t.■''f^-, -* ■ ■-. '":C - '.:■ -i t; ■l^ =s 'Xi _M a :i n' !^^=^{ '"S. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES UNIVERSITY of^ CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGBLBS 3 THE WORK O F ANDREW MARVEL L, Esq. POETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL, AND POLITICAL, CONTAINING Many Original Letters, Poems, ami Tracts, never before printed^ WITH A NEW LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, By Capt. EDWARD THOMPSON. Ey thefe three Virtues be the Frame fiiflain'd. Of Britifti Freedom: Independent Lifej Integrity in Office ; and o'er all Supreme, a Paffion for the Common-Weal. Hail ! Independence, hail ! Heav'n's next beft Gift, To that of Life and an immortal Soul ! The Life of Life ! that to the Banquet high And fober Meal gives Tafte ; to the bow'd Roof Fair-dream'd Repofe, and to die Cottage Charms. Thomson's Liberty I N THREE VOLUMES. V L. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE EDITOR, EY HENRY BALDWIN, And fold by DoDSLEY, in Pall-Mail; Rtdley, in St. James's-Street ; Cadell, Beckst, and Evans, in the Strand; Almon, Piccadilly; Kearsly, in Fleet-Street ; Walter, Charing-Crofs; Robson, in Bond-Street; Flexnev, in Holborn ; Davies, in RuffelStreet ; Robinson and Baldwin, Fater-noller Row j Dillv, in the Poultry ; and by Etherington, in York. M DCC LXXVL r (jr ^^ I 1-7 -? ^ o.l THE LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS T O The Works of ANDREW MARVELL, At THREE GUINEAS per SETT. V vs\rx ^ ^ Setts, THE Corporation of Kingfton upon Hull - - 6 The Trinity-Houfe _ - 6 His Royal Highnefs the Duke of Cum- berland Her Royal Highnefs the Duchefs of Cumberland His Grace the Duke of Northumber- land Her Grace the Duchefs of Northum- berland The Duke of G The Earl of Effingham The Earl of Shelbourne The Earl of Tankerville Lord CJanricard ~ r ^ Lord Lifburne Lord Donegal Sir George Saville Sir Charles Thompfon Sir George Macartney Sir William Meredith Sir Stephen Theodore Janflen Sir William Guife Sir Robert Clayton Sir John Smith, F. R. S, Sir Jacob Wheat, Bart. The Right Hon. Richard Rigby The Hon Mr. Chichefter The Right Hon. John Sawbridge, Lord-Mayor The Hon. Admiral Byron The Hon. Capt. V^alfmgham, M. P. The Hon. George Barclay A 2 Setts. The Hon. Daines Harrington, F. R. S. The Hon. John Hancock The Hon. Capt. Luttrell The Hon. Temple Luttrell The Hon. James Luttrell Mrs. Macaulay Mrs. Vaughan Mifs Wilkes Mils de la Pryme Mrs. Wright Major Goland, M. P. Capt. George Bowyer Capt. John Somerfet Capt. Charles Saxton Capt. Thoroughton Capt. James Wilfon, M. P. (IriQi) Major Baggs Capt. Charles Clerke Capt. Andrew Wilkinfon Jacob Wilkinfon, Efq. M. P. Henry Afl'iew, Efq. Crifp Molineux, Efq. M. P. Crifp Molineux, Efq. jun. Edmund Burke, Efq. M. P. Richard Oliver, Efq. M. P. Chace Price, Efq. M. P. James Scawen, Efq. M. P. John Wilkes, Efq. M. P. Samuel Adams, Efq. Edward Burrow, Colleftor of Glafgow Henry Broadley, Efq. John Blankett, Efq. Ifaac Broadley, Efq. Richard Becher, Efq. Charles ;3 THE LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Setts, Charles Beft, Efq. Robert Biggin, Efq. Thomas Bell, Efq. Capt. Francis Banks Biirney, Efq. Robert Baker, Efq. Dr. Beard mo re Frederick Bull, Efq. Rev. Mr. Bowie Francis Charlton, Efq. Dr. Robert Cloberry Glynn, M. D, Francis Crauford, Efq. Charles Crauford, Efq. Eftcourt Chefwell, Efq. Henry Dawkins, Efq. George Davis, Efq. John Dickenfon, Efq. John Edmofton, Efq. Mr. Charles Etherington - 4 Sydney Hollis Foy, Efq. Samuel Foote, Efq. Rev. Philip Griffin David Garrick, Efq. John Guife, Efq. Edward Burnaby Green, Efq. Richard Gathorn, Efq. Cranllon Goodali, Efq. Captain of the Royal Navy Mr. Griffiths The. Brand Hollis, Efq. F.R.S. - 2 Timothy Hollis, Efq. David Hartley, Efq. M. P. John Stevenfon Hall, Efq. George Jackfon, Efq. William Kirby, Efq. Mr. George Kearfley - " 5 WilloughbyLacy, Efq. Thomas Long, Efq. General Charles Lee Major Labilliere Daniel Minet, Efq. F. R. S. Henry Maifter, Efq. Thomas Mifflin, Efq. A'incent Mathias, Eiq. Sstit. Rev. Mr. Mafon, Prebendary of York Jofeph Mufgrove, Efq. Samuel Meek, Efq. James Marro Matray, Efq. Conful to the Canaries Capt. George Thompfon Lieut. Jofeph Thompfon James Norman, Efq. Nilbet, Efq. Oxford Library of St. Edmund Hall, by the Rev. Philip Griffin Charles Polhill, Efq. Mr. Chriftopher Pryme Mr. James Price Thomas Raikes, Efq. William Raikes, tfq. Thomas Rumbold, Efq. Richard Rofewell, Efq. John Richards, Efq. Richard Spencer, Efq. Stephen Sayre, Efq. Philip Stephens, Efq. The Rev. Mr. Small J. Small, Efq. Mr. John Shuttleworth Mr. James Sykes Twifleton Thompfon, Efq. Benjamin Thompfon, Efq. William Travis, Efq. William Toll, Efq. Mr. Thomas Thomas Vaughan, Efq. Samuel Watfon, Efq. Walter Wilkins, Efq. John Wombull, Efq. Thomas Williamfon, Efq. Capt. John Willamfon Hill Wilfon, Efq. Rev. Dr. Wilfon Rev. Mr. Wood Mr. Mafon Wright Mr. William Woty Rev. J. T. Wheate D E D I C A. DEDICATION. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, AND THE WORSHIPFUL THE WARDENS, ELDER BRETHREN AND ASSISTANTS OF THE TRINITY-HOUSE OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. GENTLEMEN, THERE were many inducements of (6 forcible and perfuafive a nature to invite me to lay the works of Andrew Marvel! at your feet, that had I neglefted a refpeft, fo immediately your due, no ftigma had been fevere enough to have expofed my ingratitude. I am not a little proud of being a native of that place which DEDICATION. which gave Andrew Mar veil birth, and more fo of being a brother of that houfe, which he always ftiled noble and worthy, and which he ever ho- noured with his friendlhip, counfels and prote6lion. From Andrew Marvell the Corporation, Trinity- Houfe and Town, drew many advantages : his independent fpirit and exertions in Parliament to- wards their mutual welfare for eighteen years, gave Hull a pre-eminence over every other Bo- rough. He was the brilliant ftar of your hemi- fphere, and not inferior to thofe of Rome, which Ihone the glory of the univerfe. In more early periods the Freemen of Hull, ever illuftrious, diflinguiftied themfelves as the friends of liberty and England. It v/as the obfli- nate integrity and undaunted courage of Hotham, that fecured Hull, the great ftrong hold of Eng- land, to the Protector j by which acquifition he 5 defeated DEDICATION. defeated the tyrant Stuarts, and paved the way for the acceffion of freedom in the line of Naflau. It is not for me to draw in a dedicatory epiftle the chara6i:ers of fuch worthies as have been bred among you j but you may boaft of fome of the faireft names with the proudefl cities. For the great and kind alliftance that you have beftowed on me in completing Andrew Marveli's works, my moil fincere thanks are due to you; and the profperity of my native Town ihall ever command my moft zealous prayers and fervices. Though weak and humble my ability, yet fuch as I pofl'efs, cannot be fo pleafingly exerted, as in the doing good to thofe I moft lincerely honour, refpe(9: and efteem. May you long continue to flourifli the admira- tion of your neighbours. May your counfels be mature DEDICATION. mature in wifdom, and that the commerce of Hull may be extended to the remoteft corners of the world, are the ardent and fmcere wiflies of Gentlemen, Your much obliged. And moft refpe^liful humble Servant, EDWARD THOMPSON, PREFACE. *Tm.i*mitWi0*mM»»m.m \m>ttn\i^i ijmj. PREFACE T O THE WORKS OF ANDREW MARVELL. TT?^HRNEVER a man puhlijhes the works of another, rr or attempts to give any accotmt of a7i author, the publick expeBs in gerieral to know the reafons of fuch an undertaking. My anfwer to fuch e?zquiries is ready and obvious. I have ventured to give the excellent cojnpofitiojzs of this great and exalted chara&er, hecaufe they have never been given to the world but in a inutilated ajid an imperfeEi fate. 'The bef editio?z of his poeins is publiped by Mr. Thomas Davies, from thofe given by Cooke, ffty-two years after the death of Mr. Marvell ; but his political and co7itroverfal works were never yet colleEied. The late Mr. Tloo^nas Hollis, of honourable memory, had once a defg7i of making a col- leSlion of his C07npoftio72s, a7id advertifeine7its were publiped Vol. I. A • . for a PREFACE. for that purpofe by the late Andrew Millar ; and all the manufcripts andfcarce traSis^ colkSied for that purpofe^ were after'wards given me by his ijjgenious friejid. In this dejtgn the late Mr. Robert Nettleton ajftjled ; and all his paper s^ ftnce his deaths have been politely allowed to me by his kin/man Mr. Thomas Raikes. Bei7Jg a native of Hull, where Mr. Marvell was born, and heari?2g and reading very early of fo excelle?it a man, I was thereby Jlimulated to make this offer of my refpeEi and veneration to his memory ; not that it food in need of the affifiance of my inferior abilities to perpetuate it j but only to (hew my ejleem of a perfo?i who had beeji a general friend to manki?2d, a publick o?ie to his comitry, and a partial and firenuous 07te to the town of Hull. In this particular, I hope I have fo well fucceeded in the candid opiniojz of the generous world, by dreffing Mr. MarvelT s works in better clothes, though not in a ?tewer fajlmn ; for I have given his words as they were written by his own pen. The orthography of that period was rather over-charged with letters, as the prefent is divejled of them; but the former equally conveys the fenfe, and ferves to eftablip the period they were written in, as the dreffes of pictures denote the forms a?id the mai^ners of the age, as well as the majlers who painted them. There have bee7t many con- tentions for the births of illuftrious, a7icie7'it claffick poets, and many cities have made their damn, though they had no pre- tenfon^ PREFACE. iii tmfions to fuch an honour \ tvhkh if they could not maintain y they at . haft fiewed a refpeSi far the charaSicr by their ft re- nuous exertions to prove their right to the fame of fuch nati- vity. In this ' cafe there can be no coftteft, though any place might be proud to hoaft of fuch a patriot ; ivhom^ fr ability ^ genius^ ajid fortitude, the fift republican charaEiers in Ro7m did 7iot furpafs. The additional letters on the buftnefs of Parliament (which he addrejfed to the Corporation of Hull for eighteen years] bei?tg fo great a?i acquifition, and fo pleafmg a circumftance to my 7nmd, gavBi-, tne freftj encouragement to perfevere ifi this undertaki?ig ; a?ul indeed the difcovery in many refpeSis prompted me to colleB the fcattered remains of his valuable labours. The fir ft information of thefe letters arofefrom acci- dent : having the honour to be eleEied a Brother of the Trinitj- Houfe, I was looking over a file of letters, and found therein feveral written by Mr. Marvell to the Brethren of that Houfe, concerni?tg the ere&ion of the Spurn-Lights, and a difpute which then ficbfifted betweeji Mr. Whittington and Sir Philip Frowde, of whom he fays of the latter, " As farre as I can " obferve the gentleman, a little matter makes him much " bufineffe, and he feems to me one of thofe who bethinke " it the greateft point of wifdome to make the moft fcruples. " And to this his nature or art I attribute all this remiiT- *' nefle." hi another of thefe letters, fpeaking of Sir W. J ones, A 2 emine?ii IV PREFACE. cc eminent in the law^ he faith^ *' We had fome difcourfe ** concerning our affaires and conftitution ; wherein, " according to that general knowledge that he hath of " things material and confiderable, he was already no " ftranger. I am very glad that you may henceforwards reckon yourfelves provided of as able and honeft a coun- fell as any that wears the gown at this feafon." In a let- ter of the 26ih of April, 1674, to his brother Mr. Edjnund Popple, he tells him, jhat " Lauderdale will be here the *' next week ; Sir Jofcph Williamfon comes to be fecretary, " and Arlington chamberlain ; for which he gives St. Al- " ban's ten thoufand pounds out of Sir Jofeph's pocket." Iji the CQ7tdufion of a letter to his brother Edmund Popple (who married his fifler Catharine) fpeaking of oji expenfve law-fuit into which the Trijtity-Houfe had hafily run, he juftly and humour oufly fays, " I know the charter empowers <* to diftrain ; but your charter is not a Magna Charta : " Country counfell, like ill tinkers, make worke for " thofe in London." For the great trouble which he had taken upon himfelf in the upright conduEi of the bufi?tefs of the Trinity- Houfe, in efablijhi?2g thofe very iiecef- fary lights on the Spurn, at the mouth of the river Humber, the honourable and gratefid brethren, fe?ifible of his fervices, took the mof courteous method, knowing the delicacy of his modefiy, to make him a prefent, as a tefitnony of their efeem and gratitude ; a?2d this purfe was conveyed by one of the bro- therhood. PREFACE. V therhood^ for which he gives the houfe thanks in this peculiar w-aiiiier, «* Gentlemen, Wefiminfier, Feb. 25, 1677-8. " TT Found myfelfe very much furprized lately by a token " X. which you were pleafed to fend me by Mr. Coates. " And truly I was very unwilling to have accepted it, having " always defired rather to doe thofe offices of friendlhip " where I could have no profped of other gratification than *' the goodnefle of the adlion. But you efpecially ought " not to have placed any fuch reward upon me, whom you " have continually engaged by all manner of civil obliga- " tions. Neverthclefs your warden ufed fo prefiing an im- " portunity with me (if courtefy may be fo ftiled) that I *' could not decline it. Therefore I do by the fame hand " returne you my thanks, defiring that you will hnd out " fome further way, that I may worke out what I have not *' deferved of you otherwife than by my good affection al- " ways toward you and your worthy fociety. So wilhing " you all happinefle, and other kind of benefadlors than " Mr. Clipfham * for the future, I remaine." 'Tl^ere * This Mr. Clipfliam had brought an aftion againft the houfe, and was caft. When Mr. Marvel 1 reports this news to the houfe, he commends all the gentle- men of the law retained for the caufe, excepting Sir Robert Sawyer ; for, fays he, " Our counfell have feverally done their parts excellently well : 'onely Sir Robert " Sawyer, I will not fay like a recreant knight, but a lawyer, though he had his *' three guyneyes fee, came not." Kvl PREFACE. There are forty -jive of thefe letters^ hut he'mg on privatt fiihjecis to the brethren of- the Trinity- Hot fe., they are no ways interefli7^g ; hut I have the copies by me. This enquiry pro- duced a further difcovery of upwards of three hundred more letters in the poJfeJfw72 of the Corporation of Hull^ the g?^eatefi part whereof they politely permitted 7ne to tranfcrihe from the originals which are now in the Tow7i s Hally a?id faithfully given to the publick i?i the frfl vohmte ; for which indulgence I am greatly obliged to the Mayor a?id Aldermen. Si?tce the death of Mr. Thojnas Hollis^ I have been favoured by his fuc- ceffor with mafty anecdotes, manifcripts, and fear ce ccmpof- tions of our author, fuch as I was unable to procure any where elfe ; and by the attention and friendfJjip of Mr. Tho- mas Raikes, I have heeji put in pojfejfton of a volume of Mr. Marvell s poejns, fome written with his own hand, and the reft copied by his order : this valuable acquiftio7i was ma7iy years in the care of Mr. Nettleto77, which ferves now fi7t his own words) to deieSi the theft and ig7Jora7ice of fome writers, J7i the poem called Royal Refolutions, which in his manii- fcript is named the King's Vows, are thefe additional verfes. After Verfe the fecond. I. I'LL have as fine bifliops as were e'er made with hands. With confciences flexible to my commands. And if they difpleafe me — I'll have all their lands. n. I'll PREFACE. vii II. I'll have a fine navy to conquer the feas. And the Dutch fliall give caution for their provinces. And if they lliould beat me — I'll do what they pleafe. III. I'll have a fine court, with ne'er an old face. And always who beards me (hall have the next grace. And, I either will vacate, or buy him a place. IV. I'll have a privy-purfe without a controul, I'll wink all the while my revenue is ftole. And, if any is queftion'd — I'll anfwer the whole. V. If this pleafe not — I'll reign then on any condition, Mifs and I will both learn to live on exhibition. And I'll firft put the church — then the crown in commiffion. VI. I'll have a fine tunick, a flifh, and a veft. Though not rule like the Turk — yet I will be fo dreflr. And who knows but the fafliion may bring in the reft. How thefe witty verfes have been omitted in all the other editioftSj I cannot define^ but J am proud to rejiore thejn to the publick eye. 'The ?7ext poem in this mamifcript booh^ is a hmnourous fatire written i'n Jlanzas^ upo?i Sir Robert P^iners Jetting up the fiattie of the King on horfeback iti TVoolchurch-7narkety which viii PREFACE. which in the Jirjl volimic of the State Poems ^ continued^ /*• 3©, is called-, A Poem on the Statue in Stocks-market, without 'breaks in the printing. Bitty as written by Mr. Marvell^ it is thusy and very different from the other in many parts. I. AS citties that to the fierce conqueror yield. Do at their own charges their cittadels build; So Sir Robert advanc'd the King's ftatue, in token Of bankers defeated, and Lombard-flreet broken. II. Some thought it a knightly and generous deed. Obliging the citty with a King, and a fleed ; When with honour he might from his word have gone back. He that vows for a calme, is abfolv'd by a wreck. in. But now it appears, from the firfl to the laft. To be all a revenge, and a malice forecafl: ; Upon the King's birth-day to fet up a thing. That Ihews him a monkey more like than a King. IV. When each one that paffes finds fault with the horfe. Yet all do affirme, that the King is much worfe j And fome by the likenefs Sir Robert fufpedt. That he did for the King his own ftatue eredl. . V. Thus to fee him disfigur'd — the herb-women chide. Who upon their panniers more gracefully ride j And fo loofe in his feat — that all perfons agree. Even Sir William Peake fits much firmer than he. 4 VI. But PREFACE. ix VI. But a market, as fome fay, doth fit the King well, Who the parliament too — and revenue doth fell ^ And others, to make the fimilitude hold. Say his Majelly too— is oft purchas'd and fold. ■ VII. This flatue is furely more fcandalous far. Than all the Dutch pictures which caufed the warr; And what the exchequer for that took on truft. May we henceforth confifcate for reafons more juft. VIII. But Sir Robert, to take all the fcandal away. Does the errour upon the artificer lay ; And alledges the workmanfiiip was not his own. For he counterfeits only in gold — not in ftone. IX. But, Sir Knight of the Vine, how came't in your thought. That when to the fcafFold your Liege you had brought i "With canvafs and deales you e'er fince do him cloud. As if you had meant it his cofiin and flirowd ? X. Hath B/ood him away, as his crown he convey 'd. Or is he to Clayton % gone in mafquerade ? Or is he in caball in his cabinett fett. Or have you to the Compter remov'd him for debt ? XI. Methinks by the equipage of this vile fcene. That to change him into a Jack-pudding you mean. Or why thus expofe him to popular flouts. As if we'd as good have a King made of Clouts ? Vol. I. a XII. Or X PREFACE. XII. Or do you his faults out of modefty vaile With three fliatter'd planks, and the ragg of a faile i. To exprefs how his navy was fliatter'd and torn. The day that he was both reftored and born ? XIII. Sure the King will ne'er think of repaying his bankers. When loyalty now — all expires with his fpankers ; If the Indies and Smyrna do not him enrich. He will hardly have left a poor ragg to his breech. XIV. But Sir Robert afiirmes that we do him much wrong, 'Tis the 'Graver at work, to reform him — fo long : But alas! he will never arrive at his end. For it is fuch a king as no chiflell can mend. XV. But with all his errours — reftore us our King, If ever you hope in December — for fpring j For though all the world cannot Ihew fuch another. Yet we'd better have him, than his bigotted brother. Mr. Cooke^ in his edition of Mr, MarveU's poetick ivorks^ gives us to tinderjland^ that many pieces in the State Poems are attributed to our author^ which he never wrote : hi this particular Mr. MarveW s own hand bears tejlimony to ihe contrary', and particularly to the following lampoon , which is more corretl and perfeEi than it is given in that coile6iion. THE, PREFACE. xl THE STATUE AT * CHARING-CROSSE. I. WHAT can be the myftery why Charing-CrofTe This five months continues ftill muffled with board j Dear Wheeler, impart, we are all at a lofl'e, Unlefs we mud have Punchinello reftor'd. II. 'Twere to Scaramouchio too great difrefped. To limit his troop to this theatre fmall, Befides the injufUce it were to ejeft That mimick, fo legally feiz'd of Whitehall. III. For a diall the place is too unfecure. Since the Privy-Garden could not it defend; And fo near to the Court they will never endure Any monument, how they their time may mifpend. IV. Were thefe deales yet in {lore for fheathing our fleet, ovx », W'hen the King in armada to Portfmouth fliould falle, -w. ... ,. ■.'^r''>'^ and treafurer, did they agree't. To repair with fuch riff-raff our churches old pale t V. No J to comfort the heart of the poor cavalier. The late King on horfeback is here to be fliown ; What ado with your Kings and your flatues is here. Have we not had enough, pray, already of one ? a 2 VI. Does • See State Poems, Vol. III. p. 65. xn PREFACE. VI. Does the treafurer think men fo loyally tame. When their penfions are ftop'd, to be fool'd with a fight ? And 'tis forty to one, if he play the old game. He'll reduce us e'er long to rehearfe forty-eight. VII. The Trojan horfe, fo, (not of brafs but of wood) Had within it an army that burnt down the town ; However, 'tis ominous, if underflood. For the old King on horfeback is but an Half-crowne» VIII. Yet, his brother-in-law's horfe had gain'd fuch repute. That the treafurer thought prudent to try it again ; And, inftead of that Market of herbs and of fruit. He will here keep a Shambles of Parliament Men. IX. But why is the work then fo long at a {land ? Such things you fliould never — or fuddenly do : As the Parliament twice was prorogued by your hand. Would you venture fo farr to prorogue the King too ? X. Let's have a King, fir, be he new, be he -'-•*• ■■f"^ ... ■^. Not Vyner delay 'd us fo, though he were broken ; Tho' the King be of copper, and Danby of gold. Shall the treafurer of guineas refufe fuch a token ? XL The houfewifery treafurefs fure is grown nice. And fo liberally treated the members at fupper; She thinks not convenient to go to the price. And we've loft both our King — and our horfe, and his crupper. XII. Where PREFACE. xiii XII. Where fo many parties there are to provide. To buy a King is not fo wife, as to fell ; And however, flie faid, it could not be denied. That a monarch of gingerbread might do as well. XIII. But the treafurer told her, he thought flie was mad. And his parliament lift too withall did produce i "Where he fliew'd her, that fo many voters he had. As would the next tax reimburfe them with ufe. XIV. So the ftatue will up after all this delay. But to turn the face towards Whitehall you muft fliun ; Though of brafs — yet with grief it would melt him away. To behold fuch a prodigal court and a fon. The above piece is more correEi than that given in the State Poemsy which appears to be a mutilated copy ; a?id the followijtg ballad on the City s prefe7iti?ig the King with a gold boXy in the manufcript hath jour more verfes than are printed in Cooke s edition^ viz. after verfe the feventh, thefe lines follow. WHEN his mafters too radi. Him entrufted with cafh. He us'd as his own to fpend on't ; And among his wild crew. The money he threw. As if he fliould ne'er fee the end on't. ^fter> xiv PRE F A C E. After verfe the \6th. You durfl: not, I find. Leave his freedom behind, And in a box too you have fent it; But if ever he gett For himfelf up to fett. The nation may live to repent it. Folloivwg verfe the 20tb. But all ye blind apes, Led in Hell by the Papes, Never hope now in England to fwagger ; He'll find, who't unlocks, I'th' bottom of box, London bears both the Croffe * and the Dagger. Tfl thefe verjes and the ballad in general^ fucceeds a Pa- raphrafe of David's Hymn on Gratitude, 'which Mr. Addifon in the 45 }f N" of the SpeBator^ gives with this Preface. I have already communicated to the publick fome pieces of divine poetry ; and, as they have met with a very favourable reception, I {hall from time to time publifh any " work of the fame nature, which has not yet appeared in " prints How thefe came to Mr. Addifon s haiids^ I cannot explain ; but by his words^ they feem to be remitted by cor- refpondents-i and might perhaps come from the relations of Marvell. I. WHEN * City Arms, 4 PREFACE. XV I. WHEN all thy mercies, O ! my God, My rifing foul furveys ; Tranfported with the view, I'm lofl: In wonder, love, and praife* .II. O how (hall words with equall warmth. The gratitude declare. That glows within my ravifli'd heart ! But thou can'ft read it there. III. Thy Providence my life fuftain'd. And all my wants redrefs'd. When in the (ilent womb I lay. And hung upon the breaft. IV. To all my weak complaints and cries. Thy mercy lent an ear. Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt To form themfelves in pray'r. V. Unnumber'd comforts to my foul. Thy tender care beftow'd j Before my tender heart conceiv'd From * whence thofe comforts flow'd- VI. When in the flippery paths of youth. With heedlefs fteps I rann. Thine arm unfeen convey'd me fafe. And ledd me up to mann. * Old copy, whom thefe. VII. Through &' xvi PREFACE. VII. Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, It gently clear'd my way ; And through the pleafing fnares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. VIII. When worn with ficknefs, oft' haft thou With health renew'd my face; And when in fins and forrow funk, Reviv'd my foul with grace. IX. Thy bounteous hand with worldly blifs, Has made my cup run o'er j And in a kind and faithful friend. Has doubled all my flore. X. Ten thoufand, thoufand precious gifts. My daily thanks employ ; Nor is the laft a chearful heart. That tafts thefe gifts with joy. XI. Through ev'ry period of my life. Thy goodnefs I'll purfue; And after death, in diftant worlds. The glorious theme renew. XII. When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works no more ; My ever gratefull heart, O Lord, Thy mercies fliall adore. 5 XIII. Through P R £ F A C E. xvii xiir. Through all eternity, to thee A joyfull fong I'll raife ; For oh ! Eternity's too (hort To utter all thy praife, T7jere is very little difference in the tivo copies., unlefs in the fpelling^ and a grammatical alteration or two., ivhich Mr. Addifon may have altered for the better. The next is a tranjlation of the 1 1 4'* Pfalm., 'which is give?! in the Spe&ator by Mr. Tickle., in 7V^''46r, nsoho apolo- gizes as a correfpondent, and compliments the SpeBator upon his former hymns, and then fays, he has a mind to try his hand', and, as the \\\^ Pfalm appears to be an admirable ode, he will try to turn it into our la?2guage. Whether this is Mr. Ticklers or not, it is very extraordinary that he fjould take fo miich pains to hide his theft', for he humbly fays in the conclufo7i, *' If the following effay be not too incorrigible, *' beftow upon it a few brightnings from your genius, that *' I may learn how to write better, or to write no more." // is very particular, when this gentleman knew he was fend- ing afne hymn, and not his own, that his modefy f)ould be fo powerful over him, to apologize for that which waitted 720 apo- logy. There arefome alterations which are prifited in another letter, to difinguijlj the origijial frojn the copy in the SpeBator^ as follow. Vol. I. b I. WHEN xviii PREFACE. I. WHEN Ifrael freed from Pharoah's hand, Left the proud tyrant and his land. The tribes with chearful homage own Their King, and Judah was his throne. II. Acrofs the deep their journey lay. The deep divides to make their way, {themy in the Spec.) The ftreams of Jordan faw and fled. With backward current, to their head. III. The mountains fliook like frighted fheep» Like lambs the little hillocks leap; Not Sinai on her bafe could ftand, Confcious of fovereign power at hand. IV. What power cou'd make the deep divide,. Make Jordan backward roll his tide ? Why did ye leap, ye little hills ? And whence the fright that Sinai fills ? V. Let ev'ry mountain, ev'ry flood Retire, and know th' approaching God ; The King of Ifrael, fee him there ! (hereJ) Tremble thou earth — adore and fear» VI. He thunders, and all nature mourns,. The rocks to {{a.nding poo/ he turns ; [pools.) Flints fpring with fountains at his word. And fires, and feas confcfs their Lord. Mr, PREFACE. XIX Mr. Addifon again in the /s^6t^"' SpsBator does our author the honour of inferting the following ode^ without the leafl i?itimation of its hei7ig his own. I wiflo Mr. 'Tickle had been as inodefl^ as he cannot afford to even lofe borrowed reputa- tion. Mr. Addifo7i^fpeah7tg of the beautifull flrokes of poetry in the Pfalms^ f'^yh *' ^s fuch a bold and fublime manner of " thinking furniflies very noble matter for an ode, the reader " may fee it wrought into the following one." I. THE fpacious firmament on high. With all the blue etherial fkye. And fpangled heavens, a fliining frame, This great original proclaim. The unweary'd fun from day to day, Does his Creator's power difplay j And publillies to ev'ry land The work of an Almighty hand. II. Soon as the ev'ning fliades prevail. The moon purfues the wond'rous tale ; And nightly to the lifl'ning earth. Repeats the ftory of her birth. Whilfl: all the flarrs that round her burn. And all the planets in their turn. Confirm the tidings as they roll, And fpread the truth from pole to pole. b 2 III. What XX r R E F A C E. II r. What though in folemn filence all Move round the dark terreftrial ball ? What though nor real voice or found. Amid their radiant orbs be found ? In reafon's ear they all rejoyce. And utter forth a glorious voice ; For ever finging as they rtiine, ♦' The hand that made us is divine." 'The 77ext compofitio7i I fnd^ is thai celebrated elegiack ballad of William and Margaret, which ever has bee7t uni- 'verfally admired^ a7id clai7ned a7id priTtted by Mr. Mallet in his poe7ns. This 77ta7mfcript book proves it the co7npofttio7i of Marvell, writteTt by hiTTi i7i \(i^iQ. I a77tforry this truth did not appear Joo7^er\ that the Scots bard might have tried to defend hi7nfelf \ but 770w the jackdaw mufi be Jiripped of his floleii pliwiage^ a7id the fine feathers mufl be reflored to the real peacock. WILLIAM AND MARGARET T. A SONG. I. 'TWAS at the filent midnight hour. When all was faft afleep. In glided Margarett's grimly ghoft, And flood at William's feet. IL Her PREFACE. xxi II. Her face was like an Aprill morn. And in a * winter s cloud, And clay-cold was her lilly hand. That held her fable fliroud. III. So {hall the fairefl face appear. When youlh and years are flown ; Such is the robe that kings mull wear. When death has reft their crown. IV. Her bloome was like the fpringing flower,. That fips the filver dew ; The rofe was budded in her cheek, Jufl: opening to the view. V. But love had, like the canker-worm, Confum'd her early prime j The rofe grew pale and left her cheek, ^he died before her time, VI. ** Awake, flie cry'd, thy true love calls, *' Come from her midnight grave ! •* Now let thy pitty hear the maid " Thy love refus'd to fave. VII. *' This is the dumb and dreary hour " When injur'd ghofts complain; *' Now yawning graves give up their dead, *' To haunt the faithlefs man. VIII. " Bethink ^ New copy, wintry. XXll PREFACE. VIII. ** Bethink thee, William, of thy fault, " Thy pledge and broken oath ; " And give me back my maiden vow, " And give me back my troth. IX. ** Why did you promife love to me, " And not that promife keep ; •' Why did you fwear my eyes were bright, " Yet leave * thefe eyes to weep ? X. *' How could you fay my face was fair, " And yett that face forfake ? *' How could you win that virgin heart, *' Yet leave that heart to break ? XI. *' Why did you fay my lip was fweet, " And made the fcarlett pale; ** And why did I, young witlefs maid, " Believe the flattering tale ? XII. *' That face, alas ! no more is fair, *' Thefe lips no longer red; ** Dark are my eyes, now clos'd in death, •' And ev'ry charm is fled. XIII. *' The hungry worm my fifter is, " This winding-{heet I wear; '* And cold and weary lails our night, " 'Till that laft morn appear. * New copy, thoft. XIV. " But PREFACE. xxiii XIV. ** But hark ! the cock has warn'd me hence, " A long and laft adieu : '* Come fee, fond man, how low ilie lies, " That dy'd for love of you." XV. The lark fung loud, the morning fmil'd. And rais'd her gliftering head; Pale William quak'd in ev'ry limb. And raving left his bed. XVI. He hy'd him to the fatal place. Where Margarett's body lay j And flretch'd him on the green grafs turf. That wrapt her breathlefs clay. XVII. And thrice he call'd on Margarett's name. And thrice he wept full fore ; Then laid his cheek to the cold grave,. And word fpake never more. The aIteratio?is which Mr. Mallet hath tnade in this ballad^ only ferve to further confirm his plagiarijm. ht the firjl verfe he has jnade this attempt at ame7tdtnent. Injiead of filent midnight hour, he has fiit it filent folemn hour : ajid for " When all were faft alleep," Whe7t ?jicrht afid morjiino- meet. 4 77:ere xx'iv PREFACE. T^ere are fome other trivial alterations , and not for the worfe^ till verfe the 1 5/^, which Marvell writes thus : * *' The lark fung loud, the morning fmil'd, " And rear'd her gliilering head." Which Mallet changes for With beams of rofy red. l^his^ as a 7iatural and poetical defcription of tnorning^ is very inferior to gliftering. For the dew which ha72gs on every tree and plants gliflers at the rifng fun. I therefore pro?wunce Mallei s fmiling morn v/ith beams of rofy red, to be vejy i?7ferior to the dignity of the fmiling morn, railing her gliftering head. / do 72ot think this a matter of opinio?!.^ hut a very obvi- ous f alii f2g off; and proves the fame of Mr. Mallet to be like that of Alle?i Ramfay, borrowed from the works of much wifer tnen. The next fonnet is^ The Defpairing Shepherd, whom our author calls Myrtillo, but all the printed copies Marcellus : of this compoftioji he only gives us three verfes ; the other copies extend it to twelve. It feems to be a counterpart to the fore- goi?2g elegy ^ ai2d fo2ne lefs able hand hath introduced a defpair- ing ffepherdefs^ by the na^ne of Ari?2inda^ who dlfo dies for griefs 072 the refleEiion that her difdain i72urdered the ma7t 5 that PREFACE. XXV that loved her to madnefs and defpair. But of this. Mr. Marvell only gives the fuhfequent verfes as his oivn : the author of the reft is not worth eriquiring after, I. ONE night, when all the village flept, Myrtillo's fad defpair The wand'ring fhepherd waking kept. To tell the woods his care. Begone, faid he, fond thought, be gone. Eyes give your forrows o'er; Why fliould you wafle your tears on one That thinks of you no more ? ir. Yet all the birds, the flocks, the powers. That dv/ell within this grove. Can tell how many tender hours We here have pafs'd in love.. The ftarrs above (my cruel foes) Have heard how fhe has fworn A thoufand times, that like to thofe. Her flame fliould ever burn. III. But fince flic's loft. Oh ! let me have My wi(h, and quickly die; In this cold bank I'll make a grave. And there for ever lie. Sad nightingales the watch (hall keep. And kindly there complain; Ther> down the fhepherd lay to fleep, And never wak'd again. Vol. I. c Dr. Newton^ xxvi PREFACE. Dr. Ne'wt07Z^ in his quarto edition of Milton^ P^S,^ 29, ijitimates^ that the Latin verfes^ celebrated for their elegance and purity^ a?id addrejfed i?i the 7tame of Oliver Cromwell to Chriflina^ ^ueen of Sweden, were made by Miltoit, rather than Andrew Marvell. I do not know what reafon Dr. Newton hath to advance this, or to attempt to depreciate the fcholai'fhip of Marvell by this complifnent to Milton : it is merely a matter of fuppofition, and a cold intimatioit that MarvelT s Latin is not equal to Milton s. This is certainly Dr. * Newton s infimiation, which I ca?jnot admit of as there is nothi?ig in thofe verfes which Mr. Marvell was not equal to. The following is a jeu d'efprit of MarveW s^ and written ill 1678. ■ THE PARLIAMENT-HOUSE TO LETT. I. HERE'S a houfe to be lett. For Charles B — d fvvore On Portfmouth's bare , He would {hut up the door. IL Inquu'e at the lodgings Next door to the Pope, At Duke Lauderdale's Head, With a cravat of rope. IIL And * In a MS. which I have by me, written by W. Popple, Marveirs nephew, who col- le£led his works after his death, thefe verfes are therein given as his- uncle's : but they have no refemblance to Milton's Latin, PREFACE. 2ixvii III. And there you will hear How next he will lett it; If you pay the old price. You will certainly get it. IV. He holds it in tail From his father, who faft Did keep it long fliut. But paid for't at lad. 'Tl^ere are ma?ty other compojitmis in the State Poems, which bear the marks of Mr. MarveWs hand^ but as - they are ?iot authenticated to befuch^ Imujl plead to relitiqui/h the infer tion of them. In that colleSiion^ the Duke of Bedford^ i7i a State Litany, from court principles feems deftrous of fatiriztng this good ma7i in thefollowiitgflaiiza. *' From changing old friends for rafcally new ones, *' From taking of Wildman * and Marvell for true ones -, *' From wearing green ribbans 'gainft him gave us blue ones : " Libera nos Domine" But. as the above arifes from party pettdance^ it cait have no weight with the worlds any further than a dif grace to his Grace of Bedford, c 2 7'he; * A political writer againft the court. XXVIU P R E F A C fe. (C (( The lajl piece of humour which vjas put into my hands of our autho7\ is fo truly charaEieriflic'al of the TVelch^ and fo excelkjit in its ki?idj that I f jail make no fort of apology for its infertion. It was printed i7t the London Gazetteer, Nov. 28, 1760, with this head piece. To the PRINTER. Sir, " THE following humourous Welch Petition^ formerly written by the celebrated Andrew Marvell, may now be entertaining to your readers, efpecially as a union between " Great Britain and Ireland is become the common topic of *' converfation." L. SHEWETH, " THAT her country of Wales peing antient nurferie ** for Pritifli plood, afcending from antike families ; and having to her creat tifcrace fufferet many intignities from * her cunning enemies, and hafing on tue confiterations, " many times pennet and publifhet her criefs, tokether with *' her proteftations, in hopes toliave cood anfwers and fatif- *' fadions to the fame from her cood cofens the Parliament *' at Lonton j and contrary (look you) to her expediations, *' have cot nothing put contumelies and tivifions ; where- *' fore her plood peing hot, and her head full of politick " pufineffes, her is propofet, in the name and appellations «' of c PREFACE. xx'iK " of all her fliires, to tifll-mble nnd call a creat company of " her politick fhentlemen of Wales, to pe ketheret -in {eC- " {ions like a parliament, who fhali lay apout them in inti- *' catures, and fentences, and rcfenchcs, and pring to " punifhments her creat malefactors and tefentcrs. " And whereas her countries pay creat ftore of rents for " peggarly cortaches to her creat lantorts and politick fhen- " tlemen, pefidc Inillings and pences to pifhops and fliudgesj *' her will have pui)lick laws contrivet in good fafhions, " that neither her Inudges or politick fhentlemens carry *' away her fhiilingSj or run up to Lonton to be mate feoffs " and mockeries, and pe fent pack peccarly fafliions to her " own countrie, without pennies in her pocket, or prains " in her pate, and this her purpofe fliall be firft acreed by " her Pritifh purgefTes. " This refolfe fhall pe had to confultations py her Pritifli *' purgeffcs, and moreofer part of her countries and Pritifh " ocean peing in fights and profped of Irelant, ant her " fometimes fear, that py creat fliorms and troubled oceans *' and pigg floods, Irelant may be plown to her, or her to *' Irelant, and the wild Irifh come in creat crowds on foot " (look you) inRead of fhips, and tread down her leeks, " and eat up her fheefe, to the utter conflrudion of her " coots and families : it is in all humilities fow and *' proteft to the politick wifdom of Pritilli purgefTes, and I " fworn XXX PREFACE. ' fvvorn ofer py St. TafFy aken and aken, that her will * ncfer acree, confent, or in her confiterations and com- ' plyancesj pe refolvet, that Irelant be plovvn ofer to Wales, ' and though her lofe her Irifh cofcn, yet, py St. Taffy, ' her lofe herfelf a little petter, and her pray her Pritifli ' purgeffes to make orders in good fafhion, that no lort- ^ teputy of Irelant pafs or repafs through her oceans, or ' countries of Wales, till her firft make refolutions and pro- ' teflations pefore her politick purgefTes, that her will not ' confent that Irelant come ofer to Wales, either py fea or ' py lant, to the utter confl;ru6tion of her Welfh fhentle- ' men, as well as Iriili kearn, who will pe worfe fagabond ' here than at home. " Ant all thofe petitions and refolutions fhall pe record * in her Pritifh parliament to pe called in creat hafte and ' expetitions." The following papers come from the librmy at Lambeth^ a?id are not lefs curious than fngular and entertaining. I fjozild have wove them into the body of the work i?i a more digefled manner^ had they come more early to ?ny hatids. Copy PREFACE. xxxi Copy of a "Letter of Andrew Marvell, £/^. the Origi7ial isihereof is preferred in the MSS. Library at Lambetb-, in Bifiop Gibson's Papers, Vol. V. N*' 88., Deare Will *. " I reckon by this time my quatre fettille letter ia ' arrived to you, and that the bookes will fpeedily over- ' take it. Cave o?n72i7io lie vel jnijii}num offendam vel abbatem ' vel uxor em tuam phirimi enim facio utriufq', erga me ' affeSiiun et 7nea?n apiid illos exijiimationem, liber aiitejn ' ifle non efi perfeSius iii fuo genere fed friBi?n et defuitorie ' agit : fed neq\ ejl mutilus : apices rerimi tanglt. Si autem ' perfeEitis aliquid defderas oporteret ipfum Cor7ielium Agrip- ' pa7n de vanitate fcientiarum confulere et prcscipue Picum ' D^lirandtdajium cojitra afrologos qui tamen mortuus efl aniio ' ab illis prcefinito. I do not perceive the foole hath any ' harme, nor that although they talk of it, they will or can ' anfwer him according to his follye, I fend you thefe '• copyes." * William Popple, Efq. his nephew, by his fifter Catherine, wife o£ Edmund Popple, ExtraSl <( The quaker firfl:, and by him dodor King; And yet what juftice ever could before Remove a nuifance to his neighbors doore ? Fanaticks thus the bifhops mark are made. Not out of zeale, but as they fpoile their trade. Henceforth, ye fons of Efculapius high. Lay your Sennedus and Riverius by; If you would thrive, then learn to pradife thus. No Recipe is like a Mittimus. • / have jww moji carefully rejidered to the publick every fuaiuable paper written by this illujlrioiis patriot^ and with as much accuracy as pojjlble ; ajid^ as 1 7nea?i the work to be a tejlijnony of refpeB to the author^ I hope it will he found and allowed^ that I have fpared no expence in jnaVmg it PREFACE. n it in fome fmall degree equal to his merits : though his com- poJitio?is unadorned^ are the hefi obelijks of his virtues : and Ji?ice it hath been of late a kind of wicked fapion to decry the purefl compofitions of our nobleft authors^ to vainly render patriotifm ridiculousy by attempting to laugh all patriot virtus out of countenance ; yet I trufl in the charaSier of Mr. Marvell there v:ill be difcovered fuch proofs to the contrary^ that the very Dahymple^ who hath attempted to traduce the glorious names of Sydney and Rujfel^ will fail i?i any malignant efforts to blacken fo fair a page of character ; ajid that one jnan, even with him^ ffall be found to be a proof againft all bribe?y and corruptio?! \ and that no place in the gift of a King^ 7ior any money in the Treafury, could warp his mind to defert his religion when attacked by Papifs, or f educe hi?n to abandon tJje pofl of a j ait hfiil and watchful cent i- 7iel in the hour of ruin and danger. Sanj LETTER XLVIIL Mr. RICHARD FRANK, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ESTERDAY his Majefty was pleafed to prorogue us till the tenth of Odober next. The publick Bills which he pall were eight ; whereof the moft conliderable : The Aflefment of eleven Months ; the explanatory Poll-bill ; the Ads for preventing Law-fuits betwixt Landlord and Te- nant in London ; and a Bill for Rebuilding the City of London. The foure others are of lefTer moment. I £hall look that you have them all as foon as printed, and his Ma- jeflyes gracious Speech at our departure. Here hath been an ill accident lately. The Patrick, a fliip of 56 gunns, taken off Flarwich by two Dutch men of warr ; fhe had a fireihip too in her company, which it feems ran away, and the Mafter queftioned. The Captain of the St. Patrick was one Sanders ; I hope ere long to write you fome better news, and of higher importance, if it pleafe God to give fuccelle. I am forry to hear of feverall fires of late in your town, but by God's mercy prevented from doing much harme. Though I know your vigilance, and have been informed of the oc- cafions, I cannot but out of the earneftnefTe of mine own. fenfe advife you to have a carefull eye againft all fuch acci- dents. We have had fo much of them here in the South, that it makes me almoft fuperftitious. But indeed, as fome- times 78 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS times there arife new difeafes, fo there are fcafons of more particular judgements ; and fucli as that of fires feem of late to have been upon this nation : but God's providence in fuch cafes is well pleafed to be fruftrated by human induflry, but much more his mercys are always propitious to our re- pentance. Excufe this degreflion, and if, during my ({ay here, I may be any way ufefull to you, command. Your moft affedionate, Sec. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjler^ Feb. 9, 1666-7. LETTER XLIX. Mr. RICHARD FRANK, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IT IS Majefty having iffued out his proclamation for re-^ X affembling this Parliament, I have fent it you here inclofed, and withall defire you, that you will therefore re- fled among yourfelves, upon any thing in your prefent con- dition, which you may think worthy of publick confide- ration ; that if you have any thing of that nature, I may be prepared in my place to co-operate towards your fatisfadion : wherein you fhall always find me as ready as obliged ^ being Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, L,ndon, jum t-j, 1667. ANDREW MARVELL. The Dutch begin to appear again near Gravefend. 