTient of the nation, I defire you would expedite them as foon as you can, it being neceilary there fhould Ihortly be a recefs, both that 1 may be at liberty to purfue the bufinefs of Ireland with all pofTible vigour, and that the members of both Houfes may repair to their feveral counties, to fecure the peace, and to put the militia into fome better polture. I am very fenfible of (he zeal and good affedlion, which you. Gentlemen of the Iloufe of Commons, have ihew^ed to the public in giving thofe fupplies you have done already ; and I do not donbt, but, from the fame inducements, you will be ready to give more as the occafions require ; which, I mud let you know, will be fooner perhaps than you may ex- pe£t, becaufe the necelTaryexpence of this year will much ex- ceed the fums you have yet provided for it. And, that you may make the truer judgment in that matter, Lara very willing you fliould fee how all the monies have been hitherto laid out : and to that end I have commanded thofe accounts to be fpeedily brought to you : by which you will fee how very little of the revenue has been applied to any other ufe, than that of the navy and the land forces. I muft remind you of making an effe£lual and timely provi- fion of the money for, the States of Holland ; and I doubt not but you will take care to fee a fitting revenue fettled for my- fclf. My Lords and Gentlemen, I will add no more, but to recommend earneflly to you, to avoid all occafions of difpute, or delay, at a time that requires union and vigour in your counfels, upon which the prefervation of all that is dear to us doth fo much depend. And I do pro- mife, that nothing fhall ever be wanting on my part, that may ■contribute towards it. AdJreJs w C 30s ) Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons, July 15, 1689. 'rE, your Majefty's moft loyal and obedient fubjecfls, the knights, citizens, and burgeffes, in Parliament aflem- bled, out of a fincere duty and affe£li(>n to fupport your Majef- ty's crown and dignity, and the fafety, honour, and welfare of y»ur fubjeds, being deeply fenfible of the deplorable condi- tion of your Majelly's kingdom of Ireland, wiiich, notwith- ftanding your Majelty's great and conftant care thereof, is, for the moli part, over- run by your Majefties declared enemies, th-e French, in conjunction with Irilli rebels, occafioned, as, •we humbly conceive, by the negled or ill conducl of fome perfons employed in the management of the affairs relating to that kingdom ; and to the end that we may be enabled to give vour Majefty fuch advice as may prevent the like mifcarriages for the future, do raoft humbly befeech your Majefty, that yoix will be gracioully pleafed to permit fucii members as fhall be appointed by this iioufe, to uifped the books of the privy ■council and Irith comimittee, and all other proceedings relating to Ireland, from the twenty-feventh day ot December, 1688, to the firft day of June, 1609, and to take copies of fuch orders and inftrudions therein, as relate to the affairs of Ireland : and we humbly beg leave to aifure your Majefty, that this our ad- drefs proceeds from no otlier motive, than our hearty defire to manifeft that zeal and duty which we Ihall always retain for your Majefty's peifon and government. Addiejs to his Majif.y by the Houfe of Commons, July 19, 16S9. TXTE, your Majefty's nwft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the ^^ Commons, in Parliament rulliublcd, humbly reprefent to your Majefty's conftderatjon the diftrtlkd condition of the protCi'lant nobility and j^entry ot your Ma .-tft) s kingdor.i of Ireland, whofe eftates are feized by rhe papiiis, for their re- luling to join with them in t!ie prefent rebellion againlt vour Majefty, whtreoy they are become d..ftitute of all means to fupport themf:lves and their fainiliti.. We therefore mak.e it our hu -jbie petition to your Majefty, that until fuch time that that kingdom be reduced to ycur Ma- jefty's obedience and fubicdion, and they reftoied to th^ r juft rigius and ftates, your Majefty would be pkafed tii appoint a tund of crcdic for fuch a^ will knd money for their • -iief: and we ihall, with all thankful nefs, ieiinbuife whs your Majeity Ihall advance upon this urgent and charitable oc- caiion. Vol. I. X -^^ ( 3^^ ) His Jlfajejiy's moj? gracious Speech, Odaher 19, 1699^ My Lords and Gentlemen, ^TPHOUGH the lafl fitting continued fo long, that, perhaps,, it might have been more agreeable to you, in relation to your private concerns, not to have met again fo foon ; yet the intered of the public lays an indifpen fable obligation upon me to call you together at this time. In your lart meeting, you gave me fo many teftimonies of your ai?e<5iion, as well as couli- dence in me, that I do not ... all queftion, but in this 1 {hall receive frefh proofs of both. I efteem it one of the greateft misfortunes can bcfal me, that,, in the beginning of my reign, I am forced to afk fuch large fupplies : tliough I have this fatisfadftion, that they are defirtd lor no other pnrpofe but the carrying on thofe wars, into which I entered with your advice, and alfurance of your afliftance : nor can I doubt of the bleffing of God upon an undertaking, wherein I did not engage out of a vain ambition, but from the necelTity of oppofing thofe, who have fo vifibly difcovered their defigns of dcftroying our religion and liberties. it is well known how far I have expofed myfelf to refcue this nation from the dangers that threatened not only vour li- berty, but the proteftant religion in general, of which the Church of England is one of the greateft fupports, and for the defence whereof I am ready again to venture my life. My Lords and Gentlemen, That which I have to afk of you at prefent, is, that . . . .you think (it to give towards the charges of the war, for this next year, may be done without delay: and there is one reafon, ■which more particularly obliges me to prefs you to a fpeedy determination in this matter \ becaufe this next month, there is appointed at the Hague, a general meeting of the minifters of all the princes and ftates concerned in the war againfl: France, in order to concert the meafures for the next cam- paign : and, till 1 know your intentions, I fliall not only be Jincertain myfelf, what rtfolutjons to take, but our allies will be under the fame doubts, unlels they fee me fupported by your afliflancc : befides, if I know not in time, what you will do, I cannot make fuch provifions as will be requifite, but fhall be expofed to the fame inconveniencies the next year, which are the caufe, that the preparations for this were neither fo ef- fc6lual nor expeditious as was neceffary. The charge will alfo be confiderably ieffened by giving time to provide things ir» their proper fecjfon, and without confufion. I have no other { 307 ) aim in ihis, but to be In a condition to attack our enemies in fo vigorous a manner, as, by the help of (iod, in alittle time, may brinfT us to a lafting and honourable peace, by which my fub- je6ls may be freed from the extraordinary expenfes of a linger- ing war : and, that I can have no greater fatisfaction, than in contributing to thtir eafe, I hope i have already given proof. That you may be fatisfied how the money has been laid out, which you have already given, I have direAed ihe accounts to be laid before you, when you thi'.k fit to call for them. IVIy Lords and Gentlemen, I have one thing more to recommend to you, which is, the tlifpatch of a bill of indemnity, that the minds of my good fub-: jed s being quieted, vve may all imanimoufly concur to promote the welfare and honour of the kingdom. Addrcfs by the Houfe of Commons to his Majejly, Nnv. 29, l68g. TXTE, your Majefty's mod dutiful fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament affembled, being filled with the deepeil and inofl: fincere affeclion to your Majelly's royal perfon, and out of the mod- tender regard to your Majefty's and your people's fafety, and the honour of your government, do mod humbly reprefent to your iVJaiedy the extreme danger we conceive the nation and your Majedy's aftairs to be in, by the employment of pcrfons in the greated trud, who are fo far from being faithful to your Majedy's and your people's intered, that they have corruptly and trcacherotilly endeavoured the dedrudion of both : efpecially Mr. John Shales, who was made commif- fary-general of the provifions for your Majedy's army in Ireland, notwithdanding he was notorioudy known to be po- piinly affededj and to have fcrvcd the late King James as his comnnilTary. The mifchiefs which have happened by the em- ployment of this man are very great, and of Inch a nature, as, without God's infinite mercy to your Majedy and this nation, might entirely have defeated your Majedy's good intentions, and the effecl of the refolutiuns of this Houfe, in order to the reducing of Ireland to its due obedience to your Majedy. In particular, when that experienced General, Duke Schombcrg went, by your Majedy's command, into Ireland; he left flridl orders for the fpeedy tranfporting the ordnance and horfe, defigned for the fervice of that kingdoin : and it pleafed God toblefs his fird attempts to that degree, that, if the faid orders had been executed, your Majedy's affairs in Ireland had been in a much better poduro than they now are. But the laid X 2 Com. ( 3o8 ) GommlfTary Shales, partly to fatisfy his own covetoufnefs, and partly out of difafFedtion to your Majefty's fervice, did delay the execution of the faid orders for feveral weeks ; by reafon whereof your Majefty's forces were not only difabled for pur- fuing the advantages they had gained upon the enemy, but were alfo neceflitated to encamp at Dundalk, which occalioned the lofs of fome thoufands of your Majefty's fubje£ls. ' Wherefore, we the knights, citizens, and burgeifes, in Parliament af- fembled, do moft humbly dtfire, that your Majefty would be gracioully pleafed to let this Houfe know who recommended Commilfary Shales to your Majefty, and advifed his being em- ployed, to the end that we may be the better enabled to offer to your Majefty fuch humble advice, as may tend to the preferva- tion of your Majefty's royal perfon and government. H His Alajejlys MejJ'age to the Houfe of Commons^ 'Nov, 30, 1689, William Rex. IS Majefty having already declared his refolutions to profe- cute the war in Ireland with theutmoft vigour ; and being defirous to ufe the means that may be moft fatisfactory and ef- fedlual in order to it, is gracioufly pleafed that this Houfe do recommend a number of perfons, not exceeding feven, to be commilfioned by his Majefty to take care of the provi- fions, and fuch other preparations as fhall be necelfary for that fervice. His Majefty is further pleafed to let the Houfe know, that, upon confideration of the addrefs of the eleventh of November, he gives them leave to nominate fome perfons to go over into Ireland, to take an account of the number of the army ctcFe, and the ftate and condition of it, who (hall receive his Majefty's orders accordingly. Addref to his Majefty by the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 11, 1689, '\\7'E your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjedls the Com- mons, in this prefent Parliament ailembled, having a due fenfe of the eminent virtues and merits of their Royal Highnefies the Prince and Princefs Anne of Denmark, and iiovv in!hu- mcntal they have been in contributing to your Majefty's glorious fuccefs in the late happy revolution, do unanimouily befeech your Majefty to make a provifion for the Prince and Princefs Anne of Denmark, of fifty thoufand pounds in the whole, for the year, beginning at Chriftmas next: and that your Majefty will ( 3^9 ) \vi!l be pleafed t6 dire6l the fame to be effedually paid to the J*rince and Princefs Anne of Denmark, by equal portions, at the four moft ufual quarterly days of payment. W Addrefi by the Houfe of Commons, December ii, 1689. 'E your Majefty's mofl: dutiful fubje6ls the Commons, in Parliament alfembled, have ferioufly taken into our confideration the flate of the nation ; and being deeply fen- fible of the ill condu6l of public affairs, and the unhappy fuc- cefs 01 them, as well in reference in Ireland, as to your Ma- jefty's armies and fleet ; do think ourfelves obliged, in duty to your Majefty, and in dlfcharge of the truft repofed in us by thofe we reprefent, moll humbly to lay before your Majefty the wrong that hath been done to your Majefty and your people ; and the prefent imminent danger of this kingdom, and of all your Majefty's proteftant fubjeds ; from the want of ability or integrity in thofe who have had the diredion of the faid affairs, and by whofe advice, not only the reducing of Ireland has been obftrudled, but the treafure of this king- dom wafted, and the lives of many brave foldiers and able feamen loft, without any fuch fuitable effe6l as might reafon- ably have been expedled. We cannot but refledl, with the utmoft grief, upon the negledl of relieving Ireland during the firft months of your Majefty's adminiftration, when your Majefty's minifters did not ufe fuch effectual means as were apparently neceffary to have prevented a war in the faid kingdom. And when the Earl of Tyrconnel had levied forces to opprefs and deitroy ■your Majefty's proteftant fubjeds, neither men, money, nor arms were, for a long time, fent to enable them to defend themfelves and their country : infomuch that, without men- tioning other particulars, feveral thoufands of them periftied miferably in the tov;n of Londonderry for want of timely fuc- cour : and when, after many negiedts and delays, an army was appointed for Ireland, neceflary provifions were wanting, and matters fo ordered, that the endeavours of your Parlia- ment, and the fupplies granted for th.at fervice, proved incf- fedlual \ at the fame time that many fuch experienced officers, as were knovv-n to be enemies to your Majefty and your go- vernment, were fuffered to go beyond the feas, where they en- tered into the late King James's fervice, and have, fmce that time, been his chief inftruments for carrying on the war in Ireland. _ X -:: The ( 310 ) The mlfcarriages, in reference to the flcef, have been is deflrudive to your Majcdy's and your people's intere^ as thofe in ihc army ; many of your Majelly's fubjedts have been ruined, and others greatly damaged in their eftates, by the want of Itation Ihips and convoys ; and fome fca officers, whofe duty it was to have convoyed the fhips of tnglifh fub- jcds, exadled money from merchants, and unneceffarily prclTed their men ; by which means trade was difcouraged, your Ma- jefty's cnfloms diminifhed, and many of your loyal fubje61t»' impoverillied : your Majelly's fleet was alfo ferved with nn- wholefome and corrupted provHions, v/hich caufed the dea'.h of many of your befl feamen, and has deterred many others from die fervice. It will be too tedious to multiply inflances of mifcarriages and ill conduct in yonr Majelly's affairs, through the ill advice of thofe who have undertaken the management of them, to which the fuccefs in all points has been anfwerable. Gur remedy, under God, confifls in your Majefty's wifdom and affection to your people, vviiich, we doubt not, will in- cline your Majefly to hearken to the advice of us, your duti- ful Commons, who do moll humbly bcfeech your Majefty to take the abovefaid matt(;;rs into your conlideration ; and, in your great wifdom, to examine into, and find out the authors of, mifcarriages ; and to appoint affairs to be managed by perfons unfufpe6led, and more to the fafety of your Majefly, and the fatisfadlion of your fubjecls. II:s Ma}(fly s mofL gracious Speech, J'/arcb 20, 1 690. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM refolved to leave nothing unattcmpted on my part, "*- which may contribute to the peace and profperiiy of this nation : and, finding my prefence in Ireland will be abfolutely ncceffary for the more fpeedy reducing of that kingdom, 1 con- tinue my refolution of going thither as foon as may be : and I have now called you together for your afliltance, to enable me to profecute that war with fpeed and vigour: in which I afTure rnyxelf of your cheerful concurrence, being a work fo necelfary for your own fafetics. In order to this, I deflre you will forthwith make a fettlement of the revenue ; and. I cannot doubt, but you will therein have as much regard for the honour and dignity of the monarchy in my hands, as hath been lately fliewed to others : and I have So great confidence in you, that if no quicker or more conve- aient W^y can be found for the railing of ready money (without I which ( 3^1 ) "whick the fervice cannot be performed) I fljall be very well con- tent, for the prefent, to have it made fuch a fund of credit, as may be ulcful to yourfelves, as well as me, in this conjundure; not having the leaii: apprehenfions, but that you will provide for the taking off all fuch anticipations as it fhall happen to fall under. It is fufficiently knovs'n, how earneftly I have endeavoured to extinguifli, or at leaft compofe, all differences amongfl my fubjecls ; and, to that end, how. often have 1 recommended an aft of indemnity to the lail Parliament ! but fmce that part of it, which related to the preventing of private fuits, is already enafted ; and becaufe debates of that nature muft take up more of your time tlian can now be fpared, from the difpatch of thofe other things which are abfolutely neceHary for our common fafety ; I Intend to fend you an a(ft of grace, with exceptions of fome few perfons only, but fuch as may be fufficient to fhew my 9;reat dillike of their crimes ; and, at the fam.e time, my readincfs to extend prote<51ion to all my other fubjecSls ; who will thereby fee, that they can thereby re- commend themfelves to me by no other methods than what the laws prefcribe ; which fhall always be the only rules of my government. A farther reafon, which induceth me to fend you this a6l, at this time, is, becaufe I am defirous to leave no colour of exciife to any of m.y fubjeds, for the raifmg of difturbances -in the government, and cfpecially in the time of my abfence : and I fay this, both to inform you, and to let fome ill-afFe£led men fee, that I am not unacquainted, how bufy they are in their prefent endeavours to alter it. Amongft other encouragements which I find they give them- felves, one of the ways by which they hope to compafs their defigns, is, by creating differences and difagreements in your councils j which, I hope, you will be very careful to prevent; for, be affured, that our greateft enemies can have no better inftruments for their puj-pofes, than thofe who fhall any ways endeavour to difturb or delay your fpeedy and unanimous pro- ceeding upon thefe neceffary matters. I muft recommend alfo to your confideration an union with Scotland. I do not mean it fhould now be entered upon : but they having propofed this to me fome time fince, and the Parliament there having nominated con^miflioncrs for that pur- pofe, I ' fhould be glad that commiflio-ners might alfo be no- minated here to treat with them, and to fee if fuch terms could be agreed on, as might be for the benefit of both nations; fo as to be ready to be prcfented t6 you in fome future feiiion. X A My ( 3^2 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, I have thought it moft convenient to leave the adminiflra- tion of the goverami-nt in the hands of the Qiieen during my abfence ; and, if it (hall be judged neceirary to have an ad of Parliament for the better confirmation of it to her, I defire you would let fuch an one be pr^-pared, to be prefented to me. 1 have this only to add, that the feafon of the year, and my journey into Ireland, will admit of but a very fhort fellion; fo that I muf- recommend to you the making fuch difpatch, that we may not be engaged in debates when our enemies fhall be in the field : for the fuccefs of the war, and the more thrifty management of it, will both principally depend upon your fpeedy refolutions : and I hope it will not be long before we fliall meet again, to perfed. what the time will not now allow to be done. I His Majejlys moft gracious Speech, May 23, 1690. My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE have had fuch affurance of your good affedions to me, that I come now to thank you ; and particularly for the fupplies you have given me : the feafon of the year is fo far advanced, that I can no longer delay my going into Ire- land ; and therefore I think it neceflfary to have an adjourn- ment of the Parliament. And although it (hall be but to a fhgrt day, yet, unlefs fome great occa^on require it, (of which you fiiall have due notice) I do not intend you lliall fit to do bulinefs until the winter ; and I hope, by the blelling of God, we then Ihall have a happy m.eeting. . In the mean time, I recommend to you the difcharge of your duties in your refpedlive counties, that the peace of the nation may be fecured hy your vigilance and care in your veral flalions. His Majejiys mojl gracious Speech, O^ohcr 2, 169O. My Lords and Gentlenien, CINCE T lafl met you, I have ufcd my beft endeavours to ^ reduce Ireland into fuch a condition this year, as that it might be no longer a charge to England : and it has pleafed God to blefs my endeavours with fuch fuccefs^ that I doubt not but I fiiould have been fully polTelfed of that kingdom by this ( 3^3 ) this time, had I been enabled to have gone into the field as foon as I Ihould have done ; and, as is more efpecially neceflary in Ireland, where the rains are fo great, and begin fo early. I think myfelf obliged to take notice, how well the army there have behaved themfclves on all occafions, and borne great hardfhips with little pay ; and with fo much patience and wil- lingnefs, as could not proceed but from an affedionate duty to my fervice, and a zeal for the protellant religion. I have already made it evident, how much I have preferred the fatisfaclion of my fnbjeds before the moil folid advantages of the crown, by parting with fo confiderable a branch of its inheritance : and it is no lefs apparent, that I have afked no revenue for myfelf, but what i have readily fubjedled to be charged to the ufes of the war. I did, at my departure, give order for all the public accompts to be made ready for me againft my return ; and I have com- manded them to be laid before the Houfe of Commons : by which they will fee, that the real want of what was neceflary beyond the funds given, and the not getting, in due time, that tor which funds were alhgncd, have been the principal caufes ■why the army is in fo much arrear of their pay, and the ftores, both for the navy and the ordnance, not fupplied as they ought to be. Now, as I have neither fpared my perfon nor my pains to do you all the good I could ; fo I doubt not, but if you will as cheerfully do your parts, it is in your power to make both me and yourfelves happy, and the nation great : and, on the other hand, it is too plain, by what the French have let yon fee fo lately, that, if the prefent war be not profecuted with vigour, no nation in the world is expofed to greater danger. I hope therefore, there will need no more upon that fubjed, than to lay before you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commotis, the flate of what will be neceflary for the fupport of the fleet and armies, which cannot pofllbly admit of being leflened in the year enfulng ; and to recommend to your care the clearing of my revenue, fo as to enable me to fubfifl, and to maintain the charge of the civil lift ; the revenue being fo engaged, that it mult be wholly applied, after the firft of November next, to pay off the debts already charged upon it: and, therefore, a prefent confideration mull be had of the arrears of the army, which fhall likewife be laid before you ; and for all which I muft defire a fufficient and timely fupply. It is further necefl!ary to inform you, that the whole fupport of the confederacy abroad will abfolutely depend upon the fpeed and vigour of your proceedings in this fellion. And C 5^4 } And here I mud take notice, ivith great fatisf^^lion of thtf TCadinefs which my fubjedls, of all degrees, have Ihewn both in this city, and in their feveral countries, by giving their alhllances fo cheerfully as they did in my abfence, while the French fleet was upon our coafls ; and, befides this fo con- vincing mark of the good inclinations of my people, I have found, through all the countries where I paifed, both at my going into Ireland, and in my return from thence, fuch demon- llrations of their atfedlions, that I have not the lealt doubt but I Ihall find the fjme from their reprefentatives in Parliament. I cannot conclude, without taking notice alfo, how much the honour of the nation has been expofed by the ill conduA-. oi my fleet in the lait iummcr's engagement againft the French; and I think myfelf fo much concerned to fee it vindicated, that I cannot rclt faiisfied till an example has been made of fuch as fliall be found faulty upon their examination and trial : ■which was not pradicable while the whole fleet was abroad ; but is now put into the proper way of being done as foon as may be. My Lords and Gentlemen. I look upon the future well-being of this kingdom to de- pend upon the refiilt of your counfels and determinations at this time ; and the benefit v/ill be double by the fpced of your xefolutions, infomuch, that I hope you will agree w^ith me in this ccnclufion, that whoever goes about to obflrutS: or divert your applications to thcfe matters, preferably to all others, can jieither be my friend, nor the kingdom's. W Tivo Addteffes by the CGmmonSj Oiiober ^y 1690. To the KING. May it plcafe your Majcfly, 'E, your Majefty's mod: dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Commons, aifembled in Parliament, do beg leave humbly to reprefent to your Majefty, the grateful fenfe we have of that unparalleled goodnefs and tender afrcclion to your people \ which, for the refcuing your kingdom of Ireland from a ty- rannous and foreign yoke, and eafing your fubjc£ls of this kingdom of the exccflive charge of a lingering war, did induce you to undertake a hazardous voyage, and too freely to expofe to all the dangers of war, that invaluable life, upon which the whole proteftant intereil, and the common liberty of Europe, does f vs ) does fo muct depend. It Is next, under God, to your condii(5k and example, that we muit afcribe the fuccefs of the expedi- tion ; and to which we muft owe our hopes of the fpeedy and entire redudion of that kingdom, and of feeing ourfelves in a condition to make your enemies fcnGblc of the iirength and power of England, under a King who knows and purfnes its intereft. We do, from the bottom of our hearts, congratulate your Majefly's fuccefs, and your return to your people; who are unanimoufly perfuaded, that their peace, fecurity, and happinefs, are bound up in yoar fafetv : and we do, in the name ot all the Commons cf England, affure your Vlajefiy, that we will be ever ready to aflift your Majefly to the utir.od of our power ; and, as the beit and truell way of cxpreffing our gratitude, will endeavour efFe^Stually to fupport your go- vernment againfl all your enemies. To the QUEEN. May it pleafe your Majedy, \XTEf your Majefty's mod dutiful and loyal fubjcd.s, the Commons, in Parliament affembled, do m.olt humbly beg leave to exprefs the deep fenfe we have of that goodnefs* W'ifdom, and courage, which your Majeily did manifeft in the greateft di(}icnhics ai d mod preflliig dangers, during his Ma- jefty's abfence, at a time when a powerful enemy was upon our coaft ; vvlvn the nation was weakened in that part which is its proper ftrengrh, and deprived of the fecurity ot his Ma- jefty's prefcnce : the refulution your Majefty ihewed in your adminidraiion, gave life to your fubjeds, and made them exert a (Irength and force unknown to former reigns : and your zeal for the public encouraged them to Ihew fuch cheerfulnefs in their duty, as difappointcd the hopes and defigns of all the open and fecret enemies of the government : the grateful re- membrance of this (which renews the memory of our moft happy times) will for ever remain in the hearts of your peo- ple ; and can never fail to be exprcdtd in all inftanccs of loy- alty and obedience from us, and all the Commons of England. His Majrjlys mofl gracious Speech, December 20, 169O. My Lords and Gentlemen, T MUST repeat to you, upon this occafion, how fcnfible I am of your good aired ions to me, and of your fincere en- deavours to promote the true intcrelt o'i your country in con- tinuing r 3^6 ) tinning to provide further fupplies towards defraying tlic charges of the war : and as I am very fecure, that you will not fail, on your part, to do all that fliall be nccciTary, in order to that end ; fo I alfure you, 1 fhall not be wanting, on mine, to fee that there be a diligent and liri£l application of the fup- plies you give me, to thofe ufes only, for which you intend them. I have lately told you, that the pofture of affairs abroad would not admit of deferring my journey to the Hague much beyond this time ; and 1 put you in mind of it again now,' in hopjs that confideration will prevail with you, to ufe all pof- lible difpatch in what ftill remains to be done, for the more vigorous profecution of the war. I mufl not conclude without mentioning to you, Gentlemen of the Houfc ot Comm.ons, that, if fome annual provifion could be made for the augmenting of the navy, and building of fome new ihips of war, it would be a very neceiTary care, at this time, both for the honour and fafety of the nation. H His Majcjiys moji gracious Speech j jfanuary 3, 1691. My Lords and Gentlemen, AVING lately told you, that it would be neceffary for me to go into Holland m.uch about this time, I am very glad to find that the fuccefs of your endeavours to bring this feflion to a happy conclufion has been fuch, that I am now at liberty to do it: and 1 return you my hearty thanks for the great dif- patch you have made in finilhingthe fupplies you have deiigned for carrying on the war : which ihall be my care to fee duly and punclually applied for that fervice which you have given the:.!. And I do likewife think it proper to aifure you, that I fhall not make any grant of the forfeited lands in England or Ireland, till there be another opportunity of fettling that matter in Parliament in fuch manner as ihall be thought moft expedient. My Lords and Gentlemen, As I have reafon to be very well fatisfied with the proofs you have given me of your good affedlion in th.is fefTion of Parliament, fo I promife myfelf the continuance ot the fame at your return into your feveral countries : and as every day pro- duces flill frdli inltances of the rertlelfnefs of our enemies both at home and abroad, in defiguing againfl the profperity ot this nation and the government e(labli(hed ; fo 1 do not doubt but that the union and good correfpondence between me and my Parliament, ( 3^7 ) Parliament, and my earneft and conftant endeavours for your prefervation on the one hand, joined with the coniinuance of your zeal and afFedlion to iupport me on the other, will, by the bleffing of God, be at all times too ftrong for the utmoll malice and contrivance of our common enemies. His A^aj(^ys moji gracious Speech, O^ober 2lj 1 69 1. . My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVL appointed this meeting of Parliament, as foon as ever the afrair^ abroad would admit of my return into England, that yrMi iCiii^ht have the more time to confider of the belt and rr\o^ c*feciurtl ways and means for the carrying on of the war rv.;-. ■ ? France tliis next year. ' im .v'llling to hope, that the good fuccefs with which it } :•■ 1.1 pki fjd God to blefs my arms in Ireland this fummer, will r.ot only be a great encouragement to yon to proceed the more c .eerfii!'y in this work ; bit will be looiced upon by you asaa earneft )f firture fuccelfes, which your timely uliiilance to mc i.^av, hv God's blciling, procure to us all: and, as I do not dnubc, out you will take care to pay the arrears of that army, which fiath been fo deferving and fo profperous in the reduce- 'ment of ]r<;land to a peaceable condition, fo, I do affure you, rhere (hall no care be wanting, on my part, to keep that king- '^om, as far as it is pullible, from, being buidenfome to England lor the future. ivTy Lords and Gentlemen, . I --o not doubt but you are all fenfible, that it will be ne- ceflTu) we Oiould have as ftrong a fleet next year, and as early at :"t,d, as we had this fummer: and I muft tell you, that the great power of France will. as neceftarily require, that we Ihou'd maintain a very confiderable army, ready upon all oc- CBilons, nor ..nly to detend ourfclves from any infulc, but alfo to annoy the common enemy, where it may be moft fenfible to th-^m; and Ido not fee hoW it is pofllble to do this with lefs xh-^A fixty-five thoufand men. I / Commcm, Ociouer 28, 1691. May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, T XT'E, yonr Majefty's moft loyal fubje^ls the Commons of * ' England, in Parliainf n: aflembled, do, Mith all duty and cheerfulnefs, congratulate your Majefty's faf'e return into this your kingdom, after the many hazards to wi ich you have ex- pofed your i'acred peifon ; as alfo the fuccefs of your arms ir> Ireland. Out prayers and wilhes are, that Almi^luy God ■will fo profper your 'VJajefty's future enterprl/.es, that they may at length efF^fl an honourable and lalting peace to your own dominions, and "he fecurity of your neighbours, from the injuries and invafions of tiie common oppveilbr : and . . crave leave to join our hopes to thofe of your Majeily, that the vic- tories of the Isft fuiv.mfer are happy prefages that fo it will be : and, as the belt means we can contribute to thefe good ends, we are refoiv^d to itand by, and aHifi your Majefty to the utmoft of our power, in carrying on a vigorous war againfi France. May it pleafe your mod excellent Majefty, "\X7E, your Majefty's mofl: duti/ul fubjedts, the Corrmons in Pp-rliament afTembled, humbly bcfeech your Majeity to accept our mod hearty and unfeigned acknowledgments of your prudent care in the adminiflration of the governmentj whilfl: his Majcfiy expf'fed his facred perfon abroad for the fafety of his people, and the common intereft of Chriftendom ; during whofc abfence, nothing could afford us fo much com-i fort as your Majefty's royal protection, and your conftant en- deavours for the benefit and I'ecurity of your people ; of which our hearts abound with a mod grateful fenfe : and we beg leave to exprefs it, by alHuing your Majefty, that nothing fliall ever be wanting on our part which may dcmonftrate our zeal for your Majefty's fervice, or which may any ways contribute to the honour and happinefs of your reign. His Majeffys moji gracious Speech y Deccmlxr 31, 1691., My Lords and Gentlemen, T MUST not lofc this occafion of returning you my hearty ■*■ thanks for the great proofs you continue to give me, of Y(jur zeal and refolution to fupport and. ailift me in the vi- gorous ( 3^9 ) gorous profecution of the war againft France next year : and, I aiTure you, it ihall be my greutell care, that the ailiftances you give me may be fo applied, as to render them the moft effectual for the ends you deilgn them : but I mnfl take notice to you, at the fame time, with feme trouble, that the new year is already come, while our preparations for it are not only more backward, but thofe ot our enemies, as we have reafou To think, in greater forwardnefs than they were the laft year. I find myfelf therefore neceffitated, from this confideration, mod earnelUy to recommend to you. Gentlemen of the Houfc of Commons, the hadening of fuch further fupplies as yoi^ defign to enable me Avith for the profecution of the war. My Lords and Gentlemen, The feafon being fo far advanced, this prefent fefiions can- not admit of a much longer continuance : and therefore, [ muft recommend to you the difpatch of all fuch other bills aifo, as you fliall judge necelfary ior the public good. I His Alajejiys mojl gracious Speech, February 24, 1 69241 My Lords and Gentlemen, RETURN my hearty thanks to you all for the great demon-. ltratior\s you have given me of your afFe£lions in this fef- iions ; and of your zeal for the fupport of the government. And I muft thank you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Com- mons, in particular, for the great fupplies you have granted for the profecution of the war : I alFure you, I Ihall take care fo to difpofe of the money you have given me for the public occa- fions, as that the whole nation inay be entirely fatisfied with the application of it. My Lords and Gentlemen, 1 think it proper to acquaint yoii with my intentions of going beyond fea vejy fpcedily ; which, I am afraid, have been al-» ready retarded more than is convenient for the prefent pofture of affairs : and, upon that account, I think it neceifary to put an end to this prefent meeting ; the feafon of the year being now fo very far advanced, that it may prove of the laft ill con- fe^uence to continue it any longer. Hh ( 320 ) His Majejlys mojl gracious Speech y November 4., 1692. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM very glad to meet you again in Parliament, where I have ■^ an opportunity of thanking you for the great fuppHes you have given me for the profccution of this war: and 1 hope, by your advice and affiftance, which has never failed me, ;o take fuch meafures as may be moH: proper for fupporting our com- mon interefl: againft the exceilive power of France. We have great reafon to rejoice in the happy vi6lory, which, by the blelling of God, we obtained at fea : and 1 Vv'iih I could tell you, that the fuccefs at land had been anfwerable to it t I am fure, my own fubjecls had fo remarkable a part in both, that their bravery and courage mufl ever be remembered to their honour. The French are repairing their lofTes at fea vk ith great dili- gence ; and do defign to augnient their land forces confider- ably againfl the next campaign : which makes it abfolutely ne- cellary for our fafety, that, at leaft, as great a force be main- tained at fea and land, as we had the lafl year ; and therefore I iiiun: allc of you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, a fup- ply fuitable to fo great an occafion. I am very fenilble how heavy this charge is upon my peo- ple : and it cxtiemely affiitSts me, that it is not poUible to be avoided, without expollng ourfclves to inevitable ruin and de- ilru61ion. The inconvenience of fending oiit of the kingdom great fums of money for the payment of ihe troops abroad, is indeed very confidcrable : and 1 fo much wifh it could be remedied, that, if you can fugr;efl to me any methods for the fupport of them, "which may klicn this inconvenience, I ihall be ready to receive them with all the fatisfaction imaginable. My Lords and Gentlemen, None can delire more than I do, that a defcent fhonld be made into France: and tnerefor.', notvviihdanding the difap- pointments of that defign this laii fummcr, 1 intend to attempt it tl^e next yeai with a much more conliderable force : and, fo (bon as I ihall b- enabled, all poffible care and application Ihall be ufed tovvai Js it. And, upon ihi , occafion, I c?nnot cniit taking notice of that figr.ai deliverance which, by the good proviuerce ct God, we received the luR fprin;^, to the difappoL-jtment aid confufion of our enemies defigns and expectations. This has fufficiently fliewn us, how mucii we arc cxpofcd to tlie attempt:, of France, while ( 321 ) while that King is In a condition to make them : let us there- fore improve the advantage we have at this time, of being joined with mod of the princes and ftates of Europe, againft £o dangerous an enemy. In this furely all men will agree, who have any love for their country, or any zeal fur our religion, I cannot therefore doubt, but you will continue to fupport me in this war againft the declared enemy of this nation ^ and that you will give as fpeedy dii'patch to the affairs before you, as the nature and importance of them will admit ; that our pn parations may be timely and effectual, for the prefervation of all that is dear and valuable to us. I am fure 1 can have no intereil but what is yi)ur's ; we have the fame religion to de- fend ; and you cannot be more concerned for the prefervation of yoUr liberties artd properties than I am, that you IhouUi al- ways remain m the full poffellion of them ; for 1 have no aim but to make you a happy people. Hitherto 1 have never fpared to expofe my own perfon for the good and welfare of this nation: and I am fo fenfible of your good aifei£tions to me, that I fliall continue to do fo v>'ith great cheerfulnefs, upon all occafions wherein I may contribute to the honour and advantage of England. Two Addrejjes by the Houfe of Commons ^ November 1 1, 1692. To the KING. May it pleafe your Majefly, "TTTE, your Majeiiy's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeils, the ^^ Commons, in Parliament alfembled, do beg leave to pay our moft humble acknowledgments to your Majcfty for your moft gracious fpeech to both Houfes, at the opening of this feffidn ; wherein your Majefty fhews fo much affedion to your fubjeds, in taking notice of their bravery and courage, both by fea and land ; and exprelTes that fcndble concern for the charges on your people, and that tender regard for the prefer- vation of our religion, liberties, and properties, as muft ever be remembered with gratitude by all your faithful fubjc6ls. We do likewife, with all thankfulncfs, acknowledge the favour and blefling of God in reftoring your Majefty in fafcty to your people, after the many hazards and dangers to which you expofed your facred perfon ^ that there might be nothing wanting on your part to oppofe the ambitious defigns of our enemies, and to maintain the honour of Englaiui, und the li- berties of Europe. Vol. I. y Wjs ( 322 ) We do alfo, in a particular manner, congralulate your deli- verance from the fecret and open dcfigns, which the malice of your enemies had formed a[^ainft you. And we do afliire your Majcfty, that this Houfe will always advife and affift your Majefty in the fupporting of your go- vernment againft all your enemies. W To the QUEEN. May it pleafe your Majcfty, 'E, your loyal and obedient fubjeds, the Commons, af- fembled in Parliament, do beg leave to prefent to your Majefty our moft humble and thankful acknowledgments, for your gracious and prudent adminiftration of the government, whllll his Majcfty was hazarding his royal perfon abroad againft the declared enemy of our religion, and our nation. At a time when the greateft part of Europe was fufFering the miferable effedls of war, we, your Majefty's fubjcdts, under your aufpicious reign, enjoyed the bleftings of peace at home ; and not only received a fignal deliverance from a bold and cruel defign, formed and profecuted for our dcftruftion, when it was; juft ready to be executed ; but faw your Majefty's fleet return with fo complete and glorious victory, as is not to be equalled in any former age, and can never be forgotten by pofteriiy. We do humbly befccch your Majefty to accept of this aftli- rance from your moit dutiful fubjedls, that the grateful fcnfe we have of our happinei's under your government, fhall be al-r ways manifefted in conftant returns ot duty and obedience, ant! a firm refolution to do all that is in our power to fender your reign fecure and profpcrous. JPIeJfage from his Mujcjly to the Houfe of Commons^ November 14, 1692. 'T^HE Houfe of Commons having prefented an addrefs to the King, to dilTolve the prefent Ealt India Company, accord- ing to the power referved in their charter, and to conftitute a new one, his Majefty took into confideration the proper me- thods of complying with their defires, and of fecuring effec- tually this advantageous trade to the nation. But his Majefty, upon examination of the charter, and con- fulling with his judges and learned counfel, found, that he could not legally diliblve the company but upon three- years warning j and that, during the three years alter warning, the company ( 3^3 ) company muH: fubfifl, and might continue to trade : and that though the King niight conltitute a new company, yet he could not impower fiich new company to trade, tiU after three years; the crown having exprefsly covenanted not to grant any fuch liberty. Hereupon his Majeffy was very apprehenfive of the ill con- fequenre of giving warning to the company, becaufe they would then be kfs folicitous of promoting the true interefts and advantage of a trade, whereof they would not long reap tlie fruits ; and that no new company could immediately be admitted io it : fo that this very beneficial trade, which is al- ready fo much impaired, might be in danger of being entirely lofl to the nation. His MajeMy, being very defirous to prevent fo great a mif- chief, and to gratify the Houfe of Commons in the end, fince he could not do it, without great hazard, in the manner they propofed, required the Ealt India Company to anfwer. direc^^ly, whether they would fubmit to fuch regulations as his Majefty fhould judge proper, and moil likely to advance the trade : and the company having fully agreed to it, and declared accordingly^ their refolution in writing, his Majefty commanded a com-, mittee of his privy council to prepare regulations ; which they did, and offered them to the company : but the company, not- withftanding their declaration of fubmiflion, rejected almoft all the material particulars. So that his Majefty, finding that what pofllbly the Houfe of Commons might have expected, and indeed was necelfary to preferve this trade, could not be perteiled by his own authority alone, and that the company could not be induced to confent to any fuch regulations as m.ight have anfwered the intentions of the Houfe of Commons, and that the concurrence ot the Parliament is requifite to make a complete and ufeful fettle- inent of this trade, has direded all the proceedings in this matter to be laid before them ; and recommends to them the preparing fuch a bill, in order to pafs into an a£l of Parlia- ment, as may eftablifti this trade on fuch foundations as are moft likely to preferve and advance it. His Majejlys mojl gracious Speech, l^ovembcr 7, 1693. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM always glad to ineet you here ; and I could heartily wlfh that our fatisfa6fion were not lellencd at prefent, by refle(rt- ing upon the difadvantages we have received this year at land, and the mifcarriages in our affairs at fea. I think it is evident, y 2. tbat ( m ) that the former was only occafioned by the great number of our enemies, which exceeded our*s in all places : for what relates to the latter, (which has brought fo great a difgrace upon the nation,) I have refented it extremely ^ and as I will take care that thofe who have not done their duty lliall be puniihed, fo "J am refolved to ufe my utmoft endeavours that our power at fca may be rightly managed for the future: and it may well dcfervc your confideration, whether we are not defe£live both in the number of our fhipping, and in proper ports to the well:- ward, for the better annoying our enemies, and prote£ling our trade, which is fo effential to the welfare of this kingdom. My Lords and Gentlemen, I am very fenfible of the good affef^ion wherewith you have always affiftcd me to fupport the charges of this war, which have been very great ; and yet I am perfuaded, that the expe- rience of this fummer is fufficient to convince us all, that to arrive at a good end of it, there will be a neceflity of increafmg our forces, both by fea and land the next year. Our allies have refolved to add to their's ; and 1 will not doubt but you will have fuch regard to the prefcnt exigency, as that you will give me a fuitable fupply, to enable me to do the like : I muil therefore earneftly recommend it to you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of ■Commons, to take fuch timely refolution, as that your fupplies may be efFeitual, and our preparations fo forward, as will be necelfary both for the fecurity and the honourof the nation. Rcprcfcntat'mi by the Houfe of Commons to his Majcjly^ January 27, 1693-4. May It pleafe your mofi: excellent Majefty, TXTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the Commons, in Parliament aJTembled, think ourfelvcs bound in duty to your Majefty humbly to reprefent, that the ufage in Parliament in all tim.cs hath been, that what bills have been agreed by both Houfes, for the redrefs of grievances, or other public good, have, when tendered to the throne, ob- tained the royal alTent : and that there are very few inftances, in former reigns, where fuch affent, in fvich cafes, hath not been given ; and thofe attended with great inconvoiiencies to the crown of England, cfpecially where the fame hath been withheld, by infinuations of particular perfons without the advice of the privy council, thereby creating great diflatisfac- tions and jealoufies in the minds of your people* Your (' 3^5 ) Your Commons, therefore, out of their fincere defire of the welfare of your Majefty, and your government, and that you may always reign, in profperity and happinefs, in the afFedion of your fubjcds, cannot, without grief of heart, reflect, that fmce your Majeily's acceffion to the crown, feveral public bills, made by advice of both Houfes of Parliament, have not obtained the royal affent ; and in particular, one bill, intituled, ** An a6l touching free and impartial proceedings in Parlia- ment ;" which was made to redrefs a grievance, and take off a fcandal relating to the proceedings of your Commons in Par- liament : after they had freely voted great fupplies for the pub- lic occafions ; which they can impute to no other caufe than the infmuations of particular perfons, who take upon them, for their own particular ends, to advife your Majefcy contrary to tlie advice of Parliament ; and therefore cannot but look on fuch as enemies to your Majefly and your kingdom. Upon thefe confiderations, we humbly befeech your Majeily to believe, that none can have fo great a concern and interefl in the profperity and happinefs of your Majefty and your go- vernment, as your two Houfes of Parliament : and do therefore humbly pray, that, for the future, your Majefty wouW gra- cioully be pleafed to hearken to the advice of your Parliament, and not to the fecret advices of particular perfons, who. may have private interefts of their own, feparate from the txu^ j,|it^ reft of your Majefty and your people, ;: 5-...-"- I HU Majejlys AnfvJtr^ 'January '^l^ 1694. Gentlemen, '• . ■■ AM very fenfible of the good afFedlons you have exprefled to me upon many occafions, and of the zeal you have Ihewn for our common intereft : I fhall make ufe of this opportunity to tell you, that no prince ever had a higher efteem for the con- flitution of the Englifli government thanmyfelf; and that I ihall ever have a great regard to the advice of Parliaments. I am perfuaded, that nothing can fo much conduce to the happi- nefs and vv'elfarc of this kingdom, as an entire confidence between tlie King and people; which 1 ihall, by all means, endeavour to preferve : and 1 afTure you, I fhall look upon fuch perfons to be my enemies, who fiiall advife any thing that may ielfenit. Y 3 m ( 326 ) .His Aia'jejlys mcji grac'ioui Speech j March 23, 1694, My Lords and Gentlemen, TXTHEN I confidcr how far the year is advanced ; what pre* parations our enemi s make to be early in the field ; and how necelTary it is, that we fhould be ready to meet them, both by fea and land, I mull earneftly recommend to you the dif- patch of thofe important affairs which you have under your deliberation. I am very fenfible of the good affedion which you have fhewn in this, as well as former fcflions, by enabliiig me to carry on the war we are engaged in for our common fafety : there is nothing I have fo m.uch at my heart as the eafe and happinefs of my people ; and it is with great reli.£lance that I am forced to afk fuch large fupplies : but, fmce our prefent cifcurtiftances make this unavoidable, it fhall be my endeavour, that the fums which are given (hall be laid out, in the belt j^anner, to the ufes for which they are defigned. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I take this occauon to mention to you the debt for the tranf-> port fhips, which were ufed in the reducing of Ireland ; it grieves me exceedingly to fee fuch a number of perfons, who came fo freely in, for fo good a fcrvice, brought to the laft extremities, for want of what is due to them : it is not pollible for me to dif».harge this debt without your help; and as I doubt not but you have a juft commiferation of their cafe, fo I hope you will find out fome way for their relief. Hii Majejiy^s moji gracious Speech y November 12, 1694. My Lords, and Gentlemen, ■T AM glad to meet you here, when I can fay, our affairs are -■• in a better pofture, both by fea and land, than when we part- ed laft The enemy has not been in a condition to oppofe our fleet in thefe feas ^ and our fending fo great a force into the Mediter- ranean has difappointed their deligns, and leaves us a profpedl of further fuccefs. With refped to the war by land, I think, I may fay, that this year a Hop has been put to the progrefs of the French arms. Gentlemen ( 3^7 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have had Co much experience of your good alFe^lion to me and of your zeal for the public, that I cannot doubt of your afiiliance at this time : 1 do, therefore, earneltiy recommend to you, to provide fuch fupplies as may enable me to profecute the war with vigour ; which is the only means to procure peace to Chriftendom, with the fafety and honour of England. I muil likewife put you in mind, that the a6l of tonnajje and poundage expires at Chriftmas : and I hope you will think lit to continue that revenue to the crown ; wliich is the more ne- celTary at this time, in regard the feveral branches of the reve- nue are under great anticipations tor extraordinary expenfes of the war, and fubje6l to many demands upon other accounts. I cannot but mention to you again the debt for the tranfport fhips employed in the reducing ot Ireland ; which is a cafe of compalhon, and deferves relief. My Lords and Gentlemen, I Ihould be glad you would take into your confideration the preparing fome good bill for the encouragement of our feamen: you cannot but be fenfible how much a law of this nature would tend to the advancement of trade, and of tlie naval ftrengili of •the kingdom ; which is our great intereii, and ought to be our principal care. W Jddrefs to his Ma'jcjiy by the Houfe of Commons, December 29, 1694. Mofl gracious and dread Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament alfembled, being deeply fen- fible of the great misfortune which hath befallen your Majefty, and this kingdom, by the death of our moft gracious Queen, do, with unfpeakable grief of heart, humbly beg leave to con- dole the irreparable lofs of that moft excellent princcfs, the beft of vromcn ; 10 enumerate whufc virtues were to aggravate our lorrow. We cannot, at the fame time, but blefs God for the prefer- vation of your Majefty to us, on whofe life the welfare and happinefs of this kingdom, and the liberties of Europe, do in fo great a mcafure depend ; humbly befeeching your Majefty fo to moderate your grief, under this affli£lion, as not to pre- judice or endanger your health : and that your Majefty would pleafe to take luch further care of vour royal perfon; that wc Y 4 ' n^^y ( 328 ) may all enjoy the blefling of your Majefly's long life, and happy reign. We do alfo look upon it as a duty we owe to your Majefly, to ourfelves, and to thofe we reprefent, to take this occafion of alluring your Majeiiy, that we, your faithful CommonS| will always, to the utmoll of our power, (land by, fupport, and defend your Majefly, and your government, againlt all your encmii-'s, both at home and abroad. His Majcjifs Anfwer, January i, 1694-5. Gentlemen, T TAKE very kindly your care of me, and the public ; efpc-* daily at this time, when I am able to think of nothing but our great lofs, Reprefcntatlon to his Alajejlyy by the Houfe of Commons, February 26, 1 695. 'tX/'E, your Majefty's mod dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, th«^ Commons, \x\ this prefent Parliament aiferabled, do, from a true and unfeigned-zeal for your Majefty's pcrfon and gnverninent, which God long prcfejve ! and from the obliga- tion that liefh upon ViS, in behali of thofe whom we reprefent, moft humbly lay before your Majeity the grievance we lie imdcr, by fome of the officers and foldiers of the army, in railing money upon the coifntry under pretence of fubfiftence; which is fuch a violation of the liberty and property of your fubjedls, that it needcth no aggravation. This is, in great meafure, occafioned by the undue practices of fome of the agents and officers ; the particulars of vvhich we beg leave to lay before your Majefty, in order to the more efFedual preventing the like mifcarriages for the future. 1. Some of their agents, amongft other their ill practices, have detained the money due to the f )ldiers in their hands, and made ufe of it to their own advantage, inftcad of immediately applying it to the fubfiftence of tlie officers and foldiers for wh'om they were intrufted. 2. 'i heir intolerable exa61ions and great extortions upon the officers and foldiers, for paying money bv way of advance ; their charging more for thedifcount of tallies than they adu- ally paid : by which fraudulent impof?ng upon tliofe who ferve in your Majefly's armies, it appeareth, that notwithftanding they have a greater pay than is given in any other part of the. world, they are yet reduced to jnconveniencies and extremities, ■vvhich ( 329 } which ought not to be put upon thofe who venture their lives for the honour and fafety of the nation. 3. fn particular, Colonel Haftings hath compelled fome officers of his regiment to take their cloaths from him, at ex- travagant rates, by confining and threatening thofe who would not comply therewith ; by v.hich the authority that may be ne- ceffary to be lodged in the colonel over the inferior oflicers, in fome cafes, is mifapplied, and extended, fo as to promote a private advantage of his own, without any regard to your Ma- jefty's fervice, or to the difcipline of the army. 4. Colonel Haftings's agent hath prefumed fraudulently to detain five hundred guineas, out of a bounty given by your Majefly to the officers of that regiment, under pretence of giving them as a bribe to obtain the fame ; to the difhonour of your Majefty, and injury to the officers thereof: and hath taken two pence per pound out of the money due to the officers and foldiers ; for wliich dedu6lion there being no warrant, the co" lonel, whofe fervant the agent is, is anfwerable. 5. Colonel Haftings's agent hath refufed, or negledled, to give an account of the pay due to the captains of his regiment, and their companies, which tends apparently to the defrauding the officers and foldiers. 6. Some of the agents affume to themfelves the liberty of making great deductions ; which, fince they know not how to juftify, they endeavour to cover, by putting them under the fhelter of the uncertain head of contingencies ; which giveth them the better opportunity of hiding the frauds and abufcs that would otherwife be more liable to bedeteded. 7. Colonel Haftings hath difcharged an enfign, by putting another into his room, contrary to the true difcipline of aa army ; from which the colonels have no right to exempt them- felves, to enlarge their own authority, to the prejudice of your Majefty 's fervice, and of the othcers who ferve under them. 8. Colonel Haftings hath taken money for the recommending to commands in his regiment, to the great difcouragement ot the officers, who are to ferve in yonr Majefty's armies •, who ought to be fuch as deferve their commands, and not fuch as pay f^>r them. Thefe things we moft humbly reprefcnt to your Majefty, in confidence of having them redrelfed by your Majefty's juftice and wifdom. Your loyal Commons, as they have been always ready to fupply your Majefty, cannot but be fenfible of fuch mifcar- riages, as may either dniiinifti the ftrength of your armies, or the affedions of your people : and it is from a piinciple of the higheft dutyj that we take this wav of applying ourfclves to your ( 330 ) your Majefty for redrefs ; having an entire nflurance, that this our moll humble reprcfentation will not only be gracioufly ac- cepted ; but that our expedaiions from it will be fully anfwered. His Majcjiys Anfvjer, March 6, 1 6 95. Gentlemen, WILL confider your reprcfentation, and take all care pollible to have the grievances redrelfed. Speech by Paul Foley, Efq. the Speaker cleiiy March \<^, 1695. May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, 'TpHE Commons of England, in Parliament affembled, hav- ing, by a very extraordinary occafion, lort the fervice of their late Speaker, proceeded to a new eledion : and being conmianded by your Majeity to prefent their Speaker at this time and place, they now wait on your Majefty, in full Par- liament, to prefent me to fucceed, on whom they have unani- moufly agreed. I muft acknowledge myfelf very unfit for fo great an em- ployment, and wifh they have not done themfelves a prejudice therein ; which they might have avoided, having choice of many much more able members for that fervice : but 1 dare not oppofe my own opinion to that of fo great a body as the Commons of England : and therefore, with your Majefty's approbation, am ready to fcrve your Majefty and them to the utmoft of my abilities. If they find themfelves, on trial, miftakcn ; and that I can- not anfwer their expeftations ; though hitherto they will not allow me to excufe myfelf, yet then I hope they will; and provide one more fit for your Majefty 's and their fervice. The Lord Keeper fpake thus : Mr. Foley, 'T^HE King has taken notice of the modefty which you have fliewn in fpeaking of yourfelf ; and how juft a fenfe you have exprelfed of the weight and difficulty of the employment to which you are called : but his Majefty has commanded me to tell you, that he is lb well aftured of your dutiful affedlion to his fervice, and fo fully fatisfied of your integrity, your abili- ties, your ii^durtry, and application to bufmefs, and your ex- perience ( 331 ) perience in the cuftoms and orders of Parliament, that he does well allow of the choice that the Houfe of Commons have made, and does approve of you for their Speaker. I After the Lord Keeper's fpeech, the Speaker replied : May it pleafe your Majefty, WITH humility and ihankfulnefs acknowledge your Ma- jedy's great favour, and hope your Majefty's approbation will be a great affiilance to me in the difcharge of my duty. Not to mifpend time, now very precious for your Majefty's affairs, I fhall only make it my humble requeft, that what- ever mlilake or fault 1 may commit, your Majefty will not impute it to your Commons ; and for myfelf, not committing any wilfully, I cannot doubt of your Majefty's graciou* pardon. His Majejlyi mojl gracious Speech j ^pril 22, 1 695. My Lords and Gentlemen, T TAKE this occafion to tell you, that the feafon of the year \% ^ fo far advanced, and the circumftances of affairs are fo pref- fmg, that I very earneftly recommend to you the fpeedy dif- patchlng fuch buiinefs as you think of moft importance for the public good, becaufe I muft put an end to this feffion in a few days. Speech by the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, Nov. 2^% X^95- May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, 'T'HE Commons in England, affembled in Parliament by your Majefty's writ, having no capacity to fpeak here, or a£l, according to the courfe of Parliament, without a Speaker, have proceeded to the choice of one, accozding to your Majef- ty's command, thereby to fit themfelves for the fervice of your Majefty, and your kingdoms. And, although they have plenty of choice members, every way more able and fit for this employment than myfelf, they have determined their choice on me, who am very fcnfible of my own infirmities, and thereby unfitnefs to tranfad fuch weighty affairs as will be requifite to be determined this feftion. But not being able to prevail with them to excufe me, they h^re attend your Majefty, in full Parliament, to prtfcnt me ( 332 ) fo jour Majefty as rfieir Speaker, who am ready, with your Majefty's approbation, to ferve your Majefly and them to the utmoft of my ability. Whereupon the Right Honourable the Lord Keeper ac» quainted the Houfe, that his Majefty had been pleafed to approve of the choice they had made i and allowed of Mr, Foley to be Speaker. Whereupon, Mr. Speaker returned his Majefty thanks for his gracious approbation, and acceptance of his fervice : and humbly prayed, in the name of the Commons, that his Majefty urould be gracioufly pleafed to allow and confirm all their an- cient rights and privileges : particularly, that they might have liberty and freedom of fpeech in all their debates ; that their perfons, eltates, and fervants might be free from arrel\s and troubles ; that they might have accefs to his royal perfon, as occafion (hall require ; that his Majefty would have a gracious opinion of all their adions ; and that, if himfelf at any time ihould millake, he might have his Majefty's favourable inter- pretation, and gracious pardon. Whereupon, the Lord Keeper, by his Majefty's command, faid. That his Majefty was pleafed to fay, that he was fully affured of the prudence and difcretion, as well as of the affec- tions, of his Houfe of Commons ; and that, as to the fuit made in their name, his Majefty did moft willingly grant to them all their privileges, in as full a manner as they were eyer granted by any of his royal predeceflbrs. I His Alajejlys mojl gracious Speech^ November 26, i695» My Lords and Gentlemen, T is with great fatisfadion that I meet you here this day, being affured of a good difpofition in my Parliament, when I have had fuch full proofs of the affecSiion of my people, by ihcir behaviour during my abfence, and at my return. 1 was engaged in the prefent war by the advice of my firfl Parliament, v/Jio thought it neceflary for the defence of our religion, and for the prefervation of the liberties of Europe; the laft Parliament, with great cheerfulnefs, did aftift me to carry it on ; and I cannot doubt, but that your concern for the common fafety will oblige you to be unanimoully zealous in the profecution of it : and 1 am glad, that the advantages which we have had this year, give us a reafonable ground of hoping for further fuccefs hereafter. Upon ( 333 ) Upon this occafion, I cannot but take notice of ilic courage and bravery the Englilh troops have (hewn this laft fumnier ; which, I may fay, has anfwered their higlieft charafter in'any ■age: and it will not be denied, that, without the concurrence of the valour and power of England, it were impoffible to put a flop to the ambition and greatnefs of France. Gentlemen of the HouCe of Commons, I think it a great misfortune, that, from the beginning of my reign, I have been forced to afk fo many and fuch large aids of my people; and yet, I am confident you will agree with me in opinion, that there u ill be, at leaft, as great fupplies requi- fite tor carrying on the war by fea and land this year, as were granted in the laft feffion ; the rather, becaufe our enemies arc augmenting the troops, and the neceflity of increafmg our (hip- ping does plainly appear: The funds which have been given, have proved very defi- cient : The condition of the civil lift is fuch, that it will not be pof- fible for me to fubfifl, unlefs that matter be taken into your care: And compaflion obliges me to mention the miferable cir- cumftances of the French proteftants, who fufier for their religion: And therefore. Gentlemen, I mon: earneflly recommend to you to provide a fupply fuitable to thefe feveral occafion?. I mtiit likewife take notice of a great difficuhy we lie under at this time, by reafon of the ill itate of the coin; the redrefs of which may periiai>s prove a further charge to the nation ; but this is a matter of fo general concern, and of fo very great importance, that I have thought fit to leave it entirely to the confideration of my Parliament. I did recominen'd to the laft Parliatnent, the forming fome good bill for the encouragement and increafe of Icamen : J hope you will not let this feftion pafs without doing fomewhat in it ; and that you will confider of fuch laws as may be proper for the advanccinent of trade; and will have a particular regard to that of the Eaft Indies, left it ftiould be loft to the nation : and, while the war makes it neceft'ary to have an army abroad, 1 could with fome way might be thought of to raife the neceffary recruits without giving occafion ot complaint. My defire to meet my people in a new Parliament has made the opening of this feffion very late; which I hope you will have fuch regard to, as to make all pollible difpatch of the great bufincfs^bcforc you; and will call to mind, that, by the long continuaoceof the laft felfion, we did not only lofe advati- f 334 ) tages, -which we might have had at the beginning of the cam- paign, but gave the enemy fuch an opportunity as might have proved very fatal to us : and I am the more concerned to prcfs this, becaufe of the great preparations which the French make, to be early in the field this year. My Lords, I have had fuch experience of your good affe^lions, and I have fuch an entire fatisfaftion in the choice which my people have made of you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, that I promife myfelf a happy conclufion of this fellion, unlefs you fufFer yourfelves to be milled into heats and divifions: which, being the only hope our enemies have now left, T make no doubt but you will entirely difappoint by your prudence and love to your country. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons^ November 27, 1695, May it pleafe your Majefty, "X^E, your Majefty's moft dn'Jful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of England, in Parliament alTembled, refleil- ing upon the great calamities from which we were delivered, and the many benefits we daily receive, by the protedlion and influence of your Majcfty's government, do, with all thank- fulnefs to Almiglity God, congratulate the glorious fuccefs of your Majefty's arms abroad, the prefervation of your facred perfon from the many hazards to which you have expofed yourfelf, and the blefling of your being returned to us again in fafety. We beg leave, at the fame time, humbly to reprefent to your Majefty our grateful fenfe of your Majefty's favour, in ha- ving given fuch demonftraiion to the world, and to us, that you repofe an entire truft and confidence in the affeflions of your people ; for which we know noway of making any return fo fuitable, as by giving your Majefty tliis aifurance, that we, and thofe your moft faithful Commons, whom we reprefent, are refolved to defend and fupport your M^jelly, and your government, againil all your enerr.ies both at home and abroad; and that we will effc£lually alhif your Majefty in the profecu- tion of the prcfent war ; in which you are engaged for the fafety of England, and the liberty of Europe. 4 Anf%\:eT ( 335 ) Anjvjcr by his Alajeflyj Kovemler 1<^^ 1605, GeiUlemen, T HEARTILY thank you for the marks you give me of your afFedlion: our intcrefts are infeparable; and there is nothing I wifh fo much as the happinefs of this country, where God has placed me. Addrefs by both Houjcs of Parllammty December 14, 1695, "Y^/^E, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Parliament alfemblcd, having taken into our conildera- tion the flate of the trade of this kingdom, do find, that be- fides many other difadvantages and difficulties it now lies under, an acl of Parliament that hath lately received your Majeiry's royal aifent in your kingdom of Scotland, for ere61:ing a com- pany trading to Africa and the Indies, is likely to bring many great prejudices and mifchiefs to all your Majefly's fubjeds that are concerned in the wealth or trade of this nation: and therefore, in all duty to your Majefty, and the care we ought to have of this kingdom, we do humbly reprefent to your Ma- jefty, that the faid a6l does provide, that all flilps, velfels, mer- chandife, goods, and oiher efFeds whatfoever, belonging to that company, fhall be free from all manner of reflraintsor pro- hibitions, and of all cuftoms, taxes, feifes, fupplies, and oihcr duties, impofed, or to be impofed, by acl of Parliament, or othcrwife, for the fpace of one-and-twenty years: and further, that the faid company, whofe members, officers, fervants, or others belonging thereto, Ihall be free, both in their perfons, cftates, and goods, employed in the faid (lock and trade, from all manner of taxes, felfcs, fupplies, cxcifes, quartering of fol- diers, tranfient or local, or levying of foldiers, or other im- pofitions whatfoever, during the fpace of one-and-twenty years. Byreafon of which great advantages granted to the Scotch Eaft-India Company, and the duties and difficulties that lie upon that trade in England, a great part of the (lock and (hip- ping of this nation will be cariied thither; and, by this means, Scotland be made a free port for all Eaft-India commodities; and, confequently, thofe feveral places in Europe, which were fupplied from England, will be furnilhed from thence much cheaper than can be done by the Englilh ; and, therefore, this nation will lofe the benefit of fnpplying foreign parts with thole commodities, which hath always been a great article in the balance of our foreign trade: moreover, the faid commodities * wiU ( 33^ ) trill unai'oidabty be brought by the Scotch into England by fleahh, both by fca and land, to the vaft prejudice of the En- glifli trade and navigation, and to the great detriment of youf Majelly in your cultonis: and, when once that notion fhall have fettled thetnfelves in plantations in America, our com- merce in tobncco, fugar, cotton-woolj flcins, mails, &c. will be utterly loll ; becaufe the privileges of that natidn, granted to them by this a61, are fuch, that the kingdom mult be the ma- gazine for all thofe commodities; and the Englifh plantations, and the traihck thereof, loll to us, and the exportation of our own manufactures yearly decreafed. Befides thefe, and many other obflrudions that this aft will unavoidably bring to the general trade of this nation, another claiife in the faid a£l, whereby your Majefty protr.ifes to inter- pofe your authority, to have reititution, reparation, and fatis- fa6lion made for any damage that may be done to any of the fliips, goods, merchandife, perfons, or other efFecls whatfo- ever, belonging to the faid company, and that upon the public charge, does feem to engage your Majefty to employ the fliip- ping and ftrcngth at fca of this nation, to fupport this new company, to the great detriment even of this kingdom. All which great prejudices, inconveniencies, and mifchiefs^ arlfmg by the faid ad, we, in all duty and fahhfulnefs, lay before your Majefty. jiddrefs by the Houfe of Commons to his J^ajejiy^ Dtcembcr 14, 1695. May it pleafe your moft excellent Majcfly^ T^E, your Majelly's molt dutiful and loyal fubjeft?, the knights, citizens, and burgelTes, in Parliament, having taken into our ferious confideration, the great mifchiefs which this your kingdom lies under, by rcafon that the coin which paifes in payments is generally clipped; and being humbly of opinion, that the moft eifedhial way to put a flop to this evil; is, to prevent the currency thereof, as foon as your Majedy, in your great wifdom, Ihall think fit; do moft humbly addrefs your Majefly to iifue out your royal proclamation, and thereby appoint fuch day or days, as to your Majefty (hall fcem meet ; after which, no clipped crowns, or half-crowns, be allowed ia payment, or to pafs ; except only to the colledlors and re- ceivers of your Majcfty's revenues and taxes, or upon loans, and payments into your exchequer: and likewife to appoint fuch other day or days, after wfiich they Ihall not pafs in any payment whaifoevcr. And ( 337 ) And we further humbly befeech your Majefty to appoint fuch other day or days, after which, no other money clipped within the ring be allowed in payment, or to pafs, except only to the collcdlors and receivers of your Majelty's revenues and taxes, or upon loans, or payments into your exchequer: and likewife, to appoint fuch other day or days, after which no fuch money (hall pafs in any payment whatfoever. His ATajcfbfs Anjwer to the joint Addrefs^ December 1 8, 1695. HAVE been 111 ferved in Scotland; but, I hope, fome re- medies may be found to prevent the inconveniencies which may arife from this aCt. 1 Addrefs by the Houfc of Commons to the King, yan. 17, i696» May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, T\7'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the knights, citizens, and burgefPes, in Parliament alfem- bied, humbly lay before your Majefly, that whereas there is a grant palling to William, Earl of Portland, and his heirs, of the manors of Denbigh, Bromfield, and Yale, and divers other lands, in the principality of Wales; together with fevera! eftates of inheritance enjoyed by many of your Majefty's fub- je6ts by virtue of ancient grants from the crown. That the faid manors, with the large and extenfive royalties, powers, and jiirifdi(5lion3, to the fame belonging, arc of great concern to your Majefly, and the crown of this reahn; and that the fame have been ufually annexed to the principality of Wales, and fettled on the princes of Wales for their fupport i and that a great number of your Majefly's fubjedls, in thofe parts, hold their eftates by royal tenure, under great and valu- able com [io fit ions, rents, royal payments, and fervices to the crown, and princes of Wales ; and have, by fuch tenure, great dependence on your Majefty, and the crown of England ; and have enjoyed great privileges and advantages, with their eftates, under fuch tenure: We therefore moft humbly befeech your Majefty to put a ftop to the palling this grant to the Earl of Portland of the faid manors and lands; and that the func may not be difpofcd from the crown but by confcnt of Parliament ; for that fuch a grant is in diminution of the honour and intereft of the crown, by placing in a fubjed fuch large and extenfive royalties, powers, and jurifdidions, which oi^ght only to be in the crown ; and Vol. I. Z will ( 33^ ) will fever that dependence, which fo great a number of your Majefly's fubjefls, in thofe parts, have on your Majefty and the crown, by reafon of their tenure ; and may be to their great opprcllion in thofe rights which they have purchafed, and hitherto enjoyed with their eftates; and alfo, an occafion of great vexation to many of your Majefty's fubjeiSls, who have long had the abfolute inheritance of feveral lands, com- prehended in the faid grant to the Earl of Portland, by ancient grants from the crown. His AfaJfJJys ^fifwer, January 23, 1696. Gentlemen, T HAVE kindnefs for my Lord Portland ; which he has de- ferved of me by long and faithful fervices ; but 1 Ihould not have given him thefe lands, if 1 had imagined the Houfe of Commons could have been concerned : 1 will therefore recall the grant, and find fomc other way of fliewing my fa- vour to him. His Majejly^s moji gracious Speech, February 24, 1 696. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM come hither this day upon an extraordinary occafion, ■^ which might have proved fatal, if it had not been difap- pointed by the fingular mercy and goodnefs of God; and may now, by a continuance of the fame Providence, and our own prudent endeavours, be fo improved, as to become a fufficient warning to us, to provide for our fecurityagainft the pernicious pradlices and attempts of our enemies, I have received feveral concurring informations of a defign to affaifinate me : and that our enemies, at the fame time, are very forward in their preparations for a fudden iiivafion of this kingdom : and have, therefore, thought it necelfary to lofe no time in acquainting my Parliament with thefe things; in which the fatety of the kingdom, and the public welfare, are io nearly concerned, that, I alfurc myfelf, nothing will be omit- ted on your part, which may be thought proper for our pre- fent or future fecurity. I have not been wanting to give the necelTary orders for the fleet ; and, I hope, we have fuch a flrength of fhips, and in fuch a readinefs, as will be fufficient to difappoint the inten* tions of our enemies. I have alfo difpatched orders for bringing home fuch a num- ber of our troops, as may fecure us from any attempt. Some ( 339 ) Some of the cpnfpirators againft my perfon are already in cuftody, and care is taken to apprehend fo many of the reft as are difcovered ; and fuch other orders are given, as the prefent exigency of affairs does abfolutely require at this time, for the public fafety. My Lords and Gentlemen, Having now acquainted yon %vith the danger which had threat- ened us, I cannot doubt of your readlnefs and teal to do every thing which you Ihall judge proper for our common fafety i and, I perfuade myfelf, we muft be all fehfible, how neceffary it is, in our prefent circumftances, that all poflible difpatch Ihould be given to the bufinefs before you. His Majejiys mojl gracious Speech, OHcber 20, 1696* My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE called you together as foon as pofTible ; and I think it a great happinefs that this year has pafled without any difadvantage abroad^ or diforder at home, confidering our great difappointment in the funds given at your laft meeting, and the difficulties which have arifen upon the re-coining o£ the money. This is fo convincing a proof of the good difpofition of my army, and of the fteady afFe6lions of my people, that I cannot but take notice of it with great fatisfaftion. Our enemies have not been without hopes, that fuch a conjundlure might have proved fatal to us : but as they have failed in thofe expedations; fo I am fully perfuaded, that your unanimous proceedings, in this felTion, will make them for ever defpair of an advantage from any difsgreement among ourfelves. It muft be confeflTed, that the bufinefs which you have before you will be very great ; becaufe of the neceliity cf fupplying former deficiencies, as well as making provifion for the next year's fervicc. And, upon this occafion, it is fit for me to acquaint you, that fome overtures have been made, in order to the entering upon a negotiation for a general peace: but I am fure we Ihall all agree in opinion, that the only w^ay of treating with, France is, with our fwords in our hands ; and that we can have no reafon to expe£l a fafe and honourable peace, but by Ihewing ourfelves prepared to make a vigorous and effedual war ; ( 340 ) tn order to whlcli, I do very earneflly recommend to you, pentlemen of tlie Houfe of Commons, that you would con- ■fidcr of railing the necclTary fupplics, as well for maintaining the honour of Parliaments, in making good the funds already granted, as for carrying on the war the next year; which I think ought not to be lefs than what was intended to be raifed for that purpofe the laft felTion : I inufl: alfo put you in mind of the civil lid, which cannot be fupported without your help : and the miferable condition of the French proteilahts doet oblige me to mention them to you again. My Lords and Gentlemen, •It may deferve your confideratinn, whether there do not flill remain fome iiiconveniencies relating to the coin, which ought to be remedied : and I hope you will find out the beft expe- dients for the recovery of credit; which is abfolutely necelfary, not only with rcfpecl to the war, but for carrying on ot trade. I am of opinion, that there is not one good Englifliinan Yvho is not entirely convinced, how much does depend upofi this fcllion : and therefore I cannot but hope for your una- jiiraity and difpafch in your rcfolutions ; which, at this time, arc more ncccfTary than ever for the fafety and honOufrXJf llagland. Addrefi hy the Houfe Commons, OHoher 21 j 1696. May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty, 'T'HIS is the eighth year in which your Majefty's moft duti- ful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament af- fembled, have alliited your Majefty with large fupplies fur carrying on a juft and neceffary war, in defence of our reli- gion, prefervation of our laws, and vindication oPthe rights and libf^rties of the people of England ; which we have hi- therto preferved, and, by the blelling of God on your Ma- jefty's conducl and good governirient, will rteadfaltly maintain, and entail on our poUerity : 'J'his has coft the nation much blood and treafure ; but the hopes of accornpliHiing fo great and glorious a work have made your fubjee States were treating fomething for their owt) particular intc.rt.Rs, feparate from thofe of England. 1 ealily obviated that, by iriying, that as I had reprefentcd to his Majeliy their former conference in quite which was the fiibilance of the conference on their part. Monfieur d Avaux's unfwer w?.s, he had no orders to admit me at the conferences v.'itli them on any other terms ; but, upon their repeated inftances, he would write again to the King his mafter tor a fr.rihereclairciirement ; though he believed nothing would be altered. I found them in great apprehenfions of fome fudden invafion from the French, by frefh advices from Flan- ders of extraordinary motions of their troops there ; and letters writ to the governors of all the towns, and not to be opened till fuch a day, and then immediately executed, all on the fame day; more forces coming into the country, and tranfports of prodigious quantities of cannon, m.ortars, bombs, ammunition from feveral partr , towards their frontiers : and for thefe rea- fons, they refolved to write this pofl to Monfieur Guildermalfen, to move his Majefty again for the fuccoiirs they expecxed from England ;« r.nd dehred me to do tlie fame ; as I perform, by letting you know it. His Majcjlys mcji gracious Speech, Jur.c 12 f 170 I. My Li)rds and Gentlemen, T RETURN you my hearty thanks for the 'care yon have "■- taken toeftablifli the fuccefiion to the crown in the proteftant line : and I m.uft not iofe this occafion of acquainting you, that I am likewife extremely fenfible of your repeated ahuranccs of fupporting me in fuch alliances as Ihall be mort proper ior the prefervation of the liberty of Europe, and for the fcciiriiy of England and Holland. Your ready compliance with my de- fire's, as to the fuccours for the State*; General, is alfo a great fatisfaaion to ine, as well as a great advantage to the common caufe : and as I have nothing fo much at heart as the preferva- tion of the liberty of Europe", and the honour and intercft of England ; fo I make no doubt of attaining ihofc great ends, by the bleflmg of God, and the continuance of your cheerful concurrence. My Lords and Gentlemen, The fcafon of the year makes it neceffary to have a fpeedy recefs ; and the pofture of affairs abroad does abfolutcly rcqmre my prefence, for the encouragement of our allies, and ior thti to the imperial crown of this realm, and the dominions and ■territories thereunto belonging, in the proteftant line, as the fame is fettled by an acl declaring the rights and liberties of the fubjecl, and fettling the fucceilion of the crown ; and fur- ther provided for by an a£l of the laft Parliament, intituled, '• An A£l for the further Limitation of the Crown ; and bet- ter fecuring thp Rights and Liberties of the Subjeft:" and for the better effeding the fame, Ave will, to the utmoft oi our power, enable your Majefty to make good all thofe alliances your Majefty has made, or fiiall make, purfuant to the ad- dreffes and advice of your moft dutiful and loyal Commons of the laft Parliament, for preferving the liberties of Europe, ^nd reducing the exorbitant pov/er of France. ITis Majejlfi MefJ'age to the Houfe of Commons^ Feb. 2S, 1702. William Rex. XJIS Majefty, being at prefent hindered, by an unhappy ac- "*^ cident, from coming In perfon to his Parliament, is pleafed to fignify to the Houfe of Commons, by meffage, what he defigned to have fpoken to both Houfcs from the throne. His Majefty, in the firft year of his reign, did acquaint the Parliament, that commillioners were authorized,^ in Scotland, to treat with fuch commiftionersas Ihould be appointed in Eng- land, of proper terms for uniting the two kingdoms ; and, at the fame time, exprefted his great defirc of fuch an union : his Majefty is fully fatisfied, that nothing can contribute more t.> •^ ' ' ihc . . ( 368 ) the prefent and future peace, fecurity, and happinefs, of Eng- land and Scotland, than a firm and entire union between theni ; and he cannot but hope, that, upon a due confideration of our prefent circumflances, there wili be found a general difpofirion to this union. His Majefty would eftcem it a peculiar felicity, if, during his reign, fome happy expedient for making both kingdomi) one might take place ; and is, therefore, extremely defirous, that a treaty for that purpofe might be fet on foot ; and (locs, in the motl earncfi: manner, recommend this affair to the confideration of the Houfe. Addrefs by the Houfc of Commons to her Afajejiy ^ueen ANNE, Alarch 9, 1702. Mod gracious Sovereign, "TXrE, your Majcfty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, th» Commons, in Parliament aflembied, having a deep and true fenfe of the great lofs the nation has fuftained by the death of our late fovereign Lord, King William the Third, of glori- ous memiory, who, under God, was our deliverer from popery and llavery, humbly crave leave to condole with your Majerty, and exprefs our forrow upon this fad occafion. - Your Majefty's acccliion to the throne, which we moft heartily congratulate, and your known zeal. for our religion, and the government, as by law eftablifhed, gives us a certain profpe6l of future happinefs ; moderates our grief; and en- gages us unanimoully to aifure your Majefty, that we will, to the utmoft, ailift and fupport your Majefty on that throne where God has pLced you, againft the pretended Prince of. Wales, and all your enemies : and, fince nothing can conduce more to the honour and fafety of your Majefty, and your king- doms, than maintaining inviolable fuch alliances as have been made, or that your Majefty ftiall think fit to make, with the . Emperor, the States General of the United Provinces, and other potentates, for preferving the liberties of Europe, and reducing the exorbitant power of France ; we do afture your Majefty, that we are firmly refolved, to the utmoft of our power, to enable your Majefty to profecute that glorious de- fign : and, that all your fubjccrs may reft in a full aifurance of happinefs under your Majefty's reign, we will maintain the fucceftion of the crown in the proteftant line, according to the limitation in the fcveral atfls of fettlement ; andeffeduaily pro- vide for, and make good the public credit of the nation. Her f 369 } Her Majejifs Anfiuety March lO, 1702. Gentlemen, I RETURN you my hearty thanks for the kind afTurances you give me in this addreJ* : they cannot be any way more agreeably confirmed to me, than by your giving difpatch to all your preparations for the public fcr vice, and the fupport of our allies. Her MiijeJIys niojl gracious Speech, March 1 1, 1702. My Lords and Gentleinen, T CANNOT too much lament my own unhappinefs, in fuc- -*■ ceeding to the crown fo immediately after the lofs of a King, who was the great fupport not only of thefe kingdoms, but of all Europe ; and I am extremely fenfible of the weight and dif- ficulty it brings upon me. But the true concern I have for our religion ; for the laws and liberties of England ; for the maintaining the fucccHion to the crown in the proteftant line; and the government in church and ftate, as by law eftablidied ; encourages me in this great undertaking ; which, I promife myfelf, will be fuccefsful, by the bleiling of God, and the continuance of that fidelity and afFe6tion, of which you have given me fo full affurance. The prefent conjundure of affairs requires the grcateft ap- plication and difpatch ; and I am very glad to find, in your feveral addrelfes, fo unanimous a concurrence in the fame opi- nion with me, that too much cannot be done for the encourage- ment of our allies to reduce the exorbitant power of France. I think it very neceifary, at this time, to defire you to confi- der of proper methods for attaining an union between England and Scotland, which has been fo lately recoinmended to you as a matter that very nearly concerns the peace and fccurity of both kingdoms. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I need not put you in mind, that the revenue for defraying the expenfes of the civil governtnent, is expired : I rely en- tirely upon your afredlions for the fupplying it in fuch manner as fhall be moil fuitable for the honour and dignity of the crown. My Lords and Gentlemen, It fhall be my conflant endeavour to make you the bed re- turn for that duty and affedion which you have exprefled to me, by a careful and diligent adminiflration for the good o{^j\\ my fubjeds : and, as I know my own heart to be entirely Englifh, I can very finccrely affure you, there is not any .ii'-r-g you can expedl or defire from me, which I fhall not be ready to do tor Vol. I. B b ^he ( 370 ) the happinefs and profperity of England ; and you fliall always find me a ftiidl and religious obferver of my word. Her Majejlys mofi gracious Speech j March 30, 1 702. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM very well pleafed to have given my aflfent to the aft for -*- taking the public accounts. Nothing is more reafonable than to give the kingdom the fatisfa£lion of having tliofe great funis accounted for, which were raifed to carry on the late war ; efpecially when it is ncceflary, for our own fafety, and the fupport of our allies, to continue great taxes. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my kind and hearty thanks for continuing to me for my life, the fame revenue you had granted to the King. I will take great care it fhall be managed to the beft advantage ; and while my fubje£ts remain under the burden of fuch great taxes, I will ftraighten myfelf in my own expenfes, rather than not contribute all I can to their eafe and relief, with a juft regard to the fupport of the honour and dignity of the ■crown. It is probable the revenue may fall very fhort of what it lias formerly produced : however, I will give directions, that one hundred thoufand pounds be applied to the public fervice in this year, out of the revenue you have fo unanimoufly given me. My Lords and Gentlemen, The prefent pofture of affairs abroad, as well as the feafon of the year, obliges me to put you in mind of giving all pofli- ble difpatch to the public bufmefs. W Addrefs to her Majcjly by the Houfe of Commons, March 31,1 702. Mofl: gracious Sovereign, E, your Majefty's mofl: loyal and dutiful fubjecfls, the Commons of England, in Parliament affembled, beg leave unanimoufly to return our mofl humble and hearty thanks for your Majefly's mofl gracious fpeech from the throne ; and particularly for your Majefty's unparalleled grace and goodnefs, in declaring, that your Majefty, out of your own revenue, will contribute fo largely to the eafe and relief of your fubjedls, at a time when your Majefty thinks it probable that the reve- nue may fall very fhort of what it has formerly produced ; and when ytUT Majefty's expenfes muft, of neceflity, be greater ) than orumary. Nothing: ( 371 ) Nothing can more encourage your people to contribute with alacrity to the public occafions, than to have before ihem fo great and glorious an example from your Majefty, of zeal and afFe^lion for the common good ; and that your Majefly is fo well pleafed to have given the kingdom the fatisfadion of ha- ving thofe great fums accounted for, which were raifed to carry on the late war. We cannot omit, upon this occafion, to repeat our firm re- folutions to maintain and defend your Majclty, and your go- vernment, againll the pretended Prince of Wales, and all other your Majeflys enemies whatfoever. May God prolong your Majefty's aufpicious reign over us, and blefs thefe kingdoms with royal ifl'ue of your Majefty to inherit the crown of your anceftors. Her Majcjiys Jnfwcr, JprilS, 1 702. Gentlemen, T is a great fatisfadion to me to find you are fo well pleafed with what I have faid. I fhall be glad, upon all occafions, to let you fee I defire nothing fo much as the eafe and happi- nefs of my people. I W j^ddrefs by the Houfe of Commons to the ^ueen, A'^ay 2, 1 702. Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyfuh fubjeds, the Commons of England, in Parliament alfembled, being highly fenfible of your Majefty's great and tender care for the fafety and welfare of your people, do, with one voice, return your Majeftv our moft humble thanks for your gracious conde- fcenfion in commimicating to us your royal intentions of de- claring war, in conjundion with your Majefty's allies, againft the French King, and his grandfon ; and we do heartily affure your Majefty, that we will, to the utmoft, enable your Ma- jefty to carry on the faid war. Her Majejiys Anfwery May 5, 1702. Gentlemen, _ AM extremely pleafed with the afturances of your refolution J to aftift and fupport me in this war : I make no doubt but your unanimity, upon this occafion, will have a very good ef- fe£l for the encouragement of our allies. , B b 2 J°^^f ( 37^ ) yoiHt Addrefs by both Houfcs to the ^^eefi, A/ay 1 8, 1702. ■TX7E, your Majefty's mod dntiful and loyal fubjecls, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament alfemblcd, beg leave to reprefent to your Majefty, as our opinion, that nothing will more contribute to the effe£lual carrying on the jurt and neced'ary war, wherein you are en- gaged ; to the interrupting the trade of your enemies ; to the depriving them of intelligence ; and reducing them to the greatefl: itr .its ; than an entire prohibition of all correfpon- dence with France and Spain, on the part of the allies: and we do theietore humbly advife your Majedy, that you will be pleafed, fo foon as may be, to engage the Emperor, the States General, and your other allies, to join with your Majefty in prohibiting, in the (Iriftelt manner, and under the fevereft pe- nalties, all intercourfe by letters, or otherwife, between the fubjeds of your Majefty and your allies, and the fubjeds of France and Spain. Her Majejlfs Anfvjcr^ May 22, 1 702. My Lords and Gentlemen, T SHALL propofe to the allies to join with me in prohibiting -■- all intercourle and correfpondence with P ranee and Spain, according to your defires : and I am too much concerned for the public welfare, to omit any necedary precautions for the proieillion of our trade. Her Majefty s moji gracious Speech f O^ober 23, 1 702. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is with great fatisfadlion I meet this Parliament, which I have fuinmoned to allift me in carrying on the juft and necef- fary war in which we are engaged. 1 have called you toge- ther as early as was confiftent with your convenience in coming out of your feveral countries; and I aifure myfelf of fuch evi- dences of your affedions to me, and of your zeal for our common caufe, as will not only give fpirit and forwardnefs ta our own preparations, but fuch example and encouragement to our allies, as by God's blefling, cannot fail of a good efFe£t for the advantage of the whole confederacy. I have met \\\.\.h fo many expreftions ot joy and fati?fa(5lion in all the countri;.s through which I have lately had occafion to pafs, that I cnnnot but look upon iheni as true mcafures of the duty and atrcctioii of \1\q reft oi my fubj;.ds. Gentlemen / ( 373 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I muft defire you to grant me fuch fupplies, as will enable tne to comply both with our particular treaties and engagements already made, and fuch others as may be neceffary for the en- couragement of our allies, and the profecuting the war, where it fliali moft fenfibly atfeft our enemies, and be moft efFedual for diiappointing the boundlefs ambition of France. And tiiat my fubjeds may the more cheerfully bear the ne- ceilkry taxes, I defire you to infpedl the accounts of all the public receipts and payments ; and if there have been any abufes or mifmanagements, I hope you wmU dete6l them, that the offenders may be ouniihed, and others be deterred, by fuch examples, from the like pra6iices, I muff obferve to vou, with fome concern, that the funds given by the lalf Parliament have, in fome meaiure, fallen Ihort of the fums propofcd to be raifed by theqi ; and though I have alrendy paid, and applied to the public fervice, the hun- dred thoufand poiKids wliich I promif^d to the latt Parliament, yet It has not fupplied tha tdehciency. My Lords and Gentlemen, I cannot, without much trouble, take notice to you of the difappoimment vve have had at Cadiz. I have not y&t had a particular account of that enterprizc, nonll the difficulties our forces niay have met there ; but 1 have had fuch a reprefenta'ion of diforders and abufes committed at Port Saint Mary s, a'-- has obliged me to give diredtions for the Itriclcft examination of that matter I am c-irneflly dcfirous, for all our fakes, that this may prove a fhort felhon ; however, 1 hope, you will find time to confider of fome better and more effectual method to prevent the exportation of wool, and to improve that manufadure, which is of great confequence to the whole kingdom : on my part, nothing fhall be omitted for its encduragemeut. I am firmly perfuaded that tlie love and goodaMldion of my fubjeds is the furefl pledge of their duty and obedience, and the trueff and jufteff fupport of the throne ; and as I am re- folved to defend and maintain the church, as by law eftab- lifhed, and to proted you in the full enjoyment of all your rights and liberties, fo 1 rely upon'your care ot me. My inte^ reifs and your's are infeparablc, and my endeavours iliall never ))c wanting to make you all fafc and happy. B b 3 jfddrefs ( 374 ) Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons, Ccl. 26, 1702. Moft gracious Sovereign, "VXTE, your Majefty's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament allembled, do beg leave to lay before your Majefty our moft inumble and hearty thanks for your moll: gracious fpeech from the throne, which gives us fuch inftances of your Majefty's tender concern for your people, and of your entire confidence \\\ their affections, as muft en- gage them to make your Majefly the utmoft returns of duty and gratitude. It is great cor.defcenfion in your Majefty to take notice, in fo public a manner, of the exprelTioni. of joy and fatisfadion with which your Majefty was received in all the countries through which you had occafion lately to pafs : all your fub- jcds have already received fo many benefits under the influ- ence of your Majclly's happy government, that your Majefty muft have met with \\\z like in any other part of your domini- ons that you had honoured with your royal prefence. The late difappointment at Cadiz does the more affeft us, becaufe it gives your Majefty fo much trouble ; but this mif- fortimc cannot make us forget, that the prote6tion and fecurity of our trade, the vigorods Aipport of your Majefty's allies, and the Wonderful progrefs of your Majefty's arms, under the con- dud of the Earl ot Marlborough, have fignally retrieved the ancient honour and glory of the Engliih nation. After your Majclly's repeated aftiirances we neither doubt of the iull enjoyment of all our rights and liberties, nor of your Majefty's defending and maintaining the church, as by law ef- tablilhed. Your Majefty has been always a moft illuftrious ornament to this church, and have been expofed to great ha- zards for it ; and therefore we promife ourfelves, that in your Majefty's reign we fliall fee it perfe6lly reftored to its due rights and privileges, and fecured in the fame to pofterity, which is only to be done by divefting thofe men of the power M ho have fhewn they want not the will to deftroy it. The profpecl of thefe blellings, and your Majefty's defire to have the accounts of the public receipts and payments in- fpecled, and to have any abufes and mifmanagements thereof punifticd, will very much endear your Majefty to your people, and encourage us moft cheerfully to aftift your Majefty with thofe fupplies that may cfFedually enable your Majefty to make good fuch alliances as fhall be neceftary to profecute the war, where it Ihall moft fenfiblv affcd your enemies, and thereby difappoint the boundlefs ambition of France. Your ( 375 ) Your Majefty may fafely rely upon the care of your faithful Commons. The value you are pleafed to fet upon the love and afFedtion of your fubjeds, is the higheft obligation that can be laid on them, to give your Majefty pledges thereof, in their duty and obedience : they are, and fliall always be, fenfible that your Majefty's intcrefts and theirs are infeparable ; and as they gratefully acknowledge your Majefty's great defigns to make them fafe and happy, fo their prayers and fincereft endeavours fhall never be wanting to make your Majefty's reign more profperous and more glorious than any ot your Majefty's royal predeceflbrs. Her Majejifs Anfv.'erj Odohcr 28, 1702. Gentlemen, T THANK you very kindly for the many marks of your duty ■'■ and afFedion exprefled in this addrefs-. Nothing can be a greater fatisfadion to me, than an entire confidence between me and my fubjedls. jMeffage from her Majejly to the Houfe of Commons^ November 21, 1702. Anne Rex. HER Majefty, confidering that there is but a very fmall pro- vifion made for the Prince her hufband, if he (hall furvive her Majeily, and that her Majefty is reftrained from increafmg the fame by the late ad of Parliament for fettling her revenue, thinks it neceffary to recommend the making a further provi- fion for the Prince to your confideration. St. James' St Nov. 20th, 1702. Her Majejifs Mejj'age to the Houfe of Commons^ Dec. 10, 1702. Anne Rex. THE Earl of Marlborough's fervices to her Majefty, and to the public, have been fo eminent, both in -his command in the army, and in his having eftablilhed an entire confidence and good corrcfpondence between her Majefty and the States General, that ftie has thought fit to grant the title of a Duke of this kingdom to him, and to the heirs male of his body, as alfo ? penfionof five thoufand pounds per ann. upon the revenue of ■ B b 4 tt^e ( 375 ) the poft-office, for the ffipport of this honour, during her Ma- jefly's naiur;:?! life. If it ha.: been in her Majcfty's power, (he would have granted the fame term in the penfion as in the honour i a;,d (he hopes you will think it fo reafonable in this cafe, as to find fome proper ir.ethod of doing it. Si > James' Sy December lO, 1702. j^dJrefs to her Majcjly by the Houfe of Commons , Dec. 18, I702. Mod gracioi.s Sovereign, TX/E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fn'ojeds, the Commons, in Tarliament ail'tnibled, humbly brg leave to declare our unanimous fatisia<5tion in the juft efteem your Majcfty has been pleafed to exprefs of the eminent fervices performed by the Duke of Marlborough, who has not only, by his condu£l of the army, retrieved the ancient honour and glory of tie Englifh nation, but by his negotiations, edabiilhed an entire conhdence and good correfpondence between your Majefty and the States General, and therein vindicated the gentlemen of England, who had, by the vile pr?.i5lices of dcfign- ing men, been traduced, and indullrioufly rcprefented as falfe to your IVlajefty's allies, becaufe they were true to the in- terefts of their country. It is their unexprellible grief, that your Majefty's moll: du- tiful Commons find any inftance wherein they are ui.ablc to comply with what your Majefty propofes to thena ; but they beg leave hiunbly to lay before Majefty the apprehcnfions they have of making a precedent for future alienations of the revenue of the crown, which has been fo much reduced by the exorbitant grants of the laft reign, and which has been fo lately fettled and fecured by your Majefty's unparalleled grace and good- nefs. We are infinitely pleafed to obferve, by your Majefty's late gracious acceptance of the Duke of Marlborough's fervices, that the only Avay to obtain your Majefty's favour is to defervc well from the public ; and we beg leave to aftiire your Ma- jefty, that whenever you fliall think fit to reward fuch merit, it ihall be to the entire iatisfadioi) of your people. Her ( 377 ) Her Majijiys Anfiver^ December 21 y 1702. T SH^.LL always think myfelf much concerned lo reward ■*• thofe who deferve well of me, and of the pubiic. On this occaiion I belto-Aed Ton;,- /a. ours on the Duke ot Marlborough, and 1 am glad to find you think Uiey have been well placed. Addrefs by the Houje of Commons, January y, 1703. Moft gracious Sovereign, T^E, your MajeUy's moft dutiful and loyal fubjcds, the C immorts, in Parliament asferabied, do b^ig leave to return ynur Majeily our humble thank.^ tor y'.ur Majefty's moft gracious condercei.fion in communicating to your Commons the the f( vral memorials, tranfai^ions, and letters, that have paiied between your Majeity and the Sta'es .leneral, for the augmeptation oi your Majefty's forces, / hich are to act in cor.jundion with the forces of the Sta.es Gent^ral ; by all which your Commons are entirely convinced of your Majefty's great tendernefs of your fubjects, in not laying a greater bi.rden upon them than the neceilriy of affairs does abfoiutely require. And your Ccm/nons do humbly aiiirre your MijeRy, that in cafe your Majefty fhall think it neceflary to ; nter into any fur her negotiation for increnhng the forces which arc to act in CO. -.junction with the forces of the States Cieneral (for whofe ii>terelt and prefervation we (hall aluays have the greated re- gard) your Commons will enable your Majefty to make good the fame. And your Commons do further crave leave humbly to be- feech your Majefty that you will be pleaitd to infifl upon it with the States General, that there be an immediate ftop ol all pofts, and of all letters, bills, and all other correfpondence, trade, and commerce with France and Spain, which your Commons are humbly of opinion is fo abfolutely neceffary for carrying on the juft and neceffary war wherein your Majefty is engaged, to the interrupting the trade of your enemies, and re- ducing them to the greateft ftraits, that your Commons do humbly defire that England may not be charged with the pay of fuch additional troops, but from the day when fuch ftop /hall be made by the States General. Her ( 378 ) Her Aiajcjlys, Addrejs^ 'January Q, I ^ 03. Gentlemen, TT is with great fatisfacflion that I receive this addrefs, which -*- enables me to join with the States General in augmenting our forces according to their defire. I make no doubt but the condition you mention will be ap- proved, fince it is abfoiutely neceirary for the good of the whole alliance ; and I Ihall this night fend diredUons to my mi- nifter in Holland, to concur with the States General in pro- viding the troops accordingly. Addrefs to her Majejiy by the Hon fe of Commons^ Feb, 1 1, 1703. Moft gracious Soveregn, TXrE, your MajeRy's mod dutiful and loyal fubje£)s, the Commons, in Parliament alfemblcd, (being deeply fen- fible, that notwiihftanding the immenfe fums which have been raifed for the fervice of the late war, the nation dill labours under a vafl debt of many millions of money,) do think it our indifpenfable duty to lay before your Majeily the unhappy caufes and inlfrumcnts which appear to us to have brought this heavy burthen upon y;)ur people ; not doubting but your Majefty will be gracioully pleafed, in your great wifdom and goodncfs, to give fuch effiritual orders, that neither any indiredt prailices fhall be fufFered, nor any perfons intruded with the adminiftralioM of public affairs, who have been the authors of all our mifcries. W'e therefore humbly crave leave to reprefent to your Ma-, jefly, that during the faid war, which was carried on in de- fence of the proteflant religion, and the liberties of Europe, againft the common enemy of both, and therefore cheerfully fupported by the people of England, yet even then, when the great necellities of the kingdom did require a more than ordi- nary frugality, there appears to have been a general mifmanagc- ment of the public revenue, which was principally owing to fome of the great officers of the treafury, who, being more intent on their own private profit than the due execution of their public truds, did neither difcharge the duty of their own places, nor take care that the fubordinate officers fliould dif- charge theirs. And we can attribute it to no other caufethan this remiffnefs in the treafury, that many receivers in the feveral counties of England and Wales made fo long and unneceflary delays in thciv ( 379 ) their refpeclive payments into the exchequer, of the taxes given by Parliament, and levied on your Majelly's good fub- je£ls, by which means they made unreafonable advantages to themfelves, whilfl the public was forced to pay great iniereft and large premiums, not only for the want of iheir own money, but, as we have great reafon to believe, many times for the loan of it ; and fevcral receivers, in fuch intermediate time, have failed,' with confiderable fums in their hands, to the great lofs and damage of the public' Your dutiful Commons do further humbly reprefent to your Majeify, that great fums of money have been borrowed, and divers tallies, with intereft, ftruck unnecelfarily upon the af- felfments, nnd other parliamentary aids, before the public oc- cafions have required them ; and this practice hath been pur- fued when votes of credit have been obtained, upon repre- fentations made to your Commons of very prefiing neceflities for the fame, whereby many officers of the revenue, and their friends, have had an opportunity to receive great fums for inte- reft, which did occur on fuch tallies before their money was paid in to the ufe of the public, for the advantage of which in- tereft we have alfo reafon to believe that many accountants, who have received from the exchequer great fums of money for the ufe of the public, did induftrioufly delay the payment thereof to the feamen and foldiers to whom it was due ; and this feems to be the great inducement that made fuch account- ants truft great fums of the public money in the hands of goldfmiths and other perfons, in order to make private advan- tages of it, and lend it back to the exchequer in other perfons names : all which tended to the great damage of your Ma- jefty's good fubjeils, and the manifeft wrong and difcourage- ment of the feamen and foldiers, and to the great diftionour of the Englifh nation. This evil prat^ice of ftriking tallies, with intereft, before the money was paid in, was alfo attended with another great in- conveniency to the public ; that whenever the nation had occa- fion for ready money to anfv/cr the prefent neceflities of the kingdom, many perfons who advanced their money upon loan, knowing they fliould have the fame advantages by delay ' as by prompt payment, would not bring their money into the exchequer for feveral months after the tallies were ft ruck, whereby the government was forced, in the mean time, to pay exceflive rates for ftores and provilions for the army and navy, in regard the merchants and tradcfmcn could have no ready money for their goods, but remote tallies upon a large difcount. o And ( sSo ) Antl by thcfc, and other undue means, a very great part of all the public aids were fquandcred away in extravagant in- terell, large premiums, and in exceflive rates for (lore and pro- vifionr, which has been one of the great caufcs that hath brought fo heavy a debt upon this nation. But here we cannot, in juftice, omit to acknowledge tiie prefent good management of the treafnry, whereby, for the honour ot your government, and the advantage of the whole nation, no imneceifary tallies, with intcreft, are permitted to be Oruck, ncn' more money at any time borrowed than the ne- cellities of the nation do require ; and care is taken for fupport- ing the credit of the courfe of the navy, victualling, and other public office.-, that all ftores ai»d provifions are in good mea- lure prov ided with as great advantage to the public, as if the fame were purchafed w^ith ready money ; which frugality and good management will be found to be one of the moft ef- fectual means to make your Majcfty's government eafy at home, and to carry on a vigorous war againft the common ene- my abroad. And we humbly crave leave further to reprefent to your Ma- jefty, that though your Commons (who are always ready to fupport the dignity of the crown) had amply provided all thofe fums which (according to the largelt eftimates laid before them) were thought necelfary for the occafions of tlie civil lift ; yet, over and above the faid fums, and out of the aids given ty Parliament, (which, by the law of England, are appro- priated, and ought to have been employed to the common profit of the whole realm,) many large fums of money, during the lime of fuch heavy taxes upon the people, have been diverted, imdcr the head of fecret fervices, and for falaries, bounties, and penfions to private perfons, which (if proper to be paid at all) ought to have been fupplied out of the civil lift ; nay, to lo great a degree did this profufcnefs extend, that feveral thou- fand pounds were paid out of the public aid, to purchafe great places tor the late Earl of Sunderland, and the prefent Earl of Albemarle : fo little could your Commons depend upon the integrity of the public officers, fo little regard was had by them to thofe heavy taxes the people lay under, that no- thing Icfs could fccure the public money from mifapplications than an exprefs claufe of appropriation, which, though not at all necclKiry tor the fccurity of the public money in general, but only to direCl the application of it in fome particular cafes ; yet, whenever vour Commons made no fuch particular appro- priation, they feldom failed -to mifapply the public money, which has been another great caufe of the hcavv debt that lies upon the nation. And ( 3Si } And your Commons humbly crave leave further to reprefent to your Majefty, that the ancient and eftabliflied method of accounting in your Majefly's exchequer hath been in manner following ; that is to fay, the auditor of the receipt is to make out and tranfmit the impreft roils half-yearly to your Majefly's remembrancer, in order to the charging and profecutiug of accountants ; which being communicated to the auditors of the impreft, they are to certify to the faid remembrancer, what accountants have not brought in, or profecutcd their accounts ; and tl)ereupon the remembrancer is obliged, every ilfuable term, to iflue out procefs againft them : k that the auditor of the receipt is the main wheel that fets all the reif a-going; and when that great ofFicer is deficient in his duty, it is not regular, nor indeed poflible, for the reft to proceed ; but all procefs againft accountants muft be at a ftand, and your Majeily, and all your loyal fubjecls, muft extremely fuffer by it. And as to the clerk of the pells, he is to examine the impreft rolls, but the auditor is obliged to tranfmit them to the remembrancer ; and when, through the negled or corruption of the faid offi- cers, this ancient method and courfe of the exchequer was not fo ftridly obferved as it ought to have been, it was exprefsly provided by an ail of Parliament, fo lately made as in the eighth and ninth years of the reign of his late Majefty King Wil- liam, of glorious memory, and intituled, " An Acl for the better Observation of the Courfe anciently ufed in the Receipt of the Exchequer," in thefe words folio u'ing ; that is to fay, *' That the auditor of tlie receipt ftiall tranfmit the ordinary impreft rolls half-yearly to the King's remembrancer, in order to the charging or profecuting of accountants, and ftiall half- yearly, to wit, at Eafter and Michaelmas, make out, and tranfmit to the faid commiftioners of the treafury, or the trea- furer for the time being, the declaration of the receipts, ilfues, and remains, at the exchequer, for every half-year fucceftively : all which matters and things, and all other matters and things belonging to the office and duty of the auditor of the receipt, fhall he faithfully and carefully done and performed by the au- ditor of the receipt for the time being, in fuch manner as hath been anciently accuftomed." And it is thereby further pro- vided, " That the faid auditor do, as frequently as he thinks fit, but at Jeaft once in every three inonths, carefully examine the tellers vouchers for the payments, which he allows in his weekly certificates." But fo it is, moft gracious Sovereign, that, notwithftanding the plain and cxprefs words of the faid ftatute, fo lately made, when Charles, Lord Halitax, the prefcnt au- ditor of the receipt, was hinifelf a member of that Parlia- ment, yet he hath taken fo little care to difcharge the duty of his ( 382 ) his office, for the interefl of your Majefty and the fecurity of the public, that he hath not duly perfornned any one of the par- ticulars above mentioned; and, for want ot examining the tellers legal vouchers, the faid auditor hath manifelUy deceived your Majefty, and the public, by inferting into the weekly cer- tificates of the receipts, ilfues, and remains in the exchequer, fuch fums of money as were never a6tually and bona fide paid to the proper parlies, nor the crown legally difcharged thereof: and as to the imprefs rolls, your Commons cannot without grief obferve to your Majelly, that, notwithftanding there may be fix imprefs rolls now tranfmitted to the remiembrancer, yet it is well known in the faid office, that none of the faid rolls, from the eight and twentieth of June, one thoufand feven hun- dred, excluhve, were fo tranfmitted, till very lately, after the two and twentieth of January laft, and after the faid commif- fioners of accounts had made their inquiries into that negled feven hundred fifty three pounds, nine fhillings, and fixpence ; which, by computation, is fifty-two tlioufand nine hundred and feven pounds, fix (hillings, and eight pence farthing, more than the pay of thofe troops could have amounted to, if they had been alv^^ays complete ; no dedu6lions made from them ^ and upon an Englifh eftablilliment, which all of them were not : and yet the faid Vanderefche hath paffed no account at all , and, though often fummoned, hath never appeared before the faid commifiioners of the public accounts, but ftands indebted to the faid troops in one hundred and twelve thoufand two hundred twenty-nine pounds, nine fhillings, and eight pence, which is now demanded, as an arrear due to them from your Majefty, and the public. The late treafurer of the navy, of feventeen millions and upwards received, hath brought in feveral accounts to the laft of December one thoufand fix hundred and ninety-eight : his account for the year one thoufand fix hundred and ninety-two, was declared the third day of July lafl ; fince which the ac- coimts of the three following years only have been declared. The faid treafurer, by Mr. Papillion, cafhier of the vidlual- ling-office, hnth paifed no account during all the late reign, far- ther than the one and thir-ieth of December one thoufand fix hundred and ninety-fix ; which was not declared till the nine- teenth of May one thoufand feven hundred and one ; and, on the foot of that account, he remained indebted five hundred thirty-four thoufand twenty-feven pounds, three (hillings, and three pence. , And many other accountants, who it would be too tedious to enumerate to your Majefiiy, are either far behind in their accounts, or have never brought in any accounts at all ; info- much that, although forty-five millions five himdred iixty-eight thoufand feven hundred twenty-five pounds, nineteen (hillings, and two pence farthing, (a fum never known to be raifed in very many reigns before,) hath been levied on your Majefty's good fubjedts, and ifiiied out of the exchequer to the feveral paymafiers and treafurers of the navy, army, and ordnance', for the fervice of the late war, between the fifth of November one thoufand fix hundred and eighty-eight, and the eighth of March laft palt, (befides the feveral millions of money raifed for other public ufcs,) yet the far greateft part thereof hath not been accounted for to this day ; to the great diflatisfaflion of your people, and the great dilhonour of the Englifii nation. By thefc neglects and delays, all accotmts have been render- ed fo intricate and coniufed, tiuit the feveral accountants have had ( 385 } had great opportunities of defrauding the public ; the difco- Vt'y of their frauds has been made very difficult; and a hin- derance thereby is given to the palling all Cucceeding accounts. Hence it is, that fo many public officers and accountants have raifed great eftates to themfelves, at the expenfe of the public, when it is evident, ■'they have had no lawful means to attain them ; and feveral perfons, whofe duty it was to hinder fuch exorbitances, meafuring their requeits rather by their owq avarice ti.an their merit, have obtained for themfelves grants, to luch a value, as in foregoing reigns have been elieemed large fupplies towards great and public fervices : which has been anothei- great caufe of the debt that lies upon the nation. And your Comn^.ons do further humbly reprefent to your Majelly, that, notvvithftanding fuch vaft fums ilfued out to the faid late paymafter and treafurer, whereby your Commons had amply provided for all thofe fervices, and for the effedtual car- rying on the war againft France, yet they find to their great forrovv, that not only the officers, but the feamen and foldiers, who on all occafions have behaved themfelves bravely in de- fence of their coiintry, have not been paid during the late war, and that great fums are llill owing to many of them ; whereas, if the public money had been duly applied to the ufes for which it was given by your Commons, inilead of thofe many hardfhips that were endured by your Majeiiy's moft faithful fubje£ls and their families, who ferved fo well in your fleets and armies, they would have fiad juftice done thern during the laPi war, and been encouraged more cheerfully to engage themfelves in this. But, inftead of juflice, we have too much reafon to believe, that thofe very perfons who, by long and unneceifary dcl?.ys, have compelled them to accept of remote tallies and paper fe- curities, have (amongft others) taken advantage of their necef- fities, and employing brokers to buy up thof; tallies and fccu- rities at a low rate, have afterwards paid themfelves with that ready money which they Ihould at firfl have diltr;buted to the feamen and foldiers. And fuch was the myfterious trade upon tallies and exche- quer bills, which was formerly carried on by common brokers, betwixt the exchange and the exchequer, and which did, as it were, prey upon the very vitals of the government, and fo great gain was made thereby at the expenfe of the public, that vaft fums of money were employed in it ; which did very much leflen the true trading ftock of this nation : whereby both the exportation of the woollen and other manufactures of this kingdom, and the importation of bullion, and other commo- dities of foreign countries, to be manufadtured in England, have been very much obftrufted, to the great prejudice of your Vol. I. ' C c Majefty's ( 386 ) Majefty's cufloms, the lofs of the balance of trade, and tJi6 general impoverifhment of the whole kingdom. And though the faid late paymaller and treafurer, by long and unneceifary delays in fettling their accounts, have in great meafure prevented any difcovery of their undue proceedings, and have endeavoured to protei£l thetnfelves from a juft and fair accoimt to the nation, by privy feals, and other unjuftifiablc ■warrants, fiirreptitioully obtained, for pafling their accounts without proper vouchers, contrary to the law and courfe of the exchequer ; yet your Commons, by the great fidelity and dili- gence of the faid commiffioners for taking, examining, and Itating the public accounts of the kingdom, have not only dif- covcred the feveral mifmanagements above-mentioned, but alfo, {cine of the unwarrantable proceedings ufed by the faid late paymaftcr of your Majdfty's forces ; by v/hom a confide- rable part of the money which came to his hands, and which Ought not to have been applied to any other purpofe than the payment of the army, hath been diverted to his own and to other private ufes ; for all which, upon a full and fair hearing in his own defence, he hath juftly incurred the cenfure of this 'Houfe, and been declared guilty of a high crime and mifde- meanour. And we find to our unfpcakable grief, whilft his late Ma- )6fty was engaged in the profccution of the glorious defign of preferving the proteftant religion, and the liberties of Europe, and was thereby neceflitated to commit the care of the public affairs in this kingdom to particular minifters, whereof a very few were more particularly rntruftcd with the chief adminiftra- lion, and who have been the great caufcs of all the unhappy differences arnonglf us, this general inifmanagement of the pub- lic affairs did adiually fpread itfelf over the whole kingdom, and feems to be owing (amongft other things) to a difpofition of offices and places, where men were rather chofcn for their iHclinations to ferve a party, than for their qualification to ferve the public. And thcHe men, being confcious to themfelves of the many frauds and offences committed againfl the public, have no other hopes to ffielter themfelves from jultice, but by taking away the reputation of thofe who dcfire to do right to their country, by dcteding their iniquities ; and being united in guilt and in- tcrcll, they endeavour to amufe and impofe upon thofe whofe poflerity, v.e have too much reafon to fear, will groan under the fad eftcds of the wickcdnefs of the one, and the too great credulity of the other. Thcfe, dread Sovereign, are divers of the caufes of thofe mifchiefs your kingdom fuffereth by the late mifmanagements, 2 and ( 387 ) and which your Ibyal Commons could not omit thus humbly W reprefcnt, in all dutiful manner, without being untaiuitul to your Majelly, and to the country by whom they are intruited. From hence your M'ljefly will be gracioufly pleafed to tak? notice, that the great debt which lies upon the nation, and all the arrears which are o\ving to your Majcity's forces, rlo not arife fo much from the deficiencies of tlic funds, as for want of care in the management, and fidelity in the application of them. But fmce it hath pleafed Almighty God to place your facred Majefty on the royal throne of your anccftors, we have fo entire a confidence in your Majefty's goodnefs, that we can no longer fear to fee the public revenue mifmanaged, or mifapplitd, the accounts negle6led, or the forces unpaid ; and > e cheerfully depend on your Majefty's wifdom, that all our grievances, by your grace and tavonr, will in due time be redrelled and re- moved, by punilhing thofe who have been the caufes of them, and by intruding none in the adminiitration of public affairs, who, for their own private advantage, have manifeftly contri- buted to the calamity of their coimtry. . This, moft gracious Sovereign, will be the only effevEtual means to prevent the like mifmanagement for the future, and thereby to make your Majefty's reign happy at home and prof- perous abroad. This will be the beft means to enable aiid encourage your du- tiful Commons to raife thofe fupplies which (hall be neceffary to fupport your Majefty againft all your enemies. And we humbly crave leave, upon this occafion, to repeat our alTurances to your Majefty, that we will- always ftand by and aifift your Majefty, to the utmoft of our power, in prcfer- ving the eftablillied government, both in church and ftate, maintaining the ancient glory of the Englilli nation, and in de- fending the liberties of Europe againft the boundlefs ambition of France. I Her Majejlys moji gracious Speech, Nbz'cmlcr g, 1 703. My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE called you together as foon as I thought you could conveniently come oiit of your countries, that no time inight be loft in making our preparations for carrying on the prcfcnt war ; in which I do not doubt of your cheerful concurrence, fmce you cannot but be fenfiblc that on the fueccfs of it depends Ciir own fafety and happinefs, and that of all Europe. I hope I have improved the confidence you repofed in me laft year to your f;;itisfa6lion, and the advantage of us, and our Cc2 a^'"'<^^» ( 388 ) allies, by the treaty with the King of Portugal, and the decla- ration of the Duke of Savoy : which, in great meafure, may be imputed to the cheerfulnefs with which you fupported me in this war, and the aflbrance with which you trufted me in the condu(^ of it ; and we cannot fufficiently acknowledge the goodnefs of Almighty God, uho is pleafed to afford us fo fair a profpe<5l as we now have, of bringing it to a glorious and fpeedy conclufion. I muft therefore defire you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, to grant me fuch fupplies as fliall be requifite to defray the neceffary charge of the war in the next year, with regard not only to all our former engagements, but particularly to our alliance lately made with ihe King of Portugal, for reco- vering t!ie monarchy of Spain from the houfe of Bourbon, and rertoring it to the houfe of Auftria ; which treaty, being in itfelf of the higheft importance imaginable, and requiring all pollible difpatch in the execution of it, has neceffarily occa- lioncd a great expenfe even in this prefent year, though not fo much as it will require, and for which I hope we fhall be am- ply recompenfed in the next. The fubfidies which will now be immediately required, for the alliftance of the Duke of Savoy, will likewife occafion a further necelfary charge, I muft take notice to you, that though no particular provi- fion was made in the laft feffion, either for the charge of our prefent expedition to Portugal, or for that of the augmentation troops defired by the States General ; yet the funds given by Parliament have held out fo well, and the produce of the prizes has proved fo confiderable, that you will find the pub- lic will not be in debt by reafon of either of thefe additional fervices. I may further obferve to you, that though the funds for the civil government are diminifhed by the war, I have, in con- jundlion with the States General, contributed out of my own revenue towards fome public fervices, and particularly the fup- port of the circle of Suabia, whofe firm adherence to the inie- reft of the allies, under the greateft prefllires, did very well deferve our feafonable afliftance ; and I fhall ftill be careful not to engage myfelf in any unneceffary expenfe of my own, that I may have the more to fpare towards the eafc of my fubjeds. My Lords and Gentlemen, I heartily with fome eafy and lefs chargeable method could be found, for the fpeedy aiid cffeilual manning of the fleet. 1 «iuft C 3S9 ) I miift alfo recommend lo you to make feme regulation for preventing the exceiTive price of coals. I have examined this matter, and taken particular care to appoint convovs for that fervice; but the price has nor been in the leaft abatei,!, notwith- ftanding a very confiderable quantity has been imported fince that time. This gives great grc.ind of fufpicion, there- may be a combination of fome perfons, to enrich themfclves by a gene- ral oppreffion of others, and particularly the poor : it v.ill de- ferve your conlideration, bow to remedy this great incon- venience. And, in all your affairs, I muft recommend to you as much difpatch as the nature of them will admit. This is necelfary to make our preparations early, on which, in great meafure, de- pends the good fuccefs of ail our enierprizes. I want words to exprefs to you my earneft defires of feeing all my fuhjecis in peitedt peace and union among themfelves : I have nothing fo much at heart as their general welfare and happinefs. Let me therefore deiire you all, that you would carefully avoid any heats or diviiions, that may difappoint me of that fatisfaction, and give encouragement to the common enemies of our church and ftate. Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons to the ^ecn, Nov. 1 1, 1703. Moft gracious Sovereign, TAT'E, your Majefly's moll dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the ' Commons, in Parliament afTembled, do hu-nbly return your Majeity our moll: hearty thanks for your Majelly's moll gracious fpeech from the throne. We are truly fenfible of your ATajefty's earncll endeavours to bring the war to a glorious and fpecdy conclufion, of which your Majefty has given us fo fair a profpctSl, by your great wifdom and condudl, in engaging the King of Portugal and Duke of Savoy in your alliance, for recovering the monarchy of Spain from the houfe of Bpurbon, and reftoring it to the houfe of Aultria, We do molt gratefully acknowledge your Majefly's (ingnlar care in the good management and application of the public money, whereby your Majefly's exchequer hath greater credit, in this fo expenfive a war, than was ever known in the inoll fiourifhing times of peace i and your moil unparalleled grace and goodnefs to your people, in contributing out of yonr own revenue towards th' public fervice, particularly your Majefly's mod fcafonable affiltance to the circle of Suabia. C c 3 The ( 390 ) The many bleilings we enjoy under your Majefty's mofl: au • (picious reign, and your tender regard to the general welfare aiid happiI;c^^^ of your fubjeds, juftly require our utmoft returns j^t. du^y and gratitijde^ and your Majefty may be afTured that your Litbful Commons will fupport your Majefty in your alli- fi:,ce?, and tfTt^ctually enable your Majelly to carry on the war with vigour ; to \\hi..h nothing can more contribute than a firm union among ourfcives. We therefore crave leave fnrther to ji'Ti-re your Majefly that we will, according to your Majefty 's dcure, carchilW avoid any heats or divifions that may give en- .coujitgement to the common enemies of the church and flate^ I Uer Alajcjlys Anfivcr,^ November l<,, I'JO'^. AM very well pleafed with your adurances of fupporting mc in \\\c prefent war, and your kind acknowledgments of my endeavours lo bring it to a happy concluiion. ' •■' Y'ou may allure yourfelves 1 Ihall always purfuc the true in- tereft-of the kingdom, .and omit nothing that may promote the Welfare of my people. Hey A'fcijc/iy's moji gracious Speech^ December I'j, 1703. Mv Lords and Gentlemen, f'"'^ INK it proper upon this occafion to acquaint you, that '•.ari inqueftionable informations of very ill pradlices - 'UiTicd on in Scotland by emiffaries from France, . havt proved extremely dangerous to the peace of , as you will fee by the particulars which fhall .- ,0::, as fi;on as tlie feveral txarninations relating 'CT c'an be fully perfected, and made public without : in' the' mean lime, T make no doubt, but by this bk difcoVtry, 1 ihall be able to give fuch diredlions for t.i ty as' will effe^lually prevent any ill confequcnces from . ^rniciuus dtligns. Tcnilpmen of iheHoufe of Commons, . very fenfible of. your great readinefs and afFe6lion for •)' c h-rvice, by preienting me fo early in the fefllons with lUrable part ot your fnpplijs. I depend entirely upon 'UMninngwirh the fame zeal to difpatch the remainder '1 ; tinii. fo we may be prepared to give the fpeedieft af- to our allies, and to defeat the malicious defisns of our f.'n''nriie?. ( 391 ) enemies, who cannot be more induflrious to contrive the ruin of this kingdom, and of the proteftant religion, than I (hall always be vigilant and careful, both for their prefent preferva- tion, and for their future fecurity. W Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons, December i8, 1703, Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje6ts, the Commons, in Parliament aifembled, do return your Ma- jefty our moft humble and hearty thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. We are truly fenfible of your Majefty's great goodnefs, an^i of the confidence you repofe in us, by communicating the dif- covery of the ill pra6lices and defigns that have betn carried on in Scotland by emiftaries from France ; whereby we have an opportunity to repeat our unanimous refolutions to ftand by and fupport yourMajefty, and the fucceflion in the proteftant line, as limited by law, againft all pretenders, and all your Majcily's enemies whatfoever. We want words toexprefs to yourMajefty the deteftation we have of any confpiracies and attempts to difturb the peace and profperity of your happy government, under which we muft think our fecurity fufticiently provided for, fince your Majedy has been pleafed to give fuch diredions as may prevent all ill confequences from them. It is great fatisfadlion to us, to find that the fupplies we have already given are fo acceptable to your Majefty : we ftiall go on with the fame readinefs and zeal to difpatch the remainder of them, that we may enable your Majefty to give the fpeedier afliftancc to your allies, and to defeat the malicious defigns of your enemies. Your faithful Commons can never have th? ieaft diftruft ot your Majefty's vigilance and care for the prefervation t^ the proteftant intereft in general, of the monarchy, and the church of England, as by law eftabliftied ; and we humbly beg leave to afture your Majefty, that we will never be difcourageJ, but will continue incelfant in our endeavours, by all proper metiiods, to tranfmit them fecurely fettled to poftcrity. C c 4 ii (39^) Her AfajeJJys Jnfwer, December 21, I703. • Gentlemen, I AM very well pleafed with your afllirances of clifpatching the fupplies, and with the other par's of this acldrefs, in which you exprefs fo much duty aiid reauinefii to fupport, and to truft me. You may depend npon my willingnefs to join my endeavours with you, in fecuring to posterity the protertant fucceflion in the monarchy, and the church of England, as it is eftabi;lhcd by law. Addrefs by the Houfc of Commons to the ^ccn, Dec. 21, 1703. Moft gracious Sovereign, "XXT^E, your Majfefty's moil dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Com>nons of England, in Parliament airemblcd, beg leave humbly to lay before your Majeily the great and juft con- cern we are under, to fee any violation of your royal preroga- tive. - Your faithful Commons believe the adminiftration of the government beil: fecurcd, when it is left to your Majeity, with whom the law has intrufted it ; and have fo firm a dependence upon your Majefty's afFe£lion to your people, and your great wifdom, that they can never apprehend fo little danger trom any confpiracy, as when the examination thereof is under your Majefty's diredion. We are therefore furprifed to find, that v/hcn feveral perfons fufpedted of treafonable pradlices againft your Majeily, were taken into cuftody by your meifengers, in order to be exa- mined, the Lords, in violation of the known laws of the land, have v/reft'-d them out of your Majefty's hands, and without your Majefty's leave or knowledge, in a moft extraordinary manner, taken the examination of them folely to themfelves ; whereby a duo inquiry into the evil praclices and defigns againft your Pvlajeftys perfon and government may, in great mea- furc, be cbftrudcd. Your loyal Commons do therefore moft earneftly defire your Majefty to fufter no diminution of that prerogative, which, during your M:;jtfty's reign, they are confident will always be cx-ertud for the good of your people. And we hun.bly beg leave to aiTure your Majefty, that as we are refolved, by timely and effedlual fupplies, to enable your Majefty to carry on the war which you have fo glorioufly begun; fo ( 393 ) fo we will, to the iitmnft of our power, fupport your Majetty in the exercife of your iuft prerogative at home, and the aifert- ing of it againft ail invafions vvhatfoevcr. I Her Majcjiys AnfiveVy January 3, 1704. Gentlemen, HAVE had the fatisfa<5^ion to find that the matter which may have occafioned tliis addrefs, is now at an end. I return you many thanks for the concern you exprefs for my prerogative, and for your repeated aifurances of m.aking the fupplies effedual, which will be greatly for the honour and advantage of the kingdom. I lliall be careful not to give way to any invafion of the pre- rogative of the crown, or of the rights and liberties of the people. Ho- Majcjiys moji gracious Speech, "January 21, 1704. My Lords and Ckntlemen, ni^HE misfortune of the King of Spain's being forced back upon our coafts by contrary winds, which I hope will lofe but very little time, does yet make it fo reafonable to haften our prcpararions for this year's fervice, that though I am very fenfibk of your zeal in forwarding all things relating to mine and the public fervice, yet I cannot but take this occafion to defire you witli all earneftnefs, that you would give the greateft difpatch to the bufmefs of this feffion (till depending, which is fo neceflary for the good of the common intereft. MeJJagefrom her Majcjly to the Houfe of Commons, Feb. 7, 1704. Anne R. T_JER Majedy having taken into her ferious confideratlon the •*^ mean awd infufficient maintenance belonging to the clergy in divers parts of this kingdom, to give them fome eafc, hath been pleafed to reinit the" arrears of the tenths to the poor clergy; and, for an augmentation of their maintenance, her Ma|e'fl:y is pleafed to declare, that fhc will make a grant of her whole revenue arifihg out of firft-fruits and tenths, fo far as it now is, or Ihall become, free from incumbrances, to be ap- plied ( 394 ) plied to this purpofe ; and if the Houfc of Commons can find any proper method, by which her Majefty's good intentions to the poor clergy may be made more effedual, it ■will be a great advantage to the public, and very acceptable to her Majefty. Si. James's, Feb, 7, i7oi. W Addrejs by the Houfe of Commons to the ^ueriy Feb. ()y 1704, Mofl: gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the Commons, in Parliament aflembled, beg leave to pre- fent our moft humble and hearty thanks to your Majefty for your moft gracious meflage ; in which you are pleafed to declare your royal bounty, in remitting the arrears of the tenths due from your poor clergy, and in charitably defigning, for the future, to apply your Majefty's whole revenue, arifing from the firrt-fruits and tenths, in augmentation of their main- tenance. We are juftly fenfible of your Majefty's pious concern for the church of England, and of the great advantage it will xt-r ceive from your Majefty's unparalleled goodnefs, in giving up fuch a part of your Majelty's revenue towards the better provi- fion for the poorer clergy, who were not fufticiently provided for at the happy reformation of religion under your royal an- ceftors. Your Majefty's faithful Commons will ufc their utmoft en- deavours to render your Majefty's charitable intentions moft cffeclual, and will, upon this and all other occafions, readily apply thcmfelves to fuch proper methods as may beft conduce to the fupport of the clergy, and to the honour, intcreft, and fu- ture fecurity of the church of England, as by law eftabliftied. I Her Majejifs An/wcr, February 12, 1704. Gentlemen, AM very glad to find my m.eftage has been fo acceptable to you : I hope you will effeftually improve it, to the advan- tage of the church, as by law eftabliftied, for which nobody can have more true and real concern than myfelf. Addrefs { 395 ) Addrcfs to her Majejiy hy the Hoiife of Commons , Feb, i8, 1 704, Moft gracious Sovereign, X70UR Majefty having with great good nefs, cTcclared from the throne to your Parliament, that divers ill pra61iccs and dedgns have been carried on in Scotland by emiiTarics from France, which might have proved extremely dangerous to the peace of thefe kingdoms; and that you would lay the particulars before your Parliament, as foon as the feveral examinations could be fully perfe£led, and made public without prejudice ; we, your Majefty's moff dutiful and loyal Commons, refting fecure and fatisfied in your Majelty's great wifdom and care, moft thankfully acknowledge the confidence you have been pleafed to repofe in us. But finding upon the Lords Journals, that their Lordfliips the very fame day made two orders ; the one to remove your Majcfly's prifoners out of your cuftody into their own ; and the other to commit their examination folely to a committee of fcven Lords, chofen and appointed by themfehes ; by which your Majefty feemed excluded from any power over the faid prifoners. Your loyal Commons, juftly fenfible of the dangerous con- fequences of fuch proceedings, thought thcmfelves obliged to declare their concern at this violation of your royal preroga- tive, and the known laws of the land, in an humble addrefs prefcnted to your Majefty. Your faithful Commons are well affured, that when this matter comes to be rightly ftatcd and underftood, a zeal fo well intended, and fo well grounded, will rather be imputed to them as meritorious, than liable to exception ; and therefore, fince their humble addrefs has been fo artfully mifrcprefented by the Lords, in their late reprefentation prefented to your Majefty, on Tuefday the i8th of January, and publifhcd and fpread with unufual induftry through all parts of the kingdom, they look upon themfelves under the indifpenfable neccftity of appearing before your Majefty in their own juftification. Their Lordfliips think fit to take offence at the manner and words of our addrefs, and accompany this exception with rc- fledions and infinuations, inore harfli and more odious than the moft opprobrious language : but as we made ufe of no terms, but what were fuitable to the occafion : fo it will appear by precedents, that the fame have been frequently and reciprocally iifed by both Houfes to each other ; nor could the Commons, in refpeft to your Majefty, aftert your royal prerogative in words of lefs force than thofe in v, hich they have vindicatec their own privilejres. ,.,. • "^ What, ( 396 ) Whatever expreflions our zeal for your Majefty and the pub- Tic might have infpired, v/e could never have offered to our Sovereign fo ungrateful a rcmembranct, as the dellrudlion of the iiTOnarciiy by a dcteftabic nTcaibly, compofed of Members of both Houfes, who, being alike partakers in the guilt, ought eqnally to fhare the reproac'i. With much more reafon might we obferve, both on behalf of your Majefly and the Commons, that their Lordlhips, not contented with preferring th-ir ovi'n examinations to your's ; not contented with excluding your Majefty and the Commons, to whom parliamentary inquiries moil properly belong; ap- propriate to their Houfe only, even in their applicaiion to their Sovereign, the name of a Parliament ; an inirance not to be p.iralleled, unlefs by that vtiy allembly that fubverted the monarchy. It is not the queftion at prefcnt, as flated by the Lords, whether their Lordfh'ps have a power o{ taking into cuftody, while under examination, perfons accufed of criminal matters, cognizable in Parliament ; but that their Lordlhips have a right to take the prifonen of the crown, and the examination of them, folely into their own hands, without your Majefty'scon- fent, and m fuch manner as muit necelfarily prove an exclufion of your Majefly and this Houfe, is the propofition your Com- mons deny, and for which their Lordlhips have produced no precedent. This unhappy occafion has been at the fame tim.e accompanied with the moll furprifing inllances of contradi6lion, and counter orders to your Majefly, both preceding and fubfequent to it, but efpecially on the 29th of January lall:, when your Majefty, with your accuflomed goodnefs, communicated to the Lords the papers relating to the Scotch confpiracy, with an exceptioii only of foine matters, not yet proper to be made public, with- out preventing a further difcovery of fecrets of greater impor- tance, w^ith which your A^ajefty alTured their Lordlhips, they fliould alfo be acquainted, as foon as it could be done without prejudice. However, their Lordlhips, upon what provocation, or for what reafon, no where appears, immediately addrefled to your Majefty, prclling you to lay before them the whole matter, and all papers relating thereunto ; by which your Ma-, jelly was put under a nccefllty, either to give their Lordlhips a refufal, or to comply with their unexpefled importunity, to the endangering the public fervice. Thefe proceedings, fo extraordinary in their nature, and in their manner, could not but fenfibly affedl your faithful Commons, whofe earneft defire it is to fee both your Houfes of Parliament, and the whole body of your people, entirely agreed to pay the deference due to your Majefty 's ( 397 ) Majefty's wifdom, to confide in your care, and to promote and maintain your honour and dignity. Their Lordfnips, not fatisfied with aflluning this unprece- dented power, have endeavoured, with a great deal of art, to perfuade your Majefty of the neceility of it, to prevent the defigns of ill princes and their t^vourites : but as it may feem unreafonable for their Lordfliips to begin to praflife upon a good prince fuch methods as are pretended only to be needful againft an ill one, fo it is our humble opinion, that the danger might be much greater, admitting this precedent. S!-,ould the Lords combine to defend one another from inquiries and profecutlons, all parliamentary impeachments might be eluded, fecret defigns carried on, the innocent afperfed without repa- ration, and the guilty acquitted vi'ithout trial : nor is that in- ftance, mentioned by the Lords, an unfeafonable caution ; fince that revolircion in a neighbouring kingdo:r., illuded to by their Lord(hips, was occaiioncd by the incroachments of a prevailing cabal of lords, who endeavouring to enflave the people, and to betray their king and their country to a foreign power, obliged the church and the Commons to unite in the public defence. Your faithful Commons have found themfelves fo happy under your Majefly's admiuiiiration, that they pleafe them- felves with more agreeable pr.fpeds ; and renouncing fuch examples of unfeafonable jealotilies and fears, moft thankfully receive the bleflings of your reign ; nor could they have made a more grateful return for your Majefty's generous prote£iion of their liberties, than by a fuitablc concern for your prero- gative. If their Lordfliips had confulted their own Journals, with the fame care that we always take to be rightly informed, they would hardly have affirmed, that a dired appeal to the throne, without any previous defire of conference, had beeti an un- precedented prvdice: their books are filled with variety of inftances to the contrary. But, without examining their books, it feeins very furprifing, that their Lordfliips could fo foon forget their adJrcfs prefented to your Majefty the laft ftflion, on behalf of the Lord Bifnop of Worcefter ; and their addrefs to the late King, on behalf of WilliBin, Earl of Port- land ; Edward, Earl of Orford ; John, Lord Somers; and Charles, Lord Hallifax, impeached by the Commons of high crimes and tnifdemeanois ; and when this Houfe formerly expoftu- lated with the Houfe of Lords, for proceeding in tie very fame method' of which they now complain, th^ir Lordfliips made a moft folemn declaration in thefe words : " That f 398 ) ** That they mufi: ever allert a liberty in their Houfe to apply to the throne, by themfelves, for the doing any tiling ■warranted by law," dec. Nor can the Lords, \vc prcfume, upon fecond reflcftion, deny the Commons the fame liberty, which their Lordlliips themfelves have fo itrongly alFerted, and fo frequently pradlifed. Your loyal Cominons Imcerely concur with their Lordfhips» in declaring, that we will never contribute, by any adl of our's, to the diminution of the rights of the crown ; and that we will not fiiifer it in'others, your Majefty, their Lord- fhips, and the whole world, niay judge, from the example we have now given. If their Lordihips do truly wifh the Houfe of Commons may, in all times to come, fpeak and a6t with that regard to the prerogative, which they allow us the honour to have now taken up, we fliall be very unfortunate to con- tinue under their difpleafure, at the fame tiine when they feem 10 hope, that thofe who fucceed us will take pattern by us. We, with their Lordihips alfo, on their part, may continue, in all limes to come, to fpeak with that regard to parliairien- tary impeachments, which they feem fo lately to have taken lip ; fuice v/e have reafon to apprehend, that ihe mifunder- ftandings, which have of late years arifen between the two Houlc-s, have been principally ov»'ing to the artifices of fome particular perfons among themfelves, whom the Commons thought it their duty, for the public fafety, to bring to juf- tice : how much more difficult will all fuch endeavours be rendered* ftiotild their Lordfhips be once admitted fole exa- miners of acciifations againfl each other, as they are already fole judges ? VVe are accufed, but moft imjuftly/ of exciting, and ear- neflly dcfiriug, your Majefty to exert your prerogative againft the Houfe of Lords. We appeal to the words of our addrefsy it it is pollible, naturally to impofe any fuch fenfe upon any expreilion that is there. We are forry their Lordihips Ihould dclccnd fo low, as to the rellraining and wreding of words; by wiiich they ratliei* difcover an unfortunate inclination to make us feem culpable, upon any terms, than tiiat they, in truth, believe us fo. We know, how vain and how fruitlefs an application it would be, to excite your Majelty to any i^bufe of your power, which, we are convinced, you will al- \vays exercifc for the general good; and fo far are your Com- mons from entertaining any fuch defire, that we heartily wifh to fee a good correfpondenee preferved between the two Houfes ; nor would forbear to purchafe it at any rate, except the giving up the rights of your Majefly, by whom we arc protcded, ( 399 ) ^ rote£led, and the liberties and properties of the people, hy whom we are entrufted. Thefe few inftances, fo plain and fo inconteftable, we pre- r-jmc, will be fufficient, without trefpafling much longer upon •/our Majefty's time, to difcredit whatever elfe has been al- ledged, to create in your Majeity, and thofe we reprefent, an ill opinion of us. We have been careful and induftrious to avoid, as far as was confident with our neceflary juftification, all occafion of reviving animofities ; and how great foever the provocation has been, your Majefty having declared, how un- eafy you are imder fuch mifiinderitandings, we fliall make no difficulty to lay afide our refentments, who fliall always ht ready to facrifice our lives and fortunes to your qniet and fer- vice : nor can we doubt, but we muft fland fully acquitted to the whole world, and cfpecially to your Majelly, iince the zeal that we have (hewn^ and the reproaches that we have borne, have been owing to no other caufe, but the defence of an excellent Queen, in whofe hands God Almighty has placed the executive authority oVer thefe nations ; which authority it has been the only endeavour of your faithful Commons to jpreferve as entire as our laws and conftitution allows May it pleafe your moft facrcd Majefty, It is with the deepefl: concern, and a grief not to be expref- fed, that your dutiful and loyal Commons have found ihem- felves engaged in difputes of this nature, by which they have been fo unfeafonably interrupted in finifhing the fuppUcs, and other matters of the higheft importance: how zealoully they have applied themfelves to the difcharge of their duty, appears from their having already prefented your Majefty with the greateft part of their aids, with a difpatch and unanimity be- yond example ; nor could the few bills, yet depending, have met the lead obftru6tion or delay, but from the indifpcnfable neceffity of vindicating your Majefty's royal prerogative, the privileges of our own Houfe, and the rights and liberties of the Commons of England, in feveral inftances invaded almoft at the fame time. We wifh there may have been more of mif- take than defign in thofe who have created thefe unhappy dif- ferences. However, we defire the remembrance may be henceforth blotted out ; and that there may remain no othei' imprellion in the hearts, both of Lords and Commons, than a lincere and paffionate concern for your Majefty's welfare and glory, nor any other contention eVer hereafter arife, but by whom the public good ftiall be heft advanced, the protcftant fuccelTion, and the church of England, beft fecurcd, and the ju[i rights and prerogatives of the crown belt fuppoitcd. ( 400 ) Her Mojrjiys 2^nfwerj February 11^ 1704. Gentlemen, T RE \ URN you many thanks for the great concern which yoii exprefs for me and my jufi: rights. Your difputch of the fupplies is a great advantage to the public fervice. And 1 am very well pleafed with the adurances you give me of your care to avoid any occafion of difFeiv:nce between the two Houfes, efpecialJy at this time, when there is fo ap- parent a necelfity of ftreiigthcning ourfelves againft the mali- cious defigns of our enemies. Her Majcjlys moji graciuis Speech, Oflohcr 24, I 704. My Lords and Gentlemen, n^HE great and remarkable fuccefs, with which God hath blelled our arms in this fummer, hath ftirred up our good fubjcfts, in all parts of the kingdom, to exprefs their unanimous joy and faiistadlion ; and I afTure myfelf, you are all come difpofed to do every tiling that is neceflary for tne ef- fe6tual profecution of the war; nothing being more obvious, than that a timely improvement of our prefent advantages will enable us to j^rocure a lafting foundation of fecurity for England, and a firm fupport for the liberty of Eiirope. This is my aim : I have no intereft, nor ever will have, but to promote the good and happinefs of all my fubjefts. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I mull; defire fuch fupplies of you, as may be requifite for carrying on the next year's fervice, both by fea and land, and for pun6lunlly pertorining our treaties with all our allies \ the rather, for that fome of tiiem have juft preteniions, depending ever fmce the laft war ; and I need not put you in mind of what importance it is to preferve the public credit, both abroad and at home. I believe, you will find fomc charges. neceflary next jrear, which were not mentioned in the laft felfions ; and fome ex- IraordiiKuy expenfes incurred fince, which were not then pro- vided for. I ailure you, that all the fupplies you give, with what I am able to fpare from my own expenfes, fhall be carefully applied to the beft advantage for the public fervice : and I carneftiy rccoiumend to you a fpecdy difpatch, as that which, 3 imdcr ( 401 ) under the good providence of God, we muft chiefly depend wpon, to difappoint the earlieft dcfign of our enemies. My Lords and Gentlemen, I cannot but tell you, how cirential it Is, for attaining thefe great ends abroad, oi vviiich we have fo hopefid a profpcct, that we fhoiild be entirely united at home. It is plain our enemies have no encouragement left, but what arifes from their hopes of our divifions : it is, therefore, your concern not to give the leaft countenance to thofe hopes. My inclinations are to be kind and indulgent to you all. I hope you will do notliing to endanger the lofs of this oppor- tunity vhijh God has put into our hands, of fecuring ourfelves and all Europe ; and that there will be no contention among you, but who Ihall moft promote the public welfare. Such a temper as this, in all your proceedings, cannot fail of fecuring your reputation both at home and abroad. This would make me a happy Q^ieen, whofe utmoft endea- vours ihall never be wanting to make you a happy and flourilh- ing people. Addrcfs by the Houfe of Commons to the ^ucen, On. 25, 1704. Moft gracious Sovereign, TTT'E, your MajeRy's mod dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the knights, citizens, and burgeifes, in Parliament alfembled, do beg leave to return your Majefty our molt humble and hearty thanks for your Majefly's moft gracious fpecch from the throne ; and to congratulate your Majefty upon the great and glorious fucceffes with which it has pleafed God to blefs your Majefty in the entire defeat of the united force of France and Bavaria by the arms of your Majefty, and your allies, under the command, and by the courage and condud of the Duke of Marlborough ; and in the vi^!\ory obtained by your Majefty 's fleet under the command, and by the courage and condufl of Sir George Rooke. Your Majefty can never be difappointed in your expe£la- tion from us, your faithful Commons, who all come di=x3BKsi^Ersa H Her Majejlys mojl gracloui Speech, November 27, 1705. My Lords and Gentlemen, ; AVING newly received letters from the King of Spain, and the Earl of Peterborough, which contain a very par- ticular account of our great and happy fuccelTes in Catalonia, and Ihewing, at the fame time, the reafonablenefs of their be- ing immediately fupportcd, I look upx)n this to be a matter of fo much confequence in itfelf, and fo agreeable to you, that I have ordered a copy of the King of Spain's letter to myfelf, a letter from the junta of the military arm of Catalonia, aad an- other letter from the city of Vich, and alfo an extr." f c: he Earl of Peterborough's letter to me, to be commu; i^ned to both Hovifes of Parliament. I recommend the confiJeraiion of them to you, Gentlemen of the ^Houfe of Commons, very particularly, as the fpeediefl way to reftore the monarchy of Spain to the Houfe of Aullria; and therefore I atfure myfelf, you will enable me to profecute the advantages we have gamed in the moft effedtual manner, and to improve the opportunity, which God Almighty is plcafed to afford us, of putting a prof- perous end to the prcfent war. My Lords and Gentlemen, I muft not lofe this occafion of defiring you to give as much difpatch to the matters before you, as the nature of them wdl allow; that fo our preparations for next year may be early; which cannot fail of being of great advantage to us. Mdrefe to her jlTaje/iy by both Houfes of Parliament^ JSoiember 27, 1705. TXTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjcas, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament alfembled, being juftly alarmed by the many artifices^ D d 4 "^^■^^^^''^ ( 4o8 ) which the emiffaries of France have put in practice this laft year, in order to raife jealoulies, and create mifunderltandings, amongf^ the allies engaged in this neceil'ary war, for the fupport of the liberties of Europe; and being apprchenlive, left fuch malicious inlinuations, if they iliould pafs unobferved, might iri time fo I'ar take place, as to abate the fpirit and ilackcn the zeal of the confederacy ; do moft humbly befeech your Majefty, to life all polliblc endeavours to prcferye a good corrtfpondence amongfl all the confederates, and, in a molt particular manner, to maintain and cultivate a {tri6l friendfiiip with the States Ge- neral of the United Provinces: and we moft humbly intreat your Majefty, that, as, in your own way of adling, you have fet before your allies a great and noble example; fo you would be gracioufly pleafed, by all other proper means, to excite the whole confederacy to make early and effe6lual preparations^ and to exert their utmoft vigour in the profecution of the war againft France. Her Majejlys Anfwcfy November 30, 1705. My Lords and Gentlemen, "V/OUR joining in this addrcfs is a very particular fatisfadlion "*• to me. The opinion of both Houfesof Parliament will always be of the greateft weight with me. I ihall readily comply with ycurdefire ; and I makenoquef- tion, but it will meet with a jult regard from all our allies. Her Majejiys moji gracious Speech, December 21 , ^T^S' My Lords and Gentlemen, 'T'^PIE unanimity of your proceedings in this Parliament has -*■ already had fo good an effe6l all over Europe, that 1 can- not but take notice of it to you with great fatisfacSlion. The good difpofition you have ftiewn, in doing your part fo fully towards an union with Scotland, isalfo very acceptable to ine; and I hope it will prove for the advantage and quiet of both kingdoms. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons^, I muft not otnit to take this occafion of returning you my hearty thanks for the great difpatch of this feafonable fupply, "vvhich you have given me. 1 look upon it as a fure pledge, that the fame zeal and affedion for my fervice^^ and the good of ... . .. . , . ^^^ ( 409 ) the kingdom, wll'. carry you through all the necefTary parts of the public bufinefs in this fellion. My Lords and Gentlemen, In cafe you now think of fome recefs, as is ufiial at this fea- fon, I make no donbt, you will aftervvards return with the fame good difpofit ion to give all pofuble difpatch to the public aifairs itill depending, and bring this felfion of Parliament to a happy conclufion. Addrefs to her Majejiy by the Houfe of Commons y Feb. 16, 1 706. May it pleafe your mod excellent Majefty, T\/E, your Majefty's moft loyal dutiful and fubjedls, the Commons of England, in Parliament aifembk-'l, humbly take leave to reprefent to your Majefty, that the confervation and encouragement of the fifhery and trade of Newfoundland IS of the greateft importance and advantage to this kingdom, Ihat the encroachments of the French, the accidents of the war, and ilie uncertainty of convoys, have very nuich impaired this fifhery; for the reltoring whereof to its ,ormer condition nothing can more contribute, as we humbly conceive, than a certain and feafonable departure of the convoys to and from Newfoundland, v.irh protections for the feamen and filhcrmen employed in that trade ; which is thebeft nurfery of feamen for this kingdom, and is fo likewife to the French, whofe naval force is much increafed thereby. We do therefore molt humbly recommend to your Majefty this fo beneficial trade; and pray, that, for the better carrying on and fecurity thereof, your Majelty w^ould be gracioufly pleafed to give the neceftary orders, that timely convoys of good ftrength, be appointed yearly for this trade, as well for the merchant fliips going to Portugal for fait, as for the fifhing ^ips failing from the South and North Channel, as likewife for the fack fhips; which convoys, when arrived at Newfound- land, may cruize upon that coalt, and proted the fcveral har- bours from the enemy, and return, as early as may be, with the fiftiing (hips from thence; and that your Majefty would give fuch further dire6fions for the prefervation of this fiihcry, as to your Majefty in your great wifdom, and provident care iof your good fubjeds trading to Newfoundland, ftiall fcem meet. H»r I ( 410 ) Her Majtjiys mojl gracious Speech^ February 16, 1706. My Lords and Gentlemen, CANNOT but take this occafion to return you my hearty thanks for the great care and concern you have fliewn, to promote every thing in tliis feffion, that may tend to the pubUc good. Gentlemen of the Hcufc of Commons, I muft thank you, in particular, for your having fo fully complied with your alTurances to me at the opening of this Par- liament, that you vi^ould give ali poflible difpatch to the public fupplies. There is fcarce any inftance to, be given, where fo great, and, 1 hope, effectual fupplies have been perfetled in fo ihort a time. I look upon this to proceed not only from your great zeal for the public fervice, but from a jull impitlhon upon your own minds, that there is a necelhty ot making extraordinary efforts to fupport and encourage our allies, and to be early in endea- vouring to difappoint the dcfigns of our enemies. My Lords and Gentlemen, It will he convenient to make a recefs in fome fhort time; I hope, therefore, you will continue to give all necelfary difpatch to what may yet remain unfinilhed of the public bufinefs before you. jfo'int Addrcfs by both Houfcs to her Adajejly^ Afarch II, 1706. T^E, your Majefty's mcft dutiful and obedient fubjeds, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament alTembled, beg leave to acquaint your Majcfty, that, having taken into our ferions confideration a printed pamphlet, intitled, A Letter from Sir Rowland Gwynne to the Right Honourable the Earl of Stamford, we came to the following refolution: " That the faid pamphlet is a fcandalous, falfe, and malicious libel, tending to create a mifunderftanding be- tween your Majefty and the Princefs Sophia, and highly re- flecting upon your IVIajefty, upon the Princefs Sophia, and upon the proceedings of both Houfes of Parliament." May it plenfe your Majefty, This feditious libel having been of late with great induftry difperfed among your fubjeds, we hiimbly befeech your Ma- jefty to give ftricl orders for the difcovery of the author, printer, and ( 411 ) aiiil publlfliers thereof, to the end they may be ^orought to con- dign punilhment, according to the utmoll rigour of the law; and we pray your Majefty to ufe all means, which (hall feera |5 roper to your royal wifdom, for preventing fuch mfolent and dangerous attempts for the future. N Her Majcjlys Anfwery Anarch 13, 1706. My Lords and Gentlemen, OTHING can be more acceptable to me, than fo feafon. able an inftance of your concern to preferve a good under- ftanding between ii-ie and the Princefs Sophia, and of your care 'o defeat the artifices of defjgning and malicious men. I am fully fenfible of the very ill defigns of the paper, which you have fo juftly cenfurtd; and I will not fail t", give the ne- celfary diredions for complying, in the moft effedual manner, Tvithall you defire in your addrefs. Her Majejiys moji gracious Zpccchy December 3, 1 706. My Lords and Gentlemen, I HOPE we are all met together at this time with hearts truly . thankful to Almighty God for the glorious fucceffes with which he has bleiTed our arms, and thofe of our allies, through the whole courfe of this year; and with ferious and fteady relo- lutions to profecute the advantages we have gamed, till we reap the defired fruit of them, in an honourable and durable peace. The goodnefs of God has "brought this happy profped fo much nearer to us, that, if w^e be not wanting to ourfelves, we may, upon good grounds, hope to fee fuch a balance of power eftablifhed in Europe, that it Ihall no longer be at the pleafure of one prince to diiturb the repofe, and endanger the liberties, of this part of the world. A juil: confideration of the prefent poflure of aifairs, of the circumftances of our enemies, and the good difpoiiiion of our allies, mull needs excite an uncommon zeal, and animate us to exert our utmoif endeavours, at this critical conjundure. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, As I am fully perfuaded you are all of this mind, fo I miill eamertly deiire you to grant me fupplies fufficient lor carrying on the war next year in fo effeaual a manner, that we may be able to improve every where the advantages of this fuccelstul . campaign; ( 412 ) ampaign; and, I aiTure you, I (hall make it my bufinefs !• ee all you give applied to thofe ends with the greateft care and tianagement. My Lords and Gentlemen, In purfuance of the powers vefted in me by adl of Parlia- ment, both in England and Scotland, I have appointed com- miffioners to treat cl an union betv/een the two kingdoms; and though this be a work ot fuch a nature, as coukl not but be attended with gr at ditliculties, yet fuch has been the applica- tion of the commiflioners, that tliey have concluded a treaty, which is at this time before the Parliament of Scotland ; and I hope, the mutual advantages of an entire union of the two kingdoms will be found fo apparent, that it will not be long before I iliall have an opponunity of acquainting you with the fuccefs whicli it has met with there. Your meeting at this time being later than ufual, I cannot conclude without earnettly recommending to you togive as much difpatch to the public affairs as the nature of them will admit ; it being of the greateft conf.qucnce, that both our friends, and our enemies, fliouk! be tully convinced of your firmnefs, and the vigour of your proceedings. j^ddrefs hy the Houfe Commons to her Alajcjly, December 4, 1706. Mofi: gracious Sovereign, T^/'E, your Majefty's molt dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, in Parliament affembled, return your Ma- jefty our humble thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. And, with all thankfulnefs to Almighty God, we congra- tulate your Majeffy upon the fignal victory obtained by your arms, and thofe of your allies, under the command of the Duke of Marlborough, at Ramillies; avi£lory, fo glorious and great in its confequences, and attended with fuch continued fuccelfes, through the whole courfe of this year, that no age can equal. And as your Majesty's allies have ihewed their firmnefs, and good difpofition, to carry on the war with vigour, fo the Com- mons of England are determined, that no fpecious pretences of peace fhall divert them from their fteady refolutions of enabling your Majcfty to improve, in all places, the advantages of this fuccefsful campaign. The experience your Commons have had, of the prudent ad- minillration, and the great car<= and management in the appli- cation of the public aids, encourage us to aflure your Majefty, thai ( 413 ) that we will cheerfully give fuch fpeedy and effectual fupplies, as, by the continuance ot" God's blefling upon your Majclly's arms, may ertablifh the balance of power in Europe, by a fafe, honourable, and lading peace. We beg leave likewife to return your Majefty our hearty thanks, tor your promoting the union betwixt England and Scotland^ whereby your Majefty (hews your great concern and tcndernefs, not only for the prefent, but the future happinefs of both kingdoms. Her Majejiy's Anfwer, December 6, 1 706. Gentlemen, T THANK you heartily for this addrefs, and the alTurances of giving irte efFed:ual fupplies to carry on the war, and to obtain a fafe and honourable peace. I am glad to find you are fo well fatisfied with the appli- cation of the public money. As to the matter of the union with Scotland; fo in all other things, I fhall (fill be dcfirous to promote the prefent and future happinefs of my people. Her Majejlys moji gracious Speech, December 21, 1 7 06, My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM glad of this occafion to repeat to you my great fatisfac- tion in your fc veral addrclFes, prefented to me in the be- ginning of this feilion. The zeal and aifedion, which you exprefTed in them for my fervice, and the commori caufe of Emope, cannot fail of being a great encouragement to all our allies. The particular notice, which yon have taken of the eminent fervices of the Duke of Marlborough, is alfo very agreeable to me; and I make no queifion, but it will be fo to the whole kingdom. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Cominons, I am to thank you, in a very particular manner, for the more than ufual difpatch of the bills of fupply, with which you have now prefented me. This will enable me to put all our necelTary preparations for next year into a great forwardnefs, and mud needs have a very good ciFcd, for improvingthe advantages of the laft campaign. , My f 4H ) My Lords and Gentlemen, I fuppofc, you will think it convenient to make fome (hori recefs during the holid-^ys. The zeal and unaniiiiity you have already fhewn, are a fuf- ficlent aiUirancc to me, that )ou will all return in the fame good temper aiid difpofition, to difpatch what remains of the public bufinefs. W Addrefs to her Majcjly by the Houfe of Common Sf jfan. 7, 1707* Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fiibjefts, the Commons of England, in Parliament aflembled, taking into our confideration the many eminent fervicesof John, Duke of Marlborough, whereby the glory of your Majelty's govern- ment, the honour and fafety of your kingdoms, and the intereft of the common caufe, have been fo highly advanced, do, with all fubmidion, addrefs ourfelvcs to your Majefty's moft facred perfon, humbly to defire, that, as your Majefty is, at your ex- penfe, gracioully pleaftd to ere£l the houfe of Blenheim, as a monument of his glorious aclions, and the Houfe of Peers, by your Majefty's permiftion, have given rife to a law for conti- nuing his honours to his poderity, we, your Majefty's obedient Common*;, may be permitted to exprefs our fenfe of fo diftin- guiftiing a merit, and our ready difpolition to enable your Ma- jefty to make fome provifion for the more honourable fupport of his dignity in his pofterity, in fuch manner as fliall be moft agreeable to your Majefty. Thus the gratitude of the whole kingdom will remain upon record to after-ages, and encourage others to follow his great Example. Htr Majejlys Anfv:n-^ J'anuary g^ I "JO". Gentlemen, T AM very glad you have fo juft a fenfe of the repeated fervices of the Duke of Marlborough. I will, confider of your ad- )drefs, and return an aufvver very fpecdily. Mcffa-e ( 4X5 ) Af efface from her Majcjlyy January 9, 1707. Anne R. TTER Majefty, in confideratlon of the great and eminent fer- vices perforn:ied by the Lord Marlborough, in the firft year of her reign, as well by his prudent negotiations, as her pleni- potentiary at the Hague, as by his valour and good conduft in the command of the confederate armies abroad, thought fit to grant to him, and the heirs male of his body, the title of a ]3ukeof this realm; and, as a farther mark of her favour, and fatisfa6iion with his fervices, and for the better fnpport of his dignity, her Majelfy granted to the faid Duke, and the heirs male of his body, duriag hei life, a penfion of 5000/. per an- num, out of the revt.r)"C of ihe Pofl-Office: and an a£l: having pafTed this feflions, frr feali.g the honours and dignities of the Duke of Marlborough upon his pofterity, and annexing the honour and manor of Woodftock, and houfe of Blenheim, to go along with the faid honours, it would be very agreeable to her Majefty, if the penfion of 5000/. per annum be continued, and limited, by a£t of Parliament, to his poiterity, for the more honourable fupport of their dignities, in like manner, as his honours, and the honour and manor of Woodftock, and houfe of Blenheim, are already limited, and fettled. KenJingtoHy January the 9th, 1707. Her Majejlfs moji gracioui Speech, January %%y i']^!' My Lords and Gentlemen, TJAVING acquainted you, at the opening of this feflion, •*■'*■ that the treaty for an union between England and Scotland, which had been concluded here by the commiffioners appointed for that purpofe, in purfuance of the powers given by the Par- liaments of both kingdoms, was then under the confideration of the Parliament of Scotland, I can now, with great fatis- faflion, inform you, that the faid treaty has been ratified by aa of Parliament in Scotland, with fome alterations and additions. I have direded the treaty, agreed to by the commifljoners of both kingdoms, and alfo the aS: of ratification from Scotland, to be laid before you ; and, I hope it will meet with your con- currence and approbation- (jen- ( 4i6 ) Gentlemen of the Houfc of Commons, It being agreed by this treaty, that Scotland is to have o.H equivalent for what ihat kingdom is obliged to contribute- to- wards paying the debts of England, I muii recoaimend to you, that in cafe you agree ro the treaty, you will take care to pro- vide for the payment ot the equivalent to Scotland accord- ingly. My Lords and Gentlemen, You have now an opportunity before you, of putting the laft hand to a happy union of the tv:o kingdoms, which, I hope, ■will be a laiting bleiling to the whole ifiand, a great addiiion to its wealth and power, and a firm fecurity to the protellant religion. The advantages, which will accrue to us all from an union, are fo apparent, that I will add no more, but that I fliall look upon it as a particular happinefs, if this great work, which has been fo often attempted without fuccefs, can be brought to perfecSlion in my reign. I Her Majejlys mojl gracious fpeechy March by 1707. My Lords and Gentlemen, T is with the greatefl: fatisfadion, that I have given my af- fent to a bill for uniting England and Scotland into one kingdom. I confider this union as a matter of the greatefl importance to the wealth, flrength, and fafety of the whole ifland, and at the fame time, as a work of fo much difficulty and nicety in its own nature, that, till now, all attempts, which have been made towards it in the courfe of above a hundred years, have proved ineffedual ; and therefore, I make no doubt, but it will be remembejed and fpoke of hereafter to the honour of thofe who have been inltrumental in bringing it to fuch a happy conclufion. I delire and expe6^, from all my fubje£ls of both nations, that from henceforth they a6l with all poffible refpedl and kindnefs to one another; that fo it may appear to all the world, they have hearts difpofed to become one people. This will be a gri.at pleafure to me, and will make us all quickly fenfible of the good ^^^Qi of this union. And I cannot b»it look upon it as a peculiar happinefs, that ?n my reign fo full a provifion is made for the peace and quiet of my people, and for the fecurity of uur religion, by fo firm an f 417 ) an cdablifiiment of the proteflant fuccelTion throughout Great Britain. Gentlemen of the Hoiife of Commons, I tak6 this occafion to remind you of making efFedual provi- fion for the payment of the equivalent to Scotland, witl.in the time appointed by this A61 ; and I am perfuaded, you will Ihew as much readinefs in this particular, as you have done in all the other parts of this great work. My Lords and Gentlmen, The feafon of the year being now pretty far advanced, I hope you will continue the fame zeal, which has appeared throughout this feflion, in difpatching what yet remains unfi- niflied of the public buiinefs before you. 'Joint Addrefs to the ^ueen^ March 8, 1707. "X/y E, your Majefty's moft dutiful fubjeds, the Lords fpirl- tual and temporal, and Commons, in Parliament all'em- bled, return our moft humble thanks to your Majefty, for your gracious approbation of the Ihare we had in bringing the treaty of an union between your two kingdoms of England and Scot- land to a happy conclufion ; a work, that, after fo many truit- lefs endeavours, feems dcfigned by Providence to add new luftre to the glories of your Majefty's reign. The fiiccefs o'i your arms having fecured us from all attempts from abroad, and the care your Majefty has taken of the tirm ellablifhment of the proteftant fucceftion, having given a great and Lifting fecunty to our religion, as in the church of England by law eftablilhed ; we beg leave humbly to afture your Majefty, that our endeavours fhall never be wanting to fupport your government at home, and fo to eftablifli the peace of this ifland, that nodifpute may remain among us, but how to acknowledge, in the moft dutiful manner, the aufpicious condu6l of fo great and fo renowned a Qiiecn. Bcr Majejiys Jn/vjcr, March 12, 17O7. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM glad to find your opinion fo perfedly agrees with mine concerning this union. You cannot do me more acceptable fervice, than by ufmg your utmoft endeavours to improve alL -the good confequences of it. VoL.L E9 iJ'^ ( 4i8 ) Her Aiajcflys mcji gracious Speech, j^pril 14, 1707. My Lords and Gentlemen, 1WAS willing to give you an opportunity of coming toge- ther again, to conCider, if any thing can properly be done, to prevent the inconveniedcics that itiay happen to oiir trade by tot> gteat an interval between the rifing of the Parliament and the firft of May ; and I nfeed not add, that whatever is to be yjone of that kind, will require to be difpatchcd in a little time. Her Majcjiys mojl gracisus Speech, November le, 1707. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is with all humble thankfulnels to Almighty God, and with entire fatisfa£^.ion to myfelf, that I meet you here in this firft Pajliaraeilt of Great Britain ; not doubting, but you come with hearts prepared, as mine is, to make this union fo profperous, as may anfwer the well-grounded hopes of all my good fubjeils, and ihc reafonable apprchentions ot our enemies* Totiusend nothing is fo imm.ediately material, as to con- vince, as loon as is ppHible, both our friends, and our enemies, that the unitiug ouj interefts has not only improved our abili- ties, but our rcfoiutio'ns alfo, to profecute this juft and neceHary ■war, till we obtain a fafe and honourable peace for ourlclves, and for our allies. In fo great and cxtenfive a war as tliis is, many things may be ufefiilly undertaken, which are not fit to be communicated before-hand. The attempt upon Toulon was of this nature ; and, though it had not wholly its defired efFeft, has neverthe- Icfs been attended with many great and obvious advantages to the common caufc in this year, and has made our way more eaiy, 1 hope, to greater in the next. As the French have gained ground upon us in Spain, fo they have been wholly driven out of Italy ; by which it is become more eafy for all the allies to join their afTiflance next year, for enabling the King of Spain to recover his affairs in that kingdom, and to reduce the whole Spanilh monarchy to his obedience. The weaknefs and ill poflure of affairs upon the Rhine, in the beginning of the year, has given an opportunity to the French to make themfelves ftronger in all (-thcr parts ; but this defeil feems in a very promifing way of being fully reme- died, againfl: next campaign, by the conduct and authority of the elector of Hanover, whofe feafonable acceptance of that "^ • command { 4'9 ) command has llrcngthcncd, and obliged, the whole confe- deracy. Gentlemen of the Honfe of Commons, The juO: application of the fnpplies given me by form.er Parliaments, the plain necelTity of continuing this war, the reafonable profpe6l of putting a good end to it, if we be not wanting to ourfelves, and the honour of the firfl: Pailiament of Great Britain, are, I make no doubt, fuflBcient arguments to incite you to provide the neceffary fupplies, which I am obliged to defire of you for the enfuing campaign in all parts, and particularly for the timely fupport of the King of Spain, and the making good our treaty with Portugal, as alfo for flrengthening the confederate army under the command of the Duke of Savoy ; all which fervices I do not doubt but you will think fo necefTary, that they ought not to be negledled, even though they Ihould require an augmentation. The fums already expended in this war have been very great ; and they are fufficient proofs how well fatisfied my fubjedls have always been with the ends of my government, of which I am fo fenfible, as never to afk any fupplies from them, but what are abfolutely necefTary for the prefervation of their reli- gion and liberty; and I look upon it as my great happinefs, that I have not the leaft intereft feparate from that of all my good fubjeds. My Lords and Gentlemen, In a work fo great, and new in its kind, as that of the union, it is impoffible but that fome doubts and difficulties muft have arifen ; which, however, I hope, are fo far overcome, as to have defeated the defigns of thofe who would have made ufc of that handle to foment difturbances. There are feveral matters exprefsly made liable, by the arti- cles of the union, to the confidcration of the Parliament of Great Britain ; which, together with fuch others as may rea- fonably produce thofe advantages, that, with due care mufl: cer- tainly arife from that treaty, I earncftly recommend to your ferious confideration. On my part nothing (hall be wanting to procure to my peo- ple all the bleffings which can follow from this happy circum- ftance of my reign, and to extinguilh, by all proper means, the leaft occafions of jealoufy, that either the civil, or religious rights of any part of this my united kingdom can fuffer by the confequences of this union. Such a fuggeftion fhall never in my time have any founda- tion, how relllefs focver our enemies mav be in their endea- E e 2 ^'0"rs, ( 420 ) ♦ vonrs, and artifices, to clifturb our peace and happinefs : tiiofe great and valuable bleiUngs cannot but be always fecurc to \\s, if we heartily endeavour to confirm, and improve, our prcfeut union. I hope, therefore, you will fuffer nothing to prevail with you to difunite among yourfelves, or abate your zeal in oppofing the common enemy. jdddrcjs by the Houje of Commons, November 1 1, 1707. Moft Gracious Sovereign, TXrE, your Majcfty's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjcds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, do, with all thankfulnefs and humility, acknowledge the divine goodnefs in making your Majefry the glorious inftrument of uniting your two kingdoms. And we Ihall never be fo wanting in our duty to your Ma- jefty, and to the trull repofed in us by tliofe we reprefent, as not to embrace all occalions of confirming, and improving, the advantages of this happy union. As this cannot fail to (trengthen your Majefly's government at home, and anfwer the well-grounded hopes of all your good fubjeftj, fo your faithful Commons are refolved to exert the united ftrength of this illand in fuch a manner as fliall make it a terror to your enemies. Th.e eledlor of Hanover being at the head of the army on the Rhine, gives us the grentefl hopes of fuccefs on that fide, from his condudl; ant! authority. And though your Majefty's great and wife defigns for the advantage of this nation, and the good of the common caufe, have not had all the defircd effeds in laft campaign, yet we beg leave to alTure your Majcfty, that no difappointments fhall difcourage us from making our utmoft efforts to enable your Majefty, in conjunclioii with your allies, to reduce the whole Spanilh monarchy to the obedience of the King of Spain, to make good the treaty with Portugal, and to Itrengthen the confederate army under the command of the Duke of Savoy. Your Majcily has Ihevvn, throughout the whole courfc of your reign, that you have no intercit fcparate from tliat of your people ; who have been fo fenlible of the many blelfings they have enjoyed under your a^miniftration, as never to be want- ing on all occafions to cxprefs their gratitude to the beft of Qi^ieens, And we, your united Commons of this Parliament, do faithfully promife your Majefty, that we will proceed upon public liufinefs with unanimity and difpatch, and give fuch effedtual { 421 } efFe^ual fuppllcs, as may carry on the war with vigour, and, by the blelling of God upon your Majefty's arms, obtain an honourable and Jafling peace. I I let jMajcJiy's j^ufivcvj November 13, 1 7 07. Gentlemen, THANK you very kindly for this addrefs. The defires you exprefs, of taking all occalions to improve the advan- tages of our happy union, are extremely agreeable to me. As you cannot give me a more fenfible proof of your loyalty and affedion to me, and my government, than by yotir affu- rances of fupporting me cfTeclually in a vigorous profecution. of the war, io I make no doubt, but that thefe ad'uranccs will have their due weight abroad, and be of the grealefl; advantage imaginable to the common caufe. Her Alajefifs moji grac'ious Speech, December iS, 1707. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM very well plcafcd with the occafion of my coming hiilicr at this time, and dcfirous to take this opportunity of cx- prcffing to you the fatisfa^lion I have in feeing fo good a pro- grefs made in the public bufmefs. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I am extremely fenfible of the radinefs and afFeftion v.'itii which you have provided fo confiderable a part of the fupplies. As I am fully perfuaded, it mull needs give the greatefl fatisfa£lion to all our allies, fo I look upon it as a fure pledge of your being difpofed to make good thofe hearty afuirancef, which you gave me in the beginning of the feflion. 1 told you at the opening of this Parliament, that I did hope, you would look upon the fervices relating to Spain, Por- tugal, and the army under the command of the Duke of Sa- voy, to be of fo much importance in the profecution of this war, that they might defcrve an augmentation ; which I can, not but think will be of the greateft ufe to the common canfe, both with regard to thofe particular fervices, and to the putting ourfelves in a condition to improve fuch favourable opportuni- ties as may arife in the enfuing year. My Lords and Gentlemen, I fhall only add, that, as nothing is more cfTential to iT»y own quiet, and the happincfs of all my good fubjedls, than the Ee 3 bringing ( 422 ) bringing this war to a fafe and honourable conclufion ; fo I muft think myfelf obliged to look upon all thofe who are wil- lin^^ and defirous to fupport me in it, for attaining that end, as the moft proper objefts of my favour and encouragement. I cannot conclude, without once more recommending toyoxi to confirm, and improve, the advantages of our happy union, not doubting, but at the fame time you will have a due regard to what (hall be found neceffary for preferving the public peace throughout the whole iiland of Great Britain. 'Joint Addrefs by both Houfesy December 22^ ijoj, TylTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and obedient fubjedls, the Lords rpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Parlia- ment affembled, having been alv.ays fully perfuaded, that no- thing could reftore a juil: balance of power in Europe, but the reducing the whole Spanifli monarchy to the obedience of the houfe of Aullria ; and having feen feveral great parts of that monarchy, by the blefllng of God upon the vitlorious arms of your Majefty, and your allies, already in the polfeilion of that Houfe, do think it not only feafonable, but neceffary, at this juncture, humbly to offer this our unanimous opinion to your Majeity, that no peace can be honourable, or fafe for your Majefty, or your ailies, if Spain, the Weft Indies, or any part of the Spanilh monarchy, be fuifered to remain under the power ■jpf the houfe of Bourbon. When we confider what efforts this kingdom has continued to make from the beginning of the war, we cannot but think, a much greater impreflion might have been made upon the enemy before this time, if fome of your allies, who feem principally concerned, and have reaped the moft immediate advani..,;;c, had feconded your Majefty with like vigour, where- by France might have been equally prefled on all lides. We are obliged to return our humble thanks to your Ma- jefty for the care you have taken, and the inftances you have ufed with his Imperial Majefty, for fending a confiderable force to the relief of Spain, under the command of Prince Eugene, as being certainly tlie moft likely method to reftore the affairs of the confederacy in that country. But the frequent difappointments we have obferved on the part of the emperor and empire, to the great prejudice of the common caufe, makes us think it our duty, in order that th War may be brought to a fpeedy and happy conclufion, to be feech your Majefty to make the moft preifing inftances to the enjperor, that he would, with all expedition, fend powerful fuccoujs ( 423 ) fuccours to his brother, the King of Spain, under the conduct of that fjreat and fuccef&ful general ; that he would timely and efFedlually make good what has been concerted for his putting twenty ihoufand men under the command of the Duke of Sa- voy ; and would alfo make ufe of his ntmolt power and Inte- .relt for ftrengthening the army upon the Rhine, which is now happily put under the command of that wife and valiant. prince, the eleclor of Hanover. We believe no part of this caw be refufed upon your Ma- jefty's earncft interpofition, who have done fuch great things for the houfe of Auftria ; and this bung complied with, we may reafonably hope, by God's aiTiltancc, the next will prove a happy and glorious campaign. I Her Alajcjiys /Jnfwer^ yamtary 7, I 708. My Lords and Gentlemen, AM fully of your opinion, that no peace can be honour- able, or fafe, for us, or our allies, till the entire monarchy of Spain be reftored to the houfe of Aulhia ; and very well pleafed to find, that the meafurts 1 have concerted, for the fuc- cour of the King of Spain, are fo well approved by both Houfes of Parliament. I (hall continue my mod preihng inflances with the empe- ror for the hallening of farther fuccours, and that they may be commanded by Prince Eugene ; as alfo upon all the other par- ticulars mentioned in your addrefs. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commoyis^ February y 24, 1708. May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, V\/ E, your Majefiy's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the * Commons, in Parliainent aifembled, having examined the complaints of fcveral merchants againft Captain William Kerr, late commander of a fquadron of your Majefty's fhips of war in the Weft Indies, do beg leave humbly to rcprefent to your Majefty, that it hath been fully proved, that the trade to the Weft Indies (fo beneficial to all your fuhjcils) has been greatly obrtruded and prejudiced by the faid Captain William Kerr's exading fums of money from the merchants for con- voys. And we do alfo humbly reprefent to your Majefty, that the requiring or demanding of money for convoys is illegal, op- prefTive to the merchants, and deltrudive to trade. E C 4 "^^ ( 424 ) We therefore, your Majefty's mod dutiful and loyal Com- mons, humbly addrefs ourfelves to your Majefty, that you ■would be gracioufly pleafed not to employ the faid Captain William Kerr in your Majefty's fei vice for the future; and that your Majefty will be pleafed to give orders, that he may be profecuted according to \zw. W Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons, March 4, 1708. - 'E, your Maj<%ly's moft faithful and obedient fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, do beg leave to return our moll hearty thanks to your Majefty, for being gracioufly pleafed to communicate to your Parlia- ment the intelligence you have received, of an intended inva- fion of this kingdom by the pretended Prince of Wales, fup- ported by a French power. We are fo fenfible of the hap- pinefh we enjoy under your Majefty, and arc fo affc6led with the dangerous confcquences of fuch an attempt, both to your perfon and government, that, with hearts full of concern for your Majefty's faiety, wc befeech your Majefty, that you will be pleafed to take particular care of your royal perfon ; and ■we, on our parts^, are fully and unanimoufly refolved to ftaud by and aifUt your Majefty, with our lives and fortunes, in maintenance of your undoubted right and title to the crown of thcfe realms, againft the pretended Prince of Wales, and all other your enemies, both at home and abroad. The care your Majefty has taken tor the defence of your dominions, and, particularly, in fitting out fo great a fleet in fo fliort a time, give f^itisfaflion and encouragement to all your good fubjedts, who are likewife very fenfible of the zeal the States General have ftiown upon this occafion. As a further inftance of our duty, we humbly defire, that you will be pleafed to order, that the laws againlt papifts, and non-jurors, be put in execution ; and that directions be given to feize and fecure fuch perfons, with their horfes, and arms, as your Majefty ihall have caufe to fufpecSl are difatfedled to your pvrfon and government. Arid as we doubt not, but, by the bleflTmg of God upon the ponlinuai ce of your Majefty's care, your enemies will be put to confuflon, fo we readily embrace this opportunity to ihew to your Majefty, and the whole world, that no attempts of this kind liiall deter us from fupporiing your Majefty in a vigorous piofecution of the prefent war againft France, till the monarchy of Spain be rcftored to the houfe of Auftria^ and your ( 425 ) your Majefty have the glory to complete tlie recovery of the liberties of Europe. Her Majcjiys Anfwerf March 6, lyoS. My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE fuch entire dependence on the providence of God, and fo much truft in the faithful fervices of my good fub- jeds, that 1 hope this attempt will prove dangerous only to thofe M ho undertake it. I am extremely fenfible of your concern and affeflion for me and my gov^ernment, and Ihall have a very particular re- gard to the advice you give me upon this occafion. I am alfo very well pleafed with the juftice which you have done the States General, in taking notice of their timely care for our fafcty, and their readinefs to give us all polTible aili fiance. The firm refolution which you exprefs, upon all occafions, of fupporting me, in bringing this war to a fafe and happy ccnclufion, as it is mofl eflTentially obliging to me, fo, I allure myfelf, it will mightily difhearven our common enemies, and give the greateft encouragement and advantage to all our allies. Her Majejly's moji gracious Speech ^ March ir, 1708. My Lords and Gentlemen, T THINK it necelTary to acquaint you, that I have received advices this morning from Oftend, that the French fleet failed from Dunkirk, Tuefday, at three in the morning, northw^ard, with the pretender on board ; as alfo, that Sir George Bing had notice of it the fame day, at ten ; and he being very much fuperior to the enemy, both in number and ftrength, I make no queftion, but, by God's blelTmg, he will foon be able to give a good account of them. I have alfo advice, that ten batfalions of my troops were embarked at Oftend, ready to fail with their convoy, as there Ihall be occafion ; and I Ihall continue to take all proper mea- fures for difappointing the enemy's defigns. Addrcfs ( 426 ) Addrefs to her Majcjly by the Houfc of Commo?is, March 12, 1708. Mult gracious Sovereign, \X7'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament afTembled, humbly wait on your Majeity to exprefs the great fenfe we have ot your grace and favour in communicating to us, from the throne, the account of the French King's pcrfiftingto in- vade your dominions, and' to impofe a pretender upon thefe realms, over which your Majeily is rightful and lawful fove- reign. The fmall number of fliips and troops with which this project is profecutcd, notwithltanding the great naval force your Majefty has fitted out with fo much expedition, as it ought to be regarded with contempt, on the one fide, fo, on the other, it gives us juft caufe to believe, ti^at their chief dependency is upon fome of your fubje6ts, whofe reitlefs paf- fions, and arbitrary principles, have for fome years engaged them m forming defigas to undermine and dcftroy the moft happy eltablifhment that the government of this iiland was ever founded upon. The defence of your Majefty's perfon and government, and the fupport of the proteflant fuccellion, arc things fo facred to us, and your people, that, as a demonflralion of our unfeign- ed zeal to aililt and fupport your Majefty to the utmoft of our power, we do, in the name of the Commons of Great Britain, give this affurance, that whatfoever charge you (hall be at in augmenting your troops at home, and replacing thofe you have recalled from abroad, or for fuch other fervices as your Ma- jelly fball judge necelfary upon this extraordinary occafion, fhall be efFedually made good ; and, as we humbly recom- mend it to your Majefty, t!iat the feverefl punifhments may be inflicted upon fuch as fhall allift in fo unnatural a defign, as that of betraying your Majcfty, and their country ; fo we do not doubt, but you will give fuitablc encouragement to all thofe, who fhall fliew their fidelity, in oppofing the invader, and his accomplices in Scotland, or wherever the defcent Ihall be. Your Majcfty wants no incitement to a fleady profecution of the war in which you are engaged for the common caufe \ yet permit us to take this opportunity to intreat your Majefty, that this enterprize may no ways divert your conftant vigour j that all the world may fee, that both your Majefty, and your people, are determined to fupport your allies in all parts, what- ever attempts are made at home. My ( V-1 ) May it pleafe your Majefty, There can be nothing fo dangerous or fatal to the fafety of your royal perfon, and the fecurity of the prefent happy elta- blilliment, as thofe perfons who endeavour to create divifions and animofities among your faithful fubjedts, or by any artful methods leffen the juil clteem your Majeily has for ihofe, who have eminently, and in fo dlRinguifhing a manner, commanded your armies, and managed your treafure, to the honour and g ory of your Majefty abroad, and the "entire fatisfadion of y )ur people at home. . ¥/e therefore luiniblv beg leave to be- f jcch your Majefty to difcountenance all fuch perfons, and defigns, in the moil remarkable manner. I Her Majcjifs Anfvjer, March 15, 1 708. Gentlemen, GIVE you my hearty thanks for this your repeated aflurance, and certain proof, of your zeal for me, and for the proteftant fucceffion. I am glad your thoughts of the war abroad fo perfe6lly agree with my firm refolution upon that fubjed:. You may depend, that no apprehenfions (farther than arc reafonable) ftiall have any influence on my meafures, while the caufe of religion and liberty, Vtith the good afFcdions of my people, are on my fide. I think all, who endeavour to make divifions among my faithful fubjedls, muft be mine and the kin^^dom's enemies ; and 1 fiiall never countenance any perfons, who would go about to lellen the juft eftccm which I have for thofe who have done, and continue to do me the moft eminent fervices. The Lord Chancellor s Speech, November ^ly 1 708. My Lords and Gentlemen, TN purfuance of the authority given us by her Majefty's com- million under the great feal (among other things} to declare the caufes of her Majefty 's calling this Parliament, We are, by her Majefty's command, in the firft place, to obferve to you, that the extraordinary length of this years campaign has obliged her Majefty to defer your meeting longer, han oihcrwife ftie would have done, that you might be in- ormed, with the greater certainty, of the ftatc and pofture of ^h- war, in order to your refolutions for the enfuing year. ( 428 ) This neceffary delay hatli now fo far fliewn us the fucccfs of affairs abroad, as that, whether you confider the places ac- quired by the allies, or the farther and continued proofs given this lafl: year of their fuperior courage and cbndudil (which, as to the future part of the war, is equal to all other advantages) we may, with thanks to God, and jufticc to thofe he hath been plcafed to ufe as iiidrumcnts in this great work, conclude, that, upon the whole, we ijre brought much nearer than wc were the lalf fciTion, to the end of our undertaking this war, the reducing the dangerous power of France, and fettling fuch a peace, as may fecure itfelf from being violated. Her Majefty therefore commands us to alTure you, flie hath not the leaft doubt, but that this Parliament will be of the fame opinion with her iaft, as to the vigorous profecution of rhe "War, and tlie en :1s of it : believing it impoflible, the rcpre- fcntative of the Britiih nation can endure to think of lodng the fruits of our part; endeavours, and the great adv^antages we have g.iined, particularly in this prefcnt year, by fubniitting at lall to an infecure peace. , And therefore fincc, probably, nothing can hinder our fiic- ceis abroad for the time to come, but mifunderftandings among ourfelves at home, we have it in command to conjure you, by your duty to God, and to her Majefty, your zeal for the Pro- teftant religion, your love for your country, and the regard you cannot but have for the liberty of Europe in general, to avoid all occafions of divifions ; which are ever hurtful to the public, but will more efpecially be fo at this jundure, when the eyes of all our neighbours arc upon you, with a very particular con- cern ; and your unanimity and good agreement will be the greateft fatisfa6lion and encouragement to all our allies. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, You cannot but be convinced, that the feveral parts of the war, which were provided for by the lafl Parliament, will re- quire your fupport, at leafl, in the fame degree: but in Flan- ders, the nature of the war is much altered, by the great ad- vances made there towards oitcring into France •> which hath fo far alarmed our enemies, that they are drawing more troops daily to that fide for the defence of their own coimtry : and therefore her Majefty hopes you will have fo right afenfe of our prefent advantages, as to enable her Majelly to make a confi- dcrable augmentation for preferving and improving them { which, by the continuance of God's blelTing on our arms, muft foon put a glorious period to this long and expenfive war. As to the condition of the fleet, we have it in command from her Majeffy to acquaint you, that the conflant and remote 2 fervices, ( 429 ) fervices, in which the fhips have been employed, have made a greater fum, than ufual, requidte, as well for the extraordinarv repairs, as the building of new fliips;. and the taking of Port Mahon, as it hath afforded the means of having a part of the fleet operate with more readinefs and effed on the enemy, or whereever it may be ufeful to the common caufe in thofe parts, fo the making fuch provifions, at fo great a diftance, as will be proper for that fervice. niiift of neceiiity caufe fome extra- ordinary expenfes ; all which her Majefty rtcominends to your ferioub confideration ; defirirg you to provide timely and etfec- tual fupplies for thofe ends, and like wife for the carrying on fuch foitifications tor the fecurity of our ports, and extin- guiJhing the enemies hopes of profiting by diilurbances in Scotland, as you IhaH think ht. : My Lords and Gentlemen, The union is efteemed by her Majcfly to be fo happy and great a part of the fuccclTes of her reign,' and her Majeity hath fo much at heart the confirming and improving it, that (he is pleafed to command us to remind you of preparing fuch bills as faall be thought conducing to that end ; and particularly, to make the laws of both parts of Great Britain agree, as near as may be, tor the common interelt of both people, efpecially as to thofe laws, which relate to criminal cafes and proceedings, and fettling the militia on the fame foot throughout the united kingdom. Her Majefty is gracioufly pleafed, we fhould alfoafTure you, that if you can propofc any means for the improvement of out- trade or manufadtures, or better employment of the poor, her Majeliy will take the greatelf fatisfadtion in enacting fuch pro- vifions ; there being nothing Ihe (o earneflly defires, as that God will blefs her with more and more opportunities of doing ail polhblc good to fo well-deferving a people, fo lirm and aliec- tionate to her interefts. And, as her Majeity does not doubt, by God's bleiling, and your good affedions, to continue to defeat the defignsofthe Pretender, and his op;;n and fccret abettors ; fo her Majcfty will always endeavour, on her part, to make her people liappy to fuch a degree, as that none (except of dcfperate toriunes) fhall enter into meafures, for the dillurbance of her govern- ment, the union, or the proteftant fucceilion, as by law eita- blifhed, without ading, at the fame time, manifeitly againll their own tjue and iailmg interbft, as wlH as their duty. MJ>fJJ<:i ( 430 ) AddreJJcs by the Commons, November 23, 1)08. Moll gracious Sovereign, tT7E, your Majcfty's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Commons, in Parliament allemblcd, take this lir ft op- portunity of exprclfing to your Majefty the deep fenfe we have of the great lofs your Majelly and this kingdom have fuftained, in the death of his Royal Highnefs Prince George of Denmark ; whofe tender affedion to your Majefty, and love to our coun- try, had gained him the hearts of ail your good fubjeds, and will render his memory ever dear to them. We humbly befeech your Majelty to moderate the grief, fo juflly due on this fad occafion, fince it cannot be indulged without endangering the health of your royal perfon, on whofe fafety the happinefs of Great Britain, and the liberties of Eu- rope, do, under God, depend. Your faithful Commons think themfelves obliged (more par- ticularly at this time) to aiiure your Majefty of their inviola- ble fidelity to your perfon and government, and of their firm refolution efFe6lually to fupport your Majefty againft all your enemies, both at home and abroad. Moft gracious Sovereign, T^T^E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflembled, beg leave to congratulate the glorious fucceffes of this year, gained by the arms of your Majefty, and thofe of your allies. The great and fingular advantages that have been fo wonder- fully obtained, fo vigoroufly profecuted and imp^jpved, and iipon all occafions fo happily accomplifhed, arc repeated in- ftances, that no difficulties are infuperable to your great com- manders, and no force of the enemy able to oblhu6t the pro- grefs of yeur vidorious arms ; which gives us good grounds to hope for further fuccefs before the conclufion of this long and active campaign. Your Majefty's good fubje<3s, through the whole courfe of this war, have moft cheerfully granted the necelfary fupplies for fupporting carrying it on with vigour, and have feen fuch good fruits of their former zeal, that your Majefty may be af- fured, tliis Houfe will never be wanting in their duty to youf Majefty, or the inferelt of thofe they reprefent ; but are deter- mined to give fnch fupplies as, by the blefling of God, may be moft eft'cdual for reducing the power of the common ene- my, and forcing him to accept fuch a peace as your Majefty, in ( 431 ) in conjundion with your allies, fliall think honourable and lalting. The union is fo great a glory to your Majcfly, and advan- tage to all your people, that we Ihall do every thing, on our part, to ftrengthen and improve it ; but, above all, it fhall bs our utmoft care to defend your Majelly's faCred perfon, to fup- port your undoubted title to the crown, to difappoint the hopes and defigns of the Pretender, and all his open and fecret abet- tors, and to maintain the protellant fuccellion, as by law eita- blilhed. Effefl of her Majcjiys Jnfiver, 'November 25, 1708. npHAT llie thanks you very kindly for this addrefs ; and that the concern which the Houfe has exprelfed for her afflic- tion, is very acceptable to her Majefty. W Addrefs hy both Hoifes to the ^ucn, December 23, 1 7 08. 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Ccmmons, in Parlia- ment aiTembled, do moft humbly congratulate your Majefly upon the reduction of Ghent, the lalf great effort of this glo- rious year ; a year, that will be ever famous in hiftory, as well for the entire ciifappointmeiu cf all the attempts and hopes of your enemies, as for the many wonderful fuccefTes with which God has bleifcd the arms of your Majefty, and your allies. The unufual length of the campaign, the variety of events, and the diifiGulty and importance of the actions, have given many opportunities to your Majefty's general, the Duke of Marlborough, to fiiew his confummate ability, and all the great qualities necelTary for fo high a trufl ; whereby, in con- jundion with the renowned Prince Eugene of Savoy, fuch con- fiderable progrefs has been made, and your conquerts fo far advanced, that we have reafon to hope the enemy, in fpite of all their prefumption, will foon find themfelves under an abfo- lute neceffity of fubmitting to a fafe and honourable peace. Her Majefys Anfwcr, January 10, 1709. T GIVE you many thanks for your addrefs ; and am extremely "■■ fenfible of the loyalty and affcdion of both Houfes of Par- liament, upon all occaliuiis. ^ Addrefs w ( 432 ) jfddiejs to her Majcjiy hy the Houje of Commons y jfanuary 27, 1709. Mod gracious Sovereign, rE, your Majefty's moft loyal and dutiful fubjedls, the Commons, in Parliament aflembled, being truly and deeply fenfible of the many and great bleflings we have enjoy- ed during the whole courfe of your Majefty's moft glorious reign, do moil huiribly conceive, we fhould be unexcufably wanting to ourfelves, and the whole kingdom, if we fhould negledl to ufe our moft zealous endeavours, that thofe bleflings may be derived down to future ages ; and therefore, with hearts full of the moft profound rcfpett and duty to your royal per- fon, we moft humbly befeech your Majefty, gracioufly to con- fider the univerfal defires, and inoft humble fupplications, of your faithlul fi bje£ls, that your Majefty would not fo far in- dulge your juft grief, as to decline the thoughts of a fecond marriage. This would be an unfpeakable joy to your people, who would join their moft fervent prayers to Almighty God, to blefs your Majefty with royal iflue ; all of them concurring in this opi.:-:\;n, that no greater happinefs can be defired tor your kingdoms, than that they, and their children, may long conti- nue imder the gentle and gracious government of your Majefty, and your pofttrity. Her Alajajlyi Anfvacry January 2^^^ 1709.. *TpHE freqiicnt marks of duty and affection to my perfon and government, which I receive from both Houfes of Parlia- ment, muft needs be very very acceptable to me. T he provifion I have made for the proteftant fnccefllon, ■will always be a proof, how much I have at my heait the fu- ture happinefs of the kingdom. '1 he fubjecSl of this adihcfs is of fuch a nature, that, I am perfuaded, you do not expedl a particular anfwer. yoint Addrcfi to' her Majcjiy hy both Houfes, March 2, 1709. Moft gracious Sovereign, "TXTE, your Majcfty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjecb, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Parlia- ment affembled, confidering the great expenfe of blood and trcafure, ( 433 ) treafure, that your Majefly, and your allies have been at in profecuting this long war, for fecuring the liberties of Europe/ do molt humbly befeech your Majefty, that, for prefervino- the repofe and quiet of Europe, and preventing the ambitiou.s de- ligns of France for the future, your Maje^y would be pleafed to take care, at the concluficn of the war, to continue and cllablilh a good and firm friendHiip among all the allies ; and that the French King may be obliged to own your Majefty's title, and the protcllant fucceffion, as it is eftabliflied by the laws of Great Britain ; and that your allies be engaged to be- come guarantees of the fame : And that your Majefty would take effectual methods, that the Pretender ihall be removed out of the French dominions, and not fuirered to return to difturb your Majelly, your heirs or fucceffbrs, in the proteftant line : And that, for the fecurity of your Majefty's dominions, ih.e prefervation of trade, and the general benefit of the allies, your Majefty will be gracioufly pleafed that care may be taken, that the fortifications and harbour of Dunkirk may be dcmoliflied and deftroyed. Her Majcjiys An/wcr^ March 4, 1709. T AM of the fame opinion with iny two Houfes of Parliament, in the feveral particulars of this addrefs, as I have alfo been in all the other, which they have made upon the fame fubjed. I aft'ure you, no care fltall be wanting on my part, to attain the. end they have defired. Her Majcjiys moji gracious Speech, November 15, 1709. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is a great fatisfaition to me, that I am able to give yon -*- fo good an account of the progrefs of the war lince the laft fcilion of Parliament. In the beginning of this year our enemies made ufe of all their artifices to amufe us with falfe appearances, and deceitful infinuations, of their defire of peace, in hopes, that from thence means might be found to create fome divifions or jcalou- fies among the allies ; but they were entirely difappointed in their expedation, and fuch meafures were taken upon that oc- cafion, as made it impoftible for them long to difguife their infinceriiy. The operations of the war were not delayed ; and the campaign, which, notwithftanding the backwardnefs of Vol. I. F f the ( 434 ) ttie fcafon, immediately followed, has been at leaft as glorious for the allies, as any ot thofe which have preceded it. God Almighty has been pleafed to blefs us with a mofl re- markable vidlory, and v\iih fnch other great and important luc- cclFes, both before and after it. that France is thereby become mtich more expofed and open to the imprcnion of our arms, and confequently more in need of a peace, than it was at the beginning of this campaign. However, the war ilill continuing, I find myfelf obliged again to defne you, Gentlemen of the Hoiife of Commons, to grant me fuch fupplies as you fhall judge necelfary, for the alhiting our allies in all parts, and the vigorous prolecution of our advantages ; that we may put the laft hand to this greaf work of reducing that exorbitant and oppreflive power, which has fo louci; threatened the liberties of Europe. I aihire you, that all you give (hall be carefully applied to the ufcs of the war, it it continues, or to leffening of the debts it has neceflaiily occafioned, in cafe of a peace ; which though the many wants and diftreires of our enemies may naturally lead us to expeft, yet, our own late experience may fully con- vince us, is not to be depended upon any other way, than by being in a condition to compel them to fuch terms as may be fafe and honourable for all the allies. My Lords and Gentlemen, I think it proper to take notice to you, that the great dearth and fcarcity, under which our neighbours abroad have fufFered this year, begins to affe<£l us, in feme meafure, at home, by the temptation of profit in carrying out too much of our corn, while it bears fo high a price in foreign parts. This occafions many complaints from the poor ; for whofe fake I earnedly recommend to you to take this growing evil into your confideration, having not neglccled any thing on my part towards the remedying of it that the law would allow. 1 cannot conclude, withcnit obferving to you, of what great advantage it will be at this lime to the end wc all propofe to ourfelves, that the greatefi: difpatch be given to the neceflfary preparations for carrying on the war. Addrefs to her Majcjiy by the Houfe of Commons^ Nov. 1 6, 1 709* Mod gracious Sovereign, "tXrE, your Majeily's mofl dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the *^ ' Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, beg leave to return our mod humble thanks to your Majellr for ( 435 ) for your mofl: gracious fpeech from the throne ; and to congra- tu'ate your Majefty upon the continued fucceflls of the laft C2iTipaiy;n, particularly the vidory obtained near Mons by the troops of your Majelty, and thofe of your allies, under the command of the Duke of Marlborough. A victory fo remarkable in all its circumftances, as muft convince vour enemies, that tlie courage and refolution of your troops, conduced by fo great a general, are fuperior to the greatefl: dirticulties. And your Majelly may be afTured, that, fmce the public credit has been fo well fupported, fince your councils have been fo Heady, and your allies fo firm, that no French artifices could create jeuloufies or divifions amongH: them; and, fince your arms have been fo powerful, that no entrenchments or lortifications could withftand them ; we, your faithful Com- mons, under fuch encouragements, in duty to your Majefly, and thofe we reprefent, will, by fpeedy and effectual fupplies, enable your Majeify to difpatch the necefiary preparations for carrying on the war in fuch a mianner, as Ihall, by the blelling of God, oblige the common enemy to accept a peace upon fuch terms, as fhall be a lafting fecurity to your Majeily, and your allies. I Her Majejiys Jnfwerj. Novc?nkr 19, 1709. RETURN you mv hearty thanks for your addrefs, and the u ".nces you give me, of provi'ding fpeedy and cffedlual fupp'.n;-. or carrying on the var; which, I perfuade myfelt, will have a very good eifcd, for the advantage of the whole confederacy. Jddrcfs by the Huitfe of Commo}2S, Fib, 16, 171O. Moft gracious Sovereign, WE, your Mujefty's t^ofl dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons, "in Parliament ifT.:mbled, having reafon to believe, that the ncgoclations of peace will fwddeulybe rcnev/- ed in Holland ; and being juftly apprehcnhve of the crafty and infmuating defigns of oir enemies, to create Jivifions among your allies, or, by amufing them «vith deceitful expcaations of peace, to retard their preparation for war, do *hiiik oir'felves bound in duty moft humbly to reprefent to your //iajeily, ot how great importance we conceive it is to the iniercit ot the common caufe, that the Duke of Marlborough fliould be abroad at this critical iundlure. F f 2 W« ( 436 ) We cannot but take this opportunity to exprefs our fenfc of the great and unparalleled fer\ices ot the Duke of Marlbo- - rough, and, with all imaginable duty, to applaud your Majcf- ty's great wifdom, in having honoured the fauie perfon with tlic great chara6lers of General and Plenipotentiary, vkho, incur liumble opinion, is moll capable of difchaiging two fuch im- {lortant trufts. We therefore make it our humble rcqueft to your Majeny, that you would be plcafed to order the Duke of Marlborough's immediate departure for Holland, where his prefence will be equally nccellary to affifl: at the negociations of peace, and to hartcn the preparations for an early campaign ; wliich will moil effedlually dlfappoint the ar'ifices of our enemie?, and procure a fafe and honourable peace for your Majefly, and your allies. Her Majejifs Anf-jjcvj February 20, 1 7 10. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM fo fenfible of the necefllty of the Diike of Marlborough's prefence in Holland at this critical jun6lure, that I have al- ready given the neceirary diredions for his immediate depar- ture ; and I am very glad to find, by this addrefs, that you concur with me in a juft fenfe of the Duke of Marlborough's eminent fervices. Her A'fctjt'jly's moji gracious Speech) Nov, 2^, 17 lO. . My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE, by calling this Parliament, made appear the confi- dence I place in the duty and affection of my fubjeds ; and I meet you here wiih the grcateft faiisfaflion, having no reafon fo doubt, but that I fliall find fuch returns as will add new life to our friends, and entirely difappoint the hopes of our ene- .mics. 'Jo this cntl 1 {hall recommend to you what is abfolutely necelfary for our common fafety. The carrying on the war in all its parts, but particularly in Spain, with the utmoft vigour, is the likelieft means, with God's blefling, to procure a fafe and honourable peace for us, and ull our allies, vvhofe fupport aiul interell 1 have truly at heart. For this purpofe I muft afk from you, Gentlemen of th« Iloufe of Commons, the neceffary fupplies for the next year's fervice ; and let mc put you in mind, that nothing will add fo *TJuqh to their efficacy, as unanimity and difpatch. ' I cannot C 437 ), I cannot, without great concern, mention to you, that the navy and other cfiices are burthcned with heavy debts, which fo far afFc(Sl the pubHc fervicc, that I moft earneftly delire you to find fome way to anfvver thofe demands, and to prevent the like for the time to come ; the juftice of Parliament, in fatis- iylng former engagements, being the certain way of preferving and cftablifhing national credit. I aa-i fenfibly touched with what my people fufrer by this-long and expenfive war, to which when it will pleafe God to put an end, the flouiifhing condition of my fubjcds fliall be as much my care, as their fafcty is at prefent. My Lords and Gentlemen, The eyes bo' h of friends and enemies are upon you : the way to give fpirit to the one, and to defeat the reftlefs malice cf the other, is to proceed in fuch a manner as becomes i) Britilh Parliament. I (hall in the plaineft words tell you my intentions ; and I do this with the greater fatisfadion, becaufe I depend upon their being agreeable to you. I am refolved to fupport and encourage the church of Eng- 1 ind, as by law eftabliihed ; To preferve the Britith conftitution according to the Union ; And to maintain the indulgence by law allowed to fcrupulous confciences. " And, that all thefe may be tranfmittcd to poftcrity, I fiiall employ none but fuch as are heartily for the protcltant fuccef- fion in the houfe of Hanover ; the mtcrefl; of which family no perfon can be more truly concerned for than myfelf. Thefe are my refolutions ; and your concurrence with rac, in a fteady purfuit of them, w ill belt manifcit your zeal for our religion, for the intereR of our country, for your own fatety, and tor my honour. Jddrefs by the Houfe Commons y Odoher 22, 1696. Moft gracious Sovereign, \yE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjcas, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament afl^embled, do joyfully appear before your Majefty, to return our moft humble thanks for your moft gracious fpcech from the 'hrone. We bring the thanks of your whole people, whom your Ma- jefty has made happy by that confidence you have been plcafcd to place in their duty and affeaion ; and we bring our "^o^^ f^" lemn afturanccs, that we will make all fuch returns, as Ihall jr f o convince ( 438 ) convince your Majefly that your confidence has not been mif- placed. We are fatisfied we lie under all pollible obligations, both from our duty to your Majelly, and the care we owe to our country, effe£lually and fpeedily to grant the necefTary fupplies for a vigorous profccution ot the war in all its parts, and efpc- cially in Spain. This we fhail ftudy to do in fuch a manner as may bell anfvvcr the public fervice, and be mod eafy to thofe we reprefent ; and the fame we ihail continue to do, till fuch a peace may be obtained, as your Majeity, in your royal ■wifdom, (hall judge to be fafe and honourable for your fubjefls, and all your allies. We have no reafon to dcubt of your Majefty's care in evciy thing that concerns the interelt and welfare of your people ; but we think ourfelves obliged, in jultice to our fellow fubjecls, fjnd in order to make them bear v.ith greater cheeiiulnefs the "burthens we fhall find ntcelfary to lay upon them, moft humbly to befeech your Majeity, that you will pleafe to continue vour powerful influences with all your allies, that they may exert themfelves in the common caufe with refolutions equal, and aids proportionable, to our's. The burthen of thofe heavy debts, which prefles your people with fo fenfible a weight, is in fome meafure alleviated by your princely coivipailion. We ihall endeavour to trace the fource of this great evil, and to apply a remedy fuitable to it. The honour and juOicc of Parliament Ihall by us be in\iolably maintained, and ail other ineafures pvirfucd, by which the public credit may be prcferved and eftablifhed. Your faithful Comir.ons are truly fenfible of your Majefty's •w,Ifdom and goodnei's in thofe refolutions, which you hnve de- clared ; and do molt; heartily concur in all which you have been plealed to recommend to them. We return your Majcfty our moft humble thanks for the firm alfurances you have given, both by your words, and by votir actions, of fupporting and encouraging the church of England, as by law eitahiilhcd. As we are true fons of that church, we cannot but be ten- derly concerned for its profperity, and for its honour ; and are, by affedtion and principle, inclined to fecure its doctrine, difci- pline, and worlhip. As we arc f^illow chriftians and fellow fubjects with thofe proteftant Jillentcrs, who are fo unhappy to entertain fcruples againft conformity with our church, wc are defirous, and de- termined to let them, quietly enjoy that indulgence which the Jaw hath allowed them. •''••■ As ( 439 3 As we are Britons, it is our common intereft, and (liall be our joint endeavour, to preferve that union betv/eer the parts of Great Britain, on which the fafety of the Wiole depends. As we are lovers of our excellent condituiicm, both in church and ftate, and folicitous that our pollerity may be as happy in all future ages, as we hope long to continue under your IViajef- ty's mofl aufpicious reign, we fhall aLsnys (leadily adhere to the proteftant fucceffion in the houfe of Hanover, and be mod watchful to prevent any danger which may threaten that fettlement, fo neceflary for the prefervaiion of our religion, laws, and liberties. Thefe are ends truly worthy your Majcfty"'s purfult : and we do, with all humility, reprefent to your Majelty, that the molt efFe<3:ual way to give fpirit to your tricnds, and defeat the reft- lefs malice of your enemies, will, be, by difcountcnancing all perfons of fuch principles, and avoiding all mcafures ot fuch tendency, as may weaken your Majefty's title and government, the fettlement of the crown in the illuftrious houfe of Hanover, and advance the hopes of the Pretender, and all other princi- ples, and meafures, that have lately threatened your royal crown and dignity, and which, whenever they prevail, will prove fatal to our own conllitution, both in church and Itate. Her M^ijejifs Jnfwt-r, December 2, 17 lO. Gentlemen, I AM extremely well pleafed with your addrefs ; and I tuUy depend upon the affurances you give me, 01 concurring in all the particulars I have recommended to you. You may depend upon my care to encourage thofe whofe principles are agreeable to our condltution in church and lUte. _ Mcjfuge from her AUjcjly, January z^ 171 1. Anne R. HER Majefty having received notice that there has been an aaion in Spain, very much to the dilu-ivinfageot King Charles's affairs ; which having fallen part.c.darly on the bntnli forces, the Queen immediately gave diredions tor lending and procuring troops to repair this iofs. Her Majelty acquaints tiiis Houfe with this intelligence, and likewife with her orders given thereupon, no' doubting but the Parliament will approve thereof, and concur in tneir aUUt- aiice for remedying fo great a misfortune. F f 4 Addreji ( 440 ) ^ddrtji hy the Houfe of Commons^ y unitary 3, 171 1. Mod gracioir Sovereign, \/17'E,,yoiii Majefly's mo(t dutiful and lc)y'4l fubjedsjthe Com- mons of G.rear Britain, in Parliament ad'embled, do re- turn your Majefty our humble thanks for your moft gracious .mefiage ; wherein your Majefty has been pltafed to communi- -cate to us the intelligences you have received of an a6tion in Spain, very much to the difadvantage of King Charles's affairs, and the diredlions your Majefty lias given tor fending and pro- curing troops to repair this lofs. , We beg leave to aifure your Majefty, that this difadvantage will jiot difcourage us from ufing our utmoft erideavours to en- jtble your Majeiiy to carry on the juft and neceffary war, in which you are engaged, (or preferving the liberties of Europe ; but, alter the many undoubted inltances we have received of your M.sjefty's great care and wifdorti, being perfeilly faiisfied in the one, and entirely depending on the other, vvc are refolved cfTejSually to fupport your Majcity in the profecution of ihofe meafures that your M::jeily fhall on this occafioi) think proper lor retrieving the lofs in Spain. Her Majejlys Anfivcr^ jf'anuary 5, 17 1 1, Gentlemen, 1 THANK you very kindly for the entire confidence which you place in me ; and will endeavour to make the beft uCe I can of it, for the public ad\ antage. Joint Addrefs io the ^tecn^ March 9, I 7 1 1 . Moft gracious Sovereign, 'tlT^E, your Majcfty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons of (ireat Britain, in Parliament aiambled, have, to our great concern, been informed of a moft barbarous and villainous attempt made upon the pcrfon of Robert Harley, Efquirc, Chancellor of your Majefty 's exchequer, by the Marquis de Cniifcard, a French papift, before the. time v\hen he was under examination tor treafonable practices, at a committee of your Majefty's council. We cannot but be moft deeply alfe6ted to find fuch an ipftancc of inveterate malice againlt one, employed in your Majefty's council, and fo near your royal perfon ; and we Jiave reafon to believe, that his fidelity to your Majefty, and zeal for'^your fervice, have drawn upon him the hatred of all the ( 44T ) the abettors of popery and fadion. We think it ouV dniy, upon this occaficn, to aflure your Majefty, that we will effec- tually (land by and defend your ^N'laiefty, and thofe who have the honour to be employed in your fervice, againft all public and fecret attempts of your enemies ; and we mod humbly bo- feech your MiMeliy that you will be pleafed to take all polfiblc care of your facred perfon, on whofe life the welfare and hap- pinefs of Y'>ur people, as well as the liberties of Europe, en- tirely dep'-.nd. And we do, in all humility, rcprefenr to your Majefly, that one effedlual means, conducing to the fafety of your Majefty's royal perfon, will be, to give fuch dire£lions as in your great wifdom Ihall feem moft proper, for caufing papifts to be re- moved from the cities of London and Welhiiinfter. Hci' Majejiyh ANfwery March 14, 171 1- My Lords and Gentlemen, T TAKE this addrefs very kindly from you, on the occafion of -*- that barbarous attempt on Mr. Harley, whole zeal and fide- lity in my fervice muit appear yet more eminently, by that horrid endeavour to^ake away his life, for no other reafon that appears, but his known oppofiticm to popery and fadion. Your warm concern for the fafety of my perfon, and the defence of thofe employed in my fervice, is very grateful to me ; and I fhall always continue my care for the welfare and happinefs of my people, by ufing ail means that may moft effectually conduce to thofe ends, and particularly by giving the proper dirc(flions for removing papiAs from the cities of London and VVeftmin- fter, according to your dcfire. 1 think it would be reafonable to make a law, to punifh with death fuch villainous attempts on the lives of magiftrates, in the lawful execution of their office, though, by God's providence, the mifchiefs defigned do not take cftccl. Addrefs by the Houfe of Comjnons, April 2, 171 1. Moft gracious Sovereign, "XyE, your Majefty 's moft dutiful and loyal fubjcfls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament airemblcd, have, with the utmoft fatisfaftion, received your Majcfty's gracious meftage, reconunending to us the great and nccclfary work of building new churches in and about the cities of London and Wcdininftef, * We ( 442 ) We are fcnfible how much the want of them hath contributed to the increafe cf fchifm and irrtligion, and ihall not fail there- fore to do our parts towards fupplying that defe£l, being entirely difpofcd to promote every thing that is for the interell of the eltubhlhed church, ai'.d the honour of your Majeily's reign. Neither the long expenfive war in which we are engaged, nor the preiTiire of heavy debts under which we labour, ihall hinder us from granting to )'Our Majcfty whatever is necelTary to accomplifli fo excellent a delign, which we hope may be a means ot drawing down blelhngs trom Heaven on ail your Ma- je(ly"s other undertakings, as it adds to the number of thofe places where the prayers of your devout and faithtul fubjedls will be daily offered up to God tor the profpericy ot your Ma- jelfy's government at home, and the fuccefs of your arms :ibroad. Her Majijifs 'A.^fwery Jprll lo, 171 1, Gentlemen, 'V? OUR addrcfs is extremely acceptable to me, as it is a proof "*■ of your zeal for the inicrtlt of the eflablilhed church, and for the advancement of religion. I will take care, that what you grant, ihall, in the mofl fpeedy and effcdual manner, be applied to the good purpofe tor which it is intended. McJI'ugc from her M.ij.Jlyy Jpril 20, 17 1 1. AXNE R. TIER Majefly is pleaf^d to acquaint this Houfe with the ill news the haili leceived of the En.pcror's death : and being f.nfib!e of the confequence this great lofs maybe to the allies, how d'.iheartened fome of them maybe on the one hand, and liow diligent praiice will be on the other, to improve every accident to their own adv:!n'.age, her Majeily i>^ dclirous to let yc u know, that immediute'y on the firlt news of the late Empe- ro-i's ficknefs, (he came to a refolution to fupport the interelt of the houfe ot A.iltriu in this conjun6lure, and to ufe her utmoR endeavours to get the King of Spain made Emperor, in whici> the States General have likewife concurred with her Majefty ; and, fince that, her Majeity hath taken the moff proper means to --ngage all tiiofe (who have a ihare in this election, and are ill the interelbof the common caufej 10 join with her in bring- ( 443 ) ing this great work to a good iflTue : and (lie hath an entire con- fidence in the affection and duty of her Parliament, that, with their adiftance, under the protection and blefling of Almighty God, file fliali be enabled to make a happy conclufion of this war in a fafe and honourable peace. The feafon of the year, and the length of time that hath pad fince your meeting, will make you all willi, that you may beat liberty to attend :he public, as well as your own private affairs, throughout the kingdom ; and therefore her Majclly does re- commend to you, fo to haften your confultations about all the public concerns, that her Majefty may put a fpeedy end to this fellion. W Addrcfs to her Majefy by both HoufeSj April 20, 1 7 1 1. Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje6ts, the Lords fpiiitual and temporal, and Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament affembled, beg leave to reiurn your Ma- jefty our humble thanks for your Majefty's moil gracious mef- fage. We are truly fenfible of the great lofs the alliance has fultained in the death of the Emperor, and do with all duty ac- knowledge the early and wife care your Majefty has been pleafed to take to prevent the ill confequcnces thereof, by refolving to fupport the interefts of the houfe of Auftria, and endeavouring to promote the election of the King of Spain to the empire. Your Majefty may fafely place an entire confidence in our duty and affedion, and may reft affured that we cannot be dif- couraged by tliis or any other misfortune, from fupporting your Majefty in all the mcafurc- which your Majefty, in your great wifdom, ftiall judge proper, to bring the war to a happy conclufion, by a fafe and honourable peace. And being truly convinced, how neceffary it is to give all poflible difpatch to the public bufinefs, we will ufe onr utmoft diligence in every part of it, depending before us, that your Majefty may have the fatisfadion ot putting a fpeedy end to this fcllion. Her Majcjlys Anfwer^ Aptll ilj 1711. My Lords and Gentlemen, 7 THANK you very heartily for this addrefs. It is of great ^ importance, that the world fliould know, that both Houfes of Parliament do fo unanimoufly approve the mcafures 1 have taken ( 444 ) taken on this occafion of the Emperor's death, which will very much < caufe. much encourage our allies to continue united in the common Rcprefcntailon by the ILjufe of Commons la her Alojcjiyy Alay 31, 1 7 i I , Moft gracious Sovereign, TX/E, your Maji fty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, have, witii the utnioli veal and nnanimi'y, applied ourfelves to the difpatch ot thoft great apd important affairs, which your Majcily was pleafcd to recommend to us frcir. the throne ; and we humbly hope that w^e have, in every refpc£l, anfwcred your Majefty's expectations in calling this Parliament. In making I'uitahlc provifion for the public fervice, we have met with great dirtlcuhies from the anticipation of funds, and the large Aims with which (he public revenues ftand charged for long terms of years to come : however, we have not been difcouraged, but have, with greater diligence, carried on our endeavours to raife fuch fupphes, as, we trull, Vv'ill be tfFe£lual, not only tor the fervice of the prefent year, but alfo for the difcharge of the heavy debts fo long and fo juftly complained of; and, as the abfolute nccellity of carrying on the war, and our refolutions to fupport the public credit, and maintain the honour and juflice of Parliament, have obliged us to increafe the burthen of taxes upon our fellow fubjects, fo we are per- luadcd, tiiat the fame reafnns will induce them to pay thofe taxes with chcerfulnefs and fat'sfaclion. At the fame time, we ha\c thought it another part of our duty to inquire into the caufts of the heavy debts we laboured imdcr, and ,.> trace the fource of that great evil, as what, we thought, would in fome degree farisfy the minds of your peo- ple, and prevent tiic like mifchief for the future. This was a promife and an aihirance which we prefimied to give your Majefly at the beginning of this fcflion ; and now, at the concluiion of it, we beg leave to lay before your Ma- jefty the refult of otn- inquiries, which, we hope, your Majefly will not judge to be imworthy of your rojal conniler-ation". In examining into the Itatc of the war, and looking back from the begin liing of it, we hnd, that in feveral years the fervice has been enlarged, and the charge of it increafed, be- yond the bounds prefcribed, and the annual fupplies granted by Parliament. To this new and illegal praiflice we muft, in great meafurej afcribc the rife aiid growth of the heavy debts that ( 445 ) lliat lie upon the nation : nor does the confcquence of it end there ; for we mull alfo reprefent it to your Majeily, as a dan- gerous invalion of the rights of Parliament. The Commons mvift ever afllrt it as their fole and undoubted privilege to grant money, and to adjuft and limit the proportions of it ; and, Avhen your Majelly has recommended to them (o confuler of fupplies, and they have deliberated upon the feveral eiiimates for the annual fervices, and confidered, and determined, what the nation is able to bear, their proceedings would be very vain and inefFeftual, if, after the rcfpedive fums are dated and granted, thofe through whofe hands the dilpofition of them pafTes are allowed, in any meafure, to alter and enlarge them. This is an attempt which very li-ttle differs from levying jDoney without confent of Parliament, as vvill appear to your Majelty from this one confideration, that a charge of that kind, once incurred, and laid as a debt upon the navy, or any ether public office, is fo far binding upon Parliament, that, how little foever they approve of the means by which it was contradled, yet, the public credit being pawned, the Commons cannot, without the ruin of that, refufe to provide for it. Tliis alfo has been an occafion, why great funis of unap- propriated money, arifing from the exceedings and furplufages of fome of the funds, granted by Parliament, have npt been applied as they ought to have been, in aid of the deficiencies of other funds : had this juft care been obferved, the debts of the nation could not have increafed to fo exorbitant an height : but other ufes were found out, fuch as were neither voted, lior addrelfed for by Parliament; which, therefore, we adjudge to ' have been a mifapplication of public money. With regard to the debts of the navy, vve find, that one great difcouragement and burthen v/hich that part of the fer- vice has lain under, has been from a liberty that has been ufed, of diverting feveral fums illued to that fcrvice, and transfer- ring them to other purpofes for which they were not intended; particularly, that the fum of 606,806/. ']s. ']d. belonging to the navy, has been paid for provifion fupplied to land forces fent to Spain and Portugal, and for the garrifon of Gibraltar, for which no deductions have been made from the pay ot thofc forces, nor any part of that fum re-afligned to the viclualling, notwithftanding the feveral adls of Parliament provided, and the many letters and reprefentations made to the treafury in that behalf. This unjuflifiablc proceeding has been a dif- couragement to the feamen, occafioned the paying extravagant rates upon contrads, and has very much contributed to fink the credit of the navy. ( 446 ) To this we mufl: add the many notorious embezzlements, and fcandalous abufes, which appear to have been praftiH^d, as well in the management of your Majefty's brewhoufe, as in ^ the contra6ls for turnifhing the navy with beer. We have already prefumed to addrcfs your Majefty, that feveral perfons, whom we difcovered to have been guilty of thofe frauds, fhould be profecuted at law for thofe offences ; and we enlirely rely upon your Majefty's moft gracious alfurance, that thofe pro- ' fecutions (hall be effectually carried on ; but we mult alfo (upon this occafionj beg leave farther to reprefent to your Ma- jefty, tliat the commiflioners appointed to take care of the vic- tualling your Majefty's navy, have been guilty of great negli- gence and remilfncfs in their duty ; for the inftrudf ions which go along with that commiflion, are fo well adapted to the pre- venting thofe very abufes which have been committed, that nothing but a notorious mifmanagehnent in that office, and an inexcufable neglecl in purfuing thofe inftru6lions, could have given way to the great lofs the public has fuftained in that part of the fervice. The evil effe£ls of this mifmanagement in public offices, and mifapplication of parliamentary fupplies, have been in- crcafed by the very methods of bringing jn the public money : for it has appeared to us, that the receivers of the land tax, and of the other revenues, have not been called upon to pay in the money they had received, in due time, as the law re- quires. Such has been the extreme remiflhcfs, and unaccount- able indulgence of thofe whofe duty it was to oblige thefe re- ceivers to due and pun6tual payments, that on the 8th day of Decetiiber, 171c, there was an arrcar of the feveral land taxes for. five years, ending the 24th of March, 1709, amounting to the fum of 272,596/. 8x. Sd. fome part of which was paid into the exchequer, after the Commons had ordered an inquiry into that matter; fo that the fum ftanding out at the begin- ning of April 1711, was 180,439/. 7^. bid. From thefe omillions, the public remains long under the load of intereft, for want of that money which lies in the hands of receivers ; fo that the fupplies granted to your Majefty, hov/cver large or well proportioned to the occafions of the war, could never prove effedtual to prevent the incumbrance of debts, whilft they were neither coUedted nor dift)urfed faithfully, ac- cording to the ends and methods deflgned by Parliament. Thus tar have we proceeded in difcovering fome of thofe caufes, which have brought fo great a weight of debts upon the nation ; and we might have made a much greater progrefs in our inquiries, if the accounts of the public money had been regularly ( 447 f regularly pafTed ; but, to our great furprife and concern, we find, that they, who of late years have had the management of your Majefty's trealury, and ought to have compelled the feve- ral accountants duly to pafs their refpedive accounts, have been guilty ot fo notorious a breach of truft, and of fo high an injuftice to the nation, that of the monies granted by Parlia- ment, and ifTued for the p'.iblic fervice to Chriftmas 1710, there remains unaccounted for the fum of 35,302,107/. for a great part ot which no accounts have fo much as been laid be- fore the auditors ; and for the reft, though fome accounts have been brought in, yet they have not been profecuted by the ac- countants, and finiflied. This lias made it impraclicable for us to arrive at fo exatl knowledge of the (late of the nation, with regard to the public money, as we wifh, and might have expc6ltd ; and your Majefly will pleafe to confider, in fuch an immenfe fum unaccounted for, how^ many embezzlements may be concealed, and how juftly it is to be fufpt-ded, that (o fcandalous a remiirnefs has been allowed with no other dclign. We humbly befeech your Majefty, that you v.-iil give im- mediate and effectual dirt-cStions for the compelling the feveral impreft accountants fpeeddy to pafs their accounts ; and, in the mean time, we humbly hope your Majefty will approve the refolution of your Commons, iliat fuch of the accountants who have negle6led their duty in profecuting their accounts, ought no longer to be intruded with the receiving the public money. We cannot omit taking notice to your Majefty of another extraordinary inftance in which the public money has been mifapplied, by bringing over the poor Palatines to inhabit and fettle themfelves in this kingdom. This was not only an ex- travagant and an unreafonabie expenfe in itfelf, but many other ways vmeafy and grievous to your people ; for, as it was vilible, that fuch numbers of necellitous and ufelefs foreigners mnft unavoidably tend to the increafe and oppreiTion of the poor ot this kingdom, fo, being a mixture of people of all religions, it was evident, how dangerous they might prove to the quiet of our government, and the conilitution of our eflabli fired church. Upon what encouragement and invitation they came over, we have not been able to difcover ; but we look upon it as certain, that the calling over fo many families, from a coun- try fo remote, could not be brougl.t about without indullry and contrivance ; and thofe who were concerned in it teemed to have been confcious of the evil of their own deligns, by the fecrecy with which they purfued them. Your Majefty, in your great wifdom, will belt recoiled from whence this at- tempt and advice proceeded ; and we humbly reprefent it as I our ( 44S ) •ur opinion, that the authors of it were enemies to your Ma- jeHv ai'J vour ki!igdom._ Wo beg leave to offer to your Majefty's confideratinn but one thing more, which has alarmed your people with jiifl iears; the arbitrary attempt of new-modelling corporations, by im- pofrng a charter upon the borough of Bevvdlcy ; a charter void and ilKgal, not being accepted by the corporation then in being ; deftrudive of the conftitution of Parliament, in trans- ferring the rights of electors to others ; and, injurijous.to your Majelly's fubjedls,* in diverting them of their franchifes and freeholds, even after they had been affirmed by judgnients upon tlie rigorous profecuiions of quo zvarrnntos. We return your Majefty our nioll humble thanks for putting a ftop to fo^pernicious a precedent, by ordering the proper me- thods to be taken for repeal ing^ihefaid charter, nnd quieting the borough in the polTcffjon of their ancient privileges. We are truly fenfible of your M;jjeil:y's tender regard to the rights of all your people; and we cannot, without indignation, reflect upon the opprcllivc defigns of thofe evil counfellors, who en- deavoured to have brought a- blemilh of ,this kind upon your Majefty^s mofi juft and gentle reign. From all thefe evil pradices, and worfe defigns, of fome perfons who had, by faife profcllions of love to their country, infinuatcd thernfelvcs into yonr royal favour, irreparable mif- chief had accrued to liie public, had not your Majelly, in your great wifdom, feafon:Ll)!y difcovered the fatal tendency of fuch meafures; and, out of your fingular goodnefs to your people, removed from the adm,inifl:ration of affairs thofe who had {o ill anfvvcred the tavourrible opinion your Majelty had conceived of them, and, in fo many inflances, grofsly abufcd the great truft repofed in them. Your people could, with greater pa- tience, have fuffered the manifold injuries done to themfelves by t!)e frauds aiid d'epredations of fuch evil minifters, had not the fame men proceeded to treat your facred perfon with un- dutitulnefs and difregard ; but, as the interefts ot your Ma • jelly and your people are infeparable, and are, by your Majefty and your good fubjeds, infeparably purfued, the wrongs which thefc trfeti had done to the public, drew upon them your royal difpkafure ; and their irreverence towards your Majefty juftly expofeJ them to the indignation of your people. Your Majefty had, from the beginning of your aufpicious reign, expreffed a true chriftian moderation, by promifes of lenity and protcdion io all your peaceable fubjeds, and of countenance and favour to thofe who (hould molt recominend ihpinfelves by their zeal for the cftabliflied government in church ( 449 ) chTirch and ftate ; but thcfe mir.ilters framed to themfelves wild and unwarrantable fchennes of balancing parties, and, under a falfe pretence of temper and moderation, did really encourage fadiion, by difcountenancing and depreffing perfons zeaiouHy afFedled to your Majcfly, and to the church, and by extending their favour and patronage to men of licentious and impious principles, fnch as fnuke the very foundation of all government, and all religion. Out of .our unfeigned zeal for your Majefly's honour and fervice, and our faithful afFedion to the public good, we cannot forbear, with all humility and earneilnefs; to befeech your Majeit'y, that you would avoid, ar ;he greaieft enemies to vour royal dignity, and to your people's fatety, all perfo.ns who (hall endeavour to engage you in fuch pernicious meafures; and that you woidd employ, in place? of authority and trult, fuch only as have given good teftimonies of their duty to your Majefiy, and of their atfedliori to the true interelt of your kingdom. Thefe are the humble d'/fires of your faithful Commons, and thcfe we know to be your Majcfty's grav:ious intenticms. From your tender concern for this chu.ch and nation, and i'rom what yoti late'y have done, and are going on to do, for the happinefs and fatisfaclion of your people, v/e promife oOrfeives a favourable acceptance of this our application ; and from our duty to your Majedy, and our hde]i;y to our truft, your Ma- jefty may confide in us, that we will, upon all occalicns, de- fend and fupport your Majefty, and our happy confxitution, againft all enemies and oppofcrs whatfo^ver. Her Majejiys Aufzvcr^ June 7, 1 7 1 1 . Gentlemen, 'T'HIS reprefentation gives me frefh alTuranccs of your zeal ■^ for my fervice, and for the true intereft of your country. It contains many par.iculars : I will 'ake thr^m^ all into my ferious conlideration, and give the neceifary dredlions to redrels the grievances you complain of. Be allured, that your advice upon all cccafions has the greatelf weight with me. Her Majejiys moji gr adorn Speech, December •], 171 1. My Lords and Gentlemen, I HAVE called you together as foon as- the public affairs would permit : and 1 am glad, that I can now tell you, that, notwithaanding the arts of thofe who delight in war, both ( 4S^ ) pace and time are appointed for opening the treaty of a gene- ral peace. Our allies, efpccially the States General, whofe intereft I look upon as infcparable from my own, have, by their ready concurrence, expreifed their entire confidence in me: and f have no reafon to doubt, but that my own fubje6\s are alfured (^i my particular care of them. My chief concern is, that the proteftant religion, and the laws and liberties of thefe nations, may be continued to you, by fecnring the fuccelTion to the crov/n, as it^is limited by Par- liament, to the houfe of Hanover. I fhall endeavour, that, after a war which has cort fo much blood and treafure, you may find your intereit in trade and commerce improved and enlarged by a peace ; with all other advantages which a tender and affedlionate Sovereign can pro- cure for a dutiful and loyal people. The princes and dates which have been engaged with us in thi? war, being, by treaties, intitied to have their feveral intc- rells fecured nt a peace, I will not only do my utmoft to pro- cure every one of them all reafonable fatisfaciion ; but I fhall alfo unite Tvi;h them, in the Itrictcfl engagements, for continuing the alliance, in order to render the general peace fecure and laflini;. The bed way to have this treaty efFeclual, will be to make early provifion for tiK; campaign : tl-.ereforc, I mud afk nf you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, the ntcellary fupplic* ior the next year's war: and 1 do moft earneftly recommend to you to make fuch difpitch therein, as may convince our enemies, that, if v.e cannot (»bt.Tin a good peace, we arc pre- pared to carry <^>n the war with vig'.nir. Whatever you give will be dill in your own power to ap- ply : and I doubt not, but in a little time after the opening of the treaty, we ihall oe able to Judge of its event. My Lords and Gentlemen, As I have had your cheerful afliRance for the carrying 6n this long aPvi chargeable war, fo I allure myfelt, that no true proteffant, or good fubieifl, will envy Britain, or me, the glory and fatisfaciion of ending the fame byaju!} and honourable peace ior us, and all our allies. Such a peace will give new life to our for* ign trade ; and I fhall do my utmofV to improve that happy opportunity to -encourage our home manufactures; which will tend to the eafmg of mv fubie<£}s in that excetTive charge they now lie under in maintaining the poor ; and to correct and redrefs fuch abufe:j ( 451 ) abufes as may have crept inro any part of the adminiftrafion during fo long a war. I cannot conchide withont earneftly recommending to you all unanimity, and that you will carefully avoid every thing which may give occafion to the enemy to think us a people divided amongll ourfelves ; and, confequently, prevent our obtaining that good peace, of which we have fuch reafonable hopes, and fo near a view. i pray God direct your confultations to this end, that, being delivered from the hardftiips of war, you may become a happy and a flourilhing people. W Aiidrefi Ifj the Houje of Commons to her ulfi-ijrj^y, Dec, 8, lyf i» Mofl gracious Sovereign, E, your Majelly's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeils, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflcmblcd, beg leave to return our fincere and hearty thanks for your Ma- jefty'smoft gracious fpeech from the throne ; wherein your Ma- jefly, b)' exprelhng your great care and concern, m fopaiticular a manner, for the proteflant religion, which, above all things, is moit dear to us ; for ihofe laws and liberties which make us peculiarly happy above other nations ; and tor the fucccHion cf the houfe of Hanover, as limited by Parliament, upon which the future fecurity of our religion, laws, and lil)rrfics, depends; has given us a frefh demonOration, that your Ma- jcfty has nothing fo much at heart, as the fafety and happinels of your people. Having an entire confidence in your Majcfty's wifdom and goodnefs, in your honour and jullice to your allits, and in your particular care of your own fubjecls, wc cannot hu» exprcfs our fatisfaclion in what your Majefty has been pieaftd to de- clare, of the juft and honourable peace your Majefty has m view. This was the end for which your Majcfly entered ir.to the war; and nothing can add more to thegloiyot y(^ur reign, than, after the nrwny unparalleled fucceflls in the courfc ot tin? war, to have your Majefty conclude it with the bklhng of fych a peace ; which, we cannot doubt, will be rendered fc- cure and lading by your Majefty's purfuing the wife lelolu- tion you have taken, of entering into the ihiciell engagemenis for continuing the alliance to that end. And we prefume to alfure your Majcfly, '^vc \vill take all pofhble care to preferve that unanimi'y your MajcHy has re- comtriended to us; and ufe our utmoll endeavours todifappoint, Og 2 as ( 452 ) as well the arts and defigns of thofe who, for private views, may delight in war, as the hopes the enemies may have vainly enterta'ned of receiving advantage from any divifion among us. We entirely concur with your Majefty, that the beft way to- bring this treaty to good efFed, is to make an early provifion for the next campaign: for which purpofe, not\. ithifanding the heavy burdens which, during this long and expenfive war, your Nlajefty's fubjedls have undergone, we will, with the greatefl: alacrity, grant fuch effedual and fpeedy fupplies, as (hall enable your Majefty to carry on the war with vigour ; and con^'^nce your enemies, if the intended negociations fhould prove ineffectual, that no amafements nor attempts whatfoever can alter our I'rm and ftedfail refoUition of fupporting the beft of fovereigns in carrying on fo jull a war, till a fafc, lafting, and honourable peace may be procured for your Ma- jefty, and all your allies. Her Afajijiy's Anfwer^ Dec. II, l " I r . npHTS very dutiful addrefs is what I expedlcd from the ■^ zeal and loyalty of fuch an Houfe of Commons ; 1 re- turn you my hearty thanks for the confidence you have in me: I entirely rely upon your airuraixes \ and you may depend upon my afFeCUon, and care for your iniereris. JMcJJage from her Majcjly to the Houfc of Commons^ January 14, 1 7 12. Anne R. TLlER Majefty fully determined to have been perfonally pre- "^ fent in Parliament this day; but, bemg preventtd by a fudden return of the eout, her Majefty, in hopes the may, by the bIclTing of God, be able to fpeak to both lier Houfes of Parliament on Thurfday next, defires this Houfe may forth- with adjourn itfelf to ThurfJay next, the feventeenlh of this inftant January. JVIcffage from her Majefly to the Houfe of Commons, January 17, 1712. Anne R. TJER Majefty, not having yet recovered ftrength enough, ■*■ fince the return of the gout, to be prefent this day in perfon ; and being unwilling that tl>e public bufinefs fhould receive I ( 453 ) receive any delay, thinks fit to communicate to this Houfc the fubftances ot what flie intended to have fpoke. At the opening ot" this feiTion, iiei Majeity acquainted her Parliament, that both time and place wciC aj'^poin^ed for the mec'ing of the pLnipotentiaiies of all the confederates, to treat with thofe of the enemy concerning a general peace : and alfo expreiled the care which flie intended to take of all her allies, and the Itiict union in which the propofed to join with them, in order to (jbtain a good ]3eace, and to guarantee and fupport it when obtained. Her Majclly can now tell you, that her plenipotentiaries are arrived at Utiechr, and iiave begun, in purfuance of her in- ftrudions, to concert the moil proper ways of procuring a juft fatisfadion to all in alliance with her, according to their feveral tre?.ties ; and particularly with relation to Spain and the Weft Indies. You may depend on her Majefty's communicating to her Parliament the terms of peace before the fame ihull be con- cluded. The world will now fee how groundlefs thofe reports ^jre which have been fpread abroad, by men of evil intentions, to ferve the word defigns, as if a feparate peace had been treated ; for which there has not been the lead: colour given. Her Majeliy's miniiters have diredlions to propofj, that a day may be iixed for the finilhing, as was done tor the com- mencement, of this treaty ; and, in the mean time, all the preparations are hai'lening for an early campaign. . The zeal v.hich this Houfe has already exprefled is a fure pledge, that they will proceed in giving the neceliary difpatcli to the fupplies which have been aflced of them. Her MajeJly finds it neceifary to obferve, how great licence is taken in publilhing falfe and Landalous libels, ; fuch as are a reproach to any government : this evil feems to be grown too ftrong for the laws now in force : it is therefore recom- mended to you to find a remedy equal to the mifchief. St, James's, X'^^th January y 1712. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commorn to her MajeJly ^ Jan. 18, 17 12. Moft gracious Sovereign, ^Y'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje<51s, th« Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament adembled, appear before your Majefty, with the grcateft fatisfadinn, to return our moft humble thanks for your Majefty's moft gra- G g 3 Xour cious melfage. i 4'A . ) Yi>ur Majefly lias, on all occalious, Oiew n fuch a tenJer - Dcfs and regard to the welfare ol your people, and fuch a generous and difintcrelted concern lor the d'pport and advan- tage of your allies, in fo many inftances, during the profecu- tion of the prefent war, that we have i^.orcafon to doubt }our Majerty's care of both in a treaty of peace ; and that the molt proper ways will be concerted of procuring a jufl fatis- laction to all in alliance with your Majeity, according to their ieveral treaties ; and particularly with relation to Sp'fiin and the Weft Indies: however, we think ourfelves obliged, with the greateft gratitude, to acknowledge your Majefty's goodncls and condefcenfion, in promillng to commuuicate to your Par- liament the terms for a gener:;! peace before the fame lliall be concluded : and this, if any thing can, muit entirely filence thofe feditious reports that have bcea induitriouHy and mali- tioufly fpread abroad, to the dilhonour of your Majefty, that u feparate peace has been treated ; which can have been raifcd only by fome faiflious incendiaries, who, to cover their own tliiaffedtion to the prefent eftablifhment and sdniiniitra'ion, and fuch defigns as tliey have not d:ired publicly to own, endea- vour to diltrail your fubjedts w ith unreafonable and groundiefs dilhufts and jcaloufics. Your Majeity's approbation of the zeal }our faithful Com- mons have already exprelfed ror railing tnc neccifary luppiics, ■vvili engage them to continue their application, and to give iiil poilible difpatch thereunto. We are very fenfible how much the liberty of the prefs is abufed, by turning it into fuch a licentioufnefs as is a juft re- proach to the nation ; fince nor only falie aiiv fcandalous libi-ds are printed and pnbliflicd againit yoi.r Mijelty's government, ^»ut the moll fiorrid blafphen-iies againit C^od and religion; anil we beg leave humbly to aifurc your iVlajtity, that we will do our utnio(t to find out a remedy equal to this mifchief, and that niav cfilciualiv cure it. Alcffagc ftarn her Majrfty tc the Hohfe cfCamtnom, jiOi. 21,1"} \%. Anne R. IIJER Majefly thinks fjt to infunr, the Hcufe, that in pur- ■*■ fuauce ot an adl, intituled, •' Adt for granting to her Majcily feveral duties en coals, for building fifty new churches jn and about the cities of London and Weltminfter, and fuburbs thereof, and other piirpofes therein mentioned ;" Ihe ifliied her ccicniiir.cn, under the jjrcai ftal of Great Britain, fcuthoriling ( 455 ) authorifing fevcral periods to execute the powers therei.i mentioned : That her Ivlaiefty, finding, by the report of the commif- -lotitrs, that they nave not been able, within the time limited, tiilly 10 anfwer the purpofes of the faid commiflion, eariicftly iccomipends to her Parliament, that the time may be enlarged Iwr efKedting this work ; and fiich farther powers may be given, :.s fhall appear neceiiary to render her Majefty's pious inten- tions more effeclual. Jler Afqje/h's Arifwer to the laji Addrtls^ J""' 2 2, 1712. T HAVE received fo many proofs of the loyalty of this Houfe of Commons, and of their love of our cotmtry, that the bcfi: anfwer which I can return to this moil dutiful addrcfs is, to give you my hearty thanks for it ; and to repeat not only that good opinion which i have of my Comimons, but alfo my aiVurances, that the confidence which you place in me fhall be anfwered by my utmo{t endeavours to promote the fafety and advantage of all my fubjeds. J Reprefentatlon to kcr A^ajcfty by the Houfe of Commons^ A'larch 1 , 1712. Mofl gracious Sovereign, ■\X7'E, your Majelfy's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the ^^ Commons of Great Biitain, in Parliament adernbled, having nothing fo much at heart as to enable your Majelty to bring this long and expenfive war to an honourable and happy conclulion, have taken it into our molf ferious confidcration, how the necelTary fupplies to be provided by us may be beft applied, and the common caufe may, in the moil effedual manner, be carried on by the united force of the whole con- federacy : we have thought ourfclves obliged, in duty to your Majeily, and in difchargc of the truft repofed in us, to in- quire into the true (fate of the war in all its parts: we have .examined what (lipulations have been entered into between your Majelty and your allies ; and how far fuch engagements have, on each fide, been made good : we have confidercd the different interefts which the confederates have in the fuccels of this war ; and the different fliares they have contributed to its fupport : we have, with our utmoft care and diligence, endea- voured to difcover the nature, extent, and charge, of it ; to the end, that by comparing the weight thereof with our own iirtngth, we might adapt the one to the other, in fuch iiiea- G g 4 '""^^i ( 456 ) fure, as neither to continue your Majtfty's fubjciSls under a heavier burden than in reafon and jullice they ought to bear ; nor dt-ccive your MajeOy, your allies, a^id ourfehes, by un- dertaking more than the nation, in its prcfcnt circumftances, is able to perff rm. Your Majefty nas been gracioufiy pleafed, upon^our humble applications, to order fuch materials to be laid before us, as have furniihed us with the ncceiFary information upon the par- ticulars we hnve intjuired into : and when we ihall have laid before your Majeity our obfcrvations and humble advice updji this fubject, we promife to ourfelves this happy truit from it, that, if your Majedy's generous and good purpofes for the procuring a fafe and lalting peace Ihould, through the obfti- nacy ot the enemy, or by any other means, be unhappily de- feated, a true knowledge and underftanding of the paft conduct of the war, will be the bcil: foundation for a more frugal and equal management of it for the time to come. In order to take a more perfedl view of what we propofed, and that we might be able to fet the whole before your Ma- jefty in a true light, we have thought it necelfary to go back to the beginning of the war ; and beg leave to obferve the motives and reafons upon which his late Majefty King William engaged firlt in it : the treaty of the grand alliance explains thofe reafons to be, for the fupporting the pretenfions of hrs Imperial MajeUy, then af^ually engaged in a war with the French King, who had ufurped the entire Spanilh monarchy for his grandl'on, the Duke of Anjou ; and for the aihlling the States General, who, by the lols of their barrier againlf France, ■were then in the fame, or a more dangerous condition than if they were adually invaded : as thefe were the jufl and necef- fary motives for undertaking this war, fo the ends propofed to be obtained by it were equally wife and honourable : for, as they are fet forth in the eighth article of the fame treaty, they appear to have been, the procuring an equitable and reafonable fatisfaclion to his Imperial iVJajelly, and fufficient fccuriiies for the dominions, provinces, navigation, and Commierce, of the King of Great Britain, and the States General; the making effc£lual provifi; n, that the two kingdoms of France and Spain fhould never be united xmder the fame government ; and par- ticularly, that the French Ihould never get into the polfcliion of the Spanifli Weft Indies, or be perraitted to fail thither, upon the account of traffic, under any pretence whatfoevcr ; and laltly, the fecuring to the fubjedls of the King of Great jjri'ain, and the States General, all the lame privileges and lights of comnierce throughout the whole dominions of Spain, as they enj yed before the death of Charles II. King of Spain, by ( 457 ) by virtue of any treaty, agreement, ciiRom, or anv other way whatfoever: for the obtaining thefe ends, the tlnce confede- rated powers engaged to aiHll one another with their whole force, according to fuch proportions as Ihould be fpecified in a particular convention afterwards to be made for that pnr- pofe : we do not *ind, that any fuch convention was ever ra- tified ; but it appears, that there was an agreement concluded, which, by common confent, was underitcod to be binding upon each party r^-fpetliveiy ; and according to which, the proportions of Great Britain were, from the beginning, re- gulated and founded : the terms of that agreement were, that, for the fervice at land, his Im.perial Majefty fnould furnifli 90,000 men ; the King of Great Britain 40,000 ; and the. States General 102,000 j of winch there were 42,000 intended to fupply their garrifons, and 60,000 to a£l againft the com- mon enemy in the field : and, with regard to the operations of the war at fea, they were agreed to be performed jointly by Great Britain and the States General ; the quota ot fliips to be furnifhed for that fervice being, five-eighths on the part of Great Britain, and three- eighths on the part of the States General. Upon this foot the wnr began in the year 1702 ; at which time the whole yearly expenfe of it to England amounted to 3,7065494/. a very great charge, as it was then thought by your Nlajerty's fubje6is, after the Ihort interval of eafe they had enjoyed from the burden of the former m ar ; but yet a very- moderate proportion, in comparifon with the load which hath fince been kid upon them ; for it appears, by eiiimates given in to your Cominons, that the Anns necefHuy to carry on the fervice for this prefent year, in the fame manner as it was per- formed the laft year, amount to more than 6,960,000/. befides interelf , for the public debt, and the deficiencies accruing the laft year; which two articles require 1,143,000/. more; fo that the whole demands iipon your Commons are arifen to more than eight millions for the prefent annual fupply : we know your Majefty's tender regard for the welfare of your people will make it uneafy to you to hear of fo great a pref- fure as this upon them ; and as we are aiVured it fully con- vinces your Majefly of the neceflity of our prefent inquiry, fo we beg leave to rcprefcnt to yon, from what caufes, and by what ^fteps, this immenfe charge appears to have grown upon us. The fervice at fea, as ir hath been very large and extenfive in itfelf, fo it hath been carried v:\, throngli the whole courfe of the war, in a manner highly difadvantagccus to your Ma- jefty and your kingdom : for the ncccllity of affairs requ.rmg ■' ° that ( 45S ) thar great fleets fliould be fitted out every year, as well for the laaiataining a fiipcriority in the Mediterranean, as for op- poliug any force which tin- enemy might prepare, either at Dunkirk, or in the ports of Well France, your Majelly's ex- ample and readintfs, in fitting out your p;oportion of fhips for all parts of that fervice, have been fo far from prevailing \viih the States General to keep pace with you, that they have been deficient every year to a great degree, in proportion to what your Majelly hath lurniilied ; fomeiiines no lefs than two-thirds, and generally more than half, of their quota: from hcuce your Majelty ha.^ been obliged, for the preventing ilifappointments in the mod: prelling fervices, to fupply thofc deficiencies by additional reinforcements of your own fliips : nor hath the (ingle incrcafe of fuch a charge been the only ill conftqucnce that attended it ; for, by tlds means, the debt of the navy hath been enhanced, fo that t^e difcounts arifing upon the credit of it have afFe£led all other parts of the fervice : from the fame caufe, your Majelty 's (hips of war have been forced, in greater numbers, to continue in remote feas, and at unfeafoi.able times of the vear, to the'greater damage and decay of the Britilh navy: this alfo hath been the occafioa that your Majefiy h.aih been llraitened in your convoys for trade ; yv^ur coafts have been expofed, for want of a fufficient number of cruizers to guard them; and you have been dif- abled from annoying the enemy in their moft beneficial com- rfierce 'with tlie Weit Indies, from whence they have received thofe vaft fupplics of treafure, without \vhich they could not have fupported the expenfes of this war. That part of the war wl.ich hath been carried on Iii Flanders, was at firfl: immediately necelfary to the fccurity of the Staites General, and harh iince brought them great acqui- iiuons, both of revenue and dumiuion : yet, even there, the oiiginal proportions have been departed from, and, during the cfiuife of ihe war, have been finking by degrees, on the part of Holland ; fo that, in this lafl year, we find the number in winch they iell lliort of tluir three-ftftlis to your Majelly's tvvo-fifihs, to have been 20,^37 men : we are not unmindful, that in tlie year 1703 a treaty was made between the two na- ti<)ns, for a joint augmentation of 20,000 men ; wh.erein the proportions were varied, and England confented to take half upon itfelf: but it iiaving been annexed, as an exprefs con- tlition, to the grant of the fald augmentation in Parliament, that the Slates General ftiould prohibit all trade and commerce with France; and that condition having not been performed by them, the Com.mons think it reafonabJe, that the firfl rule, oi ihftc to two, ought to have tak.ca jUace again, as well m I that ( 459 ) that as in other fubfequent augmentations ; more cfpccially when they confider, that the revenues of thofe rich provinces which have been conquered would, ii" tliey were dul}* applied, maintain a great number of new additional forces cgainll; the common enemy; notvvitliOanding which, the Stales^ General have raifed none upon that account, but make ufe of thofe JieOi fupplies only to eafe themfelves in the ctiaige of their firft eftablillied quota. As in the prngrefs of the \\ar in Flanders, a difproportion was for the common caufe : that the intereil of thai caufe hath not been pr. portioi:ably promoted by it; but others only have been eaf d, at your M^lell•y's and your fubjedfs' colls ; and have been coimived at in laying thtir part of the burden upon this kingdom, although they have, upon all accounts, been equally, and, in mo:l refpcfts, much more nearly concerned th:ui Biitairi, in the i-fue of the war: we are pcifuar'ed your Majefty will think it pardonable in us, with fome ref.Mitment, to co-r plain of the lit'le regard which fome of thofe whom your Majefty ot la'e years intruded, have fhc'.vn to the intereUs of thei. country, in gi'.ing way, at leaft, to fuch unreafonctble impolitions up )n it, it not, in fome mea- fure, \ontviiinf,^ them : the conrfe of wh.ch impofiiious hath been fo fingular and -xtrartrdinary, that the more the wealth of this nation hath been exhaullcd, "and the more your Mijeuy's arms have been attended with fuccefs, the heavi-r h.th b.-eii the burden laid upon us ; whiUt, on the other hand, th- more vi- gorous your Majelly's efforts have been, and the greater the advantages which have red ninded thence to your allies, the piore thofe allies have abated in their ihare of the txpenfe. At ( 462 ) At the fir/l: entrance Inlu this war, the Ci)mmon«; were in dneed to exert themfelvcs in the extraordinary manner they did, and to grant fuch large Tipiilies as had been unknown to former ages, in hopes thereby to prevent the mifchiets of a lingering war ; and to bring that in which they were neceirarily engaged to a fpcedy conclufion : but they have been v*Ty unhappy in the event, whiHl they have fo much reafon lo fufped^, that what v/3<; intended to l))orten the war, hath proved the very caufe of its long continuance \ for ihofe to whom the proBts of it havn accrued, have been difp fed not 'ralHy t6 ftjrego them : and your Majefty will from thence difcern the true reafon vchy ict many have delighted in a war which brought in fo rich an har- vcft, yearly, from Grt-at Britairt. We aie as far froin defiring, as we know yntir Majefty will be from cont;luding any peace, but upon fafe and honourable terms : and we are [ar from intending to excufe ourfelves from raifing all necefTary and poflible fupplies for an effe£lual profc- cuMon of the war, till fuch a peace can be obtained ; alJ that your faithful Commons aim at, all that they wi{h, is an equal concurrence from the other powers engaged in alliance with yo\]T MajcUy, and a juil: application of what iiath been already gained from the enemy, towards promoting the common caufe. Several lar^e countries and territories have been rellorcd tothehoufeof Aullria ; fuch as the kingdom of Naples, the duchy of Milan, and other places in Italy: others have been conquered, and added to their dominions ; as the two cle£lo- lates of Bavaria and Cologne, the duchy of Mantua, and the billropric of Liege: thcfe having been reduced in great mea- fure, by our blood asid treafurc, may, we humbly conceive, with great reafon, be claimed to conie in aid towards carrying on the war in Spain: and thcrifore, ue make it our earned rtqucd to your Mjjefly, that you wiil give inflrudlions to your miuilters to infift vviih the Emperor, that the revenues of ihofe feveral places, excepting only fuch a portion thereof as i*: nccelfary for their defence, be ad^ually fo applied : and as to the other parts of the war, to which your M;ijelly hath obliged yourf'-U by particular treaties to contribute, we humbly befeech your Ma'jeliy, that you will be pleafed to take effeclual care, that your allies do perform their parts (Hpulatcd Ly thofe trea- li'js ; and that your Majefty will, for the future, no otherways turnifh troop<^, or pay fubiidits, than in proportion to what your allies Hiall a6luaHy furnifli and pay. When this jullice is done toyour Majcdy and to your people, tl ere is nothing which your Commons will not cheerfully grant towards fupporting your Majeity in the caufe in which y<,u are engaged : and whatever ( 4^3 ) whatever further fhall appear to be necclTary for cnrrylnn- on the war, either at fea or land, -we will effectually enable 'j-our Majeity to bear your reafonable (bare of any fuch expenfe^ and will f[ are no fuppiies which your fubjeds are ablf, with their iitmoft efforts, to afford. Atrer having inquired into, and confidercd the ftue of the ■w-nr, in which the part your Majefty has borne appears to liavc bijen not only fuperior to that ot any one ally, but even equal to that of the whole confederacy, your Commons naturally inclined to hope, that they (hould find care had been taken fecuring fome particular advantages to Britain in the terms ot a lutirre peace, fuch as might afford a profpeft of mnking the nation amends in time tor that immenle treafure which hath been expended, and thofe heavy debts which have been contradled in the courfe of fo long and bu-rdenfome a war: this reafonable expedation could no way have been better an- fwered, than by fome provifion made for the turthfer fecurity, and the greater iiiiprovement of the commerce of Cireat Britain : but we find ourfelves fo very far difappointed in thcfe hopcp, that, in a treaty not long fmce conchtded between your Majei^y and the States General, under colour of a mutual guarantee given tor tv/o points of the greateil importance to both nafit^ns, the fuccelhon and the barrier, it appears, the intcrcft of Great Britain hath been not only negleclcd, but facrificed ; and that fevtral articles in the faid treaty arc defiru6tive to the trade and welfare of this kingdom ; and therefore highly dilhonourable to your MajcHy. Your Commons obfervc, in the firll place, that fcvcral town*; and places are, by virtue of this treaty, to be put into the hands of the States General ; particularly Nieuport, Dendcrmonde, and the caftle of Ghent ; which can in no fenfc be looked upon as part of a barrier againft France ; but being the keys of the Netherlands towards Britain, muil make the trade of your Ma- icfty's fubjeds in thofe parts precarious, and, whenever the States think fit, totally exclude them from it: the pretendtd necelhty of putting thefe places into the hands of the States C-ie- neral, in order to fecure to them a communication with their barrier, muft appear vain and groundlefs ; for the fovereignty ftf the Low Countries being not to remain to an enemy, but to a friend and an ally, that communication mull be always fecure and unintcrrj^pted ; befides, that in cafe ci a rupture, or any att!ick, the States have full liberty allowed them to take poffelhon of all the Spaniih Netherlands, and therefore needed iio particular flipulation for the towns above-mentioned. Having taken notice of this concellion made to the States Ge- neral, for fcizmg upon the whole ten provinces ; wc cannot but ( AH ) but obferve to your Majefty, that in the manner this article Is i'ramed, it is another dangerous circuniflancc vv-hich attends this, treaty : for had fuch a provifion been confined to the cafe of an apparent attack from France only, the avowed defign of this treaty had been fulfilled, and your Majefty's inftruclions to your ambafTador had been purfued ; but this nccellary reftriflion hath been omitted ; and the fame liberty is granted to the States to take poUelJion of all the Netherlands, whenever they Ihall think themfclves attacked by any other neighbouring nation, as when they fnall be in danger from France \ fo that if it (hould at anytime happen, v.hicli your Commons are very unwilling to fuppcfe, that they fhould quarrel even with your Majefiy, the riches, flrength, and advantageous fituaiion of thefe coun- tries, may be made ufe of againft yourfelf ; without whofe ge- nerous and powerful affidance they had never been conquered. To return to thofe ill confequences v. Inch relate to the trade of your kingdoms ; we beg leave to obferve to your Majefty, that though this treaty revives, and renders your Majeily a party to, the fouiteenth and fifteenth articles of the treaty of Muiifcer ; by virtue of wi'.ich, the impofitions upon all goods and m.erchandifes brcught into ihe Spaniih Low Countiiesby the fea, are to equal thofe laid on goods and merchandifes im- ported by the Scheld, and the canals of Safs and Swyn, and other mouths of the fea adjoining; yet no care is taken to preferve that equality upon the exportation of thofe goods out of the Spanilli provinces, into thofe countries and places, which, by virtue of this treaty, are to be in the polfcfiion of the States : the confequence of which mull in time be, and your Commons are informed that in feme indauccs it hr.s alrca^ly proved to be the cafe, that the impofitions .upon goods carried into thofe countries and places by the fubjedls of the States General, will be taken off, whilft thofe upon the goods imported by your Majefty's fiihjefls remain ; by which means, Great Britain will entirely lofe this moil beneficial branch of trade, vhich it hath been in all ages poUeired of, even from the tinie when thofe countries were governed by the houfe of Burgimjiy, one of the mcfi: ancient, as well as the moft ufeful allies to the crown of England. With regard to the other doininions and territories of Spain : your Majeliy's fubjeits have always been difiinguilhed in their commerce v\ith them, and both by ancient treaties and an unin- terrupted cuftom, have enjoyed greater privileges and immuni- ties of trade, than either the Kollandt^rs, or any other nation whatfocver : and that wife and excellent treaty of the grand alliance provides cfteflually for the fecurity and continuance of thefc valuable privileges to Brit;xin, in fuch a manner, as that each ( 46s ) tach nation might be left at the end of the war upon the fame foot as it itoi)d at the commencement of it ; but this treaty we now complain of, inltead of confirming your 'ft.bjecls' rights, furrenders and deitroys ihtm : for ahhoi.gh by the lixteenth an4 feventeenlh articles o; the treaty of Munfter, mad- betv\een his Catholic Majefty and the States General, all advanta^'es of trade are Itipulated for, and granted to the Hollanders, equal to what the Englilh enjoyed , yet the crown of England not being a party to that treaty, the fnbjecls of England have never fubmit- led to thofe articles of it ; nor even the Spaniards ti.Liiifelves ever obferved them : but this treaty revivis thofe artiiles in prejudice to Great Britain, and makes your Majeily a jiarty to them ; and even a guarantee to the States General for privileges againft your own people. In how deliberate and extraordinary a manner your Majefly's ambaifador confented to deprive your fubjcits ot their ancient rights, and your Majefty ot the power of procuring to thetn any new advantage, molt evideniv-'appears from his ou n let- ters, which by your Majefty's dirc-* Majefty and the States General. Her Ma}ejly i Anfwer y Match ^, 17 12. 