1 TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 79 LETTER L. Mr. RICHARD FRANK, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, "^HIS is onely to give you a (liovt account that this day we have met in Parliament. The King; Tent a mef- fage, that concerning the Houfc might be thin, he would have us adjourn till Munday next, when his Majefty intends to come to ngnify his pleafure. The Houfe therefore only or- dered, that the members of the privy-councell of our Houfe fliould go to the King, to define that if there be a Peace, his Majefty would be pleafed to dijhatid all the new-i'aifecl land- forces. This paft 7iemi7ie co?itradicenie^ and then we ad- journed till Munday. The Dutch have been fighting with us in the mouth of the river, but I think with more da- mage to therafelves than us. The peace truly I think is concluded : his Majefty will beft tell us that news, as the beft author. Yefternight at one o'clock a very dangerous fire happened in Southwark, but blowing up the next Houfe in good time, there were but twelve confumed or ruined ; befides the lives of feme ^tw perfons. I cannot but advife you, to have efpeciall care in your town of any fuch acci- dent, or what you will call it ; for I am forry we can yet fee no clearer by fo many lights. The Houfe is very full for the firft day, and we exped every day fuller. I have no more at prefent, but am, Gentlemen, &c. Yours, i:.w««, 7«/j, 25, 1667. ANDREW MARVELL. to ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LL Mr. RICHARD FRANK, MAYOR. Gentlmen, my very worthy Friends, HIS Majefty was pleafed yefterday to acquaint us, that having rummoned us in an exigency of his affairs, the Peace was now made, and therefore he could not pleafe us better than by difiniillng us at this feafbn : that the articles of Peace fhould fhortly be in print, and that he hoped to meet us again in 06lober ; and fo prorogued us till then* "When his Majefty's Ipeech and the articles fhall be made publick, I fhall take care to furnifh you with them. I have nothing further, than to aflure you that I am. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. London, "July 30, 1667. LETTER LIT. Mr. RICHARD FRANK. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, EXCUSE me if I have not writ before, and now fo fhort ; for really we are tired out with publick bufinefs, which 1 hope will tend much to the nation's and your fatisfacSions. Our greateft matter is the enquiry into the feverall mifcar- ^ riages TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 8i riages of the late vvarre, which we arc very ferious and ear- neft about. Yefterday the Houfe fent to Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle to defire their information of all the mifcarriages of the warre, according to their obfervation. They have promift in two or three days to return their nar- ratives in writing. Secretary Morice is ordered to-day, to fearch out his letters of intelligence, and give account of them which he received about the time of dividing the fleet. Colonell Gilby and I have received this Dedimus, which we fend you. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your very affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL, London, 061, 8, 1667. LETTER LIIL Mr. RICHARD FRANK, MAYOR, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IN my laft I inclofed to you a Dedimus potejiatem. Mr. Stockdale I think told me fome days agoe, that he fliould be out of town this day, which makes me more wil- ling to write you a line or two to-night. We proceed daily Vol. I. M in 82 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS in examining the mifcarriages of the late warre, and efpe- cially hitherto upon the not fortifying Sheernefle ; and the burning of the fliips at Chatham. This morning fcveral members of our Houfe did in their places move the Houfe to proceed to an impeachment againft the Earle of Claren- don, and layed very high crimes to his charge. The Houfe proceeded in it with very much temper, and the refult at lafl: was no farther than to make a Committee to look out precedents againft Tuefday morning (till when we adjourned) to report to the Houfe, what way formerly they had pro- ceeded in capital cafes. Yefterday upon a new petition and frefli matter againft the Lord Mordant, the Houfe referred it to a Committee in order to receive his impeachment. The next week we fhall have Prince Rupert's and my Lord Generalis account of the mifcarriages of the vvarrc in writing ; alfo Secretary Morrice, his concerning the intelligence, whereupon the Fleet was divided. I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. London, OSI, 25, 1667. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 83 LETTER LIV. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentemen, my very worthy Friends, REALLY the buiineffe of the Houfe hath been of late fo earneft daily and fo long, that I have not had the time and fcarce vigour left me by night to write to you ; and to-day, becaufe I would not omit any longer, I lofe my dinner to make fure of this letter. The Earle of Clarendon hath taken up much of our time till within this three days. But fince his impeachment hath been carryed up to the Houfe of Lords, we have fome leifure from that; and now this is the third day that the Lords have, without intermifTion of any other bufineffe, continued upon the queftion. Whether upon our defires to commit him to cuftody, before we fent up (which yet we have not done) the particular articles of our charge againft him; and this debate of theirs will fcarce be ended before night, if then. Belide we have upon the Duke of Albemarle's narrative, and other matter before us for this day or two, great debates, and long, about Commiflioner Pett ; and many neglects and mifcarriages laid to his charge in the bufinefs of Chatham. At laft the Houfe hath to-day voted, that the Committee of Mifcarriages fhall draw up an Impeachment againft Pett. M 2 Now 84 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Now although the Houfe be fharpe fct upon finding out and punifhing things of this nature, yet neither are other publick matters negleded. They have agreed to fit two days in the week in Committee of the whole Houfe upon the balance of trade, and more particularly of the trade betwixt Scotland and England, in regard of the impofitions which ly alternatively upon the importation of each others commodityes into theirs or our country: wherein if any thing be particularly in your profpedls, and touch the intereft of your trade, you will do well to give us timely advice. The Bill for Accounts is ready for report. A Bill againft Pluralityes is committed. Several other things in expedition. I fhould be glad too to know your fenfe concerning a Bill that will be brought into the Houfe for Naturalizing all Forainers whatfoever, who fhall come to inhabit here, and take the Oaths of Allegeance and Supremacy, without infringing the Freedoms and Charters of Corporation, but otherwife natu- ralized to all purpofes. The Bifbop of Yorke being fick of the fmall pox, appears in a very faire way of recovery. I am Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejminjier, Nov. 14, 1667. Wrote on the back of Letter dated Nov. 14, 1667. I heare the Lords are at lafl: come to a refolution to defire a Conference to-morrow with our Houfe, to fliow us reafon why they fhould not commit the Earle of Clarendon before fpeciall articles, LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 85 LETTER LV. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THREE or foure days of this week have bin taken up in examining, in our Houfe, a matter of Bribery to fome of our members ; when in the former Seffion, after the prohibition of all French Commodityes, our Houfe was prevailed with nevertheleffe to petition the King to fuffer a great quantity of French Wines to be landed, upon pre- tenfe that the perfons concerned had given orders for thofe Wines before the prohibition. The greateft fault herein hath been fixt upon Mr. John Afhburnham, he who be- longed to the OLD KING, The Houfe yefterday voted, that he having received 500I. of the French Merchants had committed an offenfe to the dijhonour of this Hotife^ and contrary to his duty as a 7nember thereof^ and afterwards they voted that he be excluded the Houfe, and a writ to be iffued for ele&i?2g a nemo member 17% his place. On Monday the Houfe will be upon the remainder of this bufinefle, as to other members who received feveral tierces of wine, &c. The Lords and we cannot yet get off of the diilicultyes rifen betwixt us on occafion of our Houfe's demanding the Earle of Clarendon's imprifonment upon a general charge of trea- jfbn: the feverall Conferences we ftill have upon that account feem rather to heighten than allay the difference. The Bill; 86 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Bill of general Naturalization of what Strangers foever come to inhabit here, taking the oaths of Allegiance and Supre- macy, hath been once read. The Bill of Accounts is re- ported to the Committee, and the Houfe are upon the Amendments. I am ftraitned in time for writing any further, fo beg your excufe, and am Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl affedionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL. London, Nov. 23, 1667. LETTER LVL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft to you, we have had a free conference with the Lords, and fo a mutuall debate of the reafons on each jGide for, and for not committing the E. of Clarindon upon our general charge. The Lords yefterday fent a meffage by Judge Archer and Judge Morton, that upon the whole matter, they were not fatisfyed to commit him, without particular caufe fpecifyed or afTigned ; whereupon our Houfe, after very long debate, voted " That the Lords not complying with the deiires of the Houfe of Commons in committing and fequeftring from their Houfe the E. of 4 Clarindon, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 87 Clarindon, upon the impeachment carryed up againft him, is an objlruSiion of the public yujlice in the proceedings of both Houfes of Parliament^ and is the prefident of evill a?id dan- gerous ConfequeiicesT To-day the Lords fcnt down by Judge Twifden and Judge Brown another melTage to us, that they had to-day received a large petition from the Earle of Cla- rindon, intimating that he was withdrawn. Hereupon our Houfe forthwith ordered AddrelTe to his Majelly, that care might be taken for fecuringj all the Sea Ports left he fhould pafs there. I fuppofe he will not trouble you at Hull ! Alfo ordered a Committee to draw up a narrative in jufti- fication of the proceedings of our Houfe in this whole matter of his impeachment. I heare his petition is of five fheets, which will furnifli enough hereafter for your information. The Lords go upon it to-morrow. When this meffage came, we were debating whether to commit the Bill of generall Naturalization ; but hereupon adjourned the further debate. Mr. Stockdale gives you account in what good progrefie your mony is that you lent, and I hope Mr. Recorder (though we cannot hitherto meet) gives you what is done in the companyes debts, which I will inquire of and aflift according to my beft opportunity. I am. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. London^ Dec. 3, 1667, 88 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER LVIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT. MAYOR. Gentlemen, my vrry worthy Friends, IHave but leifurc to tell you, that we are tc-c3ay ad- journed till 6"" of February. We have paft five publick acts : A6t of Accounts — of making Exchequer Orders afiignablc — for CommifTioners to treat with CommifTioners of Scotland for the opening the Trade betwixt both — for naturalizing Prize Shipps — for banifKing and difabling the Earle of Clarindon. I have inclofed to you, upon com- munication with my partner, the Act for the Duke of York's mony. I beg your pardon, fhall write to you more at large. I remain. Gentlemen, 6cc. ANDREW iMARVELL. London^ Dec. 19, 1667. LETTER LVIIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS letter cannot acquaint you with much more than that to-day, according to our adjournment, we are returned to fit in Parliament. But our number appearing very TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 89 very fmall, we onely made one order, that the Houfe would entertein no new bufiiieffe 'till it be called over. The day appointed for that before, will be the next Thurfday, when it is probable they will be fevere enough againft thofe that are abfcnt. So we adjourned till Munday next, when it is probable his Majefty will declare his pleafure to both Houfes. The prefent news out of doors is, that as the BiOiop of Rochefter from Gierke of the Clofet, fb on Tuefday laft the Bifliop of Wincheftcr was difcharged from being Dean of the Chapell, and yefterday the L. Cornbury, the E. of Clarindon's fon, being Chamberlain to the Queen, was difmift from Court. No more at prefent but that I remain, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. JVeJlminJtr, Feb. 6, 1667-8. LETTER LIX. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, Have been fo bufy this weeke that I could not write before, and the Houfe having fat to-day 'till five in the evening, fo that I have but little time left me. I hope I fhall have your excufe. You know, I believe, that the Houfe Vol. I. N ordered I 90 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS ordered to take the matter of the King's fpeech into con- fideration after the report of the mifcarriages of the late warre, and that report fhould be made after the calHng of the Houfe ; accordingly the Houfe was called on Thurfday, and ordered that the abfenters fhould each be fined 40I. and if they refufe to pay it, then to be committed to the Tower till they fhall. The fame order for any who fhall be abfent three days from the Houfe without leave. Yefterday and to-day the Houfe hath bin upon the Report of Mifcarriages, and have made yet onely two votes : one that the divifioa of the Fleet was a mifcarriage ; the other that the not revoking the order of dividing the Fleet after intelligence received of the Dutch coming out, was a Mifcarriage. They proceed again on Monday upon the fame report. I am, Gentlemen, Sec. ANDREW MARVELL. If^ejlmlnjlery Ftb, 15, 1667-8. LETTER LX. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my lafl:, the Houfe hath for the mofb part gone each other day upon the confideration of the publick Mifcarriages and the King's Speech, by turns j as to the laft. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. gi laft, they have not yet voted any further fupply, but that a Committee take an account of the laft Poll mony, and of the mony regiftered on the eleven Months Tax : and what part thereof expended tov/ard the warre, according to the intent of the A61, and what mony arifing by the Poll mony hath likewife been applyed to the ufe of the warre. As to the mifcarriages of the warre, they have further voted the not profecuting the firft victory to be one of the greateft mifcarriages. And the not furnifhing the River of Med way with a fufficient guard of fhipps, though the king had then 18,000 men in pay, to be a great mifcarriage j and the paying off the fleet with tickets, without mony, to be a great mifcarriage. The debate u'pon fetting the prices of wine upon the merchants having been adjourned to a further day is not yet refumed. Col. Gilby tells me he hath writ about the prefer of the chufing what fifhing places you will in Greenland. There is before the Houfe a particular bufinefle concerning the L. Gerard, Captain of his Majefty's Guard, which will, and doth refled; highly upon his re- putation and fortune. This is all at prefent, but to remain, JVtfiminJeri F(b, 22, 1667-8, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. N 2 LET- 92 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS is to acquaint you with the foonefl: that having fat till 8 at night yefterday in a Committee of the whole Houfe ; we voted a fupply to his Majefty not ex- ceeding the fumme of 300,000!. and that not to be ralfed either by Land Tax or by home Excife. To-day we have been confidering of the way, but have adjourned the debate till Saturday, it being impofTible fo foon to come to a re- folution. To-morrow we return to the further confidera- tion of the report of the Mifcarriages of the late warre. I have nothing more at prefent but to remain, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Weflminjier, Feb. 27, 1667-8. LETTER LXIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, I AM glad to acquaint you with the firft of all the fteps we make in the fupply to his Majefty. I told you in my laft the vote of the Committee of the whole Houfe 4 con- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. gg concerning a fupply not exceeding 300,000!. neither by- Land Tax or home Excife. Since that, they have voted towards that fupply an additional duty upon forain com- modityes, to be layd at the Cuftom Houfe, and not by way of Excife. The Houfe hath not yet deliberated on, or pafTed thefe votes of the Committee, onely have ordered a fele6l Committee, to confider what commodityes are capable of that addition, and what eftimate it may amount to. It is ten days before the Committee of the whole Houfe fit again, feveral bufinefles being appointed for the days between. As upon Wednefday (upon occasion of a complaint yefterday by feveral members, of infolence of fome people in their religious meetings to the affront of the minifters of the place) the debate is appointed upon that matter, and I hope will tend towards that compofure which his Majefty recommended to US. On Thurfday the Commiftioners of the Navy are to be heard to defend themfelves touching the matter of ticketts, which Mifcarri^ge is layd much at their doores.. Other things are of a privater nature. I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminfter^ Feb, 29, 1667 S. LET- ^4 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXIIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ON Wednefday laft the Houfe refumed the debate occafioned by the informations of feveral members concerning the infolencyes of Non-conformifts in fomc part of the nation, difturbing minifters in their churches, and fetting up their own preachers ; the Houfe hereupon came to this conclufion, that they would, in a body, attend his Majefty, defiring him to reinforce, by his proclamation, the laws againft Conventicles, and that care might be taken to fecure the peace of the nation againft the unlawfull meetings of Papifts and Non-conformifts ; and that the Houfe on Wednefday next will take into conlideration the latter part of his Majefty's Speech. Accordingly they went next day, and his Majefty anfvvered, " He would iffue forth his Proclamation according to their defire, and doubted not but they would take the latter part of his Speech into con- jQderation according to their own vote." When the Pro- clamation comes forth, I fhall fend you a coppy. The Houfe alfo, to be better fatisfyed concerning the informations which had occafioned this refolution, made a committee to examine them. Alfo they have fent for the Lieutenant Governor of Chefter ; he having writ up news that an apo- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 9- apothecary of that town had received letters from one Clauell, a clerk in Mr. Secretary Morice his office, con- cerning the King being angry at the Houfes former vote of defiring his Majefty to iffue his Proclamation ; whereas Mr. Secretary denyed in the Houfe, that he had, nor indeed hath any fuch clerke, nor knows any fuch man, and the apothecary is likewife fent for up. His Majefty having writ to the Houfe to quicken them in his fupply, fome Members of the Councell propofed the neceffity of 200,000!. more ; but the Houfe only proceeded to contirme what had bin thus voted at the Committee, " That they would raife a fupply not exceeding 300,000!. and to be levyed neither by Land Tax nor home Excife" ; and £nce then the Committee of the whole Houfe have fat daily about the manner of railing; it. The Committee for adding; a Cuftome on forain Commodityes are not yet ready, but it runs much on Wines, and Tobacco efpecially, and on Linnen and Brandy ; but we are yet very irrefolute what way to pitch. There is a propofall on the Tunnage of Ships importing, but I hope unliJiely to take effeSi. To-day it hath bin earneftly moved to raife ioo,oool. of the 3 upon the dignifyed Clergy. Others add Pluralityes. Some would have all raifed on Deans and Chapters lands, but we rofe without any queftion, but to fit again on Munday. Yefl:er- day Sir R. Holmes informed, at the Committee of Mif- carriages, againft Sir Jer. Smith, for his behavior in the S laft 96 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS laft fight. Friday is appointed to heare both their witnefTes, when I doubt not but Sir Jeremiah will come off with full reputation. Col. Gilby tells me that my Lord Bellafis is fick, fo that if you have not yet had anfwer concerning the late infolencies of the foldiers, that hath bin the hindrance. The Generall is to-day gone out of town for fome ten days to refrefh himfelfe, being fomething indifpofed. Thus much at prefent. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejltn'injler, March 7, 1667-8. I doubt not but before the end of the next week we fhall have agreed in the way of raifing the Supply. LETTER LXIV. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe hath at laft ordered, that for the raifing of ioo,oool. with the intereft, for his Majefly, there fliall be layd 4d. the quart on French wines ; 6d. the quart upon Spanifii wines ; 6d. the quart on all other wines, and 1 2d. the quart upon brandy : and this fum to be raifed within 18 moneths time, beginning from the firft of May next, by commifiioners for that purpofe ; and Mr. SoIIicitor is ordered to bring in a Bill. Yefterday the Committee of Mif- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 97 Mifcarriages met in order to Sir Jeremy Smith's buHnefle ; he gave in his anfwer, in writing, to the federal articles deUvered in againft him by Sir Robert Holmes, and had his witneffes ready to have juftifyed the truth of his faid anfwer in all points ; but the Committee conceiving gene- rally that it was not fo prudent at this time to foment dif^ fentions among the officers of his Majefty's fleet, and re- flecting upon the former hearing of this matter before his Majefty, the Duke of York, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle, wherein Sir Jeremy had bin acquited, thought not fit to examine the matter till they fliould receive the commands of the Houfe whether they fhould proceed further, and I believe the Houfe will be of opinion to ceafe all enquiry therein ; moft men, almoft all, beinp- fatisfyed that Sir Jeremy did nothing but what befitted a perfon of courage and experience, and that the charge againft him proceeded rather from animofity than any good ground. Since my laft to you, the Houfe (upon new in- formations from fome members of the multitude of people in feveral places frequenting conventicles) ordered a Bill to bie brought in for continuing the former Adl againfl: Conven- ticles. To-day the Commiffioners of Accounts gave in their narrative of their proceedings hitherto ; the Houfe thanked them, and approved what they had done, and promift them their affiftance. I remain. Gentlemen, Sec. Wejlmlnjlcr, March 14, 1667-8. ANDREW MARVELL. Vol. L O 98 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXV. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, TO-DAY the Hoiife, before a Committee of the whole Houfe, fat and voted, that towards the King's fupply of 300,000!. they will raife at leafl: 100,000]. upon wines, and ilrong waters ; and at the rifing of the Committee, agreed with a new vote of theirs, that this ioo,oool. fhould be levyed by Commiflioners ; this is all hitherto : it is probable that it will be by foure-pencc a quart upon French wines, and fix-pence upon Spanifh. Yeflerday the debate concerning the latter part of the King's fpeech, wherein they feemed inclinable to abate the renunciation of the Covenant, the aflent and confent to the difpenfing with Ceremonyes, the reforming the Bifhops Courts, the taking away of Pluralityes, the rectifying of Excommunications, the puni£hing of fcandalous Clergyme?iy and fev^rall things of this nature, but not being able to mature thefe delibe- rations at prefent, the King's fupply prefUng, and the Houfe being to adjourn next week, for fome ten days ; the debate was adjourned 'till that day moneth, and the Houfe to be called Munday three weeks. Yefterday morning alfo the Proclamation came out about the meetings of Papifts and Non-conformifts, which Col. Gilby fends you down. This is all at prefent, I remain, Gentlemen, &c. Wejminjlir, March i-j, ibb-1.2. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 99 LETTER LXVI. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe rofe yefterday 'till Thurfday next. What they have done in the matter of fupply ftands thus: They have voted ioo,oool. to be raifed upon wines in the way I have writ you formerly ; 1 8 moneths time given for levying it, but if the fumme be coUedled in lefle time, then to ceafe immediately. For the 2oo,oool. remaining, ano- ther Poll bill, in which all that are not worth 20I. fliall pay nothing either for themfelves or children. They have not yet declared any further reftridlions, onely if this Poll bill fhall not rife to 200,oool. then that it fliall be made up out of an additional duty that fhall be layd on wines at the Cuftom-houfe. Yefterday the Lord Mayor, Alder- men, and Common Counfell of the City of London, fat from eight in the morning 'till three in the afternoon, and ended their debate in a refolution to attend the Houfe of Commons at their next fitting, with their thanks for what they have done formerly in examining about the burning of the City ; petitioning further, that the Houfe will take it again into confideration, by reafon of certain further infor- mations they have received, which they intend to prefent at the fame time with their petition. Monday laft the petition of the Irifh Adventurers againft the Commiliioners of Claims, O 2 and loo ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS and the explanatory Acl was read, and ordered that the petitioners fhould that day moncth be heard at the barre of the Houfe: 'tis a bufinefle of very high concernment. The Ad: of Conventicles not yet brought in. I remain, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjler, March 19, 1667-8. LETTER LXVIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YOU know we returned to Ht on Thurfday. We are yet no further in the preparatory votes for the Poll bill, then that lay dignityes fhall pay but halfe what for- merly ; and a debate adjourned whether children under fixteen (hall pay their poll. To-day Mr. Sollicitor brought in the Bill for railing ioo,oool. upon wine upon the re- tailer ; 'twas read once, and appointed the fecond time on Thurfday next : it feemed at the firft reading too fevere much to the Houfe, neither is it probable it can paffe us without being polifhed and pared throughout ; when we are forced to fearch for fuch ways of fupply, 'tis difficult to- make them effedlual without fome ftridnefs extraordinary. I have little more worth your notice at prefent, but remain. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJlmhiJla-y March 28, 1668. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. loi LETTER LXVIir. Mk. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ALTHOUGH it is I think a week, fmce I writ laft to you, and we have bin day by day upon the King's fupply, we have not made any very confiderable progrefle as yet upon that Bill v the eaufe whereof is onely the due care to make this excife upon wines as tolerable to the fubjed and pradicable for the King's occafions as the nature of fuch an impoiition will admit. I think I have ac- quainted you already that the Houfe hath layd up their thoughts of a Poll, and chofen to raife the whole 300jOOol«. on Wines, giving two years fpace, according to the rates I writ you for the colledion, unleffe the fum fl^all rife in a fliorter time ; but if not in that time, then that for a third year there be an additional duty at the Cuftome-houfe, not exceeding foure pound a tun ; and the Commiffioners that execute this AS: to give account from time to time to thofe CommifTioners of Accounts of monyes given for the late warre. The Bill v/hich is committed to the Committee of the whole H^oufe lyes all upon the retailer. We have m.ade a late vote to diredl us in the progrefle hereof, that it is not intended by this Bill that any wines iliall pay twice, which is not in refpeit of the firft feller, unto fuch as fliall buy any quantity of wine fuccelllvely from, one to another. 4 Truly: 102 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Truly this is all that I find materiall for the prefent to acquaint you with. On Munday 'tis intended to call the Houfe. I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJlmlnJlcr^ April i^^ 1 668. LETTER LXIX. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE fuccefs of Wednefday's debate upon the King's fpeech, in reference to compofure, was a queftion to defire his Majefty to call before him fome perfons of the different perfuahons, to receive their propofalls ; the Houfe dividing, it palTed in the negative 167 againft 70. After that they debated long concerning taking of the declarations of aflent and confent, and concerning the covenant, and fome- thing of ceremonyes, which debate at laft was adjourned 'till Wednefday next. The Houfe hath this week made fome, but no great progrefle (I mean the Committee of the whole Houfe) upon the Bill of Supply, not having yet gone through above feven fheets of feven and twenty. Leave hath been given to-day to bring in a Bill for reducing intereft lower from fix to five or foure in the hundred. But it is a bufineffe of that weight that I fcarce believe it can have a paffage this feflion. The CommiiTioners of Accounts fent in TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 103 in a narrative concerning the breaking of bulke of the two Eaft India prizes ; it lights very heavy on my Lord of Sand- wich and others. Tlie Houfe adjourned the debate till Tuefday next, and in the mean time defired the Com- miflioners to fend them in what more they could prepare on that fubjed: ; it is probable the Houfe will then come to a fevere refolution againft feveral remarkable perfons. Alfo Harman* arriving in the Downs, the Duke of York fent an expreffe to haften him up to appear before the Houfe to be examined about the not profecuting the firft vidory ; it is a bufinefTe of great expediation, and in common opinion refts hitherto at Bronkard's doore. Harman probably will be with us by Munday or Tuefday at furtheft. News comes from fo good hands that it can fcarce be difcredited, that the Peace betwixt France and Spain is ligned on both fides. I remain. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL> Wejlminjler, Jprll ii, 1668. LETTER LXX. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Bill of 300,0001. upon wines proceeds f!:il], but many publick bufineffes intervening, we fhall be much ftraitned, neither do I believe we can finifh it, and the * Sir John Harman on the 25th of June 1667, with fixteen fail of the line, de- feated thirty fail of the French, neaj- Martinico, 104 ANDREW xMARVELL's LETTERS the reft within the time Hmited us by his Majcfty. To-day the Bill for the City of London was committed, which con- tains further diredtions for the building, large powers to be inverted in the Mayor and Aldermen to that purpofe, and more years than formerly allotted for that worke : the pafling of it requires much time. Laft week an impeachment waS ordered to be brought in upon Tuefday next againft Sir W. Penn, for breaking bulkc in the Eaft India prizes. On Munday next the Irifh Adventurers will be heard at the barre, a great caufe complaining of the fettlement there as de- ftrudive to the Proteftant intereft. Yefterday Harman was brought to the Houfe to give account of flackning faile in the firft vidlory : he had a very good reputation at his coming in, but when he faid that Mr. Bronkard onely ufed arguments, and juftifyed the thing [himfelfe, faying, " That he had bin a mad-man had he not done it," and other witneffes clearly contradidling this, and proving that Bronkard brought him orders in the Duke's name, he loft all credit with us, and yet more when, upon recoUedlion, he confeft that Bronkard did bring orders as from the Duke ; fo he is com- mitted to the Sergeant, and will doubtleftTe be impeacht ; both he and Mr. Bronkard, who alfo was heard, will pro- bably on Tuefday next taft the utmoft feverity of the Houfe. I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 105 LETTER LXXL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HIS Majefty has this week, fent another melTage to us, fignifying, that becaufe 'twas pofTible he might have occafion to call us together again before winter, and many weighty matters were before us; he intended it fhould be but an adjournment for about three moneths, and there- fore defired us to difpatch the Bill of Supply, and what elfe might be ready to pafle, by the 4th of May. The Com- mittee of the whole Houfe hath now gone through that Bill, and to-day entered upon the report of it to the Houfe. The impeachment againft Sir William Penn is carryed up to the Houfe of Lords, who have thereupon ordered that on Munday he appear at their barre. The impeachment againft Mr. Bronkard, who fled away, is not yet finifht by the Committee. The Ad for continuing the Ad againft Con- venticles is ingroft ready for its third reading, and will, I believe, paffe our Houfe next week. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afFedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. April l^t 1668. Vol. L P lo6 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER LXXIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ''nr^IS nine at night, and we are but juft now rifen, and JL I write thefe few words in the Poft-houfe, for fure- nefle that my letter be not too late. We have now paft the Wine Bill, which is to be fent to the Lords on Munday morn : fo we cannot keep our day. And another reafon too comes very unfeafonably to detain us the longer. I have no more time then to tell you that the Lords having judged, and fined the Kaji India Company.^ as we think illegally, upon the petition of one Skyner, a merchant, and they peti- tioning us for redreffe, we have imprifoned hi?n that petitiojicd them, and they have imprifoned feverall of thofe that peti- tioned us ; and we on Munday fend to the Lords fevere votes agairift their proceedings : it is a bujinejfe of very high and dangerous confequence, but I hope we fhall find out ere long fome way of compofure ; though it appears very ill at prefent. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your very humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May 25, 166S, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 107 LETTER LXXIIL Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ISuppofe you may have heard ere this of the conference we defired with the Lords laft Tuefday ; wherein we gave them two votes : one that their taking cognizance and proceeding originally upon the petition of Skyner againft the Eaft India Company, was contrary to lav/ ; and the fecond of the like nature, as to that ifland belonging to the king of Jamba, which Skyner complained of particularly. It was Friday in the afternoon ere the Lords defired a Con- ference of us ; wherein, with a preamble in writing of a fevers and high fenfe^ they gave us two votes in exchange : That our entertaining a fcandalous paper of the Eaft India Company's, and our proceeding thereon, was a breach of the privilege of the Houfe of Peers, and of the good union that ought to be betwixt the two Houfes ; that what the Lords had done upon Skyner's petition was agreeable to law, and confonant to precedents both ancient and modern. Thefe votes were backt with difcourfes of the Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Eflex, Earl of Bridgewater, Lord Lucas, Earl of Anglefy, Lord Hollis, Lord Andover, which held us almoft five hours. We went from thence back to our Houfe, where we fat without intermiflion till five o'clock this morning. Our votes were, That the Eaft P 2 India io8 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS India petition contained nothing fcandalous ; that in inter- teining and proceeding thereon, we had broke no privilege of the Lo-ds, nor the good union, and had done nothing but what became us ; that a Mcflage (Kould be fent to the Lords as foon as they fat, that the Ploufe taking notice of their defircs of a good union, and not being fatisfyed with their reafons given at the conference, is of opinion the bcft way of prefcrving that union would be the Lords furceafmg all proceedings upon their order or fentence againfl: the Eaft India Company, and fetting at liberty the members thereof that were in cuftody. This meflage was accordingly car- ryed ; the Lords anfwered they would return anfwer by meflengers of their own, which the Houfe taking for a refufal, voted. That whofoever fhould be aiding or aflifting in execution of the Lords fentence or order againft the Eaft India Company, JJjall be deemed a betrayer of the liberty es and rights of the Com?no?is of E77gla?id, and an in- fringer of the privilege of Parliament. The Lords went on in the debate of our meflage, and voted, they would not agree with us ; the King came and paft the Wine Bill, which takes force from the 24th of June ; a Bill for liberty of tranfporting Leather ; a Bill providing further againft importing Irifti Cattell ; a Bill to caufe Receivers of the late Taxes to pay in their Monyes to the King (nothing elfe of publick concernment) which fhall take care to fend you when printed. The Bill for providing further for building the TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 109 the City of London had not time to paffe, nor the Bill for continuing the Acl of Conventicles. The King took notice ot the difference betwixt us and the Lords, and hoped to find an expedient in this interval to compofe the matter, and bad us goe to our Houfe and adjourn till the iith of Auguft, and if he had not need of us at that time, would advertife us by proclamation. We went and adjourned pre- fently, but the Lords fat on, and fentenced Sir Samuel Barnardiflon, upon his knees, to pay 300I. fine, and be imder the black rod without baile till he payd it ; Sir Andrew Ricaut was difmifl: ; Mr. Roland was difmifl: ; Mr. Boon (thefe foure being members of the Eaft India Com- pany, and of the Committee for drawing up the petition to us) to be under baile till our next meeting. Having done this, the Lords likewife adjourned. Col. Gilby and I have been with Sir John Bennet, the poft-mafter, who promifles to write this night to Mr. Mawfon (which letter you may pleafe t6 call for) to redrefle any error, and I am fure that nothing will be exaded of you contrary to the A&. : if there fliould, I will undertake, upon the leaft: notice again from you, to fee it redifyed. This day foure perfons were hanged, drawn, and quartered for the late infurredion of apprentices. I have no more news nor time. I take great pleafure in writ- ing to you, more in ferving you to my ability, and flialL always remain, Gentlemen, &c. Wejlmlnjl^r, May 9, 1668. ANDREW MARVELL. no ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER LXXIV. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, Thinke it is fit to give you this word, that yefterday I we met, and were, by Commiflion under his Majefly's broad feale, prorogued till the 19th of Odiober. This further his Majefty declares on all occafions, that he is re- folved not to part with this parliament. Alfoe my Lord Keeper declared openly at his houfe, at the fealing of the Commiflion, and gave thofe prefent leave to report it, that whereas there was a rumour of a new parliament, his Majefty to his knowledge was refolved to continue this, and that if there was any neceffity of calling a Parliament before that time, his Majefty knew an expedient, notwith- ftanding this prorogation, to call us again together for his fervice. This is all I had to fay, but that I am. Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. London^ March 2, i668-g. LET- Y TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. iii LETTER LXXV. Mr. ANTHONY LAMBERT, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, OU undcrftand I believe by this time that we have fent up the Bill of Supply : the remarkablefl: things in it are that Vinegar pays as well as Wine. The retrofpedl iince 06tober iafi: on the merchant by his entrys at the Cuftom-houfe, that he may upon oath difcover to what retailers he has fold, or elfe pay the duty himfelfe. The retrofped: fince Ocftober was twelve moneths upon retailers that have imported. The fearch in merchants cellars upon 24*'' of June went for what Wines already imported. The 8 yeare to the King ; but when the Speaker delivers the Bill to the King, he is to mention, among other reafons, the damacre the Duke hath and will fuftain in his Wine Licences by the Wine Ads. The Licences neverthelefs continue, unlefs the King and the Duke together can agree upon fome expedient. The Bill for Grazing and Tillage is fent' up, giving Licence to export all Corn, and fetting an high cuftom upon forain Corn when ours is a good marketable rate ; for exporting Butter and Cheefe, and all Flefh at lower rates ; for exporting Cattell, Horfes, &c. a Bill certainly very ufeful. A Bill was fent up yefterday declaring the law that no Engllfbrnan may be tranfported prifoner beyond the fea, and impoling great penaltys on all that fhall 112 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS be any ways aflifting therein ; it had but a narrow paffage, there being only lOO for it againft 99. The CommifTioners of Accounts were heard about the Dov^r Ihips, and after fome defence upon the Commiflioners of Dover fide, the Houfe rofe without declaring any opinion. We are this night upon the report of the City Bill. The crowd of bufi- nefs now toward our rifing obliging us to fit both forenoon and afternoon, ufually till nine o'clock, which indeed is the occafion that I have the lefs vigor left at night, and can- not write fo frequently to you. The Lords have read the fecond time a Bill to affure thofe that fhall purchafe the King's fee-farm rents. They are now the third day upon the Bill of Conventicles, and make many alterations in it, which will occafion conference betwixt the Houfes. The Lord RofTes Bill was on Thurfday ordered to be red the fecond time as this day, 41 perfons and 15 proxys againft 42 perfons and 6 proxys ; to-day being red it was com- mitted, 45 perfons againft 41, and proxys fo many as made 1 2 odds in all. The Bill to prohibit Brandy hath bin red once with us, and Munday appointed for the fecond. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afFedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. March 19, i66g. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 113 LETTER LXXVL TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Parliament being now fhortly to lit, though I know you want no remembrancer in thofe things which concerne you, yet I thought it proper for me to give you notice of it, and that I fhall, God willing, be prefent at the opening of the feffion ; therefore if there be any particular that may more nearly relate to your affairs, you will be pleafed to coniider thereof, and advertize me timely,, that fo I may be iaftrumental to ferve you therein, as farr as my capacity will carry, and my obligation binds me. And fo wifhing that you, and the kingdome, may have reafon to rejoyce in the happy fuccefTe of this our meeting,, which is of fo great importance and expedation, I take leave at prefent, and remain, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. London^ On. 7, i66g. Vol. L Q;, LET-> 114 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXXVn. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS is onely to give you account that according to the day prefixed we have met in parliament, where his Majefty did in fliort fignify to the Houfes the neceflity he had of mony, defiring them to take it into effedlual confidcration : and further fignifyed, that he had taken care in Scotland for appointing Commiflioners to treat with Commiffioners, to be named alfo by the Parliament of England, for making an union of the two kingdomes : the Lord Keeper (to whom his Majefty referred to fpeak larger of thofe points) did alfo fay, that his Majefty hoped that if there were any debate betwixt the Lords and Commons, there would be fuch a fpirit of moderation as ftiould prevent all ill confequence. Our Houfe returning thence, ordered, that one Chifwell, a bookfeller, fliould be fummoned be- fore us to give an account of a book lately printed by his order, called, The Grand Queftion concerning the Jurif- diftion of the Houfe of Lords, upon occafton of Sir Samuel Barnardifton's bufinefs laft feftion ; this book feeming of moft dangerous confequence to the Libertyes of the Com- mons of England. Next they appointed a Committee to infpedl TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 115 infpeil the Lords books for their proceedings againft Bar- nard ifton laft feffion ; then voted, that Tiiefday come fe'night fhould be the day to take his Majefty's fpeech in confideration : That the Houfe (being indeed but thin) fhould be called on Munday next, when 'tis likely they will be very fevere againft thofe that are abfent. So we adjourned till Thurfday morning. I remain. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. London, 0J7, 19, 1669. LETTER LXXVIIL Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, INCE my laft, our Houfe, upon examination of the S printer of that book about the Lords Jurifdidion, ordered, that Mr. Speaker diredl Mr. Attorney to prefer an inditement againft him in the King's Bench, for printing fuch a book without legall licence -y the printer onely having alledged for himfelfe, that he had it from my Lord Hollis, Sir Samuel Barnardifton being afked at the Houfe barre 0^2 whether ii6 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS whether he payed the fine fet upon him by the Lords, fatisfyed the Houfe 'twas contrary. For indeed it was a collufilon, the niony having been pay'd into the Ex- chequer by a third perfon, and probably pay'd him back again oncly, to confirm To upon record a fiibmiflion to the Lord's judgment : therefore the Houfe voted Sir Samuel Barnardifton had behaved himfelfe in the whole matter like a good commoner of England, and ordered that all our arguments at the conference laft feffion with the Lords fhould be fully entered on our journal, and a Bill to be brought in to declare the Lords have no right to try originall caufes touching Life, Liberty, corporall Punifh- ment, or other Punifliment, nor of Title or Property of Lands, Tenements, &c. nor to tax damages for any injury. Alfo that none fhall be molefted for any thing in petition to the Commons, except at the faid Commons profecution ; alfo to vacate and rale all records and proceedings concern- ing Sir Samuel Barnardifton, &c. which Bill was accordingly red the fecond time and committed to-day. To-day the CommiiTioners of Accounts brought in their report, which the Houfe being wholly intent on their Bill, they ordered it to be read Saturday next, and in the mean time to be fealed up by the Speaker. They ordered on Wednefday fe'nnight to confider the fecond part of the King's fpeech. Then they adjourned till Friday, that the Committee might fit till then, morning and night, to perfed the Bill. The Houfe TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 117 Houfe was called yefterday, and gave defaulters a fortnight's time, by which if they do not come up they may expedl the greateft feverity. I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Lon^n, Oif, 26, 1669. LETTER LXXIX. Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, EING yet in adjournment till to-morrow, and thefe B papers coming out in the meane time, I thought them fit to be tranfmitted to you, that you might, as you have fo cleare underftandings, receive alfo as early intelligence of what pafles. And having nothing further at prefent, I remain, Gentlemen, 6cc. ANDREW MARVELL. London, Oil, 28, 1669. LET- iiS ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXXX. Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, 'UNDAY was fpent in the Houfe about Sir John- Griffith, whofe exading of mony from the boats, coming up from Medway, &c. was voted firft a grievance, next an high extortion, and fo reprefented from the Houfe to the King, who has returned a Meffage that he had therefore difplaced him : and the Houfe hereupon voted their thanks to his Majefty. '7/j well that fomethlng exem- plary has bee?t done therein^ for we are informed that the like trade was Jet up by J ever all gov em ours of the forts adjacent^ On Wednefday the Earl of Orrery appeared, and having the favor to fit by reafon of his extremity of the gout, made his defence in his place, and fo fully to every point, that though otherwife he might probably have been brought upon tryal by impeachment, yet the Houfe upon divifion, 121 againft 113, difmifl the accufation. Thurfday the Houfe voted the way of railing the 400,0001. to be upon Wine and Brandy, and a further impolition on French Linen, and on Munday next to proceed further in taking the mea- fures of years and proportions otherwife as may fit the fumme refolved. Yefterday v/as Sir G. Carteret on the three laft obfervations. The 8th being an inconfiderable fumme they paft by, but the 9th and loth voted mifde- meanors ; TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 119 meanors ; and on Wednefday next to debate in what man- ner to proceed againft him. To-day the Houfe adjourned till Saturday next ; and after long debate what to do with the Lords in point of our Libertys now, we have thrown out one anothers bills, and voted that a Conference be defired of them touching thofe former matters, and a Committee which fhall propofe matter for that Conference againft Munday or Tuefday. This is the moft of what is at prefent news. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. ANDREW MARVELL. Nov. 4. LETTER LXXXL Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WHAT occurs iince my laft is this, that upon a motion made in our Houfe, it was ordered that we fhould goe in a body to give his Majefty thanks for the late Proclamation againft Conventicles, and to defire the Lords concurrence ; who have to-day anfwered that they agree, and will fend to his Majefty to know his time when the two Houfes (liall wait upon him. Alfo the Bill of Conventicles hath bin red once, and Saturday appointed for the fecond /J, reading. 120 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS reading. Upon fome debate yefterday on the fecond part of his Majefty's fpeech, ordered, that on Tuefday next the Houfe will diffolve into a grand Committee about that bufinefs. The Commiflioners of Accounts upon the Houfe's order brought in the anfwers of thofe perfons who feemed concerned in their Report, of which Sir George Carteret is the firft; alfo the fhort eftimate of how much of the. mony given was expended properly to the ufe of the warre : which were by order fealed up with the Speaker's feale till to-day, when they were opened, and the eftimate red, and the reft put off till Saturday, when 'tis likely thofe bufinefles will be clofely fifted. To-day that great and important Bill of the Lords Jurifdidlion, entitled. An AS: concerning certain proceedings in Parliament, was fent up to the Lords : God fend us an happy iftue of it. Excufe, I befeech you, my haft, for there is much bufinefs. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you,. ANDREW MARVELE. Lenden, Nov, 4, 1669^ L ET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 121 LETTER LXXXIL Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ON Saturday we were taken up for the moft part in reading over the papers which Sir G. Carteret had given in to the Commiflioners of Accounts all along for his difcharge, and the reft of them we deferred till Munday. Saturday in the afternoon the Houfes went to wait on the King, whofe anfwer was in thefe fame words, " My Lords and Gentlemen, I thank you for this marke of your affed:ion to me : I doubt not of the continuance and concurrence of it in other things as well as in this of my Proclamation. I recommend to you that you would weigh well what I fay and defire in it, toward the welfare and peace of the nation. In order to which, as I fhall be always ready to contribute my utmoft endevors, fo I hope you will never be failing in yours to inable me to do it." On Munday we refumed Sir G. Carteret's papers, and heard what he faid of himfelf, and then voted upon Wednefday next to proceed upon the criminal part of what is reported by the Commiflioners con- cerning his malverfation in his office. To-day the Houfe fat in Committee of the whole Houfe upon the motion for the King's fupply, and after a confiderable debate came to Vol. I. R this 122 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS this vote, To defire the Houfe to fit again this day fe'nnight upon the motion for the King's fupply, which was accordingly ordered ; for the Houfe was content to take fome refpit in this matter till they might perceive what the Lords will do with our Bill of Jurifdidlion, which they have not yet read, but 'tis fuppofed they may to-morrow. The defaulters have not yet been called over in our Houfe. The Bill of Conven- tides hath not yet been called for to a fecond reading ; 'tis probable it may fhortly. There is a Bill for regulating of abufes in the chimny mony, and complaints againft excife- men refered to the fame Committee. ^ Bill once red againfi giving of interteimnents of 7neat or drink, or givi?tg mony, or barganing for eleEiions to parliament, depriving thofe fa eleSiing of votes, and the eleSied of fitting that parliament, with other fines. A Bill for fetting the Poor on work, and fome other things, whereof I fhall give you account at more leifure. I remain, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. Weflmtnjier, Nov, 9, 1669, LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 123 LETTER LXXXIIL Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft, Wednefday appointed for Sir G. Car- teret's bufinefle was confumed in the debate of com- mitting or not the Bill of Conventicles upon the fecond reading ; at laft it was committed. Thurfday, Friday, and this Saturday have been moft part employed upon Sir G. Carteret ; and becaufe Sir G. would have offered to the Houfe fomething new, which he had not produced to the Commiflioners of Accounts (his proper place of Judicature) the Houfe on the one fide to give the faireft play to him, being a Member of the Houfe, and on the other to give the juft honor to the Commiftloners of Accounts, and wit- neffe the confidence they have in them, and to acknow- ledge the authority with which thofe Commiflioners are vefted by Adt of Parliament, did tacitly leave him to offer any thing he had to fay onely unto them, but would not enter on any new examination themfelves, and therefore the Houfe adjourned the debate of him till Wednefday next ; the calling of the Houfe till Munday fe'nnight; the motion of the King's fupply till Friday next ; and laftly to witneffe the great ftreffe and whole weight there lye upon the Accounts, and particularly Sir George's, that no other R 2 bufineffe 124 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS bufinefle might be confidered, they adjourned themfelves alfo till Wednefday next. The Lords have thrown out -our Bill, nefitine coniradice?tte^ as I hear ; but my Lord Briftole is preparing another. I wifli it find a good paffage when it comes to us. Our late debates in Sir George's bufinefles having not paffed without fome acrimony, was the occafion that one of our members, a perfon of quality, has bin reproved, and hath acknowledged in his place ;. which as it were to be wiflit it had not happened, fo no- body much troubles themfelves that Mr. Bronkard's name was thereupon revived, who had offered in the interval to Sir J. Morton. He was in the former feflion expelled the Houfe, you remember on what reafons, and is now by order taken into the cuflody of our Serjeant at Arms, and other things will probably be improved againfl: him. Sir George is likely to pafs the pikes. Let not my willingnefa to acquaint you with affairs be made too common or pre- judiciall ! I am. Your humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Nov. 13, 1669. LET- R TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 125 LETTER LXXXIV. Mr. JOHN TRIPP, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ETURNING after our adjournment to Cit upon Wednefday, the Houfe having heard what Sir G. Carteret could fay for himfelfe, and he then commanded' to withdraw, after a confiderable debate, put it to the queftion, whether he were guilty of Mifdemeanor upon the Commiflioners firft obfervation, the words of which were. That all monyes received by him out of his Majefty's Exchequer are by the privy feales affigned for particular fervices, but no fuch thing obferved or fpecifyed in his payments, whereby he hath afTumed to himfelf a liberty to make ufe of the King's treafure for other ufes then is direded. The Houfe dividing upon the queftion, the ayes went out, and wondered why they were kept out fo extraor- dinary a time; the ayes proved 138 and the noes 129; and the reafon of the long ftay then appeared : the tellers for the ayes chanced to be very ill reckoners, fo that they were forced to tell feveral times over in the Houfe, and when at laft the tellers for the ayes would have agreed the noes to be 142, the noes would needs fay that they were 143, where- upon thofe for the ayes would tell once more, and then found the noes to be indeed but 129, and the ayes then coming in proved to be 138, whereas if the noes had been content ia6 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS content with the firfl error of the tellers, Sir George had been quit upon that obfervation. This I have told you Co minutely becaufe it is the fecond fatall and ominous acci- dent that hath fallen out in the dividons about Sir G. Carteret. Thurfday was ordered for the fecond obfervation, the words of which are. Two hundred and thirty thoufand feven hundred thirty and one thoufand pounds thirteen {hillings and nine-pence, claimed as payd, and depofited for fecurity of interefl, and yet no diftindl fpecification of time appears either on his receipts or payments, whereby no judgement can be made how interefl: accrues ; fo that we cannot yet allow the fame. But this day was diverted and wholly taken up by a fpeciall report ordered by the Committee for the Bill of Conventicles, that the Houfe be informed of feverall Conventicles in Weftminfter which might be of dangerous confequence ; from hence arofe much difcourfe : alfo of a report that Ludlow was in Eng*- land, that Commonwealths-men flock about the town, and there were meetings faid to be, where they talked of New Modclls of Government ; fo that the Houfe ordered a Com- mittee to receive informations both concerning Conventicles and thefe other dangerous meetings ; and then entered a refolution upon their books without putting it to the queftion, That this Houfe will adhere to his Majefty, and the Government of Church and State as now eflablifhed againfl: all its enemyes. Friday having bin appointed, as I 5 told TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 127 told you in my former letter, for the Houfe to fit in a grand Committee upon the motion for the King's fupply, was fpent wholly in debate, whether they fhould do fo or no, and concluded at laft in a confent, that the fitting in a grand Committee upon the motion for the King's fupply fhould be put ofF till Friday next, and fb it was ordered. The reafon of which kind of proceeding, left you fhould thinke to arife from an indifpofition of the Houfe, I fhall tell you as they appear to me to have been the expedlation of what Bill will come from the Lords inftead of that of ours which they threw out, and advife to redrefle and fee thoroughly into the mifcarriages of mony before any more fhould be granted. To-day the Houfe hath bin upon the fecond obfervation, and after a debate till foure o'clock, have voted him guilty alfo of mifdemeanor in that particular. The CommifHoners are ordered to attend the Houfe again on Munday, which is done conftantly for the illuftration of any matter in their report, wherein the Houfe is not cleare. And to fay the truth, the Houfe receives great fatisfadlion from them, and fhows them extraordinary refpedl. Thcfe are the things of principall notice fince my laft. I remain. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjier., Nov, 20, 1669. 128 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXXXV. Mr. HUMPHRY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, BUSINESSE does fo multiply (of which whatfoever it is I thinke it becomes me not to leave yau without fome notice) that I chufe to write it ofF hand before the end of the week. Sir George Carteret is voted guilty of three articles more, 5) 6> 7 > the 3 and 4 poftponed becaufe relating to the Commiflioners of the Navy. On Munday 'tis ordered to go upon 8, 9, and 10. I fend you the Copy of all thofe the Commiflioners obfervations, which I not having another copy, pray returne me this next poft. But we have other great matters fpring daily upon us. On Munday at the Committee of Informations, after fome particular indifcreet and dangerous words of fome Conventiclers alledged, the difcourfe ran much upon Mr. Henry Nevill, his being in town (which fome thought of much, others of lefs moment) and thence it ran of fomething obliquely ; girding upon the Duhe of Bucki?igham^ but without making that im- preffion which fome apprehended. After that, a Member imparted a mefTage from the Generall that there was fome great and evil deligne on foot, and many old Army Com- monwealths and Councill of Statefmen, and Out-laws and Forainers about town. This being reported from the Com- mittee TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 129 mittee to the Houfe, they fent their thanks to the Gcnerall on Tiiefday. Yefterday the Earl of Meathe brought in a petition in way of impeachment to the Committee of Grie- vances againft the Duke of Ormond, but the diredion being erroneous in form, the Committee difmilTed it. To-day one Fitzharris, and another Alden, whofe chara6lers you will learn hereafter, brought into the Houfe, and avowed an impeachment againft the Earl of Orrery, a Member of our Houfe. The Houfe divided 182 againft 144, whether the queftion fhould be put, whether there were treafonable matter in the charge ; 'twas in the affirmative : he being ill of the gout a fergeant's man was ordered to attend him as for fecurity till he can come to make his anfwer, which he will not delay a minute longer than his health will allow him. This week is not yet at an end. That is not news, but the remainder of thefe two days will probably make the news much greater. To-morrow is you know ordered for the motion of the King's fupply ; Saturday to read the Bill the Lords have fent us of Jurifdidion ; God fend us moderation and agreement ! Your's, ANDREW MARVELL. JVeJlmmJiery Nov. 25, 1669; Vol. I. S LET- 130 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER LXXXVL iViR. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HAVING writ to you lafl poll: faves me the labor of a long letter this. Yefterday the Houfe, upon the motion of a fupply to his Majefty, did, without taking cog- nizance of his Majefty's debts, or upon that foundation, vote an aid to his Majefty not exceeding the fumme of 400,000!- and that not to be raifed either by land tax or home excife. On Thurfday next they confider of the way ; which 'tis likely therefore muft be on forain trade, and that perhaps for a continuance of two or three years of the impolition upon wine. To-day the whole debate, which was very long and ferious, hath bin upon the Bill of Juiifdiclion, fent down to us in lieu of ours, which they threw out. In the conclufion, the Houfe having read it the firft time, this morning voted, that it fhould not be read a fecond, which is the fame thing as to be thrown out. This done^ a debate arofe concerning doing fomething further in relation to our common Libertys^ and Sir Samuel Barnardifton's, and the Eaft India Companyes cafe, which debate is adjourned till Wednefday. Other things, of which I have writ to you formerly, have as yet no further progrefTe. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Wejiminjiir, Nov. 27, 1669. ANDREW MARVELL. p TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 131 LETTER LXXXVIL Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ERHAPS it may not be news to you, that on Munday the Houfe voted the Impoiition on Wines : this A&: fhould be layd at the Cuftome Houfe upon the Importation. The Secretary then (the Houfe having voted to proceed on Thurfday upon the Mony Bill again) delivered a meffage in writing from the King, wherein his Majefty fignifyed he would give us leave to adjourn till February, but deflred we would expedite the Mony Bill before Chriftmaffe; the Houfe neverthelefle did not alter their day, nor fcem to judge themfelves in a capacity to finifli that Bill before their meet- ing in February. Tuefday was fpent moft in preparatory matters, when we fhould defire Conference with the Lords ; Wednefday in like manner. At the Committee of Grievances, in the afternoon, Sir Philip Monnoux delivered in a petition, and a charge of feverall great extortions againft Mr. Benfon, and a day was appointed to heare witneffes at our next meeting. Thurfday the Committee of the whole Houfe voted the proportion upon wines to be 81. French^ 9I. Rhenifli, and 12I. Spanifh, the tunne. But this queflion was -carryed not without long debate, and upon divilion the King's officers and Privy Counfelors of the Houfe contending S 2 highly 132 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS highly that it might be but 4I. French, and 5I. Spanifh, and their reafon, left if it were higher, we fhould prejudice the Cuftoms as much as we increaft them ; thofe againft them being unwilHng to let it fo low left they fhould be obliged to give fo many years for raiftng this 400,0001. that the Impofition would ftide into a perpetuity. The Speaker then took the chair, and the chairman reported the votes, which coming immediately from a Committee of tlie whole Houfe, are ufed to pafle forthwith without any debate; but the fame gentlemen beginning to fpeak and interpofe, the Houfe grew warme, the doors were ordered to be fhut, and the keys were layd upon the table. And fo much vigour ap- pearing, the oppofition was foon at an end, and the votes^ paft. Yefterday, after a very long debate, an 100 dividing againft 97, Sir George Carteret was fufpended the Houfe, and further debate of proceeding againft him adjourned till Munday fe'nnight after our next meeting. To-day the Members, obferving the thinnefleof the Houfe, had intended to adjourn till February, but news coming that his Majefty, in his princely nvifdom^ had refolved to prorogue us, they debated to fend to the King that Sir George might be ex- pelled the court, and deprived' of all offices ; in this time came the Black Rod, and going up we were prorogued, by Commiftion, till 14*'' February. It is enough to tell you that Prorogation makes all Bills, Votes, and Proceedings of this Seflion null and voyd, as if nothing had bin don or faid. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 133 iaid. God direEi his Majejiy further in fo weighty refolu- tions! I am, Gentlemen, &c. • ' Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, Dec. i'2, 1669. LETTER LXXXVIIL Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WE are again returned to fit in Parliament, which I pray God may be an happy meeting to his Majefty and the nation. I fend you here inclofed his Majefty's fpeech, together with that of the Lord Keeper. The Houfe hereupon made a vote that they would on Thurfday next take his Mijefty's Speech into confideration, and ordered that the fame day the Commiflioners of Accounts fhould attend, and then adjourned themfelves 'till Thurfday. This is what palTed yefterday. I fhall not negled:, as there is occafion, to give you notice of what is done among us, where you have fo much concernment, as I have to be, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. fVeJlminJier, Feb. 15, 1669-70. 134 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER LXXXIX. Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Fjiiends, WE have kept ourfelves thefe three days to fo hard duty, that you will excufe me if I be fliorter than ordinary. However, you will in the kw words following difcerne that we have not laboured in vaine ; the refult of the Committee of the whole Houfe, and afterwards of the votes of the Houfe being, that the King's fupply fhall be upon Wine, excluding Land Tax or home Excife : that the firft buyer {hall pay of Wines imported to be fold ; of Wines not imported to be fold, the firft importer ; that the impofition fliall be at halfe the rate of what in this laft ad ; that it fhall laft for feven years, beginning from Midfummer nextj that Mr. Sollicitor prepare a Bill to this purpofe. This is all at prefent, but that I am, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejminjlsr, Feb. 19, 1 669-70. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 135 LETTER XC. Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends,, YESTERDAY the Commiflioners of Accounts were before our Houfe, and prefented them a report con- cerning what the laft importation upon wines would yearly- have amounted to if it had been duly payd, and concerning fome mifcarriages therein, in which one Mr. Wadlow, a vintenor, one of the undertakers, was reprefented as noto- rioufly faulty. This budnefle ended in refering it to a Com- mittee. But that which made me more willing to write to you fo fbon again is, that the King having fent yefterday to the Lords and Commons to attend him in the Banquetting Houfe this morning, told us that he had ordered the record in the exchequer concerning the payment of Sir Samuel Bar- nardifton's fine to be cancelled; as alfo all things concerning Skyner's bufinefle in the counfell books, and recommended it therefore to the Lords and Commons to rafe all records in their journals of that matter, that all memory thereof might be extinguifht. Our Houfe thereupon did prefently and unanimoufly vote the entry of this fpeech in our journal,; and to go m a body on foot to give the King thanks, and to rafe the records in our journal. A melTage was forthwith fent to defire leave to wait upon the King. So we have been 13^ ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS been twice at Whitehall in one morning, all infinitely fatis- fyed with the King's prudence, juflice and kindneffe in this matter, and I doubt not but all good Englifhmen will be of the fame mind ; and indeed though the Lords are not come to a refolution this day, and have enjoyned their clerks fecrecy, there is no reafon but to believe the next news will be, that to-morrow they have as well complyed on their part alfo. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL, Feb. 22, 1669-70. LETTER XCL Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE A61 for Wines has had its firft reading. The merchant before the landing of his Wines, upon his entry in the Cuftome Houfe, is to become bound with two fufEcient fecurityes for the whole duty. He that buyes firft of him muft receive from him a ticket of the quantity fold, and carrying it to an office for that purpofe, become bound for fo much, whereupon the merchant is to be dif- charged for fo much j but he and his fecurityes ftand bound 2 for TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 137 for the remainder ; the merchant paying down the duty in ready mony is to be rebated blank per cent, for Leakage, &c. blank per ce?it. all merchants (flrangers) muft pay the duty down in ready mony ; the officers of the office have liberty to enter into any fhip the fame as cuftomers have ; thefe officers, upon receiving the ticket before mentioned, muft give warrant to the merchant for iffijing fuch a parcell : they are the judges of the fufficience of the fecurityes. Thus feverely is the Adl brought in at firft penning; but becaufe befide tlie difcouragement to merchants, fo exadl a rigor may perhaps prejudice the duty itfelfe, by leffening importation ; perhaps it may be mitigated upon fecond thoughts, which we fhall fee at the fecond reading to a Committee of the whole Houfe on Monday next. Tuefday is appointed for the old bufineffe of Brandy, upon feverall petitions then to be read ; one of the farmers, the other of the merchants, about the 4d. and 8d. per gallon ; another for the totall prohibition of Brandy. The Lords have rafed all the records of Skyner and Barnardifton. We de- bated one day the Uiiion with Scotland -.y but the bufineffe being fo weighty, adjourned it to be continued next Wed- nefday. I thinke it will end in an A6t of Parliament for Commiffioners to treat with the Scotch, but what they treat not to be binding 'till reported and *paft in a diftin6t Ad: of Parliament. Upon a petition from Bojlon againjl the Ciijlo7?iers there exa&i?ig unlawful! fees, feveral other Vol. L T ports 138 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS ports complaining in like manner, there was a Committee appointed, who have to-day ordered that the Cuflomers of all ports fend up, by the 14th of March, a table of fuch fees taken, 4° Jacobi, and in the reigne of King Charles the firft, and fince his Majefly's refloration, and by what authority they demand fuch fees ; the fame to be fignifyed to the merchants alfo, that they may then inform the Com- mittee what they have from time to time payed. The orders will not be ready till Munday, when I will take them out for you alfo, and fend them by the Tuefday's poft, that if you have occafion you may execute them, or if there be no necefTity you may let things continue as they are. Dover has petitioned for a further time to continue the impofition for their Pier. But the Houfe inftead thereof ordered a Committee to infpecl their Accounts, and why in all this time that work, and with fo much expenfe, has not bin finifhed. On Munday we expedt a Bill according to order to be brought in againft Conventicles. The Lord Barclay intends for Ireland the tenth of next moneth. This is all I have at prefent, when I have added that I am, Gentlemen, &c, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjier^ Fib, 26, 1669-70, LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 139 LETTER XCIL Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IMuft beg your pardon this poft, being called of by fome unavoydable occafions : but I have given Mr. Stockdale my notes, who T doubt not will inform you particularly of what hath pafTed this week. I have not had any word from you, or any other of Hull, fince I writ to you about the Cuftomers fees, which makes me conceive that all is right in your port, and makes me omit fending you an order. But upon the leafl intimation from you, I will indole an, order by the fame poft, and it will be time enough flill for the Cuftomers or Merchants then to correfpond with it. I remaine, in haft, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjiery March 5, 1669-70. LETTER XCIIL Mr. HUMPHREY DUNCALF, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, lEING in your debt fince laft weeke, I fhall now write fo much the fooner, and more largely to make you amends. On Munday laft the Committee of the whole Houfe T 2 and 140 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS and afterwards the Houfe, finding the Bill of Supply as it was firft drawn to be fomething impradlicable, have changed in a manner the whole frame of the Bill, having voted a claufe to be brought in upon thefe grounds ; that the merchant importer fhall pay the duty at the Cuftom Houfe ; that no defalcation of this duty fhall be allowed upon the exportation of the fame wines; and that fevere provifion be made againft all frauds upon the importation ; and this Mr. SoUicitor is to prefent to the Houfe to-morrow morning: but the precedent votes do ftill continue con- cerning forain Vinegar, to pay the fame duty as Wine. To examine merchants cellars the 24th of June next, what wines are yet unfold, that they may pay this duty, and to prevent, and, in difcount of the third yeare to be layd at the Cuftome Houfe, to fupply what falls fhort of the 300,000!. upon Wines by the laft Ad;. To condder what impofition to be layd upon forain Brandyes, or totall prohibition. What recompenfe to be given the King for his damage thereby, and how to make the forain Brandy already im- ported and unfold pay its dutyes. What recompenfe to the Duke of Yorke for his damage by this Wine Act in his Wine Licences, in order to take them of during this feven years Ad:, or even for perpetuity. Alfo the claufes fub- fequent of abatement to the merchant for leakage run, and decayed wines, and of rebate upon paying down the duty iii ready mony, ftand to be filled up, but not agreed yet TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 141 yet how much per cent, Alfo it is yet to be provided what time fhall be allowed to the merchant importer not paying down ready mony, to difcharge the duty : as foon as any thing further appears in this Adt I will informe you. Upon Tuefday the Bill of Conventicles with its amendments was reported from the Committee and ordered to be ingrofed. A member of theHoufe reported that his Majefty being informed that one Fox, a teacher of fome fanaticall people in Wilt- fhire, did conventicle there, and that he or fome of them had fayed they owned no King, but that the King and the Duke his brother (they are words fo odious as fcarfe to be written) were baftards: Ordered that the Attorney General do profecute, and that he, the faid member, afking his Majefty's leave to acquaint the Houfe v/ith it, his Majefty had given him permiffion fo to do : whereupon the Houfe ordered their thanks to his Majefty by the members of the Privy Council], and to defire that his majefty, as he profecutcs thofe, would alfo fee the laws put in execution againft Conventicles, which are of the fame nature in or neare London and Weftminfter ; and further (it being put to the queftion) they voted to defire his Majefty to caufe the laws to be put in execution againft Popifti Recufants. Alfo they voted at the fame time that a Law (hould be brought in for the better convidion of the faid Popifh Recufants. Yefter- day having bin to conftder of the Lords vote, and for our concurrence to delire his Majefty to name Commiilioncrs to 5 treat 142 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS treat with the Scotch about Union ; the Houfe divided, whether hrft they fliould not read the Bill of Conventicles ingroft, and 'twas agreed to read it firft by ii8 againft lor. The Bill was read importing, That the Adt of 35 of Eliz. is ftill in force, and for further remedy, becaufe feditious feduarys, under pretence of tender confciences, do contrive infurredions at their meetings, that from the 3d of April next, if any perfon of 16 years, or upward, fhall be prefent at any meeting, under pretence of religion, in other manner then allowed by the Liturgy and practice of the Church of England, at which meeting there fl:iall be five perfons, or more than thofe of the houHiold, or if in an houfe, field, or place where no family inhabits, then where any five per- fons or more are aflembled, any one, or more juftices of the county, liberty or divifion, or the chief magiftrate of the place, are enjoyned, either by confefiion of the party, or oath of witneffes, or by notorious evidence, or circumftance, or in default of evidence, unleffe the offender can by two vvitneiTes upon oath prove that he came upon other lawful! bufineile, to make a record of fuch ofi^ence under his or their hands and feals, and this record ihall be in law a full and perfedt conviction, and thereupon he or they fhall fine the perfon five fhillings, which convidlion to be certifyed at next quarter fefilons : the next offence as before, but the fine ten fhillings, or (as I remember at the juflices difcretion a months imprifonment) and oft fo as he offends; fines to be levyed TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL, 143 levycd by diftreffe and fale, or in cafe of his poverty, then upon the goods and chattells of any other perfon convided of the fame conventicle : conftables, headboroughs, tithing- men, churchwardens, overfeers of the poore required to levy the fines by warrant, under juftice's hand or chief magi- ftrates, one moity to the juftice for the poore of the parifh, other moity to fuch perfons or perfon as the juftice, &c. fhall appoint, having regard to the perfons induftry in dif- covering, difperling and punifhing of the faid Conventiclers : every one that preaches there, being convided in the way before, to be fined for the firft 50I. but if a ftranger, or fi.ed, or poore, it fhall be levyed on the goods of any one or more perfons that were there, and diftributed as before ; and upon fecond preaching lool. and levyed in {ame manner, &c. upon one or more, if he be ftranger, or, &c. whoever wittingly and willingly fuft'ers fuch meeting in his houfe, barn, woods, or grounds, 50I. and if he be poore, then on one or more as before : juftice or chief magiftratc, and alfo conftables, &c. by their warrant may and ftiall enter, break open any houfe or place where they are in- formed fuch Conventicle is, and may take into cuftody ; lieutenants, deputy lieutenants, or any commiftioned officers of the militia, or other of his Majefty forces, with troops or companyes ; alfo ftierifte and other magiftrates or miniftcrs of juftice, under certificate of any juftice required to repaire to the place, and difperfe the Conventicle, and take into cuftody 144 ANDREW MA RV ELL'S LETTERS cuftody conftable, &c. who knowing fhall not informe a jurtice, fined five pounds ; juftlce that wittingly omits his duty in this A61 fined lool. one moity to his Majefty, the other to the informer. If any one be fued for executino; this Adj he may plead generall iiTue, and give the fpeciall matter in evidence j and if the plaintiffe be nonfuited, or verdid pafie for the defendant, the defendant fhall have treble cofts ; this Ad, and all its claufes, to be conftnied moft largely and beneficially for the juflification of all that executes it, and no record, warrant, or mittimus made by virtue of this Ad, nor any proceedings thereupon, fhall be reverfed or avoyded by reafon of any default in forme, or other defed whatfoever. If any ojffender inhabit in, or fly to another country, the juftice of peace where the ofitnce was may certify to a juftice there, and this laft may levy the fines ; none punifht unlefle profecuted within three months after the ofFence ; none punifht by this Ad fhall be punifiit for the fame offence by any other Ad ; hufbands pay the five and ten fhillings for their wives ; all aldermen of London qualifyed to execute this Ad as if juftices, and finable lOol. if failing; jaylor that gives liberty fined lol. This Ad pafled, upon divifion 138 againft 78, and is fent up to the Lords. I have bin more particular to you herein that inconveniences might better, and in time be prevented, and becaufe this and the Mony Bill will be the principall produds of this feilion. To-day the Houfe fent up to the Lords, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 14.5 Lords, and voted their concurrence with them, for defiring his Majefty to name CommiiTioners to treat with Scotch Commiflioners, &c. Then we heard the Commi/IIoners of Accounts concerning Prize Ships in the feverall ports, and fixed mofl: upon Dover, where yet it feems that 21 fhips have bin difpofed without warrant. The Governor, a Member of our Houfe, hath 'till Munday to anfwer it, having been one of the Prize Commiflioners. A report alfo further but not yet read concerning Sir G. Carteret. There was this day a ftrong motion alfo for an Adl to take away Oaths impofed fince his Majefty's coming in, and it feemed to gaine good footing ; but another inlarging the motion to- ward a general toleration, after an hour's debate, it fell of, and the Houfe went to their other bufinefle. To-morrow I faid was the day for the new claufe of the Wine AS:, and Saturday is for the great debate between the farmers and merchants of ^d. or 8d. upon Brandy for the time paft. I am now tired ; I befeech you excufe me for I intended more, but the poft alfo is upon going. I am, Gentlemen, &;c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminfler, March lo, 1669-70. Vol. L U LET- 146 ANDREW MARVELUs LETTERS LETTER XCIV. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL RICHARD ACLAM, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THAT which is mod extraordinary fince my lafl: to you is, that his Majejly hath for this whole week conte every day in perfon to the Houfe of Lords -y and fate their during their debate and refolutions. And yefterday the Lords went in a body to Whitehall, to give him thanks for the honour he did them therein. As for bufineffe in our Houfe, we have fent up to the Lords the City Bill upon Thurfday, the longeft Bill perhaps that hath ever paft in Parliament ; the Lords have not yet had time to give it the firft reading. The two Bills, one for prohibition of Brandy, and the other purfuant to a vote of the Houfe, that Brandy ought to have payd 8d. the time being limited ever fince November 1666, are both yet proceeded no further then to a commitment. MofI: other buiinelTe is of our hands. But the next weeke there will come down from the Lords, for firft they have made very many materiall alterations in the Bill of Conventicles, and now at laft have added a referving claufe for his Majeftyes ancient prerogative in all ecclefiaftical things J whereby it is fuppofed by fome, that it is and will 5 be TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 147 be in his Majefty's power to difpenfe with the execution of the whole Bill. They finifht all herein yefterday, but our Houfe hath not yet received it. The fcveral points will require fome conjQderablc time and conference before they are likely to be agreed betwixt both Houfes. Then their Bill for my Lord RoiTe's marrying againe is to be red, and ingroft on Munday morning, which will probably take them up all that day ; and if it then pafTe them, muft have its three feverall readings in our Houfe. Neither have they yet done with their Bill for felling the fee-farms, that muft alfo come down to us, and many other, moft of them private bills we have fent them, for which they have had little leifure, being fo intent upon the two bills of my Lord Rofle and the Conventicles, yet they fate, bijhops aiid ally the whole morning yefterday, fo that one thing conlidered with another, although it were to be wifht that we had finifht our work before Eafter, and the King did twice prefie us by meffage, I doubt things will fo fall out that we muft fit again aftere the holydays. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. ANDREW MARVELL. Wijimlnjier, Marth 26, 1670. U 2 LET- J48 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER XCV. Mr. RICHARD ACLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IMuft defire you to do me the favour, as excufe both to yourfelfe and the bench that I give you no account this poft of our affairs, for really we are fo thronged now to- ward the conclufion of our feffion, that it is in a manner impoflible to attend the Houfe and do any thing elfe ; we have fat all this day though it be Eafter Eve, and fo /hall Munday, Tuefday, Wednefday and Thurfday ; I have be- fides co?n?mmicated my notes to Mr. Stockdale. I am, Sir, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjler, April 2, ib-jQ. LETTER XCVL Mr. RICHARD ACLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, Was in good hope that I might by this pofi: have given you an account of the end of this feilion, but there are fome remainders of bufineffe not yet perfedled betwixt the two Houfes, which will detain us ftill unto Saturday at the fooneft. I TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 149 fooneft, but I doubt longer ; for though the three notableft Bills, that of Supply, of Conventicles, and of my Lord Roffe, are now fully agreed by both Houfes ; yet that for prohibition of Brandy is not yet paft our Houfc to have its progrefle with the Lords ; and our Bill for Brandy paying eight-pence ever fince November 1666, dos yet indure a great debate with the Lords. Neither have they yet gone thorough the Bill for rebuilding the City, wherein they have made fo many materiall alterations as will take up fome confide- rable time to be agreed in our Houfe. We have fent them up to-day a Bill for the incouragement of building great fhips, and with high peiialtjes upon a7iy of the kings com- manders of men of war re who floall carry merchandife. Our Houfe is now grown very thinne, fcarfe more than an hundred for the mofl part : by my next it is likely I may fend you news of our rifing, I remaine. Gentlemen, Sec, ANDREW MARVELL, Wtftmtnfler, April'], 1670. LET- ijo ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER XCVII. Mr. RICHARD ACLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft, we have returned the Bill of Com- miffioners to treat with the Scotch to the Lords, which will undoubtedly pafTe. We have fent them up this morn- ing the Bill for prohibition of all forain Brandy, which though it goes up fo late, I believe will paffe before our rifing. The City Bill has been fent down with many alte- rations, which yet we have gone thorough and agreed to, except in one point which they will certainly concurre in, and may be reckoned as paft. The Lords have agreed with the Bill of retrofpecSl upon Brandy, to pay 8d. fince 1666. The Lords have, as we heare, thrown out that part of our Bill for fhipping, wherein we provided againft men of warre trading in merchandife : truly in an ill feafon^ when fo many merchants complain, and the Turks take frizes in our channell; I doubt it will hinder the Bill from paffing with us. Sir John Pritiman, who ferves for Lei- cefter, was yefterday fufpended from fitting in the Houfe, and from all privilege 'till he find out Humes (a moft noto- rious fellow other wife) whom he fuggefted to be his meniall fervant, whereas he was a prifoner for debt, and thus by Sir John's TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 151 John's procurement has efcaped his creditors. The fergeant was fent into the Speaker's chamber with the mace, to bring him to receive the fentence upon his knees at the barre. Hereupon the Houfe being difappointed (for in the meane while he was efcaped by the back doore ; ordered that doore to be nailed up for the future) have revived their votes of 1663 againft all paper protections, againft prote6lion for any but meniall fervants, and to-day, after a long debate for expelling him the Houfe, have for fome good reafon given him 'till the fecond Tuefday after our next meeting to appear ; when that will be is not yet evident ; fome fay before Midfummer, others toward winter. But however I hope we fhall rife on Munday, or at furtheft on Tuefday ; for it is high time, having much ado to get forty together to make a Houfe, and when we divided about the fee farms, being in all but 114: the next meeting I hope will be better attended. I am, Gentlemen, Your mofl: affedtionate fervant, ANDREV/ MARVELL, JVeJlminJIer, April (), 1 670. L E T- 152 ANDREW MARVEL L'3 LETTERS LETTER XCVIIL Mr. RICHARD ACLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERNIGHT about five o'clock the King com- manded us to the Lords Houfe. There were in all 38 Adts pafled, but moft of them private; the publick were — An Impofition for 8 Years upon Wines and Vinegar — for the rebuilding of London — for Improvement of Gra- zing and Tillage — CommifTioners to treat of the Union — for regulating the Meafures of Corn and Salt — for felling Fee Farms — for repairing the Highways — for the Payment of 8d. the Gallon on Brandy fince November 1666 — againft Conventicles — againft ftealing Cloth from the Racks — againft fpiriting away Children beyond the Sea — againft killing of Catell and burning Ricks of Corne— for re- pairing Yarmouth Feere — and for remarrying the Lord RofTe. The King faid in few words that he could not difmiffe us without firft fignifying the fatisfadtion he had received in this meeting, in the unity betv/ixt the two Houfes, in the ftepps made toward the Union of both Kingdomes ; and he thanked us for his Supply, which he would make goe as far as he could, and now believing we might have a mind to retire into the country, he was content we fhould adjourn ourfelves till the 24."" of Odtober next. Our TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 153 Our Speaker returned to the Houfe, and there we adjourned accordingly. The Bill for prohibition of Brandy is not pafled ; nor that of prohibiting men of warre to trade in. merchandize ; nor that for inabling the city to call to account fuch perfons as detained mony in their hands given charitably in the time of the plague. The King is this morning gone for Newmarket. As foon as our Acis are printed I fhall take care to fend you them. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Weftmlnjlert April 12, 1670. LETTER XCIX. Mr. TRIPP, MAYOR. S I R, THESE two Adts being printed before the reft, I have in the meane time fent you them inclofed, till I can have the other, and have an opportunity of fending you them all together, I am, SIR, Your's, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjler^ April 16, 16701 Vol. L X 154 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER C. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IThinke it my duty to give you account that yefterday, according to the adjournment, the Parliament met. His Majejfty, and the Keeper by his command, told us, that in and iince the late warr the King of France had exceed- ingly increafed his forces both by land and fea j as alfo had the United Provinces ; and were making great preparations againft the next fpring. That it was fit the King fhould be in a condition at leaft to keep pace with, if not to outgoe his neighbours : Leji we being unprovided might give temp- tation to fame of them to offer us an affront^ or do us feme 7nore figiiall prejudice. That the King was obliged by the triple allyance betwixt England, Sweden, and Holland, for the peace of Chriftendome to contribute his proportion, and like wife by a particular treaty betwixt England and Holland mutually to lend them afliftance ; he then enume- rated the feveral advantageous treatyes befides, which the King had made with other princes ; as particularly with the King of Spain, who had made an abfolute ceffion to the Englifh of the foveregnity of Jamaica, and our other iflands TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 155 iilands in the Weft Indyes, with liberty for our fliips to careen and vidua! in any of his ports there. The treatyes with the King of Denmark, whereby the Englifli are dif- burdened of all late exadions there, and impowered to trade with the fame advantage and conditions as any other ; a treaty with Portugal ; a treaty with Savoy, whereby the Englifli have a free port at Villa Franka, to vend their own manufactures into that country, and the richeft parts of Italy ; treatyes of Commerce now carrying on with France and with Holland, wherein his Majefty fliould have a great and particular regard to his fubjedls profit. In fhort, that all princes of Ghriftendom fought at prefent to his Majefty, if not for their fecurity, yet as to one without whofe friend- fhip they could not promote their affairs; all which things confidered, he was confident we fhould not be wanting on our parts. That the late impofttion upon Wines did not anfwer neither the Parliament's intentions, nor his expeda- tion. That the expence of the Navy had ever fince 1660 been about 500,0001. a yeare. That he Owed ftill, not- withftanding all pofUble fidelity and care of his treafurers, a great fumme of money upon intereft ; that he muft necef- farily arme out fifty great fhips the next fpring, befide others, and thofe which he muft keep out for the fafety of the merchant in the Mediterranean; that this expence would amount to 8oo,oool ; he therefore defired that the Parliament would fupply him with this 8oo,oool. for his X 2 Na\y, 156 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Navy, as alfo that they would pay off all thofe debts which he owed at intereft, and that they would finifh this before Chriftmafsj as well that he might have time in hand to mature his preparations for the feafon of the yeare, as that men might attend their own occalions in the country, and make their neighbors tajl of their hofpitality^ and keep up their authority and i?ttereji there^ which is Jo ufefull a?id necejfary to the publick. This is the fumme of what was faid, as well as I can remember ; if it be printed (there is fome doubt of it) I fhall fend you one. Our Houfe, after this, voted to take the King's Speech into conlideration on Thurfday ; when it is probable there will be a confiderable progrefTe made toward effedling his Majefty's delires ; for fo in the conclufion of his fpeech, he recommended fpeed and efficacy. The Houfe then adjourned itfelf till Thurfday, that men might have leifure to confider in private how it is pofTible. They ordered the Speaker to iflue out writs for the vacancyes, which are 18 or ig. This is all at prefent. If there be any particular fervice relating to the towne, or any of yourfelves, wherein I may be ufefull to you during this time of my ftation, pray oblige me by commanding me, for I am, Gentlemen, Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL, Weftmlnfitr, Oil, 25, 1670, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 157 LETTER CL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. S I R, I Have received yoiir's, and am very glad that you and the reft of the gentlemen of the Bench take any little thing kindly of me, as I fliould be happy to ferve you and them in any matter of greater importance. I defire you would be pleafed to acquaint them further, that fince the 24.'^ the Houfe hath fat onely Thurfday and yefterday, when, becaufe of the two holydays, they adjourned 'till Thurfday next. The King's and the Keeper's fpeeches were, by order from the Lord Artington, prohibited printing, but you will neverthelelTe receive a written copy. The Keeper's was laft Thurfday red again in the Houle, and thereupon they prefently voted, without any debate, to give his Majefty a fupply proportionable to the occafions. It was then moved to give the King the thanks of this Houfe for his care and the advantageous treatyes he had made for the nation, and further for his vigorous profecution of the AS: againft Conventicles, and to give him account of the vote of Supply : but it being alledged that our having complyed with his defires was the beft and moft proper thanks of the Houfe, thefe motions flipt of. Yefterday according to order the Lords of the Treafury brought in a paper of his Majefty's debts at intereft, amounting to one million three hundred jjS ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS hundred and fourteen thoufand pounds ; the debts out at interefl making it above two milUons. It was alledged that from laft Michaehnas to this, there had been iffued to the offices of the navy and ordinance onely 691,000!. part upon interefl ; that one milUon payd at ten, and the odd 300,000!. at Cix per cent, interefl:. The paper being in generalis, the Houfe voted a Committee to examine when, to whom, and for what thefe debts are contradted, and then that on Thurfday next the Houfe be turned into a Committee of the whole Houfe. The private Committee have iiTued orders purfuant to their inftrudlions. There are two pubUck Bills before us for increafe of the woollen manufadture, and of hemp and flax, I am, S I R, Your's, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjier^ Nov, i, 1670. LETTER CIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS is but my third letter fince our fitting ; the frequent intermiflion of holydays and adjournments taking of the occafion hitherto of writing oftener. For even TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 159 even yefterday alfo the Houfe hath adjourned till Thurfday morninfr ; To that our bufineiTe ftands thus : the committee of the whole Houfe had, as I told you formerly, voted an addition of i5d. the barrell of ftrong beere, and 6d. the fmall ; I meane beere and ale in publick houfes. And whereas there was an indeavour to have cleared us at once by a vote from any jealoufy of excife for beere and ale brewed in private familyes, by an addition to the queflion it paft in the negative. The reafon which then prevailed feemed to be, becaufe the major part believed that this addition of I5d. &c. would rather diminifh then increafe the former excife ; forafmuch as people to evade fo great a payment would probably fall to brewing their own drinke, and therefore it might be necefiary to have recourfe alfo to private houfes, and in order to that for avoyding the turbulence of officers entering and fearching, that in all private houfes there fhould be payd halfe a crown yearly for every head ; fo that the Committee chofe to keep this as a troublefome payment flill in referve, in cafe they could not find out fome other botome upon which the mony in- tended might be raifed with lefie grievance. Neither did the Committee yet make report to the Houfe of their i^d. 6cc. that fo they might yet be more open for further ex- pedients. And accordingly after another debate, it having been voted that towards the King's fupply there fliould be an impofition upon fome forain commodityes ; they agreed 5 ^^ i6o ANDREW M A R V E L L's L E T T E R S on Friday laft to debate in order upon Tobacco, forain Silks and Stufts, forain Linen and Lace, forain Salt, forain Iron, forain Woollen Cloth, Sugar, Drugs, Paper, Spice, Fruit ; whether and what impofition they might beare, and in the meane time the members might have leifure to informe themfelves. So yefterday the Committee entered upon that debate beginning with Tobacco, which feverall affirmed might beare 6d. a pound, fo that it were not raifcd by way of cuftome ; others controverted it as ufuall ; but the difcourfes growing long and intangled, one of the members, a perfon of good parts and equal confidence, rofe up, and propounded and undertook to make it good, by as able fecurity as any in England, to raife for the King 500,000!. a yeare if that rate of impofition and necefiTary claufes which he would offer might be accepted, upon the additional 15, &c. on Beere and Ale, without any charge on private houfe. Tobacco, forain Silks and Stuffs, forain Linen, Salt, Iron, Sugar, Druggs, fealed Paper, without any diminution to his Majefty's cuftomes or excife as they now {land, and with allowance for exportations ; thefe rates were, as in tobacco 3d. a pound Virginia, 6d. Spanifh; in fait, id. home fait, 2d. forain, id. halfpenny Scotch, and fait upon fait an halfpenny, and yet that the fifiiery fhould be provided for, that their fait might not be raifed, and fo on in other commodityes. This motion feemed fpecious and welcome to the Committee ; only fealed Paper, which TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. i6i which he had rated at 40,000!. they excepted, as they having not ment paper fo in their catalogue ; this being a projedl of further confideration and intricacy, and of higher value (for it had been eftimated in fome former feflions at 8o,oool. a yeare.) In conclufion, the motion being new, and furprifing to the Committee, and to the King's officers, and the gentleman not willing nor prepared to delineate his whole propofal, and his requifite claufes, they afked him when he would be ready ; he faid by Thurfday : thereupon reforting to theHoufe to defire leave to lit next Thurfday, the Houfe alfo thought fit to adjourn itfelfe and all Committees to the fame day. Thus we are not yet knotted, but even other things if this take not will come in alfo, as I heare there was an intention that fame day to have moved for the 20th part of every man's eftate, and many do declare upon occafion in the Houfe that though fo exceedingly grievous, yet rather than the King be unfupplyed, they will yield both to Land Tax and home Excife : fo that there appears a great difpofition and fome forwardneffe to gratify his Majeftye's utmoft expectation ; however, as yet there has been no particular refolve to what fumme they will fupply him, neither any other thing yet formed, either as to the time or manner : but all things will be perfeded doubtlefle with all poffible maturity. Thefe things I have been thus carefuU to give you a plain account of, not thinking a perfundory relation worthy your prudence, but mufl: in Vol. I. Y ex- i62 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS exchange defire you will not admit many infpedlors into my letters ; for I reckon your Bench to be all but as one perfon ; whereas others might chance either not to underftand, or to put an ill conftrudlion upon this ope72neffe of my writing and ftinplicity of my exprejfton : this perhaps is needleffe ; but 'tis neceflary that I be, and I affure you I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftmlnflery Nov. 8, 1670. LETTER CIIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Committee of the whole Houfe fit dayly in debate of the impofitions on forain Commodityes, upon Tobacco, as I thinke I told you before, of the Plantations 3d. the pound, Spanilh, 6d. upon Salt (the gallon) forain 2d. Scotch, id. native of Salt Water, id. Salt upon Salt, id. and that in Ireland the impofition be forain 2d. Scotch id. Englifh, id. Irifh, id. on French Lockrams, 106 ells to the piece, 7s. 6d. Normandy, and all other forts of French Canvas, 106 ells to the piece, 6s. on Germany and all oth;r imported Linnen and Callicos the fame price; I mean im- pofition, as in the book of rates, to be payd by the firfl 5 buyer ; TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 163 buyer; Lawns only and Cambricks are excepted ; on Tape, Inkle and Thred in like manner; on forain Ticks 3s. each; on wrought Silke, to be payd by the firfl buyer, double the proportion as at the Cuflomes ; on thrown Silke is, ^d. the pound. Thus farre the Committee has proceeded, and will ftill goe on upon the propofals which are before them, which are on iron the tun 20s. on Sugars, Mufcovados of Brafile, id. other Braille Sugar, 3d. Mufcovados of the Plantations, i-d. other Plantation fugar, 2d. the pound; on Fruit, Currants ^^r c^^//. 5s. Raifiins of the Sun, 2s. Malaga and other Raifins, is. 6d. Figgs and Prunes, is. on Spice, Nutmegs, the pound, is. Cinnamon, is. Mace and Cloves, is. 6d. on all Drugs as in the Book of Rates; on Paper im- ported, 4d. the reame ; on Glafs Glaffes, Stone and Stone Ware, Earthen Ware, as in the Book of Rates ; on Copper and Latten from Cake or Bar imported, per cent. 5s. on Stuffs mixed with Haire or Wool imported, lol. on Sope forain fer ce?it. 5 s, Native, the barrell, 4s. This is as I take it all yet before the Committee, who will go on to debate whether thofe rates refpedively be proper to be impofed. Colonell Gilby and I red your letter by the laft poft together this day, and intend to return you anfwer on Thurfday. I have no more at prefent, but to remain. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, Wejimlnjler, Nov. 15, 1670. ANDREW MARVELL. Y 2 i64 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CIV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft on Saturday, yefterday the members for Bofton afked leave to bring in a Bill ; to-day it was red the firft time : it contains onely fixpence upon every chaldron of coales unladen there, and two-pence a tun upon merchandife in like manner ; fo that the Colonell and I did not fee any thing therein fit to be objeded againft it : If you pjould forefee yet any prejudice therem, you have yet tme to advife us ; otherwife it is fit for us rather to pro- mote it, both to gaine friends, and example if you fhould have occafion. You will be pleafed to refledt ferioufly upon what Col. Gilby and myfelf have written to you about your bufinefie. As for time I cannot forefee now but we fhall fit long enough. But as for thofe of your neighbours, who are ferved by your port, and will therefore take the impo- fition too as laid upon themfelves, you muft take your mea- fures left they oppofe us. Bofton owns 200I. a yeare revenue that they have ; be pleafed to confider what yours is, and comparing what now writ with all laft poft, be pleafed to fix your refolutions, that we may know what to expedl and do. We fat yefterday till five at night upon the commit- ment of Mr. Hays and Jekell ; that v/hich was labored was indemnity, and to fufpend proceedings againft the Lord Mayor and Lieutenant at Law ; but the Houfe only voted, that TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 165 that what had been done in committing Mr. Hays, they ap- proved of as done for the prefervation of his Majefty, and the peace of the kingdome, and what as to commitment of Mr. Jekell, that it was in order to the prefervation of his Majefty, 6cc. Whether Mr. Hays and Jekell will hereupon think fit to let fall their proceeding at law I know not, but Friday next was the day appointed for the tryall in the Exchequer. The judges in the Common Pleas upon the Habeas Corpus for Bufhell, and the other jurymen who have hitherto flood committed, inlarged them, taking their baile for one ano- ther, and have themfelves taken till the fecond day of the next terme to give their opinions concerning the legality. The Houfe is now to-day, I mean the Committee, gone through all in the catalogue I gave you of forain commo- dityes. To-morrow I perceive there will be fome more propofed, and then perhaps the cuftomers may be ready (to-day they were not) to give in what quantityes of thofe commodityes were imported for the three laft years. I forgot to tell you that on occafion of Mr. Hays and Jekell's bufineffe, ordered, a Committee to infpedt the defeds of the A61 of Militia and of Conventicles, from which Com- mittee I fuppofe will arife the matter of greateft importance this feflion ; alfo ordered an information by Mr. Attorny againft Mr. Hays for attempting to corrupt and threaten Sir Samuel Sterlin from performing his duty ; but I fuppofe this laft may rather produce a contrary effed: to what was there- by i66 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS by intended. I fhall here break of, having not more time, fo that you will I hope both excufe the haft and defers. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. SIR, I Have received your letter : I have not much leifure to write, neither have we done much Tince I writ. But have at laft got through our forain Excife at the Committee : Forain Sope 5s. per cenf. Raw Silk, 6d. the pound ; Forain Twine and Cordage, double what in the Book of Rates ; French Hats, 2s. 6d. 5s. and los. To-day the Committee made report to the Houfe, and the Houfe has agreed in To- bacco and Salt, adding id. more on forain Salt in forain Ships. Jekell's and Hays his bufmefle has, inftead of an Aa of Indemnity for the Lieutenancy, produced a very good thing, of which we are in certain expedtation, an univerfal Aft of Grace from his Majefty. Thofe that took the Cuftoms, &c. at 6oo,oool. are now ftruck of again, and Sir R. Howard Bucknall and the Brewers have them as formerly projedled. Pray, Sir, prefent my fervice to your brethren. I am, S I R, Your very affedlionate fervant, IFc/ImlnJier, Nov. 26, i6jo. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 167 LETTER CVL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Committee of the whole Houfe have ftill been upon the forain commodityes, and the Houfe having now gone through their report with Httle alteration, have ordered that a Bill be brought in : they have layd lol. on every forain Horfe, Mare or Gelding imported, and fifty per cent, upon forain Coaches and Wearing Clothes, and that a particular be brought in of all the French Ciiriofityes and Trinkets, of which our people are fo new-farigled, that fuch an impojition may he layd upon thefn as may in cofifequence amotmt to a prohibition. The Houfe will now fhortly deter- mine what the value oi this Bill is like to be by the year, and accordingly for how many years to give it ; for fome would hope that the additional duty on Beere and Ale, and this forain Excife, might fatisfy all the King's occafions in fome few years ; but I doubt there will alfo be taxes of other natures granted, and thofe will not be admitted as fufficient. Col. Gilby and I had a letter from you this poft, to which we intend to return anfwer next Thurfday. I am, Wejlminjlcr, Nov. 29, 1670; Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL.. i68 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CVIL To Mr. POPPLE *, MAYOR. SIR, OL. Gilby promifed me to write to you to-night, and C I intended the fame, but cannot call that writing which is in fo much haft. The Bill for Excife of Beere and Ale is not yet brought in ; neither that for Excife on forain Commodityes. But thefe three days laft paft, and Munday and Tuefday next wholly fet apart for new propofalls towards the Supply, and then to open the bajket. On Thurfday we wholy excluded Land Tax, upon a divi- iion of 152 againft 109. Since, after many propofals, we have yet fixt only upon Parchments and Papers upon occa- fions of Law Grant or Contradl from Patents under the great Scale down to Bills and Bonds, which we are half gone thorow, and will make a great addition at the Com- mittee of the whole Houfe. Among the reft to-day we liave voted, every Difpenfation for a Plurality ftiall pay lol. Our Houfe will be in fo great an hurry till Chriftmas, though probably then we fhall not neare have finifht, that little opportunity will be for particular buftnefle. The Houfe has ordered that on Tuefday fe'nnight the Houfe be called over. Made a Committee to report the ways of levying Fines upon Members for their abfence ; ordered that no * Mr. Popple was brother-in-law to Mr. Marvell. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 169 (no member have leave to goe out of town, but after defiring and allowing betwixt eleven and twelve o'clock. It was propofed to publifh their names who are abfent in the news book : thefe things are not without caufe : I would you could acquaint your neighbors with it. A Bill fent down to-day from the Lords for naturalizing all Forainers that fhall take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy. I am mindful! of all your buHneffe, and am, SIR, Your humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IFeJimlnJler, Dec. 3, 1670. LETTER CVIIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. ■ Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WHEN it is time I fent my letter to the poft I can but jufl begin it, having fat late at the Committee upon the Merchant's petition for taking of the 4l. a tun upon Wine. We lit again on Munday, when I hope we may find that the Ad: has bin fatisfyed, and fo procure the taking it of. There is not yet brought in either the Ad: for addition on Beere and Ale, nor that of Excife on forain Commodityes ; Vol. I. Z nor 170 ANDREW xMARVELL's LETTERS nor are the Houfe yet refolved what value they fet upon them, to judge how farre they have yet complyed with his Majcfty's occafions ; but this Ad; is ordered for to-morrow, and Saturday to be the laft day for any farther propofal to- wards the King's Supply. The Houfe hath ordered another Bill of impofition upon all proceedings in all the Law Courts ; not excepting thofe of the Bifhops. We fliall have much adoe to Q;ct bufinefle of fo various nature into fafhion before ChriftmafTe : we yet thinke that we can fcarfe rife before Lady-day. The lol. upon Licences for Pluralityes the Houfe hath quite ftruck of. Col. Gilby hath told you of the rubbs to the Bofton Bill. The Committee hath ad- journed it till a week after our next fitting : the oppofition of neighbours concerned give it this flop, and may probably quite dafh it. The Bill for Conventicles hath bin twice red and committed : it makes them henceforth riots, and orders that who cannot pay his 5, or who iKall refufe to tell his name or abode, fliall worke it out in the Floufe of Corredion : Alfo that Conftables may break ope Houfe by day, by warrant, for a diftreffe. There is a Bill come in for regulating Servants Wages. The ftrange efcape of the Duke of Ormond you have in the Proclamation. There are foure of their horfes taken : fure themfelves cannot long efcape. Sir J. Benet infifts upon the right of what you complain of, and will refer himfelfe either to counfell or TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 171 or law therein. Concerning the other matters in your letter I fliall not be wanting to an opportunity. My attend- ing thus late makes me more abrupt then I fliould be, but you know how to excufe, Gentlemen, Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IFe/Imin/Ier, Dec, 8, 1670. LETTER CIX. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. S I R, THE Houfe hath fat all this day long without inter- mi (Hon, fo that I muft be very fliort. Yefterday having bin appointed for an eftimate of the three Bills of additional Excife upon Beere and Ale ; of forain Excife ; and of the Impofition upon all Proceedings at Law, which Bills are not yet come in : the Houfe came after a long debate to a divifion betwixt thofe who valued them higher, and thofe who reckoned them but at 400,0001. per ammmy and the laft carryed it ; fo that hereby thofe that were for Z 2 raifing 172 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS raifing further the grcateft fumme of ready mony, the next day obtained much of their end. And this day the King fent for the Houfe to Whitehall, reprefenting to them that the French Ambafiador laft Wednefday night told him, that his mafter would next Aprill be at Dunkirk with 10,000 foot and proportionable horfe, but without intent to difturbe the peace. This and other arguments the King ufed for the neceflity of 8oo,oool. in ready mony. The Houfe in this debate had occaiion to divide twice, once 128 againft 112, another time 124 againft iii; fo that at laft the queftion was carried, that the Grand Committee fhould find ways to raife a fumme about, and not exceeding 8oo,oool. and that it fhould not be by a Land Tax ; and Wednefday is now appointed the laft day of receiving pro- pofalls to that purpofe. This is all at prefent. I am, SIR, Your very affedionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL. Wefiminfttr^ De(, JO, 1670. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 171 LETTER ex. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ISuppofe you have heard the vote of the Committee, that the fumme about, and not exceeding 800,000!. fhould be raifed by way of Subfidy, according to the prefent rent, with refped; alfo to mony, goods and offices. They have Imce voted that lool. in money fhall pay los. that all money in the hands of bankers fhall pay 15s. per lool. That all money which fhall be lent the King, or transferred upon fecurity of thefe ads for the future fhall not be taxed. That the King fhall be in this Adl impowered to give feven per cenf. That ftock for trade (deducing debts) fhall pay 6s. per cent. Stock on Land and Houfhold Stuffe not to be taxed ; Offices and profitable Places two fhillings in the pound ; and upon Land, the queftion being put whether 8d. or 1 2d. the pound, 'twas carryed by 103 againft 96, that it fbould be 1 2d. The Committee are to report to- morrow ; none of the other three Bills is yet come in. We are like to fit on 'till we have done our work. / humbly thank you for my ale, I am in haft, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL, If'tftminfler, Dec. 15, 1670, 174 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXr. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft, the Houfe has agreed with the Grand Committee in all the votes about the 800,000]. It is to come in in one yeare, in foure quarterly payments ; the firft quarter to end in Midfummer next ; deduction to be made for debts, annuitys, fee farms, rent charges, rents referved : Commiflioners to be named by the King ; they, the affeflbrs, witneffes all to be upon oath. So a Bill is ordered to be brought in ; none of thefe foure Bills are brought in as yet ; fo that we are like to have tedious worke of it. The Committee for the 5I. per tun at the Cuflom Houfe upon Wine voted yefternight that the 310,0001. with intereft, was already payd, fecured or re- coverable ; upon which report, the Houfe voted to-day, that his Majelly be delired to take of that payment, and the members of the Privy Councill to prefent the faid defire to his Majefty, which there Is no doubt but it will be granted. We have a Bill ready to be reported for liberty for exporting Beere. What is your opinion at Hull of the Bill from the Lords for general Naturalization of all Forainers that fhall take the oaths of Allegiance and Supre- macy ? TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 175 niacy ? we have not yet given it a reading. Pardon my abruptnefle. I am. Gentlemen, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IVeflm'mJiery Dec, 17, 1670. LETTER CXIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HIS Majefty yefterday fent a meflage to the Houfe, that they might adjourn themfelves from this day till Thurfday fe'nnight. None of the foure Bills ordered for Supply are yet brought in, which is the reafon of fo fliort an adjournment. There is a day appointed after our next meeting for the firft reading of the Bill of Naturalization. A Bill is reported, and ordered to be ingroft, for exporting Engliih Beere, Ale and Mum, at one Ihilling per tunne, for fix years from Midfummer feventy-one. The members of the Privy Councill to-day gave account to the Houfe, that his Majefty had bin pleafed upon the Houfe's requeft 4 to 176 ANDREW MAR VELL's LETTERS to take away the 4I. per tun upon Wine at the Cuftome Houfe. The Houfe, before their riling to-day, ordered, that on Munday come fortnight the Houfe be called ; that the Sheriffs of all countyes give notice accordingly ; that all members not then prefent fhould be rated double in the Bill of Subfidy, fo that it will concern them in the country to be up by that time, and if fooner, the better. One moved that a fregate might be built particularly out of that mony, and fhe might be named, the Sin?iers Fregate. After this the Houfe adjourned till the 29th of December. I fhall obferve what you write in yours of i6th, and am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedtionate friend and fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. JFeJlmtnJler.i Dec, 20, 1670. LETTER CXin. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. SIR, HAT hath been done of late requires methinks no w letter to the Bench, but may by this word to your- felfe be communicated as you thinke fit. On Tuefday the 8oo,oool. Bill had its firft reading, and its fecond reading ordered TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. ^^^ ordered on Tuefday next. Yefterday the Bill of forain Excife, and its fecond reading ordered on Thurfday next week. To-day the additional Excife on Beere and Ale, the fecond reading ordered to be this day fortnight. And fo we ad- journed till Munday next, when the Houfe is to be called, and will probably be very rigorous to thofe that are abfent. If the Houfe be full, 'tis likely many things in all the Bills may be moderated to the better. No mention hath yet been made of Sir John Coventrye's misfortune, but will be fhortly. I am, S I R, Your verya fFedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftmmjltr.t Jan. ^^ 1670-71. LETTER CXIV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. SIR, IN anfwer to the letter to Colonell Gilby and me from yourfelfe and the other gentlemen concerning your "Wines, the cafe is indeed very confiderable, but I doubt there is no remedy to be expeded ; I am fure none from Vol. I. A a our J78 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS our Houfe : fcverall merchants in many places are con- cerned in the fame manner, but have thought it in vaine to attempt that way. I underftand that thofe of London ad- dreft themfelves to the King therein, but their petition was rejeded ; fo that all I can imagine is, either to ufe means with the cuftomers of your port to delay the returning of any account fince December, untill fuch time as the whole of what was before colledled fhall be ftated in the Treafury ; or elfe that you would however try a petition to his Majefty, exprefTing your cafe, and recommend it by my Lord BellalTes his hand, who being fo lately qualifyed as High Steward of your towne, will doubtlefle as moft willing, fo be the moft able to ferve you herein : though indeed, confidering all the circumftances, I am jealous, as I faid before, that you will very hardly attaine your end ; I beg your pardon not being able to give you better advice, afllftance, or incouraore- ment herein, but am, S I R, Your moft, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. Wtjlm'infter^ Jan. 10, 1670-71. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 179 LETTER CXV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe was called ; no excufes then made, but the defaulters ordered to be called over on. Munday next, when the Houfe will probably proceed feverely toward their penaltyes, and allow none but very plain and urgent excufes. The Houfe was very full arid fills daily, many being upon the way. When Dorfetfhire was called for, which Sir John Coventry ferves, his uncle Sir William, made his excufe, upon the freflinefs of his wounds, which made him yet no fit fpedacle for the Houfe. Hereupon the Houfe refenting it, prefently voted that it fhould be taken into confideration the firft bufinefi^e as this morning; accordingly to-day Sir Thomas Clarges, a mem- ber of the Houfe, having been one of the Juftices of Peace who examined the fadl, made a perfe6l narrative of the matter, and after a long debate till three in the afternoon, they voted at laft, nejnme contradice72te^ that a Bill be pre- pared prefixing a day to the offenders, by which time if they fhall not appear, then to be banifhed the kingdome, &c. and a claufe to be inferted for pardon to fuch of the malefactors (not being principal contrivers and adors there- in) as fhall make a full difcovery j and a Committee was A a 2 appointed i8o ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS appointed for the drawing of this Bill, and that untill this Bill be paft, the Houfe fhall have no other bufineffe vvhat- foever taken into conlideration, and fo they rofe. Hereby the Bills of Supply are retarded for a while, but I believe within foure days at fartheft we fhall have difpatched it to the Lords. This is all at prefent from. Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl: humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjier, Jan. ii, 1670-71. Y LETTER CXVL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. SI R, ESTERDAY the Houfe red the Bill about Sir John Coventry the firft time, and forthwith adjourned j to-day they red it the fecond time, and committed it to a Committee of the whole Houfe, which forthwith fate, and. continued their debates upon the Bill till foure o'clock ; they paft through the whole body of the Bill which relates, only to thofe who were guilty of that affaflinate, but the Houfe having given leave for a claufe to prevent all fuch things for the future, and fuch a claufe being prefented, whicii TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. i8i which makes it felony, without clergy, to wound, or ftrike, or bruife any Parliament man during his attendance on the Houfe, &c. the Committee, fome dilliking it, and others dedring it to be in another Bill diftindl ; the third party, who were for proceeding upon it, and amend- ing it, carryed it upon divifion 85 againft 78 ; fo it being late, the Committee defired the Speaker to take the chaire, and leave to fit again to-morrow. It will therefore pro- bably be Saturday before the Bill can be agreed, ingroft, red the third time, and fent to the Lords. We admit no other bufinefle whatfoever. I am, SIR, Your moft affedionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL. We/frnin/ler, Jan, 12, 1670-7^ The 16"' of February is prefixed, by which time the malefadors, if they come not in, are excluded from all pardon, unleffe by Ad of Parliament exprefling them by name.. LET- i82 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CXVIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe hath been conftant to their vote, and not medled with any other buHneffe till they finiihed the Ad: concerning thofe that affafllnated Sir John Coventry. It hath been fomething changed in the Committee ; for after the claufes againfl Sir Thomas Sands, Captaine O'Brian, Parry and Reeves, it is further inaded, that whoever after the 16"' of February next fliall put out the eye, cut the lip, nofe or tongue of any of his Majeftye's liege people, upon malice forethought, or without provocation, fliall be guilty of felony without benefit of clergy. And whoever fliall in any other manner wound or maime any Parliament man, or any of the Houfe of Lords during their attendance, or their coming or returning from Parliament, fhall be im- prifoned for a yeare, pay treble damages, to be affefed by the jury, be bound to the good behaviour for life, and be deprived and made incapable of all ofiices whatfoever. This Bill was to-day fent up to the Lords, and red there the firfl time, I heare they have ordered the like Bill againft thofe that fome time agoe fet upon the Duke of Ormond. Our Houfe have ordered that upon Munday after the call of the De- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 183 Defaulters, and feverity upon them, they will read the 8oo,oool. Bill of Subfidy the fecond time. I am, Gentlemen, Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL.. Weftm'mJIer, Jan. 14, 1670-71. LETTER CXVin. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. S I R, SINCE I writ on Saturday laft, the Houfe upon Munday called the Defaulters, and afterwards ordered that the Houfe be called againe that day fortnight, and whofoever fliould goe out of town without leave, and fliould be abfent at the call, fhould incurre the fame penal tyes as thofe abfent at the firft call. On Thurfday they fate in a Com- mittee of the whole Houfe upon the Bill of Subfidy, and' made little progrefTe further than to change the impofition, of 10s. upon lool. in mony, to be onely upon mony at intereft. Yefterday was taken up wholy in a debate con- cerning ordering a new writ for Devonfliire in the place of 4 ^e i84 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS the young Duke of Albemarle, and being controverted whether he though a peere, being not of age to fit in the Lords Houfe, did not yet retaine the right which he had of fitting during his father's life as a member of the Commons ; but the Houfe ordered at laft a new writ to iffue in his place ; and further there appearing fome undue proceedings of late in that coujtty^ in order to forefiall the eleSiion., voted y that all Warrants^ or Letters like Warrants^ or Letters to be comfnuTiicated to Freeholders, Conflables, Petty Conflables, &c. when there was to be eleEiio?t of Knight or Burgejfe to Parliament, were a violation of the privilege of Parliamenty and of the jufl freedome of EleBions. And had not the gentlenefTe of the Houfe prevailed, one or two of their own members were in great danger to have been cenfured on that account. To-day the Committee onely paiTed the 7J. per cent, for thofe who fhall lend mony upon the Ad;. I am, SIR, Your very alFedlionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL, Wejimlnjier, 'Jan, 19, 1670-7 1» LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 185 LETTER CXIX. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, TO-DAY Teveral gentlemen of the country made com- plaint concerning the incroachments of the colledors of Hearth Mony, upon pretenfe of certain inftrudlions fent downe, and particularly of their gathering it upon fmiths forges : of ovens none complained, which I remember you formerly fpoke of; but publick ovens are certainly within the Ad: : Friday come fe'nnight is appointed by the Houfe for that matter ; againft which time if you pleafe to ftate to us particularly wherein any of your town are agrieved in thofe matters, I fuppofe we may do you fervice therein, for the Houfe is become very feniible of it. To-day we fent up the Bill for exporting of Beere and Ale ; alfo we fent to remind their Lordfhips of a Bill lodged with them at our former meeting, for prohibiting foraine Brandy. The Lords fent us down to-day the Bill about Sir John Coventry; the Houfe goes upon it to-morrow. . I fuppofe you have heard already that on Saturday 124 againft 114 carryed it ftill for the i2d. againft the 8d. a pound upon Land. Yeflerday was atl fpent upon Mines of Coale, Lead, Tin, and Alume, all which are voted to be taxed. To-day words were put in concerning the taxing of lands, that it fhould be according to the cleare value (which we reckon Vol. L B b will i86 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS will give fcope to dedu6t rates, for the poore, highways, &c.} and that it fliould be according as they are let, or are worth to be let at the time of the afTefment, which will alfo admit dedudion upon the fall of rents. And further, whereas there was a claufe that the Commiflioners fhould be upon oath, that alfo is revoked, fo that they will flill have hereby a more beneficiall latitude for the fubjeds eafe. I am. Gentlemen, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjier, Jan. 2, 1670-71. LETTER CXX. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE mine, wherein I gave you notice of the order to debate on Friday next the irregularities in the gathering of Chimny Mony, I have perufed the notes you formerly fent up, of what grievances were voted therein the y"* of December 1667 ; fo that I think you need not trouble yourfelves to give further memorials therein, unlefs there be fomething in the late praftice further to be complained of: but feveral members of us having confulted of thefe matters, we cannot find among us all a copy of the late Inftrudlions by which the CoUedors thereof pretend to ad j perhaps we 4 may TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 187 may by that time : but for more fureneffe, if you can in the mean while procure us a copy of them, it may be of good ufe, for I fcarfe believe but that the debate will be put off fome- what longer, the Houfe having advanced fo little of late in the two great bufineffes of the Sublidy Bill, and Sir John Coventry's. Since I writ to you laft, we fpent two days on the Lords Amendments upon Sir John's Bill, with which we difagreed, and gave them the reafons at a conference; fince which the Lords have been bufy, and adhered to their moft material differences with us, as I hear, but they have not yet done their debates, nor fent down to us. The mofl conliderable thing lately paft in the Subfidy Bill is that, although the oath of the Commiilioners is ftruck out, the oath of the Affeffors is voted to continue. To-day the Houfe was called, and then ordered that the Grand Com- mittee do bring in a claufe of double Subfidy, to be inferted in the Bill of Subfidy, upon all the members abfent and not excufed, and their names are to be inferted in the A(5t. Alfo the Houfe is to be called this day fortnight, and upon the fame penaltyes ; but befide all this, there is a much feverer cenfure intended againft thofe who, after an utmoft day, fhall perfift to abfent themfelves. I remain, Gentlemen, Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. Jan. 31, 1670-71. Bb 2 i88 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXXL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, INCE my laft to you, the Houfe hath proceeded ftill S upon the Bill of Subfidy, I mean in a Grand Com- mittee ; and they have now paft through the whole Bill, excepting fome claufes of difficulty which were poftponed; fo that I fuppofe fome day the next week the Committee may be ready to report that Bill to the Houfe. Yefterday the Lords fent to defire a Conference to be had this day at eleven o'clock, upon our laft Conference about Sir John Coventry's Bill, and fo to-day fhewed their Reafons why they were not fatisfyed with the Reafons given by our Houfe againft their alterations. Our Houfe upon debate have continued in the fame mind ; efpecially for having a day certain by which the offenders fhall come in, or eife ftand attainted; whereas the Lords ftill inlift to have it 25 days after the royall aflent to this Adl, and that recorded in the Lords Journall, and alfo that the claufe which the Lords have wholy left out, for the defenfe of Parliament members during their attendance, may continue. The Committee of Grievances yefter-night, upon complaint of the Mafters and Owners of Leverpoole and Chefter, voted, a Patent for Light Houfes on the Iriffi Coaft, whereby a id. and 2d. per tun was colleded, to be illegal and a grievance ; fo that TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 189 that upon report to the Houfe on Wednefday next, 'tis likely to have the fame fortune there. The Bofton Bill, upon difagreement of the neighbours, is in a manner extind. The debate of Chimney irregularitys is put of till next weeke.. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Feh. 4, 1670-71. LETTER CXXIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY upon complaint of fome violent arrefts made in feveral churches, even during fermon timcj nay of one taken out betwixt the bread and the cup in re- ceiving the facrament, the Houfe ordered that a Bill be brought in for better obferving the Lord's Day. After this> complaint was alfo made of the growth of Popery ; one gentleman particularly affirmed that in Monmouth and. Herefordfliire there were more Popiili Priefts than orthodox Minifters, and that in fix hundreds of that county, three were grown in a manner all Papifts, and whereas of late years 190 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS years there were not above 400, they were now grown to betwixt 4 and 5000 ; another faid, that notwithftanding his Majefty's fincerity in the Proteftant Religion, there were fome eminent perfons whofe example gave encouragement to the contrary. A Committee was ordered to inquire into the growth of Popery, and to bring an Ad: in to prevent it: the Jews were alfo added into the queftion. Yefterday we had a free conference of feveral hours with the Lords about Sir John Coventry's Bill ; we fhall perceive fhortly what effeft it has had with them. The Grand Committee hath voted, in the Bill of Subfidy, that every debtor may dedudl iix fliillings for every lool. he owes at intereft, and to-day a claufe where a man delires to call his money out of the banquier's hands, that he may lend it at 7I. per lOol. to the King; there to inforce the banquiers to give them affign- ments in the Exchequer of fuch money as is there due from the King to the banquiers, and that the King be fo far dif- charged of what he owes to the banquiers at 10 per cejtt. The debate of Chimny Mony is yet put of by other bufinefs. To-morrow we exped: the Report from the Committee who have Voted the Irifli Light Houfes to be a grievance. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. F(h, 7, 167C-71. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 191 LETTER CXXIIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, I Have but little leifure this poft, however we would let you know thus much, that yefterday after a very con- fiderable debate, the Houfe voted that the Patent for the Irifh Light Houfes was a common grievance, and that his Majefty be defired to null the Patent ; and the Members of the Privy Counfell are to acquaint his Majefty therewith, who I doubt not will agree therein, as formerly this fame Parliament in the cafe of the Lights upon St. Ann's Head by Milford, The Lords had this day a free conference with the Commons upon Sir John Coventry's Bill ; the matter thereof to be reported to our Houfe to-morrow morning, who will then confider a-frefh how far to agree with them. The Committee have confidered of the reafons of the Growth of Popery, which they have reckoned eleven, and voted to report them to the Houfe to-morrow mornincr. The Committee of Conventicles have alfo gone through with their Bill, and voted to report. This is what I have leifure to tell you at prefent, and that I am, S I R, Your very affedionate friend to ferve you, /F5/?;«;«>r, /-.i. 9, 1670-71. ANDREW MARVELL. 192 Ai^DREVV MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXXIV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft to you, his Majefty fent word to the Houfe of Commons, that he had given command to extinguifli the Patent for the Lights in Ireland ; and further, that underflanding fome Bills were paft both Houfes, he defired that what Money Bills were near perfecting might be dif- patched, that he might pafs them together about the 22** of this month, and that he had given orders to the Judges to adjourn the Goale Delivery at the Old Bailey till the 10*'' of March; that is the utmofi: day prefixed in the Adl for the coming in of the malefadors in Sir John Coventry's matter. The Houfe has to-day perfected the Bill of Supply in order to be ingroffed ; fo that to-morrow it is ordered the Committee about the growth of Popery do make their report, and nothing to intervene, and after that to proceed upon the lift of abfent members ; for though the claufe for their double Subfidy was thrown out to-day by a divifion of 115 againft 98, yet the Houfe intends to be fevere upon them in another manner. On Munday there is order to report the Bill of Conventicles. We are like to fit on I doubt this two or three months ftill, having the four Bills — of Salt — of Proceedings at Law — of Addition on Beere and TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 193 and Ale — and Excife on forain Commodityes, ftill to go thorough. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, JVeJimmJicr, Feb. i6, 1670-71. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CXXV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Bill of Subfidy is gone up to the Lords ; alfo our Houfe have drawn up a very grave addrefs to his Majefty concerning the dangerous growth of Popery, defiring his Majefty to put the laws in execution ; they have fent it up to the Lords to defire their concurrence. The Houfe hath alfo confidered the lift of the abfent mem- bers, and about twenty of them are not excufed, but ordered to be fetched up by the fergeant, and to pay his charges, and to be brought in cuftody to the barre of the Houfe, and fo to be committed to the Tower ; and the Houfe is ordered to be called a fortnight hence, and upon the fame penaltyes. The Bill of additional Excife upon Beer and Ale hath been red the fecond time yefterday, and the de- VoL. L C c bate 194 ANDREW Mx\RVELL's LETTERS bate of it appointed for to-morrow. I do not know what fortune it will have, but many do believe that it will be a Bill of very ill confequence, and not anfwer the end. I will take care to get you a copy of this addreffe to the King about Popery as foon as may be. I have but little time more, nor matter at prefent, therefore breake of. I am. Gentlemen, Your very afFedlionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJlminJler, Feb. 21, 1670-71. LETTER CXXVI. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft to you, the Houfe hath been in a manner wholly taken up with the Bill of Excife upon Beere and Ale ; they have altered the i^d. ftrong, and 6d. fmall, unto gd. and 3d. They have flruck out that claufe of pro- hibiting private Houfes which had not brewed before from Brewing : this revenue they have given for fix years. There was to day a long debate for bringing in an inading claufe, that it fhould be appropriated towards paying the King's debts ; but upon divifion it paft in the negative 71 againft 62. The Lords have to-day fent us down the Bill of Sub- fidy, with fome amendments, which the Houfe goes upon 4 to- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 195 to-morrow, and I think will not take up much debate ; fo that it is likely the King may pafs this and other Bills which are ready this weeke. The Excife upon Beere and Ale is ordered to be ingrofled. The Lords will now I fuppofe confider of the addrefs concerning Popifli Recufants. There is a Bill ready for our Houfe for the better convicting and proceeding againft them. On Saturday night laft, or rather Munday morning at two o'clock, fome perfons re- ported to be of great quality, together with other gentle- men, fet upon the watch and killed a poor beadle, praying for his life upon his knees, with many wounds : warrants are out for apprehending fome of them, but they are fled. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. IFeJlmlnJler, Feb. 28, 1670-71. LETTER CXXVn. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft to you the Houfe hath been in conference with the Lords upon their defire, about the addreffe intended to the King concerning Popifh Recufants. The Lords concurred in moft things thereof, onely would be fatisfyed concerning fome matters of fadl inferted by the C c 2 Com- 196 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS Commons, and not evident to them, whereof our Hoiifc will fhortly informe them to the full, and then I believe they will join unanimoudy. Alfo the Bill againfl Papifls has bin twice read, and the Committee have almoft per- fedled it. The Bill againfl: Conventicles is re-committed. All things in the Subfidy Bill are agreed betwixt the two Houfes, fo that and the Bill for Excife of Beere and Ale are now ready for the King, and we are proceeding on the Bill of forain Commodity es. The Houfe this day gave inftruc- tions upon its commitment ; it fhould be layd not as an Excife, but in the fame nature at the Cuftom Houfe as the former additional duty ; alfo to confider of the Eaft- land commodityes, which being imported at fo much ad- vantage in their native fhipping, deflroys our navigation. There is a Committee appointed upon the complaints for Chimny Mony. Ordered to-day at the Committee for Dover Peer, that the members of the Out Ports be defired to write to their feveral corporations to fend up particular accounts of all money payd by all mafters and owners to any perfon toward the repair thereof, from June 24, 1662, to the 24th of June 1669, by Wednefday come fe'nnight. If we had it in quarterly and yearly accounts from you it would be to very good purpofe. I am, Your fervant, ^...^4,1670-71. ANDREW MARVELL, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 197 LETTER CXXVIIL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. S I R, BEING in fome hafte I only acquaint you that yefterday his Majefty paffed fuch Bills as were ready ; the principall of which were — the Subfidy Bill — the Bill of Excife upon Beere and Ale — the Duke of York's Bill, ex- changing his Wine Licences for 24,000!. a year out of the Excife of Beere and Ale, and this Bill which is only yet printed ; the reft I fhall fend you when they come out. We are now proceeding on the Bill of forain Commodityes, to be payd at the Cuflome Houfe in three months. To-day whereas it was (Sd. we have at the Committee voted 4.6. on Spanifh Tobacco, and inftead of 3d, on Virginia three halfe-pence. lam, SIR, Your moft affedlonate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, lFe/im!n/Ier, March 7, 1670-7 r. LET- 198 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CXXIX. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, EVER lince his Majefty paffed the Bills which were ready, and defired the Houfe to haften what more they had before them of publick nature, the Houfe has always fat or been in a grand Committee upon the Bill, efpecially of the new impoft at the Cuftom Houfe upon forain Commodityes, both forenoon and afternoon; it con- tinues id. a gallon forain Salt imported in Englifh botomes, and 2d. imported in forain. As for our home made Salt it is like to efcape any impolition : there is a good claufe referred by the Houfe to the Committee, which I think will paffe, that when Wheat is under 48s. the quarter,. Rye under 30s. Barley under 28s. here in England; the exporting merchant fhall hav'e allowed him at the Cuftom Houfe 4s. 6d- the quarter for Wheat, 4s. for Rye, and ten groats for Barley exported. Some other things the Houfe hath attended, as having given fatisfadlion to the Lords of their doubts in the addreffe about Popery ; both Houfes have agreed therein, and the Lords having fent to know his Majefty's pleafure, he hath ordered them to . attend with the addreffe at Whitehall on Munday morning. The Houfe hath alfo paffed to-day the Bill againft Popery, and fent it up. The Bill againft Profanation of the Sabbath is under com- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 199 commitment. The Bill of Conventicles is ready to be re- ported from the Committee to the Houfe. Munday will be the great tryall at the Old Bailey of thofe that wounded Sir John Coventry ; Simon Parry only hath rendered him- felf, befide Wroth and Lake, which were under bailc. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afFedionate friend and fcrvant, Wejlmhpr, March 11, 1670-71. ANDREW MARVELL* LETTER CXXX. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ITold you in my laft of a claufe of encouragement to be given by the King for exporting of Corne, which is iince paffed by the Grand Committee thus : that when Wheat exceeds not 48s. Rye 36s. and Malt and Barley 28s. the quarter, the cuflomers fhall allow the exporter 4s. 6d. 4s. and ten groats a quarter refpeclively. Alfo for encou- ragement of exporting Coale, that Sea Coale, the chaldron, Newcaftle meafure, exported, fliall in Englifli veffels pay but IS. London meafure, 8d. and Pit Coale, 8d. but in forain veffels, 8s. Newcaftle meafure ; 5s. 4d. London meafure ; Pit Coale, the tun, and fo where I mentioned it before, 5s. 4d. There is a fever e prohibitive claufe againll importing 200 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS importing of Brandy put in by the Grand Committee into this Bill, becaufe the Lords delay to pafle the Bill of Pro- hibition which we fent them up long ago. Yefterday we being toward the conclufion of this Bill on forain commo- ditycs, the Grand Committee divided whether there fhould be an eflimate how much this Bill amounted to, cafting up what had bin defalked, and what additions made in it fince the firfl: projedl, but it was carried in the negative by 1 08 againft 74. Then they divided whether it fhould "be given for nine or but for fix years : it was carryed for nine years by 105 againft 78. We conceive this and the addition on Beere and Ale amount to 300,0001. a year at leaft ; fo that the one for nine years, the other for fix years, are fure a very faire fupply to 1,300,000!. debt, befides the Subfidv Bill given ovxr and above, and the Law Bill, which for ought I fee we muft yet enter upon and go through with. His Majefty, upon the addreffe of both Houfes on Munday, about Papifts, faid, he would iffue his Proclamation againft Priefts, 8cc. and caufe the laws to be executed againft thofe that had lately turned; but he muft have refped; for fuch as had bin fo educated, and merited in the fervice of himfelf and his father. I doubt not but that we fliall hinder the Dover Peer from coming into a Bill, or however from pafTmg. I am. Your humble fervant, lVe/Imi>7j(r,Manh 16, 16 joy I. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 201 LETTER CXXXL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my lafi; to you the Houfe hath been for the moft part taken up with the Bill upon forain Commodityes, which to-day has been red and ingrolTed. The claufes of exporting Coals and Corn upon the conditions I writ you do ftand fo in the Bill, only this addition as to Corne, that only our own fhips fhall receive that allowance of fo much a quarter upon exportation, the encouragement of our own navigation having prevailed againft that of the land owners, after feveral long debates. Though we have fat to-day morning and evening, yet fo many things are oiFered by addition after the ingroffing, that we fhall not have ended till to-morrow ; efpecially one long provifo for the prohibit- ing of Brandy, impofmg 3s. per gallon upon what fhall be found after the ift of May 167 1 ; but that if any export it before the ift of November, to be repayed his mony, or fecurity vacated. The Bill of Conventicles hath bin re- committed, and ready again to be reported. The claufe that makes them riots is thrown out, and feveral other claufes foftened, fo that the moft material thing now left in it, is only indemnity to fuch as have exceeded in profe- cuting the law, except fuch as have not reftored overplus of diftreffes, or have detained the fines in their own hands. Vol. I. D d The 202 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS The Paper Bill hath bhi once red. We do hamper the Dover accounts fo well at the Committee, that we fhall keep them of from bringing in any Bill this feflion. I am, Gentlemen, Your muft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. WeJlmlnfUr^ March ^7,^ 1670-71. LETTER CXXXn. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ALTHOUGH we have fat but one day fince my laft, and all that we have done fince hath been to expedite the Bill of forain Commodityes, which is now ready to be fent up to the Lords on Munday ; I thought it convenient to give you notice thereof, in order to give you account of the fucceffe of the petition concerning the Swedifh fhipping, and the advantages they have over us : the matter thereof was upon the debate of the Houfe, among other things, referred to the Grand Committee, and although we fpoke with the members of feveral ports, who did concern them- felves likewife therein, yet between the conlideration of the treatycs betwixt the two crowns, and the retaliation that we were in this cafe to expect from Sweden ; we could 4 not TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 203 not make ftrength enough to get through it, and though never- thelefl'e at the reporting of the Bill from the Committee to the Houfe, they were again moved therein, yet it would not paffe, fo that there is no remedy at prefent to be had but for others alfo to make themfelves capable of the Swedifh privileges, and iron ftands no otherwife regulated than to pay the los. per tun, according to this additional Bill, which though we are very fenlible of, and of your being fruftrated of fo reafonable an expedlation, yet we are con- fident you will not attribute to any defect on our part, but however acquiefce in the prefent judgement of the Houfe, which we muft all fubmit to. This is all I have at prefent, but to remain. Gentlemen, 6cc, Your mofl affedlionate friend to ferve you, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminfter^ March 25, 167 1. LETTER CXXXIII. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THAT I have not writ fo lately has bin for no other caufe but that the Houfe having bin taken up with the impofition upon proceedings at law, that Bill does not D d 2 afford 204 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS afford much matter for a letter. Yet on Thurfday laft the Bill of Conventicles was reported ; the debate turned into that principall queftion, whether there fhould not be in- demnity as well for thofe who have bin punifhed by the former law as for them who have overa6led in the execution of it; this being carryed in the negative by 77 againfl: 53, the queftion for ingrofment paffed without dividing the Houfe again ; fo it was yefterday red the third time and fent up to the Lords ; but our Houfe divided upon it 74 againft 53 : the Lords red it once, and divided for throwing it out, but it was retained by the odds of two voices. The Lords have not yet returned our Bill upon forain Commo- dityes, wherein they have made many very conliderable alterations, having particularly thrown out the whole claufe concerning Brandy, as contrary to the proceedings of Par- liament betwixt the two Houfes ; fo that we are like to have very great and hazardous conferences with them upon that Bill. It is impoflible we fhould rife before the very brinke of Eafter. I am, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your very affectionate, &c, ANDREW MARVELL. Jpril bi i6yj. We ftill ftave of Dover peere. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 205 LETTER CXXXIV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Bill upon Proceedings at Law hath fince my laft been fent up to the Lords, and they have made fo good difpatch with it, that it is returned to us already with- out any amendment : it is given for nine years. A debt that his Majefty hath long owed to the Prince of Orange, was ufed among other inducements to give it for fo long a time ; and it is voted that the Speaker, when he fhall deliver the Bill to the King, fliall mention it ; but whereas there was a motion made to apply, a claufe to this Bill, whereby all thefe Mony Bills, except that of Subiidy, might be affixed to the payment of his Majefty's debts, it was upon debate rejedied as impracticable, by reafon of the anticipations upon his revenue; and the Speaker only ordered at the fame time alfo to defire his Majefty that he would appropriate a fumme equivalent to thefe aids to the difcharging of his debts. We have now to-day confidered of their Lordfhips amendments unto the Bill of forain Commodityes, wherein they have made many alterations in mony matters, having altered the impofitions on Sugars, thrown out the claufcs of Corn, of Coales, of Brandy, in v/hich our Houfe hath wholly dif- agreed, ordered a Committee to coniider of reafons for a 5 con- 2o6 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS conference, and have befides made a folemne vote, That aids given by the Commons ought not to be altered. Info- much that confidering the prefent temper of both Houfes, there is fome hazard that this Bill may be loft betwixt them; but however Brandy may more probably continue at the old 8d. per gallon only ; the Houfes being in that point fo farr intangled in the manner of their proceedings, that it will be very difficult to find the right way back to an agree- ment. We daily expedt an A61 of Grace from his Majefty for the kingdome, which will come very welcome, and is already prepared. We labour every day and night almoft at the Committee to hinder the report from the Committee of the neceffity of continuing that Adl, and hitherto we have prevailed. The Lords and we have agreed on an addrefle to his Majefty, that he weare no foraift manufaSiure^ and diJcou7ite7ia7ice whether man or wojnan at court that (hall weare them. We have fent up the Bill for the Lord's Day. I am, GENTLEiMEN, Your moil humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. April 13, 1671. LET- s TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL, 207 LETTER CXXXV. Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, INCE my laft to you, we defired a conference with the Lords upon their amendments of the bill of forainCom- modityes. Our Managers there being fo diredled by theHoufe, did not infift upon our general vote, that no aids given by the Commons ought to be altered in the value by the Lords; but only that no impositions upon Merchandize ought to be altered (which was the proper cafe of this Bill) and over and above gave particular reafons againft each amendment, according to the nature of the matter refpedively. The Lords here- upon have voted, nemine contradkente^ that what they have done in this bill is as to the matter, meafure, and time, a fundamental! and inherent right of their LordHiips ; and from which they could not depart ; and fmce that they have been preparing themfelves with reafons and precedents in or- der to defire another conference with us. But we have not yet heard from them, and however it is at prefent certainly fuppofed that both Houfes are fo firme to their contrary re- folutions, that this Bill will f;ill betwixt us; and therefore, that his Majefty, pafling fuch Bills as are in readynefle, and he approves of, will to-morrow, or next day, prorogue us. And I hear the Commiflion for proroguing us is ingroffing; mod fay the prorogation will be for a very fliort time, that fo 2o8 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS fo this Bill, the bone of contention, being cut off thereby, another may be offered next meeting of the fame nature, but more confonant to the inclination of both Houfes. Others fay the prorogation will be till next February; but of thefe things I believe I fhall next poft be able to give you the certainty. The Bill againft Papifts, and againft Conventicles, are both alfoliketo fall by this means. Yefternight, at lo o'clock, the Committee gained a vote to report their opinion to the Houfe, that an Adt fhould be brought in to continue the levy for Dover Peere upon fhipping, but they have not bin able to get the report in, and it likewife will fall to nothing. Here is a thing in motion, not in Parliament, but by his Majefty's favor, to make Hull a free port^ and he is for it : I fhall write you more of this fhortly. The Ad: of Grace will fcarce come down, becaufe we have not given all the Aids. I am, Your humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. April J 8, 1 67 1. LETTER CXXXVL Mr. GEORGE ACKLAM, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, TO-DAY the Houfe of Commons having delired a conference of the Lords, read and delivered to them an anfwer to what the Lords had delivered to them at a former con- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 209 conference. To fpeak in fliort, the two Houfes were fo di- re6lly contradidory in their affertions concerning the power of the Lords in altering of rates, &c. that his Majefty, there being no prefent medium of reconciliation to be found, thought fit to-day to prorogue us ; fo that the Bill of forain Commodityes is fallen to the ground, and the other Bills that I write of in my Tuefday's letter, except that of the London Minifters. I fhall take care that you have the paper of the Lords, and ours; this laft, indeed, deferving all men's curiofity, and, I think, approbation, though the Lords have voted our reafons imfatisfaftory. We are pro- rogued till the 1 6th of April next. Dover Peere was not able to get in its report, fo that matter is expired. I have fent you a curfory catalogue of the Bills now paft, all which have fomething of publick nature ; but in all there were foure or five and thirty : when they are in print I fhall take take care to fend you them. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjler, Jpri I 22 ^ 1671. Vol. L Ee LET- 210 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CXXXVH. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Duke of Monmouth returned on Saturday from Newmarket. To-day I waited on him, and firft prefented him with your Letter, which he read all over very attentively, and then prayed me to affure you, that he would, upon all occalions, be moft ready to give you the marks of his affection, and aflift you in any affairs that you fhould recommend to him ; with other words of civility to the fame purpofe. I then delivered him t\iejix broad pieces, telling him, that I W2i% d^^Mtzd. X.o blujh on your behalfe for the tneannejje of the prefent, ^c. but he took me of, and faid, he thanked you for it, and accepted it as a token of your kindneffe. He had, before I came in, as I was told, con- fideredwhat to doe with the gold; and, but that I, by all means, prevented the offer, or I had been in danger of be- ing reimburfed with it. I received the Bill which was fent me on Mr. Nelehorpe, but the furplus of it exceeding much the expence I have been at on this occafion, I defire you to make ufe of it, and of me upon any other opportu- nity, remaining. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affectionate and humble fervant, mjiminji^r, 0£}. 20, lb^^*. ANDREW MARVELL. * By fome accident we have a gap in this valuable man's correfpondence of above three years. TO TJIE CORPORATION OF HULL. sri LETTER CXXXVIIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HIS day, as his Majefty had formerly appointed by T his Proclamation, fuch members of parliament as were in town (and I thinkethey were neare 200) met in the Houfe with their Speaker. The Black Rod being at the Doore the Speaker took the Chaire, and being fummoned to attend the Lords Commiffioners, we went to the Lords Houfe, where was read the Com million for prorogation, and accordingly the Parliament was declared by the Lord Keeper to be prorogued untill the thirteenth of Aprill next infuing. The fame morning the Earle of Arlington, and the Earle of OlTory tooke leave of his Majefly to goe for Holland. The Dutch EmbafTador Odijek went alfo, fo that now of the foure there is onely Van Beunighen re- maining ! The Lord Latimer too went along with them. It is generally difcourfed as if the Prince of Orange would be here this ChriftmaiTe, and that he fhould marry the Duke of York's daughter. I have nothing further but to delire that you retaine me in your good affedlion, being, Gentlemen, &c. Your raoft affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlmmiiery Nov. lO, 1674. E e 2 2J2 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXXXIX. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, I Received your kind letter of the 25*'' of January, and alfo the ban- ell of ale^ for which I returne my thankes to yourfelfe and brethren. I have not yet had the good fortune to fpeak with the Duke of Monmouth, &c. but underftand that the vefTells were well delivered according to order, and accepted upon the firft opportunity : never- theleffe I fhall not faile to obey your commands. Here is at prefent all the appearance of a fitting of parliament when the prorogation expires. I have here fent you inclofed the refolutions of his Majefty in Council! upon Wednefday laft, which came out in print yefterday. I have nothing further at this time worthy your notice but to give you my hearty fervice, and defire you to recommend the fame to the worthy Bench of Aldermen, for I am, SIR, Yours and their moft affedlonate friend, ANDREW MARVELL. Wfjimlnjler, Feb. 6, 1674-5. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 213 LETTER CXL. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Parliament having aflembled this day, I muft not negledl to give you account of what hath paffed. His Majefty having called the Commons before him in the Lords Houfe, told them the occafion of this feffion was, that he might know what further he could do towards the fecuring of their religion and property, and to eftablifh a durable correfpondence betwixt him and his people: he tooke notice that there were fome pernicious perfons who did indevour the contrary ; but teftified his great fatisfadlion in this Parliament, the moft of which had in their own perfons, or were defcended of thofe who had fignalized themfelves in his fervice : that for his part he fhould always maintaine the Religion and the Church of England as now eftablifhed, and be all his life conftant in that profeffion ; that the Navy did ftand in need of repairing and increaling, that fomething might be done in it this fummer, for other- wife a whole yeare would be loft ; and that he intended a long feffion, not being now feafonable to meet the Parlia- ment again in winter. The Keeper fpoke very largely to the fame purpofe, but no account was given of that to the Commons 214 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Commons by their Speaker ; and I miift defire you not by this fummary relation I give you of his Majefty's fpeech, to conceive of it accordingly ; for by reafon of the fhortneffe of my memory and conception, I do it much wrong, both as to the matter and the expreflion : when printed I will fend it you. The Commons in fenfe of fo acceptable a fpeech, after fome hours time for the wording of their thankfulncffe, voted. That the humble thanks of this Houfe be returned to his Majefty for the gracious promifes and affurances ex- prefled in his fpeech of maintaining religion and property as eftablifhed by law, and for calling the parliament at this time for the faid purpofe. The Lords I heare alfo voted generall thanks to his Majefty. This is what this day hath produced, and I hope all the reft of this feftion may prove proportion- able. If you have any particular commands for me I ftiall be very glad to obey you, being. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate friend and humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weflminjler, April i^^ 1675. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 215 LETTER CXLL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SINCE my laft, at the opening of the fefllon, the Houfe of Commons began yefterday to debate concerning fome records, the one of an AS: of Parliament (as it was propofed) in the 2d of Richard the 2d, containing that all Bills and Petitions fhould be made into Statutes, or receive a reafon- able anfwer from the King before the Parliament were dif- mifled, which not being to be found in the Booke of Statutes, 'twas moved that it fhould be printed. The fecond matter was of a printed flatute in the 4th of Henry 4th, wherein a claufe extant in the record was omitted, againfl the prefllng of men ; the third was againfl the committing of men by the King's warrant : the Houfe ordered thofe records fliould be brought in as this morning. Then they entered into debate concerning the Earle of Guildford, D. Lauderdale, and they renewed their refolution of making a new addrefTe to the King for his removall, &c. in the fame terms, as in the former fefTion ; but that f^rfl a Committee fhould draw up reafons of this defire, to be prefented at the fame time to his Majefty. In the afternoon the Speaker and Houfe at- tended his Majefly at Whitehall with their thanks ; in re- turne of which, his Majefty afTured them of his good 4- opinion 2i6 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS opinion of the Houfe, and that he would always be conftant in fecuring their religion and property. This morning the Records were brought in, being in Old Law French, and red ; which concluded, after long and mature dif- courfes in a Committee, ordered, to tranflate the faid Records into Englifh, and to bring them this day fe'nnight into the Houfe, when they will proceed upon the printing, or otherwife, as fhall be judged expedient. Some of the Lords have entered their Protefts againft the generall thanks of their Houfe, having rather defired that they fhould have been limited, much after the fame manner as by the Houfe of Commons. The Lords ordered that the King's and the Lord Keeper's fpeeches fhould be printed, which we expedt will be out to-morrow morning. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjier, April \^, 1675. LETTER CXLIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons hath this two days been in a Committee of the whole Houfe concerning Religion ; the occaiion of which rofe from the motion of a member c of TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 217 of the Houfe concerning the growth of Popery; for giving eafe to Proteftant DifTenters, and other good things of the fame tendency. The Committee firft, and then, upon their report, the Houfe have voted, that a Bill be prepared for a teft upon the members of both Houfes, that none may be capable of fitting there without taking it ; that another Bill be prepared for the fpeedyer convidlion of Papifts ; that the penaltyes be placed not in the crowne, but either in the church, or the juftices of peace, for buying in impro- priations or other publick ufes ; that there be therein a claufe to diftinguifh between Papifts and Proteftant Diften- ters ; that a very confiderable reward be therein alloted to whofoever fhall difcover a Romifh Prieft, who fhall be proved to have faid mafie, or officiated as a Romifh Prieft, or to have taken Romifh orders beyond fea or here ; that thofe who fhall be found to have bin prefent during fuch officiating, fliall incurre fuch penaltyes as ffiall be men- tioned ; that this law fhall not derogate from any for- mer laws againft Papift Priefts : and the Houfe refolved to enter Tuefday next upon further conffderation of the fame fubjedt. On Munday is appointed a Bill to be brought in againft levying mony without or beyond the confent of Parliament. There have bin once read — a Bill againft tranfporting of Wooll — a Bill for better Packing of Wooll — a Bill for continuing the A6t for Tranfportation of Leather Vol. I. F f —a ai8 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS — a Bill for repaire of Churches, and recovery of fmall Tithes in poore Vicarages. I remaine, Gentlemen, &c. Your rnoft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wefiminftefy April 17, 1675. LETTER CXLIIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, INGE my laft, the Houfe of Commons have read the S firft time a Bill againft tranfporting any beyond fea into prifons, being a fubjedt of England ; and another for the fpeedy and efFedual granting of Habeas Corpus upon im- prifonment at home ; a third for making it Treafon to raife mony without or longer then confent in Parliament. Yefter- day alfo that Houfe ordered an Adddrelle to his Majefty, for recalling his fubjeifls that are in the French fervice, and the forbidding of any going over for the future. His Majefty being informed thereof, and deiired to fignify his pleafure when the Houfe ibould wait on him with that Addreflc, has appointed to-morrow at three of the clock. The Bill for the better Packing of Wool hath been caft out. A Bill 5 pro- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 219 prohibiting New Buildings about London being red alfo to- day was rejedled, but another ordered to be brought in more free from exceptions. The Committee for the AddrelTe concerning the Lord Lauderdale, with reafons of their requeft, will be ready to-morrow or next day to re-i port. The Lords having to-day red the fecond time their Bill impoiing the Corporation Oath upon the Houfe of Peers and Commons, debated till foure o'clock whether it fhould be committed or no ; but, after fo long a conteft, adjourned the fame debate 'till to-morrow : the matter being of fo much weight, that it will, I believe, exercife their bejl deliberation, I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedionate humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjier^ April 20, 1675. LETTER CXLIV. Mr. DANIEL HO ARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons was yefterday in a Committee of the whole Houfe concerning Religion, and voted (which the Houfe agreed to) that in the Bill intended there fliould be a claufe for regulating the Atturny Generall as to his F f 2 entring 220 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS entring non-profe againft Papifts ; another claufe for the fpcedycr levying the fines upon them ; and laftly, a particular Committee was appointed to prepare the Bill upon all thofe heads which had been already voted. In the afternoon they waited on the King with their AddrefTc for recalling his fubjeds out of the French fervice, to which his Majefty anfwered, that the matter was of too great im- portance for a prefent anfwer, but that he would confider of it, and returne them an anfwer. To-day the Recorde concerning not proroguing the Parliament till reafonable anfwer to all Petitions, or that they were made into Statutes ; that wherein a printed Adl, a claufe for Prefling (I mean againft it) was omitted ; and the third, concerning not committing fubjedls upon the King's warrant, were brought in tranflated. A Bill was red the firft time, that any mem- ber of parliament who JJjall hereafter accept any office after his eleB'wn^ there fJjall be a new writ ijfued to eleSi in his place \ but if his Borough fhall then the fecond time eled: him, it fhall be lawful! : upon the queftion vi^hether it fhould have a fecond reading, 88 carryed it againft 74. The Bill againft Imprifning Men beyond Sea was red the fecond time and committed. Ordered, that the Com- miflioners of the Navy bring in the ftate of the Fleet and Stores. A Committee to infpedl what defeds in the Adls of Militia, and what abufes. A Committee to confider what ill manage of the Revenues of Hofpitalls. The Lords fate TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 221 fate the whole day yefterday, till ten at night, without rifing, (and the King all the while of our addreffes prefent) upon their Bill of Teft on both Houfes, and are not yet come to the qucftion of committing it ; they adjourned themfelves then and the debates till to-morrow. The teft is : / A. B. do declare that it is not lawfull upon any prete?jf& whatfoever to take arms againfl the King^ and that I do abhorra that traytrous pofitio7t of tahjig arjns by his authority againft , his perfon^ or agai?iji thofe that are commijjioned by him, in. piirfuance of fuch commiffions. And I do fweare that I will not at any time indevour the alteration of gover?iment either in church or fate. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, April 22, 1675. LETTER CXLV. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ' I ^HE Houfe of Commons having received a report from -i. the Committee for drawing up the addrefle con- cerning Duke Lauderdale were informed by them, that Dr. Burnet being examined whether he knew any thing cf bringing 222 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS bringing over any army into any of his Majefty's dominions, told them, that difcourfing of the danger of rigorous proceed- ings againfl the Prcfhyterians in Scotland, while his Majefty was ingaged in a war with Holland, the Duke faid he wifhed thev would rebell ; and in purfuit of that difcourfe faid, he would then hire the Irifh Papifts to come over and cut their throats : but the Dodlor replying, that fure he fpoke in jeft, the Duke anAvered, no, he faid it in earneft, and therefore repeated the fame words again. Further, that being afked whether he knew any thing of bringing the Scotch army into England, the Dodlor had anfwered the Committee that he had acquainted them with that of Ireland, becaufenofecret, but what the Duke had faid alfo the fame to others, and par- ticularly to the DuchelTe of Hamilton; but that if the Duke had faid any thing to him fingle, if he knew any fuch thing, he afked their pardon, and fhould not reveale it but upon the utmoft extremity. Hereupon the Houfe thought fit to fend for the Dodor, and having acquainted him with the autarky that Houfe had of pumj}ji7jg him^ if he delt not candidly with them, he at laft faid, that in September 1673, fpeaking about the declaration, the Duke told him all had forfaken the King but himfelfe and the Lord Clifford, and then afked him whether he thought, if the Englifh Parlia- ment were untoward, Scotland would ?tot ajfijl the King ; the Duke replyed, he thought not, for the Prefbyterians to be fure would not come in, neither did he conceive the Royalifts TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 223 Royalifts would, who were difcoiitented ; but the Duke replyed, the coming into England would draw a great many. The Houfe deferred the confideration of thefe in- formations till next Thurfday, but paffed their addreffe upon the two reafons, that of his faying the King's Edids were equal to Laws, and to be obferved in the firft place ; and the other of the AS: paffed in Scotland, while he was Commiffioner, that the Scotch army of 22,000 men fhould be ready, upon order from the Privy Councill there, to march into England in cafe of, &c. and at any time elfe when the King's honour or greatne{Ie were concerned. The King hath ordered the Houfe to attend him on Munday next at three of the clock with that addreffe. To day Mr. Pepys, according to the Houfe's order, brought in the ftate of the Navy Stores and Proviiions, which the Houfe will conlider of next Tuefday. The Lords were yefterday again till foure o'clock upon their Bill of the new Teft, and are not yet come to the committing of it : for they difpute it by inches, and thofe againft it feeme rather to get ground. I fend you the Protefts entered in their journall by fome of them upon the former queftion. I had almoft forgot a vote made to-day by the Houfe of Commons after they had received the ftate of the Navy : that his Majefty be moved by an addreffe from this Houfe, to caufe that there be no further anticipation or charge upon the cuftomes, it being a diftervice to himfelfe and the nation. The other dav at the King's 224 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS King's Bench, in open court, were produced articles figned and fealed betwixt Sir Robert Viner and Emerton, reciting the marriage folemnized between the fon and daughter, and feverall advantageous covenants for Sir Robert, and all this while in the time he was treating with the Lord Treafurer to marry her to Lord Dunblane : ^Tis a detefiable and moji ignominious Jlory\ to which if the confideration be added of his late enterprifing to fubvert in all manners the libertyes of the city, and then how miferable he is plunged by the ftop of the Exchequer, I do not know a man more u?tfor- tunate^ or under lejfe co7?ipaJlftofi, I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedlionate friend to ferve you, WeJlmlnfteU ^priu^, 1675. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CXLVL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons have this two days been in a manner wholy taken up with the inclofed articles, in which yet they made little progrefle, and therefore the things inclofed concerning very great perfons, and the fuccefle TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 225 fucceffe yet uncertain : I need not admonifh your prudence to be referved in communicating them. They waited on the King yefterday in the afternoon, who returned them this anfwer, that the paper concerning the Duke Lauderdale was long, he would therefore confider of it, and returne them an anfwer fhortly. I am in exceeding haft, but, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. JpnliTi 1675. LETTER CXLVIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons was taken up yefterday with a fecond patent (a former had bin conftdered the day before, and voted no fufiicient caufe of Impeachment) which alfo determined in the fame refolution ; and thefe patents being the onely proofs produced upon the firft article, it paffed that upon that article there appeared no caufe of impeaching the Lord Treafurer. This day had been a weeke agoe appointed to refume the confederation of Dr. Burnet's teftimony againft the Duke Lauderdale. But, his Majefty not having returned yet particular anfwer of his pleafure therein, the Houfe thought fit to adjourn this Vol. I. G g matter ??^ ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS matter againe till this day fe'nnight. The Bill of Habeas Corpus was read the fecond time and committed. The Bill for iffuirig out a new writ in cafe any member hereafter clei5led fhould receive an office, was upon the fecond read- ing, and the queftion of commitment, rejeded by 145 againft IJ3. The Houfe refolved to proceed to-morrow again upon the remaining articles againft the Lord Trca- furer. Order was granted to fummon fuch witnefles as the managers of the accufation defired : among the reft, fum- mons to the Lord Mayor, and to Brandley, the minifter, faid to have marry ed Emerton and Mrs. Hide. The Lords fat again this whole day till lix o'clock about their Bill of Teft, and advanced very little. I have inclofed this paper to you for your judgments, there being a Bill to come in to this purpofe : Newcaftle will of courfe ftrongly oppofe it. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afiedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Jprilz^y 1675. The King's anfwer to day to the Commons, upon their addrefie to him againft Anticipation of the Cuftomes, was, that he would confider of it, but fo much he would tell them at prefent, that whatfoever he had been before, ie would henceforward be a very good hiijba?id, 2 LET- T TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 227 LETTER CXLVIIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HE Houfe of Commons yefterday proceeded upon the fecond article of Impeachment. Severall queftions were delivered to the Speaker, upon which to examine the Lord Mayor, who was fummoned as a witneiTe ; but thofe queftions being one by one put to the queftion, were caft out, and one onely of the leaft weight remained ; then 'twas put to the queftion whether the Lord Mayor fhould have a ehaire, and it was carryed in the affirmative, upon divifton 141 againft 137 : he was called in, and anfwered according to what was afked ; fo then it was refolved upon the queftion, that there appeared not in this article any fufficient caufe of impeachment. Ordered to proceed upon Munday on the reft. To-day the Houfe fate not. I have inclofed to you fome of the lateft proceedings of the Lords ; fo that I hope fliortly neither will they be fo taken up with that Bill, nor the Commons with Impeachment, but that more ufefull and publick buiineflc may be refumed. I forgot to tell you that fome days agoe the King fent to demand the Lord Clarindon's key, which he wore in quality of Cham- berlain to the Queene : He afked leave to render it into the Queene's hand, which he had and did : 1 hcare not that the place is yet difpofed of. Some critical! perfons ob- G g 2 ferving 228 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS ferving his name among the protefting Lords, would re- marke, that he lofeth his key againft that oath which was firft invented and inaded by his father ; but thefe things are too curious, I am, , Gentlemen, Your muft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May r, 1675. LETTER CXLIX. Mr. DANIEL HO ARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WE are but juft rifen now, almoft at ten o'clock at night, from the Committee of Eledions ; fo that I have fcarfe time to tell you that the Houfe of Commons fpent . yefterday in acquitting the Treafurer upon the five remaining articles. And to-day having confidered the ftate of the Navy, voted, that a Bill be brought in to appro- priate the Tunnage and Poundage by A6t of 12° of this King, to the ufe of the Navy, for three years if the dutyes fo long continue (that is if the King fo long live). I am. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. May 4, 1675. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 229 LETTER CL. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HAVING writ to you every pofl: fince the Parliament's meeting, what I have further at prefent is, that yefterday the Houfe of Commons voted a fecond addrefle to his Majefty, for recalHng his fubjeds out of the French fervice, and prohibiting others to goe over, and to defire him to ifTue his Proclamation in that behalfe : and the Privy Counfellors in the Houfe to know when his Majefty pleafed they fhould wait on him with this addrefle. They have not yet received his Majeftye's pleafure herein. Then they voted a fecond addrefle to his Majefty, that he would be pleafed to fend them an anfwer to their late requeft con- cerning the Duke of Lauderdale, This day has been ap- pointed to conflder of Dr. Burnet's teftimonyes concerning the faid Duke, but after a debate 'twas carryed by a diviflon of 146 againft 132, to adjourn it till Friday fe'nnight : the reafon of which feems to have been becaufe they referved the application of this further teftimony till they perceived what anfwer came from his Majefty. The Lords having voted yefterday that an oath fhould be tendered by their Bill (not what oath) to the members of both Houfes, fome nineteen of them have entered now their fourth proteftation. 5 ^^ 230 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS in this Bill. The A6t againft tranfporting Men into Prifon beyond fea is pad the Commons, and fent to-day to the Lords; that of Habeas Corpus, and that of levying no Mony but by Parliament, is under commitment. That againft Pedlars and Hawkers, &c. will have its fecond reading to-morrow. The Bill of applying the old Cuftomes only to the ufe of the Navy, and that againft Popery, are ready to be brought in from thofe who were ordered to draw them. Some reports you may chance to heare of a fpeedy recejfey but not rajhly to be believed. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedlionate fervant, ^.,6, t67s. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CLL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HIS Majefty (not having yet appointed a time for re- ceiving the fecond addreffe about the Duke of Lau- derdale) was pleafed yefterday to fend to the Houfe of Commons concerning their iirft addrefTe, this anfwer, that as to the words charged upon him, they were however fpoke, if fpoken, before the Acft of general Pardon, and as he TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 231 he had obferved the great fruit arifing from the Ad: of In- demnity, fo he was thereby the more incHned to keep this late Adt of general Pardon inviolate, left it fhould difquiet the minds of his people. And as to the A6t of 22,000 men from Scotland to march upon occallon, &c. into England ; the firft ad: of that nature was palled in 1663, when the faid Duke was not yet Commiffioner, and the fecond in his time was but in purfuance of the former. The Houfe de- bated a confiderable time upon this anfwer, and thought fit to adjourn without refolution till Tuefday the further reafon- ing of that matter. In the afternoon they waited on the King with their addrefle the fecond time about the forces in France, and his Majefty faid he would returne anfwer by writing as this morning, which he did, " That as to recal- ling his troops out of the fervice of the Moft Chriftian King, which were there before the conclufion of the peace with Holland, and which he was not thereby ob- liged to recall, he took it to be contrary to his honour and dignity, and that it might prejudice the peace, which he had publickly promifed to entertein with all his neighbours, and that thofe troops were now very few in number : but for the prohibiting of any more to go over, he would fet forth his Proclamation in the moft efTeftuall manner." The Houfe after feverall motions thought con- venient to adjourn their further confideration of this anfwer till Munday next. I have fent you the copy of the Lords four til 232 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS fourth Proteftation, in the carrying on of their Bill of Teft : they are yet earneft in that Bill, having continued fitting yefterday till five of the clock. I am, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. IVcJimlnJicr, May 8, 1675. LETTER CLII. Mr. DANIEL HO ARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ALTHOUGH fince my lafl, the Houfe of Commons hath both days been long and very bufy, the relation falls within a litle compafle: for the Committee of the whole Houfe, having all day debated yefterday the King's anfwer concerning recalling his fubjedls out of the French King's fervice, divided upon the queftion whether there fhould be a further addrefle to his Majefty for a fuller anfwer ; but the tellers not agreeing of the numbers upon dividing, it caufed a mifunderftanding in the Houfe, which made all the Committee's worke fruitlefle ; and the gentlemen, all of them man by man, ftanding up in their places, were ordered to oblige each their honour, not to take any refent- ment or diflike of whatfoever had then happened. So that to-day the Houfe itfelfe refumed that bufineffe, and came to TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 233 to a queftion, whether a further addrefs fhould be made to his Majefty to recall all his fubjefts out of the French King's fervice; the word all was firft put and carried upon divifion, by 173 againft 172, to be left out; the remain- ing queftion was then put and carried unanimoufly in the affirmative. This is all which is fit to fay at prefent, after I have fubfcribed myfelf, Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. We/iminjler, May ii, 1675. LETTER CLIIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, I MUST beg your pardon that I have not mentioned and thanked you for your particular letters; having been always on the writing nights in an hurry, by reafon of the Committee of Privileges long and late fitting: but to day proves an holyday, fo that I have better leifure to bethinke myfelf, and acknowledge your favor and my omiffions. The Houfe of Commons yefterday received the Bill v/hich. they had ordered of appropriating the cuftoms for three years, &c. to the ufe of the navy ; it hath not been yet read. They received alfothe report from theCom- VoL. I. H h mittee 234 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS mittee of the Bill for redrefllng feveral incroachments in the Chimney Money, and went thorow part of the amend- ments, the reft to be refumed to morrow : They ordered alfo, that one Dodor Shirley fhould be taken into cuftody for bringing an appeale in the Lords houfe, againft one Sir John Fag, a member of the Houfe of Commons; and, whereas the Lords have proceeded on the appeale, and Sir John Fag hath appeared before them, they ordered that he fhall not anfwcr or appeare further without leave of the Houfe, which may poflibly raife fome debate of privilege between the two Houfes, anrd that the Houfe of Commons may cenfure and punifh Fag for having appeared. The Lords fate the whole day yefterday upon the fame teft untill nine o'clock at night, and yet it is not paft their Committee of the whole Houfe. This inclofed having been offered by the Marques of Winchefter as an addition to that oath, indured feverall hours debate and was at laft rejedled. I pray, Sir, impart thefe things with my fervice to the Bench. I ow you in particular a Angular refped: for yours to me, and am, S I R, Your very affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May 13, 1675. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 235 LETTER CLIV. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, f" i "^HE unhappy mifiinderftanding betwixt the two X Houfes increafeth for thefe two days, becaiife the Lords have proceeded upon an appeale againft Sir John Fag one of the Commons. An ill accident hath come in, for a fervant of the Commons Houfe having the Speaker's warrant to feize Dr. Shirley the appellant, and finding him in the Lords lobby, fhewed the Warrant to the Lord Mohun, who took it and carried it away into the Lords Houfe, where they kept it ; the Commons fent to demand juftice againft the Lord, and the Lords fent that the Lord had therein done his duty, and by their own meflengers fent to afk whether the Commons would own that warrant; they have anfwered in' words not very obliging, that they would confider of it ; and then voted this meflage of the Lords unparliamentary ; but thefe things are but circumftan- tiall to the main matter, the appeale, and that will be carried on with no lefs vigour ; yet I hope there will be fome good expedient found out, the rather becaufe I can not imagine what it may be; for when there is a neceflity, prudence or God's providence ftep in by more extraordinary methods. I dare write no more left the poft leave me behind, and I have therefore expreft myfelf fo haftily, that Hh 2 I 236 ANDREW >IARVELL's LETTERS I muft advife you rather to diminifh then heighten your conceptions of this matter, nor be forward to communicate 'till further leifure. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May 15, 1675. LETTER CLV. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WE are fitting in the Committee of Eledions between Colonell Worden and Mr. Williams for Chefter, and it will be more then midnight before they can be up, fo that I fteale thefe minutes only to acquaint you, that the Houfe yefterday debated a queftion, whether any more Bills fhould be admitted before the recefs mentioned in his Majeflye's fpeech befide thofe already ordered by this Houfe, or which might come down from the Lords. 'Twas moved to add thefe words, tmlefs upon extraof- di?iary occaf.ons^ but they were rejedled by 169 againft 121. Then the main queftion paft, that no Bills of Money can be brought in this fitting ; no member to go out of town but upon leave after ten o'clock j the Houfe to be 5 called TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 237 called on Wednefday come fe'nnight. The conteft between the Lords and Commons goes on, and I do not yet fee the way out, but hope the beft, neither do I perceive yet whe- ther it will prolong or Hiorten our fitting. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjter, May i8, 1675; They have put of their Teft 'till Friday. LETTER CLVL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Committees which were appointed for drawing up the two Bills againft Popery, which I mentioned in the beginning of the feffions, have now brought them in, and they have had their iirft readings ; to-morrow is ordered for their fecond : the firfl is a Tell: for the members of both Houfes, containing a large renunciation of the mofl: diftinguifhing doctrines of the Papifts ; the fecond a gene- ral! Bill for the fpeedier convidion of all Papifts. The Bill for appropriating the cuftoms for three years to the navy was ijS ANDREWMARVELL's LETTERS was yefterday read the fecond time and committed. TAc third addrefle to his Majefty for recalling his troops in the French King's fervice was read this day ; but forafmuch as Mr. Secretary afTured the Houfe that there was a Procla- mation prepared to that piirpofe, they adjourned the further coniideration of the addrelTe till next Wednefday, by which time they will have feen the Proclamation. Very much of the Houfe's time is fpent in Conferences with the Lords concerning their privileges in this point, of calling up their members thither upon appeals during the fitting or privilege of Parliament ; the Lords aflerting, the Commons denying it ; and diverfe repugnant votes have been entered in both their books. The whole contefl is too voluminous for letters ; but it refembles that which you may remember upon account of Skinner and the Eaft India Company, but differing by how much members of Parliament are herein concerned : but as long as there is no deniall yet of conferences 1 hope reafon will prevaile. To-morrow I fuppofe both Houfes will adjourn till next Wednefday. I am, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. ■May 20, 1675. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 239 LETTER CLVIL Mr. DANIEL HO ARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons ycfterday red the Bill of Teil: for both Houfes the fecond time and committed it. The fecond Bill againft Popery they had not leifure to read, being taken up with the conference which the Lords delired upon the reafons offered them by the Com- mons : much time flipps away in this conteft, fo that the publick A6ls cannot be fo foon matured as were to be wifhed, nor are fo fecure of pafling. The Houfes have in refped: of the holydays adjourned themfelves yefterday untill the next Wednefday. The Committee for the Bill of appropriating the Cuftomes have fate, and are ready for a report. I have inclofed you his Majeftye's Proclamation, which came out yefterday. It is expefted now daily to heare of fome great adlion of the French King in Flanders^ I fhall take leave at prefent, having not further then that. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl: affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, Wrftmlnfter, Maj 22, 1675. 240 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS L E T T ER CLVIII. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons was taken up for the moft part yefterday in calling over their Houfe, and have ordered a letter to be drawn up from the Speaker to everyplace for which there is any defaulter, to fignify the abfence of their member, and a folemn letter is accordingly preparing, to be figned by the Speaker : this is thought a fufficient punifhment for any modeji fnan ; nevertheleffe, if they fhall not come up hereupon, there is a further feverity referved. To-day hath been chiefly imployed in reading and com- mitting the Bill for conviction of Papifts, and diftinguifhing and exempting Proteftant Diffenters from this or any other law made againft Papifts. Every day befide hath its part in the conteft betwixt the two Houfes. The Lords have agreed for to-morrow another conference in that matter: thefe and other diverftons withhold them from proceeding in their Committee of their Teft with the fame vigour and aftiduity as formerly ; yet I think at laft the Bill may find the way down to the Commons. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedlionate fervant, i%27, ,675. ANDREW MARVELL, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 241 LETTER CLIX. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons was yefterday (but this is fet apart to celebrate its welcome commemoration) im- ployed in a manner wholly about their buiinefs with the Lords ; for the Lords having abfolutely refufed them to conferre about their Judicature, they refolved to fend on Munday to them to deiire a conference with them about that meffage, which conference though perhaps the Lords fhould grant, yet will not probably better the profped betwixt the two Houfes, and the Commons further upon a moft folemn and long debate have refolved, that there lyes no Appeale to the Houfe of Lords from any Courts of Equity ; and have further voted. That no member of their Houfe fhall profecute any fuch Appeal before the Houfe of Lords. In the former mentioned great refolution there was a divifion of the Houfe, whether the queftion fhould now be put, which being carryed in the affirmative by 124 againft 116, the main queftion pafled without contradidion. I wifK my next may bring you news that their controverfy with the Lords in this fatal matter can admit an expedient. I have inclofed to you the only letter v/hich I received laft .poft : it is of a very new and ftrange nature to me ; I can- VoL. I, I i not 242 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS not tell whether it be a true or a fained name, whether well or ill ment, whether from a friend or enemy ; but it feeming to me that you are no lefle concerned therein than myfelfe, I could not withhold it from you, but earneftly defire you to let me know how you underfland it, and having read it, that you will returne the fame originall letter by the firft poll: to, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your moft affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May 29, 1675. P. S. The Houfe further ordered to take in confideration the excefles of the jurifdidion of the Court of Chancery, and appointed on Munday to proceed upon his Majeftye's anfwer concerning the Duke of Lauderdale. LETTER CLX. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the forme of the letter was brought in by thofe appointed to draw it, whereby the abfence of feveral members is fignified to their refpe(5live corpora- tions ; and it was approved by the Houfe, and next Thurf- 5 day TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 243 day the letters will be fent by the poft. Then the Houfe ordered, That the Council that pleaded laft Friday before the Lords upon an Appeal out of Chancery againfl Mr. Demehoy, a member of the Houfe, fhould be fummoned to appear at their barre. After that, they took his Majeftye's anfwer concerning the Duke of Lauderdale into confidera- tion, and after a long debate, and then a divilion of 136 againft 1 16, they ordered another addrelTe to the former purpofe jQiould be drawn up againft the faid Duke, to be prefented to his Majefty. Then they went up to a Con- ference defired by the Lords, who expoftulated with them for not having gone up to the Conference which the Lords had granted, but with that unufuall limitation, fo that the Commojts did 7iot therein debate of the Lords yudicature. To- day the Counfell fummoned appeared at the barre, and were heard feverally upon their excufes ; Sergent Pember- ton. Sir John Churchill, Sergent Peeke and Mr. Porter ; Pemberton was firft put to the queftion, and 154 dividing againft 146, he was committed prifoner to the fergent at arms ; fo were the other three without divifion : then Sir John Fag, a member of the Houfe, was fent to the Tower for having appeared before the Lords upon an Appeal againft him there, after he had complained of it to the Houfe, and they fent to the Lords ovi his consideration : the fame was debated concerning Mr. Demehoy in a thing of like nature, but he was acquitted. Sir Nicholas Crifpe and his two I i 2 brothers 244 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS brothers are fummoned to appear to-morrow for having appealed before the Lords againft Demehoy : thus things go at prefent. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afFedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. June r, 1675. P. S. The Lords fate in Committee yefterday till twelve at night, his Majefty prefent, upon their Bill of Teft, and have not finiflied, but may now in a few days be ready for their report. The Pope hath given a CardmaW s Hat to Father Howard the ^uee?is Abnoner. LETTER CLXI. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, INGE my laft, Sir James Norfolk, the Sergent of the S Houfe of Commons, was by them voted to be fent to the Tower, to be devefted of all privilege, and that his Majefty be defired to caufe a new Sergent to attend, he having betrayed his truft, &c. but Sir James forthwith efcaped from the Houfe while they were penning the orders : his TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 245 his crime was neglcdt in taking the lawyers into cuftody, and his colluflon with the Black Rod to take Sir John Churchill after him, after he had feifed him. The Commons have fent to defire his Majefty to ifllie a fuller proclamation to recall his fubjefts out of the French fervice. Sir John Fag, having been committed to the Tower, is, upon his petition to the Houfe, releafed. The letters for the Defaulters go this port:. The Lords having yeflierday fent down a mefTage by the Lord Chief Juftice North and Lord Chief Baron for a conference to-day upon matters of high importance, concerning the King's dignity and fafety of the government, delivered them to-day this paper, which I inclofe to you ; the Commons prepare an anfwer for to- morrow to it. I have fent you alfo a catalogue of the pub- lick Bills in our Houfe, but 'tis fomething erroneous and imperfedt, but not much : 'twere great damage fhould they all mifcarry by the prefent differences* I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, June I, 1675. LET- 246 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXIL Mr. DANIEL HO ARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the King having upon the Houfe's defire appointed them another Sergent, the Speaker coming in the morning through Weftminfter Hall, found Sergent Pemberton in his way, and caufed his Sergent to feize him. The Houfe afterwards being informed that the other three were at the Chancery Barre, fent the Sergent with his mace thither to feize them ; they read the pro- tediion of the Lords Houfe, neverthelefTe he brought them away : then the Houfe voted they fhould be fent to the Tower, which was done by a warrant to the Sergent ; they alfo gave the Sergent a written authority, whereby himfelfe in cafe any fhould arreft him, or detain him, he fhould fecure any fuch perfon. The Lords, as I heare, voted, that they would not, till reparation had from the Commons in this matter, tranfad further with them, and addreffed the King to remove this new Sergent, and to remove the Lieutenant of the Tower. His Majefty fent to-day at the fitting of the Houfes, to adjourn till foure o'clock, and then both wait on him in the Banquetting Houfe ; they did {o, where his Majefly fpoke to them with great prudence con- cerning the reconciling of their differences, and I hope to as much TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 247 much efFedt : the Commons therefore, returning, voted their humble thanks to his Majefty for the gracious ex- preflions in his fpeech, and his Majefty having declared his fenfe of thofe ill perfons who fomented the differences, the Houfe voted, that it did not appear to their Houfe that any member therein had promoted or contrived thofe differences, or had carryed himfelfe otherwife in afferting the privileges of their Houfe, than belonged to their duty and the truft repofed in them. Many more particularityes I might infert concerning thefe matters, but truly they were perhaps all better fpared , neither will you, I know, be forward to propagate the difcourfe of them. The King's Speech I fhall fend you by the next poft, for I will not venture to diminifh it by my ill memory. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your very affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. SaUtrdayj June 5, 1675, LET- 2^8 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXIIL Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE bufinefs of the two Houfes fince my laft hath been in contrary votes ; the Commons juftifying Sir John Robinfon, the Lords iffuing an Habeas Corpus for him to bring the prifoner before them, and after their addrelTe to the King for another Lieutenant of the Tower, refufed by his Majefty. The Commons fent feveral times to them for Conferences, but none granted : I fee not yet any way out of this labyrinth ; there is but Httle pleafure, nor have I, as it chances, time to particularize thefe things. I have enclofed to you, though not delivered, yet entered on our book, the reafons prepared for the Lords when they {hall be in difpolition to admit a Conference, and the King's Speech. 1 am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affecflionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjierf June 8, 1675. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 249 LETTER CLXIV. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HAVING writ to you the laft poft, I think it unne- ceffary and indecent to give you any other account of the Prorogation of the Parliament, than what you will find in his Majeftye's fpeech yefterday here inclofed. I remain, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IFeflminJler, June 10, 1675, LETTER CLXV. Mr. DANIEL HOARE, MAYOR; Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THERE was upon the eleventh inftant a letter left at my lodgings, dated the laft day of July, the purport whereof was, that I fliould promote in what I could the eftablifhing to Mr. Angel the continuance of certain lights Vol. I* K, k upon 250 ANDREW MA RV ELL'S LETTERS upon the Spurne, by his Majeftye's grant, at one farthing a tun of the burthen of each fhip, and that I fhould afford him my beft afliftance and recommendation therein ; which letters one may eafily conjedlure to be of no fmall weight with me, coming from your Bench, and backed with fo many hands of other perfons, after you, the moft confide- rable with me, whether for their own value, or in my de- ferved efteem and friend (liip ; and I could have therefore heartily wifhed that you had either taken that refolution fooner, or imparted it, if taken more timely, that I might have been more free from any pre-ingagement ; but neither were you pleafed, although I fent you that reproachfull and counterfeit letter under Chr. Shores his hand, in behalfe of thofe lights, to fignify to me your opinion concerning them : nor, although I was profered by Mr. Angel any fhare in the advantage, did that prevail with me to feparate from the judgement of thofe, who at that time only in- terefted themfelves to me ; and though in proceffe of time feverall things have intervened, yet you may affure your- felves, that I neither have nor will enter into any obliga- tion which fhall engage me either againft true reafon^ or againfl mine own intereft, which coniifts in doing you all reafonable fervice ; nor, I hope, have you ever found by experience of former affairs, that if at any time I have feemed to diflent from you, I have done any thing either out of animofity or partiality, nor which you had caufe to repent TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 251 repent of; therefore I befeech you to fpeake on the fame matter with Sir Jer. Smyth, before his departure, who is fo great a lover of your corporation, and will have no fmall ftroke here in that bufinefle, that I may receive farther inftrudions from you j for though I availe little, you may reckon me of courfe. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjlery Aug. 14, 1675. LETTER CLXVL TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. I SIR, Here inclofe to you his Majeftye's and the Lord Keeper's Speeches \ not having further at prefent than to re- mam, Your moft affedionate friend and fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlmlnjler^ OSi. i&, 1675. K k 2 LET- 252 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXVIL Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, OUR Houfe fat yefterday, and the Speaker giving them account of the great weaknefTe and indifpofition under which Colonell Thomas Howard laboured, they ordered a Committee of five gentlemen to examine him, whether he owned that paper, who did accordingly, and his anfwer was, after many civil expreflions to the Houfe, that he owned nothing but what fhould be proved upon him ; which they took not for a good anfwer, but voted the paper fcandalous, and a breach of the privilege of their Houfe ; neverthelefle confidering his infirmityes, they gave him this day fe'nnight to appear at the barre of the Houfe, to be examined there by them. Yefterday alfo they appointed this for confidering that part of his Majeftye's fpeech relating to the anticipations on his revenue, and to fhips. They red the firft time their Bill for appropriating the Cuftomes to the Navy, and appointed Thurfday for its fecond reading. Like wife that againft levying mony but by adl of parliament, and Friday for its fecond reading. Then the Houfe ordered to turn itfelfe into a Committee of the whole Houfe to conflder of the ftate and condition of the nation, which arofe from feveral members inftancing many things very grievous, which I mention not, bei?ig only proper within TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 253 within the walls of the Parliament Houfe. To-day they fat in Committee of the whole Houfe 'till foure o'clock, when it came to a queftion concerning a fupply, to take of the anticipations; they divided firft whether the quefcion fliould be put, and 'twas 1 66 to 166 ; the chairman was then to give the cafting voice ; it was Sir Charles Harberd, who was before, by queftion in the Houfe, chofen chairman, againfl Sergent Jones, whom I fiw when at Hull ; Sir Charles gave it for the ayes ; fo the main queftion was put, and by 172 againft 165, carried that the Houfe is of opinion, that no fupply be given to his Majeftye upon account of the anticipations ; thefe, the late anticipations, not relating at all to the bankers, were given in to be neare a million. Friday is appointed to proceed on what is to be done in re- ference to the navy. To-morrow the Houfe will be in a Committee of the whole Houfe upon Religion. Shirley's petition is again in the Houfe of Lords, and red, and after debate adjourned it till to-morrow : I wifli it do not engage the Houfes again in their former controverfy. I am, Your mod humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. On. 19, i675» LET- 254 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXVIII. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, 1 Think I forgot in my laft to acquaint you that as foon as the Committee of the whole Houfe had voted their opinion concerning a fupply upon account of the late anti- cipations, the Speaker took the chair, and putting the queftion, the Houfe agreed therein with the Committee. Tuefday the Committee of the whole Houfe upon Religion,' voted, as their opinion, that there fhould be a Committee appointed to examine of atheifticall Books, or againft the Doftrine or Difcipline eftabliflied by Law ; to which was added afterwards by the Houfe, or againjl the civil Govern^ ment. A Bill or Bills againft profane Curling or Swearing, and for the better obfervation of the Lord's Day — To pre- vent the growth of Popery — That the Children of the Royall Family fhould be educated in the Proteftant Religion, and no Popifh Prieft to come neare them — For ereding of Churches in all out Parifhes — That nothing concerning the Religion now eftabliflied can, or fhall, or ought to be al- tered, or fufpended, but by Adt of Parliament. The Speaker then taking the chaire, the Houfe agreed in all things with the Committee. To-day they red the fecond time the two Bills of appropriating 400,000!. out of the Cujftomes for three years unto the ufe of the navy, and the other making it TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 255 it Treafon to raife money but by A€c of Parliament, and after mature debate thereupon, they referred them to feverall Committees. To-morrow will be the Committee of the whole Houfe, upon what is fit to be done in reference to the Navy ; fo that it is likely to prove a long day, and of great account and argument. The Lords fitting yefterday till foure in debate of Shirley's appeal (which debate and themfelves they then adjourned 'till next Munday) there being no hearing before King and Councill concerning the Lights, but I fuppofe it may come on there next Friday (I mean to-morrow). I crave leave to advertife you, that Mr. Creffett this afternoon difcourhng with me, told me he had this poft a letter from the Mayor and feven or eight of the Alder- men, giving him notice you had received from me a letter of three fides, partly concerning Parliament bufineffe, as alfo concerning the Lights to fuch and fuch purpofe, which makes me prefume to advertife you, that though I object nothing to Mr. Creffett's fidelity and difcretion, neither do I write deliberately any thing which I fear to have divulged, yet feeing it is polTible that in writing to allured friends, a man may give his pen fome liberty, a?ic/ the times are fome- th'mg critkall ; befide that, / am ?iaturally.^ a?7d 7ww more by my age inclined to keep jny thoughts private, I defire that what I write down to you, may not eafily, or unnecefiarily return 4 to 256 ANDREW MARV ELL'S LETTERS to a third hand at London : if in faying this I have ufed more freedom than the occafion requires, I beg your par- don, being Your moft humble fervant, Oif7. 21, ,675. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CLXIX. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. SI R, HAVING fcarfe flufFe enough for a letter to the Bench, I content myfelf for this poft with acquainting you that yeflerday ended in a vote that there fhould, with con- venient fpeed, twenty new fhips be built. Upon Tuefday next it will be conddered how many of each rate, but below the third rate none ; as likewife what the charge fliall be eftimated at, whether by building be only under- ftood the hulls, or rigging, and canon, &c. which will alter the matter proportionably, how and within what terme the mony for the fame fliall be raifed ; all docks will be employed that are capable ; I wifh there were, but I doubt there is not pofTibly, commodity of building at your port of fo great burthen. To-day the Houfe voted that all the King's fubjeds, who are or fhall be in the French King's fervice TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 237 fervlce, contrary to his Majeftye's Proclamation, fhall be deemed Contemners of his Royall Authority, and Enemys of the Interefl of this Nation. To defire the" Lords con- currence herein, and Hkewife to prepare an AS: (Hmitting the time for theire returne) to the fame purpofe. Alio the Bill was red to-day the fecond time againft Papifts, who fhall not take the ftrickt teft therein contained, that they fit in neither Houfe. There is a Bill againft tranfporting of Wool. A Committee appointed to confider in order to a Bill if they find it advifeable concerning exportation of Coals, with no higher impofition than of twelve pence per chaldron ; it being propofed as a great expedieju for the mariners. I forgot to tell you in my laft that the Lord Cavendifh for pofling up Mr. Howard, when the matter depended in the Houfe, was fent to the Tower for Breach of Privilege, and yefterday petitioning the Houfe, was forth- with difcharged. I heare that it was yeflerday ordered at Councill, that Angell's Patent fhould pafTe, which I hope is according to your defire. Pray, Sir, prefent my humble fervice to the Bench. I am, Your very affedlionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL, Oaobtr 23, 1675. Vol. I. LI LET- 258 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXX. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ALTHOUGH we fat very long yefterday, and to-day till near iix o'clock, the refult as in matters of great moment, and much debate, will hold in a little compafs ; for yefterday the Committee of the whole Houfe, concern- ing the ftate of the nation, made only this ftep, that the Atheifme, Profanenefie and Impiety among the people were one point to be redrefled in the ftate of the nation. And before the Ploufe to-day fhould refolve itfelf into a Committee concerning the twenty fhips, a debate lafted all day, concerning lodging the mony in the Chamber of Lon- don ; the queftion that concluded it was, whether thefe words — and lodged in the Chamber of London, fhould be part of the queftion ; that the mony fhould. be appropriated to no other ufe but the building of fhips only ; 'twas car- ryed by 171 againft 160 they fhould not, fo the remaining queftion pafled in the affirmative unanimoufly. I pray Gentlemen, confider whether there may be at your towne the convenience of building one or two third rats fhipps, and informe me thereof. Commiftioncr Tippeta I remem- ber, when he returned formerly from Hull, was of that opinion. The Houfe beftde ordered that Mr. Atkins and Mr. Francis Nupert fliould appeare before them, to be TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 259 be examined concerning a challenge to my Lord Caven- difh ; and moreover ordered and caufed papers to be pub- lickly affixed, that whereas the faid Lord liad, for his breach of privilege of the Houfe, fufFered imprifonment, that whoever therefore fliould, either by provocation, meflage, or challenge, moleft him further, fhould be deemed a difturber of the peace, a contemner of the juftice and privilege of the Houfe, and be proceeded againft accordingly. To-day Mr. Howard appeared at the bar, and not denying or affirming, they voted it was their judgement he was the author, promoter, and dif- penfer of that fcandalous paper, and then fent him to the Tower. A Committee for improving the vent of Woollen Manufadure. The Bill for exporting Leather red the fecond time. Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Oa. 26, 1675. LETTER CLXXL Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. SIR, THE Houfe having fat all day (I mean the Committee of the whole Houfe) upon the bufinefTe of fhips, I have only time to acquaint you, that they voted one L 1 2 firft 26o ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS firfl: rate of 1400 tun ; but a divifion whether the number of fecond rates fhould be nine or five, was carryed by 185 againft 163, that there fhould be but five, thofeof iioo tun. The debate of the third rates, whether they fhould be of 800, 850, or 900 tun came to no conclufion, it being carried by 160 againft 156, that there fhould he no candles ; fo to-morrow, upon the Committee's defire, the Houfe ordered them to fit again on the fame bufinefTe. There is leave for a Bill to make the Derbyfhire, Darwent navigation into the Trent. My fervice to the Bench. I am, S I R, Your moft affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjler^ Nov. 2, 1675. LETTER CLXXIL Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, WHEN our Houfe adjourned laft week till this Thurf- day, I forthwith went over to Sir Jer. Smyth at Clapham : not returning 'till that morning, and the Houfe fitting all day, I writ to Mr. Mayor at fupper, before I came TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 261 came to my lodging ; fo that I took not any notice of yours of the 26"" of Odlober, which I received not till I came home. I was yefternight again with Sir Jeremy, and faw him expire at eleveji o'clock at ?iight^ dyeing very peaceably ^ and ijoith perfeSi underjl anding^ tnetnory^ and fpeech^ to the laji gafpe ; and a little before mentioned you with much kind- nefle and refped:, dellring me to recommend to you his laft wifhes and prayers for your profperity and happinefle : indeed both you and I have loft in him a very cordial friend, and we may well condole with one another, fuch breaches being in thefe times very difficult to be repaired. And now as to yours of the 26"', occafioned by my com- plaint of intelligence given hither of my letter, I muft profeffe that whofoever did it hath thereby very much ob- liged me, though I believe beyond his intention, feeing that it hath thence happened that I have received fo courte- ous and civil a letter from you, that it warms my very heart, and I lliall keep it as a marke of honour always to ly by me, amongfi: whatfoever things I account mod pre- cious and efcimable, for it would be very hard for me to tell you at how high a rate I value all expreffions of your kindnefs to me, or how fenfibly I fliould regret the lofs of it by any miftake that might chance on either fide. Truly Mr. •ibi ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Mr. Crcflet met me twice that day, and told me the fame ftory, but the fccond time more particularly, that of three fides of paper of parliamentary bufinefle, and as I wrote you ; and that Mr. Shires his name was to it among the reft : I met him this day with Mr. Caftleton, who was the other Soliciter in Mr. Angel's bufinefTe ; I Ihewed him your letter : he told me, as it were boafting, before I fhewed it him, that he alfo had advice from Hull concern- ing my letter, when I complained of this matter, fome little evalion he ufed, that the letter was not writt to him- felfe but to another ; but when he faw what you writ of the 26'^ he faultered, and would neither affirme or deny that it was any of you. In conclufion, I am very well fatisfied. Gentlemen, by your letter, that it was none of you, but it feems therefore that there is fome fe7iti?iell fet both upon you afid me, and to know it therefore is a fufficient caution : the beft of it is, that none of us, I believe, either do fay or write any thing, but what we care not though it be made publick, although we do not defire it. I afk your pardon for having given you this fo long, but not altogether unnecefTary diverfion or difturbance. I fhall referve the next fide for our news, but therefore fill up this with intreating you to fend me that counterfeit writing of Shires, which in a former letter to me you faid you had inclofed, but in the poftfcript, that you would referve it for further difcovery j but feeing there is no likelyhood £ now TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 263 now of any effed: thereof, I fliould be glad to have it in mine own keeping. My laft to you left the Committee of the whole Houfe riling without refolve whether 850 or 900 tun be allowed for the third rates ; this long debate proceeded, becaufe fome would conteft an ancient order of the Houfe, that in all queftions, the leaft fum and the fhorteft time would be iirft put ; but next morning, the Speaker being in the chaire, it was declared and refolded to be an undoubted ancient ftand-- ing order, not to be violated, and fo was entered and efta- bliflied upon the books ; and then the Committee unani- raouily voted it fliould be 900.; then they agreed 14I. a tun for hrft, and 12L los. forfecond, and 9I. los. for the third rates ; but then they differed concerning the ward fhips ; fome infifting that thereby was ment alfo rigging and gunning ; and thofe to-day, while the Speaker was yet in the chair, before we entered into Committee of the whole Houfe, moved to have it fo explained in order to have a greater fumme directed in the Committee, but upon divifion 163 againft 157, carryed that no farther directions fliould now be given to the Committee ; then the Houfe turned into Committee, where towards fix at night, 'twas refolved upon, the queftion put, that a fupply not exceed- ing 3oOjOool. fliould be raifed for the building and towards the gunning, and rigging, and furnidiing of the twenty fliips ; 264 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS fliips ; and this vote, with the reft, was ordered to be re- ported to the Houfe next Saturday morning. It feemed alfo by feverall intervening difcourfes as if there were an intention to put this into the fame Bill with the appropriation for the cuftoms. I left the Lords fitting when I came home, in debate of appointing a day to hear Shirley's appeal, his petition having been received. I am, S I R, Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Nev. 4, 1675. A LETTER CLXXIIL Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. S I R, LL the bufinefle of this day hath been that the Com- mittee of the whole Houfe have made their report to the Houfe of all the votes concerning the twenty jfhips, which I formerly fent you ; the Houfe agreed to them all, onely upon the laft vote afmn not exceeding 300,000/. &'c. they debated long, feverall gentlemen contending for a greater TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 265 greater fumme, but upon diviGon of the Houfe 176 againft 150, that vote was likewife agreed to. I am, SIR, Your moft affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlmhjler, Nov. 6, 1675. LETTER CLXXIV. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Bill (of which Col. Gilby fent you the breviate) for making the Darwent navigable, was read the fecond time and committed. Col. Thomas Howard's petition, acknowledging his fenfe of the Houfe's difpleafure, was received, and he there upon freed from his imprifonment in the Tower. One St. German, a French Popifli Prieft, having come to the chamber of Moniieur Luzaney, a prieft lately converted, proferred a recantation to fubfcribe, or elfe threatned to ponyard him ; Luzaney's own narrative was produced, and read in our Houfe, who thereupon made a committee to examine the buiinefle, to report their opinions, to propofe ways for the fafety as well of this per- fon as of others that fhould be converted to the Proteftant Vol. I, M m Re- 266 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS Religion ; to inquire what priefts have been convided, how pardoned, and by whofe procurement : further the Houf* fent to my Lord Chief Juftice to iffue out his warrant for apprehending St. German and his accomplices, and all other Romifh priefts about town. His Majefty had the fame thing yefternight in councill, and ordered his Royall Proclamation for the feizing of the faid St. German, &c. and a considerable reward to whofoever fliould take them. The Houfe then red the third time the Bill for excluding Papifts from Court, and from both Houfes of Parliament, and it was carryed up to-day, the fame meflenger being appointed to quicken the Lords in our Houfe's vote concerning our King's fubjedls in the French fervice, and to defire their agreement. Then they went into a Committee of the whole Houfe, where 'twas voted that the 300,0001. fhould be raifed by a monthly fefment, by a Land Tax, at feventeen thoufand two hundred and foure pound feventeen fhillings and three-pence per month for eighteen months, by quar- terly payments. Then the Speaker was defired to take the chair, but in putting the laft queftion to the Houfe for agreement with the Committee, a gentleman defired thefe words might be added, " And that no further charge fhall be layed upon the fubjed; this feflion ;" this admitting de- bate, the queftion was put for candles, which were brought in by 143 againft 118 ; then after debate on the main queftion, *' And that no further charge, &c." 'twas carryed 5 by rO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 267 by 145 againfl: 103 as I remember; fo that there is no appearance henceforward of any more money than that 300,000!. to be raifed this fitting, and that only for the ufe of {hips. There being a late printed book containing a narrative of the Teft carryed on in the Lords Houfe laft fe0ion, they yefterday voted it a Libell, and to be burnt by the hands of the hangman, and to enquire out the Printer and Author. Our Houfe this day red the Ad; againft tranfporting Wool, and fpent moft of the morning in an ufeful debate for raiiing the price of Wool, and then committed it. There was alfo a petition againft the Eaft India Company. I am^ Your bumble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, JVeJlminJlef-, Nov. 9, 1675. LETTER CLXXV. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. SIR, THE Houfe having fate all day till halfe an hour paft eight, the queftion was then put whether their de- bate fhould be adjourned, but continued by 150 againft 136. Then after a fecond division upon the main queftion, 'twas M m 2 by 268 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS by 151 againft 124. carryed that the Bill for appropriating the tunnage and poundage for three years to the ufe of the navy, fhall be annexed to the Bill of 300,000!. for the twenty fhips, and then a Committee of five or fix v^^as named to draw up the Bill. You may eafily guefle I am now in hafte. I remain. Your mofl: afFedionate friend and fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejimmjler^ Nov. ii, 1675. LETTER CLXXVI. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, I AM run fomething in arrears to you by reafon of the long fittings of the Houfe, together with fome avoca- tion I have had by bufinefle relating to Sir Jeremye's eftate, and his funerall ; but having yefterday waited on his corps out of towne, which is intended to be interred at Hem- brough upon Saturday next in the afternoon, I fliall ufe all the leifure I have after the Houfe's fitting to-day, till five o'clock, to give you account in what progrefie the matters of greateft moment are yet with us. It was upon Wednef- day lafl: the Committee of the whole Houfe fate about the 2 State TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 269 State of the Nation, wherein you know the atheifme, im- piety and debauchery now pradifed were firft complained of. The next voted, was the fending for Juftices of Peace to appear at the Councill Board upon matters of Excife judicially according to the Adt of Parliament fubjecl to the faid Juflices determination. The third complaint was of Inftrudions fent into the country touching the gathering of Excife and Chimny Mony, ftretching thofe Laws beyond the proper intention ; therefore the Houfe appointed a par- ticular Committee to infpecl thofe Inftrudlions and make report. I mentioned to you before the vote of annexing the two Money Bills upon Thurfday ; there was that fame day another vote, that in the drawing up of thofe Bills there fliould be claufes placing the receipt in Exchequer, but with very fevere penalty es upon all officers iffuing or applying the one or other Mony to any different purpofe but that of the Navy. That fame day a Bill of printing and againft fcandalous Libells was read, and the Bill againft Hawkers and Pedlars was read the fecond time and com- mitted. Upon Friday the Bill againfl illegal levying of mony upon the fubjed was reported and ordered to be ingroffed. A Committee appointed to conlider of redreffe to the multitude of poore in the nation, Alfo order for a Bill againft Bribery, Drinking and other Exceffes in Eledions to Parliament. On Saturday the Weaver's petition concerning the importing of Forain Silks and the Looms was red 270 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS red and committed. The Committee of Monfieur Luzaney reported to the Houfe that St. German after three days that warrants were faid to be out to apprehend him, and that very Munday morning when Luzaney's bufinefle was in the afternoon before the King and Councill, was feen three or four houres walking at leifure in the Pall-mall, having come out of White-hall : Hereupon the Houfe ordered fome gentlemen to draw up an Addrefle to his Majefty, repre- fenting the default of his minifters or officers therein. Alfo, they ordered thanks to -his Majefty, for preferring Monfieur Breval, and recommended to him this Luzaney and one De La Motte, learned converts, to the firft vacant dignities in his Majefty's gift. The faid Committee is on further inquiry, what Romifh Priefts lately convifted, pardoned, and by whofe procurement, and are to procure encourage- ment and fecurement to convert Forainers. The Lords on Dr. Shirley have given notice by writing to Sir John Fag, that his caufe fhall be heard the 20th of this month; fo yefterday the Commons voted that Dr. Shirley's appeale was a breach of the privilege of this Houfe, and that Sir John Fag fhall not appeare before the Lords without leave had from the Houfe of Commons, but thefe things were more cooly handled than laft feffion. We fhould have gone upon it again to-day, but 'tis fet for to-morrow ; this being taken up by a debate concerning Sir Edmund Jenny's being fhrieve of Yorkfhire, and indeed the Houfe have voted hereupon, that TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 271 that to make a Member of Parliament {brieve is a breach of their privilege, and have ordered fome gentlemen to report to them the way to fuperfede Sir Edmund's commiflion. The Bill for explaining Hearth mony is under commitment: For Habeas Corpus : Second Bill againft Popery. They fent to day to quicken the Lords againft Papifts (itting in either Houfe. ANDREW MARVELL. November 8, 1675. LETTER CLXXVIL Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. SIR, E fate all day yefterday 'till fix, and to-day 'till w feven ; fo that you cannot expedt much from me, having fo fmall leifure, and the longejl debates ending in the portefi j-efults. Yefterday the Bill for recalling the forces in France was reported and ordered to be ingroffed. They went afterwards to the bufinefle of Sir John Fag, and Shirley's appeale ; 'twas long inilfted to renew the vote of the former feffions, that no appeales ly from Courts of equity to the Lords Houfe ; but on putting the queftion whether that queftion fhould be now put, 'twas carried in the negative by 158 againft 102, fo that nothing farther was done all that day, for it was carried afterwards by 118 againft 271 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS againft io8, that the Houfe ftiould then adjourne. To- day the Houfe was called, and the defaulters ordered to be called next Wednefday, and the Houfe to be called again Munday come fe'nnight. Then they entered again on Sir John Fagg's bufineffe, which is appointed by the Lords to be heard on the 25"*, that is next Saturday, but it being two o'clock the queflion was put for adjourning, and 141 againft 81 carryed it for fitting on. 