'T^HIS reprefentation is a further inftance of that dutiful af^ fe6lion to my fervice, and concern for the public intereft, which this Houfe of Commons has ahvays (hewn. You may be alTured that I will give fuch orders as fhall efFe«ftually anfwer what you defire of me in every particular. A Mcfjagi from her Majejiy^ March 14, 1712. Anme R. TT having been certified to her Majefty, by the Earl of Straf- -*- ford, her ambafTador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the States General of the United Provinces, that the coUedlions for building a church at Rotterdam, wherein divine fervice is celebrated after the ufage of the church of England, for the benefit of the Qiieen's fubjeils in that place, are not fufficient to complete the charge of that work by about two thoufand five hundred pounds, her Majefty thinks fit earncftly to recommend to the Houfe the making a provifion for the fame. Her Majcjlys moji gracious Speech, "June 6, I'jll^ My Lords and Gentlemen, 'TpHE making peace and Vv'ar is the inidouhted prerogative of ■^ the crown : yet fuch is the jnft conlidence I place in you, that at the opening of this feftion I acquainted you, that a ne- gotiation lor a general peace was bci^un ; and afterwards, by melTages, I prcmifed to comrnunicate to you the tenns of peace before the fame Ihould be concluded. In purfuance of that promife, I now come to let you know upon what terms a general peace may be made. I need not mention the difficulties whicit arife from the very nature of this affair j and it is but too apparent, tr.ai thefcdifti- cuhies ( 467 ) cnlties have been increafed by other obftru^lions, artfully con- trived to hinder this great and good work. Nothing, ho A ever, has movtd me from fieadily purfuing, ]n tlie firft place, the true intereft of n-y own kingdoms ; and I have not omitted any thing which might procre to all our allies what is due to them by treati>:s, and vvhat is necelfary for their fecurity. The alTnring of the protellant fucceflion, as by law eftabliHi- ed, in the houfe of Hanover, to thefc kingdoms, being what [ have neareft at heart, particular care is taken not only to have that acknowledged in the Ifrongeft terms, but to have an addi- tional fecurity, by the removal of that peifon out of thf -lomi- nions of France, who has pretended todii.urb tVii's fettlejiicnt. The apprchenfion that .^pain and the Weft Indies nught be imited to France, was the chief inducement to begin this war ; and the efredual preventing of fuch an union was the principle I laid down at the commencement of this treaty. Former examples and the late negotiation? fufficiently {hew hou' difficult it is to find means to accompHlh this work. I would not content myfelf with fuch a«; are fpjrulaiivc, or de- pend on treaties only ; 1 inflfted on what is folid, and to have at hand the power of executing what fhould be agreed. I can therefore now tell you, that France is at lalt brought, to offer, that the Duke of Anjou fhall, for himfeU and his de- fcendants, renounce for ever all claim to tl.ecr^wn of FrajK'e: and that this important article may be expofed to no hazard, the performance is to accompany the promife. At the fame time the fucceflion to the crown of France is to be declared, after the prefcnt Dauphin and his fons, to be in the Duke of Berry and his fons, \n the iJuke of Orleans and his fons ; and fo on to the reff of the houfe of Bourbon. As to Spain and the Indies, the fncceffion to thofe dominions, after the Duke of Anjou and his children, is to defcend to fuch prince as ihall be agreed upon at the treaty ; for ever excluding the reft of the houfe of Bourbon- For confirming the renuncia.ions and fettlemcnts beforemcn- tioned, it is farther offered, that they ihall be ratified in the moft ftrong and folemn manner, both in France and Spain ; and that thof.- kingdoms, as well as all the other powers en- gaged in the prrftnt war, fhall be guarantee to the fame. The nature of this propofal is fuch, that it executes v(A(: the intereff of Spain is to fupport it ; and in France the perfons to whom that fucceflion is to belong, will be ready and power- ful enough to vindicate their own right. France and Spain are now more effecftually divided than ever: and thus, by the bleifmg of God, will a real balance of power H h a te ( 46S ) be fixed in Europe, and remain liable to as few accidents as hu- man affairs can be exempted from. A treaty of commeice between thefe kingdoms and France has been entered upon ; but the excellive duties laid on fome goods, and the prohibitions of others, make it impolFible to tinilh tliis work fo foon as were to be defired : care is, however, taken to eOablilh a method of fettling this matter ; and in the mean time, provifion is made, that the fame privileges and ad- vantages as ihall be granted to anv other nation by F ranee, Ihall be granted, in like manner, to us. The divilion of the illand of St. Chriftopher between us and the French, having been the caufe of great inconveniency and damage to my fubje6^s, I have demanded to have an abfolutc ceflioii made to me of that whole ifland ; and France agrees to this demand. Our intereft is fo deeply concerned in the trade of North America, that I have ufed my utmofl endeavours to adjuft that article xn the moll beneficial manner: France confents to reftore to us the whole bay and firaits of Hudfon ; to deliver up the iiland of Newfoundland, with Placentia ; and to make an ab- folute ceilion of Annapolis, with the rell of Nova Scotia or Accadie. The fafety of our home trade will be better provided for by the demolition of Dunkirk. Our Mediterxanean trade, and the Brltifli interefl and influ- ence in thofe parts, will be fecured by the poflcflion of Gibral- tar and Port Mahon, with the whole illand of Minorca, which are offered ro remain in my hands. The trade to Spain and the Wefl Indies may, in general, be fettled as it was in the time of the late King of Spain, Charles the Second ; and a particular provifion be made, that all ad- Tantages, rights, or privileges which have been granted, or which may hereafter be granted, by Spain to any other nation, fh^ll be, in like manner, granted to the fubje6ts of Great Britain. But ihe part which we have borne in the profecution of this war, entitling us to fome diltindion in the terms of peace; I have infilled, and obtained, that the alfiento or contrad for furnilhing the Spanifh Wefl Indies with negroes, fhall be made with us for the term of thirty years, in the fame manner as it has been enjoyed by the French for ten years. I have not taken upon me to determine the interefls of our confederates : thefe muft be adjufted in the congrcfs at Utrecht, where my beft endeavours ihall be employed, as they have hither- to conitantly been, to procure to every one of tivem all jutt and reafonable fatibfadion. In the mean time, I think it proper to o acquaint ( 469 ) acquaint you, that France offers to make the Rhine the barrier of the eir.pire ; to yield Rrifac, the fort of Ke!il, and Lnndan ; and to rafe all the fortrelFes, boih on the other fide of 1 1: c Rhine, and in that river. As to the proteftant intereft in Germany, there will be, on the part ai France, no objedtion to the refettling thereof on the foot of the treaty of Weftpha'ia. The Spanilh Low Countries nay go to his Imperial Majef. ty : the kingdoms of Naples and Si'rdinia, the duchy of Tvlilan, and the places belonging to Spain on the coaft of Tufcany, may likcwife be yielded, by tlse treaty of peace, to the Em- peror. As to the kingdom of Sicily, ihoi^h there remains no difpute concerning the celTion of it by the Duke of Anjou, yet the dif- pulition thereof is not yet determined. 'i he intereft of the hrates Cjeneral, with refpe6\ to commerce, are agreed to, as they have been demanded by their own minif- ters, wiih the exception only of fome very few fpecies of mer- chandifes ; and the entire barrier, as temanded by the States in 1709, from France, except two or three places, at mofi:. As to thefe exceptions, fe*eral expedients are propofed ; and I make no doubt but this barrier may be fo fettled as to render that Republic perfectly fecure againft any enterprize on the part of France, which i^ the foundation of all my engagements upon this head with the States. Tiie demands of Ponugal depending on the difpofition of Spain, and that article having been long in difpute, it has not yet been polhble to make any conhderable progrefs therein ; but my plenipotentiaries will now have an opponunity to ailift that King in his pretenfions. Fhofeofthe King of PrufTia are fuch as I hope will admit of little difficulty on the part of France; and my utmoft endeavours fhall not be wanting to procure all I am able to fo good an ally. The difference bet .veen the barrier demanded for the Duke of Savoy in 1709, and the offers now made by France, is very inconfiderable ; but that Prince having fo fignally diftinguiflied himfelf in the fervice of the common caiife, I am endeavouring to procure for him (till farther advantages. France has conft nted that the Eleflor Palatine (liall continue his prefent rank among the electors, and remain in poirellion of the Upper Palatinate The ele6loral dignity is likewife acknowledged in the houfe of Hanover, according to the article inferted at thai Prince's defire, in my demands. H h 3 Ajnd, ( 470 ) Ant be wanting in your endeavours toobviae the defigns of any ill-minded perfons who may attempt to fow fi-dition auiongft my ful)je6ls; and, under fpccious pre- tencer, carry en defigns they dare not ov\ n. I hope, at your next meeting, there will be an opportunity of pcrfccling vvhat I have recommended to yu, which you have left unfiniilied in this felfioji. I cannot conclude without alTuring you, that nothing fhall move me from lleadily purfuing the true iniereft of fo dutiful and aifedlionate a pet'ple. Her Adajcjiys mojl gracious Specchy jdpril ()y ly^S* My Lords and Gentlemen, T ENDED the laft feffion with my hearty thanks for the fo- lemn alfurances you had given me; by which 1 have been enabled to overcome the difficulties contrived to obltrucl the general peace. 1 have deferred opening the feflion until now, being very de- firous to communicate to yoi;, at your tirft meeting, the fuccefs of this important affair, it is therefore wiih great pleafure I tell you, the treaty is fij^^ncd, aud in few days the ratification ■will he exchanged. "^J he ner?;oiiation has been drawn into fo great a length, that all our allies have had fufficient opportunity to adjtilt their feve^ lal infereifs : ihotigh the public charge has been thereby much increafcd, yet i h'pe my people wid be eafy under it, fmce we have happily obi iiicd the end we propofed. What I have done lor fecuring the proteftant fucceflion, and the pencil iriendlhip t'lere is between me and the honfe of Hanover, may convince fuch as wifn well to both, and defire the quiet and fatety of their countiy, how vain all atten p's are to divide us ; and tnofe v\ ho would make a merit by feparating our in^'-refti, ^ill never attain their ill ends, G^'ntlemen of the Houfe of Commons, As great a pri^grefs has been made in reducing the public expenfe, as the circumftances of affairs would admit. What ( 473 ) What force may be nccefTary for fecuring our commerce by fea, and for guards and garrifons, I leave entirely to my Par- liament. Make yourfelves fafe, and I fhall be fatisfied. ^ext to the protcdion of the l^ivine Providence, I depend upon the loyalty and affevSlion of my people, I want no other guarantee. 1 recommend lo your care thofe brave men who have feryed well by fea or land this war, and cannot be employed in time of peace. I muft defire you to provide the fupplies you (hall judge re- quifite ; and to give fuch difpatch as may be necelfary for your own eafe, and the public fersice. My Lords and Gentlemen, The many advantages I have obtained for my own fubjecls, have occafioned much oppofition and long delay to this peace. It affords me great fati$fa61ion that my people will have it in their power, by degrees, to repair what they have fuffered during fo long and burdenfome a war. The eahng of our foreign trade, as far as is confiftent with national credit, will deferve your care : And to think of proper methods for improving and encou- raging our home trade and manufa6lures, particularly the fiibery ; which may be carried on to employ all our fpare hands, and be a mighty benefit even to the remotell: parts of this kingdom. Several matters were laid before you laft fefTion, which tl^e weight and multiplicity of other bufmefs would not permit you to perfedt ; I hope you will take a proper opportunity to give them due confideration. I cannot, however, but exprefsly men'ion my di'pleafure at the unparalleled licentioufncfs in publifhing feditious and fcan- dalous libels. The impunity fuch practices have met with has encouraged the blafphcming every thmg iacrcd, and the propagating cpi- nions tending to the overthr(;w ot all rei. ion and government : profccutions have been ordered ; but it will require Tome new law to put a ftop to this growing evil ; and your btft endea- vours in your relpeflive itaiions to difcourage it. The impious pradice of duelling u^quires fome fp.edy and effedual remedy. Novv we are'entering upon peace tibroad, let me conjure you all to ufe your utmoft endeavours lor c^dming men's unnds at home, that the arts of peace may be cultivated. *^ Let ( 474 ) Let not groundlefs jealoiincs, contrived by a faclion, and foinented by party rage, efFcd that which our foreign enemies couKJ not- I pray God to direct all your confiillations for his glory, and the welfare of my people. Addrefi by the Houfe of Commons to hey MajcJ^y^ April lO^ ly'fj* Moft gracious Sovereign, V^^E, your Majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjefis, tha ^ Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, beg leave, uith all humility, to approach your royal perfon ■with our unanimous ackiiowledj^mcnts for all the benefits we enjoy under your Majelly's molt aufpicious reign. The many and great fuccclles which have attended your Majefty's arms, had left nothing to be wilbed but fuch a peace as might be conduded by your councils, which now we have the happintfs to fee accouipliihed : and as we are truly fenfiblc of your Majefty's grr^ci^iis and generous intentions in under- taking that g;reat work, fo we have all poffible reafon to admire your fleadinefs in carrying it on, and overcoming the many difficulties contrived to obftruft it : and it is with the higheft fatis)fa£lion we congratulate your Mjjelly upon the happy con- chifion of this treaty ; for we arc fo much convinced ol your Ma- jefty's tender regard to the pubhc welfare, and the many inftances of your wifdom have taught us to have fo perfeft a reliance upon it, that we cannot doubt but your Majelly hath procured all reafonable fatisfaifion for your allies, and eftablilhed the interest ot your own kingdoms in fuch a manner as to make us not only fccure for the future, but a flourilhing and a happy people. Your Majeify can give no higher proof of the care you take of polterity, than by the concern you are pleafed to exprefs for the proteftant fuccelfion in the houfe of Hanover ; upon which the future happinefs of this kingdom fo much depends: we hope and trult, that notliing will ever be able to interrupt the fricndihip between your Majcfly and that illultrious family, fince the wicked deligns of thofe who would endeavour to fe- parate your interclfs mull be too plain ever to fucceed. Your faitliful Commons can never enough exprefs the grate- ful fcnfe they have of the many gracious alfurances contained in your Majefty's fpeech : and after what your Majefty hath done to eafe your fubjecfs of the heavy burden which before Juy upon tliein, and after your unparalleled eoodnefs in de- manding ( 475 ) manding nothing from them for the time to come, but what they themfeives fhall judge rcquifite for their own fafety ; the bed return they can make will be a ready and dutiful compli- ance with every thing you have been pleafed to recommend .to them ; and they cannot fail moft cheerfully to fet about the providing the fupplies necelfary for this year's fervice. Your Majcfty's repeated condefcenfions muft in the ftrongeft manner engage the hearts and affcdions of all your fubjc£ls to your Majelly : and we are fatisfiedj wc cannot more truly reprefent them; than by contributing our utmoft endeavours to make your reign as profperous, glorious, and eafy to yourfelf, as it ir beneficial and happy to your people. Her Afajeflys Jnfivery April I T^, ^T^Z* Gentlemen, 'T'HIS addrefs cannot but be very agreeable to me, as U comes from my loyal Commons ; and as it is a continua- tion of thofe exprellions of duty and aiFedion which you have fhewn throujrh this whole Parliament. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to her Majefy, yiinc 24, 1713' Moft graciops Sovereign, "TTTE, your Majefly's moft dutiful and loyal fubje^is, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alTembled, having, at the opening of this feifion, congratulated your Ma- jefty upon the conclufion of a peace, find ourfelves now under equal obligations of duty to exprefs our thankfulnefs to your Majefty, fmce we have been acquainted with the condiii 'OS and terms of it ; which by your great wifdom have been pro- cured, and by your gracious condefcenfion have been com- municated to us: your Majelty's extenfive care hath nor only provided for the fecurity, but the honour of your kingdoms ; and we fhould be wan'ing in our concern for boih, ii we should omit our j nit acknowledgments for the particular rei.ards whicli your Majefty in this, as well as in other inftances, hath fhcwn to them. The good foundation your Majcfly hatii laid for the interefls of your people in trade, by what you have done )n the tr^a:y of navigation and commerce with Fiince, gives us hopes of feeing it yet farther improved to the advantage of your king- doms : and we make it our humble reqneft 10 ycur Mgcfty, that you will be nleafed to appoint commiiraries to treat with * thofc ( 4/6 ) tliofe of France, for the adjufting fiich matters as are ftill ne- ce^Vary to be fettled ; and that you will give fuch orders for the perteding the faid treaty, and explaining the fcveral parts of it, that an entire fcheme of trade may be framed between Great Britain and France; which may fully anfwer, and make effec- tual, your Majclty's gracious intentions for the good and wel- fare of your people. ■^f'-jj^gc from her Majef.y to the Honfc cf Commons, -June 25, 1713. Anne R. XJER Majefly thinks fit to acquaint her loyal Houfe of Com- ■^"^ mons with the difficuMes, which, in a particular manner, fhe lies under by the debts contraded in her civil govcrmi^eni, occafioned by feveral extraordinary expenfcs formerly incurred ; fo that her Majelty thinks herfeif obliged, in juftice to m.any creditors, to order an eliimate to be laid before this Houfe of what was owing on the civil lift in the year lyro. Her Majefly hath ufed unexampled parfimony to remove, if pofHble, th'''=; burden fromherfcU: but the granting away, and lelfening, fome .part of her revenue, by Parliament, has made that ir7ipra£licable : therefore her Majelty hopes, that «his Houfe of Com.mons, which, on all occalions, has (hewed themCeives fo well affefled to lu r, will not be unwilling to impovver her to raife fuch a ami of money on the civil lift fundc, as m.ay enable her to difch^rge the debts, and fettle tiie cxpenfe to be regularly paid for the future. Kenjingtcny June 1^, ^7^3* I Her Majejifs Aufvucr, June 27, 17 13. Gentlemen, THANK yoji m.oft heartily for this addrefs ; which fo fully expreifes your approbation of the treaties of peace and com- merce with France. It was with no fmall difficulty that fo great advantages ia trade were obtained for my fubjeds ; and 1 will readily com- ply with your defires, in continuing my utmoft care to fecure the btnciiis I have Itipulatcd for my people. Addrcji ( 477 ) Addrcfs by the Houfc of Commons, 'July 3, i 713- M(>fl gracious Sovereign, TXT'E, yeur Majelty's moft dutifiil and loyal fubje^ts, the Commons of Great Britain, in i*arliament alleiiibled, having nothing fo juftly at our hearts as the honour and fatety ot your moft facrcd perfon, and government, and the fecurity of the protedant fucceflion, do crave leave moit thankfully to acknowledge tlie great care which your JVIajelfy, In tendcrnefs to your people, hath always taken to prevent the Pretender to your crown from being in a condition to di(turb thefe realms ; and particularly, by the late treaty of guaranty with the Siateg General, and the treaty of peace betvvecn your Majefty and the French King; wherein, amongft other julf and necelfary pro- vifions for the fecurity of the proteJiant fucceflicn, it is ftipu- lated, that the Pretender to your Majelly's crown lliall not be fuffered to refide in any of that King's dominions. Your Majefly wifely infifted upon his removal from that neighbouring kingdom ; and your faithful Commons are fo fully con\inced of the neceffity there is to remove him as far as pollibic, that they cannot but exprefs to your Majelty their apprehenfions of the many dangers which may accrue to your Majcfly, and to your kingdoms, from his reliding in the terri- tories of the Duke of Lorrain. Wc do therefore, out of the higheft duty and concern for (he prefervation of your royal perfon, and the quiet ot your people, moft humbly befeech your Majclty, that you will be pleafed to ufe the moll fpeecly and prefling inltances with the Duke of Lorrain, and with all other princes and Itates in amity or correfpondence with your Majefty, that they will not, under any pretext whatfoever, receive, or futfer to continue, withia any of their dominions, that perfon who, in defiance of your Majefty's moft undoubted title to the crown, and the fciilcment thereof on the illultripus houfe of Hanover, has ailumed the title of King of thefe realms: and we farther beg leave to afl[iire your Majefty, that the Commons of Great Britain will, on all occafions, to the utmoft of their power, fupport your Majefty in fuch fteps as ftiall be necellary towards rendering thofe inftances efFeaual, and your Majefty fafe and eafy upon your throne. Her I ( 478 ) Her Alajcjlyi Avfvjcry July C^, I7l3» Gentlemen, THANK you heartily for your addrefs ; and I will give dire£lions according as you defire. Her Majejly''s moji gracious Speech ^ March 2, 1 7 14. My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE much fatisfadion in being able, at the opening this ^^ Parliament, to tell you, that the ratifications of the treaties of peace, and of commerce with Spain, are exchanged ; by which my fubjeds will have greater opportunities than ever to improve and extend their trade : many advantages, formerly enjoyed by connivance, and procured by fuch methods as made a diltindion between one Britifh merchant and another, are now fettled by treaty, and an equal rule is eftablilhed. It has pleafed God to blefs my endeavours to obtain an ho- nourable and advantageous peace for my own people, and for the greateft part of my allies : nothing which I can do Ihall be wanting to render it univerfal : and I perfuade myfelf, that, with your hearty concurrence, my interpofition may at lail prove efFedual to complete the fettlement of Europe. In tlie mean while, I congratulate w ith my own fubjeds, that they arc delivered from a confuining land war ; and en- tered on a peace, the good efFccls whereof nothing but intcftine diviiions can oblbu£t. It was the glory of the wifefl and greatefl of my predecefTors to hold the balance ot Europe ; and to keep it e(jual, by calling in their weight, as ncccflity required : by this condu£l they enriched the kingdom, and rendered tlemfdves dreadful to their enemies, and ufcful to their friends: 1 h.ave proceeded on the fatne principle ; and I doubt not but my fuccelfors will follow thefe examples. Our fituation points out to us our true interefl ; for this country can flonrilh only by trade ; and will be mod formidable by the right application of our naval force. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered fuch accounts to be prepared, and laid before you, as will ihew you, at the conclulion of the war, the true ftate of your condition ; whereby you will be better able to judge'what aids ace ncceliary : and I oniv alk of you fupplies f cjr ( 470 ) for the current fervicc of the year ; and tor the difcharge of luch debts as you Ihal! find, on examination, to be jul}; and reafonable. My Lords and Gentlemen, The joy which has been generally exprefTed on my recovery from my late indifpofition, and on my coming to this city, I eftcem as a return to that tender aftedion which 1 have always had tor my people. I wifh that etfcdual care had been taken, as I have often defired, to fupprefs thofe feditious papers, and fadliousrumouxs, by which deligning men have been able to fink credit, and the innocent have fuffered. There are fome who have arrived to that height of malice, as to inlinuate, that the protefiant fuccelTion in the houfe of Hanover is in danger under my government. Thofe who go about thus to di(lr>.>^ ine minds of men with imaginary dangers, can only mean to didurb the prefent tran- quillity, and to bring real mifchiefs upon us. After all I have done to fecure our religion and your liber« ties, and to tranfinit both fate to pofterity, I cannot mention thefe proceedings without fome degree of w^arm:h ; and I muft Jiope, you will all agree with me, that attempts to weaken my au-thority, or to render the poirellion of the crow!', uneafy to me, can never be proper means to ilrengthen the proteftant ^ fucceflion. 1 have done, and fliall continue to do, my beft for the good pf all my fubje(51s : let it be your endeavour, as it fhall be mine, to unite our differences, not by relaxing from the ftridleft adherence to our conftitution in church and flate^ but by ob- ferving the laws yourfclves, ana enforcing a due obedience to them in others. A long war has n9t only impoverifhed the public, how^ever fome particular men may have been gainers by it, but has alfo greatly afFedtcd government itfelf. Let it be your care fo to improve the prefent opportunity, as to lay the foundation of recovering from thofe difordcrs. I had the concurrence of the laft Parliament in making the peace : let it be the honour of this, to aliill me in obtaining fuch fruits from it, as may not only derive blcfiings on the pre- fent age, but even down to lateft pofterity. JdJrcji ( 4So ) ^Jdrefz to her Majcjiy by the Hoiife of Commons, March 4, 1 7 1 4. Moft gracious Sovereign, \T/ E, your Majelly's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjei^s, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alTembled, do, with a!) humility, return our fincere and hearty thanks tor your Majtlty's moil: t^racious fpcech from the throne. We beg leave to aifure your Majefty, that as nothing could be more alili<3:ing to your people than the indifpofition of the beft of Sovereigns, fo nothing has ever been an occafion of greater joy and fatisfadion to theiri than your Majefty's late happy recovery. We congratulate your Majefty on the conclufion of the treaties of peace and commerce with Spain, whereby your Majefty is pleafed to declare, that you have procured new benefits to your fubje6ts : but your royal care hath not been confined to your own people, it hath been extended tc all your allies: and your Majefty 's goodncfs muft be for ever ad- mired, that, notwithftanding any difcouragements you may have met with, you are pleafed ftill to continue your endea- vours to make the peace univerfal, and thereby to complete the fettlement of Europe : and your faithful Commons will never be wanting in an hearty concurrence to aflift»your Majefty in all fuch meafurcsas your Majefty ftiall judge proper to hniih a defign fo great and fo glorious. Your Commons will, with all cheerfulnefs, grant fuch fup- plies as are neceft'ary for the current fervice, and for the dii- charge of fuch debts as are juft and reafonable : they can never fufficienlly exprefs the fenfe they have of their happinefs, in being delivered from the calamities of a confuming war : they ^vil!, therefore, in duty to your Majefty, and in juftice to thofe they rcprcfcnt, do all that is in their pow^r, that the good ef- fedls ol peace may not be obftrucled by any inicftine divifions: they will, as far as in them lies, difappoint the dtligns of ma- licious and unreafonable men: they will, on all occalions, ftievr their jufi: abhorrence of the licentious practices in publifhin^' fcandalous papers, and fpreading feditious rumours : and, as •'.-"ur Commons will always fupport and maintain the proteftant iiicceilion in the houfe >.)( Hanover, they cannot but be afto- niflied at the malicious infmuations of any, who would fuggeft that fucccllion to be in danger under your Majefty's moft au- fpicious government : for when we confider, that it is fecured by the greateft obligations, civil and facred ; by ad^s of Parlia- ipent, oath^, and treaties ; we cannot but declare our entire acquiefcence I ( 48i ) acquiefcence in thefe fccurities ; and mud look upon fuch in- finuations to be groundlefs in themfelves, and affronting to your Majeftv, and your government. And your Maje'.ty nnuy depend, that your loyal Commons will never be prevailed on, by any pretences vvhaifoever, to coutitenance attempts that may tend to vi'eaken your Majefty's authority, and to render the pofieffion of the crown un>;afy to you ; which can only proceed from the rage of a difappointed fadion, and the fphit of rebellion. Her Majcjiys Jnfiver, March 6, 1 7 1 3. Gentlemen, 'T^HIS addrefs is fo dutiful, and expreHes fo fully the fenfe of my loyal Aibje6ts, that I eileem it a proof of the good choice they have made of you to reprefent them. I give you my hearty thanks for it. The confidence you have in my afFeftion, the abhorrence you declare of the malicious infinuations of the prote-ftant fuc- ceflion being in danger under my government, and your ac- quiefcence in the prefent fccurities for it, are very fui table re- turns for the tender regard I have always had for what con- cerns my people ; and will mod efFeftually, by the bleiTing of God, unite the minds of my fubjedls, and difappoint the defigns of thofe who would difturb the prefent tranquillity. "jBint Addrefs by both HoufeSy April 22, 1714. Mod gracious Sovereign, WE, your Majedy's mod dutiful and loyal fubje£^s, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament adembled, beg leave to exprefs the jud fenfe which we have of your Majedy's goodnefs to your people, in deli- vering them by a fafe, honourable, and advantageous peace with France and Spain, from the heavy burden of a confuming land war, unequally carried on, and become at lad^ impradi- cable: and we do mod earnedly intreat your Majedy, that you will be pleafed with the fame deadinefs, notwithdanding all the obdrudions which have been, or may be thrown in your way, to purfue fuch raeafures as you fliall judge neceifary for completing the fettlement of Europe on the principles laid down by your Majedy in your mod gracious fpeech from the throne. Vol. I. I i ^"^ ( 482 } Ha- Majefiys Jn/weVj Jprtl ■l6y 1714. My Lords and Gentlemen, ^yHE ftate of public affairs in Europe, and the neceflities of my own kingdoms, obliged me to enter in a negotiation of peace ; and, notwithftanding all' obf}ru£tions and difficul- ties, I have, by the bleffing of God, brought it to a happy conclufion. I efteem this addrefs as the united voice of my affedionatc and loyal fubje£ls ; and I return you all the heariiell thanks which can be given by a Sovereign, who defires nothing more than to fee her people fafe and flouriOiing. 1 Speech by the Lord Chancellory Augnjl 5, 17 14. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT having pleafed Almighty God to take to himfelf our late •*■ moft gracious Queen, of blelTed memorv, we hope that no- thing has been omirted wliich might contribute to the fafety of thefe realms, and the prefervatiou of our religion, laws, and liberiies, in this great conjundlure : as thefe invaluable blelTings have been fecured to us, by thofe acls of Parliament which have fettled the fucceffion to thefe kingdoms in the mofl: illuf- trious houfe of Hanover, we have regulated our proceedings by thofe rules which are therein prcfcribed. The privy council, foon after the deniife of the late Qi^ieen, affembled at St. James's \ where, according to the faid afls of Parliament, the three inflruments were produced and opened, v/hich had been depofited in the hands of the Archbifhop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, and the Refident of Brunf- wick : thofe who, either by their ofF.ces, or by virtue of thefe inflruments, had the honour of being appointed lords juftices, did, in conjundion with the council, immediately proceed to the proclaiming of our lawful and rightful Sovereign King George ; taking, at the fame time, the necefTary care to main- tain the public peace. In purfuance of the arts before mentioned, this Parliament is now afTembled ; and we are perfuaded, vou all bring with you fo hearty a difpofition for his Majeity's fervice, and the public good, that we cannot doubt cf your alTiftance in every thing which may promote thofe great ends. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, We find it necefTary to put you in mind, that feveral branches of the public revenue are expired by the deinife of her ( 4^3 ) her late Majcfty ; and to recommend to you the making fuch provilions in that refptdt, as may be requifite to fupport the honour and dignity of the crown : and we alfure ourfelves you iviU not be wanting in any thing that may conduce to the eftabliihing and advancing of the public credit. My Lords and Gentlemen, We forbear laying before you any thing that does not re- quire your immedijte ccnfideration ; not having received his Majefty's pleafnre : we (hall only exhort you, with tlie greateft earneftnefs, to a perfect unanimity, and a firm adherence to our Sovereign's intereft, as being the only means to continue among us our prefent happy tranquillity. jiddrefs hy the Houfe of Commons, Auguji (), 17 14. Moft gracious Sovereign, "TT7E, your Majefty's moil dutiful and loyal fubje^ls, the ^^ Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aliembled, having a juH: fenfe of the great lofs the nation has fuftained by the death of our late Sovereign, Lady Qiieen Anne, of blefTed memory, humbly crave leave to condole with your Ma- jefty on this fad occafion. It would but aggravate our forrow, particularly to enumerate the virtues of that pious and moft excellent princefs : the duty we owe to your Majefty, and to our country, oblige us to moderate our grief, and heartily to congratulate your Majefty's acceftion to the throne ; whofe princely virtues give us a cer- tain profpedl of future happincfs in the fecurity of our reli- gion, laws, and liberties ; and engage us to aifure your Ma- jefty, that we will, to our utmoft, fupport your undoubted right to the impetial crown of this realm, againft the Pretender, and all other perfons whatfoever. Your faithful Commons cannot but exprefs their impatient defire for your Majefty's fafe arrival and prefence in Great Britain. In the mean time, we humbly lay before your Majefty the unanimous refolution of this Houfe, to maintain the public credit of the nation ; and effeaually to make good all funds which have been granted by Parliatnent, for the fecurity of any money which has been, or fliall be advanced for the pub- lic fervice ; and to endeavour, by every thing in our power, to make your Majefty's reign happy and glorious. I i 2 S^''<=^ ( 484 ) Speech by the Lord Chancellor, Jugnjl 13, 1714. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is with great fatisfaiSlion we can now tell you, that wc -*• have this morning received a letter from the King \ wherein his Majefly is gracioufly pleafjd to acquaint us, that his Majelty is hallening hither to employ his utmoft care for putting thefe kingdoms into a h.ippy and flourilTiing condition. He has commanded us, in the mean time, to continue our care of every thing that may conduce to the peace and fafety of his dominions : and we are aflured, that, if this had re- quired his more immediate prefence, he would, without the lead delay, have repaired hither for tb,e fupport of fo dutiful and faithful fubje6ls ; for his Majefty does very particularly exprcis his great fatisfadion in the loyalty and affeilion which his people have univerfally ihewn upon his Majefty's acceiTion to the crown. At the opening this fcllion, we did not mention to you the apprehenfions wc then had, from the fmaHnefs of the fum at that time advanced, that the lottery would not be full ; being defirous, in the firll place, to try to make it effedual in the mann r the Parliament had eflablifhfxl it : but we are obliged now to acquaint you, that all our endeavours have failed of the. defired fuccefs, though the contributions have been thereby confiderably increafed. We mult therefore earneAly recommend to yon. Gentlemen- of the floufe of Commons, to take this into your confuicration ; and to give fuch further encouragement as you fhall think pro- per, for railing the whole fum which was intended, and is ab- iolutely neceifary for carrying on the fervice of the year. W Speech by the Lord Chancellory Augiiji 21, 17 14- My Lords and Gentlemen, 'E cannot but exprefs our greatefl fatisfa^lion, and, in bra Majefty's name, return you thanks for the convincing proofs which you have given in this fcliion of }Our duty and afFedlion to his Majefty, and of your zeal for his govern- ment. We muft particularly thank you, Gentlemen of the Houf^ of Commons, for the aids which you have granted to his Ma- jefly, tor the better fupport of the honour of the crown, and for preventing any difappointment in the fupplies given in the laft fellion for the fervice of this year : you may be aifured, \ that ( 4S5 ) that the unanimity, the cheerfulnefs, and the difpatch with which you have proceeded in granting ihefe aids, will render them yet more acceptable to his Majcily; and you may depeisd upon our making a faithrul reprefcntatiop thereof to him. My Lords and Gentlmen, All neceiFary bufinefs being now happily concluded, it will be proper for us to put a fpeedy end to this felhon : we think Ht at prefent, in his Majolty's name, to defire you forthwith refpeiSlively to adjourn yourfdves until Wedncfday. next. His Majejlys Jnfivcr to the Lift Jcidrcjsy Augnjl 25, 1714. George Rex. TT'OUR dutiful and loyal addrefs is very acceptable to me. The unanimity and afFcdion my Commons have (hewn upon my acceffion to the crown, are moft agreeable inftarices and pledges of their fidelity to me. I have a jult fenfe of your inexpreiilble lofs by the death of your late Sovereign. You may be aiFured of my contlant endeavours to fecure to you the full enjoyment of you: religion, la^vs, and liberties; and that it will always be my aim to make you an happy and flouriih- ing people ; to which your relblution to maintain the public credit of the" nation will greatly contribute. 1 am hallening to you, accordlnp; to your earneft deiire, and the jufl: expeda- tions of my people. speech by the Spmker, March 21, 1715. May it pleafe your Majefty, 'TTHE Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflembled, -*- have, in obedxnce to your Majefty's command, proceeded to the choice of their Speaker ; and now attend, with all hu- mility, to prefent me to your Majefly, as the eifeCl ot that choice. It muft be very furprifing to your Majefty, that from amongft fo many honourable, learned, and wortliy perfons, who are every way qualihed to difcharge this great truft, any thing could induce your Commons to prefent me for your Majefty's ap- probation, who have none of thofe endowments necelfary lor the execution of this important charge : I have neither me- mory to retain, judgment to collet, nor /kill to guide their debates; nor can I boalf of any thing that could intitie me to the favour of the Cominons, but an unfhaken fidelity to the protellant fucceiTion ; this, Sir, to your faithful Commons, I i o fupplicd ( 486 ) fupplied the want of all qualifications : by this firfl: ftcp, ihey defign to convince the world, that a fteady adherence to the intereft of your Pvlajefty's royal houfe is the only recommen- dation to the favour of your Commons : this, your Commons hope, may be fome excufe for their prefuir.ing to prelent to your Majefty a perfon, whofe infufhciency rendered him fo improper for them to ele£l, or for your Majefty to approve : but though your Majefty may be gracioufly pleafed to allow this as a juftification for your Commons, yet 1 ftiould be un- pardonable, did I not, with all humility, reprefent to your Majefty, that though my zeal be great, my infirmities are greater : this employment requires a man of better underftand- ing and ftronger judgment than I am mailer of, and 1 am, therefore, an humble fuitor to your Majefty to accept my excufe, and to command ihe knights, citizens, and burgeffes, to return to their Houfe, and there to make choice of fome fitter perfon to difcharge the great truft, on the due execution whereof the public welfare fo much depends. Then the Lord Chancellor, taking directions from his Majefty, faid : Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, T AM to acquaint you, by his Majefty's command, that his ■*- Majefty is perfedly well fatisfied with the choice you have made of Mr. Compton to be your Speaker; and therefore his Majedy doth allow of, and confirm you, Mr. Compton, to be Speaker of the Houfe of Commons. T Then Mr. Speaker faid : HAT, fince it is not your Majefty's pleafure to admit my excufe, it is my duly to fubmit, and cheer iilly to undergo tliis burden, which your Majeily and the Commons have been pleafed to lay on me ; having an entire confidence in your Majefty's goodnefs for pardon for my errors and infirmi- ties ; at leaft, that they may not be imputed to your faith- ful Commons: on whofe behalf 1 lay claim, by humble pe- tition to your Majefty, to all their ancient rights and privi- leges, particularly, that they may have privilege from arrefts and difturbance, for thrir perfons, eftates, and fervants ; li- berty of fpeech, for the better management of their debates ; and free accefs to your Majefty's royal perfon, as occafion ihall require. Then ( 487 )• Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving further dire^lions from his Majeity, laid : Mr. Speaker, T AM commanded by his Majefly to fay, that his Majefty, being fully afTured of t!ie prudence, loyalty, and good af- fe6lions of the Houfe of Commons, does moft willingly ;i,rant to them all their privileges, in as full a manner as they have at any time been granted, or allowed, by any of his Majeliy's royal predecelfors. And, as to what you have prayed in relation to yourfelf, his Majelly will be gracioufiy pleafed to put the beft and mofb favourable conftrudion upon your words and adlions in the execution of th.is great trult, as Speaker of the Houfe of Com- . mons ; being faiishcd, by your pait condu61:, of your good intentions and zeal for his fervice, and the true interelt of your country, and of your experience and abilities in the bufmefs of Parliaments. ■ His Majejlys moji gracious Speech, Afarch 23, ^^^S" My Lords and Gentlemen, nrHIS being the firft opportunity T have had of meeting my -*■ people in Parliament, fince it pleafed Almighty God, of his good providence, to call me to the throne of my anceftors, I mod gladly make ufe of it, to thank my faithful and loving fubjefts for that zeal and hrmnefs that hath been Ihewn in defence of the proteftant fuccefiion, againfl all the open a::d fe- cret pradices that have been u fed to defeat it : and I ihall never forget the obligations 1 have to thofe who have diftinguifhed themfelves upon this occafion. It j^'ere to be wifhed, that the unparalleled fnccefTes of a war, which was fo wifely and cheermlly fupportcd by this na- tion, in order to procure a good peace, had been atter.ded with a fuitable conclufion : but it is with concern I mult tell you, that fome conditions, even of this peace, eifeniial to the fe- curity and trade of Great Britain, are not yet duly executed ; and the performance of the whole may be looked upon as pre-, carious, until we Ihall have formed defenfive alliances to gua. rantee the prefcnt treaties. The Pretender, who flill refides in Lorrain, threatens to difturb us, and boafts of the afliltance which he itill expeds here, to repair his fonner difappointments. 1 i 4 A great C 488 ) A great part of our trade is rendered inipra6licable; this, if not retrieved, muft dellroy 6ur manufadlures, and ruin our navigation. 1 he public debts are very great, and furprifuigly increafcd, even fince the fatal celTation of arms : my firft care was, to prevent a farther increafe of thefe debts, by paying off forth- with a great number of ihips which had been kept in pay, when there was no occalion for continuing fuch an expenfe. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons. 1 rely upon yon for fuch fupplies as the prefent circum- ftances of our affairs require for this year's fcrvice, and for the fupport of the public iaith : the eftimates fhall be laid be- fore you, that you may confidcr of them ; and what you fhall judge necefTary for your fafety, I (hall think fufficient for mine. 1 doi bt not but you will concur with me in opinion, that no'hing can contribute more to the fupport of the credit of the nation, than a llridl obfervance of ail parliamentary en- gagements. The branches of the revenue formerly granted for the fup- port of the civil government are fo far encumbered and alien- ated, that the produce of the funds which remain, and have been granted to me, will fall much Ihort of what was at firft defigned, for maintaining the honour and dignity of the crovAn : and fince it is my happinefs, as I am confident you think it your's, to fee a Prince of Wales, who may, in due time, fucceed me on the throne ; and to fee him bleflLd with many •children, the beft and molt valuable pledges of our care and concern for your profperity ; this muft (Kcafion an expenfe to which the nation has not of many years been accuftomed ; but fuch as furely no man will grudge : and therefore 1 do not doubt but you will think of it with that affedlion w^hich I have reafon to hope for from you. My Lords and Gentlemen, The eyes of all Europe are upon you, waiting the iffue of this firft feirion; .let no unhappy divifions of parties here at hofne divert you from puifuing the common intereft of your country j let no wicked infinuaiions djfquiet the minds of my fubjedts : the eftabliftied conltitiUion in church and flate fhall be the rule of my government ; the happinefs, eafe, and prof- perity, of my people, fhall be the chief care of my life : thofe who aflift me in carrying en thefe meafures, 1 fhall always efteem my beft friends : and I doubt not, but that I fhall be able, ■with your alliftar.ce, to difappoint the defigns of thofe who would deprive me of that blelling which I moft value, the af- fedion of my people. Addrcfz ( 489 ) Addrefs by the Houfc of Commons^ March 24, 1715. Mou gracious Sovereign, T7 0UR Majefcy's moil dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Com- •^ mons of Great Britain, in Parliament alkmbled, return your Majefty their unfeigned thanks for your molt <^racious fpeech from the throne. 'Tis with inexprefiible jov that we approach your Maieflv peaceably feated upon the throne of your royal anceftors • and being thoroughly ienfiblt of the many open and fecret pradices that have, of late years, been ufed to defeat the proteftant fuc- ceilion, we cannot fufficiently adore the Divine Providence that fo feafonably interpofed arid faved this nation, by your Majef- ty's happy acceilion to the crown. Your faithlul Commons receive with the highefl: gratitude your moft gracious ailurances, that the eftablilhed conllitution in church and ftate (hall be the rule of your government ; and the fafety, eafe, and profperity of your people, the chief care of your life: we are fenfible of your goodntfs, expreued to thofe who have diitinguifhed themfelves by their Ztal and firmncfs for the proteftant fuccelfion : and as we doubt not but the wifdom and ileadinefs of your government will unite t'le hearts of all your faithful fubje<5ls in duty and afFe£lion to your facred perfon, fo we moft humbly beg leave to afture your Ma- jefty, that we not only highly refent the wicked inftnuations ufed to difquict the minds of your fubjedls ; but are rcfolved, to the utmoit of our power, to fupprcfs and extingniih that evil difpofition hat is ftill at work to deprive your Majefty of the afFe6lions of your people. We are fenfibly touched, not only with the difappointment, but with the reproach brought upon the nation, by the unfuit- able conclufion of a war which was carried on at fo vaft an ex- penfe, and was attended with fuch unparalleled fuccclles ; but as that diftionour cannot, in juftice, be imputed to the whole nation, fo we firmly hope and believe, that through your Majefty's great wifdom, and the faitiiful endeavours of your Commons, the reputation of thcfe your kingdoms, will, in due time, be vindicated and reltf>red. We are under altoniftiment to find, that any conditions of the late peace, eiTcntial to the fecurity and trade of Great Bri- tain, ftiould not yet be duly executed ; and that care was not; taken to form fuch alliances as might have rendered that peace jiot precarious: and as no care Ihall be wanting in your loyal Commons to inquire into thefe fatal mifcarriages, fo we entirely rely on your Maiifty's wifdom, to enter iiUo fuch alliances as ( 490 y you (liall judge ncceffary to prcferve the peace of Europe ; and we faithfully promife to enable your Majefty to make good all fuch engagements. It is with jufl rcfcntmcnt we obfcrvc, that the Pretender ftili rcfidcs in Lorrain ^ and that he has the prefumption, by decla- rations from thence, to ftirup your Majefiy's fubje6ts to rebel- lion ; but that which raifes the utmolt indignation of your Commons is, that it appears therein, that his hopes were built upon the meufures that had been taken for fome time part in Great Britain : it fliall be our bufinefs to truce out thofe meafures whereon lie placed his hopes, and to bring the authors of them to condign punilhmcnt. Your Commons are under the deepeft concern, that a great part ot our trade is rendered impradicabie, which, if not re- trieved, mud deftroy our manufactures, and ruin our naviga- tion ; but though we are too fenfible of thofe fatal confequences, we are not yet without hopes, that your Majeily's gieat wif- dom, by the afTiftance ot your Commons, may find means to extricate your people from their prefent difficulties. The bleilmgs derived to thcfe nations from your Majefty's aufpicious reign, are not confined to jthe prefent times : we have a profpeil of future and lading happinefs entailed upon your people, by a long fucccllion of your royal progeny : and, as this is a bleiling which thcfe kingdoms have a long time wanted, fo they could never hope to have fcen it fo well fup- plied, as in the perfon of his royal highnefs the Prince of Wales and his ilfue : your faithful Lommons fliall therefore think it their duty to enable your Majefly to fupport the dignity of the crown, and to make an honourable provifion for the royal far>:ily. The furprifing increafe of the public debts, even fince all thoughts of carrying on the war were laid afide, fliall not dif- courage us from granting fuch fupplies as fliall be necelfary for the fervice of this year, and for the fupport of the public faith : and we do entirely concur with your Alajcfly in opinion, that nothing can contribute moie towards preferving the credit of the nation, than a Uriel obfcrvance of all parliamentary engage- ments, which we are firmly refolvcd, upon all occafions, in- violablv to maintain. His ATairffys Jnfivcr^ March lb, 17 15. Gentlemen, THANK you for the many kind alTurances you have given me In your dutiful and loyal addrcfs. No endeavours fliall be wanting on my part to promote your true intered, and to cnjJear nvvlelf to all my people; and I w ill I ( 491 ) •will depend on your zeal and afreclion to defeat all evil defigns that may tend to difquiet the minds of my people, and dillurb the tranquillity of my government. Mcjfage from his Alcjejly, June 2^ ^ ^7^5' George Rex. TLlIS Majcrty having received an addrefs from the comnilf- fioners appointed for building fifty new churches in and about the cities of London anJ Wellminller, and fuburbs thereof, reprefenting how difficult they find it to proceed in perfecting the effablilhment of fuch churches, for want of a due maintenance for the minifters who are to attend the fervice of the fame ; and praying him to recommend it to the care and vvifdom of the Parliament to provide fuch maintenance, that this good work may not be rendered ineffeflual for want of fuch a provifion: his Majelty does molt heartily recommend it to this Houfe, to confider of the belt means for fectKng fuch a mamtenance as may bring this pious defign to pcrtedion, for the honour of the church of England, and the advancement of our holy religion. Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons y July II, 171s* Moft gracious Sovereign, ■\yC, your Majefty's molt dutiful and loyal fubjeas, the Commons ot Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, having, with the utmolt fatisfadion received your Majefty's gracious meiTage, recommending to us the providing a mam- tenance for the miniltsrs, who are to attend the fervice of the fifty new churches intended to be ere£led in and about the cities of London a;id Weltminfter, and the fuburbs thcrcot, beg leave to aifurc vour Majeity, that we will, with all cheertul- nefs, fet about the making fuch a provifion as Ihall fully aniwer your Majefty's pious intentions, and the wants of f ) many of the inhabitants of your two great and populous cities. It is very grateful to your obedient Commons to be employed in a work that is fo much for the honour of the c'mrjn of Eng- land, and the advancement of our holy religion, and that cvines recommended by fo gracious a fovereign \ who, ever lince his happy accelhon to the throne, has taken all occalions to cxptels a great and tender concern for the fupport of our excellent conltitution, both in church and ftate, and the good order and welfare of his fubjeds. . ( 492 ) As we fTiall always be ready to do our parts towards the at- taining tliefe great ends, in every thing that comes before lis, fo we trult that this good work in particular, which your Mu- jefty has fo mucli at heart, will bring down the blelling of God upon all your undertaking.'^, and be a means of promoting the quiet and peace, as it cannot but add to the glory, of your Tcign. May your Majeily live not only to fee it accomplilhcd, but to enjoy the fruits of your piety, in a long and profperous reign over a religious, and orderly, and obedient, and thankful people! Hh Mcijcfrfs A-:jwcr^ July 13, 17 15. Gentlemen, T THANK you for the juH: concern exprefTed in this ad- -■■ drcfs for our excellent coniliitution both in church and ftatc,- and for the a'/furanccs you give me of promo:ing fo good and pious a delign: I could not expe£t Icfs from a Houfe of Com- mons which hath given fo many proofs of their aifedion to me and my government. j^ddrefs to his .Majejiy by the Houfe of Commons , J'^b ^^j ^7^5* Moft gracious Sovereign, T^E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje61s, the Commons, in Parliament airemblcd, being highly con- cerned at the continued endeavours of the enemies of your perfon and government to difturb the tranquillity and happi- Jiefs of your kingdoms, and to deprive your people of the great blellings they enjoy imder your aufpicious reign ; and it having appeared to us that, by the encouragement and the falfe and traiterous inlinuations of perfons difufTeiled to your title and government, great numbers of your poor deluded fub- jedts have been prevailed upon, in many parts of the king- dom, to aflemble together, and, in a tumultuous and rebel- lious manner, to commit great diforders, and do great injuries to othei's of their fellow fubjecls and fellow proteitants ; we think it our indifper, fable duty, on this occalion, to exprefs our utmoft abhorrence of all fuch traiterous proceedings, and our higheft refentment againft the authors and promoters of them; and to renew to your Majcfty the hearty and vigorous refolulions of your faithful Commons to fuppori your Majelly and your government againfl all your open and fccret ene- mies i ( 493 ) mies; and to contribute the utmofl in our power to the ho- nour and faftty of your facre^t perfon, and the quiet and fe- curity of your government. And, to that end, we crave leave moft humbly to befeech your Majefty, that you will be gracioully plealed to give diredions to the ftVL-ral magiilrates throughout your king- dom, that the la as now in force may be put in a fpefedy and in the moft vigorous execution, againll all fuch pcrfons as lliall be found any way concerned in the rebellious and tumul- tuous riots and diforders which have been committed, and arc now carrying on, by perfons difafFecled to your Majefty and your government; and that a Arid inquiry maybe made, to difcover the authors and promoters of them, fo as they may be brought to condign pnniihment. And it being apparent, that the ncgleiSl or mifbehaviour of many juflices of peace, and other magiftrates, have given- great encouragement to the faid diforders, we crave leave, in ?li humility, to befeech your Majefty, that an account may be taken of fuch juftices of the peace as iiavc failed in the dif- charge of their duty on thefe occafions; and that fuch of them as fliall appear to your Majefty to have neglecled their duty, may be forthwith put out of the commiftions of the peace; and that fuch ether magiftrates as fhall likevvife appear to your Majefty to have neglecled their duty therein, may be proceeded againft with the utmoft rigour of the law. And as your loyal Commons are fully alfured, that, by the wifdom and fteadinefs of your adminiftration, the fccptre in your royal hand will foon become a terror to all thofe who, by open or fecret practices, fhall any way abet the enemies of your perfon or government; fo, from our molt dutiful regard to your Majefty, and in juftice to thofe of your fubjedts, who, for their zeal and firm adherence to your Majefty and your go- vernment, have been fufferers in the faid tumultuous and trai- terous diforders, we do moft humbly befeech your Majefty, that you will be moft gracioully pleafed to give diredions, that an exad account may be taken of the lolfes and damages which any of your fubjeds have fuftained by reafon of the faid tumultuous and rebellious proceedings; and that the fuf- ferers may have full compenfation made them for their da- mages; your faithfid Commons moft humbly aiTuring your Majefty, that all cxpenfes which fhall be incurred on that account (hall be made good to your Majefty out of the next aids that (hall be afterwards granted by Parliament. And, for the fecurity of your facred perfon, and the quiet- ing the minds of your faithful fubjedts, we do further moft humbly advife your Majel'ty, that you will be gracioufly plcafeJ ( 494 ) pleafed to give orders, that the maglftfates througliout (he kingdom, in their fcveral ftatians, do fpecdily and etfe£lually put the laws in execution againft papifls and nonjurors. I His Majeji'ji Anfiver, July 20, 1715^ Gentlemen, THANK you heartily for your aldrefs, and the many marks ot zeal and affcftion which you exprefs for my honour and fafety, and the fecurity of the kingdom. I will give immediate directions for putting in execution the feveral matters which you fo juftly recommend to me; and as I am refolved on all occafions to follow the advice of ray Parliament, fo I have no doubt but that, by the bleding of Almighty God, and your feafonable and vigorous affillance, I fhall foon be enabled effeilually to fupprefs that fpirit of re- bellion which is fo induftrioully fomented among us, and to cllablifh the peace and profperity of my people. His Majefiys moji gracious Speech, Jidy 20, lyif* My Lords and Gentlemen, TTHE zeal you have fhewn for preferving the peace of my kingdoms, and your wifdom in providing fo good a law to prevent all riotous and tumultuous proceedings, give me great fatisfadion ; but I am forry to find that fuch a fpirit of rebellion has difcovered itfelf, as leaves no room to doubt but thefe diforders are fet on foot and encouraged by perfons difaf- feded to my government, in expectation of being fupported from abroad. The prefervation of our excellent conftitution, and the fe- curity of our holy religion, has been, and always fliall be, my chief care ; and I cannot queftion but your concern for thefe invaluable bleilings is fo great as not to let them be expofed to fuch attempts as I have certain advices are preparing by the Pretender from abroad, and carrying on at home by a reftlcfs party, in his favour. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, In thefe circumftances, I think it proper to afk your aflift* ance, and make no doubt but you will fo far confult your own fafety as not to leave the nation, under a rebellion adually begun at home, and threatened with an invafion from abroad, in a defencelefs condition ; and I fliall look upon the provifion vou ( 495 ) you Hiall make for the fufety of my people as the bell: mark of your affedion to me. Mcjfagefrom h'ls Adajcjly, Augiijl 30, 17 15. George R. TLJIS Majefty has been pleafed to dired, that letters patents be prepared for granting to the Prince of Wales one hun- dred thoufand pounds per aniium, out of the civil lilt reve- nues, for the fupport cf himfelf and his family; and likewife for granting fifty thoufand pounds per annum, together with Somerfet Houfe, to the Princefs of Wales, for her jointure, in cafe Ihe fliall furvive the Prince; but it not being in his Majefty's power to extend this proviiion to the Princefs be- yond his own life, his Ivlajelty hopes that you will think it reafonable to enable him to make this proviiion for the Prin- cefs certain and fecure to her, during the term of her own life. His Majejlys mofi gi ac'ious Speech ^ September 21 y 1715. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM perfuaded you are all, by this time, very defirous of •^ fome recefs ; and that it cannot be dcferr -d longer without great inconvenience to your private affairs. But, before I can part with you, I muft return you my mofl fincere thanks for your having finillied, with io much wifdom and unanimity, what I recommended to your care; and particularly I mult thank you, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, for the provifion you have made, as well for the fupport of the honour and dignity of the crown, as for the other necelTary occaiions of the public; efpecially for your having done it by means fo little burdenfope to my peo- ple, which, 1 affure you, recommends the. fupplies to mc above any other circumftance w^hatfoever. My Lords and Gentlemen, The open and declared rebellion which is now aftually be- gun in Scotland muft convince all, who do not wifh to fee us given up into the hands of a popi(h Pretender, of the dangers to which we have been and are ftill expofed. I thought it in- cumbent upon me to give you the tarlieit notice of the dehgns of our enemies; and" I cannot fufhciently commend the zeal and difpatch with which you impowered me, at a time when ( 496 ) the nation was in fo naked and defencelefs a condition, to make fuch preparations as I fhould think neceflary for our fe- curity. You ihall have no reafon to repent of the truft and confidence you repofe in me, which I ihall never ufe to any other eiid than for the protetStion and welfare of my people. It was fcarce to be imagined that any of my proteftant fub- jedls, who have known and enjoyed the benefits of our excel- lent conftitution, and have heard of the great dangers they were wonderfully delivered from by the happy revoluti(5n, fhould, by any arts and management, be drawn into meafurcs that muft at once deitroy their religion and liberties, and fub- je£^ them to popery and arbitrary power; but fuch has been our misfortune, that too many of n-sy people have been de- luded, and made inflrumental to the Pretender's defigns, who had never dared to think of invading us, or raifing a rebellion, had he not been encouraged by the fuccefs his emiiTaries and adherents have already had in ftirring up riots and tumults, and by the farther hopes they entertain ot" raifing infurredtions in many parts of my kingdoms. The endeavouring to perfuade my people that the church of England is in danger under my government has been the main artifice employed in carrying on this wicked and traiterous de- fign This infinuauon, after the folemn alTurances I have given, and my having laid hold on all opportunities to do every thing that may tend to the advantage of the church of England, is both unjuft and ungrateful ; nor can I believe fo groundlefs and malicious a calumny can make any imprefTion upon thejaiinds of my faithful fubje6ls; or that they can be fo far mifled as to think the church of England is to be fecured by fetting a popifh Pretender on the throne. My Lords and Gentlemen, The proofs this Parliament has given of their unfhaken duty and afFedlion to me, and of their love and zeal for the intereft of their country, will recommend you to the good opinion and efteem of all who have their religion and liberty truly at heart, and has laid a lading obligation upon me; and I quef- tion not but, by your farther aililtance in the feveral countries to which you are going, with the blelTing of Almighty God, wlio hath fo frequently interpofed in favour of this nation, I fhall be able to difappoint and defeat the defigns of our ene- mies. Our meeting again to do bufinefs early in the next winter, will be ufeful on many accounts ; particularly, that the fitting of Parliaments may be again brought into that feafon of the year which is molt convenient ; and that as little dclny may be givea , ( 497 ) given as is pofTible to your judicial proceedings : and I fhall, at prerent,givt; fuch orders to my Lord Chancellor, as may not put it long out ot my power to meet you on any I'udden occafion. Speech by the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons y Ofiober 6, 1715. Moil gracious Sovereign, 'V'OUR Majefly's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the knights, citizens, and burgelTes, in Parliament airembled, have now finillied the f-ipplies granted to your Majedy for the fer- vice of this piefent year. Your Commons had much fooner offered thele fupplies to your Majefty, had not their zeal for your Majefty's fervice, and the duty they owed their country, led them into inquiries which have drawn this felfions to an un- ufual length. But your Commons could not fee, without the utmoft in- dignation, the glories of her late Majefly's reign tarnifhed by a treacherous ceffation of arms ; the faith of treaties violated ; that ancient probity, for which the Englifh nation had been juftly renowned throughout all ages, expofed to fcorn and con- tempt ; and the trade of the kingdom given up by infidious and precarious treaties of commerce ; whilfl the people, amufed with new worlds explored, were contented to fee the moll ad- vantageous branches of their commerce in Europe loft or betrayed. Such was the condition of the kingdom, when it pleafed the Divine Providence to call your Majefly to the throne of your ancertors, under whofe aufpicious reign your Commons, with pleafure, behold the glories of the Plantagenets, your Ma- jefty's royal anceftors, revive ; and have an unbounded profpeil of the continuance of this happinefs, even to the lateft pofterity, in a race of princes lineally defcended from your Majefty. And that nothing might be wanting on the part of your Com- mons to eftabliih your Majefty's throne on folid and laftirg foundations, they have applied themfelves, with unwearied diligence, to vindicate the honour of the Britifh nation, and to reftore a mutual confidence between this kingdom and its an- cient and faithful allies, by detedling the authors of \hele per- nicious counfcls, and the adors in thefe treacherous deligns, in order to bring them to juftice by the judgment of their peerr, according to the law of the land, and the ufage of Pailia- ment. It was not to be expelled but that the enemies to the nation's peace would ufe their utmoft endeavours toobftrudl yourCoin- mons in thefe inquiries; but dcfpairing of anv fuccefs m the Vol. I. K k repre- ( 49S ) rcprefentative body of the kingdom, they fomented tumults among the dregs of the people at home, and fpirited up the Pretender from abroad. This gave your faithful Commons frclh opportunities of (hewing their affe£lion to your Majefty'j perfon, and their fidelity to your government, by their unani- mous concurrence in granting fuch fupplies as were necelTary to diCippoint the one, and by their palling fuch laws as were neceifary to fupprefs the other ; and in every refpecl to ex- prefs their abhorrence of a popifh Pretender, concerning whom nothing remains unfufpcdled, but his bigotry to fuperftition, and his hatred to our holy religion i for the advancement of which, your Majefty has exprelfed your pious care, by recom- mending to your Commons the providing a maintenance for the minifters who are to officiate in the new churches. This your Commons readily complied with, trufting that the prayers there offered to the Almighty will bring down a bleflingon all your Majefty's undertakings ; and not doubting but the doc- trines there taught, will be a means to feciire the quiet of your kingdoms, and the obedience of your people. The revenues fct apart for the ufes of the civil government your Commons found fo much entangled with mortgages and anticipations, that what remained was far from being fufficient to fupport the honour and dignity of the crown : this your Commons took into ferious confideration ; and being truly fenlible, that, on your Majefty's greatnefs the happinefs of your fubjedls entirely depends, they have put the civil revenues into the fame ftate in which they were granted to your Majefty's glorious predeceifor King William, of immortal memory ; and thereby enabled your Majefty to make an ample provifion for the Prince of Wales, whofe heroic virtues are the bed fecu- rity of your Majefty's throne, as his other perfonal endow- ments are the joy of all your faithful fubje£ls. I fhould but ill difcharge the truft repofed in me by the Commons, did I not lay before your Majefty with whatcheer- fulnefs they received your Majefty's gracious intentions for her royal highncfs the Princefs ; and with how much rcadinefs and unanimity they enabled your Majefty to fettle a revenue fui^ able to the dignity of a Princefs, whofe piety and fteady adhe- rence to the proteftant religion is the glory of the prefent age^ and will be the admiration of all future generations* May it pleafe your Majefty, The bills which the Commons have prepared to complete the fupplies for this year's fervice, and for the other purpofes | have mentioned, are feverally intituled, Aa I C 499 ) An a£l to enable his Majefty to fettle a revenue for fupportinc- the dignity of her royal highnefs, in cafe ihe fhall furvive his royal highnefs the Prince of Wales : An a6l for enlarging the capital ftock and yearly fund of the South Sea Company ; and foi fupplying thereby 822,032/. 45. Sd. to public ufes ; and for raifing 169,000/. for the like ufcs, by fale of annuities, upon divers encouragements therein men- tioned ; and for appropriating feveral fupplies granted to his Majefty : An adl for making provifion for the miniiters of the fifty new^ churches, which are to be bnilt in and about the cities of London and Weftminfter, and fuburbs thereof; and for re- building and finifhing the parifli church of St. Mary Wolnoth, in the faid city of London : Which they, vs'ith all humility, novv^ prefent to your Majefty for your royal aftent. Hii Majefty' s Meffagc to the Houfe of Commons f Dec, 14, 1 7 15. George Rex. TJIS Majefty underftanding that many, both of the Houfe of "^^ Lords and Commons, are detained in the country, as well by their private as the public bufinefs; and the holidays being fo near, during which there is ufually a recefs ; it is his Ma- jefty's pleafure, that the Parliament adjourn to Monday, the 9th day of January next : at which time his Majefty intends the Parliament ftiail fit to do bufinefs. His Adajefys moji gracious Speech, January^, 17 16. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'T*HE zeal and afFe£lion to my government, and the vigilant •*■ care for the fafety of the nation which you have ftiewn irv your refpeftive countries, have not only fully aiifwercd my expec- tations, but give mc aflurances that you are met together, re- folved to a6l with a fpirit becoming a time of common danger, and with fuch a vigour as will end in the confufion of all thofe who have openly engaged in this rebellion, and in the ftiame and reproach of fuch as, by fecret and malicious infmuations, have fomented, or by an avowed indifference, encouraged this traiterous enterprize. It is, I doubt not, a great fatisfadion to you, to have ob- ferved that the powers you intrufted me with for the preferva- tion of the public fafety, have been employed in the moft pro- ' Kk|i P" ( 5^^ ) per and efFc£lual manner, and made ftrl<^ly fubfervienf to thole purpofes only for which yon intended them ; and yon mu(t have had the pleafure to rerlcd, with me, that as the meafures taken for our defence have been jull and neceflary, (o it has pleafed the Divine Providence to blefs them with a fcries I of fultable fuccefs : and 1 cannot hut take this opportunity ot doing judice to the officers aiid fokliers of the army, whofe brave and faithful difcharge of their duty has difappointcd our enemies, and contributed fo much to the fafcty of the nation. . I did hope the dete^ing and preventing tlie defigned infur- re6lions in fome parts of the kingdom, and the deieating, in others, thofe who had taken up arms againft: me, would have put an end to this rebellion : bnt it is plain, that our enemies, animated by fome fecret hopes of affiftance, are Hill endeavour- ing to fupport this defperate undertaking ; and the Pretender, as I have reafon to believe, is now landed in Scotland. It is, however, with pleafure I can acquaint you, that not- withflanding thefe inteltine commotions. Great Britain has, in fomemcafurc, recovered its influence and reputation abroad: the treaty for fettling the barrier for the Netherlands is now fully concluded between the Emperor and the States General, under my guaranty. The King 'f Spain has agiwCd to a treaty, by which that valuable branch of our commerce will be delivered from the new impofitions and hardfhips to which it was fubjedl- eJ by the late treaties, and will ftand fettled, for the future, on a foot more advantageous and certain than it ever did in the mort flcurifhing time of any of my predeceifors ; and the treaty for renewing all former alliances between the crown of Great Britain and the States General is brought very near to its con- clufion. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I mult rely on your afFedlion to me, and your care and con- cern for the fafcty of the nation, to grant me fuch fupplies as may enable me to reftpre and to fecure the peace of the king- dom ; and I will order climates of the ueceilary expcnfes to be laid before you. Among the many unavoidable ill confequences of this rebel- lion, none affedls me more fenfibly, than that extraordinary burden which it has and muft create to my faithful fubje^ls : to eafe them, as far as lies in m.y power, I take this firft oppor- tunity (;f declaring, that I will freely give up all the eftates that ihall become forfeited to the crown by this rebellion, to be rpp'ied towards defraying the extraordinary expenfes in- curred on this occalion. Mv ( 501 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, It is matter of the greatelt unearincfs to me, that the firfl years of my reign, the whole coiirfe of which I wjflied to have IranfniiitKd to poltcrity, diiUnguifhed by the fair and endearing marks of peace and clemency, fhould be clouded and overcalt with fo unnatural a rebellion ; which, however impotent and iinfucccfsfnl, a due care may render it in all other refpeds, does mofl fenfibly "fhicfl me, by the calamities it has brought on many of my faithful fubjetts, aiid by thofe inJifpc-nfable returns of feverity which their fufF. rings and the public fafety do molt juftly call for. Under this concern, my greatelt comfort is, that I cannot reproach myfelf with having given the Icafl; pro- vocation to that fpirit of difcf^ntent and calumny that h.is been let loofe againit me ; or the leaft pretence ior kindling the flame of this rebellion. Let tl'ofe whi.fe fatal counfels laid the foundation of all thefe mifchiefs, and thofe whofe private difcontents and dif'.ppoint- ments, difguifed under falfe pretences, have betrayed great numbers of deluded people into their own dcftrudion, anfwer for the miferies in wiii«-h they have involved their fellow fub- jedts. 1 queftjon not but that, with the continuance of God's bleffmg, who alone is able to form good out of evil, and with the cheerful alliltance of my Parliament, we lha!l, in a fliort time, fee this rebellion end not only in r-^ltoringthe tranquillity of my govc.nment^, but in procuriiif a firm and lafting eiia- bliflimei.t of itiat excellpnt conllitu ion in church and (fate, which it was manifeftly defigned to fubvert ; and that this open and flagrant attempt in favour o^ popery v ,11 aholilh all other diftinclions a-nong us, but of fiich as are z.';alous aflertors of the liberties of their country, the prcfent eftabliihment, and the proteftant religion, and of fuel', as are endea*. curing to I'ubjefl ihe nation to the revenge and tyranny of a popilh Pretender. Jddrefs by the Hoiife of Commons^ January lO, 1 716. Moft gracious Sovereign, TyE, your Majelly's moft dutiful and loyal fubjetEls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, return your Majefty our unfeigned thanks for your moft grar cious fpeech from the throne. We beg leave moft heartily to congratulate your Majefty ypon the fuccefs that has attended your arms : and it is with the greatcft fatisfadion we obferve, that the officers and foldiers 9.f the army have, by a brave and faithful difcharge of their Kk3 tluty. ( 502 ) duty, defervcd your Majefty's approbation ; and that the juft and neceflary nrnrafures taken for Itrengthening your Majelty's hands have had fo good an efFetl in preventing infurredlions in feveral parts of the kingdom. The wife and fealbnable provifion which your Majefty has made, both at home and trom abroad, for the fafety of the nation ; your goodnefs in giving all fuch eftates as Ihall be forfeited by this rebellion in eafe ot your people ; and the ten- der n gai'd and concern which you have been pleafed to exprefs for their fufferings ; call for all the returns of duty, zeal, and affection, which faithful and loyal fubjedls can owe, or pay tQ the bell of kings. This rebellion, for which not the leaft colour of provocation has been g:ven, as it ought very juftly to be the objed of your Majelty's contempt, fo it raifes in your truly loyal Commons the higheft refentment and indignation againlf thofe ungrateful defperate rebels, whofe pernicious principles, private difcon- tents, and difappointments, have engaged them to involve their country in blood and confufion. We look with pity upon thofe unhappy deluded people, who, by falfe pretences and malicious inlinuations, have been be- trayed to their own deftrudion : but we deteft, and will dq our utmolt to confound the devices of thofe who, profeflingan unlimited obediefice, have Itirred up a rebellion againll your Majefty ; and, under the difgnife of the danger of the church, are endeavouring to introduce popery: and when we refled, tliat nothing lefs than our holy religion, \o'ir Majedy's crown, and tile liberties of our country, are concerned in the event of this wicked undertaking, we cannot but »vith allonilhment ob- ferve the indiifertnce of fonie in this great and important jundure. But your faithful Commons, with hearts full of a due fenfe of the invaluable blefTings w hich they enjoy under your Ma- jefty's moft aufpicious government, offer their lives and fortunes in dttence of your undoubted title io tiie crown, in fupport of of the protef^ant religion, and in maintenance of the liberty and properly of ihe fubjed ; which, as they were wonderfully pre- served to us by your Majelty's happy accelTion to the throne, can only be fecured to polterity by the eye ol Heaven watching over, and guarding your facied ptrfon, and your royal family. Aiid, that this nation may long continue to be a proteftant and a free people, your moil dutiful and loyal Commons do, moftresdily promife lo grant fuch early and effedual fupplies, as may enable your Majefty to put an end to this unnatural rebellion ; to confound and extinguiih for ever all hopes of the Pretender, his open and fecret abettors j and fecure the futur« peace f 503 ) peace and tranquillity of your kingdoms ; being well affiircd that your good people will think no burden grievous, that is ne- celFary for the prefervation of all that is clear and valuable to them. But your Majefty's care and concern for the public welfare has not been confined to your own kingdoms ; and however your enemies might flatter themfelves that thcfc intertine com- motions would lelfeu the influence of Great Britain in foreiga parts, your Commons with admiration fee, and with gratitude acknowledge the efFe£t of your wifdom, which has been able to furmount thefe difficulties, in fettling the barrier treaty for the Netherlands between the Emperor and the States General, under your Majelty's guarantee ; in having made fo great a progrefs towards renewing all former alliances between Great Britain and the Stares cjeneral ; and particularly in delivering that valuable branch of our comir)ercc with Spain from thofe grievous impofitions and hardlliips to which it was fubjedled by the treachery of the late mal-adminiftration. And as the fame fatal and pernicious counfels have been the caufe and foorce of all the mifchiefs and calamities that mufl attend this unnatural rebellion ; and as your faithful Commons, delirous to teflify their zeal and duty to your Majelly, and their abhorrence of this treafonable entcrprize, have already exerted themfelves in endeavouring to bring to fpeedy and exemplary juftice the open and declared inftruments of this rebellion, they think themfelves obliged, in juitice to their injured country, to continue, in the moli vigorous and impartial manner, to profe- cute the authors of thofe evil and deftrudive counfels, which have drawn down thefe miferies upon the nation. His Majejiji AtifwcVy January 12, 1716. Gentlemen, I RETURN you my hearty thanks for the kind and warns aflurances of loyalty contained in this addrefs, from which I promife myfelf the moll happy confequcnces, fince nothing can fo efFedually reftore the peace and tranquillity of the kingdom, as the commendable zeal you have exprclfed upon this occafion. Hh Majejly's mojl gracious Speech^ January 1 6, 1 7 1 &. My Lords and Gentlemen, I HAD reafon to believe, when I laft fpoke to you, that the Pretender was landed in Scotland : the accounts I have rc- ceivc4 fince, da put it beyond all doubt, that he is headmg the Kk4 f^b^^- , ( 504 ) rebellion there, ancl does aflume the ftile and title of King of thefe realms : his adherents do likewifc confieijently affirm, that allurances are given them of fupport from abroad : this Parlia- ment hath, on all occafions, expreflcd fo much dnty to me, and fo true a regard tor the religious and civil rights of my people, that I am ptifuaded this daring prefumption of our enemies will heighten your juii indignation againit them, and beget fuch further refolutions, as, with the blefling of God, will enable me to defeat their attem.pt. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The moft effcftual way to put a fpeedy end to thefe troubles will be, to make fuch a provifion as may difcourage any foreign power from aililiing the rebels : I do therefore hope, that every fincere proteftant and true Briton will look upon the extraordi- nary expei/e which a timely preparation may require, to be the beft hufbandry ; fmce it will, in all human probability, pre- vent that defolation, and thofe calamities which would unavoid- ably enfue if the rebellion fhould be fuffered to fpread, and be fupported by popifh forces from abroad. My Lords and Gentlemen, The world inuft be convinced, by all you have already done, that you have nothing but the honour and intereft of your coun- try at heart : and, for my own part, I rely entirely tipon you ; and doubt not but you will take fuch refolutions at this jundure, as will be moft for the prefent fafety and future eafe of my people. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to the King, Jan. 23, 1 716. Moft gracious Sovereign, "^XTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjc6ls, the • * Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, do, with all humility, return our unfeigned thanks for your moll gracious fpeech from the throne, and for your great good- nefs in cominunicating to us thofe iiriportant advices, which fo highly concern the immediate fafety ot your kingdom. We can never fulhcicntly exprcfs our grateful fenfe of your Majefty's conftant care and tcndernefs for -your people, on every occafion, fince your acceffion to the throne ot your an- ceftors ; but it is with the utmoft fatisfadion of heart, that we now experience the happy effedls of that juft confidence which your loyal and affectionate Commons have already repofed in your great wifdom, for making fuch augmentation of troops as your Majefty fhould find neceffary for owr common fafety. Ana ( 505 ) And though the growth of this rebellion has already necelTi- tated an increafe of forces ; yet we .null ever acknowledge your wife and tender concern for your people, in having made pr )vi- fion for our defence, in fuch manner, at this time ot common dangi.1, as muft convince the world that it is with the utmoft relii6lancy t^^ yov.i Majeity that any further burdens are brought on your fuc'ecis ; and that yoiu' Majeiiy has nothing at heart but the Iccuiity and welfare of your people^ Your dutiful Commons do likewife acknowledge, with the higheft gratitude to your Majeily, that to the prudent difpofition of your forces, not only the dcfigns of our enemies to have railed infurre£lions in many parts of the kingdom have been en- tirely fruilrated, and the peace and tranquillity of thefe nations thereby, in a great meafure, preferved ; but to that wc owe, under God, thofe fignal fuccelles which have checked the pro- grefs of the rebellion, and which have given us, your faithful Commons, fo early and juil an occafion to exert ourfelves, in the mod vigorous and effciilual manner, for bringing fome of the chief a(9:orS in it to condign punifhment. We are llonilhed at the daring prefumpvion of the Preten- der and his adherents, and do molt fmcerely and heartily aflTure your Majeily, that our indignation is thereby heightened agamft them ; and that we cannot fo far forget our duty and affcdion to your Majcfty, and our concern for our religion and liberties, as not to take, at this critical jwnclure, fuch farther refolutions, as will cfFeaually enable your Majeily, with the bleflingof God, to defeat their defigns. "Your faithful Coinmons being therefore firmly and unalter- ably refolved to fpare no expenfe, and to decline no hazard, for the fupport of your Majefty's title and government, whereon all that is dear and valuable to us and our poflerities, under God, entirely depends ; and being moif earneftly defirous to give all imaginable proofs ot our conftant and unOiaken zeal and affedion for your facred pcrfon ; and being thoroughly con- vinced that we cannot more efFeaually confult our own fecu- rity, than by tedifying our entire confidence in your Majeity 's known juftice, wifdom, and goodnefs ; do moft huu)bly beleech your Majefty, that you will be gracioully pleafed to give dircdions, from tim.e to time, for fuch further augmentation ot troops, as the exigency of affairs fhall render neceilary. And we do farther affure your Majeity, that we will grant fuch fupplies as fliall be fufiicient, not only to maintain fuch additional forces, and to defeat all the attempts ot your ene- mies, both at home and abroad, and to prevent thofe calamities which muft enfue, if this unnatural rebellion ihould be fuft-red to fpread ; but alio to enable your Majeity, with the blelln^^ ot ( 5o6 ) God, effectually to fliew your refentment agalnft iny foreign power tliat (hall prefunie, diredly or indireAly, to abet or fiipport the Pretender, or his adherents. Anfixjcr by his Majejiy^ 'January ^<^^ 1716. Gentlemen, T THANK you heartily for this addrefs. If any thing could •^ add to the good opinion this Houfe of Commons deferves from me, it would be the zeal and unanimity you have fhevvn upon this occafion. You may depend upon my continuing al- ways, as I have hitherto done, to make ufe of the conhdence and powders you put in rne, only for reftoring and fecurmg the peace and quiet of my people. I iJ'is Majejiys mojl gracisus Speech^ February 17, 1716. My Lords and Gentlemen, TAKE this opportunity of acquainting you, that my forces have obliged the Pretender to fly out of Scotland ; and he is lince, as I am informed, landed near Gravelincs ; but I don't know yet, whether any country in amity with us will give him protection, after having fo publicly invaded our kingdom. The dangers to which the nation was expofed, made me de- termine that neither the extraordinary rigour of the feafon, nor any fallacious propofal of the rebeli;, fhould divert me from ufing all poflible endeavours towards putting a fpeedy and effectual end to this unnatural rebellion. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I mufl return you my thanks for the great progrefs you have piade in the fupplies. The neceflary difpofitions are made for railing additional forces ; but, as I ihall always confult the pafe of my people, as far as it is confiftent with their own fecu- rity, I fhall not make ufe of the confidence you have placed in me, unlefs the reftlefs malice of our enemies fhould make it necefTary to go on with thofe levies. My Lords and Gentlemen, I promife myfelf, from the zeal and wifdom of this Parlia- ment, that the future happinefs and tranquillity of my fubjeCls will be eftablifhed on a folid foundation, and fuch meafures taken as may deprive our enemies at home of the power, fince ^ut alone can deprive them of the iuclination, again to attempt - - the ( so? ) the difturbance of my government : this, rfierefore, is what I think myfelf obliged to recommend to you, as a deliberation of the utmoll importance to the future fafcty, eafe, and profperity of my people. Addrefs to his Majejly hy the Hoiife of Common Sy Feb. 1 8, 1716. Mod Gracious Sovereign, TXTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, do, with hearts full of gratitude, return your Majefty our un- feigned thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne; and do beg leave mod heartily to congratulate with your Majefty upon the fuccefs with which it has pleafed Almighty God fo far to blefs your arms, as to force the Pretender out of your Ma- jefty's dominions. We are willing to hope, that no prince or ftate in amity with your Majefty will give refuge, countenance, or protection to a perfon, who, in fo notorious a manner, hasdilturbed the peace of your kingdoms : but the dangers to which your Ma- jefty 's facred perfon and government, the religion, laws, and liberties of our country, have been once expofed, by this vile attempt, would leave your Commons without excufe to thofe they reprefeut, if they fhould fee with patience the nation ex- pofed to the like hazard for the future, by the Pietender to your Majefty's crown being Ihclteredin your neighbourhood : we do therefore make it our humble requeft to your Majefty, that you will uie the moft earneft and moft prefling inftances with all princes and ftatcs in amity with your Majefty, that he may not be harboured in their territories : and we beg leave to give your Majefty the ftrongeft alfurances, that we will, to the ut- moft of our power, contribute whatever Ihall, by your Majef- ty, be judged necelfary to render thofe inftances effectual. The tender regard which your Majelty exprelfcs for the eafe pf your people, in declining to put the nation to any iarther expenfe at prefcnt, for additional forces, does, if poftiblc, heighten that confidence which we fo jullly had repofed m you: but we befeech your Majefty, that in fettling the proportion ot forces to be maintained this year by fca and land, your Majclty will have fuch a regard to the difpofition and preparations oi our neighbours, from time to time, as to provide effeaually for the fecurity of your kiuL'doms againft any power that fliaU prefumc tocountenanceorabet the Pretender. . n. r r \. Your Commons cannot fufficiently exprefs the juft fen fe they have of your Majefty's confummate wifdom, and firm relolu- tion, pot to be diverted or aimifed by any difficulties of the ( 5o8 ) feafon, or any fpecious artifices, for the piufuing the rebels in Scotland to their feveral retreats; fince that method alone could leftore, and fecure with honour, peace and tranquillity to that part of your dominions. It is with the utmoft concern we obferve, that the malice and inveteracy of our enemies at home is fo great, that they want not the inclination to difturb your Pvlajerty's government ; but your faithful Commons, in duty to your Majcily, and love for their country, will endeavour to deprive them of the power, by faking fuch prudent and neccilary meafures as may molt effedlu- ally fecure the future fafety, eafe, and profperity of your people. Hh Majtjiys Anjuier, February 21, 1716. Gentlemen, T THANK you for this dutiful and afFeclionate addrefs : I -*■ will endeavour, by all piop.r means, to prevent the Pre- tender's being fufFered to give perpetual jtaloufies, by continuing in our neighbourhood ; and will,- it the advices I ihall receive from abroad do render it necelTary, not lofe any time in making fuch an augmentation of forces, by fea and land, as may, with the bleifing of God, eifedlually anfwer yourwiflies to fee the nation fecured from any foreign or inteftine attempt what- foever. Aicjjagc from his Ma'jcjiy to th/^ Houfe of Commons^ March 23, 1 7 16. George Rex. TJiS Majerty has been pleafed to dire(St, that letters patent be ■*■■*■ prepared for granting the regalities and lands now remain- ing in thecrov. n, in North and South Wales, and Chefhire, to his royal highnefs the Prince of Wales : but, it not being in his Majelly's power to grant the faine in fuch a manner and form as the principality of Wales and earldom of Chefter were ufually granted to foriner Princes of Wales, his Majefty hopes you will think it reafonable to enable him to make this grant accordingly. His Alajftys moji gracious Specchi February 20, 17 17. My Lords and Gentlemen, T WAS in hopes, that the fuccefs which it pleafed Godtogive -■• us, in defeating the late rebellion, rnight have fecured to the cation peace, plenty, and tranquillity. My ( 5^9 ) My endeavours have not been wanting, during j'our rccefs, to improVe the happy prolpedl which was in view, by entering into iuch negotiations, as I judged mcll conducive to thofe good ends; and 'tis with pleasure I can acqjiaint you, That many defe£ls in the treaties of Utrecht, which very nearly afFedlied the trade, and even the fecurity of thtfe kingdoms, have been remedied by fubfequent conventions; the happy con- fequences of w! ich have already very fe n fib ly appeared, by the flourifhing condition of our trade and credit. By the alliance lately concluded with France, and the States General, we are f(jf>n lo be eafed of all future apprehenfions from Dunkirk and Mardyke: the Pretender is aduaily removed beyond the Alps; his adlierents are deprived of al! hopes of fupport and countenai'ce irom France; and even the afliftance of that crown is ftipulated to us, in cafe of exigency. It feemed reafonable to expecl, thatfucha fituation of affairs at home and abroad fhould iiave recovered froin their delufion all fuch of our fubjeds as had unhappily been fcduced by the craft and wickednefs of delperate and ill-defignitig men; and thereby hav^e afforded me the opportunity, wliich J defired, of following the natural bent of my own inclinations to lenity, by opening this fefiion with an A<^ of Grace: but fuch is the ob- ' ftinate and inveterate rancour of a fadlion amongl'l us, that it hath again prompted them to animate and (Hr up foreign powers to dilturb the peace of their native country : they will chufe rather to make Britain a fcene of blood and confufion, and to venture even the putting this kingdom under a foreign yoke, than give over their darling defign of impofing u popifh Pre- tender. I have ordered to be laid before you copies of letters, Vvhich have paiTcd between the Sv.edifh minilkrs on this occaiion; which contain a certain account of the projeded invafion : and 1 promife myfclf, from your experienced zeal and atfedlion to my perfon and government, that you will come to fuch rtfolu- tions, as will enable me, by the bleihng of God, tc defeat all the defigns of our enemies againft us. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I did hope, the putting an end to the late rebellion would have fo far fccured the peace and tranquillity of the nation, that I might, confiftently with the fafety of my people, have made a confiderable redudion of the forces: but the preparations which are making from abroad to invade us, oblige mc to alk fuch fupplies, as you fliall findabfolutely neceliaryfor the defence of the kmffdom. ^ \ oil ( 510 ) "\ ou are all fenublc of the infupportable weight of the na- tional debts, which the public became engaged for, from the neceflity of the times; the preflures of a long and expenfive war, and the languilhing Rate of public credit: but the fcene being now fo happily changed, if no new difturbances (hall plunge us again into ftraits and difficulties, the general expec- tation feems to require of you, that you lliould turn your thoughts towards fome method of extricating yourfelves, by re- ducing by degrees the debts of the nation. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have an entire confidence in you; and have therefore no- thing to aflc, but that you would take fuch meafures as will beft fecure your religion and liberties: while you preferve thofc ineftimable bleffings, I (hall fit eafy and fafe on my throne; having no other view but the happinefs and profperity of my people. Addrejs by the Houfc of Commons y February 21, 17^7* Moft gracious Sovereign, ■yOUR Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeas, the Com- "*• mons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, return your Majefty their humbleft: thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. Your Majefty's fafe and happy return into your kingdoms gave an univerfaljoy to all your people; and as the prudent ad- miniftration of the government by his royal highnefs the Prince of Wales, under your Majefty, did, in fome degree, make the want of your royal prefence more eafy to us, we beg leave to congratulate your Majefty upon the peace andfecurity, that, during your Majefty's abfence, was, by the great care of his Royal Highnefs, prefervcd in the kingdom, to the general fatisfa(5tion of all your fubjects. We can never fufticiently acknowledge tiie repeated inftances of your Majefty's goodnefs and unwearied concern for the wel- fare of your kingdoms: we fee, witji admiration, many of the fatal defcds of the treaties at Utrecht, and the great difadvan- tages that were impofed upon this nation, at the head of a vic- torious army, and powerful confederacy, happily remedied by your Majefty, even in the midft of inteftine dangers and trou- bles: your confummate wifdoin has renewed thofe alliances that were bafely betrayed and diflblved, and concluded fuch new- treaties, as may render the peace fafe and lafting; and we are at a lofs to determine, whether, in future ages, the fuffering a the ( 5" ) ttie demolilion of" the port of Dunkirk to be fcandaloudy evaded, will be a greater reproach, or the procuring the dc- llru6tion of the Unices of Mardyke, a greater honour to the Britilh nation. We cannot at the fame time, but with the higheft refentment and indignation, look upon the obftinate and inveterate ran- cour of thofe, who are again endeavouring to embroil their na- tive country in blood and confuiion : it is allonilhing to find, that any, who call themfelves proteltants, can be fo inflexible and reftlefs in their endeavours toimpofe upon us a popilh Pre- tender; and rather venture to fubjedl the kingdom to a foreign yoke, than depart from their darling and avowed defign of al- tering and fubverting the prefent happy eftablifhment in the proteltant fucceilion. We adore the watchful eye of heaven, that has fo wonderfully guarded and protefted your facred per- fon; and cannot too much extol the wifdom and vigilance that has been ufed, in fo early and feafonably difcovering thisdefpc- rate attempt: and, in order moll effeftually to defeat it, your faithful Commons, with hearts lincerely zealous in the cairfe of their King and country, allure your Majefty, that they will, to the utmoft, fland by and fupport your Majefty againft all your enemies at home and abroad, that fliall, in any manner, prefume to aid or abet the Pretender to your crown; and will moil cheerfully grant to your Majcdy fuch fupplies as fhall be found neceffary for the fafety of your royal perfon, and the de- fence of the kingdom. We arc all but too fenfible of the infupportable weight of the national debts; and therefore will not negled to apply our- felves with all polhble diligence and attention to the great and neceiiary work of reducing and leffening, by degrees, this heavy burden; which may prove the moft efFedua^. means of pr^- ferving to the public funds a real and certain fecurity. His Majejiys Anfwery February i^, ijij* Gentlemen, THE duty and zeal which you exprefs, in this loyal addrefs, to my perfon and government ; your affc(^ionate concern for the welfare of your country ; your promifes of an erfbaual fupport againft all our enemies at home and abroad: and your refolution of applying yourfelves to eafe my people, by reducing gradually the heavy load of the public debts, defcrve my hearty thanks: you (hall never have caufc to repent of the confidence you repofe in me ; the honour, welfare, and profpcrity ot this jnatiofl being what I have chiefly at heait. * MeJIJage ( 512 ) Mcjfagefrom his Majajly, Jprll 3, 171 7, George Rex. TTlS Majfcfty, being defirous above all things, not only to "^ fecure his kingdoms agaiuft the prefent danger with which they are threatened frorti Sweden, bnt likewife to prevent, as far as is poliible, the like apprehenfions for the future, thinks it necefTary, that fuch meafures ihould be early concerted with other princes and ftates, as may conduce inoft effectually to this end: And, as this may require fome expenfe, his Majefty hopes that hisCommons will, by their afiiitance at this juncture, en- able him to make good fuch engagements, as may eafe his people of all future charge and apprehenfions upon this account. His ATajcJly's mojl gracious Speech, Jiday 6, 17 17. My Lords and Gentlemen, IT is with great fatisfadion, that, after this fhort recefs, I can acquaint you with the certain advice I have received, that my fleet is fafely arrived in the Sound; which, by the blefling of Almighty God, will fecure thefe kingdoms againfl: any immediate danger of an invafion. I have, by this means, an opportunity which is very accepta- ble to me, of making a confiderable redu6lion in our land forces ; having eftablifhcd it as a rule with myfelf, toconfult the eafe of my people in every thing, fo far as is confiftent with their fafety : and, for my own part, as 1 fhall always place my great- nefs in the profperity of my fubjeds, fo I fhall always defirc, that my power may be founded in their affe£lions. It is upon thefe confiderations that I have given orders for the immediate reducing of ten thoufand men. That nothing may be wanting in me to quiet the minds of all my fubjcdVs, 1 have likewife given direftions to prepare an A(Sl of Grace ; and, however it may be received by thofe who are obftinately bent on the ruin of their country, I promife my- felf, that it will raife a due fcnfe of gratitude in all fuch as have been artfully milled into treafonable pra(flices againft my perfon and government, and prefcrve them from ftanding in need of the like mercy for the future, when fuch an inftance of cle- mency may not be fo expedient for the public welfare, as it would be aereeable to mv own inclinations. (jentlcmcn ( 513 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I thank you for your readinefs to fupport me in the preftni jundure of affairs; and for the fupplics which yoti have ^^ivcn • and dopromife you, that they (hall be employed for the ufes for which you dcfigned th m. I fhall order fuch faithful accounts to be laid before you the next felTion, as will make it appear, there ^as no ' thcr view in afkingany particular fupply, than to prevent a : uch greater expenfe, wliich the nation mufl ha\e unavjii ably incurred ■without it. I muH recommend to you, as I did at ^he beginning of the feffion, to take all proper methods f6r reducing the public debts, with a jufl: regard to parliameniary credit. My Lords and Gentlemen, The year being fo far advanced, I hope you will go through the public bufinefs with all pofliblt difpatch and unanimity ; it being my intention to meet you early the next winter, that the fitting of Parliament may be brought into the more ufual and convenient feafon. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to the K'lng^ May 7, 1 7 17. Moft gracious Sovereign, TyE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjecis, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifemblcd, crave leave to approach your fucred perfon with hearts full of gratitude to your Majefty, for the many gracious declarations you have been pleafed to make to us from the throne. Our duly to your Majefty, and our concern for the fecurity of your kingdoms, at a time when the nation was threatened with a defperate'invafion, obliged us to make provifton for keep- ing up fuch a body of land forces, as might ihew that we were in a pofture of defence; but your Majefty having grounds to hope, on the arrival of your fleet in the Sound, that, by the bleffing of God, a check will be put to that defign, we muft for ever acknowledge, that the early diredions you have been pleafed to give for reducing fuch a body of thofe land forces, is the moft acceptable pledge you could give your people o\^ your tendernefs for them; and that your Majefty has nothing io much at heart as their prefent and future welfare; and is fuch an inftance of your great wildom and goodnefs, as muft for ever endear your Majefly to all your fubjcds. We are bound to exprefsour juft fatisfaaion in your gracious intentions of mercv, as being highly conducive to the tran- VoL.I. LI . I^^^^'^y i 5H ) quillity of the kingdom, and a convincing proof of your Majefly's defue to reign in the affeclions of ail your fubje£ls. We have fo often experienced the happy effedts of the con^ fidence we have repofed in your Majelty, that we can never entertain any doubt of the due application of any fupplies granted by us ; and do receive, in the moft dutiful and afredlionate manner, your Majelty 's promife to lay the accounts of fuch application before us, as a great inllance of your juftice to the nation. We are truly fenfible, how much the eafe and profperity of your fubje£ts depend on the accomplilhing that great and ncccl- fary work of reducing the public debts ; and are refolved to carry it on in the moft cfFe6lual manner, with juft regard to parliamentary credit. We are likevvife refolved, by the difpatch and unanimity of our proceedings, to convince the world, that we are Inviolably engaged in duty and afFc6lion to your moft facred perfon and government; on the fupport of which, the welfare and happi- nefs of thefe kingdoms, under God, entirely depend. His Majejiyi Anfwer, May lo, 17 17. Gentlemen, IT is with great pleafure that I find the directions I have given to make a redu6lion in the army, and my intentions to grant an A61 of Grace> are fo much to the fatisfad ion of my faithful Commons. I thank- you for the hearty afTnrances you give me of your af- feflions to my perfon and government; and fhall always make filch an ufe of the confidence you repofe on me, as may be moft for the advantage of my people. Adt^rcfi to hh Alajcjly by the Houfe of Commons, July 4, i 7 1 " • Moft gracious Sovereign, ■\T7"E, your Majefty's moft faithful fuhjecSts, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament atlcmbled, do moft hum- bly reprefent to your Majefty, that in our impeachment exhi- bited againft Robert, Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, we did fet forth, that he, the faid Earl, did traiteroully adhere to, aid, and abet, the htc French King, then an enemy to her late Ma- jefty ; and did begin, and carry on, a clandeftine and feparatc dorrefpondence and negotiation with the minillers of the faid French Kingi in confequence of which, it is evident, that 2 great ( 5^5 ) 5/cat part of the forces, maintained at the cxppnfe of fo mnch Britifh treafure, in order to reduce the power of Francej as likewife great part of the fubfidies grant-.d by Parliament to fo- reign princes tor the fame endj were, in reality, made fubfer- vicnt and inftrumental to awe the good allies of her Majefty into a compliance wuh t'le hard terniS diftited by France j the un- happy Catalans were abandoned j the Emperor, Empire, and King of Portugal, were left to treat for themfelves; the king- dom of Sicily was given to the Dnke of Savoy, as an induce- ment and reward to lii.n for quitting the common cauk, in direct defiance and violau'on of 'he grand alliance, and ot the declared fenfe of molt of our good allies, and efpecially the Duich^ who, to this day. have never alfented to that condition of the treaty of Utrecht , a lliameful and difhonourablc treaty of peace was at hit concluded ; by vnhich, Lnipracficab'.e terms of trade were impofed on Great Britain; the demolition ct Dun- kirk, which had been addreflTcd for by Parliament, was eludv;d by a treacherous connivance at the making of a new canal at. Mardyke; and the fecurity which was propofcd by removing the Pretender out of France, was in like ir.anner evaded by a treacherous connivance at I is refidsng iii Lorrain. It is owing to your Majefly's unwearied endeavours for the good of your fubjeds, and that juft regard which is paid to your Majefty by foreign princes and ffates, that we fee ourfelves de- livered, in a great degree, from the effc£ls of thefe pernicious meafures, which might otherwife have proved fatal to your kingdoms. But as we reflect, with equal gratitude and admiration, on your Majefty's being able to retrieve fnch mifcarriages, efpe- cially in a time which has been dilturbed by public tumults and rebellions; we think it is a great aggravation of guilt in thofe who gave up fo many national advantages at a time when they laboured under no fgch difBculties at home, and when the con- tinued fucceffes of a long and glorious war had put them into % condition of gaining the moft beneficial terms from the enemy. Your faithful Commons did likewife exhibit feveral other charges againlf the faid Earl; reprtfenting him, in many no- torious inftances, as a perfon who had abufed the tfult and confidence which her late Majefty had repofed in him ; and fa- crificed the honour of his fo\ereign, and the good of her people, to private views of intereft and ambition. Your faithful Commons have not been wanting in their en- deavours to bring the faid Earl to juflice ; but, by rcafon ot the unhappy differences that have, in this proceeding, an fen be- tween the two Houfcs, wr have found ourfelves dilappomted ot cur iufl expeaation, an • Gentlemen ( 517 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I queftion not but you are very well p^eafcd to find, that yoiij endeavours lor leifening the national debts have, at tiic lame lime, raifed the public credir; and that whatever was propofed for that end is a^lually and completely effeded: this fuccefs muft chiefly be attributed to that juft and prudent regard you have Ihewn to parliamentary engagements. It was ^ ith the viev/ of procuring and fettling a lafting tran- quillity, that I demanded the extraordinary fnpply which you granted me laft fellion : the credit wliich thi; conHdence repofed in nie hath given us abroad., has already been fo far effeilual, that I can acquaint you, we iiave a mu /h better profpC(5l than "vve had ; I have ordered an account to be laid before you of the very fmall part of that fupply, which, as yet, has been expend- ed: any further iifues that may be made of it (hall be alfo laid before you , and you may be affured, that every part of it (hall cither be employed for your fervice, or faved to the public. I have ordered to be laid before you a ftate of the deficiencies of the prefent year, and the feveral eflimates Tor the fervice of the next; which you will find confiderably diminifhed: I rely upon your making the neceffary provifion for them; not -doubting of the continuance. uf that zeal for the good of your country, which hath been fo eminently confpicuous in every feffion of thi> Parliament. I cannot in jultice avoid putting you in mind, that feveral arrears of pay and fubfidy, incurred before my accelhon to the crown, are claimed by foreign princes and ilate^ : I fliall order them to be laid before you, to the end you may put them in a method to be examined and ilated; which will very much tend to the honour and credit of the nation. My Lords and Gentlemen, I could heartily wifh, that, at a time when the common ene- mies of our religion are, by all manner of artifices, endeavour- ing to undermine and weaken it both at home and abroad, all thofe who are fri-nds to our prefent happy eftablifliment might unanimoufly concur in fome proper methods for the greater ftrengthening the proteltant intsreft; of which, as the church of England is unqueftionably the main fupport and bulwark, fo will (he reap the principal benefit of every advantage accrumg by the union, and mutual charity, of all proteftants. As none can recommend themfelvcs more efFedually to my favour and countenance than by a fincere zeal for the jull rights of the crown, and the liberties of the people ; fo I am dcter- ?nined to encourage all thofe who ad agreeably to the conltitu- ^ L 1 3 '^^^ C 518 ) tion of thefe my kingdoms; and, confequcntly, to the princi- ples on which my government is founded. The eyes of all Euvope are upon you at this critical jundlure: it is your intereit, for which reaton I think it mine, that my endtaviiurs for procuring the peace and quiet of Chriftendom fhould take efFcd : nothing can fo much contribute to this de- liradle end as the unanimity, difpatch, and vigour, of your rc- folutions for the fu pport of my government. Addrefs hy the Houje of Commons ^ November 22 1 17*7' Mort: gracious Sovereign* \X,^H", your Majefty's mod duMful and loyal fubjefts, the ' Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifenibled, crnve leave to exprc-fs our gratitude to your Majefty for your UiOJi: gracious Ipeech from the throne. Our laindsare hiled with the moil lively fenfe of your Ma- jefty's regard to your people, in bringmg the fitting of Parlia- n-cnt into a more p oper and ufual feafon of the year; and, as your Majefty has been gracioufly pleafed to confider the convc- vience of our private affairs in this early meeting, we (hall en- deavour to infvxer your Majelty's gracious intentions, by im» proving it, as much a« we are able, to the benefit of the public* We are highly fenlible of the concern your Majefty has fhewn lor the welfare of your people, by the rcdu£lions you have been pleafed to make, from time to time, of the land forces, fofij>)n as the poflnre of affairs rendered it fafe to thefc your kingdoms; it is our peculiar happinefs to fee ourfelves governed by a fovereign who is not influenced by any notions of greatnefs that are inconfiftent v/ith the profperity of his fub- jeds., and who propofes to himfelf the cafe of his people, as the chief glory of his reign. We acknowledge, with hearts full of duty and gratitude, your Majcliy's unwearied endeavours to prevent the many at- tempts which have been fet on foot to difturb the peace of Eu- rope, and the quiet of thefe kingdoms; and have the more rea- foii to apprehend the ill confequences of fuch attempts, fince there arc ih fe, who, as they would be thought to fee no(!anger in thetn, give us rcafon to believe, that they would not be troubled at their fuccefs: we are therefore firmly refolved, in the mod effeclual manner, to fupport your M.tjefly in fuch nicafnres as your Majefty, in yo"r great wifdom, Ihall judge ncccffary to procure the eftablifhment of the tranquillity of Europe. ( 519 ) We receive with, the greatcft fatisfailion your Majefty's gracious expreffions and aHuranccs, touching the extraordinary iupply granted laft year ; and will cheerfully grant your Ma- jefly fuch fupplies as fhall efFcdually provide for tiie public lervicc. It is with unfpeakable -forrow of heart, that we obferve the many artifices vv'hich are made ufe of by the common enemies of our religion to undermine and weaken it both at home and abroad ; and, as we have the moft grateful fenfe of the tender concern which your Majefty has been pleafed to exprefs for the proteftaht religion, and efpecially for the main fupport of it, the church of England as by law cftubliflied ; fo we are refolved, on our part, to confider of the mofl efFedual me- thods for fh-engthening the proteflant intereft of thefc king- doms. It is a pleafure to us, that the eyes of all Europe are turned upon us, at this critical jundture; fince we have thereby an opportunity of (hewing the world the jufl: confidence we repofe in your Majefty, and our unfliaken refolutlons to fupport your government in fuch manner as fhall enable your Majeliy to fettle the peace of Chriftendom. Hh Majcjlys Anfwery November l^y 171 7* Gentlemen, • . T THANK you for the repeated alTurances you have given nie, in this dutiful and loyal addrefs, of your atfc£liunate fupport and aHIftance in the prefent junfture of affairs : I ex- pe6ted no lefs from a Houfe of Commons fo affeclionate to my perfon, and fo zealous for the public weltare, His Majcjlys Mcjfage to the Hoitje of Commons ^ Feb. I, 1 7 18. George Rex. TTIS Majefty having received a very dutiful addrefs from the •*^ South Sea Company, that he would be graciouily pleafed to permit himfelf to be elefted governor of the faid company ; and his Majefty being willinr to condefcend thereto, recom- mends it to this Houfe to confider of proper methods to rcinovi; p}iy difficulties that may arifc on that occafion. ( 52° ) MeJJage from his Majejly to the Houfc of Commons^ March 17, 1718. George Rex. TJlS Majefty, being at prefent engaged in feveral negotiations of the uttermoll concern to the welfare of thefe kingdoms, and the tranqnlllitj- of Europe ; and having lately received in- formation irom abroad, which makes him judge that it will give weight to his endeavours, it a naval force be employed ■where it Oiall be jieccifary ; does think fit to acquaint this Hnufe therev\ ith ; not doubting but that, in cafe he Ihould be obliged, at this cri'iral juncfiurc, to exceed the number of men granted this year for the fea fervice, the Houfe will, at their I'lext meeting, provide for fuch exceeding. 1 His A^ajffly*s mnjl gracioui Speech y November 11, 1 7 18. My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE given orders to iny Lord Chancellor to declare to you, in my name and words, the caufes of my meeting you in Parliament at this time. And thereupon his Majefty delivered into the Lord Chancellor's hands, from the throne, the following fpeech ;- which his Lordlhip read to both Houfes. My Lords and Gentlemen, CINCE your lalirecefs, I have, by the bleflingof Almighty *^ God, concluded fuch terms and conditions of peace and alliance between the ^'reateft princes of Europe, as will, in all human appearance, induce others to follov/ their exampk, and make any attempts to ddfurb the public tranquillity, not only dangerous, bur impradicable. Thtfe engagements, 1 am perfuaded, will be fo much the mo:e agreeable to all my good fubjc6ts, as they bind the con- trafbng powers to fupport the fuccelFion to rhefe kingdoms in my family, to which fome were not at all, and others not fo fully, bound by any former treaties. Durmg the v\ l.ole courfe of thefe negotiations, a moft fl:ri£l regard has been had to the int relts of Spain ; and better con- ditions have b<.en Upjlateii for that King than were infifted upon in his behiilt even at the treaty of Utrecht : but the war in Hungary, which, by our mediation, is fince happily ended, . havin^: i ( 521 ) having tempted the court of Spain, unjuftly, to attack the Em- peror ; and the hopes they have fince conceived of raifincr dif- turbances in Great Br.tain, France, and elfewhere, having encouraged them to believe, that vfe fhould not be able to ad in piirfuance of our treaties, for the defence of the dominions invaded by them, nor even to fupport thofe other effential and necelfary conditions of the treaty of Utrecht, which provide againft the great monarchies of Europe being at any time here- after united under one Sovereign ; they have not only perhfted in fuch a notorious violation of the public peace and tranquil- lity, but have rejected all our amicable propofals, and have broke through their mofl: folemn engagements for the fccurity of our commerce. To vindicate therefore the faith of our former treaties, as well as to maintain thofe which we have lately rrwide, and to protedl and defend the trade of my fubjedls, which has, in every branch, been violently and unjuftly opprclfed, it became necelfary for our naval forces to check their progrefs : it was reafonable to hope, that the fuccefs of our arms, the repeated offers of friendlhip which I have never ceafed to make in the moil preiling manner, and the raeafiir«s taken, in concert with the Ernperor, and the moft chriftian King, to reftore the public tranquillity, would have produced abetter difpofition in the court of Spain ; but I have received infovmations, that, inftead of liftening to our reafonable terms of acconlmodation, that court has lately given orders, at all the ports of Spain, and of the Weft Indies, to fit out privateers, and to take our Ihips. I am perfuadcd, that a Brltifh Parliament will enable me to refent fuch treatment as becomes us ; and it is with pleafure that I can alfure you of the ready and friendly refolutions of our good brother, the Regent of France, to concur and join with me in the moft vigorous meafurcs. The firm confidence I repofe in the afFeclions of my people, together with my earneft defire to eafe them of ever) charge not abfolutely necelfaiy, determined me, immediately after the exchange of the ratification of our great alliance^ to make a very conliderable rcdudion of our land forces ; nor could I bettei exprefs, than by fo doing, how little we apprehend th^ attempts of our enemies to difturb the peace of my kingdoms, even though Spain (hould think fit to continue fome time in war : our naval force, employed in concerr with our allies, will, I truft in God, foon put a happy end to the troubles which the ambitious views of that court have begun, and fe- cure to my fubjeds the execution of the many treaties in force relating to our commerce, Gentleraea '£> ( 522 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I muft defire you to grant me fuch fupplies as will enable me to carry on the fervlcc of the year : I have given orders to have the proper eftimates laid before you ; whereby you will perceive, 1 have reduced the expenfe as much as our cir- cumftarces can wxll admit : I have the pleafure to obferve to you, that the funds appropriated for finking the public debts have anfwered above expe£lation : 1 m.i ft, however, recom- mend to you, to confider of proper methods for improving them, by preventing the fratjds and abufcs daily committed in the public revenues ; not doubing but, in all your proceedings, .you will liave that regard to ti..^ inviolable prefervation of the public credit, which may quiet the minds of all thofe that have tjufted to parliamentary engagements. My Lords and Gentlemen, There never was a time when your unanimity, your vigour, and difpatch, were more necelTary, to fo many good ends as thofe we have now in view : I have done my part ; it remains "with you to give the laft fmilhing to this great work: our friends and our enemies, both at home and abroad, are waiting the event of your refolutions ; and I dare promife myfelf, that the firft have nothing to apprehend, nor the others to hope, from your condufl in this important jun6lurc, who have, during the whole courfe of my reign, given fuch lively proofs of your zeal and affedion to my perfon, ai^d of your love to your country. W ^ddrefs to his Majtjly by the Houfe of Commons y Nov. 12, ? 7 15« May it pleafe your Majefly, 'E, your Majefly 's moft dutiful and loyal fubje^s, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alTembled, and the fecurity of our religion^ fo entirely depend. Hh Majcjlys Anfwer, Dccemhcr \1, 1 7 20. Gentlemen, T RETUHN you my hearty thanks for this addrefs; and, as I depend on your applying a fpeedy remedy to the prefent diftrefs, I am perfuaded you will take the moll prudent mea- fures to make it effedual. Mm 1 ^'>l' ( 532 ) MeJJ'age from his Majejly to the Houfe of Commons j jfune 1 6, 1721* George Rex. TJTIS Majefly having taken the firft opportunity, upon th« death of the lat£ King of Sweden, to renew the ancient alliances between this kingdom and Sweden ; and having fti- pulated, by a treaty, to pay a fubfidy to that crown, hath or- dered that treaty to be laid before the Houfe of Commons;- and hopes, from their known zeal and afFecfion for the pro- teltant religion, and the true intereft of tiieir country, that- they will enable him tomake good the engagements he has en-' tered into upon this occafion. His Majetfy being informed that two fhips, called the Briltol Merciiant and Turkey Alerchant, now lying under quarantine, did arrive from Cyprus, and other parts of Turkey, infe(ffed with the plague, and have cotton wool and other goods on board, which are dangerous to fpead the infe(5lion ; and conceiving it neceiTary, for the prefervation of the health of his fubjeds, that the faid fhips and their ladings be burnt and dedroyed, and that a reafonabie fatisfadion be given to the owners, hath, by the advice of his privy council, caufed the value thereof to be computed by his Majelly's officers, and or- dered thofe computations to be laid before the Houfe of Com- mons, that provilion may be made for fatisfying the fame. j\LJfcige from his Jldajt/iy to the Houfe of Commons, jfuly II, 1 7 2 1 . George TIex. TTIS Majefty finds it neceOary to acquaint- his loyal Houfe of Commons with the difficulties he labours under by reafon of debts contra£ied in his civil government ; which, being computed at Lady-day lull, do amount to more than five hun- dred and fifty thouiand pounds. If the provifion made by an a£l of the lafl: fcffion of Par- liament, for difcharging this debt, had not hitherto proved, in a very great degree, inefFe6fuaI, his Majefly had not been under a necefllty of applying again to Parliament upon this occafion \ but, being rcfolved to caufe a retrenchment to be made of his civil lilt expenfes for the future, and finding that luch a retrenchment cannot well be effedled without difcharging the prefcnt arrears, has ordered the accounts thereof to be laid before the Houfe j and hopes he may be impowered to raifc ready ( 533 } ready money for that purpofe on the civil lift revenues, ^vhich, to avoid the laying any new burdtn on his people, his Ma- jefty propofes fhall be replaced to the civil lift, and reimburfed by a deduction to be made out of the falaries and wages of all offices, and the penfions and other payments from the crown. His Majcjiys moji gracious Speech f ^idy 3I} lyfil. My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE ordered my Lord Chancellor to deliver to you, in my name and words, the caufes of my calling you together fo fuddenly, and at this feafon of the year. I And the Lord Chancellor tliereupon acquainted both Houfes, that he had received the following fpeech from his Majefty from the throne. ''' My Lords and Gentlemen, 'TpHE occafion of my calling you together again fo fud- denly, is to give you an opportunity of refuming the con- fideration of the ftate of public credit. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The progrefs that you made in this affair during the lafl feffion, has laid fuch a foundation of this neceflary work, that the world is fully apprifed of what is reafonably to be hoped for at this prefent conjuncture. My Lords and Gentlemen, I muft recommend to you all poftlble difpatch, and am per- fuaded, that at this feafon of the year your deliberations will be confined to what is abfolutely neceflary upon this extraor- dinary occafion. I His Mujejlys moji gracious Speech f Odoler 19, 172 1. My Lords and Gentlemen, HAVE ordered my Lord Chancellor to deliver to you, in my name and words, the caufes of your meeting at this time in Parliament. M m 3 And ( 534 ) And the Lord Chancellor thereupon acquainted both Houfes, tliat he had rectived the following fpeech from his Majefty from the throne. My Lords and Gentlemen, T ACQJJAINl ED you, when we parted laft, with our having ■*- renewed all our treaties of commerce with Spain ; fmce which, peace is happily reftorcd in the north by the concluiion of the treaty between the Czar and the King of Sweden ; and, by that which I have made with the Moors, a great number dH fny fiibj'. £ls are delivered from flavery ; and all fiich of them as trade to thofe parts of the world are, for the future, feciircd from falling under that dreadful calamity. In this (ituation of affairs we Ihould be extremely wanting to ourfelves, if we negledled to improve the favourable op- portunity, which this general tranquillity gives us, of ex- tending our commerce, upon which the riches and grandeur of this nation chiefly dep.nd : it is very obvious, that nothing wculd more conduce to the obtaining fo public a good, than to make the exportation of our own m an u failures, and the iimportation of the commodities ufed in the manufa6turing of them, as pradicable and eafy as may be : by this means the balance of trade may be prcTerved in our favour, our naviga- tion increafcd, and greater numbers of our poor employed : I n,ij(^ therefore recommend it to you. Gentlemen of the HiVufe qf Conimons, to conlidey how far the duties upon thefe braiiches may be taken off, and replaced without any violation of public laith, or laying aiy new burden upon my people ; and 1 promife myfclf, ihat, by a due confuteration of this mutter, the produce of ihofe cuiiits, compared with the infinite advantages that will accrue to the kingdom by tjieir being taken off, wi'l be \Q\n} befides that it defrauds the public revenues, and difcourages the honell trader, may, at this jundlure, endanger the health and lives of many thoufands of your Majefty's innocent fubjefks. The fcveral points which your Majefty has been gracioufly pleafed to recommend to us, carry in them fuch evident marks of your Majefty's paternal and moft affe6lionate concern for your people, and are of fuch lading confequence to the wel- fare and fafety of thi^ nation, that we Ihould be inexcufable, if we did not, by a ready concurrence on our parts, do all in our power to render thefe your Majefty's molt gracious pur- pofes effectual ; and proceed in the confuieration of them with fuch temper, unanimity, and difpatch, as may fully anfwer your Majefty's expedlations, and defeat the defigns of thofe who hope tor any other contentions amonglt us, hut of zeai and affedion towards your Majefty's facred perfoti and go- vernment. His Majcjifs Anjivcr , Ofloher 23, 1 7 2 1 . T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal ad- drefs ; and for the aftiirances you give me of going through the weighty affairs now before you with unanimity and difpatch : and I promife myfelf, from your experienced zeal and appli- cation, that my good wifttes for the welfare and profperity of my people will be rendered eftedlual. Speech by the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, Ocl. 11, 1722. May it pleafe your Majefty, 'T'HE knights, citizens, and burgefles, in Parliament af- fembled, having, in obedience to your Majefty's com- mands, proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, do novy humbly attend to prefent me to your Majefty, as the perfon they have called to that fervice : but as I am confcious of my own weak- nefs, and as my want of ability cannot be unknown to your Majefty, I moft earneftly befeech your Majefty to accept my excufe, and to command your Commons to prefent to your Majefty fome other Perfon more worthy of your royal appro- bation. Then ( 53^ ) Then the Lord Chancellor, taking directions from his Ma- jefty, faid ; Mr. CoMPTON, "V7 0U have fo long, and fo very well difchargcd the impor- -*■ tant truft of the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons ; and bis Majefty has had full experience of your zeal for his fcr- vice, and for the interell of your country, which are really infeparablc, that he is pleafed to command me to tell you, that he is perfe6lly well fatisfied with the choice which his Commons have made of you now to be their Speaker ; and therefore does not admit of your cxcufe, but allows of, and confirms you, to he Speaker. Then Mr. Speaker faid : CiNCE it is your Majefty's pleafure to approve the choice ^ )our Commons have made, it is my duty to fubmit, and to endeavour to fupply my want of capacity by a diligent ap- plication to the difcharge of this truft which I am commanded to undertake. The expeifience I have had of your Majefty's great good- Eefs, in pardoning my paft errors, encourages me to hope, that any involuntary miftakes I may hereafter make will re- ceive a favourable conftrucStion ; and I entirely rely on yoyr Majefty's juiiice and goodnefs, that none of my failings or in- firmities may be imputed to your faithful Commons, in whofe name I lay claim, by humble petition to your Majefty, to all their ancient and accuftomcd rights, privileges, and immuni- ties ; particularly* That for their better attendance on the public fcrvice, their perfons, eftates, and fervants, may be free from artefts> fuits, and moleftations : That they may have liberty and freedom of fpeech, for the better management of their debates : That they may have free accefs to your Majefty, at all con- venient times, as occafion fhall require : : And that their proceedings may be free from mifconftrucliona and receive the moft favourable interpretation. Thea ( S39 ) Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving further dire£lions from his Majefty, faid ; T AM commanded by his Majefty to fay, that his Majefty, -*■ being t'nlly aflured of the prudence, loyahy, and good af- fedlions of the Koufe of Commons, does moft willingly grant tothepi all their privileges, in as full a manner as they have at any time been granted or allowed by any of his Majefty 's royal predecelfors. And, as to what you have faid in relation to yourfelf, his Majefty will be graciouily pleafcd to put the belt and moft favourable conftruftions upon your words and actions, in the difcharge of your duty as Speaker of the Houfe of Com- mons. I His Majejly^s mojl gracious Speech, Oclober 15, 1 7 22. My Lords and Gentlemen, AM concerned to find myfelf obliged, at the opening of this Parliament, to acquaint you, that a dangerous confpi- racy has been for fome time formed, and is ftill carrying on, againft my perfon and government, in favour of a popifti Pre- tender. The difcoveries I have made here, the informations I have received from my minifters abroad, and the intelligences I have had from the powers in alliance with mc, and indeed from moft parts of Europe, have given me moft ample and concurrent proofs of this vvicked dcilgn. Theconfpirators have, by their emiilarles, made the ftrengeft inftances for aftiftance from foreign powers, but were difap- pointed in their expectations : however, confiding in their numbers, and not difcoiira;^ed by their former ill fuccefs, they refolved once more, upon their own ftrength, to attempt the fubverfion of my government. To this end, they provided confidcrable fums of money, engai^ed great numbers of officers from abroad, fecured large quantities of arms and amUiUnition, and thought themfelves in fuch readin.-fs, that, had not the confpiracy been timely difcovered, we Ihouhi, without deUDt, belore now, have feen the whole nation, and particiilarly the Ciiy of London, in- volved in blood and confulion. The care 1 have taken has, by the blefling of God, hi- therto prevented the execution of their iraiterous projeds: the tioops have been encamped all this fummer \ fix regiments, though v ry necellary for the fecurity of that kingdom, have been brought over from Ireland j the States General have given ( 540 ) given ms afTurances, that they would keep a confiderable body of fop^s in a readinefs to embark, on the firft notice oi their being wanted here^ which was all I defired ot them, beiniy detormined not to put my people to any more cxpenfc than what v\ as abfolutely ncceiTary for their peace and fecu- rity. Some of the confpirr^tors have been taken up, and fee u red ; and endeavotjrs are ufed for the apprehending others. My Lords and Gentlemen, Having thus, in general, laid before yon the ftate of the prefent confpiracy, I mull leave to your confideration what is proper and neceiliiry to be done for the quiet and falety ot the kingdom: I cannot but believe the hopes and expectations ot our enemies are very ill grounded, in flattering themfelves that the late difconients, occaiioned by private lolfes and mif- fortunes, however induitriouHy and raalicioufly fomented, are turned into difafTeclion and a fpirit of rebellion. Had I, fmce my acccilion to the throne, ever attempted any innov^iion in our e(tabli!hed religion; had I, in any one inilance, invaded the liberty or property of my fubjcds; X £hould Icfs wonder at any endeavours to alienate the alfedions of my people, and draw them into meafurcs that can end in Eothing but iheir own dcftruciion. But to hope to perfuade a Iree people, in full enjoyment of all that is dear and valuable to them, to exchange freedom for flavery, the proteilant religion for popery, and to facrificc at once the price of fo much blood and treafure as have been fpent in defence of our prefent ellablilhment, feems an infatuation not to he accounted for: but, however vain and unluccefsiul thefe defpcrate projeils may prove in the end, they have at, prefent fo far the defired etFct.^1:, as to create uneafincfs and diffi- dence in the minds of my people, v»^hich our enemies labour ^ to improve to their own advantage: by forming plots, they de- II prcciate all property that is veiied in the public tunds, and then complam of the low itate of credit: they m.ake an in- creafe of the national expenfes necelfary, and then clamour at the burden of taxes, and endeavour to impute to my govern- ment, as grievances, the mifchicfs and calamities which they alone create and occafion. I wilh for nothing more than to fee the public expenfes lef- fcned; and the great national debt put in a method ot being gradually reduced and difcharged, with a Ifrict regard to par- liamentary faith: and a more favourable opportunity could ne- ver have been hoped for, than the flate of profound peace •which we naw enjoy with all our neighbours j but public cre- dit ( 54J ) dit will always languifh under daily alarms and apprehenfions of public danger; and, as the enemies of our peace have been able to bring this immediate mifchief upon us, nothing can prevent them from continuing to fubiefl the nation to new and condant difficulties and dillrefles, but the wifdum, zeal, and vigorous refolutions, of this Parliament, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered the accounts to be made up, and laid before you, of the extraordinary charge that has been incurrtd this fummer, tor the defence and fatcty of the kingdom; and I have been particularly careful not to direct any expenfe to be made, greater or fooner, than was of abfoiute neceifiiy. I have, likewife, ordered eftimates to be prepared, and laid before you, for the fervice of the year enfuing ; and I liope the further provifions which the treafonable practices of our enemies have made neceflary for our common fafety, may be ordered with fuch frugality, as very little to exceed the fup- plies of the lad year. My Lords and Gentlemen, I need not tell you of what infinite concern it is to the peace and tranquillity of the kingdom, that this Parliament (hculd, upon this occaiion, exert themfelves v/ith a more than ordinary Zealand vigour: an entire union atnong all that fincerely wi(h well to the prefent eilablifhment, is now become abfolutely ne- ceilary; our enemies have too long taken advantage from your differences and dilfenfions. Let it be known that the fpirit of popery, which breathes nothing but confuiion to the civil and religious rights of a proteftant church and kingdom, however abandoned fome few may be, in delpite of all obligations, di- vine and human, has noi lo far polielled my people, as to make them ripe for fuch a fatal change : let the world fee that the general difpofition of th.e nation is no invitation to torcigu powers to invade us, nor encouragement to domeilic enemies to kindle a civil war in the bowels of the kingdom: your own intereil and welfare call upon you to defend youriclves. I (hall wholly rely upon the Divine protection, the fupport of my Parliament, and the affeciious of my people; which I (hall endeavour to preferve, by (teadily adhering to the confli- tution, in church and (late, and continuing to make the lawi* of the realm the rule and meafure of all my anions. jidarefi ( 542 ) Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons to bis Majejiyy 0<7. 1 6, 1722. Moft gracious Sovereign j "\17^E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje6ls, the Commons of" Great Britain, in Farliame!)t airembled," beg leave to return our humble thanks to your Majefty, for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne; It is with hearts full of joy we approach yoiir facred perfon, to congratulate your Majelty, that, by the blefling of God,- the deilgns of your enemies have hitherto been happily frul- trated and difappointed. We cannot fufficientiy acknowledge your Majefty's care and vigilancej and the wife and prudent meafures you have taken for our fafety, in ordering the encampment of the troops, and fending for fuch others from Ireland, as were thought further necefiary, for the peace and quiet of this king- dom: and it is the greattft fatisfadion to us to fee the readinefs of your Majefty's good friends and allies, the States General^ to alii ft you with a good body of forces, if there had been oc- cafion. But, among all the fteps taken for the fafety of your Ma- jefty and the kingdom, none can poftibly equal that of the fpeedy calling your loyal Corhmons together in Parliament, who are met, determinedj with the utmoft unanimity and zeal, to do every thing in their power for the prefeivation of your Majefty's moft facred perfon: nor can lefs be expefted from the gratitude and aftedlion of a free people, fenfible that^ through the whole coiirfe of your reign, no innovation has been attempted in our holy religion, nor the leaft encroach- ment made upon the liberty or property of any of your fub- je£ls ; and that the full enjoyment of all that is dear and va- luable to them is entirely owing to your Majefty's govern- ment. Though the enemies to our hzlppy eftabliftiment (hould havi malice and boldnefs enough ftill to be carrying on their traite rous defigns, yet we are perfuaded that all uneafmefs and ap prehenfions will vani(h, when your faithful Commons aftur your Mujefty that they will enable you effedually to fupprefi all remaining fpirit of rebellion. li neither rhe facred obligation of the moft folemn oath nor the certain mifery they mull bring upon their country, wb would attempt to overturn this government, can deter ih. from fuch defperate undertakings; if there be any of yo' Majefty's fubjedls who are fo abandoned as to be ready to ex thange the protcftant religion for popery, and liberty foi llavery ( 543 ) davery; yet \ve hope the vigorous refolutions of a loyal atid dutiful Parliament will convince them of the danger, as well as folly, of fuch an attempt, and fheyv the whole world that the generality and bed part of your people are fo far from giving any invitation to foreign powers to invade us, that they will, v\ith their lives and fortunes, fiipport your Majefty againft all your enemies at home and ;;broad. We cannot, therefore, exprefs too great an abhorrence of fuch unnatural practices, nor too ^reat an indignation againft thofe who would have made the capital of this flourifhing king- , dom a fcene ot blood and defolation. Wicked men! whiil!: they have the malice to revile your government, and attempt to overturn it, at the fame time, have the infolence to depend upon the clemency of it for their fecurity; while they are en- deavouring to deftroy all liberty, they are clamouring, that a few of them are, for the public fafety, confined; whilll: thev are attempting to deflroy all property, they are murmuring at the necelTary taxes given to your Majefly for the fecuriiy ot it ; and whilil: they a6t againft all law themfelves^ they truft, and are conndent, that, even in their own cafes, the laws of the realm will be the rule and meafure of your a6iians. We beg leave to acknovvledge, with great gratitude, your Majefty's goodnefs, in alTuring us, that notwithftanding the traiterous pra£tices of your enemies have made the increafe of the annual expenfe necelfary, yet care will be taken, that the fupplies to be aHced for the year enfuing (hall very little exceed what was given for the fervice of the laft : And we aifure your Majefty* that we will not only make good the extraordinary expenfes that have been already in- curred, but will, w ith all cheerfulncfs, grant whatever fhall be neceflary for the fatety of the kingdom ; being entirely con- vinced, that we can by no other means reftore public credit, and enable ourfelves to attempt the gradual reduction of the great national debt, with a ftri6l regard to parliamentary faith^ than by doing every thing in our power tor the fup- port of your Majefty's government and our happy eftablilh« tiient in your royal fam.ily. And we do, with all hum.ility, return your Majefty our un- feigned thanks for your moft gmcious declaration, on which we entirely rely, that your Majefty will ftcadily adhere to otir conftituiiori, in church and Hate; and continue to make the laws of the realm the rule and meafure of vour adlions. Hn ( 544 ) I His Majcjiys Anjvjcr^ QSoher i8, 1722, Gentlemen, T RETURN you my hearty thanks for this very dutiful and loyal addrefs : the feafonable declarations of your zeal and affedlion to my perfon and government will, I doubt not, contribute very much to the tranquillity and fafety of the kingdom ; and as I fliall always look upon my own and the iii- tereft of my people to be infeparable, you jnay be affured I ihall make no nfe of any power or confidence that my faith- ful Commons fball place in me, but. in fupport of the confti- ttition, and in maintenance of the rights and liberties of my people. 'Joint Addrcfs by both Houfcs of Parliament^ I^ovember 17, 1 722. Mod gracious Sovereign, ■\X7E, your Majefly's mofi. dutiful and faithful fubjeds, the ^ Lords fpiriiual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament aiTemhled, being deeply atfeded with the fenfe of thofe many bleilings which we have conftantly enjoyed, and hope long to enjoy, under your Majcfty's moft juft and gra- cious government; and being thoroughly convinced that our religious aad civil rights, as well as the very being of the Bri- ti(h name and conftitution, do, under God, entirely depend upon the prefervation of your Majcfly's facred perfon, and of the protcfiant fuccellion, as fettled by law, in your royal line, are tilled with the utmofl altoniihment and indignation at the unexampled prefumption and arrogance of the Pretender to, your dominions, in daring to offer fuch an indignity to your Majefty and the Britilh nation, as to declare to your fubjc6ls, and to all foreign princes and ftates, that he finds himfclf in a condition to oricr terms to your Majefly ; and even to capitu- late with vou for the ablolute furrender of the religion and li- berties of a tree nation. However great the infatuation of his advifers may be, we are fenfible nothing could have raifed his and their hopes to fo extravagant a degree of prefumption, but repeated encourage- ments a'ld alTurances from the confpirators at home, founded on the molt injmious and grofs mifreprefentations of the incli- nations and affedlions of your iVIajelly's fubjedls; and a rafll conclufion, that bccaufe fome, Irom whom it ought leaft to have been expelled, had broke through the folemn reftraint of reiterated oaths, in order to raife thqmfelves on the ruins of I their ( 545 ) tlielr country, therefore the whole body of tHe nation was ripe for the fame fatal defedion; and ready to exchange the mild and legal government of a moft indulgent prince, for the boundlefs rage of an attainted fugitive, bred yp in maxims of tyranny and fnperftition. But we, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, re- folve, by a fteady and conftant adherence to your governmentv to wipe off this ftain and imputation from the name of Bri- tons, and to convince the world, that thofe wicked dellgns formed againft your Majefty's facr>id perfon and government, which the infolence of this declaration proves to be moft real, while it affefts to treat them as imaginary, are indeed imprac- ticable againft a Prince relying on, and fupported by the vigour and duty of a Britiih Parliament, and the aifedlions of his peo- ple. And we beg leave, in the moft folemn manner, to afturc your Majefty, that neither the impotent menace of foreign af- fiftance, nor the utmoil: efforts of domeftic traitors, Ihall ever /leter us from ftanding by your Majefty with our lives and for- itunes, and fupporting your Majefty's moft juft title to thfc crown of thefe realms againft tlie Pretender and all his opea ^nd fecret abettors, both at home and abroad. His Majejlfs Anfwcr^ November K^^ 1722.0 My Lords gnd Gentlemen, I GIVE you many thanks for the juft refentmcnt you ha,vcs exprefted againft the indignity otfered to me and the Brl- itlfh nation. 1 fhall continue to protect and fupport my good people ia and the proteftant fucceilion in your royal family. We fee with aftoni(hment, that perfons of figure and dif- tin6lion, who ought to have been the bcft judges, and mod zealous defenders, of your beneficent and mild reign, by which alone their fortunes and dignities can be made fecure, fhould be fo far infatuated as to head and abet a monftrous confpiracy to deftroy your Majefty, their country, and them- felves ; that honour, faith, and the moft folemn ties of reli- gion, (hould be violated in favour of a popilh fugitive, known only for his blind bigotry and attachment to Rome. As we have, with fenfible forrow and juft refentment, dif- covered thefe vile pradices, fo will we take care that the wicked authors may not, by any contrivance or pra6lice whatfoever, efcape punifhment, but that all confpirators may, by the juftice of Parliament, be for ever hereafter deterred from engaging in fuch traitorous attempts. We congratulate your Majefty, and all your good fubje£ls, that you have efcaped the black and unnatural defigns of th« worft of men, and that Almighty God has, by this happy difcovery, given you, and your royal family, a frefti inftance of his finguLir care and protedlion. For us, your faithful Commons, who feel, with joy and gratitude, thfe ineftimable bleftings of your reign, who are fenfible of the glorious advantages of liberty, and of the pro- teftant religion, and have in abhorrence the miferies and fta- very infeparable from popery and a popifti government ; We will ftand by your Majefty, and effedlually fupport your government, at the hazard and expenfe of our lives and fortunes : We will maintain and defend your Majefty's rightful and lawful title to the crown of thefe realtns, and endeavoirr to tranfmit to lateft pofterity this happy, free, and ancient confti- tution. His Majf/ifs Jfij'zvcr, March 22, I 723. Gentlemen, IRtlTURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal ad- drcfs: it is agreeable to the many inftances of zeal and affedion to me, which you have upon every occafion expreftedi tlic juft refentment and indignation you have Ihewn againft this con- ( 547 ) Confpiracy, will, I doubt not, give entire fatisfa^llon to all that fincerely wi(h well to our prefent eftabli/Hment, encourage the friends to my government, and deter the enetnles of our common peace from renewing thefe rafh and defperate at- tempts. His Alajcjifs mojl gracious Speech^ January 9,17 24. My Lords and Gentlemen, T CANNOT open this feffion without congratulating you upon the fuccefs of your endeavours laft year, for the fafety^ inttrel^) and honour of the kingdom: the rife of public credit, the flourifhing condition of our trade and maufa£tures, and the geneial tranquillity of my people, are the happy confe- quences of your prudent refoiutions : it is to be hoped, that the few examples whiijh were jinade of fome notorious offenders, will be futficient to deter the mofl difaffedled from engaging in the like defperate and wicked practices : the augmentation you thought fit to make to our national forces, by feaand land, has not only fecured the general quiet of the kingdom againft any fudden attempts or infurre61ions, but has alfo given me fuch Weight and credit in all foreign negociations, as greatly contri- bute towards the prefervation of the peace of Europe. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I will order the proper officers to lay before you the eftimates for tlie fervice of the current year : 1 defire fuch fupplies only as you (hall find abfolutcly necelVary for preferving the peace of the kingdom, and for the fecurity of my people ; and thofe, I hope, may be raifed, without laying any additional charge or burden on my fubjc£ts. I mull, in a particular manner, recoinmend to your care the public debts of the kingdom, as the molt national concern you can poflibly take into your confideration : I am perfuaded it mufl; be a very great fatisfa6lion to all my faithful fubjeds, to fee the finking fund improved and augmented, and the debt of the nation thereby put into a method of being fo much the fooner gradually reduced, and paid oif: it would be a work truly worthy of a Britifh Parliament, to begin this commenda- ble undertaking, and to make fuch a progrefs therein, as, with a ftridt regard to public faith, and private property, may pave the way to this great anddefirable end» My Lords and Gentlemen, In the prefent happy fituation of our affairs, I have nothing more to recommend to you, than that you would make ufe of N n 2 the r 548 ) I the opportunity which your own good conduct has put into your hands, in confidering of I'uch further laws as may be wanting for the eafe and encouragement of l;rade and naviga- tion, for the employment of the poor, and for the exciting and encouraging a fpirit of induitry in the nation. 1 am fully fatisfied, that the trade and wealth of my people are the happy effe£ls of the liberties they enjoy ; and that the grandeur of the crown confifts in their profperity : and I am as fully perfuaded, that all who wifh well to their country muft agree with me, that it is the vaineft of all delufions to imagine, that the religion, laws, and liberties, of this kingdom can ever be fecured, but by fupporting the prefent eftablifhment, and maintaining the fuccclfion in the protelfant line. Let us therefore heartily join in every thing that may tend to promote our mutual happinefs ; and to extinguilh the hopes of rhofe who long have been, and flill are, rcftlefs in their endea- vours to fubjecl this nation to the whole train of miferies that are infeparable from popeiy, arbitrary power. Addrefs to his Majcjiy by the Hcufc of Commons^ jf^n. 10, 1724. Moft gracious Sovereign, "V70UR Majefty's molf dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Com- •*• mons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, beg leave to congratulate your Majefty upon your fafe and happy rctura into thefe kingdoms ; and molf humbly dcfire your Majefty to accept the unfeigned thanks of this Houfe for your Majefty's moft gracious fpeeeh from the throne. As your MajeRy is pleafed to found the grandeur of your crown in the fecurity of the liberties of your people, and your glory in promoting their profperity; fo they, in return, mult be excited, by all the ties of duty and gratitude, to build their happinefs upon the firm and unfhaken principles of loyalty and affection to your Majefly's moft facred perfon and govcnnnent. It is the greateii: fatisfadion to your Majefty's faithful Com- mons, to find that the loyalty of tneir refolntions, and the juf- tice ot their proceedings, in the Ij^ft felTion of parliament, have been attended with all the happy confequences they expeftecf from them, and now have been rewarded with your Majelty's iroyal approbation. We beg leave to allure your Majefty, that we fhall readily and cheerfiilly raifc all fuch fupplies as (hall be necell'ary to fup- port the honour of your Majefty's government, and fecure the tranquillity of thefe kingdoms. ( 549 ) We are highly fenfible of your Majefty's goodnefs to zM voiir people, in recommending, particularly at this time, to our conr- fideration the public debts of the kingdom; which are fo heavy a load, and fo much a national concern, that we fhould be wanting to ourfelves, if we did not allure your Majefty, that we will ufe our utmoft endeavours to improve and augment the finking fund, and thereby put the national debt into a method of being gradually reduced and paid without any violation of public faith, or infringement of private property ; and, as your Majefty is pleafed to encourage our attempting fo great and no- ble a defign, fo we are fully perfuadcd that the wifdom and fleadinefs of your Majefty's government will enable us to per- fect this great undertaking. We aifure your Majelly, that we know of no other fafety, under God, for our trade and wealth, liberty and property, re- ligious and civil rights, but the fecurity of your Majefty's moft facred perfon and government, and the fucceftion in your royal houie; which we will always fupport and maintain againft any traitorous attempt whatfoever ; being truly fenftble of the blef- fings we enjoy under your Majefty's moft gracious and happy government, which has hitherto preferved us from all thofe mi- feries experience has taught us are infeparable from popery and arbitrary power. H'n A'fajefljs Anfvjcr, January 13, 1724. Gentlemen, T RETURN you my hearty thanks for this very dutiful and ■*■ Inyal addrefs : the wifdom and refolution of this Parliament have principally contributed to our piefent happy fituation; and the perfeverance of my faithful Cotpmons, with the fame zeal and unanimity, in the difpatch of the public bufinefs, will be the fureft means of improving this favourable opportunity to the beft advantage, for the honor and intereft of the kingdom. I His Ma] ejiys moji gracious Speech y 'Novemhcr 12, 1724. My Lords and Gentlemen, AM perfuaded you fhare wnth me in the fatisfaortunity that has the appearance of being favourable to thtir languilhing caufe ; and, as th&y have been very bufy in foreign courts, the difafFedled and difcontented here have not been lefs induftrious, by falfc rumours and fuggeftions, to fill the minds of the people with groundiefs fears and alarms, in order to aiTe6t the public credit ; and, by diftrelling the government, give encouragement to the enemies of our peace : But we promife ourfclvcs, that the prudence, temper, and tefoluiion, of thofe that truly confult their own intereft, and wif^i well to their country, will, on the one Jiand, prevent and obviate (he mift^hitfs, that, by too great credulity, and, vain fears, they may bring upon themfclves: and, on the other band, we arc determined to convince the world, that if thofe, ■who moil envy our prefent happinefs and tranquillity, (hall fo iW prcfume upon the jull fcnfe and value we have for thefe in- cftimable bleifings, as dill to purfue their dcfperate mejfures; how defirous foevcr wc may be of peace, we will not fuflfer your Majefty, and the iiriiiih nation, to be infultcd ; but that we will, to the utmofl of our power, as the exigency and neccf. fity of affairs fliali require, (tand by and fupport your Majclly a^arnff all attempts to diflurb the public repol'e. I His Alaj(-fiys AnjvceVy January 24,, 1 726. Gentlemen, RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs: I make no doubt hut you will foon be fenfible of the gqod effc^ls ot this feafonable vigour and refolution: you may be allured, that I will make no ufe of the confidence you rcpofe in me, hut for preferving to us the bleifings of peace; and foy j^rooiotiug the honour and intereft of this nation. Addrefi w ( 557 ) Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons y February i8, 1726. Moft gracious fovereign, "E, your Majefly's moft dutiful and luyal fubje6ls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament affemblcd, beg leave to return your Majedy our moft humble thanks for your great goodnefs in communicating to us the treaties of peace and commerce concluded between the Emperor and the King of Spain ; and the detenHve alliance between your Majefty, the moft Chriftian King, and the King of PruHia. The engagements which your Majefty has entered into, by the faid defenfive alliance with the moll: Chriftian King, and the King of Pruftia, in order to obviate and difappoint the dangerous views and confequences of the treaty of peace between the Emperor and the King of Spain, and to preferve the many valuable rights and privileges of this nation againft the fatal tendency of the faid treaty of commerce, calculated for the cn^ tire deftrudion of the chief branches of the Britiih trade, and in breach of the feveral folemn treaties. now in force, call upoa us to exprefs our moft unfeigned and grateful fenfe of your Majefty 's concern for the prtfcrvation of the balance and peace oi Europe, the proteftant religion, and the particular intcreft of your Britifti fubjeds. And when we redecl upon your Majefty 's prudence and re- folution, in not letting any attempts or inlinuations whatfoever divert you from confulting, and Itcadily purfuing the good and welfare of thefe your kingdoms, we think ourfelves obliged, by the ftrongeft ties of duty and affection, to alRire your Majefty, that we will, in juftice, and vindication of the honour and dig- nity of the Britifh ciown, ftand by and fupport your Majefty, againft all infults and attacks that any prince or power, in re- fentment of the juft meafures which your Majelty has fo wifely- taken, ftiall make upon any of your Majefty's territories ordo- minions, though not belonging to the crown of Great Britain. His Mojcjiys Jnjwer, February 21, 1 7 26, Gentlemen, I RETURN you my thanks for this particular mark of your duty, aftedion, and conhdence in me: your alfurances not to fufFer my foreign dominions to be expufed or infuhed, oa account of the meafures I have taken for the intereft of thef* kingdoms, will, I hope, be a means to preferve the peace and tranquillity of Europe: I have no views of ambition to gratity ; * J 1 have f 5S8 ) 1 have no thoughts of aggrandizing myfelf, or extending any parts of my dominions zt the hazard ^nd expenfe of the other: and, as my honolir is the common caufe and concern of my fub- je6ls, their particular Intererts (hall, upon all occafions, be tny conftant care. H His Majejiys Mejfage to the Houfe of Commoniy March 24, 1726. George R. IS Majeftv, having nothing more at heart than an earneft delire to fecure to his own fubjed:s the full and free enjoy- ment of their trade and navigation \ and, in the befl: manner, to prevent and fruflrate fuch defigns as have been formed againd the partiolar interelt of this nation, and the general peace of Europe; has found it neceilary, not only to augment his maritime force, but to concert fuch other meafures as may moft effedually conduce to thefe defirable ends: and, as thefe fervices will require fome extraordinary expenfe, his Majcfty hopes he fhall be enabled, by the afliftance of Parliament, to in- creafe the number of feamen already voted and granted for the fervice of this year \ and to enter into, and make good fuch engagements, as the circumftances and exigency of affairs may requite. I U'ls Majeftys moji gracious Speech^ May 24, 1 7 26. My Lords and Cientlemen, "T HAVE ordered my Lord Chancellor to declare to you, in my name and words, the reafons of my coming this day to Parliament. And the Lord Chancellor acquainted both Houfes, that he had received from his Majcily's hands, from the throne, his Ma- jelty's fpccch to both Houfes of Parliament; which the Lord Ch'ancellor read ; and is as follows: . My Lords and Gentlemen, T CANNOT, in juiHce to you, put an end to this feffioi without rctiirniiii^ you my hearty thanks for the many in- flnnces you have givtn me of your duty and affe(^^ion to my pcrfon and government: and of your zeal to maintain the honour and true intercfl of this kingdom. The fpirit and refolution you have (hewn on this important occauon, when our moll valuable rights and privileges have been I ( 559 ) been ftruck at, are highly becoming the weight and authority of a Britifli Parliament ; and the fteps which have been taken abroad, in fupport of the meafures entered into againft this na- tion, muft convince every body of your vvifdom and prudence, in endeavouring to put an early ftop to the further progrefs of them : 1 hope the precautions you have enabled me to take, will be fufficient, in conjundlion with my allies, to defeat the de- figns which have been formed againft us; and that the pro- moters of them, when they have fully weighed their own cir- jrumftances, and better confidered thofe of the Several powers united in defence of the tranquillity and liberties of Europe, will find it their own interefl to preferve the peace, and think it nioft fafe and prudent to delift from their dangerous fchemes. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my particular thanks for the fiipplies which you have fo cheerfully and effectually raifed ; and you may be af- fured, that tliey (hall be faithfully applied to the ufes for which you intended them. My Lords and Gentlemen, The conftant employment of my thoughts, and the mod earnert wiOies (;f my heart, tend wholly to the fccuring to my fubje£ls their juft rights and advantages; and to the preferving to them, and to all Europe, the enjoyment of a fafe and ho- nourable peace : and 1 muft not conclude without giving you the ftrongeft afiurances, that the particular conhdence you have placed in me, ftiall be made ufe of in fuch manner only, as may moft effedlually conduce to the attaining thofe good and great purpnfes. I 1 11 imrgrTMU Mnwii His Majejiys moji gracious Spcccky 'January 17, I7^7« My Lords and Gentlemen, T ACQUAINTED you, laft year, with the treaties of peace •*■ and commerce concluded between the Emperor and the King of Spain. As that fudden and unaccountable cpnjun£lion gave, at the firft appearance, juft grounds of jealoufy and apprchen- fion to the neighbouring powers of Europe; the fubfequent proceedings and tranfadlions in thofe two courts, and the fccret and offenlive alliances concluded between them about the fame time, have laid the foundations of a moll exorbitant and formi- dable power ; and are fo diredtly levelled againft the moft va- luable and darling interefts and privileges of this nation, that we tuuft determine, either tamely to fubmi to the peremptory and unjuft demands of the King of Spain, in giving up Gi- braltar, ( 560 ) braltar, and patiently to acquiefcd in the Emperor's ufurped and extended exercife of trade and commerce; or muft rel'olve to be in a condition to do ourfelves juftice, and to defend our undoubted rights, againrt: thefe reciprocal engagements entered into in defiance and violation of all national faith, and the moft folemn treaties. I have like wife received informations from different parts, on which I can entirely depend, that the placing the Pretender upon the throne of this kingdom is one of the articles of the fe- cret engagements: and if time Ihall evince, that the giving up the trade of this nation to one power, and Gibraltar and Port- mahon to another, is made the price and reward of impofing upon this kingdom a popilh Pretender; what an indignation muft this raifc in the breafl of every proteftant Briton! Nor were thefe fatal combinations confined to thofe parts of the world alone; but they extended themfclves into Ruflia: and had not the defigns of that court againlt fome of their neighbours teen prevented by the feafonable arrival of our fleet in thofe feas, a way had been opened for invading thefe kingdoms, and giving a po'.vertui afliftance to any attempt to be made from other quarters. Such circumflances would not fufFer me, and my allies, among whom there has been, and is, the moll perfeiSi harmony, union, and concert, to be idle fpe6lators, and regardlefs of our own fafety, and the common caufe of Europe: for which pur- pofe, his moft Chriitian Majeity has been at a great expenfc this laft year, in augmenting his forces; and the States General, ienfible of the imminent danger, have not only acceded to the defenlive alliance concluded at Hanover, but have come to ilrong and feafonable rcfolutions for an extraordinary augmen- tation of their forces, both by fea and land; the acceflion of the crown of Sweden is in fuch a forwardncfs, ai.d the negotiation* with the crown of Denmark are fo far ad^'anced, that we may reafonably depend upon the fucxefs and good cffciSl of them. This fliort view of the prefent poflure of affairs will, I ara Confident, not only fecure to me the fupport and ailiitance of my Parliament in cajryingon this great and necefTary work, in conjimdion with my allies, but juftify the meafures hitherto taken, and the expenfes already made. The confidence you rcpofed in me laft year, has been made life of for the benefit of the public: and, as the chief article of exceedings has, by my equipping, and fending to fea, three coiifiderable fquadrons, fallen upon the head of the navy, I am perfuaded the neceftity of the fervices, and the fecurity, ad- vania^c, and glory, that has accrued to this nation from thofe fquadrons^ ( 56i } fquadrons, will fufFiciently fpeak for themfelve?, as long as both friends and foes, with joy or concern, contcfs they have feen and felt the effeds of the naval power of Great Britain. It is not to be wondered at, that the Princes engaged in thefe enterprizes are very much difturbed to fee their projedls ren- dered abortive: the King of Spain, impatient of the difappoint- ments he has met with, can no longer difi^uife that enmity to us, which for fome time he has only waited for a favourable opportunity to declare: he has now ordered his miniller refiding here to depart immediately from this country, leaving a memo- rial that is little fliort of a declaration of war; wherein he again demands and infifts upon the reflitution of Gibraltar: he does not himfelf deny the oflenlive alliance, nor his engagements to fupport the Oifend company: he makes rny recalling thofe fquadrons, which his condudl had put me under a nccciiity of fending to the Well Indies, and the coall: of Spain, the condi- tion of any further correfpondence between the two crov.ns; and fiippofing the continuance of my fleets abroad to be adual hoftllities, threatens to repel them with force, to the utmoU of his power: But, not content with thefe menaces, infiilts, and infra6lions of treaties, his Catholic Majelty is now making preparations to attack and befiege Gibraltar: and, in , order to carry on that fervice, or to cover another defign, has aflemblcd a great body of troops in that neighbourhood: but as the prefent flate and condition of that garrifon, with t!ie reinforcements I have or- dered thither, give me little caufe to apprehend, or my enemies to hope for, fuccefs in that undertaking; the certain and un- doubted intelligence I have, that it is now refolved to attempt an invafion upon thefe kingdoms, in favour of the Pretender, by an embarkation from the coails of Spain, gives me reafon to believe, that, though the fiege of Gibraltar may probably be undertaken, the public, avowed, and immenfe preparations made for that purpofe are chiefly calculated to amule the world, •:d to difguife the intended invafion; which I am furely in- -rmed, has been for fome time agreed to be the firft ftep and, -ginning of the long-premeditated rupture, Gentlemen of theHoufe of Commons, Thefe confidcratlons mufl awaken in yoii all fuch a fenfe of our common and immediate danger, as will, I doubt not, in- fpire you with a zeal and chcerfulnefs in raifing th'^ fuppli-' s ncceffary for the defence of your country, and fov making good our engagements with our allies. Vol. I. Oq I i- ( 562 } I received too much fatisfaflion from the happinefs of my people in their full enjoyment and future profpecl of peace, eafe, and profperity, not to be fenfibly affe6led with thefe new convulfions; and the unavoidable necelTity 1 am under of alking larger fupplies of my people, and of defiring to be enabled to make fuch an augmentation of my forces, by fea and land, as the prefent exigency of affairs requires. I will order the proper ellimates to be laid before you, and fuch treaties as I have made with foreign princes for the hire of foreign troops: and as the expenfe I was lall year, in a parti- cular manner, entrufled to make, has amounted to no confi- derable fum, and the public utility may again require the like fervices to be performed, I hope you will again repofe the fame trufl: and confidence in me. It is with great pleafure that I fee the time fo near approach- ing, when fuch a confiderable addition will be made to the finking fund: let all that wifh well to the peace and quiet of my government, have the fatisfaclion to fee, that our prefent necellities fhall make no interruption in the progrefs of that dc- firable work of gradually difcharging the national debt: I hope therefore you will make a provifion for the immediate applica- tion of the produce of the linking fund to the ufes for which it was fo wifely contrived, and to which it now {lands appro- priated. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have had no thoughts of making any acquifitions to any parts jpf my dominions: my wl.olccare and concern has been, to pre- ferve and maintain the undoubted rights and privileges of my people: and therefore all my meafures have been preventive and defenfivc: but, fuch endeavours being now rendered imphac- ticablc, vigorous refolutions, and a fpeedy execution of them, can alone put an effedual end to the dangers that furround us: however hazardous and defperate the enterprizes formed againft us may appear to be; your being aiTured, that they are refolved upon, will, I am perfuadcd, be fufficient to prevail upon you to put yourfelves in a condition to refift and defeat them. If prcferving a due balance of power in Europe; if defend- ing the polTcilions of the crown of Great Britain, of infinite advantage and fccurity to our trade and commerce; if fup- porting that trade and commerce againft dangerous and unlawful encroachments; and if the prefent eilablifhment, the religion, liberties, and properties of a protefiant people; are any longer confiderations worthy of the care and attention of a Eritilh Par- liament j I need fay no more to incite my loyal and faithful Houfe* ( S63 ) Houfcs of Parliament to exert themfelves in the defence of all that is dear and valuable to them. Addrefs to his Majejly by the Commons, jfanuary 18, 1727. . Moll gracious Sovereign, TTTE, your Majefly's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjeds, ihq Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembied, return your Majefty our humbled thanks for your molt gracious fpeech from tlie throne. The communication which your Majefly has been pleafed to make of the proceedings and tranfaftions in Europe for fome time part, and of the engagements entered into betw-een the Emperor and the King of Spain, is an inftance of your Ma> jelly's fingular goodnefs, in being as defirous to give your people all reafonable fatisfaction, as you have ever been folicitous for •their good and welfare. We are very fenfible of the fatal tendency of the fudden and unaccountable conjunction between thofe two crowns: and as this nation has always looked with jealous eyes upon the very beginning of every attempt made by their neighbours to eftabUlU a commerce, at the hazard and to the prejiauice ofourun->' doubted rights and privileges; we cannot but be greatly alarmed to fee thofe encroachments upon our trade, and notorious in- fradlions of treaties, accompanied with a fcheme of greatncfs that lays the foundation of a moil exorbitant power; wliich, if not timely oppofed, and withftood with vigour and rcfolution, may become formidable to all Europe, and enable the ng- grefiTors, without coniroul, to maintain their unwarrantable attempts: Nor can we at all doubt of the fpiiit and defign of this new friendflilp and alliance, when we fee it cemented, by mutual obligations, for fupporting one of the contrading pov/ers in the unjuftifiable and ufurped exercife of the Ollend trade, at the fame time, that a peremptory demand is made and iniiitcd upon, by the other, for the reftitution of Gibraltar; a place of fuch importance to the trade of this kingdom : But the confideration that creates the highefl refentment i:; your faithful Commons, is, to fee that, whtnevcr the ambition of foreign princes leads them to afpire and grafp at exorbitant power, or to acquire, and pofTtfs themfelves of, , any valuable rights and privileges belonging to the fubjei51s ot your Majcfty, and your allies; all guarantees, and tltc moil folcmn engage- ments of faith and gratitude to your Majeily, purchafed by the tlood and trcafure of this nation, are cancelled, i)nd forgot; Q Q 2, * ?iid ( 564 ) anJ it Is vainly imagined, that your Majefty mufl either tamely fubmit, and paiiently acquiefce under the greatefl indignities and injuries to your crown and people, or be infulted v ith me- naces and projfcd;s in favour of a popiiTi Pretender: But your Majelly's loyal, faithful, and affectionate fubjedls, the Commons of Great Britain, fenfible of the ineftimable bieffings they enjoy under your Majefly's mod gracious and h^ppy government, have too great a regard to the honour and (fienl'-vpt your crown, an<' too much abhorrence and detefta- tidiy '^^ the abjured Pretender, to fuffer thefe vain threats and terrors to ^have any ill effedl upon their miuds or delibera- tions. ~- II; is w'iih indignation that we fee this injurious treatment, arid thefc provoking infults; and it is with an unfhaken fidelity aiid/refoiution that we are determined, with our lives and foriunes,' to (land by and fupport yourMajefty againft all your en^iTii-es. We muft, at the' fame time, with all gratitude, acknowledge your Majefty's wifdom and vigilance, in ftrengihening yourfelf with the alliance of powers united in intereft, and beft able to wirhftand the impending danger, and to fupport the common caiife of Europe: we fee, with the greateft fatisfadion, the ratal powerof Great Britain appearing, in diftant regions, in Its ' proper luftre, fo ufefully and wifely employed to carry fafdty and protedion to your own fubjeils, and to your allies; and to curb and red rain the boafted proje£ts of the dillurbcrs of the peace of Europe : And, as we cannot but look upon the meafures and refolu- tions'concerted and taken in oppofition to, and in defiance of, the moft folemn treaties, as tending to an immediate rupture, we humbiy bcfeech your Majefly, that you will be pleafed forth- wi'h to give the oecefTary orders for putting this kingdom into a pofturc of defence; and \\e allure your Majefty, that we will not only cheerfully and effe6lually raife the fupplies neceffary for the prefent exigency of affairs, but will fupport your Ma- jefty in making good your engagements with your allies; in preferving t!ie balance of power in Europe; in defending the prefeul poirtllions of the crown of Great I3ritain; in fupporting the trade of this nation againft all unjuflifiable and pernicious encroachments; and in defeating and confounding all attempts that fliall be made in favour of the Pretender, and for the de- (lru61ion of our religion, liberties, and properties: And that all v/ho wlfli well to the peace and quiet of your Majcfty's government, may have the fatisfadion to fee, that our prefent neccllities fhall make no interruption in the progrefs of that dcfirable work of gradually difcharging the national dt. ( 565 ) (tebt, we will coiifider of the mod: proper methods for imme- diately applying the produce of the finking fund to the ufes for which it was fo wifely contrived, and to which it itands now appropriated ; and will repofe fuch a truft and confidence in your Majelty as the public utility (hall require, and as your Majefty (hall find reafonable and neceifary for carrying on the great work in which your Majefty is engaged, for the intereft and fecurity of your people, and the common caufe of Europe, His Majejifs Anfvjcr, ^January 20, 1 7 27. Gentlemen, T RETURN you my thanks for this very dutiful and loyal "*■ addrefs. The juft fenfe you have expreifed of the prefent polture of affairs in Europe, and the hearty alfu ranees you have given me of your fupport, in defending my polfellions, and the rights and privileges of niy people, as they are evidences of your known zeal and affe6lion to my perfon and government, I am perfuaded they will confirm the fpirit and vigour of my allies ; and convince my enemies how vain and ill-grounded all their expedations are of being able to fucceed in any at- tempts to dirturb the peace of Europe, and in offering injuries and infults to this nation. Addrefs by both Houfes to his Majcfy, March 14, 1 727. Mod gracious Sovereign, TTTE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and faithful fubjeds, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament affembled, think it our indifpenfable duty to exprefs the higheft refentment at the affront and indig- nity offered to your moft facred Majefty, by the memorial de- livered by Monf. de Palm, the Emperor's refident ; and at his infolence in printing and difperfing the fame throughout the kingdom. This audacious manner of appealing to the people againft your Majefty, under the pretext of applying to you (or redrcis and reparation of fuppofed injuries ; and turning a memorial, prefented to your Majefty, into a feditious libel, is a proceed- ing that creates in us the utmoft abhorrence and deteUation. The endeavouring to inftil into the minds of any o( your faithful fubjefSts the leaft diftruft, or diffidence, in your Ma- jefty's moft facred royal word, or to make a diftinction be- tween your Majefty and your people, is an attempt as vain as o o 3 r"^^- ( 566 ) ^Jrefumptuous ; for, by your goodnef'^, ihB intefcrt of yOUf Majcfly and your people is but one ; and as infeparable as their duty, afFedlion, and confidence in your Majelty, are molt juftly and defervedly unalterable ; and^ if time has not effaced the memory of the glorious exploitj-, and iinporant fuccours, con- f'.lTed to have been received from Great Britain, gratiuide^ affedion, and ellecm for this na'ion, will be heft manilellecJ by doing honour to the King, uhom the people hor.our ; and jnftice to the people, whofe rights and privileges the bell of Kings is now defending againft the invafions and incroathmerits made upon them. We rtturn your Majefty otir fincereft thanks f'^r your care jnd vigilance in difcovcring the fecret and pernicious defigns df your and our enemies ; and for your goodnefs in commu- nicating to your Parliament the dar.gers that threatened this kingdom : And we beg leave to a'fure your Majelfy, that no amufe- lYients, by artful or evafive denials, Ihall lead us into a falfe fecurity ; or divert us from exerting nurfelvcs in vindication of your MajeOy's honour, and in defending and fupporting your Majeify againft all your open and fecret enemies, both at home and abroad : And if any, among your own fubjcfls, have been fo wicked as to countenance, encourage, or abet the dilhirbers of the public tranquillity, in this extravagant infult upon your Ma- jefty ; or flattered them with hopes, that an obif inate perfe- verance in their dellruftive meafures could flagger the firmnefs of the Britilh nation ; we are refolved efFc(flually to defeat all fuch groundlcfs expeifations ; and to convince the world, that the intrigues of a few cannot, in any degree, abate or flacken that vigour and rcfolution with which a true love and concern for our country, a juft fenfe of its interefts, and an unlhakcn loyalty to your Majelly, have infpired us. His Majejiys Anfvucr^ March 17, 1 727. My Lords and Gentlemen, ■^ZOUR. imanirnou3 concurrence in this dtitiful and afFe£lion- ate addrefs gives mc the greatcft fatisfa6lion : the juft concern you exprefs for my honour, and the dignity of the crown, is very becoming a Britilh Parliament ; and this frclh proof of your confidence in me will convince the world, that aJl attempts to divide our hearts and intcrefts will be vain and ineffedual. Kis ( 5^7 ) ilis Majeftys mojl gracious Spccchy May 15, 172^. My Lords and Gentlemen, T HAVE ordered my Lord Chancellor to declare to you, in my name and words, the reafons of my coming this day to Parliament. And thereupon his Lordfliip received from his Majefty's hands, from the throne, his Majefty's fpeech to both Houfes of Par- liament j which he read ; and is as followeth j viz* My Lords and Gentlemen, T ACQUAINTED you, at the opening of this feflion, with -■- the dangers which threatened this kingdom, and the peace and liberties of Europe : I am now to return you my thanks for the -zeal and difpatch with which you have proceeded upon the fcveral points I then recommended to your care ; for the confidence you have repofed in me; and for the aiTurances you have given me of your fupport and alliftance in vindication of my honour, and in the maintenance and defence of the un- doubted rights and privileges of this nation, fo openly and notorioufly invaded and attacked. The fiege of Gibralter proves, beyond all difpute, the end and defign of the engagements entered into by the Emperor, and the King of Spain ; but the preparations I had made for the defence of that 'place, and the bravery of mv troops, will, I doubt not, convince them of the rafhnefs and folly of that undertaking : however, the love of peace has hitherto prevail- ed upon me, even under this high provocation, to fufpend, in fome mcafure, my refentments ; and, inltead of having im- mediate recourfe to arms, and demanding of my allies that affiflance which they are engaged, and ready to give me, I have concurred with the moft Chriftian King, and the States General, in making fuch overtures of accommodation, as mufi: convince all the world of the uprightnefs of our intentions, and of our fincere difpofition to peace ; and demonftrate to whofe ambi- tion, and thirll of power, the calamities of a war are to be imputed, if thefe jult and reafonable propofitions r.ie reje«Eled : in the mean time, I have the pkafure.to acquaint you, that the crown of Sweden has acceded to the treaty of Hanover ; and that the convention between me, his moft Chriftian Ma- jefty, and the King of Denmark, is a(rtually figned. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The vigour and cheerfulnefs you have fhewn in raifing fo effedlually, and upon fuch cafy terms, the necefiary fupplics for O 4 the ( 5^8 ) the fervice of the current year, are not only inftances of yoxif zeal and affetlion to me, but demonftrate the eilabliflied credit, power, and ftrength of tlds kingdom. My Lords and Gentlemen, It would have been a great fatisfaillort to me, if, before your feparation, I had beta able to fpeak to you more pofi- tively, and v\ith greater certainty, upon the prefent pofture and llate of affairs: but as you have now difpatched the public bufinefs, and as the feafon of the year requires your going into your refpedlive countries, I chufe rather to put an end to this feffion, than to keep you any longer together unneceflarily : the provifions you have made, and the perfeft union and har- mony between me and my allies, will, i hope, enable me, by the Divine afiiftance, either to withftand and defeat the defigns of our enemies, if their condu6t (hould bring upon us the ne- ceffity of a war : or to improve the blellings of peace, if peace can, with juftice, honour, and fecurity be obtained. His Majefty G-E.ov.C-E the SECO^D^sftJI Speech, June l%, 1727. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM perfuaded, that you all fhare with me in my grief and ■^ allliction for the death of my late royal father : which, as it brings upon me the immediate care and weight of the govern- ment, adds very much to my concern, left I fhould not be as fuccefsful in my endeavours, as I am above all things defirous-, to make you a great and happy people. J heartily wifh, that tiiis Hrltfolemn declaration of my mind in Parliament could fufficienily exprefs the fentiments of my lieart, and give you a perfecl and juft fenfe of my fixed refolu- tion, by all poflible means, to merit the love and affeft ion of my people, whicli I fhall always look upon as the beft fupport and fecurity of my crown. And, as the religion, liberty, property, and a due execution of the laws, are the moft valuable bleflings of a free people, and the peculiar privileges of this nation, it (hall be my con- ftant care to prefcrve tiie conftitution of this kingdom, as it is now happily eilablifhed, in church and ftate, inviolable in all its parts, and to fecure to all my fubjeds the full enjoyment of] their religious and civil rights. 1 fee, with great pkafure, the happy effetfls of that vigour and refolution vt hich was exerted, in the laft feflion of Parlia- ir.ent, for the defence of the rights and poffeflions of this na- tion, and for maintaining the tranquillity and balance of power in ( 5^9 ) In Eutope. The ftrl6t union and harmony, which has hitherto fubfifted among the allies of the treaty of Hanover, has chiefly contributed to the near profpeft of a general peace. I have, therefore, given all my allies the ftrongeft aliurances of pur- faingthe fame meafures, and of making good the engagements entered into by the crown of Gieat Britain. The cheerfulnefs with which the fupplies neceffury for car- rying on this great work were raifed, making it but juft that the public expenfe fliould be leffened, as foon as the circum- ftances of affairs will permit, 1 have already given orders for fending back fome of the regiments brought from Ireland, and will proceed to reduce my forces, both by fea and land, as foon as it can be done without prejudice to the common caufe, and confiftent with the intereft of my kingdom. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, You know very well, that the grant of the greateft part of the civil lift revenues is now determined, and that it is necef- fary for you to make a new proviiion for the fupport of me and my family. I am confident it is needlefs for me in any par- ticular manner to recom.mend to your care the coniideration of what fo nearly and perfonally concerns me; and 1 am per- fuaded, that the experience ot paft times, and a due regard ti? the honour and dignity of the crown, will prevail upon you to give me this firlt proof oi your zeal and affeilion in a man- ner anfwerable to the neceflities of my government. My Lords and Gentlemen, I recommend it to you to give all poifible difpatch to fuch bufmefs as fhall necefTarily be brought before you ; the fealon of the year, and the circumftances of time, requiring your prefence in the country, and making it improper to carry this feffion into any great length. Addrefs to his Majejly hy the Houfc of Commons^ y^nc 29, 1727. Moft gracious Sovereign, "1X7 E, your Majefly's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, from a grateful fenfe and remembrance of the many blelhngs ■we enjoyed under the government of our late moft gracious Sovereign, beg leave, in the moft dutiful manner, to condole v?ith your Majefty upon the death of your late royal father \ a lofs to this nation which your Majefty alone could polfibly repair. Your ( 570 ) Your immediate fuccefilon banidied all our grief; and the uninterrupted continuance of the blcllings we had long en- joyed, obliges us, with duty and gratitude, to acknowledge the jnil fenfe we have of our prefent and future happinefs, and to befeech your iVlajefty to accept the fincere congratulations of your faithful Commons, upon your Majefty's happy acceifion to the throne of your royal anceitors. Your Majefty's mod; gracious fpeech from the throne requires a naore than ordinary return of duty and thankfulnefs for that tender and paternal care, which you have been plcafed to ex- prefs of our religion, laws, and liberties, and for thofe ample alfurances your Majcfty has given us, inviolably to preferve the conftitutioTi of thefe kingdoms, as it is now happily eftablillied, in church and Rate, and to fecure to all your fubjedls the tuH enjoyment of their religious and civil rights ; and, as thefe bleffings are the moft valuable and dear to a free people, and the peculiar privileges of this nation, we cannot enough ad- mire your Majedy's goodnefs, and exprefs our fatisf action, in this folemn declaration of your Majeily's refolution to make the good of your people your chief and conftant care. Wc congratulate your Majefty upon the preliminary articles being figned ; and we fee, with great pleafure, the beginning of yoiir Majefty's reign attended with the happy prefages of a general peace. The early alfurances given by your Majefty to your allies, of purfuing the fame meafures as your late royal father had taken, and of making good the fcveral engagements entered into by the crown of Great Britain, as they ftrengthen and cement that ftri6l union and harmony which has hitherto fubhlled among the allies of the treaty of Hanover, they con- firm to us the hopes and near profpeft of a general tranquillity upon terms honourable, fafe, and advantageous to your Majefty^ and all your allies. The regard and concern which we had, and always fhall have, for the defence of the rights and poifelfions of this na- tion, for vindicating the honour of our Sovereign, and tot maintaining the due balance of power in Europe, engaged usj •with cheerfulnefs, during the laft felhon of Parliament, t< grant the fupplies necclfary for the carrying on this great work-i and no greater encouragement can poftibly be given to us, thai to fee your Majefty fo early beginning to leffen the public ex- penfcs, and rcfolving to reduce your forces, both by fea an< jand, as foon as it can be done without prejudice to the com- mon caufe, and confiftent with the interelt and fafety of thi$ nation. Thefe many and great inftances of your Majefty's goodnefsJ and concern for the happinefs and welfare of your people, calj upoal ( Sli ) upon us for the higheft returns of duty, zeal, and affedion to your Majelty's perfon and government ; and, as we are fully convinced, that our * own intereft and prefervation are infepa- rable from your Majefty's, we beg leave to affure your Ma- jefty, that we will, with our lives and fortunes, maintain and fupport your Majefty's undoubted right and title to the imperial crown of this realm, and all other your Majefty's dominions, galnft all attempts whatfoever. And when we refle£t on your Majefty's royal virtues, which promife us all the blelfmgs that can flow from a mind truly great ; when we confider the dillinguifhed charadier of the Qi^ieen, your royal confort, and the additional happinefs that defcends to your people from her many princely qualities ; and remember your numerous and hopeful ilTue, the lafting pledge and fecurity of our happy eftablidiment ; that your Majelfy's crown may fit with cafe and glory on your head, we think ourfelves indifpenfably obliged to ailure your Majefly, that we will provide fucli a revenue for the occafions of your Majefty's civil government, as may be fufficient to fupport the honour and dignity of the crown in its proper and full lultre. His Majejiys Anfwer, jfuly I, 1 727. Gentlemen, RETURN you my hearty thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs. The refolutions of the Commons of Great Britair* are every where fo highly regarded, that I cannot but receive, with the greatelil fatisfa£tion, this unanimous declaration of your fidelity, zeal, and afFedion ; and I will endeavour, by a fleady care and concern for the intereft and welfare of my peo- ple, to anfwer the expedaiions you have conceived of my go- vernment. jMcJJagefrom his Majejly to the Houfe of Commcns, July 6, 1727. George Rex. XT IS Majefty, confidering that the provifion made for the •^ Queen, his confort, in cafe (he fhould furvive his Majefty, Is very infuflicient to fupport her royal dignity, and that his Majelty is reftrained, by the laws now in being, from increafing the fame, thinks it necelTary to recommend the making a fur- ther provifion for the Qj^ieen to your confideration. * Sic. Orlg. " your," Journals a AfeJJa^g C 57- ) JUcffagcfrom his Majejly to the Houfe of Commons ^ July 8, 1727, George Rex. npHE South Sea Company having acIdreiTcd his Majefly in ■*■ a dutiful manner, that he would be gracioudy plea fed to Condefcend to be governor of the faid Company, and his Ma- jtfty having been gracioully pleafed to accept the fame ; his Maje(^y recommends it to this Houfe, to confider of proper methods to render the fame efFeiSluaL ■ ■ ' ■^iT^'X'fSimjt-iw I His Majejly s mojl gracious Speech, July ij, i']2'J. My Lords and Gentlemen, CANNOT but cxprefs the greateft fatisfa£lion in the con- vincing proofs you have given me, in this fellion, of your duty and afFeclion to my perfon, and zeal for my government. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commonv*;, I muPr particularly thank you for your unanimity and dif. patch in granting me the revenues necelTary for the fupport of my family, and the occafions of my civil government ; which you have done in a maniiCr fo very agreeable, and with fuch a iue regard to tl^.e honour and dignity of the crown, that, if any thing could add to my own inclinations of making the happi- ncfs of my fubjecls my principal care and fludy, this inftancc of your particular conhdence in me would engage me more ftrongly to make ufe of the power you have given me ot doing good, in promoting the honour and intereft of my people. The ample pr;jvilion you have made for the Qi^ieen, is ano- ther inftance of your regard for me ; which, 1 am confident, fhe will very well deferve, and I fliali always acknowledge. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is a great happinefs to me to fee the nation in fo prof- perous and floiirifliing a condition, at the highell pitch of glory and reputation, of great weight in holding tlie balance of Eu- rope, defending themfelvcs in their juft privileges and poUcf- fions, anti vindicating the honour of the crown of Great Britain. At home, I find among my proteftant fubjedls fuch mutual charity and forbearance diffufed throughout the kingdom, that the national church repines not at the indulgence given to fcrup'.ilous confciences ; and thofe that receive the benefits of the toleration, envy not the eftablifhed church the rights and piivileges which they by law enjoy. From ( 573 ) From thefe happy caufes, and favourable conjcclr.re?, hafi flowed that general tranquillity, that rile of public credit, and that improvement of trade and commerce which have greatly increafed our wealth and power, and given us that refped and influence abroad v>'hich has fo much advanced, the glory and happinefs of this nation. But all thefe blefiings, great and valuable as they are, had not been fecured and tranfmitted to us, without your having carefully avoided all occafions of ftrile and divifion, without a Uriel regard to public faith, a conJlant care and attention to- wards difcharging the national debt, and without that fingular Headinefs and refolution which this Parliament has fliewejj upon all proper and necelfary occafions. I can therefore make no doubt, but that your behaviour, and the temper you have fhewn, will fufficiently recommend this Parliament to the efteem and good opinion of their country ; who, from the fame conduct, and by purfuing the fame mea- fures, may promife theinfelves all future profperity. The expiration of this Parliament now drawing near, I will give orders for ifluing the writs, for calling and eleding a new Parliament, as foon as it can conveniently be done ; and i ^m perfuaded, that the general contell and emiulation in e^-- preflions of duty and afFe61ion to me, which, to my great fatisr fadlion, I have univerfally met with, will be further demon- ftrated by the choice of a Parliament, zcaloufly affedled to our prefent happy eftablilhment in the proteftant fuccetJion ; and, in return, nothing fhall be wanting on my part, that can con- tribute towards improving a good correfpondence and harmony between me and my people, and that can tend to perfe6l;, and perpetuate the happinefs of Great Britain. Speech by the Lord Chancellor^ yanuary 2^* 172!. My Lords and Gentlmen, T AM commanded by his Majefty to let you know, that he ■*- will defer declaring the caufcs of his calling this Parlia- ment, till the Houfe of Commons have firft of all a Speaker; and that therefore it is his Majefty's pleafure, that you, Gen- tlemen of the Houfe of Commons, repair to the place where you are to fit, and there proceed to the choice of a proper per- fon to be your Speaker ; and that you prefent fuch pcrfon, whom you (hall fo chufe, here on Saturday next, at one o'clock, for his Majefty's royal approbalion. Speech ( 574 ) Speech by Air, Onjlozv^ Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, January 27, 1 728. May it pleafe your mod excellent Majefty, npHE Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflembled, having received your Majerty's commands to make choice ©f one of their members, to be prefented to ycHjr Majefty, for their Speaker, have, in purfuance thereof, and according to their ancient right, proceeded to an eledion, and their choice. Sir, rs fallen on me for that important truil ; but how proper a^choice, is now with your Majefty to judge ; and happy, Sir, is it for your Commons, that your Majefty 's difapprobation vill give them an opportunity to re-confider what they have done, and to make another eledlion, more worthy of them, and of your Maje(ty's approval. And, that your Majefty will be gracioufly pleafed to Ihew this indulgence to your faithful Commons, am I, Sir, an humble fuitor to you, for their fakes, and my own ; that their debates, the order, the decoium, and the dignity of their aflembly, and thereby the great affairs of the kingdom may not fuffer through my inabilities, nor I fink under the weight of fo unequal a burden, but be left to perform my duty to your Majefty, and the public, in a way more fuited to my capacity. But what, Sir,- above all, renders me moft improper for this high ftation, and creates the greateft «tread on my mind, is, my unfitnefs to approach your facred perfon, and to reprefent your Commons, as they ought ever to appear before the Majefty of their Sovereign. It is, Sir, for thefe reafons, that I once more crave leave to implore your Majcfty's goodnefs, to command your Commons to do, what they can very cafily perform, to make choice of another perfon more proper for them to prefent to your Ma- jefty on this great occalion. Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving dircdions from his Majefty, faid : Mr. Onflow, T AM commanded by his Majefty to acquaint you, that he ■*■ well approves of the decent and modeft manner of excufing yourfelf, but doth not admit the excufe : for, being perfectly fatisfied with the choice the Houfe of Commons have made, his Majefty doth allow and confirm you to be their Speaker^ Then , ( S7S ) Then Mr. Speaker faid : "XZOUR Majefty having been pleafed to approve the choice •^ your Commons have made, is a command upon mc, and makes it my duty to fubmit. I do therefore, Sir, Avith all thankfulnefs, acknowledge your Majefty's grace in conferring this undeferved honour upon me, and do here beg leave to aflure your Majefty of my beft endeavours to difcharge, if I cannot with ability, yet with impartiality, and uprightnefs of heart, this great truft which the Commons have committed to me, and which has now received your royal confirmation. And, for my encouragement, permit mc, great Sir, to bcfeech your Majefty's pardon on my failings and infirmities, at leaft, that your Majefty will not impute them in anywife to your faithful Commons. And, that they may be the better enabled to do their duty to your Majefty, and their country, I do, in their name, and on their behalf, by humble petition to your Majefty, lay claim to all their ancient rights and privileges ; particularly that their perfons, their fervants, and their eftates, may be free from arrefts, and all inoleftations ; that they may enjoy freedom of fpeech, for the better management of their debates ; and have liberty of accefs to your royal perfon, when occafion Ihall require it ; and that all their proceedings may receive from your Majefty the moft favourable conftruftion. H Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's further com- mands, faid : Mr. Speaker, IS Majefty is gracioiifly pleafed to grant to the Houfe of Commons all the privileges you have afked in their name, in the mofl full, ample, and beneficial manner they have been at any time granted or allowed by any of his royal pre- dccefibrs : and, as to yourfelf, his Majefty is fo entirely fatis- fied of your dutiful affe6lion t > his fcrvice, that he will, on all occafions, make the beft and molt favourable conftru6tion of all your words and adions in the execution and performance of this great truft, as Speaker of the Houfe of Commons. His Majejiys moft gracious Speech, January 31, 1728. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is a great fatisfa£lion to me, that at the meeting the firft Parliament, fummoned and convened by my authority, I am able to give you hopes of feeing the public peace and tran- quillity ( 576 ) quIlHty very foon reftored. I very much winied, that the firft period of my reign might have been difUnguiflied by putting an immediate end to the troubles and diforders of Europe, by a redudlion of fome part of my forces, a diminution of taxes, and all the happy confequences of an honourable and Ia(ting peace, to which my endeavours have in no manner been wanting, as far as was confiltcnt with maintaining the poflclTions, rights, and privileges of my kingdom, and I promife m.yfelf, not with- out great probability of fuccefs. I am very fenfiblc of ti.e difagreeable and uneafy fituation in which our affairs have been for fome time ; and have been ex- tremely concerned to fee many of the inconveniencies of a war attending us, without any opportunity of refenting the injuries we fuftained, or gaining any of thofe advantages in return, which the vigorous profecution of (o jufl a caufe, and the fuc- cefs of our arms, might probably have fecured to us. But you are fufficiently apprifed, that preliminary articles for a general pacification were fome time ago figned, and accepted by the contracting parties on both fides ; and although the rati- fication of them had been exchanged by me, and my allies, with his Imperial Majefty, the goodcifeds expe6led from them were retarded, by the refufal, on the part of Spain, to execute fome of the moil material points contained in them, and by endeavours to alter and explain fome articles, in fuch a manner as immediately affeded the pofleflions, and the jufl rights of my kingdom : I therefore, jointly with my allies, declined exchanging the ratifications of the preliminaries with the court of Spain, and rejedcd all fuch propofitions as were detrimental and injurious to my honour, and the interefl of my people. By thefe means, the negotiations were unavoidably carried into a tedious length, which I endured with the greater pa- tience, from an earnefl defire to procure to my fubjedls a fafe and honourable peace, and to fee the tranquillity of Europe preferved and fettled upon a folid and lafting foundation ; , during which time I received from the Moft Chriftian King and the States General, the greatefl proofs of their fincerity, and a renewal of the (Irongefl affuranges imaginable, that they would efFe£lually make good all their engagements in fupport , of the common caufe, and of our mutual intcrefls; and 1 am very glad that I can acquaint you, that our joint endeavours have had fo good an efFevSi, that by the laft advices from abroad, 1 have great reafon to hope that the difiknilties which have hitherto retarded the execution of the preliminaries, and the opening of the congrefs, will foon be entirely removed. However, it will in the mean tirne be abfoluteiy neceffary to continue, as our 'allies have already refolved to do, the prepa- ^ rations ( 577 ) jations which have hitherto been our feciirity, and prevented an open rupture in Europe, that we may not at once lofe all the advantages which our former expenfes and vigour have lb nearly procured, by not being in a condition, if that neceffity fhould unexpe6ledl)' be brought upon us, to vindicate our honour, and aflert our rights ; and you may depend upon it, that my firft care (hall be to reduce, from time to time, the expence of the public, as often and as foon as the intereft and fafety of my people will permit it. The preliminary articles, and fuch other treaties and con- ventions, as have not yet been communicated to Parliament, and which may, without manifeft prejudice, be expofed to public view, fhall be laid before you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have given orders to the proper officers to prepare and lay before you, eftimates of the expenfes for the fervice of the current year ; and you may be aflured, that the fupplies which I find myfelt obliged to demand of you, fhall, as certainly as they do exceed my wifhes and inclinations, be employed folely for the intereft and fecurity of the nation ; and I make no doubt but that if any method can be found out for raifing the neceflTary fupplies, lefs grievous to my people than another, that will have the preference in all your deliberations. I think myfelf obliged to recommend to you a confideration of the greateft importance, and I ftiould look upon it as a great happinefs, if at the beginning of my reign, I could fee the foundation laid of fo great and neceffary a work, as the increafe and encouragement of our feamen in general, that they may be invited, rather than compelled by force and violence, to enter into the fervice of their country, as often as occafion fhall re- quire it : a confideration worthy of the reprefentatives of a people great and flourifhing in trade and navigation. This leads me to mention to you the cafe of Greenwich Hofpital, that care may be taken, by fome addition to that fund, to render comfortable and effedtual that charitable provi- lion for the fupport and maintenance of our feamen, worn out and become decrcpid by age and infirmities in the fervice of their country. My Lords and Gentlemen, As I have great hopes that a general pacification will be now obtained, by a fpeedy execution of the preliminaries, I am fatis- fied that nothing will more effeftually contribute to, and fecure this defirable end, than fuch an unanimity, zeal, and difpatch of the public bufinefs, in this Parliament, as may convince the Vol. I. Pp woxld. ( 578 ) world, that none among you are capable, out of any views or confiderations whatfoever, toWilhthe dilb-efs of their country, or to give anoccafion, from the profpe6l of difficulties that may arife, and be fomented here at home, to interrupt or difappoint our prefent promifing expe6tations. 1 his it is in your power to defeat ; and this I depend upon, froin your known zeal and aft'edion to my perfon and government, and your hearty concern for the interert and Welfare of my people. W Addrefs io his Majcjly by the Hoiife of Commons, Feb. I, 1728. Mod gracious Sovereign, "E, your Majefty's tnoft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the Commons of Great Britain, in l^arliament affembled, beg ^"?\t to return our humblefl thanks for your Majefty's moft gracious peech from the throne; and to acknowledge, in the moft du: ul and grateful manner, the tender and afFe6lionate coi.cc' 11 your Majefty has been pleafed to exprefs, for the many inconveniencies that have anfen trom the late difagreeable and unfettled ftateof the affairs of Europe. We are fenfible of the unwearied and uninterrupted care with which your Majefty, ever fmce we have enjoyed the blef- lings of your reign, has laboured to put an end to the difputes, and reftore the tranquillity of Europe ; the defire you have had to free your people from all the burdens occafioned by impend- ing war, and to procure to them all the happy confequences of a fafe, honourable, and eilablifhed peace ; and we think it as impoilible that any difficulties fhould arife, to prevent us feeling the good elfeds to be expected from your prudence, as it is for any event to make us forget the marks we have already received of your affedfion. The firmnefs your Majefty has fbewn, in abfolutely refufing to admit of any explanations of the preliminaries, derogatory to the honour, or prejudicial to the intereft of this nation, we feel more fenfibly, as we think 'tis equally for your Majefty's glory' and our happinefs, to have it appear to the whole world, that the care of your people is a confideration fo much fupcrior to every other, in fixing your Majefty's refolutions, that not even one (o important as the peace of all Europe, could induce you to fubmit to the demands of others, or recede frorn your own in any point, where our pofleffions were invaded, our intcreft- ftruck at. or our privileges difputed. And Hnce this ftand, which your Majefty, in jufticeto your- felf, and regard to your people, thought fit to make, has not broke off the accommodation, but only retarded it for our ad- 3 vantage, , I ( 579 ) vantage, we beg leave to congratulate your MajeRy upon the near profpeft ot that fuccefs in your negotiations, which can- not more eifectually fulfil our wiOics, as the earneft of our profperiiy, than it anfwers our expe^"ther, it will appear whether the national debt is, iince the eitabliihnient of the finking fund, increafud or decreafed, and to what amount. I-Iciving now gone through this inquiry with as much care and exa6tnefs as was polfible, we beg leave, in the moll dutiful manner, to lay befoie your Majefly two accounts: the firft, containing the feveral particular articles of national deb^s in- curred before the 25th day of Deceiliber, 17 16, and fince dif- charged ; which is as followeth : ^n Account of fuch National Debts incurred before the i^th of December, 1716, as have beenjlnce dijcharged ; vi%. Debrs difcharged, L- '• ^' I- '• ^- *TPHE capital fum of the lotfry annuities, eftabliihed hy the ad 3 Gc. I. whicU creates the general fund, and alfo the fink- ing fund, was - - - 9,534,357 13 li| Of which there was fubfcrihed into South Sea ftock. - - . 8,329,1:71 lO 7 The remainder, paid off, is 1,204,786 3 4 J Annuities, at 5/. per cent, redeemable by Parliament, and transferable at the Bank of Jln-land, were grant-d by an aift J Geo. I. for - - - 910,000 O P F 4 Of ( 584 ) Of which there was fubfcribed into South Sea llock. The remainder, paij off, is Other annuities, of the fame kind, were granted fame year for Of which tiierewas fubfcribed into South Sea ftock, The remainder, paid off, is Annuities, at 4/. fer cent, redeemable by- Parliament, and transfeiable at the Bank of England, were created for tallies of fol, aft ^ Geo. I. for Of which there was fubfciibed into South Sea ftock The remainder, paid ofF, is The like annuities were granted by fundry aflr, for array debentures, certified before the 21 fl of March, 1719, for Of which there was fubfcribed into South Sea ftock The remainder, paid off, is The principal fum remaining due at Chrift- mas 1 7 16, on lottery 17 13, was Of which there was fubfcribed into Sout'i Sea flock The remainder, paid off, is The like on lottery, a««o 1 7 14 Of which there was fubfcribed into South Sea ftock The remainder, paid off, is The exchequer orders, for army debentures, certified fince the 21ft of March, 171 9, are all paid off, being The dtticiency of the duty on hops, anno 171 1, which was diredted by act of Par- liament to be paid off, was The like of the Eaft India Company's fund ftated to Chriftmas, 1 7 16, and paid out of finking fund, was The 3 fer cent, annuities in the million lot- tery, which were returned as cafh into the exchequer, and which were by an aft 13 Geo. I. applied to difcharge Nevis de- bentures, were The principal fum ftanding out in exchequer bills, on 25th December, 1 7 16, was - Intereft and premium due thereon Total debt in exchequer bills Of which two millions were converted into a Bank annuity at 5/. per cent, by the aft 3 Geo. J. ; fo deduft that - - 4,000,000 < And towards difcharging the reft of thefe bills 500,000!. was raifed by a lottery anno 1719, ind charged on the 706,175 15 o 169,000 o o 137,526 6 8 947,514 7 8 748,555 19 5 1,603,987 8 if 1,210,792 13 8 599,210 o o 464,990 o o 1,812,100 o o iy403>97o o o Debts difcharged. 205,824 5 o 37,473 13 4 198,958 8 3 393,194 14 5? 134,220 o cj 408,130 o 548,939 12 6| 12,480 9 I 79,339 »7 5 103,274 10 "3 4,561,025 o o 35,159 15 7i 4,596,184 15 il aggregate ( S85 ) Dcb?s difcharged. aggregate fund, or 441,700/. which was afterwards fubfcribed into, and ftill remains part of the South Sea flock, and the re- maining 58,300/. has been paid off; fo de- du043,336 15 9 J Deduft thereout the fum then uniffued on this head of the fupplies anno I 716, after- wards provided for by 4/. per cent, annui- ties, part of the tallies of fol, fubfcribed into, and ftill remaining in South Sea ftock - - - 334>239 »6 ij The remainder is the net debt of the navy at 1716 - - ■" - '■ " 709,096 19 8^ 29,915/. 41. id. per annum of the fhort an- nuities remaining unfubfcribed into South Sea llock, which being valued at 14 years purchafe, the rate at v/hich they were fubfcribed into South Sea ftock, anno 1720, makes a debt at 1716, of - 418,952 IJ 2 Dedudl the prefent value of thefe annuities, in which there were bur 14 years 3 quar- ters to come at Chriftmas 1727, at 10 years purchafe - - 299,252 O 10 The remainder is fo much debt dif- charged - - 119,700 16 4 Total debts difcharged — — — 6,648,762 5 i§ In dating of which account, we beg leave humbly to repre- fent to your Majeftv, that the articles ftated therein by way of eftimate, are the intereft and premium faid to be due on the ex- chequer billsj the debt for the building of churches, and the value ( 5S6 ) valueof the diiFerence in the terms for the fhort annuities ; which articles are fo fmall in refpccl of the whole, that any alteration in thofe eftimated values would make no material diiFerence in the real increafc- or dccrcafc of the whole debt. We beg leave further humbly to reprefcnt toyourMajefty, that all the articles in this account are ilated as the debti; ilood on the a5th of December, 1716, except the Hrft article of the lottery annuitits, which is flated at the fum that was made principal at Michaelmas', 17 17, by the aci that eftablifhed the general fund, and alfo the finking iund, from which t.nie only the finking fund commenced ; for which reafon no credit is taken in this account for any principal money paid off in part of the four lotteries, comprehended in that fum, between Chriiimas 1716, and Michaelmas J717 ; nor is anything charged therein for the deficitincies of funds Handing cut ^.t Chriiimas 1716, and unprovided for, although the deficiencies of three oi thofe lotte- ry funds only amounted at Lady-day 1717, to above two hundred and fcventy thoufand pounds ; fo that, notvvithllanding upon, the fubfcription of thofe lotteries into redeemable annuities, one quarter's interefi:, due thereon between Mitlfinnmer and Michaelmas 17 17, was rnade principal, amounting to 140,884/. 6s. ^Ici. or thereabouts, yet the fame was much fhort of the deficiencies then incurred on thofe funds, and therefore pro- perly ciiarged amongft the debts incurred before the 25th of December, 17 16. And we think it proper further to obferve upon the article of the fhort annuities remaining unfnbfjribed, which are flated at 29,925/. ^s,'id. per annurrij that it appears the real fum did amount to but 24,335/- ijs, per annum \ which, miflake did arife by a mif-recital in the a6t of tlie fixth year of your Ma- jefly's late royal father; winch diiFerjnce, being valued at the fame rate thai the whole annuities are herein valued ai, makes a difl'erence of 22,357/. 8j. ^d. to be dcdudlcd out of the total fum of the debts difcharged. The next account, which is mofl humbly fubmitted to yout Majcity's confideratiori, cont;-.ins the feveral particular articles of (Ub's contradlcd and incurred fince the 25th of December 1716, and now fubfiiling, which is as follow eth : An Account of National Debts contraded and incurred Jince the l^th oj December y 17 16, and now Juhfiji'ing. I. s. d. £. s. d. T?Y South Ses ftock, for fo much of the. mopey agreed to be sdyaiifc^ by the South Sen Company on the fvibfciipiion of the lott'.ry, 1 7 10, as was rccounred or dcduiSeJ ( 58? ) dexJuftci:! by them, purfuant to tbe afl 5 Geo. I. for making good the deficiency of their original and additional funds ; viz. For the deficiency of thcr original fund for two quarters, ending at Midfummer, 1719 - - - I4r,547 19 i4 for ditto fo,- one quaiter, at Chri'.imas i 719 14,^46 iS S For the deiicicncy of their additional tund for two quarters, ending at Midfummcr, 17:9 ... 25,831 4 10 L' 182,226 2 71 By fo much of the 5/. fer cent, annuities (created by virtue of a claufe in liie land- tax aft, 5 Geo I for replacing to tb.e treafurer of the navy the fiim he had i nied to "ihe Sourh Sea Companv, for maKing good the dcticicncy of the;r original fund at Midl'uinnier 1718) as was fubfcribed into South Sci ftock, the remainder being paid off - - - 107,802 17 4| Total debts conrafted, for making good the deficiencies of the South Sea Company's funds - - ■ 290,029 O o By South 6ea ftock, for fo much of the money agreed co be advanced by the South Sea Company, on the fubfcription of lot- tery 1710, purfu;int to the adt 5 Geo. I. as was paid bv them into the exchequer, and applied to the finking fund - ._—.__ 328,673 4 loj By annuities at 4/. percent, redeemable by Pariiament,charged on the duty on wrought plate, by the aft 6 Geo. J . - — __ —^ 312,000 O O By the benefit tickets in lottery 17 19, charged on the duty on coals, 5 Geo. I. for Of which there has been paid off The remainder was fubfcribed into South Sea ftock By exchequei bills ftanding out, and charged on the duty on viftuallers by the aft 1 z Geo. I. - By the like exchequer bills, charged on fur- plus of coals, 13 Geo. I. By the debt of the navy, as it flood on the 31ft December, 1727, dcdufting the ef- ' fcfts then ftatcd to be in tlie hands of the treafurcrs _ _ - 1,937,023 4 9J Deduft the fum then unilTued to the trca- fuicr of the navy, of the fupplies anna 1727, which has been fince iffued to him 199,742 X 6 Tbe remainder is the net debt on this head - - -■ r,737>28i 2 3S Total of thefe debts - — — — 3>92 7>988 7 ^i From thefe two accounts, we prefume moft humbly to repre- fent to your Majefty, that the feveral national debts incurred before the 25th day of December, 1716, which have been fmcc 500,000 65,395 434,605 — — — 486,600 — — — 338,800 ( 588 ) /Ince dlfcharged, after deducing the beforementloned Cum 22,357/. 8j. 4d. do amount in the whole to the fum of 6,626,404/. i6j. gld. and that the feveral national debts in- curred iince the faid 25th day of December, 1 7 16, and now Jubfifting, amount together to the fum of 3,927,988/. 7^. i^t^. Which being deducted out of the amount of the debts dlf- charged, the difference is fo much real decreafe of the national debt fince the 25th day of December, 1716, being 2,698,416/. 95. 7|^. And that the flate of the new-contra6ted debts may appear in a true light, we think it neceflary, for the better information of your Majefty, to diltinguifh ihem under the proper heads of fervices for which they were contradled, and, by way of expla- nation, to obferve, that a ccnfiderable part of the new-contradled debt, amounting to the fum of 703,740/. 6s. i^d. was occa- fioned by the annual provilions made by Parliament for making good the yearly deficiencies of the general fund to and for the year ending at Michaelmas 1726, purfuant to the dire6lions of the a6l eftablilhing the general fund, the furplus whereof com- pofes part of the finking fund ; and by thefe means, the fink- ing fund has received annually fome proportion out ot the fupplies of the year : And, that the further fum of 290,029/. has been raifed by iiew-contra£ted debts, and is included therein, for making good at feveral times the deficiencies of the original and addi- tional funds of the South Sea company ; which two fums, amounting together to the fum of 993,769/. 6s. i\d. having been applied towards making good deficiencies of the general fund, and other funds, effablifhed before the 25th day of De- cember, 17 16, ought to be diflinguifhedfrom the national debt incurred fmc^'that tirne : As likcwife the fum of 328,673/. 4^. \\d. another part of the faid new-con trailed debts, which was occafioncd by flock created for fo much of the money to be advanced by the South Sea Company, upon the enlargem.ent of their capital ftock by the fubfcription of the tickets in the lottery anno 1 7 10, purfuant to an a6l of the filth year of the reign of your Majelf y's late royal father, as was paid into the exchequer ; and, as the fame was applied to the ufes of the finking fund, and no part of it to any other public fervices, this fum ought alfo to be diflin- guilhcd from the red of the debts contradted fince the eftablifh- ■ inent of the finking fund: which three fums, making together the fum of 1,322,442/. lis. id. and being dedu6ted out of the faid fum of 3,927,988/. ys. i^d. the remaining fum of 2,605,545/. 165. old. is the whole national debt, that has been contraded or incurred, for anfwcring or defraying the annual <:harges and expenfes of the public for the current fervice of the • feveral ( 5^9 ) ftveral years fince the 25th day of December, 17 16, including iticrein the whole debt of the navy, as it flood on the 31(1 day ot December, 1727. And further, to obviate any objeftions that may be made to the dating of the account of national debts contracled and in- curred fince the 25th of December, 17 16, and flill fubfifting, it is proper to obferve, that no notice is taken therein of the debts, by loans, or exchequer bills, on the annual land taxes, or malt duties; becaufe, as thofe loans, or bills, are weekly difcharged out of the produce of thofe taxes, and as often as any dcticiencies happen thereon, they as well as the deficiencies of grants, are not fufFered to remain as debts, but arc conftantly, trom year to year, difcharged, by being made part of the fup- plies granted for the current fervice of the fubfequent y£ars; ar.d accordingly, provifion has been already made for fuch of them as can be anyways afcertained, out of the fupplies for the fervice of the year 1728 ; therefore they were not proper to be brought into this account. Having thus humbly reprefented to your Majefly the true ftate of the decreafe of the national debts fince the 25th day of December, 1716, and the eflablifhment of the finking fund, with the occafions and fervices for which the feveral new debts have been incurred, we beg leave, by this our humble repre- fcntation, to lay before your Majefty the circumftances this nation is in, with regard to the national debt, before the eflablifhment of the finking fund, and what happy confequences huve arifen from the eflablifhment thereof. At the acceffion of your Majefly's late royal father to the throne of thefe realms, a great part of the public debts confi fled ot" abfolute annuities, granted for very long terms of years, which were only to be difcharged by the wearing out of thofe terms; other great parts thereof were the capital flocks of the Bank, the South Sea and India companies, at very high interefl ; other debts were charged upon particular funds, appropriated to pay off and difcharge the principal monies, with intereft, at very high rates, in courfe, to multitudes of people both at home and abroad ; other great parts thereof were in exchequer bills, circulated and exchanged at very high rates for intereft, premium, and charges; and the debts of the army, whick were very confiderable, were not then liquidated, nor had any provifion at all then- been made for the difcharge of them : be- iides this, the funds themfilves, appropriated for thefe debts, were moft of them deficient; fo that, if thefe debts had been buffered to continue in this ftate, fo far would they have been from being lefl'ened to any degree, that new burthens mufl have been laid on the nation, for fecuring the debts unprovided for. Soon ( 590 ) Soon after his late Majefty's acceflion, an unnatural rebellioj broke out, during which, not only all t- oughts for any methoc for the more fpcedy payment of ' ur debts were of ncceility fu(- pended, but new and iieavy d< bts were contracted; and. in the year I7i5> annuities, at five pounds per cent, redeemable by Parliament, were fold for 1,079,000/. bei'des a confiderabie addition to the capital ftock of the South Sea company. But no fooner was that rebellion defeated, and the fears of the people removed, but the Parliament immediately began to fet about the great work of putting the national df^bt in a me- thod of being fooner difcharged \Aiih honour and jnftice; and, in the year 1717, the foundation was laid, by eftablilhing the linking fund; the coniequences and advantages whereof will beft appear, by conlidcring what it is, and by what means it was pertc6led. The only methods that could be thought of for paying off the national debts, mull be, either by improving and augmenting the produce of the funds, already fettled for the payment of the principal and inlcreft, or by granting new taxes and impofitions^ upon the people, or by a reduction of the intereft made payable on the feveral debts; and, as the firft method would have been^ found not fufficient to anfwer this defirable end, and the fecond would have been very grievous and burthenfome to the people, the principal method that was then thought expedient, and moft free from objections, was to reduce the high intereft, and other charges, payable on all the public debts: but as great part of thofe debts were not fubje6l to any power of redemp- tion, and as none of them were redeemable, but on payment of the principal money, it manifeftly appeared, that fuch a re- dudion could never be made, without the voluntary confent of the proprietors of fuch as were irredeemable, or a legal tender to the others of their principal money ; both which feemed at that time almoft impracticable ; but, by an extraordinary zeal and application to the publick fervice, this difficulty was fur>- mounted, with refped to the whole of the debts that were then i redeemable, by procuring, not only the voluntary confent of the South Sea company to the reduCiion of the intereft on their whole capital ftock, then conriliing of ten millions, trom 6/. to 5/. per cent, and of the Bank to a like redudion on an an- nuity, then payable to them in refpedl of a fum of upwards of i,77<;,ooo/. and to a great abateinent in their allowances for circulating exchequer bills, then amounting to more than 4,500,000/. at an annual charge of above 7/. per cent, but alfo by engaging thofe corporations to furnifti fufficient fums for paying the principal money to fuch of the proprietors of other redeemable debts, amounting to more than 9,000,000 as would net' ( S9t ) not voluntarily chufe to accept an interefl: at 5/. per cent, for the future. This provifion being made, the a6l paffed in the third year of his late Majefty's reign, for eftablilhing the general fund; whereby the proprietors ot certain debts therein mentioned, all carrying an interefl at 6/. per cent, had their free eleclion, either to accept an intereft at 5/. per cent, per annuniy or to rcceiv'e their principal money; and fo general was the fatisfadion of all the proprietors, that few and very inconfiderable fums were demanded to be paid off; but the principal fums, tliat were voluntarily reduced to 5/. percent, amounted to 9,392,311/. 45. 2\d. or thereabouts; and, by this method, more than 25,800,000/. was at once voluntarily reduced from 61. per cent, or upwards, to 5/. per cent, which v/as an annual faving of above 320,000/. By the fame act, not only the furplus of this general fund, but the furplulfes of feveral other iuncJs', v/ere appropriated to the difcharge of national debts contracled before the 25th of December, 17 16: and this was the beginning and eftablifhment of the finking fund. From this happy event arofe fuch general fatisfadion in all degrees of people, tliat, though the intereft of the public debts was reduced, and the proprietors received a lefs income from them than before, yet their fecurity for their capital being fo much mended, the rate or price for the purchafe of thefe debts foon advanced to 3 much higher value than they were at before the redudlion , and it was eafy to forefee, that, in procefs of time, a further rcdu6lion might have been made by the fame jufl and honourable methods, without any extraordinary ad- vantages to be granted for the effcdting it. Had this method (begun and executed fo fucccfsfully, and with fuch fatij^fadfion) been further purfued, and without in- terruption, the dangerous and mifchievous part of the late South Sea fcheme might have been avoided; and yet the fur- ther rcdu6lion of intereft might have been obtained, and taken place, much fooner than it has done by the execution of that fcheme. But now, at length, not only the rcdu£lion from 5/. to 4/. per cent, fettled by the South Sea ad, has taken place, but a voluntary reduction hath alfo been made by the Bank of Eng- land, from 5/. to 4/. per cm. iatcrell or annuities, for two, principal fuius belonging to them, amounting together to up- wards of 3,7'^5,ooo/. ; and, by thefe feveral redudlions, a fur- ther addiiiori is made to the fmkiug fund, of more than 377,000/. per annum, from Midfunimcr laft: by all ihefe means, and by tl;e favings of inlerclt of the debts, that have been ( 592 ) been already difcharged, and by feveral wife provifions for th- improvement of the funds themfelves, this finking fund isrifen to, and may be reafonably eflimatcd at 1,200,000/. per annum f or thereabouts ; and will be every year increafing from the fur- ther favings of the interelf of the remaining debts, from time to time, as they fhall be paid off. But, if any thing were further necelTary to demonftrate the immediate and certain advantages that have accrued to the pub- lic from the methods ufed and eftabliflied to difcharge the na- tional debts, it is fufficient only to refledl, that^the intereft of the greateft part of the debt being now adlually reduced from 61. to 4/. per cent, makes a faving of one third of the intereft offuchdebt; which, being in the hands and pofTeflion of the government, and applicable, from time to time, to the difcharge of the principal, makes a gain and profit to the public equal to the difcharge of one third of fuch principal. And, if the amount of the produce of the finking fund did appear originally to be about 4.00,000/. per annum only, the produce of the faid fund being now raifed to about 1,200,000/. fer annum, the addition of 800,000/. per annum to the finking fund, which is juftfo much gained by the public, if valued at twenty-five years purchafe, at which rate all annuities are novir currently fold, makes a real profit to the public, amounting to twenty millions. This is the happy ftate of the finking fund, taken feparately and by itfelf ; but, if we caft our eyes upon the ftate of our public credit in general, it muft be an additional fatisfaftion to us, that, by preferving the public faith inviolable, by the dif- charge of the old exchequer bills, and the reduction of the high intereft on all our ftanding debts, the whole credit that is taken on the annual funds, for carrying on the current fervice of the year, is, and may be fupplicd for the future at 3/. per cent, or Jefs, for intereft, premium, and charges, by exchequer bills, created juft as the occafions of the public require, without any loans, or being obliged to any perfons for money to be advanced, or lent, on the credit of them ; and fo far is the public from being under the former necefiltics of allowing extravagant in- tereft, premiums, or difcounts, for any money they want, that the only conteft now among the creditors of the public is, that every one of them defircs to be the laft in courfe of payment. Permit us then, moft gracious fovereign, to congratulate your Majcfiy on the comfortable profpe the fupport of the public credit; and the power you have iven me of borro\'>ing five hundred thoufand pounds, for the -ufcharge of the feamen's wages, will meet with univerfal ap- probation. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is unnecefTary for me to recommend, in any particular ;;inner, to your care, the prefervation of the public peace in 'Ur feveral fl:ations and countries. Your own inclinations vill naturally lead you, by a due execution of the laws, and a iaithfiil adminiftration of juflice, to promote upon all occafions :!ic welfare and profperity of my people. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefly's com- mand, faid. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Par- liament be prorogued to Thurfday, the eighth day of Augufl next, to be then here held ; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thurfday the eighth day of Auguft next. His AlajeJIys mojl gracious speech, jfanunry 21, ijig. My Lords and Gentlemen, T AM fenfible you are met together in expe6tatioa of being "*• informed of the prefent fiiuation of public affairs, and of receiving that fatisfatlion, which the expenfes already made, nd the apprehenlion ot their being continued for fome longer time, make it juil and reafonable tor you to defire. The execution of the preliminary articles, and the opening the congrefs at Soitlons, laid a foundation for you to entertain hopes of feeing very foon the happy fruits and ctfcds of a ge- neral pacification. But the various and extenfive views which ftU under confi.- deration, in fettling and reconciling the different intcrells and pretenfions of fo many different powers, appeared to be a woik of fo much time and dilTiculty, that the projetl of a provifional IfCaty was thought of, as a proper exp-^-dicnt ; which being Q^(\ 2 coiicertcd ( 596 ) concerted and negotiated among the minlflers of the principal powers, parties to the treaties of Hanover and Vienna, was approved of by me and my allies, not without reafonable hopes of the concurrence of the Imperial court, and the cgurt of Madrid. But no definitive anfwer being yet returned by either of them, nor the projed: of the provifional treaty caiit-r accepted or re- jedled, the fate of Europe is Itill held in fufpenfe, labouring under difficulties that unavoidably attend fuch a doubtful and undetermined condition. It is with no fmall concern, that I am again obliged to fpeak to my Parliament in tliis ftate of uncertainty ; nor am I infcn- fible of the burdens which my fubjeds bear, and that, in our prelent circumftances, fome may be induced to think, that an a6tual war is preferable to fuch adoubtiul and impfertcft peace i but, as the cxcliange is eafy to be made at any time, and as I am confident I (hall not be thought backward in doing myfelf and the nation juliice, when a proper occafion calls upon me for it, I hope you will believe, that a jull regard for the eafe and intcreft of my people alone prevailed upon me, rather ta fufFcr fome teir.porary inconveniences, u ith the daily profpe£l ' of obtaining a fafe and honourable peace, than too precipitately to kindle a war in Europe, and to plunge the nation into ftill greater and unknown expenfes. But, how difagreeable foever thefe delays may be, nothing is more unjuft, than to impute them to my conduit, or to that of my allies. No endeavours indeed have been wanting, to feparate and diilolve the happy union that is eftablilhed among us; but long experience, and repeated proofs of mutual fidelity, have fo (trengthened and cemented this alliance, founded upon and united by common intereft, that all attempts to weaken it, or to create jealoufies and diffidence among us, have proved as vain and fruitlefs, as theinfinuations to the contrary arc falfe and groundlefs. It will, ncverthelefs, be incumbent upon us to bring this important tranfatTiion to a fpeedy and certain decifion, that, if a conchillon can be put to it, conlilietit with the fecurity and prefervation of the rights, privileges, and poifefTions of Great Britain rmd my allies, the blellings of peace may be dilfufed throughout Europe, and my kinijdoms again enjoy the happy efFefls of a fettled tranquillity; or, if this cannot be had, that the allies may unite with vigour and refolution, and exert them- felves in procuring that juftice and fatisfaclion, which has been folong delayed. If this fhould unavoidably be the cafe, I de- j pend upon the zeal and atFedion of this Parliament, that they will cheerfully and efFeftually fupport me in carrying on a juA and neceilary war, Gentlemei^ ( 597 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I wifhed ard truly hoped to h-ve feen the public expenfes very much reduced and lefTened before this time; but the pre- fent circuniftar.ces oi affairs oblige me to afk of you fuch lup- plle. as fliall be necefl'ary for aniwering and defraying the chargK and ferviccs of t.he eiifKing y'-ar, and for enabling me, as events ma)' ieq!;ire, to ail wiih vigour, and in concert with my allies, who have refolved to make the fame preparations, and to keep on loot all their extraordinary forces. I will order the proper eitimates to be i mediately prepared and laid before •you, and, as the produce of the linking fund has exceeded our exptdations, I mult recommend it to your care, to make a further application of it to its proper ufes. My Lords and Gentlemen, It cannot be expedled that I fhould enter into the feveral caufes and motives, which may have occafioned the prefent de- lays in the courts of Vienna and Madrid; but if, among other reafons, hopes, given from hence, of creating difcontents and divifions airiong my fubjedls, and a profpeft of feeing difficul- ties arife at home, have greatly encouraged them in their dila- tory proceedings, I am perfuadcd, that your known affedlion to me, and a juft regard for your ov/n honour, and the interefl and fecurity of the nation, will determine you efF^idtually to difcourage the unnatural and injurious pra6tices of fome few, who fuggeft the means of diftrelling their country, and after- wards clamour at the inconveniencies which they themfelves have occafioned. It is more than probable, that foreign courts wait now for the refult of your deliberations; and, as you may depend upon my conftancy and fleadinefs, that no wicked and groundlefs fuggeitions or infmuations fliall make me depart from my prefent purpofes, fo I entirely rely upon your wifdom and unanimity, to convince the world, that fuch pernicious defigns and intrigues fhall not alter that aiFe6lion, harmony, and good underftanding, which has hitherto fubfifted, and I hope will always fubfill, between me and my Parliament. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons, jfanuary 22, 1729. Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje6ls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflTembied, b'eg leave humbly to return our fincere and unfeigned thanks for your Majefty's moft gracious fpeech from the throne, aq 3 We W^ ( 598 ) We congratulate your Majefty upon the fafe arrival of hi* royal highnefs the Prince of Wales, fo much to the joy and fa- ^ tisfadlion of your Majefty, and all your people. We are not infenfible of the various and extenfive views, which muft naturally arife in fettling and reconciling the dif- ferent intereits and pretenfions of fo many different powers, parties to the treaties of Hanover and Vienna ; and we acknow- ledge, with the utmoil gratitude, your Majefty's great wifdom and prudence, in avoiding, as far as was polfible, all occalions of difficulties and delays^ by concerting the moft expeditious methods of concluding with honour and juftice the negotiations depending at Soilfons. We have the happinefsto fee your Majefty indefatigable in the purfuits of the intcrcfts of your people, accommodating and compofing the public ditTerenccs, declining the temptation of military glory, and chufing rather to fecure to your fubjeds their j lift rights and polTelTions by the milder arts of moderation iind forbearance, than to plunge the nation unneceftarily into infinite and unknown expenfcs. But your faithful Commons are fo fully convinced that your own honour, and the honour of your kingdoms, are confidera- tions fo dear to your Majefty, and fo infcparable from your royal mind, that' we can, with the greateft confidence imagin- able, entirely rely upon your Majefty *s undoubted valour and refolution, to do yourfelf and the nation juftice, whenever a proper occafion calls ppon you for it; and we cannot in the leaft doubt, from your Pvlajefty's conftant and due regard to the rights, privileges, and interefts of your people, but that your princely care will equally extend itfelf to the fecuring our com- merce, and obtaining a jiift fatisfadion for the many and great lolfes fuftained by your tradiup- fubjects. The mutual harmony and fidelity, fo firnily eftablifhed and fublliting between your Majefty and your allies, cannot fail to create in your Commons the higheft fatisfadlion ; and it is with pleafure we obferve, that all endeavours and attempts to feparate and dift"olve this happy union, of fuch confcquence to your kingdoms, arid fo clfential to the preferving the peace and tran- quillity of Europe, have proved vain and unfuccefstul. We beg leave to allure your Majefly that we will, with the greateft cheerfulnefs, raife the fuppjies neccft'ary for anfvvering and defraying the charges and expenfes of the enfuing year, and will not fail to make the proper difpofition of the growing produce of the fini^ing fund; and if, after all your Majefty's unwearied endeavours to procure a fafe and honourable peace, a rupture fhould become unavoidable, your Majefty may depend upon ( 599 ) upon the zeal and afFe£lion of this Houfe effedually to fupport your Majelty in carrying on a jull and necelTary war, and en- able you to a6l with vigour, in conjun£lion with your allies, as future events, and the circuniftances of public affairs, may require. And, as nothing can be inore injurious to your Majefty's honour, and the interell and reputation of your people, than the vile and deteftable pra61ices of thofe, who, by giving hopes of difcontents, divifions, and difficulties, ariung here at home, encourage the dilatory proceedings that have hitherto retarded the conclufion of this important tranfa6lion; we look with the utmoft abhorrence upon the authors and contrivers of fuch bafe and unnatural artifices, who fuggefl the means of diffrefrmg their country, and clamour at the inconvenlencies which they themfelves have occafioned. This makes it highly incumbent upon us to give your Majeffy the mofl unfeigned alTurance, that this houfe will, by an unlhaken duty and afFe6tion to your Majefty, and by a fteady perfeverancc in fupport of your go- vernment, convince the world, that no falfe and groundlefs infmuations, no wicked defigns and intrigues whatfoever, fhall be able to alter or diminifh that harmony and good under- flanding between your Majefty and your Parliament, which our inclination, duty, and intereft, call upon us inviolably to preferve. His Majcfiys Anfujer^ January 24, 1729. Gentlemen, THANK you for this very dutiful and afFedfionate addrefs, and for the affurances you have given me, of your concur- rence and fupport in my prefcnt engagements. You may de- pend upon it, that the honour and intereft of my people fhall be my principal care and concern in all events. I 'Jo'mt Addrefs by both Houfes,' March 24, 1 7 29. Mofl gracious Sovereign, "TTW'E, your Majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Commons, in Par- liament afTembled, have, upon mature deliberation, come to the following rcfolution, which we humbly beg leave to lay be- fore your Majcfly, viz. Refolved, by the Lords fpiritual and temporal, and Com- mons, in Parliament affembled, that they do entirely rely upon Q q 4 his ( 6oo ) his Majefly, that he will, for the maintaining the honour and feciiring the trade of this kingdom, take effedtual care in tlie prefent treaty, to preferve his undoubted right to Gibraltar, and the iflandof Minorca. His Mujejlys Anfiucr^ March 26, 1729. My Lords and Gentlemen, T THANK you for the confidence you rcpofe in me. I will -*■ take effedual care, as I have hitherto done, to fecure my undoubted rigiit to Gibraltar, and the ifland of Minorca. Me[] age from his Majefly y Alay 12, 1 7 29. George Rex. [IS Majefty thinks fit to acquaint this Houfe, that he in- tends, for divers weighty and important reafons, fpeedily to vifit his dominions in Germany, and to appoint his dearclt confort, the Qiieen, regent of this kingdom, during his Ma* jefty's abfence. H' His A'lajcjiys mojl gracious Speech, Afay 14, 1 7 29. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'TPHE feafon of the year, and the difpatch you have given to the public bufinefs, make it proper for mc to put an end to this fcllion of Parliament ; which I cannot do, without ex- pieffing my fatisfu^lion at the juft regard you have fiicwn, upon all occafions, to my honour, and to the true intereft of my people. The prudence and temper with which you have proceeded at this critical conjunflure, have been very acceptable to me, and cannot fail of meeting with geneial approbation. Your feveral determinations upon matters of the -greateft nicety and importance, have fliewn you not infcnfible of the difficulties we labour under, without fuffering yourfelves to be tranfported and carried into any unfeafonable warmths and animofities. You have confidercd the lofl'es of our merchants with a be- coming companion and concern, and received their complaints in fuch a manner, as will beft conduce to the obtaining them jjuftice and fatisfaclion ; and you may be aflTured, no endeavours fliall be wanting on my part, to anfvver the expeilations and wifties of my people. 3 Gentlemen C 6oi ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The fupplies which you have granted me, and fo efFeilually raifed, in a manner the leaft burthenfome to my fubjedls, are a new proof of your zeal, affection, and readinefs to fupport mc in the defence and protedlion of the rights and privileges of my kingdom. It is a great fatisfadlion to me,to obferve, that you have been thus able to fupply the neceffary charges and expcnfes that have unavoidably been brought and continued upon us, and, at the fame time, to make a further progrefs ia lelfening and reducing the national debt. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have already acquainted you, that, it being necelTary for me to vifit my German dominions this year, 1 have determined to make the Qiieen regent here, during my abfence ; and I muft in a particular manner recommend it to you all, to make her adminiltratlon as eafy as pofiible, by preferving the peace and quiet of the kingdom in your feveral ftation.- and coun- tries, and by eridcavouring to difcountenance, and reftrain, the vile and feditious pradiices of faifing unjuft clamours, and creating difcontents in the minds of my people. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's com- mand, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majerty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlla- "■- mcnt be prorogued to Tuefday, the two and twentieth day of July next, to be then here held ; and this Parliament is ac- cordingly prorogued to Tuefday, the two and twentieth day of July next. His Majejiy*s moji gracious Speechy January 13, 1730. My Lords and Gentlemen, JT is with great fatisfaclion I acqiiaint you, that we have at length extricated ourftlv^s from the many diOiculties and inconveniencies that attended the uncertain ftate of affairs in Europe, by having concluded an abfolute peace with the crown of Spain. This negotiation hath been carried on, and finiftied, with a perfedl: union, harmony, and fidelity, between me and my allies, with no other view, but to j)rcvent the miferies and con- fulion of a war, which, if once kiaditd in Europe, it had been as ( 602 ) as Tiard to know the end, as to determine the fucccfs of fiich a fatal event. As this alliance is built upon the foundation, and is agreeable to the purport and intentions of former treaties, without any alterations in the principal articles, but fuch as tend to render more efFeilual what the contracting powers in the quadruple alliance were before engaged to fee performed, it is very jullly to be prefunied, that, from this happy beginning, the great work of a general pacification will foon be perfect and com- plete. But if, contrary to expectation, and in refentment of the prefent engagements, any new troubles, although with little profpe^t of fuccefs, Ihould be raifcd in Europe, to oppofe, or difappoint, the execution of them, I am confident, I Ihall not want the fiipport and alliftance of my Parliament in fo jult a caufe, which hath the joint concurrence of fo many confider- able powers for the honour and credit of the prefent meafurcs, and their united itrength in maintenance of our mutual ftipu- lations. In the mean time, I can afTure you, that I have made it my firlt care to confult the immediate interefts of thefe my kingdoms, preferable to any other confideration, and at the hazard of all other events. All tormer treaties and conventions made with Spain, i_n favour of our trade and navigation, are renewed and confirmed; not only a free and uninterrupted exercife of our commerce for the luture is reltorcd, but jud and ample reftitution and re- paration for unlawful feizures and depredations are exprefsly llipulated and agreed to ; in general, all rights, privileges, and polfeflions, in any manner belonging to me, and my allies, are Iblemnly re-ertabliflied, confirmed, and guaranteed, and not one concefhon is made to the prejudice of me, or my fub- jedts. By this means a foundation is laid for removing all former animofities iind mifimderRandings between the kingdoms of Great Britain and Spain ; and it is not at all to be doubted, but that, by a faithful execution of our reciprocal engagements, a perfe£l fricndlhip betwixt the two nations, united by the common tics of mutual intcrell, may be more firongly eita- blilhed and cemented than ever. And, that my fubje£ls might reap the earlieft fruits of this advantageous peace, 1 gave orders for the immediate reduction of a great number of my land forces, and for laying up, and difcharging a great part of rny fleet. Gentlemen ■( 6o3 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, This will make a confidcrablc faving in the expenfe of the ' urrent year ; and, I hope, it will give a general fatisfaiflion to my people, as it is a molt fenfible pleafure to m.e. The proper t- inmates ihall be laid before you : and I make no doubt but , ou will grant me the neceffary fuppllcs, and enable me to make good my engagements with my allies in fuch manner as fhall be moft effedlual for the public fervice, and moll: eafy to your fellow fubjefls. You will fee, by the accounts that will be laid before you, the Hate, produce, and application of the finking fund, as far as hath been hitherto directed by a6l of Parliament ; and you ■will not fail to take into your confideration the further difpo- fition of the growing produce. You are the bell judges whe- ther the circumftances of the fmking fund, and of the national debt, will, as yet, admit of giving any eafe where the duties are moft grievous. I have the greateft regard for the fmking fund ; and I look with compaflion upon the hardfhips of the poor artificers and manufactures: I leave it to your determ.i- nation, what may realbnably, and with due caution, be done upon this critical confideration. My Lords and Gentlemen, That we may receive the natural advantages of our prefent Situation, I mult, in the llrongeft manner, recommend to you a perfect unanimity among yourfelves, fuch as may entirely defeat the hopes of our enemies, both at home and abroad. The groundlefs inlinuations, cavils, and clamours of fome few iil-deligning perfons, to Ihake the fteadinefs of thofe povVers who are already my allies, or to hinder others from becoming fo, will by your unanimity be rendered inelFedlual ; and, I defire, that the affections of my people may be the Itrength of my government, as their interelt hath always been the rule of my actions, and the object of my wilhes. W Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to his Adajifiy, "Jan, 14, 173O. Moft gracious Sovereign, "E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, return your Majefty our moft humble thanks for your molt gracious fpeech from the throne. We cannot omit taking this firft opportunity to congratulate your Majefty upon your happy return into thefe kiiigdoms. The juft and prudent adminiftration of the government, during 2 your ( 6o4 ) your Majefty's abfence, by the Queen, your royal confort, ruling by your authority, and governing by your example, could alone compenfate for the want of your royal prefence, and aufpicious inHuence among us. The welcome news of your Majefty's having concluded an abfolute peace with the crown of Spain, effedted by a perfedl union, harmony, and fidelity between your Majelly and your allies, tilled the hearts of all y.nir good people with uiexpref- fible joy and farisfaclion ; and we fhould be wanting in duty to your Aiajcfty, in juitice to ourfelves, and not anfwer the expedlations of thofe we reprefenr, if we did not approach your Majefly, upon this happy oecafion, with hearts full of duty and gratitude, and with the ftrongeft acknowledgments of your Majiirty'sgoodnefs, wifdom, and refolution; your wifdom and refolution, in not fufFering yourfelftobe diverted by any falfe and malicious clamours and infinuations, from fteadily purfuing the great and defirable work of giving peace to your, people ; your goodnefs, in confulting the immediate interefts of thefe your kingdoms, preferable to all other confiderations, and at the hazard of all other events. This muft convince the world of your Majefty's paternal care and tender regard for your Britifh dominions, when we fee all former treaties, made in favour of our trade and com- merce, and for the fecurity of the rights, privileges, and pof- feffions belonging to your Majefty, renewed, and confirmed ; when we fee the crown of Spain under new and frefh obliga- tions to your Majefty, not only to permit to your fubjedls a free and uninterrupted exercife of their trade and commerce for the future, but to make juft and ample reftitution and re- paration for all former unlawful feizures and depredations. The extenlion of former engagements, without any material alterations in the principal articles from the purport and in- tentions of former treaties, in order to obtain thefe great and truly valuable advantages, without one concefllon made to the prejudice of your Majefty, or your fubjedls, is a confideration, that, to rejedl, had been lofing the faireft opportunity to reco- ver the ancient freedom and liberty of trade and commerce to thefe kingdoms ; and not faithfully to fulfil, and execute, what is ftipulated on your Majefty's part, to fecure a reciprocal per- formance, from your Majefty's allies, of the engagements they have entered into, would be abandoning the particular interefts and properties of your Majefty's trading fubjecls, and to ex- pcfe the trade and commerce of this nation to all the hazards and uncertainties which they have fo long laboured under. Thefe blefTings fecured to us will fufficiently compenfate all inconveniencics that can attend the performance of your Ma- jefty's • f ^05 ) ;,cfty's engagements ; and, as it {<■• juftly to be prefiimed, that :;. g'.neral pacirication and trauquilluy in Europe will be the nfeqiience of the prefent treaty, the profpedl ot leeing this .0011 corr.plete, and perfeded, addj; greatly to our fatisfa^lion. ilui it, contrary to expe6\ation, and in refentmtnt to your Majefty's jult ant.1 prudent iTieafurLS, any new troubles fhould be railed in Europe, to oppofc, or difappoint the execution of the prefent engagements, we think ourfelves obliged, by the ilrong it tics of duty, affection, and gratitude, to airure your Majtity, that we will (tand by and fupport your Majefty againit all infults and indignities that fhall be offered to your MajeRy, and that we will enable you to make good your en- i^agements with your allies. The immediate reduction of fo confiderable a part of your forces by fea and land, upon the firft notice of the confirmation of the peace, is another inltance of your Majelty's care and attention to the cafe and welfare of your people ; : nd the re- commending to our conlidcration the itate of the finking fund, in fo gracious and condefcending a manner, obliges us to pro- ceed with all polhble caution and prudence in an affair of that nicety and importance, where the earlier difcharge of the na- tional debt on one hand, and the hardfhips of the poor arti- ficers and matiufadurers on the other, require the greateft re- gard, and deferve the motl mature deliberation. P rom a due fcnfe of thefe many proofs of your Majefty's unwearied endeavours to confult the happinefs of your people, we think ourfelves obliged to alfure your Majelty, that this Houfe will, by the beft and mod eafy methods, efFeitually raife the necelfary fupplies for the fervice of the current year; and, by a proper zeal and concern for the honour of your Majefty, the public tranqudlity, and the good of your people, defeat :h3 vain expectation of fuch ill-deligning perfons, who may {latter themfeives with the hopes of being able, by groundlcfs infinn- ations, cavils, and clamours, to ihake the Iteadinefs of thofe powers v\ho are already allies to your Majelty, or to hinder others from becoining fo. His Ma}cjlys mojl gracious Speech^ May 15, 1730* My Lords and (lentlemen, 'T^HE feafon of the year, and the difpatch you have given to ■■- the public bufmefs, make it proper for me to put an end to this felTion ; and, I make no doubt, but the condud and behaviour of this Parliament, as it has anfwered my expeda- tions, ( 6o6 ) tjons, U' ill be equally fatisfactory to all my good and faithful fubje£ts. The fupport you have given me, in enabling me fo effec- tually to make good my engagements with my allies, will, I perfuade myfelf, have the defired effe£l ; and, when it (hall be ieen, that the allies of the treaty of Seville are not only deter- mined, but in a readinefs, to execute their mutual engagements, it is very much to be hoped, that a general pacification will be the happy confequence of this jufl and powerful alliance. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I give you my thanks, in particular, for the fupplies you have raifed for the fervice of the current year. ]t is a great fatisfa£lion to me, that you have had fuch a due regard for the eafe of your fellow fubjefts, whofe welfare and profperity it fhall always be my principal care and Itudy to advance and promote. My Lords and Gentlemen, I am very glad, that, for the general fatisfadlion, you enter- ed into a particular conlideration of the flate of the nation ; and it is a great happinefs to fee, after fo many unjull and un- rcafonable clamours, raifed with all polfible art, induftry, and malice, that, upon mature deliberation, and the mofl folemn debates, you were fo far from finding any thing worthy of blamq or cenfure, that all matters, which came under your confidera- tion, m.et with your approbation. This mufl give all mankind a jufl deteffation of thofe in- cendiaries, who, from u fpirit of envy and difcontent, con- tinually labour, by fcandalous libels, to alienate the afFedions of my people, and to fill their minds with groundlefs jealoufies, and unjuit complaints, in diihonour of me, and my govern- _l ment, and in defiance of the fcnfc of both Houfes of Parlia- mt ment. But I mull rely upon your prudence, and your concern for the peace and happinefs of your country, to difcountenance all fuch fediiious prudticcs, and to make my people fcnfiblc, that thefe wicked proceedings can have no other view or end, but to create confulion and diftradlion among us. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's com- mand, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to Tuefday, the fourteenth day of July next, C 607 ) next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuefday, the fourteenth day oi July next. His Majcjlys mojl gracious Speech^ "January 21, 1731- My Lords and Gentlemen, XT^OU cannot but be fenfible, that the meafures formerly taken, and the conclulion of the treaty of Seville, have prevented and difappointed the dangerous confequences that ■were fo juftly apprehended from the treaty of Vienna; and we do not only fee that union dillolved, which had alarmed all Europe, but the allies of the treaty of Hanover ftrengthened by the additional power of the crown of Spain. This fituation of affairs gave us a reafonable profpefl of a. general pacification, and jull hopes of feeing the conditions of the treaty of Seville complied with, without the neceffity of coming to extremities ; and no endeavours have been wanting, conformable to my engagements with my allies, to obtain that happy end ; but this defirable event having been hitherto de- layed, the treaty of Seville lays an indifpenfable obligation upon all the contracting parties to prepare for the execution of it ; and we muft be in a readinefs to perform our part, and, hj continuing to purfue the proper meafures, convince our allies, that we will faithfully fulfil our engagements, and, as far as fhall depend upon us, procure the fatisfa£lion due to them, either by fuch means as fhall be molt eligible, or by fuch as Ihall be found abfolutely necelfary. The prefent critical Gonjun6lure feems in a very particular manner to deferve your attention, and you need not be told with what impatience the refolutions of this Parliament are every where waited for, and expcdted. I am incapable of attempting to influence your proceedings by groundlefs fears and apprehenfions, and as incapable of amufing you with vain hopes and expectations ; but, as the tranfaClions, now depending in the federal courts of Europe, are upon the point of being determined, the great event of peace, or war, may be very much affedted by your firfl refolu- tions. The continuance of that zeal and vigour which you have hitherto fhewn in fupport of me, and my engagements, muft, at this time, be of the greatcft weight and importance, both with regard to my allies, who cannot then think their in- tereft, and the common caufe, negleded, before the conditions of their treaties are accompldhed, and with regard to thofe who may be difpofed, before the feafon of action is come, to pre- vent, by an accommodation j the fatal confequences of a gene- ral - ( 6o8 ) ral rupture, wiuch they will have little reafon to apprehend^ if they' find the allies of Seville not prepared to do themlclves juftice. The plan of operations tor the execution of the treaty of Seville by force, in cafe we (hall be driven to that necelFity, is now under confideration ; and, until the proportions of the confederate forces, and the proper difpofition:- for employing them, fhall be finally adjnfteti, and agrt;ed upon, it vi^ill not be eafy to determine how far the expenfes neceiiary for the fer- Yicc of the enfuing year may, or may not, exceed the provi- fions made for the fcrvice of the iaft year. In the mean time, I am perfuaded, you w ill go on to give all pofTiblc difpatch to tie public bufmefs ; and, if it fhall be necelTary, I fhall not fail to afk the further advice and afTiflance of my Parliament, according to the circiuiiltances of public aiFairs, and as foon as any proper occafion (liall require it. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I -will order the proper eftimates to be prepared and laid before you ; and I can make no doubt, but that dutiful regard which you have always fhewed to me, and my hofiour, and your jufl concern for the true intercli of yotir country, will induce you to grant me the nccelfary fupplies, and enable me to make good my engagements with my allies with that cheer- fulnefs and afFeclion which become a Britifh Houfe of Com- mons, tender and jealous of the honour of the crown, careful and folicitous for the glory and profperity of the kingdom. My Lords and Gentlemen, The time draws near which will admit of no further delays. If the tranquillity of Europe can be fettled without the effu- fion of blood, or the expenfe of public treafure, that fituation will certainly be moft happy, and defirable; but, if that blef- ling cannot be obtained, honour, juftice, and the facred faith due to folemn treaties, will call upon us to exert ourfclvcs in procuring by force what cannot be had upon juft and reafon- able terms. Addrcfs hy the Houfe of Commons to his Alo'jejly^ 'J^^^* 22, 1 731' Moft gracious Sovereign, TX7"E, your Majeity's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubjefts, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aftembled, beg leave to r^.turn our fmcere thanks for your Mnjefty's moft gracious fpcech from the throne. We. ( 6o9 ) We cannot but in gratitude acknowledge your Majefty's goodncfs, in endeavouring to have the conditions of the treaty of Seville fulfilled and executed in fuch manner as might belt fecure a general pacification, and be conformable to your en- gagements with your allies. And, out of a jull fenfe of the bleffings we enjoy, we think it our duty to declare our entire confidence in your royal care and concern for the honour and intereft of your people, and. our perfe6l reliance upon your MajeRy's wifdom and jullice, in doing every thing that (hall depend upon you to procure the latisfailion due to your allies, by fuch means as Ihall be the moil defirable, or, if they prove ineffectual, by fuch as (hall be abfolutely neceffary. We are firmly refolvtd to continue our utmoft zeal and vigour in fupport of your Majefty, and your engagem.ents j erteeming this the leafl part of our duty, when .we confider, that thofe engagements arc the effe6l of your vigilance for the welfare of your fubjefts. We alTure your Majefly, that we will give all poffible dif- patch to the public bufinefs, as it Ihall from time to time be brought before us, that, as your people feel the happinefs of your reign, fo your Majefty may feel the eafe of it ; and, from a dutiful regard to your honour and dignity, and a juit concern for the true intereit of our country, which we fhall always look npon as indifpenfablc and infeparable obligations,' we have the grcatcft fatisfadtion in affuiing your Majelly, that we will, with all checrfulnefs, grant fuch fupplies as fliall be ne- ceflary for the fervice of the enfuing year, and etfe6tually enable your Majefty to make good your engagements with your aUies. Your Majefly's goodnefs to your people is very apparent in your avoiding to bring any unnecefiary burthens upon them ; and it is the leafl: refurn we can make for it, to alfure your Majefly, that, in cafe the circumftances of public affairs ihall oblige you to aHc the further advice and alliftance of your faithful Commons, we will, upon every occafion, difcliarge our duty to your Majefly, and thofe we rcprefent, with that cheerfulnefs and affection which become a Britifh Houfe of Commons, tender and jealous of the honour of the crown, careful and folicitous for the glory and profperity of the king- .dom. Vol. I. R r H^t ( 6io ) His Majejifs Anftuer^ January 25, 1731. Gentlemen, I RETURN you my hearty thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs. The zeal and afFeclion you exprefs for me, and the alTurances you have given me of enabling me to make good my engagements with my allies, will, I ani perfuaded, have a very good effedl at this critical and important conjuncture. I His Majejlys mojl gracious Speech y May 7, 1 73 1. My Lords and Gentlemen, T is a great pleafure to me, that, at the clofe of this feffion of Parliament, 1 am able to acquaint you, that the hopes I had conceived, and given you, of feeing very fuddenly a happy period put to the troubles and diforders which had been fo long apprehended, are now, by the treaty figned at Vienna, anfwered and accomplifhed. A projedt of a convention betwixt the Emperor and the maritime powers, for accommodating the differences and dif- putes that were fubiiftiiig, having been formed, the treaty is concluded, and iigned by me, and the Emperor, and is now under the confideration of the States General, the forms of that government not admitting a previous concert in a nego- tiation of this nature ; and, as this treaty principally regards the execution of the treaty of Seville, it is likewife communi- cated to the courts of France and Spain, as parties to the treaty of Seville ; and I have juft received advice, that the ratifica- tions between me and the Emperor are exchanged. The conditions and engagements which I have entered into upon this occafion, are agreeable to that necelfary concern which this nation muft always have for the fecurity and pre- ftrvation of the balance of power in Europe ; and, as the un- certain and violent flate of affairs to which Europe was reduced, and the mifchiefs of an immediate general war, which began to be 'bought unavoidable, are now removed, this happy turn, duly improved, with a jufl: regard to our former alliances, which it Ihall be my care to preferve, gives us a favourable profpe£l of feeing the public tranquillity re-cftablillied. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the effedlual fupplies which you have granted me for the feivice of the prefent year, and for the proper difpofition you have made of the public funds, towards leflening ( 6ii ) leflTening and difcharglng the national debt. The remarkable difpatch and unanimity which you have (hewn at this critical jurwSlure, has added very much to the credit and weight of your proceedings ; and you ihall find as great a readinefs on my part to eafe the burdens of my people, as foon as the cir- cumftances and fituation of affairs will admit of it, as you have (hewn to raife the fupplies neceffary for the fervice of the public. My Lords and Gentlemen, I hope, at your return into the country, you will find all attempts to raife a fpirit of difcontent among my people, by unjuft clamours and mifreprefentations, vain and ineffectual. AH malicious infinuations, to the prejudice of my meafures, muft furely vanifh, when it Ihall appear, that my firft and principal care has been for the intereft and honour of this kingdom. Let it be your endeavour to remove all groundlefs jealoufies and apprehenfions, that the fatisfadtion of the nation may be as general as it is my earneft defire that their happi- nefs may be : let all my people, let all orders of men, enjoy quietly and unenvied the rights, privileges, and indulgences, which by law they are entitled to ; let no innovations difturb any part of my fubjedls in the polTeflion of their legal property: let all that are zealous in fupport of me and my government par- take in common the benefits of the prefent happy eftablilliment; and let your good-will to one another be as extenfive as my protedlion, which all my good and faithful fubjefts have an equal right to, and may equally depend upon. ^nd afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's com- mand, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, "IT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlla- ment be prorogued to Tuefday, the twenty-feventh djy of July next, to be then here held ; and this Parliament is accor- dingly prorogued to Tuefday, the twenty-feventh day of July next. His Majeji/s mojl gracious Speech, January 13, 1732. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is a great pleafure to me that I am able to acquaint you, that the expedations which I have from time to time given you, of feeing the general tranquillity of Europe reflored and tftablilhed, are now fully anfwered. R r 2 The ( 6l2 ) The fliarc of credit r.nd infincnce which the crown of Grcat_ Britain has had in bringing about this difficult and defirable work, and which redounds ib much to the honour and interell of this nation, as it is univerfally confelled abroad, will, I um confident, he agreeable to my people, and acknowledged with gratitude by you. It is well known, that, from the time of concluding the quadruple alliance, the feveral courts of Europe have been employed in finding means to execute what the principal powers had agreed to, for the fuccelTion of Tufcany ^nd rarma in favour of an infant of Spain; but the various jarring and contending in-erefts, hard to be reconciled and united, in effe6luating a point of fo much importance, the extended views and hopes of obtaining, on every fide, further advan- tages, and the natural jealoufies and diftrufts arifing among the feveral powers concerned from fuch oppofite principles and pnrpofcs, had kept in fufpenfe, and unexecuted, what the court of Spain had very much at heart, and occafioned fuch troubles and difturbances, as embarraffed the affairs of Europe tor many years, and particularly affedled the intcfefts of this pation. You have from time to time been informed of the different trcafures and negotiations that have on all fides been carrying tn during this long unfettled ftate of affairs ; and you have enabled me to perfevere in maintaining the rights and poifef- iibns of this kingdom, and in prefcrving the peace and balance of Europe. The preliminary articles, and the fnbfequent tranfa6tions thereupon, not aniwering the expeftations of the court of 3pain, and creating a coolnefs and diHatisfaftion among the contracting parties of the firft treaty of Vienna, laid the foundation of the treaty of Seville, and thereby diffolved that union, vyhich had raiftd fo many apprchcnfions, and fo long alarmed the world. Tiie execution of the treaty of Seville was the great diffi- culty that ilill remained ; and this, unfiirmountable as it w^as thought, I have, by your fupport, and by the confidence you rcpoicd in mc, been able to overcome by jufi and honourable treaties, without coming to extremities, and without the haza/d and expcnfe of a general rupture, or kindling a war in any part of Europe. I'arma and Placentia are now in the actual poffeflTon of the iniajit Don Carlos ; the Cik thoufand Spaniards are quietly ad-- mitted and quartered in the duchy of Tufcany, to fecure, by the exprefs copfent and agreement of the Great Duke, the reverfion ot his dominions ; and a fiimily convention is made {)etw^ei| between the courts of Spain and Tufcany, for preferving peace and friendlhip between thofe two houfes during the life of the Great Duke. For perfecling and finlfliing this tedious work, conducled through a feries of infinite changes and viciffitudes, and en- cumbered with all the different views of intereft and ambition, 1 concluded the late treaty of Vienna ; wherein I have en- i.^-ed into ho engagements contrary to former treaties, or tending either to aggrandize or reduce the power or weight of any potentate ; calculated purely for preferving a due ba- lance, and to avoid fuch confufion as new changes and con- vulfions, upon future events, would unavoidably create, and wherein Great Britain could never ftand by and be an idle ipedator. When this fliall be duly confidered, and it (hall be feen^ ^Int the wounds which have been long bleeding are entirely healed, groundlefs jealoufies will ceafe, ill humours will fub- fiJe, and peace and good harmony return together; all diffi- dence and diftruft, the natural effedl of repeated delays, arl- tully inftilled, and induftrioufly improved and aggravated, Nvill be removed, and mutual fatisfailion be the conlequence oi the pun6lual and effedlual performance of all engagements, on our fide ; which will ever be remembered with great regard, and honour to this crown and nation, and leave an indifpen- iable obligation upon thofe that are immediately concerned to make fuch returns as honour and juftice call for and demand. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The eftimates for the fervice of the Current year fhall be prepared and laid before you ; which you will obferve to be confiderably lefs than thofe of former years. It is a pleafure to me to give eafe to my fubjecls, whenever the welfare of the public will admit of it. You have feen the happy effefts of* your former zeal and refolution ; fuccefs has attended my rriea- fures, and you reap the fruit of my endeavours and your con- fidence in ine ; and it muft be a fatisfadion to you to refle6t, that all the expenfes you have lately made are amply recom- penfed by preventing and avoiding far greater. My Lords and Gentlemen, This happy fituation of affairs, I promife myfelf, will infpire you all with fuch temper and unanimity, and fuch a feafonable zeal for the public good, as becomes a Parliament, fenfible of the great bleffings they enjoy. The duty and the afFe£lions of my fubjeds are all the return I defire for my pa- ternal love and concern for them. My government has no R r 3 fecurity fecurity but what is equally conducive to your happinefs and to the proteftion of my people ; and your profperity has no foundation but in the defence and fupport of my government : our fafety is mutual, our interefts are infeparable. Addrcfs by the Houfc of Commons^ "Jan. i4> 1732* Mod gracious Sovereign, '\X/'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£ts, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflfembled, beg leave to return your Majcfty our moft humble thanks for your moft gracious f|)eech from the throne. It is the higheft fatisfaction to your faithful Commons, to fee the general tranquillity of Edrope reftored and re-efta- bliflied by your Majelty's credit and influence, vs'hich reflects the grealeft glory to the Britilh crown, and, of confequence, to the Britilh nation, the honour and intereft of which are al- ways mutual and infeparable. We are fully perfiiaded, that the treaties your Majefty has entered into were made with no other view than to preferve the balance of power in Europe, and fecure the pofreifions of the crown of Great Britain, and all the rights and privileges we are entitled to ^ and we acknowledge, with gratitude, your Majefty's wifdom and goodnefs, in procuring for us all thefe advantages without the expenfe and hazards of a war. We are very feniible of the many difficulties your Majefty laboured under in bringing this great and glorious work to fo happy a conclufion. The many obftacles, arifmg from va- rious pretcnfions and jealoulies, during the courfe of thefe franfac^ions, unfurmountable as they have been thought, are, by your Majefty's fteadinefs and prudence, entirely removed ; and at a time when a war feemed unavoidable, the fettletncnt of the fucceftion of Don Carlos to the ftates of Tufcany and Parma has been peaceably accompliihed, and the general tranquillity of Europe preferved by the weight and credit ol your Majefty's negotiations. Thus iias your Majefty extricated, not only this nation, but all Europe, out of the uncertain ftute we for many years la- boured under, and that by means moft honourable to your Majefty, coniiftent with all former engagements, and without the leaft injury to any prince or power in Europe. And we humbly allure your Majefty, that, having the trueft fenfe of the many blcllings we have enjoyed during the courfe of your Majefty's reign, and how much our prefent happinefs IS owing to your paternal love and care for your people, we will. \ ( 6i$ ) will, with the greateft cheerfulnefs, grant the necefTary fupplies for the fervice of the current year; and your Majefty will al- ways find fuch returns of duty and gratitude from uS) as the beft of kings may expedl from the moft loyal fubjeds, fully convinced, that the only end of your Majefty's aufpicious go- vernment is the protedlion and profperity of your people. His ATajeJiy^s Anjwer^ January 17, 1732. Gentlemen, ; T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs. *■ I make no doubt of the continuance of youl- duty> af- fedlion, and confidence in me ; and you will always find, that all my views tend to the honour, intereft, and fecurity, of my crov/n and people. W Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons to his Majefly^ May 10, I732. Moft gracious Sovereign, 'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal Tubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aifembled, having taken into our confideration the great colledtion ot valuable records belonging to this nation, and the necellity of tranfmitting them dowai fafe and entire for the ufe of our pof- terity, humbly beg leave to reprefent to your Majefty the ftate in which we found them, together with the inconveniences that may arife from their remaining in their prefent fituation. A great part of the Cottonian library, with the variety of curious and ufeful matters therein contained, has, notwith- ftanding the late fire at Afhburnham Houfe, by the great dili- gence and attention of the truftees, been prefcrved ; and that the public may not, for want of due care, be gradually de- prived of fo noble and generous a benefadtion, we beg leave to recommend it, in the moft particular manner, to your Majefty's confideration, favour, and protedlion. The feveral places afligned for the preferVation of all thefe ineftimable mor.uments of antiquity are too narrow and con- fined for their reception, and fome of them in a very ruinous and dangerous condition. We find alfo fome records not depofited in their proper of- fices, but either remaining in private hands, or in places not afligned for public records, nor under the care of any ftatcd officer. R r 4 Nor ( 6i6 } Nor has the ancient method of removing records from the offices wherein they are originally formed to fuch places as are appointed to prefer ve them been duly obferved, chiefly for want of room in the prefcnt offices allotted for their re- ception. Great inconvcnicncics have arifen to the inquirers after this' Tifeful knowledge, not only from thefe difficulties, bnt alfo from the nndillinguilhcd and confufcd manner in which fome of the records of this kingdom have been kept, there being no general calendars, or indexes, to the whole ; which, with proper encouragement, mav be completed by perfons of fkill and ability, and weulJ proiDably bring, to light many material remains or antiquity, which, from the difficulty of accefs, have lojtg lain unknown and negledled. .Xj^e prefent (hort inquiry, imperfccl as it is, ha;: produced iin in't'ance of thi:s by difcovering amongit the ancient records, that diredions for works of this kind have been formerly given bv your Majefty's royal predeceilbrs. Your faithful Conm";ons beg leave further humbly to reprefent to your IVIajefty, that, as the public intereft is concerned in providing more fecure and decent repofitories for the records of this kingdom, fo the public faith is engaged for the better. re- ception and prcfervation of the Cottonlan library, fogeneroufly given for the public fervlcc. And as there is at prefent little or no allowance to the keeper of the faid library, we hurnbly fubmit it to your Majefty's confideration, whether, if a proper and reafonable llipend were grantecf to him, it would not engage him to perforin his duty \^ ith greater care and diligence. Having thus, with the greatest humility, laid the flate of the records of this kingdom, and of the Cottonlan library before y(',ur Majefly, we atfure ourfclves, that it will be entirely agree- able to your Majefty's gracious difpofition to tranfmit to future ages thefe monuments and remains of antiquity, fo neceffary and ufeful to the knowledge and prefervation of our excellent conflitution, which we hope will go down to pofterity, together with the family under which it now flouriflies, as infcparable and perpetual bleffings to this nation. Your faithful Commons do therefore moft humbly befeech your Majedy, that you will be gracioufly pleafed to give fuch directions as your Majefty in your great wifdom fhall think fit, for the better leception and more convenient ufe of the public records of this kingdom, and of the Cottonlan library. And we beg leave further to affiure your Majefty, that what- ever extraordinary expenfes are incurred by the diredlions your Majefty, ( 6i7 ) Majcfty, in your great wifdom, fhall think fit to give on this occafion, fhall, with great cheerfuhiefs and unanimity be pro- vided for, and made good by your faithful Commons. His Majejjys mojl gracious Speech j 'June i, 1732. My Lords and Gentlemen, ■^OU having now difpatched all the public bufinefs that it ■*• was practicable for you to go through with at prefent, and the feafon of the year being fo far advanced, I believe it will not be difagreeable to you, that I give you an opportunity of retiring into the country, by putting an end to this fellion of .Parliament. It is unnecefTary for me to reprefent to you the happy flats and fituation of public affairs, both at home and abroad. You muft all be fenfiblc of what is univerfally feen and felt in the full enjoyment of a general peace. The concurrence of the States General in the late treaty of Vienna has perfe6led the eflablifhment of the public tranquillity, as far as human pru- dence can forefee or provide ; and a faithful obfervance and execution of the treaties and alliances now fubfifting among the feveral princes and powers of Europe, free from groundlefs jealoulies, and void of all ambitious views, will be the mofl efFe£lual means to continue and preferve thefe bleflings to us. Gentlemen. of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the provifions you have made for the defence and fecurity of the kingdom, and for carrying on the fervice of the current year. It is a great fatisfa£tion to me, to fee you have turned your thoughts towards raifing the necefTary fupplies by fuch metliods as may be the leaft burthen- fome to my people ; and as this cannot but be received in the country as a mofl grateful and acceptable fervice,'! hope it will encourage you to purfue fuch meafures for the future, as may, on all occafions, render the fupplies that fliall be neceflary as equal and eafy as is poflible. My Lords and Gentlemen, It being necclfary for me to vifit my German dominions this year, I have determined to leave the Queen, Regent here, during my abfence ; and I doubt not but it will be your endea- vours to make the government as eafy to her, as, I am con- fident it will be her care, by^a juft and prudent adminiftration, to deferve your duty and regard. I recommend to you all, in your ( 6i8 ) you feveral ftatlons, to fludy and confult the prerervation of the peace and quiet of the kingdom. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefly's com- mand, faid. My Lords and Gentlemen, IT is his Majefly's royal will and pleafure, that this Parliament be prorogued to Thurfday, the twenty- feventh day of July, to be tlien here held : and this Parliament is accordingly pro* rogued to Thurfday, the twenty-feventh day ot July next. His Ma'jcjiys moji gracious Speech j January 1 6, 1733' My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is a great fatisfadion to me, that the prefcnt fituation of affairs, both at home and abroad, makes it unneceirary for me to lay before you any other reafons for my calling you to- gether at this titne, but the ordinary difpatch of the public bufinefs ; and that I may have an opportunity of receiving your advice upon fuch affairs as may occur to you, and fhall require the care and confideration of Parliament. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I will order the proper officers to lay before you the efl:imates for the fervice of the current year ; and I make no doubt but that you will, with the fatne cheerfulnefs as I have always ex- perienced in you, efFectually raife fuch fupplies as you fhall judge necellary for the honour, falety, and d'j-fence of the kingdom : and I cannot but recommend it to you, as a con- fideration worthy the Commons of Great Britain, that in all your deliberations, as well upon raiiing the annual fupplies, as the diflribution of the public revenues, you purfue fuch mea- fures as Mill mofl conduce to the prefent and future eafe of thofe you reprcfent. My Lords and Gentlemen, You muft be fenfible that it is very defirable to give all pofli- blc difpatch to the public bufinefs ; and that nothmg 'can give more weight and credit to all your refolutions, than to avoid unreafonable heats and animofities, and not to fufFer yourfelves to be diverted, by any fpecious pretences, from fleadfaflly pur- fuing the true interefts of your country : kt that be your iirft I and ( 6»9 ) ind principal care, and the people will be fenfible of the bene- fits they fhall receive from your wifdom and refolution, in preferring their eafe and the public good to all other con- iidcrations. W Addrefs by the Honfe of Commons y January 17, 1733. Molt gia.;,... ^^overeign, E, yonr Majefty's mofl: dutinii a«d Inynl fubje^s, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aiTemblcd, humbly beg leave to return your ?vlajcfty our mod iincere and hearty thanks for your molt gracious fpccch from the throne. The fituation of affairs, both at home and abroad, gives your faithful Commons the higheft fatisfailion, and fills thtir hearts w^ith the deepefl: fenfe of gratitude to your Majefty ; being fully fenfible that the prefent happinefs we enjoy is the entire effcd of your Majefty 's wifdom and refolution. Such fupplies as Ihall be necellary for the honour, fafety, and defence of your Majefty and your kingdom, Ihall cheer- fully and efFeduaily be raifed by your faithfid Conmions, with all pollible duty to your Majefty, and a juft regard and concern for thofe we reprefent. We alfo beg leave to alTure your Majefty, that in all our deliberations, as well in raifing the fupplies, as in thediftribu- tion of the public revenues, we will purfue fuch ineafures as will mod conduce to the prefent and futtire eafe of our fellow fubjedls ; and luch as, agreeably to your Majefty's known goodnefs, and gracious intentions towards your people, and the conftant endeavours of your faithful Commons, Ihall be con- fident with the honour and juftice of Parliament, and with the trade, intcreft, and liberties of the nation. That our proceedings may carry with them the weight and credit which ought always to attend the refolutions ot the Com- mons of Great Britain, and that the necelfary difpatch may be given to the public bufinefs, we will ufe our iitmoft endeavours to avoid all unreafonable heats and animofities ; nor fiifter our- felves to be diverted, by any fpecious pretences whatfoever, from fteadfaftly purfuing the true intereft of our country, which, in purfuance of your Majefty's moft gracious recommendation from your great example, and our own indifpenfable duty, fhall, upon all occafions, be our firft and principal care. Hh ( 630 ) H'li Majfjlys Avfivcvj 'January 22, I/33' Gentlemen, T RETURN you my thanks for thefe dutiful afTurances of -*• your zeal and aftedion for me ; and I make no doubt but that your refolutions to purfue fuch meafures as will mofl: con- duce to the eafe and true intereft of all my fubif'^'-' "'^^ ^^ e{Fc£tually recommend you to *»— s"^'^^ upuiion and efteem of my people, as they are acceptable to me. H' AfeJjagefronthlsjMajeJly to the Houfe of Commsus, MayZ, 1733* George Rex. "IS Majefly having received from the Prince of Orange pro- pofals for a treaty of marriage between the Princefs Royal and the faid Prince; and his Majefty having been pleafed fa- vourably to accept the inftanccs made by the Prince, his High- refs has ferit over a miniftef, inftrudled and authorifcd with full powers to treat of and conclude the articles of marriage : his Majefly has therefore thought it proper to communicate this important affair to this Houfe ; and as he makes no doubt but this marriage will be to the general fatisfadlion of all his good fubje£ls, he promifes himfelf the concurrence and afhftance of this Houfe, in enabling him to give fuch a portion to his eldeft daughter, as fliall be fuitable to the prefent occafion, and may contribute towards fupporting with honour and dignity an alli- ance that will tend fo much to the further fecurity of the pro- teflant fuccefiion to the crown of thefe realms, and to the pro- teftant intereft in Europe. Addrefs hy the Houfe of Commons, Afay 8, 1733' Moft gracious Sovereign, TT7E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aftembled, return your Majefty our moft dutiful thanks for being gra- cioufly pleafed to communicate to us your royal intentions of concluding a marriage between the Princefs Royal and the Prince of Orange. The happy profpe^l of feeing this alliance entered into and concluded, with a Prince whofe family has always diftinguiflied itfclf in fupport of the proteftant religion, and in defence of the liberties ( 621 ) liberties of Europe, gives us the greatcfl: fatisfaftion : we re- member, with gratitude, the great and infiniie benefits pro- cured to this nation by that illuftrious houfe ; and we cannot but promife ourfelves a further fecurity to the protellant fuc- ceflion to the crown of thefe realms, from the renewal of that union which gave birth to, and laid the foundation of this in- eftimable biefling. And we beg leave to affure your Majefly, that to demonftrate our duty, zeal, and affedlion to your Majefty, and to teftify :he jult fenfe we have of the lingular merits and eminent vir- tues of the Princefs Royal, we will enable your Majefty to give her fuch a portion as may conduce to her future happinefs, and '.o the fupporting her royal highnefs with honour and dignity. His Adajejl^s Jnfvjer, May lo, 1733» Gentlemen, GIVE you my thanks for this new inftance of your duty and affedlion : nothing can be more acceptable to me than your great readinefs in complying with this demand, and the perfonal regard you have fhewn to me and my family. I His Majcjiys moji gracious Speech^ jfune 13, I733» My Lords and Gentlemen, npHE feafon of the year, and the difpatch you have given to the public bufmefs, make it proper for me to put an end to this fefliou of Parliament. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the provifionsyou have made for the fcrvice of the current year: I have never demanded any liipplies of my people, but what were abfolutely necelfary for the honour, fafety, and defence of me and my kingdom ; and I am always beft pleafed when the public expenfes are fupplied in a manner leaft burdenfome to my fubjccls. My Lords and Gentlemen, I cannot pafs by unobferved the wicked endeavours that have lately been made ufe of to inflame the minds of the people, and by the moft unjufl mifreprefentations, to raife tumults and diforders that almoft threatened the peace of the kingdom : but I depend upon the force of truth to remove the groundlefs jea- loufies that have been raifed, of defigns carryir.g on againft the liberties ( 622 ) liberties of my people ; and upon your known fidelity, to de- feat and fruftrate the expectations of fuch as delight in confu- fjon. It is my inclination, and has always been my ftudy, to preferve the religious and civil rights of all my fubjecls : let it he your care to undeceive the deluded, and to make them fen- fible of their prefent happinefs ; and the hazard they run ot being unwarily drawn, by fpecious pretences, into their own deltrudion. And afterwards the Lord Cliancellor, by his Majeily's com- mand, faid. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majciiy's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to Thurfday, the twenty-fixth day of July next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thurfday, the twenty-fixth day of July next. 1 His Majejifs moji gracious Speech y jfanuary 17, 1734. My Lords and Gentlemen, ^HE war which is now begun and carried on againft the Emperor with fo much vigour, by the united powers of France, Spain, and Sardinia, is become the obje6l of the care and attention of all Europe ; and though I am no ways en* gaged in it, and have had no part, except by my good offices, in tliofe tranladioiis which have been declared to be the princi- pal caufes and motives of it, I cannot fit regardlefs of the pre- fent events, or be unconcerned for the future confequences oi a war, undertaken and fiipported by fo powerful an alliance. It ever any occafion required more than ordinary prudence and circuirifpcdlion, the prefent calls upon us to ufe ourutmoll precaution not to determine too haftily upon fo critical and iiuporfant a conjun£lure ; but to confider thoroughly what the honour and dignity of my crown and kingdoms, the true inte- re(t of my people, and the engagements we are under to the fi vtral powers we are in alliance with, may, in juftice and prudence, require of us. I have therefore thought it proper to take time to examine the fa6ts allcdgcd on both fides, and to wait the refult of the councils of thofe powers that are more nearly and immediately intereited in the confequences of the war ; and to concert with thofe allies who are under the fame engagements with me, and have not taken part in the war, more particularly the States General ( 623 ) General of the United Provinces, fuch meafures as fliall be thought moft advifeable for our common fafety, and for re- ftoring the peace of Europe. 1 he refolutions of the Britifli Parliament, in fo nice a jun6lure, are of too great moment not to be carefully attended to, and impatiently expetled by all, and not kail by thofe who will hope to take advantage from your determination, whatever they Ihall be, and to turn them to the prejudice of this king- dom. It muft therefore be thought moil fafe and prudent, thoroughly to weigh and confider all circumflances, before we come to a final determination. As 1 fhall have, in my confiderations upon this great and important affair, the {trifled regard to the honour of my crown, and the good of my people, and be governed by no other views, I can make no doubt but that I may entirely depend on the fiipport and affiftance of my Parliament, without expofing inyfelf, by any precipitate declarations, to fuch inconvenien- cies as ought, as far as poffible, to be avoided. In the mean time, I am perfuaded you will make fuch pro- vifions as fliall fecure my kingdoms, rights, and poflefllons, from all dangers and infults, and maintain the refpe£l due to the Britifh nation. Whatever part it may, in the end, be moil reafonable for us to a£l, it will in all views be neceiTary, when all Europe is preparing for arms, to put ourfelves in a proper poflure of defence. As this will bed preferve the peace of the kingdom, fo it will give us a due weight and influence in what- ever meafures we fhall take in conjunction with our allies : hut fhould the defence of the nation not be fulliciently provided for, it will makeusdifregarded abroad, and may prove a temp- tation and encouragement to the dtfperate views ot thofe who never fail to flatter ihemfelves with the hopes of great advan^ lages from public troubles and diforders. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I fhall order the eftimatcs to be laid before you of fuch fer* vices as require your prefent and immediate care. The aug- mentation which will be propofcd for the fea fervice, will be very confiderable ; but I am confident it will be thought by you icafonable and neceffary. I muft particularly recommend to your care the debt of the navy, which has every year been laid before you: but from the prefent circuinftances of the times, I believe you will think it now requires fome provifion to be made for it ; which cannot well be longer pollponed, without I manifeft detriment to the public fervice. ! As thefe extraordinary charges and expenfes are unavoidable, I make no doubt but you will effedtually raife the f^jpplies ne- ceflary ( 624 ) I cefTary for defraying of them, with that rcadinefs and difpatch, and with that juft regard to the true interelt of my people, which this Parliament has hitherto fhewn upon all occafions. My Lords and Gentlemen, ,;■ It is at all times to be wilhed, that tiic bufinefs of Parliament ' might be carried on free from heats and animofities ; and with that temper which becomes the jufticc and wifdom of the nation : at this time it is more particularly to be defired, that this fefTion may not be protracted by urineceflary delays, when the whole kingdom feems prepared for the ele6lion of a new- Parliament ; an event which employs the attention of all Eu- rope : and I am very well pleafed that this opportunity offers, of taking again the fenfe of my people, in the choice of a new reprefc-ntative ; that the world may fee how much their true fentiments have been miftaken or mifreprefented : thofc who fee and hear only at a diftance, may eafily be impofed upon ; and from thence conceive falfe hopes or fears ; but I am con- fident a little time will efFedually remove all groundlefs fur- mif s : and it will be found that Great Britain is always ready to a6l that part which the honour and intereft of the nation calls upon them to undertake. Addrefi by the Houfe of Commons, January 18, 1734. Moft gracious Sovereign, "VX/'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fuhje£ls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, beg leave to return your Majefty our humblell thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. We are truly fenfible of your Majefty's goodnefs, and hear, with the deepeft fenfe' of gratitude, the concern you are pleafed to exprefs tor the war unhappily begun in Europe ; and acknowledge, with the highcft fatisfaction, this new proof your Maj^fty has given us of your great wifdom, in waiting, at this nice and critical juncture, the refult of the councils of thofe powers who are more nearly and immediately interefted in theconfcqtiencesof thisvvar, before your Majefty makes any final determination for your own condud ; not wondering that the fame prudence and precau- tion, the fame concern and circumfpeCtion that have guided and direded every ftep hitherto taken in your Majefty's happy and aufpicious reign, ftiould now induce you to take time to examine the fadts alkdged on both fides, and to concert with thofe allies who are under the fame engagements with your Majefty, with-* out having taken part in the war, particularly the States Gcne- 2 »l ( «25 ) ral of the United Provinces, fuch meafures as fiiall be thought mod advifeable for the common fafety, and for reftoring the peace of Europe. That your Majefty, in all your tranfa6llons in this great and important aifair, will have the ftri£left regard to the honour and d'i/.nity of your crown and kingdom, and to the true intereft of your people, is what not only your Majefly's royal alTurances, but our happy experience of all your Majefty's paft condudl, leave us no room to doubt. And as we have an entire confidence in your Majefty's judg- ment to difcern, and folicitude to procure the welfare and iiiterefts of your fubje^ls, fo your Majefty may depend upon the efFedual fupport and ready alhftance of your faithful Com- mons, in all fuch meafures as your Majefty fhall nnd it necef- fary to enter into, for attaining and fecuring thefe great ends. And we beg leave further to aifure your Majefty, that your Commons will make fuch provifion for the fafety of your king- douis, as the prefent fituation of affairs and exigency of the times require , fuch provifions as (hall efFcdually fecure your Majefty 's kingdoms, rights, and poffeftions, from all infults and dangers i as ftiall preferve the refpedl due to the Britilli nation abroad, and guard its fafety at home ; that not the lead encouragement may be giver *o the defperate views of thofe who never fail to flit /r themfelves with hopes of fome advan- tages from publi ..s and diforders, and of molefting the: infeparable interc your Majefty and your people. Such euimatcs a; a demands as your Majefty Ihall think fit to lay before your Commons for the public fervice, iliall be immediately taken into our confideration, and your Majefty may depend on our known zeal for raifing fuch fupplies as fhall be neceftary and anfwerable to the prefent circumftances, with our ufual cheerfulnefs and approved fidelity, and a due regard both to the eafe and intereft of our tellow fubje£ls. And that the public bufmefs may be difpatched with all pro- per expedition, and the prefent feftion not protracted by any unneceftary delays, we will endeavour to avoid all heats and animofities, and to proceed with that unanimity which the juftice and prudence of your Majefty 's mild and wife govern- ment may expect and claim, and give weight to our delibera- tions, and maintain the dignity of Parliament. Vol. L S? ^i' ( 626 > His MajcJ^y's Anjiucry January 22, 1734* Gentlemen, .' T RETURN you my thanks for this very dutiful, afFe^lionate,. -*- and loyal addrefs, and for the confidence you repofe in me, which, you may be affured, (hall always be employed i'or the honour of my crown, and the true intcreft of my people. H Mcjfagc from his Majcjly to the Hoiije of Commons, March 28, 1734. George Rex. IS Majefly very thankfully acknowledges the zeal and affec- tion which this Houfc has fliewn in the early difpatchthey have already made in the necelfary fupplies for the public fer-, vice, which his Majefiy recommended to their immediate care at the opening of this felFiOn. ' '.■..■ But the v.-ar which has broke out in Europe ftill unhappily continuing, his Majerty has nothing more at heart than to fee that flame extinguilhed, and to avoid, if poflible, the engaging his fubjeuls in the hazards and expenfe of a war ; being, at the fame time, defirous neither to give any juft alarm to other nations, nor to fubjecl himfelf to any unprovoked infults. In this view, and to the end that his Majefty's endeavourSi, in conjundlion with his allies, for procuring an accommoda- tion, may, in due time, have the defired efFe6l, and that his Majefly may be in a condition to make good fuch engagements, as honour, juRice, or prudence, may call upon him to fufil or contract, and that his kingdoms may not be left expofed to any defpcrate attempts, during fuch time as it may be impofli- ble for his Majelty to have the immediate advice and afliftance' of his great council, upon any emergency arifing from the pre- fent polture of Europe, which may nearly concern the intereft and fafety of thefe kingdoms, his Majefly hopes that he fliall be| enabled and fupported by his Parliament, in making fuch fur- ther augmentation of his forces, cither by fea or land, aS may', be abfolutely neceflary for the honour and defence of his king- ■ doms, and in concerting fuch meafures as the exigency of affairs may require ; whatever expenfe fliall be thereby occafioned, fhall be made in as frugal a manner as is poflible ; and an ac- count thereof Ihall be laid before the next Parliament. Hit C 627 ) H('i Majejlys mojl gracious Speechf April 16, 1734. My Lords and Gentlemen, T GIVE you ray hearty thanks for the great difpatch you hare given to the public bufinefs ; and for the confidence you have repofed in me, for the honour and fecurity of my king- dom : fo fhort a fellion, at fo critical and important a conjunc- ture, concluded with fo much unanimity, and fo ju(t a regard for the true interell of the nation, will give great weight and credit to all our public tranfaclions, and procure that refps<5t and dependence upon the great council ot this nation, which are fo necefiary to fupport the honour and intereft of Great Britain, both at home and abroad. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I mufl acknowledge, in a particular manner, the zeal and readinefs which you have Ihewn, in raifing, in fo efFedlual a manner, the neceffary fupplies for the fervice of the year: the provifion you have made for paying off great part of the debt of the navy, a debt neceffarily and unavoidably incurred, and car- rying a higher intereft than the old national debt ; and which being at a difcount, increafed the charge and expenle in all contradls of the navy and vi(.'l:ualling, muft certainly be thought of fmgular fervice to the public. My Lords and Gentlemen, The time limited for the expiration of this Parliament draw- ing near, I have refolved forthwith to ilTue my proclamation for the diifolving of it, and for calling a new Parliament, that the inconveniencies unavoidably attending a general elec- tion may be put an end to as foon as pofTible : but I fhould think myfelf inexcufeable if I parted with this Parliament without doing them the jullice to acknowledge the many fignal proofs they had given, through the courfe of feven years, of their duty, fidelity, and attachment to my perfon and govern- n:ient, and their conftant regard to the true interell of their country. The profperity and glory of my reign depend upon the affec- tion and happinefs of my people, and the happinefs of my peo- ple upon my preferving to them all their legal rights and privileges, as eilablilhed under the prefent fettlement of the crown in the proteltant line : a due execution and flridl obfer- vance of the laws are the beft and only fecurity both to fove- reign ai,id fubje£l ; their intereft is mutual and infeparable, and therefore their endeavours for the fupport of each other ought to S s 2 be ( 628 ) be equal and reciprocal ; any infringement or encroachment upon the rights of either, is a diminution of the flrength of both ; "which, kept within their due bounds and limits, make that juft balance which is neceflary for the honour and dignity of the crown, and for the protedtion and profperity of the people : what depends upon me, fhall, on my part, be reli- gioufly kept and obferved : and I make no doubt of receiving the juft returns of duty and gratitude from them. I muft, in a particular manner, recommend it to you, and' from your knoAvn afFe<£lion, do expedl that you will ufe your' befl endeavours to heal the unhappy divifions of the nation, and to reconcile the minds of all who truly and fincerely wifli the fafety and welfare of the kingdom : it would be the grcateft fatisfadfion to me to fee a perfedl; harmony reftored amongft them that have one and the fame principle at heart, that there might be no diftindion, biit of fuch as mean the fupport of our prcfent happy conftitution in church and ftate, and fuch as wifh to fubvert both : this is the only dillinftion that ought to prevail in this country, where the intereft of king and people is one' and the fame, and where they cannot fubfift but by being fo. If religion, liberty, and property were never at any time more fully enjoyed, without not only an attempt, but even the fhadow of a defign, to alter or invade them, let not thefe facred' names be made ufe of as artful and plaufible pretences to un- dermine the prefent eftablilhment, under which alone they can be fafe. I have nothing to wifli, but that my people may not be mif- guided : I appeal to their own confciences for my condu6t, and hope the providence of God will dire£l them in the choice of fuch reprefentatives as are mofl: fit to be trufled with the care and prefervation of the proteftant religion, the prefent eftablifhment, and all the religious and civil rights of Great Britain. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's com- mand, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to Tuefday, the fourteenth day of May next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuefday, the fourteenth day of May next. Speech H ( 629 ) Speech hy the Lord Chancellory yanuary 2^y 1735. My Lords and Gentlemen, IS Majefty hath commanded me to let you know, that he is not pleafed to declare his reafons for calling this Parlia- ment, till there be a Speaker of the Houfe of Commons ^ and therefore it is his Majedy's pleafure, that you. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, immediately repair to the place where the Commons ufually fit, and there chufe a fit perfon to be yfeur Speaker ; and that you prefent him whom you (hall fo chufe, to his Majefty here, for his royal approbation, on Thurfday, the twenty-third of this month, at two of the clock. Speech by Afr. Onflow^ Speaker of the Houfe of Commons , January 2'^y 1735. May it pleafe your moft excellent Majefty, npHE Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aftembled, have, in purfuance of your Majefty's diredion, and ac- cording to their ancient right, proceeded to the eledion of one of their members, to be prefented to your Majefty, for their Speaker. And their choice. Sir, has again fallen upon me for this important truft. An office. Sir, which almoft in all times has been deemed too important and difficult for any perfon to undertake, with- out expreffing his fears and dread of not performing bis duty in it, and of the State thereby receiving detriment through his inabilities. A caution, Sir, none can ufe better than they who have ex- perienced the difficulty ; nor your Majefty's power of remitting your Commons to another choice, be better exercifed than where you, Sir, have experienced a former infufficiency My knowledge fuggefts the one, my fears the other. Both make it a matter of duty in me to be an humble fuitor to your Majefty. That, in grace to your faithful Commons, your Majefty will be pleafed to fend them back to reconfider v.'hat they have *• done, and to make choice of fome other perfon on this occrifion, more proper than 1 am tor their fervice, and your royal appro- bation. Ss3 Thca" ( h^ ) Then the Lord Chancellor, receiving dirc£lions from his Majefty, faid, Mr. Onslow, TJIIS Majefty having experienced your ability and iritegrity in. the execution of the important office of Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, and your zeal for his fervice, and for the interefl of your country, commands me to let you know that he entirely approves the choice the Commons have made of yon to be their Speaker : his Majefty therefore is not pleafed to admit your excufe, but allows and confirms you to be Speaker. W Then Mr. Speaker faid : yHATEVER difficulties, Sir, may attend the execution of the office your Majefty has now been pleafed to con- firm me in, whatever my fenfe may be of my inability to per- form it as I ought, it is my duty to fubmit myfelf to your Ma- jefty's commands, and to acknowledge with all gratitude, your Majefty 's grace to me, and the high honour 1 receive in this promotion ; and to afTure your Majefty as I do, of my beft en- deavours to difchar.£;e this great truft with impartiality and up- xightnefs of mind, as what 1 am fenfible will beft recommend my poor fervices to your favourable conftruction, and be mofl: likely to induce your Majefty's pardon of my failings and infir- mities, which I humbly implore of your Majefty, at lenft that they may be imputed only to me, and in no wife to your faith- ful Commons ; and that your Commons in Parliament may be the better enabled to perform their duty to your Majefty and their country, I do, in their name, and on their behalf, by huinble petition to your Majefty, lay claim to all their ancient rights and privileges, particularly that they, their fervants, and cftates, may be free from arrefts and all moleftations ; that they may enjoy freedom of fpeech for the better management of their debates, and have liberty of accefs to your royal perfon, "when occafion (Jiall require it ; and that all their proceed- ings may receive from your Majefty the moft benign inter- pretation. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's further com- mands, faid, Mr. Speaker, TTiS Majefty is fully fatisfied of the duty and affeftion of the Houfe of Commons, and of their difcretion and temper ; his Majefty therefore very readily grants them all their privi- leges ( 631 ) leges, in as ample a manner as they have at any time been granted or allowed by any of his royal predeceffors. As to what you have defired with regard to yourfelf, his Ma- jefty will always put the moft favourable conflru6tion upon your words and adlions, in the execution of your duty, if yon. Sir, who are fo converfant in the rules and ufages of Parlia- ment, fhould ever (land in need of it. His Majejly's moft gracious Speech^ January 27, 1735. My Lords and Gentlemen, •npHE prefent pofture of affairs in Europe is fo well known to you all, and the good or bad confequences that may arife and afFe£l us, from the war being extinguilhed or being carried on, are fo obvious, that I am perfuaded you are met to- gether fully prepared and determined to difcharge the great truft repofed in you, at this critical conjun motion, to fecure to themfelves fuch fupports as time and occafion may require, for me to fit {till, and negledt opportunities which, if once loft, may not only be irretrievable, but turned as greatly to our prejudice, as they will prove to our advantage, by being leitfcnably fecurcd, and which, if neglected, would h-ivc been thought a juft caule of complaint : this neceflary confidence, placed in me, has given great weight to my endeavours for the public good, Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered the accounts and cltiraates to be prepared and laid before you, of fuch extraordinary expenfes as were in- curred laft year, and of fuch fervices as I think highly necef- fary ( 633 ) hry to be carried ori and provided for ; and whatever additional charges fliall be tound neceiTary fhall be reduced, as foon as it can be done confiftently with the common fecurity. And, as the treaty with the crown ot Denmark is attended with an expenfe, 1 have ordered the fame to be laid before you. I make no doubt but I fhall find in this Houfe of Commons the fame zeal, duty, and affedlion, as I have experienced through the whole courfe of my reign ; and that you will raife the nece'dary fupplies with cheerfulnefs, unanimity, and dif- paich. The fenfe of the nation is beft to be learned by the choice of their reprefentatives; and I am perfuaded that the behaviour and condudl of my taithtul Commons will demonftrate to all the world the unihaken fidelity and attachment of my good fubjedts to my perfon and government. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is our happinefs to have continued hitherto in a ftate of peace; but, whilft many of the principal powers of Europe are engaged in war, the confequences mull: more or lefs afFc6l us; and, as the beft-concerted meafures are liable -to uncer- tainty, we ought to be in readinefs, and prepared againft all events; and if our expenles are, in fome degree, increafed, to prevent greater, and fuch as, if once entered into, it would be diiTicult to fee the end of, I hope my good ibbje^ls will not repine at the necelTary means of procuring the bleillngs of peace, and of univerfal tranquillity, or of putting ourfelves in a condition to a£l that part which it may be neceflary and in- cumbent upon us to take. Addrefs to his Afajcjiyhy the Houje of Commons, Jan. 28, 1735. Moft gracious Sovereign, TXT'E, your Majeity's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the ^^ Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfcmbled, beg leave to return our humbled thanks fur your Majeity's iBolt gracious fpeech from the throne, and to acknowledge, in the moft grateful manner, your Majefty's tender and affedlionate concern for the welfare of your people, in fleadily purfiiing fuch meafures as have tended towards peace and accommoda- tion, rather than to involve too precipitately this kmgdom, and all Europe, in a general and bloody war. Among fo many differing intcrefls and contending powers, engaged in the prefent war, it is your Majefty's wifdom and good- f 634 ) I goodnefs alone which could have fecured to us our prefent happy fituation; and the crown of Great Britain could never appear with greater honour and luftre than by your Majefty's interpofing your good offices between the contending parties; and, as they have received them with due refpedl, we cannot but hope their own prudence will help to complete fodefirable a work. It is our duty, and we beg leave to exprefs the greatefl: gra- titude to your Majefty for the care and concern which muft have attended your unwearied endeavours, both in beginning and carrying on thofe good offices; which, being accepted, have brought things to fo great a forwardnefs, that a plan, in concert with the States General, may, in a fhort time, be of- fered to the confideration of all the powers engaged in the ■war; which, notwithftanding the great difficulties that mufl attend fo great a work, may ferve for the bafis of a general negotiation of peace, confiltent with- the honour and intereft of all parties, as far as the circumftances of time and the pre- fent fituation of affairs will permit. If thefe meafures, concerted for the common repofe and tranquillity of all Europe, fhould imhappily meet with any diiappointment, your Majefty's wifdom and care muft; be ac- knowledged to havedeferved that fucccfs which the wifcft coun- fcls cannot always command; but, whatever the event may be, ■we beg leave to afTure your Majelly, That this Houfe will cheerfully and effeftually raife fuch fupplies as fliall be necef- fary for the honour and fccurity of your Majefty and thefe kingdoms, and enable your Majefty to am the throne. We ( ^39 ) We are truly fenfible of your Majefty's early endeavours to put an end to the war ; and can never enough admire the fteady application with which you purfued that great work, by the joint interpolition of the good offices of your Majefty and the States General. And it is with the warmed gratitude we acknowledge your •Majerry's particular care and circumfpeftion in all your pro- cedings, not to involve this nation unnecellarily in the war, v.hen, at the fame time, your Majefty fhewed you were not infenfible of the imminent danger that threatened the liberties of Europe, from a longer continuance of it upon fo unequal a foot; a condu6l wherein your Majefty plainly proved you equally confulted the immediate interelts of your people, and that balance of power in Europe, upon which the fafety and commerce of this nation fo much depend; at once faving this nation from all the prefent calamities of war, and trying to avert the future neceffity of its being at laft obliged to take its fhare and hazard in them. We cannot but be fenfible of your Majefty's wifdom and im- partiality in forming the plan of pacification, propofedby your Majefty and the States General to the powers engaged in the war; which, although not immediately accepted by the con- tending parties, nor anfwering the defired effedl, by preventing the opening of the campaign, has been fo far adopted, that the moft material and elfential parts of it have been agreed to by the princes originally and principally concerned in this rupture, and recommended by them to their allies, as preliminary arti- cles to a general pacification. Upon this happy turn the affairs of Europe have taken, we moft heartily congratulate with your Majefty; and when we confider the afiurances your Majelty has been gracioufly pleafed to give us, that thefe preliminaries do not eflTentially vary from the plan of pacification concerted by your Majefty and the States General, and the ready approbation your Majefty and the States General have given of them; a juft confidence in your wifdom, and the. experience we have of your conftant and pa- ternal care of the true intereft of your people, through the v.'hole courfe of this great and intricate work, leave us not the icaft room to entertain a doubt, but that the preliminary condi- tions of this pacification, fo founded, and fo approved, will give general fatisfaclion ; in which perfuafion we are further confirmed, by the great probability there appears to be of their being accepted and agreed to by all the powers engaged in the war. The early regard your Majefty has been grncioufty pleafed to fliew to the welfare of your people, in taking the firft oppor- }. tunitv. ( 640 ) timity, on this great and fortunate e\-ent, to lighten the hufdert of their expenfes, by making a redu6lion of your forces, both by fea and land, isfuch a mark of your care in confulting their intcreft, and of your tendt;r concern for their eafe, tnat we Ihould be as unjiilt to our own gratitude, as to your Majefty's goodnefs, if we fail to teftify the one, and acknowledge the other, in the ftrongeH: and moll dutiful manner: and as we look upon this, added to all the other meafures of your glorious and happy reign, as a proof that the eftimates tor the prefent year will be proportioned to the fituation of affairs, and the purpofes to which they i]<:.]\ be found neceilary; fo we beg leave to aflare your Majcily, that we will cheerfully and effec- tually raife fuch fnpplies, as the pofture of our prefent happy circumftances ihall require, and fufficient to fupport the dig- nity of the crown, and the honour and interefl of your Majefty's fubjefti, and dominions. And, if fuch motives could want any additional circumftance to exciie us to fulfil our duty to your Majefly and our country, the refie6lion on the good effects the extraordinary fupplies granted the lafl year to your Majefty mult have had in contri- buting to bring this long-laboured work to fo happy an iiTue, joined to the confcioufnefs of the influence your Majefty's councils mult ever have in the affairs of Europe, vvhilft a loyal Parliament Ihe-As itfeif determined to fupport the refoldtions of a wife and cautious prince, cannot fail to operate with their due weight, in making us perfevere in our endeavours to give a luftre to your Majelly's reign abroad, equal, if pollible, to the happinefs we enjoy from it at home. I H'ls Mujcffs Anfiuer^ jfanuary iCj, '736* * Gentlemen, RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs. I am very well pleafcd that my endeavours to rcltore the public tranquillity have met Vv'iih your aj'>probation ; and you may be affured my future care fhall be employed to the utmoft of my power, to render the peace of Europe perfect and lafting, and to make you a flouri filing and happy people. Uii. ( 641 ) His Afaje/Iy*s mojl gracious Speech, May 20, 1 736, My Lords and Gentlemen, ' I ''HE difpatch you have given to the public bufinefs, and the advanced feaion of the year, make it proper to put an end to this fedion of Parliament. I acquainted you at your firft meeting, that preliminary articles had been concluded between the Emperor and the molt Chriftian King; fince which time, a further convention, con- cerning the execution of them, hath been made, and communi- cated to me by both thefe courts; and negotiations are carrying on by the feveral powers engaged in the late war, in order to fettle the general pacification. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the provifions you have made for the fervice of the current year: you can never better recom- mend yourfelves to my efleem, and to the good opinion of thofe you reprefent, than by raifing the fupplies neceffary for the fupport of my government, and for the fervice of the public, in a manner the moft efFedual, and the lead burdenfome to my people. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is a great concern to me, to fee fuch feeds of difTenfion fown among my good people, as, if not timely prevented, may prove very prejudicial to the peace and quiet of my kingdoms: it is my defire, and fhall be my care, to preferve the prefent conftitution in church and (late, as by law eltablilhed, perfedl and entire, and not to countenance any attempts to the preju- dice of either: good harmony, and mutual afFedion among all the proteftants of this nation, have been the great fecnrity of the prefent happy ellubiifhment, from the Revolution to this time: by this united Itrength, they will be able to refifl the- fe- cret and open attempts of our common enemies; but, divided^ they may become a prey to them: my protedion- fhall be im^ partially difpenfed to all my fubjeds, in thfe full enjoy tr.ent of their religious and civil rights; let it be your care, by your conduct in your feveral Rations, to make my endeavoiirs fot your common happinefs efFeitual. My Lords and Gentlemen, It being neceflary for me to vifit my dominions in Germany again this year, I have refolved to appoint the Queen Regent here during my abfence: the experience you have already had Vol. I. T t of ( 642 ) of her juft and prudent adminiftration, will, I doubt not, en- gage you all to make the weight of the public affairs as eafy to her as her wife condu6l will render the government agreeable to you : and this I recommend to you in a particular manner. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's com- mand, faid. My Lords and Gentlemen, T is his Majefiy's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to Thurfday, the 29th day of July next, to be then here held: and this Parliament is accordingly pro- rogued to Thurfday, the 29th day of July next. I W Speech by the Lord Chancellor ^ February i, 1 737. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'E are commanded by his Majefly to let you know, that as it is not convenient for his Majerty to be prefent here this day in his royal perfon, he has been pleafed, by letters patent under the great feal, to authorize his royal highnefs the Prince of Wales, and feveral lords therein mentioned, to do every thing in the name of his Majefly, which ought to be done on the part of his Majefty, in this Parliament, as may more fully appear by the letters patent. Then the faid letters patent being read, which were to the above purport, the I^ord Chancellor, as one of the com- raiilioners, made the following fpeech to both Houfes of Parliament. My Lords and Gentlemen, TN purfuance of the authority given us, by his Majefty's com- miflion under the great feal, amongft other things, to declare the caufes of his holding this Parliament, we are, by his Ma- jefiy's command, in the firft place, to obferve to you, that his Majefty acquainted you laft year, that he had, in conjunftion with the States General, given his approbation of certain pre- liminary articles concerted and agreed upon between the Em- peror and France, for reftoring the peace of Europe ; and that a further convention, concerning the execution of them, had been communicated to him by both thofe courts ; and that ne- gotiations were carrying on by the feveral powers engaged ii^ the late war, in order to fettle the gcnc/al pacification. We ( 643 ) We are now commanded by his Majefty to inform yon, that the refpedive a6ts of ceilion being exchanged, and orders given for the evacuation and polTelTion of the feveral countries and places by the powers concerned, according to the allotment and difpofition of the preliminary articles, the great work of re-eftablifhing the general tranquillity is far advanced: how- ever, it is his Majefiy's opinion, that common prudence calls upon us to be very attentive to, and obferve the final conclu- llon of, this new fettlement of fuch confiderable parts of Eu- rope: it is to be hoped, that a general and lading tranquillity will follow this reftitution of peace ; and that the renewal of fricndfhip and alliances, for the prefervation of it, among the feveral princes and powers of Europe, will remove all dangers and apprehenfions of any new troubles and diforders; but his Majefty apprehends, that an indolent fecurity, and too great a difregard to future events, may occafion mifchiefs more eafy to be prevented than to be remedied ; and that it would be very unadvifeable to leave ourfelves in fo defencelefs a condition, as to encourage any enterprifes which the enemies to the public peace may have vainly fuggefted, and flattered themfelves with the hopes of. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, His Majefty has ordered the proper officers to lay before you the eftimates for the fervice of the current year. As foon as the circumftances of the times would permit, his Maj-efly was pleafed to make fuch a redudion of fome part of the public ex- penfes, for the eafe of his people, as was confiftent with the peace and fafety of his kingdoms, the fecurity of our commerce, and the honour and intereft of the nation. My Lords and Gentlemen, His Majefty has been gracioufly pleafed to dire£l us to ac- quaint you, that he hath feen, with the greateft fatisfaflion, the unwearied application of tliis Parliament in framing good laws, for advancing the profperity and fecuringthe welfare of his loving fubjeds; and that it hath been one of his Majefty's principal cares to enforce them, by a due execution, with the ftridtelt regard to the rights and properties of his people; no invafion whereof can, with any colour, be fuggefted by the moft malicious enemies of the prefent eftabliftiment: whilft this hath been our condition, his Majefty cannot but obferve, that it muft be matter of the utmoft furprife and concern to every true lover of his country, to fee the many contrivances and attempts carried on, in various fliapes, and in different parts of the nation, tumultuoufly to rcfift and obftrudthe e^, T t 2 ecutijjjj ( 644 ) ecution of the laws, and to violate the peace of the kingdom : thefe difturbers of the public repofe, confcious that the interefts of his Majefty and his people are the fame, and of the good harmony which happily fublifls between him and his Parlia. ment, have levelled their fedition againftboth; and, in their late outrages, have either directly oppofed, or, at lead, en- deavoured to render ineffe6lual fome adlsofthe whole legif-^ lature: his Majefty, in his great wifdom, thinks it affords a melancholy profpedl, to confider to what height thefe auda- cious pra6iices may rife, if not timely fupprefled ; and that it deferves no fmall attention, that they may go on to affeil pri- vate pcrfons in the quiet enjoyment of their property, as well as the general peace and good order of the whole : his Majefty apprehends it to be unneceftary to inlarge upon a fubjed of this nature; and therefore hath commanded us barely to mention it to you, vsho, by the con ft ant tenor of your condudl have fhewn, that you confider the fupport of his authority, and the fecuriiyof his government, as infeparable from the prefervation of the public tranquillity and your own fafety. W Addrcfs to hh Majejiyby the Houfe of Commons j Feh» 2, 1737. _ Moft gracious Sovereign, S E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aflembled, return your Majefty our moft humble thanks for the fpeech delivered, by your Majefty's command, to both Houfes of Par- liament. We fee, with great fatisfa6lion, the happy profpeft of the final conctulion of the general pacification of Europe: and, when we remember your Majefty's unwearied endeavours to prevent this nation from being involved in the calamities of a deftrudtive war; and your conftant application in contributing, to the utmoft of your power, towards the great work of re- ftoring peace, from the tender care and concern which your Majefty has always fhewn for the future peace and profperity of your people, as well as lor the common welfare of man- kind, we make no doubt but that your Majefty will continue to co-operate with your good allies, that the conclufion of the peace may be attended with a general and lafting tran- quillity. Duty and gratitude to your Majefty, and a due regard to our ovvn interefts and fecurity, will engage us not to negleft any neceftary precautions which may beft conduce to enable your Mujefty to difappoint and defeat all groundlefs hopes anS 3 ' cxpec- ( 645 ) txpe£latIons which the del'ided enerrties of the public peace may have vainly fuggeftcd and flattered themfelves with. And we beg leave to aflTure your Mijefty, that we will cheerfully and effedually raife the fupplies neceffary for the fervice of the current year ; and fupport your Majefty in all inch meafures as Ihall be found requiiite to preferve the peace and fafety of the ki:igdom, the fecurity of our commerce, and the honour and iji.relts of your Majelly and your dominions. Moll: gracious Sovereign, Your faithful Commons cannot, without a juft indignation^ obferve the fpirit of fadlion and fedition which has lately mani- fefled itfelf in traducing and mifreprefenting the legiflature, in contemning all authority, and in open defiance of the laws of the land. It is with the higheft fcnfe of duty and gratitude we acknow- ledge your Majefty's goodnefs, not only in your ready concur- rence to all fuch wholefome laws as have been from time to time prepared by your Parliament, but in your coallant care to enforce them by a due execution, with theilri6left regard to the rights and properties of your people, and witnout the leaft co- lour or iliadow of any defign or attempt to ftretch bf violate the known laws of this realm, ' We cannot fufficiently exprefs our abhorrence of the many wicked and deteftablc pra61:ices which the difturbers of the pub- lic repofe have fecretly fomented, and openly Carried on, in tumultuouOy refilling and obftrudlingthe execution of the laws, and violating the peace of the kingdom. And we, your faithful Commons, do alTure your Majefly, that being fully perfuaded that the prefervation of the public tranquillity, and our own fafety, are infeparable from the fe- curity of your government, we will fupport your royal autho- rity, in fupprelhng and fubduing all feditious and riotous at- tempts that threaten the very being of our happy conflitution, and the utter fubverfion of thofe liberties which have been made the fpecious pretence for committing thcfe outrageous difordefs. McJJage from h'is_ Majcjiyy May 24^ 1737« George Rex. TLIIS Majefty hath been pleafed to dirc<^, that letters patent be prepared for granting 50,000/. per annum to the Prin- cefs of Wales, for her jointure, in cafe (he (hall furvive the JMnce; but, it uot being ip his Majefty's power to extend this Tt 3 pro- ( 646 ) provifion to the Princefs beyond his own life, his M ajcy hopes that you will think it reafonable to enable him to tnake this provifion for the Princefs certain andfecure to her, during the term of her own life. 1 His Majejlys mojl gracious Speech j^ "J^^e 21, I737« My Lords and Gentlemen, AM come to put an end to this feflion of Parliament, that you may be at liberty to retire into your feveral countries, and, in your proper ftations, to promote the peace and welfare of the kingdom. I return you my thanks for the particular proofs you have given me of your aftedion and regard to my perfon and ho- nour ; and hope the wifdom and juftice which you have fhevvnj^ upon fome extraordinary incidents, will prevent all thought of the like attempts for the future. The condudt of this Parliament has been fo uniform in all your deliberations upon public affairs, that it would be asunju{\ rot to acknowledge it, as it is unneceffary to enumerate the feveral particulars. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, Your care, as well in raifing the fupplies neceffary for the fervice of the current year, as in doing it in the manner the leaft grievous and burdenfome to my people, is a frefh inftance of your equal concern for the fupport of my government, and for the true intereft of your country. My Lords and Gentlemen, ' "You cannot be infenfible what juft fcandal and offence the licentioufnefs of the prefent times, under the colour and difguife of liberty, gives to ^11 honeft and fober men, and how abfo- liitely neceffary it is to reftrain this exceffive abufe by a due and vigorous execution of the laws; defiance of all authority, con- tempt of magiftracy, and even refi (lance of the laws, are be- come too general, although equally prejudicial to the preroga- tive of the crown, and liberties of the people, the fupport of the one being infeparable from the proteftion of the other. I have made the laws of the land the conftant rule of my a6lions ; and I do with reafon expeft, in return, all that fubmiflion to my authority and government, which the fame laws have made the duty, and ihall always be the intereft, of my fubie5ls were great, and wife, and good; alternately we beheld her fubmiftibn in this charadter, and felt her mildnefs in the other: and, great as the diftance may feem from command to fiibjeflion, the tranfition to her was eafy ; whofe abilities were equs^l to any fuuation, and whofe temper could conform to all; as refigned to the duties of a Q^ieen-confort, as capable of the high office of guardian of the realm ; as ready to fubmit, as able to command ; and equally an example to all fovereigns when (he ruled, and to all fubjedls when Ihe obeyed. And though your Majefty 's juft and great concern on this occafion would, perhaps, receive no extenuation from the comfort your faithful Commons might vainly try to admi- niftcr, yet, that nothing may be wanting on our parts, which may contribute to the making your Majefty's government the fource of our profperity, as eafy to yourfelf as it has ever been lo your fubjecfts, we do aft'ure your Majefty, that we will not only carefully avoid all heats and animoiities, but will, with the sreateft ( 649 ) greatefl; reidincfs, efFe6lually raife the fupplies necefTary for the lervice of the cunen: year; and, with a zeul and artcciion be- coming the reprefentatives of a grateful people, make all ne- ceirary piovifjons for the honour, peace, and fecurity of your crown and kingdoms-, demonltrating to all the world, that the fupport -.'f your Majefty's government, and the public fafety, are conftantly our care; and that we defire nothing more than the prefervaiion of our wife ancf.excellent conrtiiution, in the 'ame happy, firm, and envied fituatlon, in which it was deli- vered down to us from our anccilors, and your Majefty's great predecefibrs. But wliilfV, by thefe means, we endeavour to prevent any additional difquiet from approaching your royal perfon, we mud beg leave to lay again before your Majefty the anxious grief of your whole people, together with their hun.ble and moll earned wilhes, that your Majefty's known refolution may aid time in alleviating your forrow for that lofs which nothing can repair, and in rellori^g to your Majeily that tranquillity of mind, which can ajpne free us from the moft foliciious fears fot- a life, on which thehappincfs of your royal family, and of this afflidled nation, fb. immediately depends. Anfiver by his Alajejiyy January 27, lyS^^ Gentlemen, ■ • , I RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and very affec- tionate addrefs; I am fo fenfibly touched by this convincing proof of your particular regard to me, that I am not able, m this diftrefs, to command myfelf fufficiently to exprefs the juft fenfe I have of your affefticn and concern for me upon this occafion. His Majtjlys moji gracious Speech^ May 20, 1738' My Lords and Gentlemen, iT is with great fatisfadlion I obferve, that the temper and -■■ moderation which I recommended to you, at the opening of this felfion, have been fo well preferved through the general courfe of your proceedings; and that, from a due regard to me and my honour you have avoided all imneceifary occafion<^ of heats and animofitles, and made the intereft of your country the principal object of your care and confideration. Gentleme* ( 650 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the fupplies which you have Co cheerfully and effectually raifed for the fervice of the current year. The provifion you have made to anfwcr all emergencies which may become necelTary, in vindication of the honour and intereft of my crown and people, is a great proof of your zeal and concern for the welfare and profperity of the nation; and fhall be employed by me, in fuch a manner as may beft conduce to thofe ends and purpofes for which you have fo readily con- fented to this extraordinary expenfe. My Lords and Gentlemen, Agreeably to what hath appeared to be the concurrent opi- nion of both Houfes of Parliament, I have given orders to repeat, in the ftrongeft and moft preifing manner, my inftances at the court of Spain, for obtaining fatisfacSlion for the many injuries and lofTes fuftained by my trading fubjeds in America, as well as an efFedual fecurity of their rights for the future ; and, I hope, from the juftice and equity of the Catholic King, to procure fuch fatisfaftion and fecurity, as may preferve the peace, and eftablifh a free and uninterrupted exercife of navi- gation and commerce, niutually, between the fubjeils of both crowns, purfuant to our treaties, and the law of nations. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's command, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- -■■ ment be prorogued to Thurfday, the twenty-feventh day of July next, to be then here held ; and this Parliament is ac- cordingly prorogued to Thurfday, the twenty-feventh day of July next. His Majefiy's mojl gracious Speech, Ftbruary i, 1739. My Lords and Gentlemen, I HAVE, upon all occafions, declared how fenfibly I have been afFedled with the many hardfhips and injuries fuftained by my trading fubje»£ts in America. I have the honour of my crown, and the true intereft of my people, too much at heart, to fee either of them fufFer any prejudice or diminution, with- out purfuing the moft proper and advantageous methods for their real fecurity and prefervation» Thefe ( 6si ) Thefc confiderations alone were fufficient to incite me to^ exert my utmoft power, in vindicating and prote£ling our un- doubted rights and privileges of navigation and commerce i and nothing could add to my own zeal in lb jufl: a caufe, but the due regard I always have to the petitions and complaints of my fub- jeds, and the advice of my Parliament. The wifdom and pru- dence of your refolutions upon this great and national concern determined me to begin with the more moderate meafures; and to try once more, what efFe6t and influence my friendly en- deavours and prefling inflances would have upon the court of Spain, towards obtaining that fatisfadion and fecurity which we were intitled to demand andexped: and your aiFurances, to fupport me in all events, enabled me to proceed with propel weight and authority. Thus fupported by the concurrent advice of both Houfes of Parliament, I loft no time in making preparations to do my- felf and my people juftice, if the condudl of the court of Spain had laid us under that neceflity; and, at the fame time, I did, in the ftrongeft manner, repeat my inftances for obtaining fuch juftice and reparation for the many injuries and lofles already fuftained, and fuch an effeftual fecurity for the future, as might prevent the confequences of an open rupture. It is now a great fatisfailion to me that I am able to acquaint you, that the meafures I have purfued have had fo good an effe6l, that a convention is concluded and ratified between me and the King of Spain; whereby, upon confideration had of the demands on both fides, that prince hath obliged himfelf to make reparation to my fubjedls for their loftes, by a certain flipulated payment; and plenipotentiaries are therein named and appointed for regulating, within a limited time, all thofe grievances and abufes which have hitherto interrupted our com- merce and navigation in the American feas; and for fettling all matters in difpute in fuch a manner as may for the future prevent and remove all new caufcs and pretences of complaint, by a ftrid obfervance of our mutual treaties, and a juft regard to the rights and privileges belonging to each other. I will order the convention, and the fcparate articles, to be laid be- fore you. It hath been my principal care to make ufe of the confidence you repofed in me, in this critical and doubtful conjunfture, with no other view, but the general and lafting benefit of my kingdoms; and if all the ends which are to be hoped for, even from fuccefsful arms, can be attained without plunging the na- tion into a war, it muft be thought, by all reafonable and un- prejudiced perfons, the moft defirable event, Gentlemea ( 652 ) Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, 1 have ordered the proper edimates to be prepared and laid before you, for the fervice of the current year. 1 heartily with that the pofture of affairs would have permitted me to retrench the public exper.fts, for which I am obliged to demand the preftnt fupplies: and I make no doubt, but your experienced xeal and affe*5lion for me and my government, and the proper concern you have aKvays Ihewn for the public good, will induce you to grant me fuch fupplies as you iliall had nccclTary for the honour and fecurity of me and my kingdonis. My Lords and Gentlemen, I cannot but earncdly recommend it to you, not to fuffer any prejudices or animolitics to have a (hare in your deliboraiions at this important conjundure; which feems, in a particular man- ner, to call upon you to unite, in carrying on fuch meafures as will be mod conducive to the true intereft and advantage of my people. Addrefs by the Houfe of Common i to the King, Feb. 2, 1739» Moft gracious Sovereign, VjrrE; your Maje^y's m oft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the ^ Conimons of Great Britain, in Parliament airea.bled, do beg leave to return your Majcfty our ui.fcigned thanks for your Majefty's m.o(l gracious, fpeech from the throne. We acknowledge your Maje'dy's great goodnefs, in the con- ftant regard your Majefly has b^en pleafed to exprefs to the pe- titions and complaints of your fubjcdls, and the advice of your Parliament, and in purfuing fuch meafures for the honour and dignity of your crown, and the true interert of your people, as your Majelty in your great wifdom judged to be molt proper and advantageous. We congratulate your Majefty on the fuccefs of your royal endeavours, in concluding a convention with the King of Spain, whereby reparation is ftipulatcd to be made and paid to your Majefly's injured fubjeils; and plenipotentiaries are ap- pointed tor regulating all thofe grievances and abufcs which have hitherto interrupted our commerce and navigation, and for removing all future caufes and pretences of complaint. We beg leave to affiire your Majefty,. that your faithful Coinmons will effedually fupport your Majefty in accom- plilhing and bringing to perfection this great and neceffary work, in fuch a manner as may anfwer the jult demands a^d expedations of your Majefty and your people. Andl ( 653 ) And your Majefly may be alTured, that your faithful Com- mons will grant to your Majelly fuch fupplies as fhall be ne- celfary for the honour and fecurity of your Majefty and your kingdoms; and that we will endeavour to avoid all heats and animofitics in carrying on the public bullnefs at this criiicai and iaiportant conjundure. Mh Majcjlys Anfweiy Ftb\ nary z^^ ^739* Gentlemen, T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal ad- -*• drefs; and you may be aiuired, that 1 will ufe my beft en* deavours to bring this important affair to a fpeedy and happy conclufion. Mtffage from his JUajcJiy to the Houje of Commons, May 3, 1739. George Rex. "LI IS Majefty being retrained by the laws now in being from making provifion for his younger children, ottt of the he- reditary revenues of the crovvn, in fuch manner as his royal predecelTors have ufually done; and being defirous that com- petent provifions may be made for the honourable fupport and maintenance of his dearly beloved fon the Duke of Cumber- land, and of his dearly beloved daughters the four young Prin- ceffes, his Majefty hopes that he (hall be enabled, by a(9 of Parliament, to grant an annuity of 15,000/. per annum to the Duke of Cumberland, and his iffue, and an annuity of 24,000/ per annum to the four PrinccHes; to take effed after his demife: and recommends the conlideration thereof to this Houfe. Mcffage from his Majefly to the Hottfe 0/ Commons, May 10, 1739* George Rex. "OlS Majefty being truly felicitous for the peace and welfare of thefe kingdoms, and defirous to"contribute, as far as in him lies, towards prefcrving the public tranquillity, and the balance of power in Europe, hath concluded with the King of Denmark a treaty, agreeable to that which expired in 1737; and has ordered the fame to be laid before this Houfe, that he may be enabled to make good the engagements which he hath thereby entered into. And, ( 654 j >\nd as events may happen during fuch time as it may be impoflible for his Majefty to have the immediate advice and alliltance of his great council, upon any emergency, arifing Irom the prefent pofturc of affairs in Europe, which may nearly concern the honour, intereft, and fafety of thefe king- doms ; his Majefty hopes he (hall be enabled and fupported by his Parliament, in making fuch further augmentation of his forces, either by fea or land, as may become abfolutely ne- celfary ; and in concerting fuch meafures as the exigency of affairs may require ; and whatever expenfe (hall be thereby occafioned, (hall be made in as frugal a manner as is podible ; and an account thereof (hall be laid before this Houfe the next kffion of Parliament. His Majejiyi moji gracious Speech y June 14, 1739. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'I ''HE difpatch you have given to the public bufinefs that has been under your confideration makes it proper to put an end to this feflion of Parliament, and to give you that recefs tvhich the feafon of the year requires. You have fo fully declared your fentiments, as well with regard to the paft condudl of Spain, as to the meafures that might become necelfary to be purfued, in confequence of any part which that court might afterwards take, and enabled me to a6t in all events as the honour and intereft of my crown and kingdoms (hall require, that no inconvenience can arife from the immediate want of your further a(riftance, during the lecefs of Parliament. And I (hall fo entirely rely upon the affurances you have given me, with fo much zeal and unani- mity, and upon your effectually fupporting me in following the concurrent advice of both Houfcs of Parliament, that I will not be wanting in my endeavours to vindicate and maintain our undoubted rights, and to anfwer the juft expedations cxf my people. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the neccffary provifions you have made for the fervice of the current year in fo ample a man- ner. The extraordinary fupply which you have granted me towards augmenting my forces, by fea and land, is fuch a proof of your affc6lion and confidence in me, and of your conftant attention to the fervice of your country, that I cannot enough commend this feafonable care of the welfare and fafety of the kingdom. My ( 655 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, I am perfuaded it is unneceflTary for me to recommend to vour ferious confideration, the fatal confequences that may threaten a nation divided within itfelf, inflamed, and mifled by all the wicked arts and infmuations that malice and falfehood can fuggeft. It is too obvious what advantages our commoa enemies wait to take from the heats and animofities, that, under groundlefs pretences, are induftrioufly fomented and fpread throughout the kingdom. Let all who profefs them- felves zealous aflertors of the rights and privileges, laws and liberties of their country, and of the proteftant religion, under the prefent eftablifliment, unite in the defence of thefe inefli- mable bleflings : let the honour, profperity, and fafety of the kingdom become one common caufe, and reconcile all civil difcords and divifions ; that, by your unanimity, you may dif- appoint the only hopes and vain expeclations of our enemies. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's command, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- -*• ment be prorogued to Thurfday, the ninth day of Auguft next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thurfday, the ninth day of Augud next. His Majejlys moji gracious Speech, Nov, 15, 1739. My Lords and Gentlemen, nPHE prefent pofture of our affairs has obliged me to call you -*• together, at this time, fooner than has been ufual of late years, that 1 may have the immediate advice and affiftance of my Parliament at this critical and important conjundlure. I have, in all my proceedings with the court of Spain, a<^ed agreeably to the fenfe of both Houfes of Parliament ; and therefore I can make no doubt, but I (hall meet with a ready and vigorous fupport in this juft and necellary war, which the repeated injuries and violences committed by that nation upon the navigation and commerce of thefe kingdoms, and their ob- ftinacy, and notorious violation of the mod folemn engage- ments, have rendered unavoidable. I have augmented my forces by fea and land, purfuant to the power given me by Parliament ; which I have done with all the moderation that the fecurity and defence of my domi- nions. ( 656 ) nions, the prote£lion of our trade, and the necefTary means of didreiring and annoying our enemies in the irolt fenlible parts, would admit ; but, as thefe fervices will be various and exten- five, they mud inevitably be attended with great expenfes, and fome inconveniencies ; which, I alTure myfclf, will be fuftained ■with faiif war againft the crown of Spaia ; n war, wliich the repeated violences and depredations committed i v the Spanilli nation upon the trade and commerce of thefj kingdoms, the notorious violation of their mofl fblemn enga;^- ^■;^ents, their obftinate refufal of making reparation for pale injuries, and of giving fecurity againft the like for the future, have rendered juft and un- avoidable. It Is \vith the higheft fenfe of duty and gratitude we ac- knowledge your Majefty's wifdom and paternal care of your people, in making ufe of the pov/er granted to your Majefty by Parliament for the fecurity and defence of thefe kingdoms, for the prote6lion of our trade, and for the diftrefling and an- noying our enemies in the moft fenfible and cffedlual manner ; and "we beg leave to alfure your Majefty, that nothing fhall divert or deter us from fuftaining, with fatisfadtion and cheer- fulnefs, any extraordinary expenfes and inconveniencies that muft inevitably attend the various and extcnfive fervices which your Majefty iliall find neceffary to undertake, in vindicating the honour of your crown, in ailerting the rights of your peo- ple, and in procuring juftice to an injured and provoked na- tion. And w« befeech your Majefty to accept the ftrong-eil and moft affe£iionate affurances, that, in defence of your Majefty's kingdoms, and in fupport of the common caufe of our country, we will raife fuch etfe£lual fupplies, and with fuch cheerful- nefs and difpatch as will forward and give fpirit to your Majefty's preparations, and enable your Majefty to carry on the war with vigour. And your dutiful Commons being truly fenfible of the fatal confequences of inteftine heats and animofities, will, with a zeal becoming the reprefentatives of the people in Parliament, endeavour to compofe thofe unhappy divifions which have too long prevailed among your Majefty's fubjeils ; and we do afliire your Majefty, that nothing ihall be wanting on our part to reftore to the nation that union and harmony which may effeilually defeat and difappoint all the vain proje61s, liopcs, and cxpe6iations of your Majefty's open and fecrct fucmies, both at home and abroad. U u 2 Hit ( 66o ) His Mojcjiys Afifvccvy JNovember 19, 1739. Gentlemen, T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and affedlonate -■- addrefs. The unanimous fupport of my faithful Commons, in this juft and national caufe, will add the greateft weight to my warlike preparations ; and, by the blelling of God, be the fureft means of procuring fuccefs to my arms, and juftice to my injured people. McJJ age from his Majejiy to the Houfe of Commons^ Feb. 12, 1 740, George Rex. TJIIS Majefty, in further profccution of the juft and necef- fary war in which he is engaged, having under his confi- deration certain meafures which will occafion fome extraordi- nary expenfcs, not comprehended in the eflimates laid before this Houfe, hopes, from the known zeal of his faithful Com- mons, that he fhall be enabled to carry on the fame in the moft effectual maimer. H Meffagefrom his Majefly to the Houfe of Commons, Mar» 6, 1 740. George Rex. IS Majefly having received propofals for a marriage be- tween the Princefs Mary and Prince Frederick of Hefle, fon of Prince William, Landgrave of Pleffe, brother to the King of Sweden, has been pleafed favourably to accept and agree to the fame '; and has thought proper to communicate his intentions to this Houfe : and as his Majefty can make no doubt, but that this alliance with fo confiderable a proteftant family, will be to the general fatisfa61ion of all his good fub- je6ls, he promifes himfelf the concurrence and afTiftance of this Houfe, in enabling him to give fuch a portion to his daughter, as may be fuitable to the honour and dignity of his crown and family, Addrefs by both Houfcs to his Majefy^ March 17, 1740. Moft gracious Sovereign, TT7E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the ' Lords fpirilual and temporal, and Commons, in Parlia- ment aftembled, do congratulate your Majefty on the glorious fuccefs ( 661 ) fuccefs of your Majefty's arms in the Weft Indies, under the command of Vice-admiral Vernon, by entering the port and taking the town of Porto Bello, and demolifhini; and levelling all the forts and caftles belonging thereto, with ii.i Ihips of war only. This enterprize, fo wifely concerted, and fo bravely ccn- du£led, cannot fail of giving the utmoft joy to all your Ma- jefty's faithful fubjeds, fmce it affords the mod rcafonable hopes and expectations, that, by the blefling of God upon your Majefty's councils and arms, it may be attended with other important advantages, and highly contribute to the obtaining real and efFeclual fecurity of thofe juft rights of navigation and commerce belonging to your Majefty's fubje£ts ; for the prefervation of which your Majeliy entered into this neceilary war. His Ma'jejlys Anfwert March 19, 1740. My Lords and Gentlemen, THANK you for your dutiful congratulations on this fuc- cefs, which is fo much for the honour and intereft of my crown and kingdoms. The fatisfadtion you exprefs in the meafuresr I have taken is very agreeable to me. I His Majefty's moji gracious Speech y Jpril 2()^ 1740' My Lords and Gentlemen, 'T*HE zeal which you have fliewn for the fupport and pro- -*• fecution of the juft and neceflary war in which i am engaged, is a frefh proof of your concern for the honour and intereft of my crown and kingdoms. As this great and na« tional undertaking is the principal object of our attention and expedations, fo the juftice of our caufe, and the fuccefs which hath hitherto attended my arms, give us the mcft reafonable hopes, that, by the continuance of the Divine afliftance, we may fee a happy iftue of it. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I thank you for the effedual fupplies which you have granted me for the fervice of the current year. The beft re- turn 1 can make, is to alTure you, that they fhall be duly em- ployed to the purpofes for which ihcy were given. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have formerly recommended to you union amongft youN felves, as being highly conducive to the carrying on this great "^ ^ U u 3 work ( 662 ) work with honour an^ advantage, and to the mofe Cpetiy ob-* taining of all poilible juftice and fatisfaclion ffom the crown of Spain, for the many grievous injuries fufFcred by my fub- jc6ls, and eftedual fecurity for the freedom of oiir commerce and navigation for the luture. I do now earneftly exhort yoii to promote and extend that union in youf rcfpedlive countries. Let the fupp )rt of the common caulc of the nation prevail to attain tliis dcfirable end. Our enenaJes muft already have been made fenlible, in fome degree, of the weight of our juft re- fentment. They fee my kingdoms in foch a pofture of de- fence, as muft render all attempts from them, without encou- ragement from amongfl ourfclves, vain ai>d defperate. They fee the trade and navigation of my fubje£ls protcdled> as far as the nature and circumftanccs of a maritime war will poffibly admit ; and at the fame time, the molt valuable branches oi the Spanifh commerce greatly interrupted, and fubjedled to many difficulties and lolics. F rem thele happy effects of my early endeavours, and your ready concurrence at the firfl en- trance into the war, I cannot but hope that the preparations ■which I am now making for carrying it on in the molt proper places, and in the moit \ igorous and efFeclual m^anner, will be bleffcd with fuccefs equal to our jult expcdlations. And afterwards the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefly's com- mand, faid, My Lords and Gentlemen, "IT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ■*■ ment be prorogued to Tuefday, the third day of Jun-e next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuefday, the third day of June next. His Mojcjljs mojl grackus Speech, November l8, 1740. My Lords and Gentlemen, T Acquainted you at the clofe of the laft fellion of Parliament; •^ that 1 was making preparations far carrying on the juft and necelTary war in which I am engaged, in the moft proper places, and in the moll vigorous and elieclual manner. For this purpofe, ftrong fquadrons were got ready, and ordered to fail upon important fervices, both in the Welt Indies and Eu- rope, with as much ex})edition as the nature of thofe fervices and the manning of the Ihips would admit : a very confidera- ble body of land forces were embarked, which is to be jouied ( 653 ) by a great number of my fubjefls raifed in America ; and at! things neceflfary for tranfporting the troops from hence, and carrying on the defigned expedition, were a long time in readi- nefs, and waited only for an opportunity to purfue the intended voyage i The feveral incidents which have happened in the mean time, have had no efFedl upon me but to confirm me in my refolutions, and to determine me to add ftrength to my arma- ments, rather than to divert or deter me from thofe juft and vigorous mcafures v/hich I am purfuing for maintaining the; honour of my crown, and the undoubted rights of my people. The court of Spain, having already felt fome effeCls of our tefentmentj began to be fenlible that they Ihould be no longer able, alone, to defend themP.lves againlt the efforts of the Britifh nation : and if any other power, agreeably to fome late extraordinary proceedings, fhould interpofe and attempt to prefcribe or limit the operations of the war againft my declared enemies, the honour and interefi: of rny crovVn and kingdoms inuft call upon iis to lofe no time in putting ourfelves into fuch a condition, as may enable us to repel any infults, and to fruf- trate any defigns formed againft us in violation of the fait'i of treaties. And I hope any fuch unprecedented iteps, under what colour or pretence foever they may be taken, will infpire my allies with a true fenfe of the common danger, and will Unite us in the fupport and defence of the common caufe. The gre?t and unhappy event of the death of the late Em- peror opens a new fcene in the affairs of Europe, in which all the principal powers may be immediately or confequentially concerned. It is impoffible to determine what turn the policy, interell, or ambition of the feveral courts may lead them to take in this critical conjun£ture. It fhall be my care flridly to ob- ferve and attend to their motions, and to adhere to the engage- ments I am under, in order to the maintaining of the balance of power, and the liberties of Europe ; and, in concert with fuch powers as are under the fame obligations, or equally con- cerned to preferve the public fafety and tranquillity, toad fuch a part as may beft contribute to avert the imminent dangers that may threaten them. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered eftimates to be prepared and laid before you for the fervice of the enfuing year. It is always with regret that I afk any extraordinary aids of my people ; but what I have already mentioned, mufl be fufficient to fatisfy you, that fome augmentations will be neceifary, not only for carrying on the prefent war with vigour, but alfo to put ourfelves in acon- U u 4 dition ( 664 ) ilitibn of being prepared for fuch events as may arife in thi J new and uncertain fUte of Europe. I therefore depend on your experienced zeal and afFedion for me and my govern- ment, your concern for your own fafety and the fupport of the common caufe, to grant me fuch cifedual fupplies as may be requiiite for thefe great ends. My Lords and Gentlemen, The fcarcity of corn which has happened in many countries of Europe, has induced feveral powers to make extraordinary provifions to obviate the ill effe£ls of th^t misfortune ; and though in many parts of this kingdom the harvefl has proved more favourable, yet common prudence has called upon us to provide, as far as may be, again ft the approach of fuch a cala- mity. Befides, in our prcfent circumftances, it would be an inexcufable negleft to fuft'er our enemies to be fupplied with any kind of provifions from my dominions, and that even at the hazard of my own fubjedls being diftreifed. Let me there- fore earneftly recommend it to you, to confider of fome good law to prevent this grov/ing mifchief. The difficulties which have been found in manning the fleet, by the ufual methods hitherto prai'^ifed, demonftrate the want of fome parliamentary remedy. I muft therefore prefs it upon you to lofe no time in making fuch provifions in this refpedl, as, whilft we are engaged in a war in defence of the commerce and navigation of this kingdom, may enable the public to avail itfelf of thofe great numbers of feamen, which make fo valuable a branch of our ftrength. The importance of thefe confiderations is fo apparent, that I need ufe no arguments to convince you of the necellity of the utmofl unanimity and difpatch in your proceedings. Mdrefs hy the Houfe of Lordsi JSovcmber i^y 1740. Moft gracious Sovereign, "TXT'E, your jMajefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeils, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament aifembled, beg leave to return your Majeity our humble thanks for your moft gracious fpcech from the tlirone. The refolutions which your Majefty is pleaftd toexprefs, for carrying on this juft and neceffary war in the moft proper places, and in the moft vigorous and effedual manner, is fo agreea- ble to your royal wifdom, as well as to the united doifires of your people, that it fills our hearts with the moft grateful fentiments. As the Weft Indies has been the fcene of the moft outrageous 4 deprcda- ( 66s ) depredations and violences, committed by the Spaniards uport your Majerty's fubje£ts, we hope and truft, that by the blef- ling of God on your Majefty's councils and arms, this nation - will, in thofe parts more efpecially, obtain that juft fatlsfadtion tor pad injuries, and efFedlual fecurity for their navigation and commerce for the future, which have hitherto been refufed, contrary to the faith of the mod folemn treaties. We mud ever acknowledge it, amongft the many inftances of your Majefty's firmhefs and true greatnefs of mind, that you have not fuffered any incidents whatfoever to divert or deter you from thefe meafures : and we doubt not but your enemies will foon be convinced, that ,the fecurity of your Majefty's government at home muft be ftrengthened, in the affedlions and fupport of your people ; whilft your fquadrons are fent to diftant parts of the world, as well for maintaining their un- doubted rights and interefts, as the honour of your imperial crown. I Under this deep fenfe of our obligations to your Majefty, permit us to offer at your royal feet the ftrongelt afturances, that if any other power ftiould attempt to prefcribe or limit the operations of the war againft your declared enemies, fuch an extraordinary proceeding vvorild not fail to create in us the high- eft and moft becoming indignation, and to determine us to concur in all proper meafures for vindicating and defending your Majefty's dignity and honour againft any infults, and for fruftrating anv defign foimed againft us. We are truly fenlible that the death of the late Emperor is an event which calls for the vigilant attention of all thofe who fmcerely wifti well to the common fafety and tranquillity ; and we beg leave to afture your Majefty, that we will zealoufty ftand by and fupport you, in adhering to the engagements you are under, for maintaining the balance and liberties of Europe on that important occafion, as well as in the vigorous profccu- tion of the prefent war. To repeat the unfeigned profeftions that we have fo often made, of our unalterable fidelity and affedion to your Majef'* ty's facrcd perfon and government, and our zeal of the conti- nuance of the proteftant fuccelhon in your royal houfe, may feem unneceftary, when it is dcmonftrably our cllcntial inte- reft, as well as our duty, to pcrfevere in thefe principles. But we (hould be wanting to thofe warm imprelfions which we feel in oiirfelves, if we did not, in this conjundurc, declare to your Majefty and the whole world, the fixed and unlhaken purpofe of our hearts to defend and fupport this glorious caufe at the expenfe of our blood and treafure ; and ai the fame time, exprcfs our fincere and ardent wiflies, that all your tntcrprifes. f 666 ) enterprifes for maintaining the honour of yotir Majefly's ctff^h and the rights of your people, may be bleiTed with the rn^J profperous fucccfs. I His Majejlj'i Jnfivery November 19, 1740. My Lords, THANK you for this moft dutiful and afFe(£lionate addrefs- Nothing can be more agreeable to me, than the zeal you ex- prefs for the vigorous profecution of this juft and rreceflTary war, the fupport of my dignity and honour, and the prefervation of the balance and liberties of Europe \ all which I have entirely at heart. j^ddrefs by the Houfe of Commons, 'November 10, i74^* Mod gracious Sovereign, "TXTE, your Majefty's mofl: dutiful and loyal fubje£ls, the ^ Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alTembled, humbly beg leave to congratulate your Majefty on your fafe and happy return to thefe your regal dominions ; and to return our fmcere thanks for your Majefty's mofl gracious fpeech from the throne. Your faithful Commons, with hearts full of duty and grati- tude, cannot but acknowledge your Majefly's great regard for the honour and interefl of thefe kingdoms, in equipping fuel) ftrong fquadrons of men of war, and embarking a body of land forces, to be joined and (trengthened by a confiderable number of your Majelly's fubjedls railed in America, in order to carry on the war in thofe parts in the moft vigorous and effedual manner. We at the fame time beg leave to cxprefs our mofl dutiful fenfe of your Majefly's firmncfs and refolution, in not fuffering yourfelf to be diverted or deterred by any incidents from pur- fuing the jufl and vigorous meafures in which your Majefly is engaged, for maintaining the honour of the crown, and the undoubted rights of your people : and we affure your Majefty, that this Houfe will fland by and fupport your Majefly agalnft all attempts made in violation of the faith of treaties, or tend- ing to prcfcribe or limit the operations of the war againfl your Majefly's declared enemies. Your dutiful and loyal Commons will, with the utmofl cheerfulncfs, grant your Majeily fuch effedual fupplies as fliall be neceifary, not only for carrying on the prefent war with vigour, but alfo to put your Majefly in a condition of being prepared ( 667 ) prepared for fuch events as may arife from the new and uncer- Cain ftate of affairs in Europe. Your Majefty's tendernefs and concern for the eafe and welfare of your fubje£ls, in recommending to the confideratioa of Parliament the great diltrefs that may arife from the fcarcity of corn, calls upon us in the ftrongeft manner to lofe no tim.e in taking the mo(t proper and effedtual methods of avoiding thofe great and dangerous mifchiefs which fo apparently threa- ten us, and of not fuffering our enemies to be fupplied wirh any kind of provifions from any of your Majefty's dominions. We will alfo take fuch meafures as fliall be thought mod reafonable and practicable to enable your Majefty effeflually to man your royal fleets for the defence of the kingdom, for the I'ecurity of the trade and navigation of your Majel^y's fubjecfls, and for carrying on the war with vigour. His Afajejlys Anfwery 'November 21, 1740. Gentlemen, RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal addrefs, and for the alfurances you have given me of fupporting me in the profecution of this juft and necefTary war; and you may depend upon it, that the fupplies you Ihall grant me ihall be employed in the moft effedual manner, to Vindicate and fup- port the honour and intereft of my crown and kingdoms. I His Alajijiys moji gracious Speech f April 8, I74r« My Lords and Gentlemen, A T the opening of this fellion, I took notice to you of the "^^ death of the late Emperor, and of my refolution to adhere to the engagements 1 am under, in order to the maintaining of the balance of power, and the liberties of Europe, on that im- portant occafion. The alfurances I received from you in re- turn to this communication, were perfeflly agreeable to that zeal and vigour which this Parliament has always exerted, in the fupport of the honour and intereft of my crown and king- doms, and of the common caufe. The war which has fince broke out and been carried on in part of the Auftrian dominions, and the various and extenfive claims which are publicly made on the late Emperor's fuccef- lion, are new events that require theutmoft care and attention, as they may involve all Europe in a bloody war, and in con- sequence expofe the dominions of fuch princes as (hall take part ( 668 ) part in fupport of the pragmatic fanrds and Gentlemen, 'TpHE ^eal and difpatoh v/ith which you have gone through the public bufinefs, during the courfe of this feffion, arc undeniable proofs of your fteady regard to the welfare of your country \ and confequently the molt acceptable teftimonies of your duty and atfedion to me. The powerful aHiflance which you have given me for carrying on the juft and neceifary vfzr in which I am engaged, is the beft means of reducing our enemies to reafon ; and the vigour and earneftnefs which you have fo feafcnably (hewn for the defence of the Houfe of Auftria, and the maintenance of the balance and liberties of Europe, muft pive the greateft encouragement to our friends, Thefe are the methods to fecure to this nation that weight and influence abroad, which its natural ftrcngth and fituation en- title it to. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, It is with particular fatisfadlion I acknowledge your readt- nefs and application in raifing the fupplies for the fervice of the current year; which you have done with fojuft a regard to the prefent exigencies of the public, as (hews you to be the true reprefentativcs of my faithful Commons. My Lords and Gentlemen, I cannot part with this Parliament without publicly return- ing you my thanks for the many eminent inftances you have given me of your fidelity and affeftion to my perfon and go- vernment ; your fixed rcfohnion to maintain the protertant fuccefiion in my family; and your unfhaken adherence to the true intereft of your country. You have, with the moft be- coming fpirit and firmnefs, exerted yourfelves in vindicating and defending the honour of my crown, and the undoubted rights of navigation and commerce belonging to my fubjeds ; and enabled me to revenge thofe wrongs and infults, which, contrary to the faith of treaties, had been committed againft: ' both. t 67a ) both. In fo critical a coiijundure you have fupported the na- tional credit, arid ftrf-ngthened the hands of my government to a degree exceeding the cxpe£^aiicns of ihofe who vvifhed well to us, and to the manifcll: difappointment of fuch as envied our profperity. At the fame time, you have demonftrated to all the world, that Great Britain is in a condition, not only to defend herfclf, but alfo to afford a due fupport to her allies, and the common caufe of Europe. As fuch a conduiSl muft give a Jaftiiig reputation to this Parliament-, fo it will be the fubjedi of emulation to thofe which (hall come after it. I will immediately give the necellary orders for calling a new Parliament. There is not any thing 1 fet fo high a value upon, as the love and affedlion of my people ; in which I have fo en- tire a confidence, that it is with great fatisfa£lion I fee this op- portunity put into their hands of giving me frePa proofs of it, in the choice of their reprefentatives. On the prefent eftablifhment depends the continuance of our excellent conflitution in church and ftete ; and in this conflitution confifts the fecurity of the prefent eftablifliment : nothing can hurt the one, that will not, in proportion, under-, mine and weaken the other. For my part, the uniform pre- , fervation of both, and the maintenance of the religious and civil rights of all my fubjects, have been, and ever (hall be, my conltant care. Thofe who dillinguifh themfelves by per- fevering in thefe principles, fhall always find my countenance and favour ; and, by invariably purfuing thefe wife and honeft meafures, we may entertain the bell grounded hopes, that, under the protedlion of divine Providence, the happinefs of Great Britain will be perpetuated to pofterity. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's command, faid. My Lords and Gentlemen, "IT is his Majefly's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- mcnt be prorogued to Tuefday, the twelfth day of May Jiext, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuefday, the twelfth day of May next. Speech hy the Speaker of the Houfe of Commsns, Dec. 4, 1 74 1. May it plcafe your mod excellent MajeAy, 'TpHE Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament afTembled, have, in purfuancc of your Majeliy's commands, and ac- cording to their ancient right to make choice of one of their members ( 673 ) members to be their Speaker, once more ele£^ed tne to tbiS high and painful office ; but how properly for me, for them- felves, and for the public, is now with your Majelly to judge: and to your royal judgment, Sir, I do, with ail humbienefs and refignation, fubmit myfelf ; being well afllired, that, fhould your Majefty think tit to difapprove of this their prefent choice, your Commons will have no difficulty to find fome other perfjn among them, to be prefented to your Majefty on this occa'ion, to whom none of thofe objeftions can be made, which I fear may too juftly, from my imperteftions, arife in your royal breaft, upon my being again the fubje£t of your Majefty's confideration for this important charge. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefly's diredions, faid, Mr. Onflow, 'T^HE King has had fo many eminent proofs of your ability "^ and zeal for the fcrvice of himfelf, and of your country (which is always the fame) in the high ftation to which you are now a third time called, that his Majefty has commanded me to let you know, that he entirely approves the choice which his faithtul Commons have made ; and therefore allows and confirms you to be their Speaker. Then Mr. Speaker fa Id, C INCE yotir Majefly has been pleafcd to ratify the choice '^ your Commons have made of me to be their Speaker, it is my duty. Sir, to fubmit myfelf to your royal determination, and to return your Majefty my humblell thanks for this mark of your royal grace and favour to me ; and to aflure you, Sir, of my beft endeavours to difcharge, as 1 ought, this great truft, which the Commons have committed to, and your Majefty has now confirmed upon me : and, for my encouragement therein, fufFer me, great Sir, to hope for your Majefty's pardon of my failings and infirmities ; at leafl, that your Majelly would not impute them in any wife to your faithful Commons : and, that they may be the better enabled to perform their duty to your Majefty, and their country, I do, in their name, and on their behalf, by humble petition to your Majelty, lay claim to all their ancient rights and privileges; particularly, that they, theit fervants, and eftates, may be free from all arrefls anj moleftations ; that they may enjoy freedoin of ' fpcech in all their debates, and have liberty of accefs to your royal perfon. Vol. I Xx vrhen ( 674 ) tvhen OGcafion (hall require it ; and that all their proceefdings may receive from your Majefty the moil favourable conftruc- tion. The Lord Chancellor, receiving further dire6lions from his Majefty, faid, Mr. Speaker, 'TTHE King has aft entire confidence Jn the prudence and ■*- temper of this Houfe of Commons, as well as in their duty and atteftion to his perfon and government ; and his Ma- jefty does moft readily grant to them all their privileges, in as full and ample manner as they have at any time been hereto- fore granted or allowed by his Majefty, or any of his royal predecefTors. As to the fuit which y6u, Sir, have fnade on your own be- half, your former conduct is the cleareft evidence how little you ftand in need of it; but, for your greater encouragemenf and fupport in the execution of fo important a truft, his Ma- jefty, agreeable to his wonted goodnefs, has commanded me to aftiire you, that he will always put the moft favourable con" ftruclion both upon your words and actions* 1 His Majcjlys mojl gracious Speech^ December 4, 174!^ My Lords and Gentlemen, T is always a great fatisfacSlion to me to meet you aftembled in Parliament ; and efpecially at this time, when the pofturff of affairs makes your counfel and aftiftance fo necelfary ; and when, by means of the new cledlions, I may have ar> oppor- tunity of knowing the more immediate fenfe and difpolition of my people in general, from their reprefentatives, chofen during a feafon which has been attended with great variety of inci- dents of the higheft confequence and expedation ; and during the courfe of the war in which we are engaged againft thff crown of Spain : a war, in itfelf juft and necelfary, entered into by the repeated advice of both Houfcs of Parliament ; and particularly recommended to me to be carried on in Ame- rica, which has been my principal Gare. I can, therefore^ make no doubt, but that you are met together fully fcnfiblc of our prefent fituation ; and prepared to give me fiich advice a£ fhall be moft conducive to the honour and true intereft of my crown and kingdoms. You cannot but have obferved, with ari attention fuitable \9 the occafion, the impending dangers that threaten Europe, and joaorC ( 675 ) nloffe immediately fuch parts of the continent as (hall with* ftand or refift the formidable powers whicli are confederated for the fubverfion or redudion of the houfe of Auftria. The ap- prehenfion of thefe things was communicated to the laft }*ar- liament ; when both Houfes exprefled their great concern for the troubles which were then broke out in the Auftrian domi- nions ; and came to the (Irongeft refolutions in favour of the Queen of Hungary, for the maintenance of the pragrnatic fandlion, and for the prefervation of the balance of power, and the peace and liberties of Europe. And had other powers, that were under the like engagements with me, anfwered the juft expectations they had fo folemnly given, the fupport of the common caufe had been attended with lefs difficulty. I have, purfuant to the advice of my Parliament, ever fince the death of the late Emperor, exerted myfelf in the fupport of the houfe of Auftria. I have endeavoured, by the mofl proper and early applications, to induce other powers, that were equally engaged with me, and unired by common intcreit, to concert fuch meafures as fo important and critical a con- juncture required ; and where an accommodation' feemed to me to be neceflary, I laboured to reconcile thofe princes, whofe union would have been the moft efFe6lual means to prevent the mifchiefs that have happened, and the bed fecurity for the intereft and fafety of the whole. Although my endeavours have not hitherto had the defired cfFedls, I cannot but flill hope, that a ju(t fenfe of the com- mon and approaching danger will produce a more favourable turn in the councils of other nations. In this (ituation it is incumbent upon us to put ourfelves in a condition to iir prove all opportunities that ihall offer for maintaining the liberties of Europe ; and to aflid and fupport our friends and allies, at fuch times, and in fuch manner as the exigency and circum- ftances of affairs Ihall require ; and to defeat any attempts that (hall be made againlt me and my dominions, _or againlt thofe whom we are moft nearly concerned for, and in honour and intereft engaged to fupport and defend.. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered eftimates to be laid before you for the fervice of theenfuing year; and I muft dcfire you to grant me fuch fupplies as the circumftances of affairs require ; which, you may depend upon it, fhall be duly applied to the purpofes for ■which they fliall be given. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have, during the courfe of my reign, had fo much expe- rience of the duty and affedion of my Parliaments to my per- ( 676 ) fon and government, and of their zeal for the good of the'if country, and the fupport of the common caufc, that I do, with the greateft reafon, rely upon the continuance of them in the prefent conjunflurc. I'hcre never was a time in which your unanimity, vigour, and difpatch, were neceffary to fo many great ends as thofe which are now before yon. I will do my part ; let it appear, by your proceedings and refolutions, that you have that juft and hearty concern for them which their im- portance requires. Jddrefs hy the Houje of Lordi to his Majcjly, Dec, 5, 1741^ Moft gracious Sovereign, TT7E, your Majefty's moft datrful and loyal fubjects, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament aflfembled^ beg leave to return your Majefly our hrimble thanks for your raolt gracioiis fpeech from the throne ; and, at the fame time^ to prefent unto your Majefty otir fincere and joyful congratu- lations or\ your faf« and happy return mto this kingdom. The jult and neceffary war, in which your Majefty \s en- gaged agarnft the crown of Spain, is of fuch high importance to the trade and navigation of your fubjed^s, and to the welfare of your kingdoms, that it is with the utmoif thankfulnefs we obferve the great concern which your Majefty has been pleafed to exprefs for carrying it on ; which, we hope, by the Diviner blefling upon your Majelfy's arms, will be attended with fuc- ccfs equal to the juftice of your caufe, and the ardent willies of your people. Your Majefty has fo truly reprefented the impending dangers to which Europe is expofed, in the prefent critical conjunc- ture, as muft awaken, in every one, an attention fuitable to the occafion : and we cannot but be fully fenfible of the eviJ confequcnces arifing from the defigns and enterprizes formed and carrying on for the fubverfion or redu61ion of the houfe 01 Auflria, which threaten fuch apparent mifchiefs to the com- mon caufe. In this fituation it becomes us, with hearts full of gratitude to your Majefty, to acknowledge your royal goodncfs in ex- prefling fo earneft a defire to receive, and fo high a regard for the advice of your Parliament: your Majefty, fccure of the Joyalty and affedions of ymir people, may rely upon that with ■the beft-grounded confidence ; and we beg leave to afture your Majefty, that we wiii not fa?t to take the important points which you have been pleafed to mention to us into cur mofi ierious conlideration, and, in th» moft dutiful mantwr, to offer ( 677 ) to your Majefty fuch advice as fliall appear to us to be moft conducive to the honour and true interell of your crown and kingdoms. We have a due fenfe how much the prefent pofture of affairs calls upon us tor that unanimity, vigour, and difpatch, which your Majefty has fo wifely recommended to us ; and we do moil unfeignedly give your Majeily the ifrongeft atlurances, that we will vigorouily and heartily concur in all juft and ne- celfary meafures for the defence and fupport of your Majefty, the maintenance of the balance and liberties of Europe, and the alTiftance of our allies. As duty and affedion to your Majefty are in us fixed and unalterable principles, fo we feel the imprellions of them, at this time, fo ftrong and lively in our brealls, that we cannot omit to lay hold on this opportunity of approaching your royal prefcnce to renew the moft lincere profeilions of our conftant and inviolable fidelity : and we do, with a zeal and firmnefs never to be Ihaken, promife your Majefty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is dear to us, exert ourfclves for the de- fence and prefervation of your facred perfon and government, and the maintenance of the proteftant fuccellion in your royal houfe, on which the continuance of the proteftant religion, and the liberties of Great Britain, doth, under God, depend. H'n Majejlfs Anfvjery December 5, 1741. My Lords, I HEARTILY thank you for this very loyal and dutiful ad- drefs. The zeal which you have declared for my defence and fupport, and for the maintenance of the liberties ot Eu- rope, and the alTiftance of our allies, gives me great fatisfac- tion. You may depend upon my conilant regard to the advice of my Parliament, and my (leady adherence to the true interell of my crown and kingdoms. Addrefs by the Houfe of Commons, December 9, 1741. Moft gracious Sovereign, WE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament aircnibkii, beg leave to congratulate your Majcltyupon your fafe and happy return to thefe your kingdoinsi and to return our fmccre thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne \ and, at the fame time, with hearts full of duty and gratitude, cannot but X X 3 acknow - ( 678 ) acTcnowledge your Majefly's regard and attentlori to tlie honour and interelt of this nation. The great and impending dangers that threaten Europe, under the prefent critical and perplexed fituation of affairs, have been reprefentcd by your Majel^y to your Parlianient, for their advice and alfiltance, with fuch paternal concern, and fuch affedliou to your people, fuch confidence in your faithful Commons, and fuch anxiety for the general good of Europe, as cannot fail to excite in us a due fenfe of your Majeity's goodnefs and condefcenfion ; and therefore we alfure your Ma- jeliv, in the flrongclf manner, that this Houfe will, as often as thei'e momentous affairs fhall come under our confidera- tion, give your Majefty fuch advice as becomes dutiful and faithful fubjeds, and fuch afliflance and fupport as (hall be moft ccndiuive to the honour and true interelt of your crown and kingdoms. And, in order to anfwer thefe necefTary purpofes, we will grant fuch tffedual fupplies as fhall enable your Majefty not only to be in a readinels to fupport your friends and allies, at fuch tin.es, and in fuch manner, as the exigency and circuin- flances of affairs fhali requiie; but, to oppofe and defeat any atteir.pts ..hat ihall be made againft your Majefty, your crown, and kingdoms, or againft thofe who, being equally engaged with your Majefty by the faith of treaties, or united by com- mon intcreft, and common danger, fhall be willing to concert fbch meafurcs as fhall be found neceftafy ^nd expedient for maintaining the balance of Europe. His Majejiys Anjwer, December 1 1, 1741. Qentlemen, T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and loyal ad- -■- drefs, and for the alfurances you have given ine at this cri- tical and important conjun£lure. I fliall always have the grcateft regard to the advice of my Parliament, and I make no doubt but you will a6t therein in fuch manner as fhall be moft conducive to the honour and intereft of my crown and kingdoms ; and give me your fupport and afTiffance in carrying on fuch meafurcs as fliall be judged to be necelfary and ex- ppdient. Th.. ( 679 ) The humhie Addrefs of the Archh'ijhop, the Bijhops^ and the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury ^ in Convocntlofi affemblcd\ pre^ fented to his Majefly on Friday, the nth Day of Dec. 1741. May it pleafe your Majefly, TTT'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Archbifhop, Biihops, and Clergy, of the province of Can- terbury, in convocation aifembled, beg leave, with the general voice of your people, to prefent our moil humble and unfeign- ed congratulations on your Majefly 's fafe and happy return to thefe your Britilh dominions. It is with the utmofl joy and fatisfa6lion, that we embrace every opportunity of openly profelfnig to your Majefly, and to all the world, our deep fenfe of the manifold and great blef- fings we enjoy under your aufpicious government ; of the free and equal courfe of all public juflice ; of the full and un^ diflurbed podbUion of our civil rights and liberties; with all thofe other benefits which daily accrue to us from your watch- ful care, and a£live zeal for the fafcty, honour, and profperity of your kingdoms. But that which chiefly affeds the hearts of your faithful clergy is, your firm and invariable refolution to fupport and defend our holy religion, as by the laws of your realm now happily eflablifhed in the church of England; which, on all occafions, your Majefly hath fo fully and publicly declared, and of which we have fuch convincing and undeniable expe- rience, that with all poiTible thankfulnefs we refl: alTured, that through the Divine alfiflance we fhall tranfmit to pollerity, complete and entire, the fame primitive faith, the fame apoflo- lic form of church government, and in all other refpcds the fame excellent conllitution, which hath hitherto been found the chief bulwark of the reformation. Thefe fentiments, which fill our own breafls with unfpcak- able joy and gratitude, we think it our indifpenfable duty, with our utmofl care and diligence, to imprefs on the minds ot all thofe whom divine Providence hath placed under our infpec- tion : and we do earncflly befeech the Almighty, by whom Kings rule, that all your defigns and undertakings for the pub- lic good may be crowned with fuccefs ; that your reign over us may be long and glorious ; that the whole and every part of it may be as happy to yourfclf, and to your royal family, as it is beneficial to us, and all the refl of your people; and that- there may never be wanting one of your royal defcendants to iiU the throne of thefe kingdoms till tiaie fliall be no more. X X 4 -^^^'^ , ( 68o ) His Majejiys Anfvjerf Dec, ii, 1741. My Lords, and the reft of the clergy, I THANK you very kindly for this affedlionate and loyal addrefs. You may depend upon my conftant care to main- tain and fupport the church of England, as by law eftablifhed ; and 10 prefervc to my people the full enjoyment of all their religious and civil rights. His Majcjiys MeJJage to the Houfe of Commons , April i, 1 742. George Rex. TT is always with the utmoft relu£lance that his Majefty afks any extraordinary fupplies of his people ; but as his faithful Commons have, with the greateft zeal and unanimity, ex- prefTfcd their concern for the fupport of the houfe of Auftria, ami lor reftoring the balance of power in Europe ; and as tiie late events, in favour of the Queen of Hungary, afford a rea- fonable profped of fuccefs, his Majefty makes no doubt but this Houfe vvill, at this time, readily grant him fuch a fupply as may enable him to concert proper meafures, and form fuch alliances with other powers, as may be neceffary for attaining thofe dcfirable ends which they have in fo particular a manner recommepded to him. ^ejjage from l)h Alajcfly to the Houfe of Lords, April 2, 1742? pEORGE Rex. "OlS Majefty received, with the greateft fatisfa^lion, the aftur •*■ ranees givtn hjm by this Houfe, at the beginning of the fefllon, ot the juft fenfe they have of the dangerous fituation of affairs in Europe, arifing from the defigns and entcrprizes carrying on foi the fubveriion of the houfe of Auftria, and of thtir zeal and earneftnefs in promoting all juft and neceflary meafures for the maintenance of the balance of power, and for the alliftancc of his allies. His Majefty firmly depends on their unalterable pcrfeverance in the fame fcntiments ; and as the late events in favour of the Qiieen of Hungary afford a rcafonable profpeft of fuccefs, he makes no doubt bnt that he Ihall have the ready concurrence and fupport of this Houfe, in concerting fuch meafures, and forming fuch alliances with other powers, as may be moft effe61ual for the prefcrvation, of the houfe of Auftria, and for rcftoring the balance of power in Europe. 2 His I ( 68i ) His Majejiyi moji gracious Speech^ July 15, I742» My Lords and Gentlemen, npHIS feffion of Parliament has been drawn out into fo un» iifual a length, and the feafon of the j'ear is fo far ad^- vanced, that I am perfuadcd you are all very defirous of a recefs. I acquainted you at the beginning of the feflion with mjr endeavours to bring about an accommodation between thofc princes whofe union was moil: neceffary in this critical con- jundure. The treaty lately conclnded between the Qjieen of Hungary and the King of Prullia, under my mediation, and fo highly to the honour of Great Britain, mult: undoubtedly pro- duce the bcft confequences to the common caufe. The fucceffes which have attended the Auflrian arms irj Germany, the conjunction of the King of Saidinia's torces with thofe of the Q^ieen of Hungary in Italy, the prefent fa- vourable difpoAtion of the States General, and of the other great powers, are, under God, chiefly owing to the generous affiftance afforded by this nation to its ancient and natural .allies. Thefe happy events cannot fail to give encouragement to pur friends, and to efbblilli the reputation of our Itrength, and our juft influence abroad. If, for the further fupport and defence of the Qiieen of Hungary, ^nd to reftore and fecure the balance of power, fo particularly recommended to me by my Parliament, it Ihould become necelfary for me to contrail new engagements, or to enter into further meafures, I rely upon your zeal and perfe- verance in fo jufl: a caufe to enable me to make them good. In the midlt of thefe extenfive tranra(flio)iS 1 have been, and Ihall continue to be, attentive to the profecution of the war againft Spain with the utmoft vigour ; which is of the greateft importance to the trade and navigation of my fnbjedts , the encouragement and protection whereof (hall be one of my principal cares. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The zeal, unanimity, and difpatch, with which you have given fuch large fupplies for the fervice of the current year, demand my particular thanks ; and are frefh proofs of your duty to me, and of your concern for the true interell: of your country. The fuccefs with which thefe fupplies have been raifed mufl convince all the world of the eftabliihed credit of this nation. M^ ( 6S2 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, I have the jufteft confidence in the affe£lIons of my people; which I fhall not fail to cultivate by a conftant care of their rights and liberties, and by promoting their profperity and hap- pinefs. Let it be your endeavour, in your refpcdlive countries, to make thefe my good intentions rightly underftood ; to calm and heal all animofities and divifions; to fupport my authority and government ; and to preferve the peace and good" order of the kingdom. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefty's command, faid> My Lords' and Gentlemen, TT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafurc, that this Parlia- — ment be prorogued to Thurfday, the fixteenth day of Sep- tember next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is ac-^ cordingly prorogued to Thurfday, the lixteenth day of Septem- ber next. His Afajejiys moji gracious Speech, November i6, 1742, My Lords and Gentlemen, 'T^HE prefent important conjun£lure of affairs will, I am perfuaded, be thought a fulhcient rcafon for calling you thus early together. I have, in purfuance of the repeated advice of my Parlia- ment, taken fuch a part as appeared to me mofi: conducive to the fupport of the Houfe of Auftria, and to the rcfloring and fecuring of the balance of power. In this view, I ordered a cpnfiderablc body of troops to be feat from hence into Flanders; and, at the ciofe of the laft fellion, I forefaw, and pointed out to you, that it might be incumbent upon me to enter into fur- ther meafures for the fame great anddefirable ends. The aug- mentation of our flrejigth in the Low Countries became a ne- celfary ftep; for which purpofe I fent, in concert with my allies, 16,000 of my Electoral troops thither, with the Hef- fians in the Britifh pay, in order to form fuch a force, in con- jundion with the Auflrian troops, as might be of fervice to the common caufe in all events; and I doubt not but I (hall have your afliftance in the fupport of thefe neceffary meafures. The magnanimity and firmiief§ of the Queen of Hungary, notwithftanding fo many numerous armies fent againfl her; the refolute condudl of the King of Sardinia, and his itri£l adherence to his engagements, though attacked in his own dominions; the ( 683 ) the ftop which has been hitherto put to the ambitious defignsof the court of Spain and Italy; (to which the operations of my fleet in the Mediterranean have fo vifibly contributed) the change of affairs in the North, which has appeared by the pub- lic requifition made by Sweden, of my good offices for procuring 2 peace between r ullia and that crown; and the defeniive al- liances agreed upon, not only between me and the Czarina, but :;;lfo betw^n me and the King of Pruflia, are events which ould not have been expefted, if Great Britain had not fhewa a feafonable fpirit and vigour in the defence and affiilance of its ancient allies; and in the maintenance of the liberties of Eu- rope, as well as of its own true and lafting intereft, • Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered the proper eftimates for the fervice of the en- , uing year to be prepared, and laid before you ; and alfo an ac- count of the expenfe of thofe particular fervices, which I have already mentioned, and which you will find to have been con-» certed in as frugal a manner as the nature of them would admit. I am perfuaded that you will readily grant me fuch fupplies, as iball be found neceffary for the fecurity and welfare of the na-. tion; requifite for the fupport of the common caufe, and ade- quate to the prefent emergency. My Lords and Gentlemen, The itr.portance of your deliberations at this time is fo evi^ dent, that I will fay nothing to enforce it : the honour and in- tereft of my crown and kingdoms; the fuccefs of the war, wherein I am engaged againft Spain ; and the rt-eftablifliment of the balance and tranquillity of Europe, will greatly dcpcud on the prudence and vigour of your refolutions. Let it be your care to avoid every thing that may either delay or weaken iheui; and to convince the world, that you are determined to make ^ light ufe of the prefent opportunity. Addrefs to his Majejly by the Lords ^ November 17, 1742. Moll gracious Sovereign, 'XX/'E, your Majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament, alfembled, beg leave to return your Majefty our fuicere and bumble thanks for your moft gracious fpcech from the throne. The fupport of the Houfe of Auftria, and the rellorinri; and fecuring the balance of power, are of fo great moment, as well to the elfential intereft of this nation in particular, as to th« liberties ( 684 ) liberties of Eurftp* in general, that we eflccm It our peculiar felicity, in this critical and dangerous conjun£lure, to have a Prince upon the throne, who not only fhews the molt gracious regard to the advice of his Parliament upon this important fub- je6t, but takes all opportunities to confirm and animate them in the purfuit of it. We acknowledge, with hearts full of gra- titude, your Majefty's royal wifdom and effectual care in car- rying on this great work, which has appeared in nothing more than in finding fo conilderable a body of your forces into the Low Countries, and in (Irengthening them afterwards with your electoral troops, and the Heffians in the Britifh pay. By this ftep, fo honourable to your Majefty and fo advantageous to your allies, your Majeity has dtmonftrated that you prefer this glorious caufe to all other confideraiions, and has formed fuch an army, as may at once defend and encourage thofe powers who are well intentioned, and give a real alTiflance to the Qiieen of Hungary : and we beg leave to aifure your Ma- jelfy of our cheerful and zealous concurrence and fupport in this necelTary meafurc. The good efteds which the vigour exerted by Great Britain, under your Majefty's authority and influence, in allifting its ancient allies and maintaining the liberties of Europe, hath already had upon the affairs of the Queen of Hungary, upon the condudl of feveral powers, and the flate of Europe in ge- neral, are vifible to all the world. It is with the utmoftfatis- fadion we obferve them ; and rely on your Majefty's known care and attention to the public welfare, to purfue and improve them: and we cannot but entertain well-grounded hopes, that fo great an example, and a fteady perfeverance in the fame meafures, wmII infpire the like fpirit and refolution into other powers, equally engaged by treaties and common intereft, to take the like part. Your Majefly has laid before us fo juft a reprefentation of the importance of our deliberations at this time, as cannot fail to make an impreflion upon all true lovers of their country, equal to the dignity and weight of it. Permit us on our parts, to give your Majefty the flrongefi: affurances, that we have the honour and fafety of your Majefty, the true intereft and prof- perity of your kingdoms, the fecurity and advancement of their commerce, the fuccefs of the war againft Spain, and the re- eilabliihraent of the balance and tranquillity of Europe, en- tirely at heart. Thefe Ihall be the conftant obie£ls of our pro- ceedings and refolutions, from which we will never depart, being firmly determined to fupport your Majefly in all jufl and. necelfary meafures for attaining thofe great and defirable ends, and ( 6Ss ) and to ftand by and defend your Majefty and your gdvcrnment, againft all your enemies. His Jldajcjlys j^nfwer, November 17, 1742. My Lords, 'T^HE duty and afTeilion which you c^fprefs in this addrcfs for my perfon and government, are accompanied with fo great zeal for the common caufe and the true intereft of my kingdoms, as gives me the utmolt fatisfaclion. I thank you heartily for it ; and doubt not but your vigorous fupport, fo early and unanimoufly given, will have the beft efteds both at home and abroad. Addrefs to his Majcfty by the Houfe of Commons^ Nov. 17, 1742. Moft gracious Sovereign, TVrE, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeds, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfemblcd, beg leave to return yonr Majefty our (incere thanks for your Majcfty 's moft gracious fpeech from the throne. It is with the greateft fatisfadion that we have feen the con- ftant attention your Majefty has been gracioufly pleafed to give to the advice of your Parliament; and as we think that the fup- port of the houfe of Auftria, and the reftoring and fecuring the balance of power in Europe, are infeparable from the true in- tereft of thcfe kingdoms, we deli re, in the ftrongcft manner, to exprefs our grateful fenfe of the early care taken by your Ma- jcfty, In forming fuch an army in the Low Countries, as might be of fervice to thofe great and defirable ends: and as we arc fatisfied that a force fufficient for that purpofe could not have been fo readily alfemhled, as by your Majefty's fending a body of your own Eledoral troops, together with the Hellians, to join the Britifh and Auftrian forces in thofe parts, we are de- termined cheerfully and effedually to fupport your Majefty in all fuch neceftary meafures. We beg leave to congratulate your Majefty on the happy and unexpeded turn of the affairs in the North: we all'ur* your Majefty, that we are fully convinced that it is by the vigour and fpirit (hewn by your Majefty in defence of your allies, that the Queen of Hungary has been principally encouraged to bear up amidft extreme difticultics, notwithftanding the numerous armies fent againft her: and we are perfuadcd that the (ame fpirit and vigour have enabled the King of Sardinia to ad a part f» ufeful to the common caufe, to which the vigilance and ailivity ( 636 ) ailivlty of your Majefly's fleet in the Mediterranean liave fd remarkably contributed. Your faithful Commons alfure your Majefty that they wlllj with the greateft alacniy aud readinefs, grant fuch fupplies as £hall be found neceffary for perfedling the great work in which your Majefty is engaged, for profccuting with vigour the juft and neceirary war with Spain, and for maintaining the honour and fecurlty of your Majefty and yotir kingdoms. Your faithful Commons, in all their deliberations, will en- «leavour to make manifeft to the world, that they have nothing fo much at heart as the hon ur of your Majefty, the fupport of your government, and the true intereft of your Majeily's crown and kingdoms. His Majeflys jiinjwer, November 22, 1742. Gentlemen, T THANK you for this dutiful and afFe61:ionate addrefs, and "*■ for the great marks of confidence you repofe in me. The extraordinary fupplies that I am obliged to afk of my people have become neceiiary for fupporting that caufe, which is infeparable from the true intereft of my kingdoms. You may be allured 1 fhall wifn for nothing more than an opportunity to eafe my fubjefts of all thofe extraordinary charges, which the prefent e.vigency of affairs may require. I His Mcijejly'*s moji gracioui Speech^ December 21, 1 742. My Lords and Gentlemen, AM very glad of the occafion, which my coming hither at this time gives me, of exprefling to you the great fatisfadlion I take, in feeing fo good a progrefs already made in the bufmefs of this felhon. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, The readinefs and difpatch with which you have thus early provided fo confiderable a part of the fupplies for the enfuing year, defcrve my particular thanks: and I make no doubt, but the fame zeal for the common caufc will induce you to enable me to concert proper meafures, and to enter into or make good fuch alliances and engagements with other powers, as may be neceffary for the fupport of the Queen gf Hungary, and refloring the balance of power. My ( 687 ) My Lords and Gentlemen, I look upon this good beginning as a fure pledge of your {leadinefs in purfuingthe true intereit of Great Britain; which is and ever fhall be my only view. jThebumhle Addrefs of the Archhijljop^ the Bijhops, and the Clergy of the province of Canterbury, in convocation affembled\ prefented to his Majefiy on Saturday^ the third day of Matchy 1 743. Moft gracious Sovereign, \1TE, the Archbifhop, BiHiops, and Clefgy of the province of Canterbury, in convocation aflembled; animated with tinfeigned and affedionate loyalty, humbly beg leave to declare, in the ftrongeft manner, the jull indignation we feel on the efforts made by France, in favour of a popifti Pretender, fo- lemnly renounced and abjured by this nation. This wicked and daring attempt excites in the breaft of every true Englifhman and proteflant, the utmoft deteftation ; and in the moft fenfible manner aife^ls all your Majefty's clergy of the church of England, who, fhould it prove fuccefsful, muft un- queftionably fall an early facrifice to the implacable and certain, though occafionally difiembled, rage of popilh fuperftition: it is big with every evil which can undo a free people, fubvert the principal bulwark of the Reformation, and thereby at length deltroy the whole proteflant intereit; and it is hcinoufly aggravated by the intended introdu6lion of a French army, firil to ravage and lay wafte our dear country, and having made England a fcene of blood and devaftation, then to reduce it to the wretched condition of a French province. Such an alarming circumftance adds horror to our refentment, and places the faithlefs and ambitious enemies of your Majefly's crown and people in the moft odious and deteftable light. Vain delufion, to imagine that Englifhmen and protellants can fo lightly part with the moft valuable bleflings, purchafcd at an immenfe expenfe of their blood and treafure; and patiently become the llaves of France! After devout thanks to Almighty God, we are bound in jullice to offer the moft grateful acknowledgments to your Ma- jefty for the entire prefervation of the church of England in all its rights and privileges : and we beg leave unanimoully to aifure your Majefty, that, influenced by every motive wiiich duty or fratitude can fuggeft, we (hall conftantly endeavour, as well y our own example, as by our labours with the people com- mitted to «ur charge, to recommend and enforce, upon all oc- caiions, ( 6SS ) cafions, efpecially in the f)refent important juncture, tht mod zealous loyalty and dutiful regard to your Majefty's royal per- fon and government: and we firmly trufl; that very few, if any, of our fellow fubjefts, not infatuated by the deluf;ons of popery, can be prevailed upon to facriftcej? with equal guilt and folly, the religion, freedom, and happrnefs of their country, to the en- flaving and pernicious views of coir natural and conftant enemies. We earneftly pray and afTufedly ^ope,- that the fame good Providence, grcaily propitious to the protertant religion and the liberties of Europe, wliich very lately covered your facred head in the day of battle, and bleiTed your Majefty with a fignal and ever-memorable vidlory, will not fuffer any weapon formed againft you to profper; but will ftill prcferve your royal perfon in fafcty, health, and glory ; and long, very long continue to a loyal and thankful people, the many great and invaluable bleffings of your Majefty s wife and happy reign, and tranfmit the fame, in your auguft and royal houfc, to our lateft pof- terity. I His Afajeflfs Anfvjer^ March 3, 1745. My Lords, and the refc of the Clergy, THANK von for this dutiful and loyal addrefs: the juft concern you exprefs for the prcfervation of our happy con- jRitution in church and ftate, againll all atteinpis to overturn it, is very acceptable to me; and I doubt not but your fenti- mcnts and example will animate my fubje£ls to unite zealoufly in the fupport of it. You may be firm^Iy alfured of the conti- nuance of my care and attention to maintain the church of England as by law eftablifhed. Hh Majcjiys moji gracious Speech, April 21, 1743. My Lords and Gentlemen, 'TpHE zeal, prudence, and difpatch with which you have •■■ carried on the public bufinefs during the courfe of this ffiffion give me the greated fatisfaftion. That this nati -n and the common caufe may reap the moft beneficial fruits of your vigorous refolutlons, I have, at the re- quifition of the Qtieen of Hungary, ordered my army, in con- junflion with the Auftrian troops, to pafsthe Rhine, as auxi- liaries to her Hugarian Majefty, and for her fupport and afllf- tance J and to oppofe any dangerous ineafures that might affeft the ( 689 ) the balance and liberties of Europe, or hinder the re-eftablirti- inent of the public tranquillity, upon juft and (olid foundations. 1 have continued a ftrong fquadron in the Mediterranean, anJ another in the Weft Indies, in order to carry on the great work of diftreffing our enemies the Spaniards, and reducing them to fafe and honourable terms of peace; as well, as of maintaining the rights of navigation and commerce belonging to my fubjetts: and from the former of thefe fquadrons, my allies in Italy have found, and flill continue to receive, a mod ufelul and advantageous fupport. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons^ I return you my thanks for the ample fupplifes which you have granted for the fervice of the current year, and which, yoii may be aflbred, fliall be applied to thofe great ends for which they were given. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have a firm confidence in your good afFe6lions; and it is the fixed purpofe of my heart to promote the true intereft and happinefs of my kingdoms. In return for this, I expedl on your part, that you will exert your beft endeavours in your re- fpedive ftations to render my government eafy^ and to preferve the peace and quiet of the nation. Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majefly's commahi, fa id, My Lords and Gentlcm.en, IT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to Tuefday, the feventhday of June next. To be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly pro- rogued to Tuefday, the feventh day of June next. His jMajeftfs moji gracious Speechy December l, 1743. My Lords and Gentlemen, CINCE your laft Meeting, I have, purfuant to your advice, •^ and in confcquence of your fupport, exerted my endeavours for the prefervation of the houfe of Auftria, and the maintenance of the balance and liberties of Europe. It has pleafed God to give fuccefs to our arms, in conjundion with thofe of the Qi^icen of Hungary, and her auxiliaries. The dominions oi that Princefs have been entirely evacuated by her enemies; and the Vol. I. Y y powerful ( 690 ) powerful armies which had marched to their afllftance, have been obliged to retire out of the empire. In this conjundlure it is a great fatisfa6lion to me to acquaint you, that I have been joined by a body of troops of my good friends and allies the States General. In further profecution of thefe mcafurcs, the definitive treaty between me, the Qiieen of Hungary, and the King of iiardinia, has been happily concluded^ which fhall be laid before you. The advantages which cannot fail to refult from this alliance to the common caufe are apparent; and it vv'ill be particularly ponducive to the intercRs of my kingdoms, by dif- appointing the ambitious views of the crown of Spain, with which we are engaged infojuft and necelTary a war. As I make no doubt but you will proceed upon thefe foundations with firmnefs and conflancy, we may realonably hope to fee the public tranquillity re-elbblifhed, and a general and honourable peace obtained. Thefe are my views, to which my utmoll at- tention and rcfolution (hall not be wanting: but, in order to bring about thefe great ends, meafures of vigour are neceflary ; and to enable me to concert and carry on fuch meafures, 1 do, with a jufl: confidence, rely on your zealous, cheerful, and effeclual fupport. The marriage of my youngefl: daughter with the Prince Royal of Denmark cannot but give fatisfaftlon to all my good fubjedts, as it tends to cement and ftrengthen the proteftant intercll: in Europe. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered the eftimates to be laid before you for the fer- vice of the enfuing year ; and defire you to grant me fuch fup- plies, as Ihall be requifite for the honour and fecurity of the nation, and adequate to the exigencies of the public. In doing this, let me particularly recommend it to you, to enable me to concert proper meafures, and to enter into and make good fuch alliances and engagements with other powers, as may be neceffary for the fupport of the Qiieen of Hungary, and reftoring the balance of power. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have had fuch experience of yeur duty and aifeftion to me, 5nd of your zeal for the good of your country, that it would b^ fuperfluous to add any thing to prefs thefe important confidera- tions upon you. Union and harmony amongd ourfelves, and vigour and difpatch in your proceedings, are indifpenfably ne- ceflary in fuch conjun6lures. Let nothing obftru£l or divert ^QUT fteadinefs and application to the great ends whioh I have laid ( 69t ) laid before you ; and be aflured, that nothing can ever divcflj rtic from purfuing your true and lafting intcrcll. iitiiii Addrefs by the Houfe of Lords to his MajcJIy^ December 9,^ I743« Moft gracious Sovereign> TTf^E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjeils, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament affembled, beg leave to return your Majefty our humble thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. The anxious concern which filled the brcafts of all your faithful fubjecfls, upon the dangers to which your facred perfon has been expofed, redoubles our joy on your fafe and happy re- turn into this kingdom. Our firft thanks are due to Almighty God for the prefervation of your invaluable life; our next to your Majefty, to whofe magnanimity and unwearied labours lor the good of the common caufe we ftand fo highly indebted. On this occafion, permit us to offer our llncere congratulations to your Majefty on the fuccefs of your arms, in the fupport of the houfe of Auftria, and the defence of the liberties of Europe. A ftrift union between your Majefty, the Q^ieen of Hungary, and the King of Sardinia, is fo necelfary in the prefent pofture of affairs, tiiat we take great fatisfa^lion in feeing it eftabliflied ; and we beg your Majefty to accept our thanks for communi- cating to us the conclufion of the definitive treaty for that pur- pofe. The juft and neceffary war in which your Majefty is engaged againft Spain, is of fo great importance, that the dif- appointment of the ambitious clefigns of that crown cannot but be particularly advantageous to thefe kingdoms. We acknowledge, with the utmoft gratitude, your Majefty 'a goodnefs in declaring to your Parliament your wife and falutary views to bring about a general and honourable peace by vigo- rous meafurcs. In fo glorious a caufe, animated by fo great n example, the arms and the hearts of Great Britain will al- ways attend upon you ; and we do, with a refolution and firm- nefs becoming your Houfe of Peers, affure your Majefty of our zealous and cheerful concurrence and fupport in the necelTary means to this great and defirable end. We beg leave to congratulate your Majefty on theaufpiclous marriage of her royal highnefs the Princefs Louifa with the Prince ^Royal of Denmark; and on the Increafe of your royal fainily by the birth of a prince. Every event which adds Itrength to your iliuftrious houfe, is an addition of fecurity to Y y 2 your ( 692 ) vour kingdoms ; fmce on the (lability of the proieflant fuccefllonj the continuance of our religion, laws, and liberties, does, under God, depend. The gracious manner in which your Majefly has recom* mended to us union and harmony at home, is a trefli inflance of your paternal tendernefs towards your people. It fhall be our conllant endeavour in all our proceedings to promote and augment thefc good difpofitions, which are fo peculiarly neccf- fary in this conjunilure ; and we befeech your Majefty to accept j the ftrongeil ^Ifurances of our inviolable duty and fidelity to your Majefty; and that we will ileadilv purfue fuch meafurcs as may inoft effectually conduce to the honour and fdfety of your Majefty, the fecurity and profperity of our country, and the maintenance of the balance and liberties of Europe. Uis Majejlfs A>ifiuer, December 2, 1 743. - My Lords, T RETURN you my hearty thanks for this dutiful and affec- tionate addrefs. The aJTurances you give me of your vi- gorous fupport will have the belt effe6l abroad : and you may your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjefls, the ' Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament allembled, beg leave to jeturn your Majefty our moft hearty thanks for your Majefty's gracious ipeech from the throne ; and to exprefs our utmoft indignation and refentment, that after an attempt the moft perfidious to furprife your Majefty's kingdoms, by a Hid- den invafion in favour of the Pretender, the French King fliould publifti a declaration of war, couched in terms injurious to the honour and dignity of your Majefty's crown, perfon, and government, and avowedly founded upon your Majefty's having iupported, purfuant to your engagements, an ally op- preifed by the French King, contrary to his faith, folemnly pledged and dearly bought. We congratulate your Majelly on the ready aftiftance your Majefty has lately received from the States General. We beg leave alfo to return your Majefty cur fincere thanks for having afl'erted the honour of this nation, in declaring war againft the French King ; and for having, on this important occafion, been gracioully pleafed to make the proper requifitions to your Majefty's allies, and particularly the States General, united in one common and invariable intercft with this nation ^ and we cannot doubt but that by your Majefty's fteadily purfu- ing the faid inftances, they will, from their known regard to- treaties, and their juft fenfc of the impending danger, co-ope- rate with your Majefty in the moft vigorous and effedual mea- fures for checking the ambitious views of France, and prefer- vingthe liberties and balance of Europe. Your faithful Commons do humbly affure your Majefty, that in the profecution of this unavoidable war, whatever further expenfes fliall be found neceftary for the fupport of the honour of your Majefty's crown and the fecurity of this nation, your Majefty may depend upon their moft ready and effedual aftift- ance, fuch as they think becomes a free and grateful people, in defence of their liberties againft that power which has long afpired at the univerfal monarchy of Europe, and whofe ambi- tious views and deftrudlive projects have hitherto been defeated, by the blellin^ of God on the aims of Great Britain and her 5iiJies, ( 700 ) His Majejlys Jnfiuer, Jpril 6, 1 744. Gentlemen, 1 THANK you for thefe repeated ailuranccs of your zeal and affeOion. Your unanimity on this occafion will, I make no doubt, have a very good eiFc'^: upon our allies. You may depend upon my endeavours to make this war as little burdenfome to my people as poffible. His Majejlys mojl gracious Speech, May 12, 1744. My Lords and Gentlemen, 1 CANNOT put an end to this fcllion without returning yoi| my hearty thanks for the many demonft rations you have given me, during the courfe of it, of your good affe«Slions, and of your zeal for the fupport of my government. The great preparations made by France on the Me. of the. Aulbian Netherlands, muil convince all Europe of the ambi- tious and deftrudive views of that crown, in beginning the prcfent war. It fliall be my care, in conjun£tion with my allies, to purfue the moR proper meafures to difappoint them, ar.d to profecute the war in fuch a manner as may be moil effec- lual for procuring a fafe and honourable peace. My good friends the States General have already, in purfuance of my requilition, agreed to furnifti the fuccours llipulated by our treaties: and I have received the ftrongeft ailu ranees of their jull ft-nfc, not only of the common danger, but alfo of the in- fepaiuble connedlion of their iiiTerells with thofe of this king- d. of the ports in the Mediterranean, under the power of the houfe f Bourbon. Though our fuccefs has not been anfv\erablc to pur wilhcs, yet the vafl: expedlations and defigns of our ene- mies'. ( 702 ) Biies, built upon new intrigues and alliances, and an additional ilrength, have not hitherto taken place, and -will I hope, by the blelTing of God, aad the mutual united vigOuf of Great Britain and her allies, be dlfaprointed. In conjunftion witii ihcm, and with their effedlual ailiftaticc and your fupport, 1 am determined to carry on the war in fuch a manner as may be molt conducive lo that important end which is my fole aim, a fate and honourable peace ; it being my firm refolution never to abandon my allies, and to procure the utmoft fecurity to the religion, liberties, aud commerce of rny kingdoms. For tliis purpofe 1 have always infiiled, and am ftill endea- vouring with my allies, particularly my good friends the States General ot the United Provinces, to fix the certain proportions of forces and expenfe to be furnifhed by each of the confede* rates, in the profecution of this jufl and neceifary war. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I have ordered the eflimatcs for the fervice of the enfuing. year to be prepared and laid before you, and defire you to grant me fuch fupplies as fhali be requifite for the fecurity and wel- fare of the nation, and for carrying on fuch meafures as it fhall be nccefTary for Great Britain to purfue in the prefent extraor- dinary crifis. I am deeply fenfible of, and concerned for, the burdens which lie upon my good fubjeds ; and you may be alfured that no endeavours fhall be wanting on my part, to eafe them in evry inftance, where the confequences of doing fo do not endanger their own true interefts. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have laid before you my views and intentions ; your con- currence with me in a fteady purfuit of them will beft manifefl your zeal for the common caufe, lay the fureft foundation for the real fupport of our allies, and for the fecurity and profpe- rity of your country : and nothing can add fo much to the weight and efficacy of your refolutions, as unanimity and difpatch. Addrefs by the Houfe of Lords to his Afajefy, Nov. 28, 1744. Mod gracious Sovereign, TXT'E, your Majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fubjecls, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament aflembled, beg leave to return your Majcfty our humble thanks for your mofl gracious fpeech from the throne. Our zeal for your Majefty, the love of our country, and our anxious regard for the welfare and liberties of Europe, . have ( 703 ) have made us look, with the utmoft concern, on thofe events which have fallen out, daring the la(t fummer, to the difatl- Vantage of the common c:iu(c : and .our furprifc is no lefs, when we confider the part which has been taken by fornc powers, fo contrary to their own true and elfential intereft. The neceflity of taking proper meafurcs to prevent or remove the ill effects of thefe events is apparent ; and no endeavours (liail be wanting in us to obviate them. We have feen, with the utmofl fatisfa£iion, not only your Majefty's magnanimity and zeal in the profecution of the juft and necellary war wherein we are engaged, but alfo the can- ftancy and firmnefs ihewn by the Queen of Hungary and the King of Sardinia under the greateft diflicultics. The difap- pointment of an entcrprifc, formed for the de{trurocure the utmoll: fecurity to the religion, liberties, and commerce of your kingdoms, cannot fail to excite in the hearts of all your faithful fubje6ls, the warmcrt afFcdion and duty to your fitcred pcrfon, and zeal for your defence and fupport. It is with real fntisfadton we receive your Majcfty's decla- ration, that you are actually endeavouring with your allies, particularly the States General of the United Provinces, the ancient ^nd natural friends of this nation, to adjult the pro- portions of forces and expenfe to be borne by each of the con- federates in the war. Such a concert will be the bafis of great utility and advantage to the common caufe. We are truly fenftble of your Majelfy's goodnefs in laying before us thefe your falutary views and intentions ; and we do, with the greatell zeal jnd firmnefs,. allure your Majc(>y, that ( 704 ) that we are fully determined to fupport you in the fteady pro- fecution of them, and in carrying on fuch meafures as it Ihall be nccellary for Great Britain to purfue in this critical con- jun6iure. May the Divine Providence profper your Majefty's councils and arms with fiiccefs equal to the juftice of your caufe. For our part, we beg leave to give your Majefty the ftrongefl af- furances, that we have the honour and fafety of your Majefty, the fecuri'.y and true intcrefts of your kingdoms, and the happy iluie of this juft and necelTary Avar, entirely at heart ; and will, at the hazard of our lives and fortunes, ftand by and detend your Majefty, your royal fatnily, and government, againll the ambitious and deftrudive dciigns of France, and of any other power that ihall atteinpt to attack or diilurb them. 1 His A'/dj'fyi J>ifu.'fry Nov. 28, 1744. My Lords, HEARTILY thank you For this dutiful and affedionate ad- drefs. The zeal which yon have fo feafonably exprelfcd for -my perfon and government, for carrying on this juft and ne- , ceffary war, and for the vigorous fupport of my allies, give me the greateft fatisfac^ion : and your unanimity in doing this cannot fail to add greatly to the good effefts of it, both at home • and abroad. jlddrefs by the Houfe of Commons^ Nov. 28, 1744. IVIoft gracious Sovereign, "IX/'E, your Majcfty's mod dutiful and loyal fubjedls, the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament ailembled, beg leave to return your Majefty our unfeigned thanks ior your Majefty 's moft gracious fj^ccch from the throne. It is with the deepcft concern we refledl upon what has happened, during the laft fuminer, to the difadvantage of the -common caufe ; and, as we cannot but be extremely appre- hcnfive of the confequiiuces of thefe events, we affure your Majefty, that we yrill not only give the greateft attention to tliem, but exert our utmoft endeavours to prevent or remove the ill effeds of them. We cannot fufficiently applaud the conftancy and re- fulution of the Queen of Hungary under fo many trials ; jior can we lefs admire the magnanimity and firmnefs of the King of Sardinia, whofe excdkut condud, fupported by your Majefty 's ( 70S ) Majefty's affiflance, has ob(lru61ed and defeated the ambitious defigns of the houfe of Bourbon in Italy. Your faithful Commons, with hearts full of duty and gra- titude, acknowledge your Majefty's prudent and tender regard to the condition of your fubjc(Ss, as well as your continued endeavours to concert and ftipulate with your allies, particu- larly the States General, whofe interefls are infeparably con- ceded with thofe of Great Britain, the proportion of forces, and expenfe to be borne by the refpeiilive confederates in this war; and we beg leave to aflure your Majefty, that we will, to tlie utmoft of our power, aflill: and fupport your Majefty in carrying on this juft and neceflary war againlt the enemies of thefe kingdoms, and the diflurbers of Europe, till a fafe and honourable peace fhail be obtained. And as your Majelly has been gracioufly plcafed to lay be- fore your Parliament your royal views and intentions, your Majefty may depend upon your faithful Commons, for their ready and cheerful alliflance to maintain the honour and dignity of your crown, effedually to fupport your allies, and to con- tribute whatever fliali be found necelTary or expedient to bring about, with honour, a juft and reafonable fcttlement of the prefent embroiled ftate of Europe. His Majejiys Anfwei-y Nov, ^O, 1744. Gentlemen, T THANK you for this loyal and afFedionate addrefs. "■■ Your unanimity, on this occafion, cannot fail of having great weight both at home and abroad : you may be alfured, whatever fupplies you Ihall find necelfary to grant (hall be ma- naged with the utmoft oeconomy, and applied to the fupport of my allies, and of the true interefts of my people. His Majejlfs moji gracious Speech, 'Jan, 14, 1745' My Lords and Gentlemen, A T the opening of this feflion of Parliament I did not think ■*^ it proper to lay any thing before you for your confideration, but what immediately related to the prefent unnatural rebel- lion and our fecurity at home. The daring attempts which the rebels have fince made upon this part of my kingdom has been happily difappointed ; and as their precipitate flight be- fore a fmall number of my troops, muft greatly difpirit their followers, fo that inviolable duty and loyalty, which have been Vol. I. Z z f» ( 7^6 ) fo univerfally and ftcadlly fjiewn by my faithful fubjecls, anc| fliall never be forgotten by me, murt: convince them how vaiq find ill-grounded their hopes were of any addition of ftrength from fuch an enterpiife. I have not only fent a confiderable body of our national forces into Scotland, and ordered the Jieilian troops in my pay to be landed there, but have alfo made fuch a difpofnion of the reft of my forces by land, as ■ivell as by fea, that I hope, by the blelfing of God, this re- ]3ellion will, in a Ihort time, be extinguilhed, and our ene- rnies, who have fo long menaced us with an invafion, be de- terred by the feafonable preparations made tor our defence. Ihe eledjon of the Emperor, which 1 very zealoufly pro- moted, was an event of great importance, not only to the fupport of the' houfe of Auitria, but to the liberties of Europe in general. I did alfo, during the courfe of the lart year, exert my earncft endeavours to bring about an accommodation be- tween the Emprefs, the King of Poland, and the King of Pruflia ; and laid a proper foundation for jt by the convention made by me and the Kiiig of Prullia. This great wpfk being at length perfected under my mediation, by the treaty lately concluded at Drefden, the interior tranquillity of Germany, amongft the princes of the empire, is now reflored, My next fare has been, and fhall continue to be, applied to improve this accoinmodation to the beft advantage, by procuring an im- mediate fuccour to be fent to Italy ; and fuch a ftrcngthj, for thp defence and fecurity of the United JProvinces, as may prefcrve that republic, the ancient and natural- ally of this Kingdom, and one main fupport of the proteftant caufe, from the deftrudion with which it is threatened, as well as to attain a f^ic and honourable peace. 1 he States General have made the mpft preding inllances to me to affift them in this difficult conjun£lure. The imminent dangers to which they are at pre- foiit expofedj which do fo nearly a if t ft the fafety of Great J3ritain, as well as the very being of Holland, call for our jnoft feriou^ attention : for the jnterefts of the two nations are fo united, that whatfoever brings ruin upon the one, muft, in confequence, be attended with the moft fatal mifchiefs to ths other. Thefe reafons have induced me to ailure the States that I will, to the utmcft of my power, according to the cir- Ciimflanccs of my own dominions, co-operate with them to- wards oppofing the further progrefs of our enemies in the Netherlands, and procuring a proper fecurity for the republic againit the ^imbltious and deftruftive defigns of France. la order to this neceflkry cnd^ meafures are now a£lually con- certing between me and the States for furnifhing this afliilancej, SP ™}' F'^^^f ^5 9^'^y a^d e|Fe6tualIy as pqiiible^ and for their making ( 707 ) making fuch an augmentation of their prcfent forces, as their own immediate prefervation, and the iieCenity of affairs, ab- lohitely require. The great advantages which we have received from our naval ftrength, in protefling the commerce of my fiibjeds, and intercepting and diilrefling that of our enemies, have been happily experienced by the former, and feverely felt by the latter. I am therefore determined to be particularly attentive to this important fervice, and to have fuch a fleet at fea early in the fpring, as may be fufficient to defend ourfelves, and effedUially to annoy our enemies. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, It is with much regret that I find myfclf obliged to afk any further aids of my people. I am fo fenfible of the burdens they endure, that nothing could give me fo fmcere a pleafure as to lighten them ; but the confiderations I have laid before you are fo neceffary to our own prefervation, that, 1 doubt not, you will grant me fuch a fupply as fhall be fufficient fur thefe purpofes. The proper elliniates Ihall foon be laid before you ; and I earnefUy recommend it to you to take the moil effeciual methods to maintain the public credit in this con- jundlure. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have fully opened to you my views and intentions, which are fo elfential to the honour of my crown, and the true in- terefl and well-being of my kingdoms, that I depend on your vigorous fupport, and the utmoft unanimity ?.n4 difpatch in your proceedings, Addrefs ly the Houje of Lordsy Jan, 15, 1745^ Mofl: Gracious Sovereign, "IXrE, your Majefty's mod dutiful and loyal fiibjc^£ls, the ^^ Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament afilMnbled;( l)cg leave to return your Majcdy our hum.ble thanks for yoiu moll gracious fpeech from the throne. The great care which your Majelly has taken for fupprefl»ng the prefent wicked and unnatural rebellion, and for dctending this kingdom againfl an invafion, is a frefh inftance of ^'om- paternal goodnefs and concern for your people ; the coutiuir- ance of whole religious and civil rights is involved in the pre- fervation of your Majefty, and of the protcf^anl fi^cccllicin ju vQur royal houfc. - ^ Z 2 2 We ' C 708 ) Wc beg leave to congratulate your Alajcfty on the fuccefs of your arms, in difappointing the attempt of the rebels upon this part of Great Briiam. As your troops, led on and ani- mated by the bravery and example of his Royal Highnefs the Duke, could not fail to flrike terror into the rebels ; fo your Majefty's gracious acknowledgment of the inviolable and adive loyally of your faithful fubjeds niuif be the mofl encouraging motive to them fteadfaflly to perfevere in the fame principles. We comply therefore with every call of intereft, as well as of duty, when we give your Majefty the warmed aflurances of our moft zealous and vigorous fupport, totally to extinguifh this rebellion in every part of the united !:ini^dom, and entirely to defeat the defigns ot the Pretender, and all thofe who fhall prefume to affift or abet him. It is with gratitude wc acknowledge your Majefty's great wifdom and regard for the public welfare, in exerting your powerful influence to promote the eleftion of ihe Emperor, and to bring about an accommodation between the Em.prefs, the King of Poland, and the Kmg of Piuflla We look with much fatisfadion on the completion of this great work ; in confequence of which an immediate fuccour may be fent to Italy, your Majtlly's faithful ally, the King of Sardinia, be timely fupported, and a ftrength procured for the defence and fecurity of the Low Countries". We are moft fenfibly affedted with the imminent dangers to which the United Provinces are expofed. We confider their prefervation and fecurity as of the highcil importance to the fafety of thefe kingdoms, whofe interefts have been clofely conneded with thofe of that proteltant republic ever fince its firft founda- tion. We therefore beg leave to alfure your Majefty, that we will vigoronfiy fupport you in taking proper meafures for their defence, and in making good fuch ncceifary engagements as your Majetly will enter into, for co operating with them, towards oppofmg the further progrefs of gut enemies in the Nttherland:? ; and procuring a proper fecurity for the States General againll the ambitious and dcftrudive defigns of France, and for attaining a fafe and honourable peace. Your Majelty's prudence and tender concern for your people appear in nothing more than in the regard you exprefs for the circumftances of your own dominions. We cannot doubt, but this confidciation will have its due weight with your allies ; and that the States will make fuch an augmentation of their forces, and all fuch further efforts, as their own immediate danger and the prefent exigency of affairs require. The advantages which Great Britain has received, and the lofTes and diftrefs which her enemies have felt from our naval ftrength, ( 709 ) ftrength, are vifible to all the world. Your Majefly's refolu- tion, therefore, to-be particularly attentive to this important fervice, and to have a ftrong fleet at fea early in the fpring, gives us the greateft fatisFadion. Your Majefty's gracious declaration, that you have fully opened to us your vievv^s and intentions, is an additional ground for that juft confidence which we repofe in you : and we do, in the moft folemn manner, aflTure your Majelly, that the menaces thrown out, and the preparations made by our enemies, have had no other efFt.61 upon our minds, but to iucreafe our indignation againfl: their deftrudlive projedts and attempts; and to augment and heighten our zeal and ardour in the caufe of your Majefty and our country. His Majejlys Anfwer^ January 1 5, 1 745. My Lords, T RETURN you my thanks for this dutiful and affedionate -^ addrefs. The juft f'enfe you exprefs of the fituation of af- fairs, and of the proper condudt to be purfued in order to ex- tingtiifh the rebellion, fupport our friends, sxii}. defeat the de- Iigns of our enemies, gives me great fatisfattion T rely on your vigorous fupport ; and you m?y depend on my firmly adhering 10 fuch meafures as Ihall be moil: for the honour of my crown, and the true intereft of my kingdoms in our pre- fent circumftances. Hh Majejlys moji gracious Speech, February 14, 1745. My Lords and Gentlemen, TT is with great pleafure that I take this opportunity to af- fure you of my entire fatisfadion in the difpatch and una- nimity of your proceedings in this fcffion of Parliament, and in the zeal you have fhewn for the common caufe, and for the honour and true intereft of Great Britain. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I return you my thanks for the readinefs and cheerfulnefs with which you have already provided fo confiderable a part of the fupplies ; and I make no doubt, but the fame zeal and good difpofition will induce you to enable me to make good the alliances I am already engaged in, and to concert fuch other meafures, in this important conjundure, as fliall be judged neceffary for the fupport of the Qiieen of Hungary, Z z 3 ani C 710 ) and for carrying on the prcfcnt war with vigour, in order to procure a fafe and honourable peace. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have, in conjundion with the Qiiecn of Hungary and the States General, concluded a treaty with the King of Poland, which 1 will order to be laid before you. Let me earneft.ly recommend to you the continuance of the fame fteadinefs and harmony in your deliberations ; which cannot fail to give great encouragement to my allies, and to add great weight to our efforts. His Majcjiyi mojl gracious Speech) May 2, 1745* My Lords and Gentlemen, n^HE zeal,- unanimity, and difpatch of your proceedings, having brought the public bufinefs to a happy conclufion, and the feafon of the year being fo far advanced, it, is neceflary that I fliould put an end to this feffion of Parliament. It is a particular fatisfa61:ion to me to be able to acquaint you, that iince the beginning of it, the polhire of affairs abroad has received a very confiderable alteration to the advan- tage of the common caufe. The late fucceffes of the Auftrian arms in Germany, and the conclufion of an accommodation between the Qi^ieen of Hungary and the Elector of Bavaria, have laid the belt foundation for a further happy progrefs* By thefe events, the influence of France in the empire is much weakened and diminiflied ; and a way is opened to reftore that Itrength and power to our ancient and natural allies, which will tend greatly to the re-eftablifhrncnt and fecurity of the ba- lance of Europe. The refolutions which have been taken by my good friends the States General of the United Provinces for exerting their efforts, in concert with me, and the engagements they have, entered into for fettling the proportions of forces and expcnfe^ . cannot fail to give fpirit and vigour to the operations of our armies. From thefe good beginnings, I hope, by the blefling ot God on the jultice of our caufe, this campaign will be at- tended with fiich fuccefs, as to defeat the ambitious and de- flructive projeds of the Houfe of Bourbon, formed againff the liberties of Europe, and particularly levelled againll my kingdoms. In this view I am determined, in conjundion with my allies, vigoroully to profccute this jult and neceffary war, in order to the procuring a fafe and honourable peace. Gentlemen ( 7H ) Gentlemen of the Houie of Commons, ; I return you my hearty thanks for the ample fupplles whlcH you have fo cheerfully granted for the fcrvice of the current year ; and which, you may be aifured, Ihall be ftridly applied to thofe great and national ends for which they were given. My Lords and Gentlemen, I entirely rely on your duly, fidelity, and good afFeftlons, of which I have had fo many convincing proofs. Let it be your care to cultivate and promote the fame good difpofitions in your feveral countries, to fupport my government, and to prcferve the peace and good order of the kingdom ; as it fhall ever be mine to adviance and fecure your lafting profperity and happi- hefs. Then the Lord-Chancellor, by his Majefty's command, fald> My Lords and Gentlemen, ■fT is his Majefty's royal will and pleafure, that this Parlia- ment be prorogued to ThurfdaV, the 20th day of June next, to be then here held : and this Parliament is accordingly pro- rogued to Thurfdayi the 20th day of June next. His Majejiys mojl gracious Speech^ Ocl. 17, 1 745. My Lotds and Gentlemen, 'T^HE open and unnatural rebellion which has broke out, and ■^ is ftill continuing in Scotland, has obliged me to call you together fooner than I intended ; and I Ihall lay nothing before you at prcfcnt, but what immediately relates to our fecurity at home, refcrving all other confiderations to a farther opportu- nity. So wicked and daring an attempt, in favour of a popi(h Pretender to my crown, headed by his eldcft fon, carried on by numbers of traitorous and defperate perfons within the king- dom, and encouraged by my enemies abroad, requires the im- mediate advice and afiillance of my Parliament to fupprefs and extinguilh it. The duty and affedion for me and my govern- ment, and the vigilant and zealous care for the fafety of the nation, which have with fo much unanimity been (hewn by my faithful fubje6ls, give me the firmed- ailurance that j-ou are met together, refolved to a6l with a fpirit becoming a time of common danger, and with fuch vigour, as will end in the confufion of all thofe who have engaged in or fomented this lebellion. Z z 4 1 have, ( 712 ) I have, throughout the whole courfe of my reign, made the laws of the lantl the rule of my government, and the prefer- vation of the conititution in church and Ifate, and the rights of my people, the main end and aim of all my aclions. It is therefore the more aftonilhing that any of my prottftant fub- je£ls, who have known and enjoyed the benefits refulting from thence, and have heard of the imminent dangers thefe king- doms were wonderfully delivered from by the happy Revo- lution, flioiild, by any arts and management, be deluded into meafiires that muil, at. once, deftroy their religion afid liber- ties, introduce popery and arbitrary power, and fubject them to a foreign yoke. Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons, I rely on your afFe£lion to me, and your care and concern for our common fafcty, to grant me fuch a fupply as may en- able me entirely to exringuith this rebellion, etfedlually to dif- courage any foreign power from afnlting the rebels, and to re- ftore the peace of the kingdom ; for which purpofe, I will order the proper efti mates to be laid before yon. Amongil: the many ill confcqucnccs of this wicked attempt, the extraordi- nary, burden which it mud bring upon my faithful fubjecls very fenfibiy affefts me. But let thofe anfwer for it whofe treafon has occafioned it, and my people be convinced what they owe to thofe difturbers of our peace, who are endeavour- ing to make this kingdom a fceue of blood and coniulion. My Lords and Gentlemen, The many evident prools this Parliament has given of their duty, fideli(y, and affection to nie^ and of their (tcady adhe- rence to the prefeut happy eilublilhment, and the true intereft of their country, make me repofe myfcit entirely on the zeal and vigour of your proceedings and refolutions. 1 am confi- dent you will a<5l like men, who confidcr that every thing dear and valuable ta theiu is attacked ; and I queltion not, but by the bleiling of God we Ihall, in a fhort time, fee this rebel- lion end, not only in retloring the tranquillity of my govern- ment, but in procuring greater ilrengih to that excellent con- flitution which it was defigued to fubvert. The maxims of this conititution fhall ever be the rules of my conduit. The interefl: of me and my people is always the fame and infepara- ble. In this common interefl let us unite ; and all tliofe, who Ihall heartily auil vigorouily exert themfelves in thisjufl: and national cauCc, may always depend on my protcdlion and fa- \i>ur. Jddrcfs ( 713 ) Aidrefs hy the Houfe of Lords, O^ober l8, 1745. Moft gracious Sovereign, "^\7'E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjc£ls, the Lords fpiritual and temporal, in Parliament afiembled, beg leave to return your Majefty our humble thanks for your moft gracious fpeech from the throne. As we felt the utmoft concern upon the breaking out of the unnatural rebellion which is ftill carrying on in Scotland, fo our joy on your Majefty 's fafe and happy return into this kingdom, agreeable to the ardent wi flies of yoiir people, is proper tionably augmented. We want words to exprefs thejuft indignation and abhorrence which rife in our breafts at fo wicked, traito- rous, and defperate an attempt, in favour of a popilh preten- der to your crown, whofe groundlefs claim we have unfeign- cdly abjured, and whofe principles and defigns we do, from the bottom of our hearts, deteft. And we beg leave to afTure your Majefty, that this rafii and prefumptuous enterprife (hall have no further efFe6l upon our minds, but to excite in us fuch a fpirit of refolution and unanimity, in this critical conjunc- ture, as, by the Divine alTiftance, may not only fupprefs this rebellion, but confound and extinguifli for ever ail future hopes of the Pretender and his adherents. The many evident proofs of true loyalty and affection to your Majefty, and zeal for your government, which have been already (hewn by your faithful fubjefts, with an union and cheerfulnefs never known before, unleis at the happy revolu- tion wrought by our great deliverer King William the Third, are clear demonftrations that this nation is determined to pre- ferve the ftruAure built upon that glorious foundation. V^ain, indeed, muft be the expeftations of thofe who can imagine we would part with it. As your Majefty has been plcafed graci- oufly to accept and approve thefe beginnings, we befeech you to look upon them as an earneft of the united zeal and vigour of your Parliament in the caufe of your Majefty and their country. It is with hearts full of the fincereft gratitude, that we ac- knowledge your Majefty's paternal regard for the laws of the land, our conftitution in church and ftate, and the rights of your people ; and it is with the deepeft convidion that we de- clare to your Majefty, and the whole world, that the continu- ance of thefe bleftings does, under God, entirely depend on the maintenance of your Majefty's undoubted title to the crown of thefe realms, the fupport of your throne, and the prefervation of the proteftant lucceflion in your royal houfe. o Whoever f 714 ) Whoever can entertain a thought of exchanging thofe jiift rtites" of government, bounded by the laws and maxims of this free conllitution, for the excrcife of tyranny and arbitrary power^ learned in the moft defpotic courts of Europe, and of parting •with the pureft religion m the world, for the fuperftition and per- fecuting fpirit of popery, mnft be the moft abandoned of mankmd. Warmed with thefe mc"ving fentimcnts, and unlhaken i» thefe principles, we give yoiir Majefty the ftrongcft affurances,, that, in defence of your facred perfon, and of all thofe inva- luable interefts which we ha\'e already defcribed, we" are llcad- faftly refolved to unite, and to hazard our eftates and lives ; that from this revolution we will never depart, but will hear- tily and zealoufly concur in all fuch mcafures a» m3;y moft ef- fe^lually conduce to extingniflv this rebellion; to deter any foreign power from prefuming to fupport it ; to reftore the tranquillity of your Majefty's government ; and to add ftrength to that excellent conftitution which this flagitious attempt is intended to fubvert. May the divine Providence guard and protcil youi- Ma- jefty's preciotis life; give fuccefs to your councils and arms againft all yoiir enemies, ai^d ftabiiity to your throne. I His Aiajcjiys Jnfivcr, Odobcr \Zy 1745. My Lords, RETURN you my hearty thanks for the affectionate andf warm alfuiances of duty arid loyalty which you have una- nimoully given me in this addrefs. Your concern for the pre- fervaiion of our excellent conftitution in church and Hate is as agreeable to me^ as the zeal you exprcfs for me and my go- vernment. I entirely rely upon' both ; and doubt not but, by the blcffing of God, and your aftiftauce, this unnatural rebel- lion will be defeated, and the peace and tranquillity of my kingdoms reitored. Addrefs to h'lS Majefty by the Houjc of Commons ^ Ofl, 18,1 745. Moft gracious Sovereign, Ty E, your Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje£l:s,the Conl- mons of Great Britain, in Parliament alfembled, beg leave to return your Majefty cuir unfeigned thanks for your Majefty's moft gracious fpcech from the throne ; and to con- gratulate your Majefty upon your happy, fafe, and feafonaWe return to thefe your kingdoms. We ( J^$ ) We cannot fufficlently exprcfs our abhorrence and detefla- ■ion of the unnatural rebellion now raG;insr in North liritain. Permit us to give your Majelly the ftronge(t alliirances of our duty and aftedion to your perfon and government; and to ■declare, that we will, with vigilance, zeal, and unanimity, (hew a fpirit and vigour becoming this time of danger : in or- der to make thefe fcntiments cfFetlual, your faithful Commons will grant fuch fupplies, and put fuch ftrength into your Ma- jcfty's hands, as, we truft in God, and hope, from your Ma- jefty's wifdom, cannot fail to defeat the attempts of thofe who ivave already made one part of the united kingdonij ami Avould make the other, a fcenc of blood, rapine, and confu- T'on. With hearts full of gratitude we acknowledge, tliat under your Majefty's royal protedion, we have lived in an uninter- rupted and fecure enjoyment of our religion, lavvSj and liber- ties. As all thefe are now Avlckedly and openly attacked, and we are bound by every confideration, human and divine, to exert ourfelvesin defence of your facred perfon and government. Your Majetty may fafeiy rely on the zeal and vigour of your faithful Commons, who are refolved to ad like men, fenfible of the bleilings we enjoy, and determined to preferve thole bleffings to ourfelves and our pofterity. We beg leave to congratulate your Majefiy on the general concurrence of your fubjedsin thefe fentiments of duty to your Majefty, and zeal for your fervice ; which happy union, w€! doubt not, will, by your Majelly's wifdom, be improved td the future glory and welfare of your crown and people, and to the utter confufion and difappointment of the enemies ta both. I Anfwcr by his Adajcjlyy Onobei' 2ly 1 745. Gentlemen, RETURN you my hearty thanks for this dutiful and affec- tionate addrefs. The zeal and vigour which you have with fo much una- nimity declared on this occalion, will, I truft in God, enable me to put a fpeedy end to this rebellion : whatever flrength you lliall place in my hands, you may be aifured ftiall be employed only to promote the good and happinefs of my people, and to fecure to them the^ perpetual enjoyment of their religion, laws, and liberties. Speech ( 7^6 } Speech hy the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, on prcfeniing the Money Bills to His Alcijcfy, May 2, 1 745. Moft gracious Sovereign, "XT'OUR taiiht'ul Commons do now attend your Majeftywith ■*" their lalt bill of fupply for the public fervice of the prc- fent year. As their fupplies, Sir, are equal to your Majefty's demand, fo your Commons have made thefe grants to your Majerty, as rhey judged them to be adequate alfl) to the nature, the impor- tance, and the neccHity of the fervices. What your Cou'^mons have given, the manner of their gift, and the latitude allowed in the difpofition of great part of it, are fo many marks of the fenfe they have of the caufe it is for, of the coniiderice they repofe in your Majefty for the due ap- plication of it, and of the define they had alfo, that our ene- mies might conceive no hopes from our unexpected difadvan- tagcs and molt unaccountable difappointments the laft year, that this nation was either unwilling, or yet unable, to main- tain its own rights and rank, or thofe of its allies, againfl the difturbers of Europe, their ambition and perfidy. This is, and always lias been, the only objeft of your Commons in this war ; and although it has been purfued by this country againff one of our enemies, at an expenfe beyond our proportion of the danger,, compared with that of other ftates ; in places, and in a manner not the tnort; natural to the fituation of this coimtiy, or where its principal and genuine, and Icfs expcnlive Itrength can be exerted ; yet your faithful Commons, Sir, have enabled your Majefty to take this large fhare in the war upon the continent, — to be indeed the life and chief fpirit of the whole; that the inability of fome powers, and the flowncfs of others, might not make the common caufe to become defperate, and tlvcrcby give the cominon enemy the advantage of efTcdting, without controul, tliat fuperiority which muft be tyranny, fo long meditated, and now again at- tempted, and in which, if obtained, the independency of Great Britain may fooner or later be involved and dcftroyed. It is this, Sir, and this alone, that can jullify to the people, the impofmg tipon them the many millions thcv have already paid in the courft: of this particular quarrel. — God grant that our condition, in the further progrefs of it, may not call for a repetition of the fame expenfe. His aid wo implore, and we rely on your Majefty 's wifdom and condu^Ll, and on the ex- pected great confcqiiences of fome late vcr\' important advan- tages, that the great armament your Comiuji.i have again pro- vided ( 717 ) vided for, and the large fubfidies they have enabled your Majcffy to give to foreign powers, may have that fuccefs this year, how much foever it failed in the !ait, as to bring our proud enemies to reafon, and give your Majefty the glory of bringing to your country what we are fatisfied is moll: defired by your royal heart, as it is certainly mofl wanted by your fubjccls, a fpeedy, an honourable, and a lading paciiication. To the obtaining of which moil: defirable end has the atten- tion of your Commons been mofl earnellly applied, recom- mended to them by your Majefly, in the (trongeft and moft affedtionate manner, and profecuted by tliem \\ ith mofl diftin- guiflied zeal and unanimity. 'Twas their nril and principal care: and when that was done, they applied themfelves with the fame ferious attention to many other very national concerns, more than has ufually been the produdtion of one fellion. Among others, there are bills pre- pared for your Majefly's royal alTent — to regulate eledlions of Ihires — to fecure the qualification of jultices of the peace — to give further encouragement to the linen manufadurcs of Great Britain and Ireland — to purfue the fupprelling of exceflive and deceitful gaming, that corrupter of mind and moi.vls in the highefc as well as the lowed of a people. 1 here are other bills, Sir, to prevent two very growing and reproachful evils to the public — the running in ot goods and merchandife to avoid payment of the legal and accuftomed duties; and the extravagant ufe and confumption of French cambrics : both of them enriching our dangerous rival in trade and pouer. The iirlt of them grown to an enormity beyond the controul (|f all law, and carried to the molt daring and impudent defiance of all government ; the other to an ex- penfe and clear lofs to the nation of two iiundred thoufand pounds a year ; of no necefllty, of no particular convenicncy, but the refult of humour and falhion only ; and to our double fhame be it fpoken, almoft the only fafhion we do not take from that people of whom we piirchafe this commodity. Some part of the felhon, Sir, has been employed by your Commons, not unufcfully, we hope, to the public, in the moil intereltingdifquilitiou of all others to this nation. The honour of the Britilh flag is mofl juflly deemed the chief honour of the Britifh empire. It has made us tlie envy and the terror of all other nations. Our annals, and thole of our enemies too, bear tcfUmony of its glory in all ages. Some other countries equal, perhaps exceed us in other fpecies of military flrength, not in bravery, though in numbers ; but the naval power of this ifland was never exceeded or equalled by anVi ( 7iS ) any, and is now far fuperior to the maritime force of any other country whairocvcr. ]n the Mediterranean feas, laft year, we were confeiTedly fuperior to the united fleets of France and Spain, confifting of the flower and chief ftrength of both their navies ; but to the aflonifhment of the world the enemy efcapcd ahnoft with triumph, when Providence had thrown them almoll: into our hands; and the noblcit occallon was thereby lofl of eftabli filing tlie greatnefs of the Britiih navy again{t all pretence of rivalry, and of deciding perhaps in our favour at once, the fate of the whole war. Under thefe circumltances. Sir, unbecoming and unpardon- able would it have been in your Commons, not to have made this foul mifcarriage the fubje6l of their ancient, conflitutional, a.nd necelfary power of inquiry into every public fervice. They entered into it, and purfued it with an impartiality and with a folemnity that became their juftice and their dignity ; worthy of the great national importance it is of, and worthy the royal juftice to which they have now appealed. To you. Sir, your people in Parliament have deferred this great caufe of their country, to give it an examination in legal courfe of ti'ial, ■without dirtindion of perfons or degrees ; that this ftain upon the honour of the kingdom, thisdifgrace that raifes indignation in the breaft; of every true Briton, may in fome meafure be tlone away, by doing right to the valour and condu£l of thofe •who have done well, and by perpetuating, through exemplaxy punifliment, the infamy of the tiinorous and the treacherous, and of thofe who in any manner thus fatally to their country, have tranfgrelfed the rules, and broken the difciplineof war. Conne.£led in fotne fort with this inquiry, the late prafticc f)f courts martial in the fea fervice hath tallen under the obfer- Tation of your Commons ; in one of which they have foundl fuch defects and mifljehaviour as are a reproach to the juftice of the nation ; and if generally prailifed, m\ii\ end in the total everthrow of all military difcipline at fea. Towards remedy- ing which fo great evil and indeed fcandal to the ftate, a bill awaits your Majefty's royal afleut, to prevent it in fome de- gree ; with our hopes that hereafter a more extenfive reforma- tion of thefe cotirts will he made by Parliament, that the privi- lege rf being tried by pcrfons of the fame profeflion, as a means, ©t protefting the innocent, may not be converted into the bafe means of protecting the guilty, becaufe they are of the fame profeflaon ; or for other reafons not lefs dangerous or dishonour- able. The bills I hav^ in my hands to prefent to youy Majefty, arc feverally intituled. An ( 719 ) An aifl for granting to his Majefty the fum of 8oo,Offio/. out of the finking tiind ; and for granting a fum remaining in the exchequer (arlfen by the furplus of the duties upon malt, mum, cyder, and perry,) for the fervice of the year 1745 ; and for the further appropriating the fuppHes granted in iliis fellion of Parliament ; and for giving further time for the payment of duties omitted to be paid for the indentures or contrails of clerks and apprentices ; and for the further enforcing the pay- ment of the (aid duties. An ad for repealing the prefent inland duty of 45. per pound weight upon all tea fold in Great Britain ; and for granting to his Majelty certain other inland duties in lieu thereof ; and for better fecuring the duty upon tea, and other duties of excife ; and for purfuing offenders out of one county into another. To which your Commons, with all humblenefs, befeech your Majeljy's royal alfent. H J\JeJfage from his Aiajejly to the Hoiife of Commons^ December 19, 1745. George Rex. IS Majefty having received undoubted intelligence, that preparations are making at Dunkirk, and other ports of France, which are now in great forwardnefs, for invading this kingdom wjth a confiderable number of forces, in fiipport of the rebellion carrying on here, in favour of the Pretender to his crown ; and fonie French troops being already a<^ually landed in Scotland, under the command of a perfon who has fent a melfage to the generals of fome of his Maj^fty's forces, declaring that he is come into this kingdom to make war againft his Majefty by the orders of the French King ; his Majcfty has thought it proper to acquaint the Houfe of Commons with an event of fuch high importance to his crown, and to the peace and fecuriry of thefe kingdoms. And his Majefty having, the laft fummer, taken into his fervice 6, poo Hedian troops, by virtue of a treaty concluded between his Majeily and the King pf Sweden, Landgrave of HejTe Calfcl, dated the ,V day of June, 1745, has judged it necelfary to dircdl the faid HcHian troops to be brought into this kingdom, in order, in conjunc- tion with his Majefty 's Kritifli forces, the more efl'e6lually tQ repel the faid invafion, and to fupprefs the prefent rebel! ion. His Majefty therefore doubts not, from the experienced zeal, duty, and aftedion of his faithful Commons, that they will enable him to make good the faid treaty, will ftrcngthen his 55 hands, ( 720 ) hands, and concur in all fuch meafures as fhall be neceflary for difappoiiiting and defeating fo dangerous an attempt, and for the fecurity of his perfon and government, and the religion, laws, and liberties of this kingdom. His Majefty has alfo ordered a copy of the faid treaty to be laid before this Houfe. G.R. End of Vol. I. 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