'Twas then very long infifted to renew a vote of the lafl fefTion, that all lawyers who fliould appeare at the Lords againft Sir John Fagg, fhould be deemed violaters of the privilege of Parliament ; but by the exceeding moderation of the Houfe, 'twas carrryed in the negative. The refult of all was, that a Conference fliould be delired of the Lords to avoid the re- viving of the differences between the two Houfes, and a Committee appointed to draw up reafons. To-morrow, upon leave given, a great Lord brings in a Bill into the Lords for care of Diffenters. Our Houfe has appointed a Committee to fee into the caufe of their delaying their order to my Lord Chief Juftice for his warrant to take St. German, it not being brought to my Lord in nine days after. Yours, ANDREW MARVELL. November i8, 1675. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 273 LETTER CLXXVin. Mr. WILLIAM SHIRES, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons fent a meffage to the Lords to defire a Conference, in order to pre- ferve the good correfpondence betwixt the Houfes ; the Lords granted it prefently. The Conference was this : ** His Majefty having recommended to us at the opening of this Seflion of Parliament, the avoiding of this difference if poflible, and if it could not be prevented, that we fhould defer the debate 'till we had brought fuch publick Bills to perfedion, which might conduce to the good and fafety of the kingdome ; the Commons efteeme it a great mis- fortune, that, contrary to that m.ofl: excellent advice, the proceedings in the appeale brought the lad feffion againft Sir John Fagg, by Dr. Shirley, have been renewed, and a day fet for hearing the caufe, and therefore the Commons have judged it the befl: way, before they enter into argument for defenfe of their right in this matter, to propofe to your Lordfhips the putting of the proceedings in that matter for fome fhort time ; that fo they may according to his Majeftye's advice give difpatch to fome Bills now before them of great importance to the king and kingdom, which being finished, the Commons will be ready to give your Vol. I. N n Lordfhips 274 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Lordfhips fuch reafons againft thofe proceedings, and in defenfe of their rights, that we hope may fatisfye your Lordfhips that no fuch proceedings ought to have been". After having delivered this, our Houfe went upon the Bill, and red it once, fent down by the Lords in prohibition of forain Manufadures of Silke, Cloth, &c. and voted an addreffe to his Majefty that he would weare only Englifh : Then went into a Committee of the whole Houfe concern- ing the Bill againft Iriih Cattell, but after fome time it was underftood that the Lords were rofe without taking any coniideration at all of our Conference, and that the caufe would go on this day ; fo the Speaker took the chaire, and 'twas ordered that *' Whofoever fhould folicit or appeare in thefe appeales from equity before the Lords, fhould be deemed a violater of, &c." as was the lad Seilion, and this was by order affixed at the Sergents Inns, the Inns of Court, Weftminfter Hall, and the Lobbye. The Lords to-day in their Houfe expelling to proceed in Shirley's caufe, no Councill appeared, being probably deterred by this order. This begat in their Lordfhips fome refentment ; fo that though it is now towards nine at night, they are ftill upon their long debate of addreiling to the King to difTolve this Parliament. I wifli that all thefe things weighed together, I may not prefage truly that upon Munday the Parlia- ment will be prorogued. The Commons have alfo ordered to take Shirley into cuflody, and alfo Sir Nicholas Haughton who TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 275 who has brought an appeale of like nature againft a member. I am forry I can write you no better news. The Bill of 3OOjO0ol. and annexing the tunnage and poundage for fliips, and to navy, was red to-day the firft time. I am, Your mofl; humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weflm'injler^ Nov, 20, 1675. LETTER CLXXIX. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, NOT having in the intervals of Parliament any fre- quent or proper occalion of writing to you, I am the more carefull, though always retaining the fame con- ftant due refped: and fervice for you, yet not to interrupt you with unneceflary letters. But the time of the Par- liament's prorogation being now within a month expired, and his Majefty having by his late Proclamation fignified that he expeds the attendance of the members in order to a feflion, I cannot negledt to embrace this opportunity of fain- ting you, and of giving you account that I am here in town N n 2 in 276 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS in good health, God be praifed, and vigour, ready to take that flatlon in the Houfe of Commons which I obtain by your favour, and hath fo many years continued ; and there- fore I deiire that you will, now being the time, confider whether there be any thing that particularly relates to the ftate of your town, or of your neighbouring country, or of yet more publick concernment, whereof you may think fit to advcrtife me, and therein to give me any your in- ftrudlions, to which I fliall carefully conforme. It is true that by reafon of fo many prorogations of late years repeated, the publick bufineffe in Parliament hath not attained the hoped maturity, fo that the weight and multiplicity of thofe affairs at prefent will probably much exclude, and retard at leaft, any thing of more private and particular confidera- tion ; yet, if any fuch you have, I fhall ftrive to promote it according to the beft of my duty : and in the more general! concerns of the nation, fhall, God willing, maintain the fame incorrupt m'md^ and clear conf debtee ^ free from faSiiony or any felf-ends, which I have, by his grace, hitherto pre- ferved ; fo wifhing you all health and profperity, I remain, Gentlemen, &c.. Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. jLendeUj Jan, 18, 1676-7; TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 277 LETTER CLXXX. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, I Think it befits me to acquaint you, that this day the Parliament affembled in obedience to his Majefty : he was pleafed in a moft weighty and gracious manner to profer, on his part, all things that might tend to the fecurity of the true Protefl:ant Religion, the libertyes, and propriety of the fubje6l, and the fafety of the nation ; mentioning alfo his debts, and the neceflity of building fhips ; but moft of all he recommended a good agreement between the two Houses, calling Heaven and Earth to witnefs that nothing on his part Ihould be wanting to make this a happy feilion ; but it is an injury to repeat thefe things but in his own words, which I therefore as foon as printed fhall fend you. In the Houfe of Commons there arofe fome debate at firft, concerning the nature or legality of our meeting, by reafon of this long prorogation, whereas there are laws yet in force for the yearly holding of Parliaments ; but it took not fo much place as to come to a formed queftion, the furtheil. it went being to petition his Majefty, that by reafon of fome doubts arifen of this, he would be pleafed to call another Parliament; but this was only propofed, and fell alfo, fo that the Houfe went then to the reading of a Bill, which 4. is 278 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS is the formality of opening a fefTion. The firft Bill offered was to recall the forces in France ; but that having been read before at the laft meeting was not proceeded on now, left the qucftion which yet remains entire to be argued, whether we adl under a prorogation, or an adjournment (the prorogation proving unlawfull) fhould be prejudicate and decided by making this the firft or fecond reading ; therefore another Bill was preferred to be read, which the Houfe had formerly ordered, but had never received a reading. The regulating Eledlions to Parliament, and puniftiing the 72otorious abufes in that matter, a thing than which nothing were 7nQre necejjary. Then the Houfe ordered to take his Majeftye's Speech in confideration next this day. Their laft order was to afiume to-morrow the debate whether we do adt, as this cafe ftands, uiider an adjournment or a prorogation, and to confider of ifluing writs, there being at left thirty-two vacancyes. This hath been all the bufinefs of this day with the Commons, except a complaint made by Sir John Holland of a member of the Houfe that had traduced a fpeech of his in the former meeting (to his Majefty) as mutinous and feditious ; the Houfe ordered him to name the perfon, which thereupon he did, Mr. Afhburnam, the cofferer ; but it not appearing fufficiently grounded, the complaint had no effed. I hear the Lords are yet debating the queftion of the Par- liament's being diffolved by this prorogation, with more 5 earneftneffe OF THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 279 earneflnefTe much than was by the Commons, God of his mercy give a good ifliie to all. I am, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your moft humble and moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjleu Feb- I5> 1676-7. LETTER CLXXXr. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons was yefterday taken up wholy in ordering of writts to ifTue for the feveral vacancyes, and in two debates of the fame nature. The firft, upon a motion for a new writt in Sir Thomas Strickland's place, as being a Recufant Convid: ; but the record of his convidlion not being then brought into the Houfe, it received no deter- mination. The fecond was upon a motion, That Sir Robert Holt, one of the Knights for Warwick/hire, being prifoner in execution, might be fent for to attend the fervice of the Houfe during the Seflion ; but upon the divilion, it went againfl: him; only it was ordered, that there fliould be a Committee (but not then named, that this day's queftion concerning the prorogation might be refcrved entire) to con- fider and report his cafe to the Houfe ; but to-day the Houfe (having 28o ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS (having for decency not entered any thing concerning the prorogation on their books, but agreed the debate fhould run upon it) entered upon that matter, which held 'till near fix at night, and then formed itfelf into two queftions ; one, whether the Houfe would proceed to name their Commit- tee ; becaufe if that were carryed in the affirmative, it im- plyed the fecond ; but in cafe that queftion mifcarryed, then the fecond was to be put, whether they fhould proceed in debate concerning the validity of the prorogation. The firfl was affirmed by 193 againft 142, fo that the fecond remained excluded, and no mention appears in the Journal! of any queftion of the validity of the prorogation, which tendernejfe of the Houfe you will alfo do well to imitate, by not propagating what I confide to you about it. Yeflierday the Houfe of Lords ordered the Earl of Salufbury, of Shafts- bury, and the Lord Wharton to the Tower during his Ma- jeftye's and their Houfe's pleafure. The Duke of Bucking- ham had retired before his fentence, but appearing there to-day, was fent thither alfo. The warrant bears, for their high Contempt of the Houfe, for they refufed to afk pardon as ordered. To-day I hear they are made clofe prifoners. I am, Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejm'in/Ier^ F(l>, 17, 1676-7. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 281 LETTER CLXXXIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. SIR, HAVING but little leizure to-night, I content myfelf with giving you this fhort account of what bufinefTe fince my laft, which you may pleafe to communicate ; that yefterday the Houfe of Commons gave the firft reading to the Bill for recalling the Englifh Forces out of France ; the Bill againft levying of Money but by AS: of Parliament ; and the fecond reading to the Bill againfl: Abufes in Elec- tions. To-day the firft reading to the Bill of Habeas Cor- pus, and then they proceeded to the bufineffe of the day, which was, to take his Majeftye's Speech into confideration. After it was read, fome gentlemen propofed upon the par- ticular of fhips, that there fhould be a fupply of 600, cool, another of 8oo,oool. for the building and buying (lores. But a ftanding order of the Houfe being read, whereby it is not regular after a motion for money to proceed the fame day, it was ordered, that a motion having been made for money, the Houfe would to-morrow morning refolve itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe to confider thereon ; and then they alfo ordered, that upon Friday they would be in a Committee of the whole Houfe concerning the Griev- ances of the Nation. There was yefterday a Committee Vol. I. O o appointed a82 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS appointed upon a Petition for bringing back the Duke of Norfolk, a Lunatick, out of Italy. The Lords are ftill prifoners in the Tower. I am, Your moft affedionate friend and fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. F(i, 20, 1676-7. LETTER CLXXXIIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons refolved itfelfe into a Committee of the whole Houfe, to take his Majeftye's Speech into confideration. There arofe fome difference, two feveral gentlemen being called upon, which of them fhould be Chairman of that Committee ; where- upon the Speaker took the chair again, and the two perfons in eledtion being Sir Richard Temple and Sir John Trevor, the Houfe was divided, and Sir Richard carryed it, having 127 againft 105. They then returned into Committee, and the firft Committee was concerning iHps, and the fum necef- fary for building, repairing, and ftores. Some gentlemen propofed 800, cool, but that was after fome time flid over, and 5 ^he TO tHE CORf»0ELA'nON OF HULL. aSj the debate divided itfclfe betwixt 600,000]. and 400,000!. which, about fix o'clock at night, formed itfelf into thofe two queftions; and then the queftion being put, whether that of the 400,000!. fbould be now put, the Houfe divided, and it was carryed in the negative by 199 againft 165 ; fo, of con- fequence, the next queftion for 6oo,qcoI. pafled in the affirmative. The Speaker then took the chair, and the Houfe agreed it, appointing Tuefday next to proceed. This day the Bill for recalling the French Forces, and that againft illegal levying of Money (both of them under fevere penaltyes) were read the fecond time and committed. They alfo ordered the call of the Houfe to be next Thurfday, and that no Member go out of towne till after leave afked and had, after ten o'clock. Several perfons, upon leave alked from the Lords Houfe, have had liberty to vilit the Lords in the Tower. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affectionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. London, Feb. 22, 1676-7. O o 2 LET- 284 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXXXIV. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, 1HAVE, and thank you for yours of the 20*'' February. It is a tribute due from one in my ftation to your pru- dence, to inform you from time to time of things that pafle in Parliament. 'Tis the beft thing I can do ; I wifh I were capable of greater to teftifye my gratitude. The Houfe of Commons had yefterday a report from the Committee ordered to infpcdl Bills of the laft Seffions proper to be refumed, as of that of augmentation of poor Vicarages ; that of prohibiting Exportation of Wool from England and Ireland ; that of planting Hemp and Flax, &c. Then they turned, as appointed, to a Committee of the whole Houfe, to confider of grievances. Several things were mentioned, but not fixed upon, as the Influence of foreign Councils^ the continuance of fuch perfons as had been noted formerly on that account, &c. There was a fharpe complaint of feveral Judges, and obftrudlion of the publick juftice, particularly of the Reverfall of the Fine upon the Shrieve of Suffolk, in Sir Samuel Barnardifton's cafe ; but the debate fpent itfelfe upon the Chancery, and was formed into this refolution ; That the extraordinary power and jurifdidion exercifed by the High Court of Chancery, and other Courts of Equity, in matters TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 285 matters determinable by Common Law, is grievous to the People. The Houfe agreed, and ordered a Bill Or Bills to redrefs it, and to fit again on Grievances next Thurfday, this kept holy-day. I am, Your humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Feb. 24, 1676-7. LETTER CLXXXV. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE mod material thing yefterday in the Houfe of Commons was, the reading of a Bill of the laft Sef- fion, now began again, to prevent the Growth of Popery, wherein the Teft is continued to be taken, and upon refufall of which they are to be convicted, and undergo the penaltyes fpecified. It was read the firfl time, and ordered a fecond. The reft of the time was fpent in feveral matters of privi- ledge. To-day a Bill was read for the Tranfportation of Leather. The Houfe after that turned itfelfe into a Com- mittee of the whole Houfe (as before ordered) to confider further upon his Majeftye's Supply. It was foon pro- pounded that 6oOj00ol. jQiould be raifed in eighteen months by iS6- ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS by a Land-Tax ; but others thought it neceflary and more according with their order, firft to know whether any further Supply were expedlcd, before they (hould, or could well pitch upon the manner of raiiing this. The debate was long, fo that the Committee, to extricate themfelves, defired the Speaker to refume the chair ; and then the two differing fenfes being at laft formed into two queftions by the Houfe, the firft was put, Whether the Committee {hould firft pro- ceed to fettle the manner of levying the 6oo,oool. which being affirmed by 183 againft 163, excluded the fecond queftion, whether they fhould firft debate the continuance of the Excife next expiring ; then they rofe, ordering Friday next to refume this confideration. The Lords have given inftrudions for a Bill alfo againft Popery, with feveral pro- vifions for Education of the Royal Children, for nominating of vacant Bifhops, &c. m cafe of a Popifj Ki?ig. A Com- mittee of theirs has frequently examined Dr. Cary, - and are near the difcovery of the Author of a Book touching the Parliament. I am, Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Tih. 27, 1676-7. LET- T TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 287 LETTER CLXXXVL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. SIR, HE Houfe of Commons not fitting yeflerday, there is but little to-day to write of, for one of the two bills was read but the firft time, being for the Repaire of Churches, inabling the Church-Wardens and Overfeers of the Poor to lay a (tfih to that purpofe, and the Juftices of the Peace to ratifye it. The other was for Planting of halfe an Acre for every hundred Acres of Meadow or Pafture, of Hemp or Flax, with penaltyes upon omiffion. The Houfe was then, by former order, to have conlidered upon griev- ances ; but the Clerke having omitted to enter that order in the Journall, they diverted to a debate of an addrefle to his Majeftye to appoint them another Clerke. But this flid over, out of their facility to an old fervant ; and they ordered Saturday next for grievances. The Lords to-day examined Dr. Cary at their barre, from whom he had the book con- cerning Parliament, which he carryed to print ; but he not fatisfying them therein, they therefore fined him loool. and committed him clofe prifoner to the Tower by a fccond warrant, till he fhall pay the fine. I am, Worthy Sir, Your moft affedlionate fervant, mjlmlnjiir, March i, 1676-7. ANDREW MARVELL. 288 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CLXXXVIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY there was ofFered to the Houfe by a Member thereof, an Order of the Lords Houfe, whereby Dr. Gary ftands fined loool. and committed clofe prifoner till payment, for not having declared who was the author of the booke " intitled The Grand ^luejiion Jiated and difcujfed concerning the Prorogation^^ nor from what perfon he received it. This was complained of as an invafion by the Lords, upon the libertyes of the Gommons of England ; but the Houfe not being forward to entertain any thing that might occafion a mif-intelligence with the Lords, nor con- fidering the matter ripe enough for their confideration, after fome debate, palled over without reading that order of the Lords, or coming to any refolution thereupon at prefent, leaving it to the difcretion of any that fhall hereafter re- afTume it. They then fat in Gommittee upon the 6oo,oool. whereupon and how to be levyed. There were propofed Impofitions on French Linen, and that of Flanders, Hol- land and Germany ; upon Brandyes, on Gallicoes, and on the New Buildings ; but about fix o'clock the queftion was put, whether the whole 6oo,oool. fhould be raifed by a Land-Tax ; but thofe who were but for the halfe, were upon divifion no more thaa 165 to 210 j and it is fo to be raifed TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 289 raifed in feventeen months, after the way of the Royal Ayd. On Munday they fit again in Committee upon this 6oo,oooI. to perfedt the claufe of appropriation, to building, gunning, and furniihing of thirty fliips, and how many of each rate. The Lord Hollis came the fame day into the Houfe of Lords, and took notice that his name had been tojfed there concerning a book ; therefore he came thither, oftering that if any had aught to objedt againfl him, he was there, and ready to anfwer it in any Court of Judicature : here- upon was a long filence, and none replying, they called for the reading of a Bill. To-day the Bill of Habeas Corpus, and that for repairing of Churches were read the fecond time in the Houfe of Commons and committed ; alfo Sir Harbotle Grimfton, Mafler of the Rolls, moved for a Bill to be brought in, to indemnify all Countyes, Cityes and Bur- rows for the Wages dice to their Members for the time pajl^ which was introduced by him upon very good reafon, both becaufe of the poverty of many people not able to fupply fo long an arreare, efpecially new taxes now coming upon them, and alfo becaufe Sir John Shaw, the Recorder of Colchefter, had fued the Tow7i for his TV ages ; feverall other Members alfo having, it feems, threatned their Burrows to do the fame, unlefle th^yfould chufe them upon another Eledion to Parliament. This debate tooke up the forenoon, and it was agreed that fuch a Bill fhould be brought in, and the care of it committed to feverall Members of the Long Robe. Vol. L P p This 290 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS This day had been appointed for grievances ; but it being grown near two o'clock, and the day being indeed extraor- dinary cold, to which the breaking of one of the Houfe windows contributed, it was put off till next Tuefday. This is for the prefent. I remain, Gentlemen, Your mod affectionate friend and humble fervant, mj?mhi^er, Manh^y leybj. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CLXXXVIIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY were read the Bill for enabling Perfons to take Affidavits in the Countrye ; and another to ex- plaine the Ads of Chimney-mony, and to redrefle the Exadions and Abufes committed by the Officers in coUe'" I "MS now paft nine at night that I come home from the JL Committee of Privileges ; yet becaufe I have taken an habit of writing every poft, I muft write you a word, left you fhould imagine any thing extraordinary may have hap- pened. The Houfe fat till lix yefterday in Committee con- cerning grievances ; the whole debate being concerning the Pafles which Merchants have been obliged to take for their fhips, the Oaths, the Bonds, and the Fees. It clofed in naming a particular Committee to infpedt the whole matter complained of, and report the abufes and inconveniences therein. The particular Committee was alfo named to' forme the Addrefte to his Majeftye concerning France. To- day the Bill againft Papifts fitting in the Lords or Commons Houfe was read the firft time, and the other for fpeedier convidion of them by a new teft, &c. was read the fecond time and committed ; alfo a Bill ordered, to take away the Writ de Hceretico Comkirendo. The Lord Dunblane, the Lord Treafurer's fecond fon, came into the Houfe this day, chofen for Barwicke. On Saturday, I believe, the York Eledion will be tryed at the Committee of Privileges. To- 294 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS To-morrow the Houfe turns into Committee upon a motion of a further fupply to his Majeftyc. I am in much weari- nefTe and hafte, SIR, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. March 8, 1676-7. LETTER CXC. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, 1HOPE you have mine of laft pofl ; I was forced to write it late, or not at all. The Houfe of Commons was yefterday taken up wholy with the report from the Com- mittee about the Duke of Norfolke, whofe opinion was, that he ought to be fent for over ; but it was not agreed to, Mr. Onflow, a Member of the Houfe, and one of his Guardians, demanding firft to be heard by his counfell at the barre, which is fo appointed for Wednefday next. The confideration of the motion for further fupply was put off from this Saturday till Munday, and of grievances till Tuef- day next. To-day the AddrefTe inclofed was all the bufi- neffe, except the report from the Committee of Privileges for Bewdley, Mr. Foley being voted out, and Mr. Herbert : and TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL, 29^ and now we are all intent upon the York Eledllon, to be tryed this afternoon at the Committee, which I believe will fit fo late, that I fhall not be able to fend you the fuccefle. The Lords have voted one book, called " Obfervations, &c." treafonable, feditious, &c. to be burnt by the hangman : another, " The Long Parliament, &c." feditious, &c. and to be burnt : a third, " The Grand Queftion, &c." for which Gary (lands committed, to be feditious, &c. and to be burnt by the hangman, having firft read them over in their Houfe. I pray prefent my fervice to the Bench, whofe I am, and Your moft affectionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJiminJler, March lo, 1676-7, LETTER CXCI. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ON Saturday night at paft nine o'clock, Sir Henry Thompfon's Election was put to the queftion at a moft numerous Committee of Privileges, where he was, notwithftanding the three years claim againft him, voted to be duely eleded ; and that (which never happened before in any man's memory) nemine contradkente^ and with that remarke, ordered to be reported to the Houfe. It was alfo 2 pro- 296 AND REV/ MARVEL L's' LETTERS propounded to move the Houfe, that fome fevere example might be made of fuch, "who without any right foundation do trouble the Houfe with fo frivolous pretences. Yefterday was read the Bill againft Pedlers and Hawkers, and ordered to have a fecond reading ; after that the Houfe turned into a Committee upon the motion for a further fupply. The debate upon the Nine-pences, or additional Excife (which was the way propofed) indured the whole day. The Com- mittee divided upon the queftion, and 189 againfl: 156 car- lyed it in the affirmative, that it fliould be given to his Majeftye for three years, after the expiring of Midfummer. The Speaker then refuming the chaire, the queftion was put, and agreed. To-day was read the Bill againfl: tranf- porting Wool out of England or Ireland into forain Parts, and ordered a fecond reading. Then the Bill for indemni- fying Countyes, Cityes and Burrows from the Parliament Wages now due untill the firft day of this Seffion, was read the iirfh time, and it indured a long argument, infomuch that when the queftion was put for a fecond reading, a Gen- tleman who had difapproved of the Bill, deceiving himfelf by the noife of the negative vote, required the divifion of the Houfe ; but fo confiderable a number of the affirmatives went out for it, that all the reft in a manner followed after them, notwithftanding their own votes, and there were fcarce either tellers, or men to be told left behind, fo that it will have a fecond reading : the Lords in the middle of that debate TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 297 debate fent down for a conference, at which they deUvered the paper I inclofe relating to the Addrefle about the French, fent up to them for their concurrence ; the Houfc hath ordered to take it into confideration to-morrow, it being of great weight, and that goes deeper than it went from the Commons. Thurfday counfell is to be heard at the barre concerning the Duke of Norfolk ; and to-day having been appointed for grievances, 'tis ordered for Friday. I remaine, Your moft humble fervant, Wejlminjlcr, March 13, 1676-7. ANDREW MARVELL. Copy of the Paper mentioned in the laft Letter. March 13, 1676-7. THAT the Lords do fully co7Kurre with the Houfe of Commons in the matter of the Addreffe fent up to their Lord- ftnps^ Saturday lafi, and do only apprehend that it may not altogether a7ifwer the ends defigned^ their Lordfjips very much doubting this Addrejfe ?nay not fufjiciently incourage his Majejiy to purfue the necejfaty methods for compaffing fo great a work, unlejfe the humble advice of his two Houfes be backed with fuch affurances as jnay let the world fee , that if our fecurity cajinot be attai?jed by fuch alliaiKes as his Majeflye fhall think fit to make, nothing will he left tmattempted to pro- cure it by our utmofl affijla7tces. The Lords do further offer to your conftderation, that the words, and Sicily, may be added after the word Netherlands, it being of great importa7ice to our trade that Sicily be not in the hands of the Fre7ich King. Vol. L Q^q L E T- 298 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXCIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons yefterday was bufied in con- fidcration of what they received from the Lords at the conference. They difagreed from adding the word Sicily to the Addrefle ; and as to their Lordfhips apprehen- iions that the Addrefie was not fufficient unleffe backed with further affurances, &c. they conceived it unneceflary where the fafety of the Nation was concerned, or from an Houfe of Commons that had never deferted his Majefty when there was occalion, fo they ordered their managers of the former conference to draw up that fenfe, which they reported to the Houfe this morning ; then they fent to deiire a conference of the Lords, which was granted. The Lords then agreed i7t terminis with the Addreffe of the Commons, and the King being deiired to admitt the two Houfes, appointed it to be to-morrow at three of the clock afternoon. To-day alfo the Bill againft Hawkers and Pedlers was read the fecond time and committed. Sir Henry Thompson's Eledion was reported from the Committee of Privileges, and agreed by the Houfe without any debate. Then Mr. Onflow's counfell was heard at the barre concerning the Duke of Norfolk. As for the fines levyed upon his eftate, Mr. Onflow was approved not to have been culpable ; but as TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 299 as to the bringing of him over from Italy, after much had been faid concerning the danger of removing him, the Houfe neverthelcffe agreed with their Committee, that an Addrefle fliould be prefented to his Majeftye for bringing him over. The Lords Hkewife to-day fent down a Bill to the Com- mons, containing certain provifions in cafe of a Popifh King, for the education of RoyalL Children, and for the eledion of Bifhops. I had almoft forgot to tell you, that yefterday they fent down a Bill for naturalizing all that between the years 1640 and 1660 were born either of Englifli father or mother, if within feven years they come and take the Oaths and the Sacrament, as in fuch cafe ufual. To-morrow is for grievances. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Weftminjler, March 15, 1676-7. May it pUafe your moji Rxcellent Majejlye. " WE your Majeftye's moft dutifull and loyall fubjeds, the Commons in this prefent Parliament affembled, doe with great fatisfadion of mind obferve the regard your Majeftye Q^q 2 is 300 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS is pleafed to expreffe to our former AddrefTes, by intimating to us the late alteration in affairs abroad ; and do return our moft humble thanks for your Majeftye's moft gracious offer made to us thereupon in your lafl: meffage; and having taken a ferious deliberation of the fame, and of the preparations your Majeftye hath therein intimated to us were fitting to be made in order to thofe publick ends, we have for the prefent provided a fecurity in a Bill for an additional Duty of Excife, upon which your Majeftye may raife the fum of 200, cool, and if your Majeftye ftiall think fit to call us together again for this purpofe in fome fhort time after Eafter by any publick fignification of your pleafure, com- manding our attendance, we ftiall at our next meeting not only be ready to reimburfe your Majeftye what fums of mony fhall be expended upon fuch extraordinary prepa- rations as fliall be made in purfuance of our former Addrefte, but fhall likewife with moft chearfull hearts proceed, both then and at all other times, to furnifh your Majeftye with fo large proportions of afTiftance and fupplyes upon this occa- fion, as may give your Majeftye and the whole world an ample teftimony of our loyaltyes and affections to your Majeftye's fervice ; and may inable your Majeftye, by the help of All- mighty God, to maintain fuch ftridler alliances as you fhall have entered into againft all oppolition whatfoever. ii WE TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 301 " WE your Majeftye's moft loyall fubjeds do with un-r ipeakable joy and comfort prefent our moft humble thanks to your Majeftye, for your Majeftye's moft gracious accept- ance of our late Addrefte, and that your Majeftye was pleafed in your princely wifdome to exprefle your concurrence in opinion with your two Houfes in reference to the prefer- vation of the Spanifh Netherlands ; and we do with all earneft and repeated deftres implore your Majeftye, that you will be pleafed to take timely care to prevent thofe dangers that may arife to thefe Kingdomes by the great power of the French King, and the progrefle he dayly makes in the Ne- therlands and other places ; and therefore that your Majeftye will not deferre the entering into fuch alliances as may attain thofe ends ; and in cafe it fhall happen, that in purfuance of fuch alliances, your Majeftye ftiall be engaged in a warre with the French King, we hold ourfelves obliged, and do with all humilitye and chearfuUnefle afllire your Majeftye, that we your Majeftye's moft loyall fubjedls fhall always be ready upon fignification in Parliament, fully from time to time, to aflift your Majeftye with fuch aids and fupplyes as by the Divine aftiftance may inable your Majeftye to profe- cute the fame with fuccefle. All which we humbly offer to your Majeftye as the unanimous fenfe of the whole Nation," LET- -,02 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXCriL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. S IR, I MUST beg your excufe for paper, pens, writing and every thing ; for really I have by ill chance neither eat nor drank from yefterday at noon till fix o'clock to night that the Houfe rofe, and by good chance I have now met with Mr. Skyner, fo that betwixt both you may eafyly guefle I have but little time, and write at adventure. The whole bufinefle of thefe two days (except the hour of wait- ing on the King, who returned a gracious Anfvver conform- able to the Houfe's Addreffe) hath been upon complaints from many parts, to vote firft, That all perfons who have compelled, advifed, affifted or encouraged the raifmg, levy- ing, carrying or fending of any of his Majeftye's fubjedls into the French King's fervice fince his Majeftye's procla- mation of the 19'*' May, 1675, grounded on the Addreffe of this Houfe for recaUing his Majeftye's fubjedls out of the faid fervice, are, and fhall be deemed enemyes of the peace and fafety of his Majeftye and this Kingdom : and to this fuc- ceeded a petition from one Mr. Harrington, newly commit- ted clofe prifoner while he negotiated the proofe of things of that nature lately done in Scotland. The debate was intricate; fo that the Houfe, weary, adjourned without any queftion or refolution. Thurfday next appointed for read- ing TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 303 ing a Bill prejudigiall to Newcaftle, for eredting a Ballaft- Wharfe at Yarrowflike : a Bill on the table not yet read, for Impoiition on Veflells that unload within Yarmouth Peere, toward maintaining it. I am, Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. JVeJlminJier, March 17, 1676-7. L LETTER CXCIV» Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, AST Tuefday's poft was the firft I have omitted, there- fore do now give you account that the bufinefle on Munday was to read the Bill of 600, cool, the fecond time, which being done, it was ordered to be in a Committee of the whole Houfe the Friday following. On the Tuefday the Bill for the Exportation of Leather was reported from the Committee. — The Bill from the Lords, for preferving a Proteftant Clergy, and Education of the Children of the Royall Family in cafe of a Popifh Prince, was read the firft time, and ordered to be read again on next Tuefday. There was likewife a motion made concerning the Addrefle lately prefented 304 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS prefented to his Majeftye about the growth of France, his Majeflye's anfvver having been, that he was of the fame opinion with his two Houfes, that the prefervation of Flan- ders was of great confequence to this Kingdome, and that he would to that purpofe ufe all means pofTible that might conlift with the peace and fafety of the Nation. This mat- ter is ordered to be conlidered of the next Munday. In the Lords Houfe feverall moved in behalfe of the imprifoned Lords, but it had no iffue. Yefterday counfell was heard at the barre concerning the Patent for Newark to fend Bur- geffes to Parliament. The Patent was judged legal as to the power of eleding, but the returne of Mr. Savile and Sir Paul Neale illegal, and therefore a writ to iffue for a new eledtion. To-day the Bill was read the fecond time and committed, for an impoiition on all merchandizes unloaden within Yarmouth Haven, toward the maintenance of their Peere. The Bill for reforming abufes in collefting Hearth mony, read the fecond time and committed. The Bill for eredling a Ballaft Wharfe at Yarrowflike upon the Tine, read the fecond time, and thrown out. Ordered to bring in a Bill for exporting Coals free, or at a very eafy cuftome. Ordered to renew a Bill for Exportation of Beer, Ale and Mumme. His Majeftye has confined Don Bernardo De Lulinas, Envoye from the Governor of Flanders, and one Fonfeca, the Spanifh Conful, to their houfes, and commanded them to depart the Realme in twenty days, for having intermeddled further 5 than TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 305 than belonged them. The Garter vacant by the death of the Earl of Briftol is given to the Treafurer. I am, Your moft humble fervant, March aa. 1676.7. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CXCV. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR, Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons fat in Com- mittee of the whole Houfe upon the Bill of 6oo,oool. and they paffed it thorow at the Committee ; only fome things that were not fo proper for fo great a Committee. They defired the Houfe to name another Committee for them, which was granted ; as the drawing of a claufe to exempt the Commiflioners from the unnecelTary trouble of taking the Teft, the calling up the feveral fumms upon every County, particularly for the feventeen months, accord- ing to the meafures of the Royall Aid, 8cc. and the Houfe . ordered to fit againe in a Committee of the whole Houfe upon the Bill next Thurfday. To-day the Bill from the Lords for naturalizing fuch as were betwixt 1640 and 1660 born or begot of Englifh father or mother beyond fea, was read the fecond time and committed. The Bill againfl; the Multiplicity of Atturfiyes^ and for preventing vexatious Suits, Vol. I. R r was 3o6 ANDREV/ MARVELL's LETTERS was read the firft time. Then was read a Petition from the Hamburg Company, wlio ly under an ancient debt of yOjOOol. defiring to propound fome expedient propofalls for the payment thereof: it was referred to a Committee to receive fuch propofalls, providing there was nothing tending to lay a burden upon the Englifh manufacture. After this report was made from the Committee, to whom the matter of Paffes, and the Bonds entered into, and the Fees taken for fuch PaiTes was referred, the debate of which terminated in this refolution: To delire the Lords of the Admiralty, and others concerned, to take care that there may be a more eafy way of obtaining Paffes ; and that the obftrudiion that hath been therein to the Trade may be removed, fo that I believe thofe who fhall have occafion, will henceforward find their way much expedited, and charge leflened for the future. Then the Bill for exporting Leather was read the third time and paffed, and ordered to be fent up to the Lords. After that, the Bill for Habeas Corpus^ fo neceflary for the Subjedl, was likewife read the third time, palled, and ordered to be fent up. This day had been appointed to confider of grievances^ but the time having been thus farre imployed, the Houfe adjourned. The Duke of Newcaftle is likewife made Knight of the Garter. I have not further than to con-- tinue, Gentlemen, &c. Your very affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminfisr^ March 24, 16 76-7. Y TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 307 LETTER CXCVL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons read the fecond time the Bill which repealcs the Writ de Hcerctico Co7nbure7ido^ and referred it to a Committee ; after that, the Bill being read the fecond time to obviate certain frauds and collufions commonly pradlized to evade the feizures by the Ad: againfl: Irifh Cattell, there arofe a great debate con- cerning the originall Adi, and whither it be found expedi- ent to continue the faid prohibition ; wherein Gentlemens opinions much varying, according to the different intereil: of their countyes, it was thought that it fhould be referred, inftead of a private Committee, to the Committee of the whole Houfe, where it is to be folemnly argued to-morrow, to difcuffe and determine for once, the true intereft of the Nation in this matter. To this fucceeded the debate appointed concerning a fecond Addreffe to his Majeftye, in order to a further incouragement to enter into the confede- racyes which by their firft Addreffe they had propofed : and after a weighty and ferious difpute concerning it, they agreed, that in cafe his Majeftye in further profecution of their former Addreffe, fhould happen to be involved in a warre, that then the Houfe would from time to time give him fuch affiftance as fhould be neceffary. This, as R r 2 the 3o8 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS the fenfe of the Houfe, was given to the Committee to draw up in words fit and fiiitable to be prefentcd to his Majeftye. To-day the Lords Bill fent down for education' of the Royall Children, for creating of Bifliops, for the difpofall of all Ecclefiafticall Dignityes and Promotions, in cafe that the fuccecding King fhall refufe the Oath of Tranfubftantiation, was read the fecond time, and upon the debate committed. Next the Bill againft the Sitting of Papifts in either Floufe of Parliament, was alfo read the fecond time and committed. This has been for thefe two days the bufineffe of the Houfe of Commons. As things proceed, I fliall not faile to give you my account of them. Being, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedlionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. JFeJlminJler, March 27, 1677. LETTER CXCVIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, YESTERDAY a Committee was appointed to confider how to incourage the Silk weaving in England ; but their grand buiinefle was the debate in the Committee of 4 the TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 309 the whole Hoiife concerning the continuance of the Pro- hibition of Irifli Cattell, which paft in the Committee by a divifion of 145 againft 128, and in the Houfe of 129 againft 91 in the affirmative for perpetuity. To-day was reported to the Houfe the Addreffe drawn up by the Committee for that purpofe. A queftion arofe upon the words 7iot deferre, and to recommit the Addreffe therefore ; but 131 dividing againft 122, it was retained, and then the Houfe agreed with the Committee in the forme of the Addrefle which I herewith fend you ; and the members of the Privy Councill are defircd to know his Majeftye's pleafure when the Houfe fhall attend him. Mr. Secretary yefterday inti- mated to the Houfe, that if they could bring their bufineffe within compaffe by that time, his Majeftye would be content to give them a receffe at Eafter. I beg pardon for my hafte, remaining. Worthy Sir, Your's and the Bench's moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. WeJiminfieVy March 29, 1677. LET- 310 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CXCVIII. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons read the third time their Bill for taking away the Writt de Hceretico Co7nhure72do^ and fent it up to the Lords. They received alfo from the Committee the report of their Bill to prevent the Growth of Popery, and ordered it to be ingrolTed. They then refolved themfelves into a Committee of the whole Houfe upon the Bill of 6oo,oool. where feverall provifo's were added, as that whofoever fhould willingly and wittingly mifapply and pervert any of the faid mony from the end to which it is ordained, to lofe their office, and be made incapable of any other office for the future. That no noil profequi fliould be entered or be valid to ftay proceed- ings as to any penal tye or incapacity by this A6t. That all former Commiffioners fliould be indemnifyed from any procelTe againft them for arrears of former affeffinents. In the afternoon they waited upon the King in the Banquetting- Houfe to prefent him the AddrefTe, of which I laft fent you a copy ; the nature of it requiring no prefent anfwer, it was only gracioufly received. The Bill againft Hawkers and Pedlers having been twice read, is now allmoft ready for a report ; fo that I hope the country will not be long infefted TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 311 infefted with thofe people ; the penaltye is five pound toties quoties, and to be raifed by detaining and diftraining upon their wares ; there is a twelve moneths time allowed, wherein thofe that have formerly furniflicd them may retain their eftates out of their hands. To-day the Lords fent down a Bill for the fpeedier convid;ion of Popifh Recufants ; that is the title. The Committee of the whole Houfe fat againe to-day and made fome progreffe ; the greatefl debate ended in a refolution that London fhould be abated in the alleff- ment ; but it is left to the next fitting, which is upon Tuefday, where to lay that which is to them abated, and may probably light upon the Bills of Mortality that are without the citye. Monday is fet apart for feveral reports from the Committee of Privileges in the forenoon, and have ordered to fit in the afternoon to difpatch feverall private Bills. The Houfe ftriving to compofe their bufinefle to be fit for a recefife. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant> ANDREW MARVELL. March 31, 1677. LET- 312 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CXCIX. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, SOME reports were made yefterday morning from the Committee of Privileges : one was of great importance, which was of a claufe to which the Houfe agreed that it fliould be a ftanding order to the Committee of Privileges for the judging of all Eledions to Parliament for the future, that if any one fhould fpend before the day of eledtion above ten pounds, except in his own dwelling houfe, in order to fuch elediion, or fhall make or give any reward or promife^ that it fliall be accounted bribery, and vacate his thoice. After this the Committee having reported their opinion that Sir Robert Holt being outlawed after judgment, and more- over being taken in execution in another cafe before the time of privilege, ought not to be freed from his reftraint; the Houfe after a long debate, and upon a divifion, refolved that he fhould be freed from prifon to attend the fervice of the Houfe, and accordingly he came to-day into the Houfe. They fpent the afternoon wholly in reading private Bills. The Lords threw out the Bill for exporting Leather, which v/as fent them by the Commons. To-day the Houfe of Commons was again in Committee of the whole Houfe upon the 6oo,oool. Bill ; the moft material thing was, that they abated TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 313 abated London 400L a moneth, and placed it upon WeO:- minfter, and the parifhes of Middlefex within the Bills of Mortality. Upon Thurfday they fet again, and will I con- ceive have perfefted all the amendments. But to-morrow is fet apart for the firft reading of the Lords Bill for the fpeedyer convidion of Popifh Recufants ; a Bill of extraordinary nature: among other things it provides, that all Papifts who fhall regifter themfelves in places thereto appointed, fhall, upon taking the oath of Allegeance, be exempt from all former penal laws, paying twelve pence in the pound for their eftates ; but I will not antedate that matter. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. ANDREW MARVELL. Jpril2, 1677. L E T T E R CC. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, THE Houfe having fate to-day without intermiflion 'till almoft nine at night, though I therefore write fajiing^ I will acquaint you that yefterday the Lords Bill for more effeduall convi6lion and profecution of Popifh Vol. I. S s Recufants, 314 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Recufants, was read the firfl: time in the Houfe of Com- mons, but after a very fhort debate they threw it out, and caufed the entry upon the journall to be thus : *' Whereas " a Bill coming down from the Houfe of Lords, intitled — " but upon the reading and opening thereof, the fubfiance of it appeared much different from the title, the Houfe re- jeded it ?iemme contradice72te. Next they read the third time their own Bill for better putting the Laws in execu- tion againft Popery, and paffed it, and ordered it to be fent to the Lords. But to-day hath been indeed a bufy day ; 'twas appointed for the 6oo,oool. but reading our Bill to corredt abufes in the IriHi Catell Ad, it hath fo fortuned, that the Ad: is thrown out by 155 againft 144, and fince, after many more divifions, a Committee is order- ed to bring in a Bill for repealing the two Ads that pro- hibited forain Catell, and to admit a limited importation of the Irifli Catell, and without any impofltion. This is all I can at prefent, but remain, S I R, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Jpril 5, 1677. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 315 LETTER CCL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY. MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, 1 Omitted to write to you the laft poft ; but thofe two days afforded little matter of writing, being in a man- ner wholy imployed upon finifliing the 6oo,oool. Bill as yefterday alfo ; and now it is carryed up to the Lords. To-day the Bill of continuing the nine-penny and three- pence Excife upon Beere and Ale, with the feverall rates upon other liquors, from the 24"" of June next for three years, was read the fecond time ; and there was a large de- bate for annexing the corne claufe to it; but upon divifion, by an 116 againft 97, it was carryed in the negative. Yet there feemed a generall inclination in the Houfe for that matter (as of good reafon) fo that a particular Bill were brought in for it with a compenfation to his Majefty, which was propofed by an high impolition upon French Brandy ; but thofe things will keep 'till another meeting. They then fate upon the Bill in a Committee of the whole Houfe, where was added a good claufe, that the gager fhall always leave with the brewer a note of his gage, fo that he may not be further impofed upon ; and the exportation of Beere, Ale, and Mum, from England, fhall continue for three years, and thence to the end of the next Seflion of Parliament. S s 2 The 3i6 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS The Houfc agreed to the Bill, and ordered it to be ingrofTed. They alfo received the report, and paft it, of an addrefie to his Majefty for bringing over the Duke of Northumberland. There are no Bills of very publick nature, except thefe two mony bills like to paffe this meeting, many gentlemen being gone, and moft impatient of ftaying : fo that the Parliament is like to rife by next Saturday. I am. Gentlemen, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. April lo, 1677. LETTER CCIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY while the Houfe of Commons vi^as making haft toward the end of their fitting, Mr. Secretary Williamfon brought them the following meffage in writing from his Majefty : " His Majefty having confidered " your late addreffe, and finding fome late alteration in the " affairs abroad, thinks it necefiary to put you in mind that " the only way to prevent the danger which may arife to *' thefo kingdomes muft be by putting his Majefty timely " in condit'on to make fuch fitting preparations, as may " inable TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 317 *' inable him to doe what fhall be moft for the fecurity of " them ; and if for this rcafoii you fhall deiire to fit any *' longer time, the King is content you adjourne now before " Eafter, and meet again fuddenly after to ripen this matter, *' and to perfedl fome of the moft neceiTary Bills now de- " pending." After this weighty and^ fignificative meffage, the Secretary added as by intimation from his Majefty, that he intended the recefle fliould be 'till October by adjourn- ment, and that in the meaa time his Majefly would, becaufe it might be ftill in his power to call the Parliament if his affairs more fuddenly required it, continue them by fhort adjournments from fix weeks to fix weeks : this did caft the Houfe into a deep confideration, fo that the debate growing difficult was adjourned till to-day at ten o'clock. And the Lords having yefterday made an amendment to the Bill of 6oo,oool. that the officers through whom it palled lliould be accountable to the Lords as well as Commons ; the Houfe ordered to alTume the debate of that next after the King's meffage ; which being moft deliberately poyfed to- day in all its words and matter, the Houfe firft ordered that in their Bill of Excife, not yet fent to the Lords, there fhould be a claufe of credit added, inabling his Majefty to borrow 200, cool, at feven per ce?2t. And then they made another generall vote diredive to a Committee to draw up an anfwer to his Majefty, giving him humble thanks for laying before them his fenfe of the pofture of affairs abroad, and to let him know 3i8 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS know that in order to his preparation, in purfuance of their addrefle for the fafety of the kingdomes, they have provided a fecurity of 200,oool, for his Majefty, and that what- foever part thereof fhall be expended accordingly they will reimburfc, and whenfoever his Majcfty's affairs fhall require their attendance in Parliament, they will be ready to aid and aflift him as the nature of his affairs fliall require. After this they difagreed with the Lords amendment, who I fup- pofe may yielde the point. We fit again to-morrow, being Good Friday, at two o'clock, and I hope may rife by Satur- day night. I am, Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. jipril 12, 1677. LETTER CCIIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Lords having unhappily in the Bill of 600, cool, inferted in the claufe that makes officers through whom it paffes accountable to the Lords alfo^ the two Houfes have yefterday, and all to-day been plunged in Conferences, 2iX\di free Co?2ferences ', the Commons taking it to bean in- 4 vafion TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 319 valion of tJieir fole right in mony matters. One Houfe or other I hope and doubt not will yield. We expelled to rife to-day for good and all ; but if we do, it cannot now be be- fore midnight ; fo that for furenefle I write this to you at eight o'clock. The Excife Bill, and the claufe of borrowing at feven per ce?it. added to it, are agreed by both Houfes. The Commons yefternight at eight o'clock went from the Houfe to wait upon the King, at the Banquetting Houfe, with their third addreffe, which I fend you here inclofed. St. Omar is taken. The King of France at Calais. The Duke of Crequy coming over from him hither ; the Earle of Sun- derland and Lord Duras going thither from the King and Duke. God fend us an happy concluflon. I am, Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. April 14, 1677. LETTER CCIV. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. SIR, INCE I writ the inclofed (which was when the Com- mons had fent to the Lords for another free Confe- rence) the Houfe growing unfeafonable, the Lords returned anfwer S 3^0 A N D R E vV M A R V E L L's LETTERS anfwer that they agreed that the Conference fhould be on Munday morning at ten o'clock ; fo though we could not finifh to-night, yet I hope we may then, this Bill being of fo great weight, and the pretenfe of the Lords in the opinion ef the Commons fo ill founded, that upon division to-night Vv'hether to agree or difagree with them, there were 156 to difagree againft 27; and the King being on Monday to goe his journy to Newmarket, unlefTe fomething extraordinary intervene, the Lords fent down yeflernight a Bill for better Obfervation of the Lord's Day, which they have read the firft time. I am, SI R, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejimnlier^ April 14, 1677. LETTER CCV. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, MY laft I fuppofe left you in fome alarme, which I am glad I can by this my next quiet again. For the Commons having yefterday held a long free Conference with the Lords concerning their adding themfelves to that claufe of TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 321 of account in the Mony Bill ; their Lordfliips, after a great debate thereupon in their own Houfe, found caufe to recede, and fo fent a mefTage to the Commons, that they agreed to the Bill without their own amendment. There was yefter- day another thing of no lelTe weight, his Majefty fending by Mr. Secretary Williamfon the written mefTage here inclofed. The Secretary, after it was read, added thefe words, " that " if the Houfe were for this end inclined to continue its fit- " ting, his Majefty would be willing to grant it." The Houfe hereupon confummating the feverall reflexions natu- rally aridng from fo important a meflage, and at fuch a feafon, ordered a Committee, which brought in the anfwer inclofed. It was approved by the Houfe, and the houre growing late, they thought not fit to defire to wait impor- tunely on his Majefty, but tranfmitted it by Mr. Secretary to him in the lodgings by the Lords Houfe. By this time 'twas neare eight o'clock, fo the Black Rod came. There were paft the two Mony Bills. A Bill for better obferving the Lord's Day. It came from the Lords, and the Com- mons read it yefterday the fecond time in the morn without committing it, fo that it was read the third in the afternoon without any alteration. 'Tis a very good Bill for fo much. A Bill to take away the Writ de Hceretico Coi}ibure?ido. A Bill to prevent Frauds and Perjuryes. A Bill for Commif- fioners to take Affidavits made in the country. A Bill to confirm augmentations made to fmall Vicarages, &c. Other Vol. L T t Bills 522 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Bills of greater weight muft expeft maturity from the next meeting. The Parliament is adjourned till 21" May next. The King went early this morning for Newmarket, to con- tinue toward a fortnight. I am, Gentlemen, Your moft humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL, Jpril ijt 1677. T/je Lords Addrejfe about the Bill for Shipps. April 16, 1677. Most Gracious Sovereign^ WE your Majeftye's moft loyall and obedient fubjedls, the Lords fpirituall and temporall in Parliament aflembled, do humbly beg leave to lay before your Majeftye, that having upon feverall conferences and free conferences with the Commons, debated concerning the differences in the Bill, intitled, an A6t for raifmg the fumme of 584,978!. 2s. 2d. for the fpeedy building of thirty fhips of warre, in which the Commons difallow the amendments offered by this Houfe ; and having given fuch reafons to fupport our amendments as we conceived ought to have convinced them, neverthelefle the Commons remaining immoveable, have thereby 'a TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 323 thereby put us upon the extreme difficulty either of fhaking our privileges, or withdrawing our faid amendments, or ot hazarding the fafety of the Nation by letting a Bill fall that is fo necelTary at this time ; we have, out of our unfeigned duty to your Majefty, and regard to the publick, complied with the Commons, though againft our judgements. And that we may be rightly underftood why we do fo, we humbly take leave to affure your Majefty, that we were moved to it by no other argument than to exprefTe our great duty to your Majefty, and to comply with the prefent necef- flty in point of time, and out of our tendernefle that the whole may not fuffer by our prefent infifting upon that which is our undoubted right. All which we befeech your Majefty gracioufty to accept from us as a lafting teftimony of our zeal to your Majefty and the Kingdom's fervice. T. B. Cl. Parl. His Majejly s A?ifwer, HIS Majefty receives the fame very kindly, and afilires your Lordfhips, that in all things that concerne your privi- leges, he will be as carefull of them, and as affiftant to you in them, as yourfelves can defire. CHARLES REX. HIS Majefty having conftdered the anfwer of this Houfe to his laft meflage about inabling him to make fitting prepa- T t 2 rations 324 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS rations for the fafetie of thefe Kingdoms, finds by it that they have only inabled him to borrow 200,oool. upon a fund given him for other ufes. His Majefty defires you, for the Houfe fliould know, and he hopes they will always believe of him, that not only that funds, but any other within his power, fhall be ingagcd to the outmoft for pre- fervation of his Kingdoms. But as his Majeftye's condition is (which he doubts not but is as well known to them as himfelfe) he muft tell them plainly, that without the fum of 6oo,oool. or credit for fuch a fum upon a new fund, it will not be poflible for him to fpeake or adt thofe things which will anfwer the ends of their feverall AddrefTes, with- out expofing the Kingdoms to much greater danger. His Majefty does further acquaint them, that having done his part, and laid the true ftate of things before them, he will not be wanting to ufe the beft means for the fafetie of his people, that his prefent condition is capable of. April 1 6, 1677. May it please your Majesty, WE your Majeftye's moft loyall and dutifull fubjedls the Commons in this prefent Parliament aflembled, have con- fidered your Majeftiy's laft meflage, and the gracious expref- fions therein contained for imploying your whole revenue at any time to raife monie for the prefervation of your Majefty's Kingdoms, doe find great caufe to return our moft humble thanks TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 325 thanks to your Majefty for the fame ; and to defire your Majefty to reft afTured that your Majefty Ihall find as much dutie and affedlion in us as can be exprefTed by a moft loyall people to a mofl gracious Soveraine. And whereas your Majefty is pleafed to fignifie to us that thefum of 200,000!. is not fufficient without further fupply, to inable your Majefty to fpeak and a6t thofe things which are defired by your people ; we humbly take leave to acquaint your Majefty, that many of our members being in expectation of an adjournment before Eafter, are gone into their feverall counties. We cannot thinke it parliamentary in their ab- fence to take upon us the granting of monie, but doe there- fore defire your Majefty to be gracioufly pleafed that this Houfe may adjourn itfelte to fuch fliort time before the fum. of 20o,oool. can be expended as your Majefty fhall think. fit, and by your royall proclamation to command the attend- ance of all our members at the day of meeting, by which time we hope your Majefty may have foe formed your affairs and fixed your alliances in purfuance of our former Addrefle, that your Majefty may be gratioufty pleafed to impart them to us in Parliament ; and doe noe ways doubt, but at our next aflembling your Majefty will not only meet with a com - plianfe in the fupply your Majefty defireth, but with all fur-- ther afliftance as the pofture of your affairs fhall require. In confidence whereof we hope your Majefty will be incouraged to fpeak and acS fuch things as your Majefty fliall 326 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS fliall judge neceffary for attaining thofe great ends we have formerly reprefented to your Majefty. April 1 6, 1677. LETTER CCVL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, THE inclofed being fince our rifing come to my hand, I thought it alfo might deferve your notice. Within a weeke, I fuppofe, we fhall perceive whether his Majefty thinke fit to recall us by proclamation for 21" of May, or then to inlarge the adjournment. I fpoke yefterday to the Printer, who tells me the A6ls will fcarfe be out before next Saturday, when I will take the firft convenience of fending them ; and if you in the mean time know of any, pray diredl me. Excufe my defedls, I befeech you, and prefent my fervice to the Bench. I am particularly, Worthy Sir, Your moft afFedionate fervant, Lodgings in Malden-Lm, ANDREW MARVELL. April 21, 1677. LET- TO THE COP^PORATION OF HULL. 327 LETTER CCVIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sir, HIS is onely to prefent you my fervice, and tell yoUy T that the Mony Ad: came out yeflerday, which is all yet printed. It is fo bulky that there is publick care taken to fend and difperfe them ; but when they are all out, I £hall the firft conveyance difpatch them to you. It goes, fince the King came home yefterday, for current, that the Parlia- ment {hall fit on at the. day, though it is not yet afcertained. I am, S I R, Your moft affedionate fervant, Wejiminjler, May I, 1677. ANDREW MARVELL, LETTER CCVIII. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Worthy Sia, THIS is chiefly to inclofe to you his Majeftye's Procla- mation for re-aflembling the Parliament on the 21* of May. Yefterday motions were feverally made in the King's Bench, for Habeas Coi'pus to the Conftable of the Tower for Harrington, Murray, and Browne, which were granted for 328 ANDREW MARVEL L*s LETTERS for this day ; but they not being brought to-day, a delay ufuall in fuch cafes, to-morrow, 1 underftand, they will move for an alias. Alfo yefterday, his Majefty having not approved of the three Lords joint petition, forafmuch as he looked upon them under diftinft charadters, each of them fent his petition apart ; the Duke of Buckingham, by the Earle of Middlefex ; the Earle of Salifbury, by the Earle of Oxford; and the Earle of Shaftfbury, by Secretary Coventry ; but what anfwer his Majefty pleafeth to return^j- as yet appears not. The French Cavaliers moft of them are, I heare, within two or three days upon their returne homewarde. This is what I heare at prefent. I remaine, Worthy Sir, Your moft affedionate friend, ANDREW MARVELL. London, May 3, 1677. LETTER CCIX. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Parliament fate down yefterday. The King did not command the Houfe of Commons up to the Lords to fpeake to them ; but they proceeded as they do iipon continued fitting by adjournment, without any folem- 4 nity. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 329 nity. When fate, Secretary Coventry delivered by word of mouth, that the King having called them, according to their defire in their laft Addrefle at the day of adjournment, by proclamation, did, now they were a full Houfe, defirc them to condder his laft mefTage. Some of the Houfe feemed to move toward the 600, cool, without any account of what was done toward alliances ; but others (and it feemed the generall inclination) appeared of the contrary opinion : They did not contend on either part for a queftion, but after no long fitting adjourned till Wednefday, expedling whether then there may be any thing riper to communicate. As farre as a man may guefie, there will be no mony given this fitting, but upon very vifible and elTeduall termes. They revive no Committee but that for recallino; the forces out of France. This was all. I am with all refped, Your moft affedionate fervant. May 22, 1677. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CCX. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY, as foon as the Speaker tooke the chaire, Mr. Secretary Coventry acquainted the Houfe that the King commanded them immediately to attend him in the Banketting-houfe at Whitehall : They prefently rofe and Vol. I. U u went <( (( 330 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS, went thither, where his Majefty fpoke thus: " Gentlemen, ** I fent for you hither to prevent miftakes and miftrufts, " which I find fome fo ready to make, as if I had called " you together onely to get mony from you for other ufes " than you would have it imployed. I do affure you on " the word of a King, that you fhall not repent any *' truft you repofe in me for the fafety of my Kingdomes ; " and I defire you to believe I would not break my credit with you. But as I have already told you that it would be impcfTible for me to fpeake or ad: thofe things which " fhould anfwer the ends of your feverall Addrefles, with- " out expofing my Kingdomes to much greater dangers ; fo " I declare to you againe, that I will neither hazard mine " own fafety nor yours, untill I be in a better condition than *' I am able to put myfelfe, both to defend my fubjeds, and " offend my enemyes. I do further affure you, that I have " not loft one day fince your laft meeting, in doing all I can for our defenfe j and I tell you plainly, it fhall be your fault and not mine, if our fecurity be not fufficiently pro- *' vided for." Then he delivered them the paper, faying, he had read it to prevent miftakes. The Houfe entered into a debate upon this fubjedt ; fome moving for a queftion, whether a fupply or no ; but others to confider rather what alliances were proper for the fafety of the Nation againft the French, and that the Houfe might turne itfelfe into a Committee hereupon. The queftion to take in both thefe it TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 331 thefe fenfes was put in generall termes, to turne into a Com- mittee of the whole Houfe to confider of his Majcftye's Speech, and fo paffed. So they argued both thefe ways till five o'clock, when they came to this refult, that the Houfe be defired to appoint a Committee to draw up an Addreile to his Majefty, deliring him to enter into a league ofFenfive and defenlive with the States of the United Provinces, and to make fuch further alliances vs^ith fuch other of the confederates as his Majefty fhall thinke fit, againft the power and growth of the French King, and for the prefervation of the Spanifli Netherlands ; and to draw up reafons for the fpeedy entering into fuch alliances. As alfo reafons why the Houfe cannot comply with his Majeftye's Speech untill fuch alliances be entered into ; but giving aflurance, that being done, of fpeedy and chearfuU fupplyes from time to time, for the fup- port and maintenance of the fame. This was from the Committee reported to the Houfe, who approved the fame, and named a particular Committee to that purpofe, then adjourned till nine o'clock on Friday, for the Houfe feeme to negled any other bufinefle. This particular Committee, though fo late, fate yefternight and this day, though holy- day, and have perfedled the Addrefle fit for a report to the Houfe to-morrow morning. It appears that this meeting may feparate before Whit-Sunday. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, Wejimivft^r, M^y 24, 1677, ANDREW MARVELL. U u 2 332 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CCXL Mr. WILLIi^M FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, T^HIS Addrefie being of fo great weight, I thought I could not do better than to give you it at full length by this firft opportunity. The Houfe received the report with, much approbation ; onely they differed about retaining or leaving out thofe particular words of entering into a League offenfive and dcfenGve with the States ; fome rather deiiring that there might only be generall words, and not nominating ; fo that it grew into a confi- derable debate, which was decided by a diviiion of 182 againft 142, that the words fhould ftand. And then the queftion being put to agree with the whole Addrefle, it pafTed unanimoufly. The members of the Privy Councell were then defired to inquire when his Majefty would be pleafed to admit the Houfe to attend him. After this they received the report from the Committee, of the Bill recalling all his Majeftye's fubjedls within fuch convenient times from the French King's fervice, whether by land or fea, under feverall great penaltyes, and that of Felony. The Houfe agreed to the amendments, and ordered the Bill to be ingroffed. At their meeting to-day, Mr. Secretary Coventry informed them, that his Majefty appointed three o'clock at the Banqueting-houfe. The ingrofled Bill for recalling 4 from TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 333 from the PVench King's fervice was then read and pafled, and fent up to the Lords for their concurrence, and he who carried it, ordered to put the Lords in mind of our Bill to prevent the growth of Popery, which they have not once read. In the afternoon they waited on the King, who having heard it, replyed, that it was long, and the bufinelle very weighty, and he would return an anfwer as foon as he could ; it is generally expeded that may be upon Munday,. and this meeting may then feparate. The Houfe hath not meddled with any other bufinelle, nor inclines further. I am, GentlemeNj my very worthy Friends, Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejlminjler, May 26, 1677. (N. B. The following feems not to he the Addrejje referred to in the above Letter^ though laid hy with it.) May it please your Majesty, " WE your Majeftye's moft loyall fubjefts the Knights, Citizens, and Burgefles afiembled in Parliament, find our- felves obliged in duty and faithfulnefle to your Majefty, and in difcharge of the truft repofed in us by thofe whom we reprefent, moft humbly to offer to your moft ferious confiderationj 334 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS confideration, that the minds of your Majeftye's people are much difquieted with the manifeft danger arifing to your Majefty by the growth and power of the French King, efpe- cially by the acquifitions akeady made, and the further pro- grefle Hkely to be made by him in the Spanifh Netherlands, in the prefervation and fecurity whereof we humbly conceive the intereft of your Majefty and the fafety of your people are highly concerned : And therefore we moft humbly befeech your Majefty to take the fame into your Royall care, and to ftrengthen yourfelfe with fuch ftridler alHances as may fecure the faid Netherlands, and thereby quiet the minds of your Majefty's people." Agreed in the Houfe netnitie cojttradkente. Voted to be carried up to the Lords to deftre their concurrence : carried up by Mr. Powell. The Lords anfwered that they have con- fidered of the mefiage, and will returne anfwer by meflenger of their own. LETTER CCXIL Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY as foon as the Speaker took the chaire, Mr. Secretary Coventry told the Houfe, that the King commanded their attendance in the Banketing Houfe, where liis TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 335 his Majefty fpoke in this manner : " Could I have been " filent I would rather have chofen to be fo, then to call to *' mind things fo unfit for you to meddle with as are con- " tained in fome parts of your addreffe; wherein you have " intrenched upon fo undoubted a right of the Crowne, that " I am confident it will appear in no age when the fvvord " was not drawn, that the prerogative of making Peace and " Warre has been fo dangeroufly invaded. You doe not " content yourfelves with defiring me to enter into fuch " leagues as may be for the fafety of the kingdome, but " you tell me what fort of leagues they mufi: be, and with " whom. And as your addreffe is worded, it is more lia- ** ble to be underftood by your leave than requcft that I " fhould make fuch other alliances as I pleafe with fuch " other of the Confederates. Should I fuffer this funda- " mentall power of making Peace and Warre to be fo farre ** invaded, though but once, as to have the manner and " circumftances of Leagues prefcribed to me by Parliament, " it is plaine that no Prince or State would any longer be- ** lieve the Sovereignty of England to reft in the Crowne, " nor could I thinke myfelfe to fignify any more to forain " Princes then the empty found of a King. Wherefore you " may reft affured, that no condition fhall make me depart " from or leffen fo effential 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 are not intended 5 ^y 336 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS *' by them. Thcfe are in fliort the reafons why I can by " no means approve of your addrefle : and though you have *' declined to grant me that fupply which is fo neceffary to *' the ends of it, yet I doe againe declare to you, that as I " have done all that lies in my power fince your laft meet- *' ing, fo I will apply myfclfe by all the meanes I can to let ** the world fee my care both for the fecurity and fatisfad:ion *' of my people, although it may not be with thofe advan- *' tages to them which by your afliftances I might have " procured." The King delivered the paper then to the Speaker, adding it was to prevent miftakes ; then faid " I " would have you returne to the Houfe, and I require you *' immediately to adjourne till the 16''' of July; but I do *' not intend you fhall fit till winter unleffe there fhould " happen any urgent occafion, in which cafe you fhall have " notice by Proclamation". The Speaker having reported all this to the Houfe, feverall gentlemen ftood up deiiring to be heard, which he denyed, alledging ftill the King's com- mand to adjourne immediately ; but they perfifting, he without putting it to the queftion left the chaire, pronoun- cing onely thefe words : ^^ By the King s cofnmand this Houfe " is adjour?ted till July 16". So ended this meeting. I am, Your mofl: humble fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wtjlminjler^ May 29, 1677, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 337 LETTER CCXin. Mr. WILLIAM FOXLEY, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE fixteenth of this moneth being the day appointed by his Majefty for declaring his further pleafure concerning the Parliament, I came to towne that I might be prefent at the meeting. As foon as the Houfe was fate, Mr. Secretary Coventry delivered a meflage from his Majefty, that it was his Majeftye's command the Houfe fhould immediately adjourne till the third of December next. Whereupon the Houfe was accordingly immediately adjourned ; onely there was a motion made, and feconded to have read, the order by which the Houfe was adjourned at the former meeting, there being fome errour fuppofed in the entring of it contrary to the truth of the fad as it then pafTed. But this motion was not inter- teined, the Houfe being generally difpofed to be moft pundlually obedient to his Majeftye's meflage without put- ting any queftion, not fo much as that which formerly ufed to be put of courfe, whether they would adjourne, that being an adt of the Houfe. The Speaker onely pronounced " the Houfe is adjourned". You were pleafed to recom- mend to me the bufinefle of Mr, Watfon, wherein Mr. Guy- hath been fo extremely civill to you and me that he hath obliged me to infped the accounts between his agent and Vol. I. X X Mr. 338 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS Mr. Watfon, and would not himfelfe be prefent becaufe he would leave us the more at liberty ; for he alfo faid that he was fo defirous of ftanding faire in your efteeme, that fee- ing you had thought fit to take notice of the matter, he would fubjedl it to me that I might fatisfy you and myfelfe of the nature and reafon of his proceedings ; and this he would not be denyed. So that, although it exceeded what you had defired of me, I could not but accept of it. I have been almoft one whole afternoon upon it, and when they are againe ready, fball attend, hoping and wifliing that Mr. Watfon may appeare worthy of the recommendation you have given him. The news from abroad, of which you will fee part in yefterday's prints, is, I fuppofe, better than that relation gives it in many refpeds. Even that of the Duke of Lorraine, and that in Catalaunia is faid to be much other- wife. Nor is it improbable but that the Confederates may now every day give a better account of this campayne. There was this laft weeke here a lad Seflion : one (I thinke a Frenchman) indided for a rape on a girle of ten years old ; another man for buggery of a mare : but both thefe acquitted, the evidence not coming up to the difficult proofe that the law requires. The third, a woman for beaftlineile with a dog, for which (he is condemned and will be exe- cuted. I wifh I had fomething better left to take off the ill relifh of fuch horrid wickednefTe at the end of my letten That TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 339 That which I can fay moft acceptable to myfelfe, and I hope not unpleafing to you, is, that I continue, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affectionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. London^ July 17, 1677. LETTER CCXIV. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, OF KINGSTON UPON HULL. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, IWent yefterday according to your Commands (for fuch are your requefts to me) to wait upon the Duke of Mon- mouth with your letter ; but firft I acquainted Mr. Vernon, his fecretary, with it ; we afterwards went up to him, and I having prefented him your letter, he read it with great leifure. Then uiing words of great civility to yourfelves and the town, he told me that he would be ready to gratify you in any expedient you fhould propofe, except in a dead pay, which he thought a thing of ill example. I replyed that you had been farre from fuggefting that way of maintaining the children, and that you thought it more becoming your X X 2 duty 340 ANDREW M A R V E L L's LETTERS duty to acquiefce in whatfoever his Grace fliould order there- in, than todi i677-8^ LETTER CCXXXV. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Poll Bill was read and ingroffed. The Houfe added the word Vinegar among the French Commodityes prohibited. It was indevoured to change 2 the TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. s/r the 20"* of this moneth to the 2^ in refpeft to merchants, but could not be compafled. The title of the AB is, To raife 7no?iy by a Poll Billy to e?iable his Majejly to enter into an aSiuall warre with the French King^ a?id prohibiting feverall French commodityes^ It was then carryed up to the Lords by Sir Edward Deering, and he ordered at the fame time to put their Lordfliips in mind of the Commons Bill againft the growth of Popery. The Lords ftreight red it once then, and to-day the fecond time, and on Munday are to be in a Committee of their whole Houfe upon it. The Bill againft Hawkers and Pedlars was this day reported in the Commons Houfe, and ordered to be ingroffed. The Committee againft exportation of Wooll, 8cc. fate this after- noon upon the abufes of the Aulnage, and voted firft, that the fubfidy of Aulnage and the Aulnager's Fee ought to be payd onely by the maker ; then that the feiftng of Packs by them upon the road was an abufe ; then that their for- cing Drapers, Retailers, Shop-keepers, Factors to a yearly Compofttion for not fearching, was an abufe, 8cc. and that it is the opinion of the Committee that an Ad: ought to be prepared for remedy. The explanatory Adl of Chimny Mony is ready ingroffed. The French King, llnce Gant, hath, it is faid, befteged Ypres. There are not fo many Eng- lifli gone over yet for Flanders as I told you : feverall Com- miflions are now iffued to thofe that are to command in the Land Army. The Houfe hath ordered to be on Munday 3 B 2 in 372 ANDREW MARVELL'a LETTERS in Committee of the whole Hoiife upon the new Build- ings, I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant,. ANDREW MARVELL* Wejlviinjieri March 9, 1677-8. LETTER CCXXXVr. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Committee of the whole Houfe de- bated Heads for the Bill upon new Foundations, refolvedy that buildings upon the places of Noblemens Houfes, &c. as Yorke, EfTex, Exeter Houfe Buildings, &c. fliould be reckon- ed as upon new Foundations ; that the feverall interefts of firft proprietors and meane conveyances fhould be valued and accordingly conlldered anddedud:ed; that Buildings begun, but not finifhed, fhould be rated by the Commiffioners ; that Contracts fince fuch a day for building fliould be vacated or valued ; that there be a claufe to prohibite all further buildings, which is efteemed fome reparation to thofe who muft pay, making their Houfes more eftimable, and a Bill ordered to be brought in to this purpofe. To-day they pafled the TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL, 373 the Bill for Chimny Mony, and fent it up to the Lords. And after, the report of that for burying in flanell, ordered it to be ingrofled. The Lords were to-day againe in Committee of their whole Houfe upon the Poll Bill, and agreed to all the materiall points, which it was imagined might have bred fome difficulty, as, the giving account to the Commons (the Lords not named) in Parliament ; the claule of appropriation to the French warre ; the claufe of prohibition of the French commodityes annexed, nor do I perceive that the day is altered. On Munday a Popifh Lord, the Earle of Caftle- haven, an old foldier under the King of Spaine, in Flanders, afked leave of the Lords Houfe (being a member of it) to repaire to his command in Flanders, and that having been granted him, he thence tooke occafion to reprefent with great freedome the fad condition of Flanders, and confe- quently of England, which wrought fo farre that to-morrow was appointed by them to take the ftate of the kingdome into confideration. The Duke of Monmouth, and many other perfons of quality, returned on Sunday from Oaflend. I heare that things not onely there, but in Holland too, have a very ill afped. Ypres and Dexmuide are faid to be taken. I am. Gentlemen, &c.. Your moft affecflionate fervant, Mmh 12, 1677-8. ANDREW MAR\^ELr.. 374 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CCXXXVIL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy F'riends, THE Lords, notwithftanding their order I writ you of, did yefterday let that bufineffe wholly flip away, and onely biified themfelves about the Poll Bill, to which they made fome little amendments (but altered nothing materiall) which the Commons agreed to, fo that now that A6t is ready to be paffed when his Majefty pleafes. The Commons were yefter- day taken up almoft the whole day in hearing the caufe of Lindfey Levell, which not having neverthelefTe heard whole out, they ordered for to-morrow. To-day the progrefte of the French King in Flanders ftill threatning us, and the vigour neceffary to oppofe it not feeming fufficient, there was a motion made and purfued to turne the Houfe into a Committee to confider of the ftate of the nation, and to pro- pofe remedyes to prevent the dangers impending over it, and accordingly it was ordered : and they came to this refult, that an addreffe {hould be prepared humbly to advife his Majefty that to quiet the minds of his loya]l fubjeds, and to incourage the Princes and States confederate againft the French King, he would be gracioufly pleafed to declare, proclaime, and immediately to enter into an adluall warre with the French King, and to give his Majefty afturance that TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 375 that this Houfe will conftantly ftan^ by and aide his Majefty in the profecution thereof, with plentifull fupplyes and afliftances. As alfo to dedre his Majefty to recall his Em- baiTadors from France and from Nieumegen, and to fend the French EmbalTador here away home. The Committee further came to a queftion to defire his Majefty to remove from his Coimfells fuch as had advifed his anfwer upon the 25*'' of May laft to the Houfe's AdreiTe, and that had ad- vifed the following adjournments ; but they divided whe- ther that queftion ftiould be put, and by 130 againft 125 It was carryed in the negative. Some gentlemen were, after the report made and agreed to by the Houfe, ordered to draw up this adrefle, and to meet this night immediately about it, though the Houfe had continued fitting till fix o'clock. This either is all or all which I have at pre- fent leifure to tell you. I amy Gentlemen, Sec. Your moft affedlionate fervant,- ANDREW MARVELL. We/lmlnjier, March ji^yib-jfr^i- LET- 376 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CCXXXVIIL Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen", my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons agreed upon the adrefTe inclofed, and to fend it up to the Lords to de- fire their concurrence, who have been in debate of it to-day till foure o'clock, and then adjourned it till Munday. After having done this, the Houfe of Commons read the lirft time, the Bill for an impolition on the new Foundations, and after fome oppofition ordered it a fecond reading. To-day they read the two Bills ingroffed of burying in Woollen, and of wearing Woollen from the firft of November till Lady-day, and have fent them up to the Lords. Then a motion was made upon occafion of a paper prefented by the Quakers, of the fame nature with this which I fend you printed. And after a conliderable debate it terminated in the vote inclofed. After this another motion was made concerning the dangers from the growth of Popery, and that ended in the laft vote. For ought I perceive the taking of Ypres is yet uncertaine. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl: affecftionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Wejiminjlir, March i6, 1677-8. Y TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 377 LETTER CCXXXIX. Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, ESTERDAY the Commons paft and fent up the Bill againft Hawkers and Pedlars, &c. They read alfo the fecond time the Bill for 70,000!. for a Funerall and Monument to his late Majefty ; and they ordered the mem- bers of the Privy Counfell to acquaint his Majefty, that the Poll Bill was paft both Houfes ready for the Royall Affent. In the afternoon fate the Committee, to w^hom the Quakers complaint was refer'd, and of other Diffenters profecuted, convidled and feifed by the laws againft Papifts. Severall of them appeared, and exhibited the names of diverfe perfons in the refpediive countyes fo proceeded againft ; whereupon the Committee ordered the Records neceft*ary to be fearched, and that there might be time for infpedion, adjourned till Friday next. To-day the buftnefle appointed of the danger from the growth of Popery, was diverted by other bufinefte of great moment. His Majefty fent word, that to-itiorrow he would pafle the Poll Bill, and prefted the Houfe by the fame meftage to haften the remaining fupply. After that, the two Lords Chief Juftices brought the Addrefle from the Lords with feverall alterations. For the word im- mediately, they faid, with all the expedition which cmi pojftbly confifl with the fafety of your Majejlys affaires. Then they Vol. I. 3 C leave 378 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS leave out the whole claufe of recalling the Embaffadors, and ceafing the mediation. And laftly, inftead of for no other endy they fay, to the end. The Houfe debated the firft, and difagreed with the Lords upon a divifion of 1 55 againfi: 112; fo likewife in the reft, and have ordered a Committee to draw up reafons for a conference with the Lords upon all that matter. It feems by the debates, that his Majefty hath not yet the alliances requifite for a warre, and is unwilling to declare warre till the whole fupply be perfecSled ; but the commillions are moft of them iffued, and the officers raife men with all poffible expedition. I am, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft afFedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. March 19, 1677-8. LETTER CCXL. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons yefterday were of publick bujQnefte onely upon the Bill for the feventy thoufand pounds for his late Majefty's interment and monument, in a Committee of the whole Houfe ; they pafled part of it, but ftill vary whether to propofe the monument to be eredted at 5 "Weftminfter, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 379 Weftminfter, Windfor, or Poules, or to leave the difpofall wholy to his Majefty. In the afternoon fate their Commit- tee concerning the punifhing Quakers and other Diffenters by the laws againfl: Popiili Recufants, levying tvi^o-thirds of their eftates, and to enquire whether Papifts eftates were in like manner feifed and levyed ; and to find out a diftindlion between Papifts and Proteftant Diflenters. Proofes were made in feverall countyes as to this matter, and the Quakers delivered this inclofed as a thing which their whole party are ready to fubfcribe to. To-day the Houfe were in a long debate, whether to commit the Bill of New-buildings. (I doubt in my laft to you I errd for haft, telling you it had been in a Committee, whereas then alfo it was onely a de- bate about committing it.) At laft it is refolved to be com- mitted, and fit on it next Tuefday ; Wednefday upon the growth of Popery. This flownefie in the remaining Mony- Bills feems to be from the uncertainty the Houfe is ftill in of his Majeftyes alliances, and the delay there is in declaring war. The Lords, I heare, have difagreed with the Com- mons reafons for the AddrefiTe, and named a Committee to draw up their reafons in order to a conference. The Houfes have adjournd till Tuefday. I am. Gentlemen, &c. Your humble fervant, jri/lrninjer, March 22, 1677-2. ANDREW MARVELL. 3 C 2 LET- 380 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CCXLL Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Houfe of Commons received the Report I formerly writ you of concerning the abufes of the Aulnage, and ordered that a Bill fhould be brought in for reftifying the fame. After that his Majefty fent them a mefTage, fignifying to them, that they might adjourne till the eleventh of the next moneth ; fo that having no com- mand to adjourne immediately, they entred upon the bufi- nefle appointed for the day, concerning the growth of Popery. Many things were difcourfed of that matter ; and among the reft, two Gentlemen, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Scudamore, were called in to informe the Houfe of feverall particulars in Monmouth and Hereford (hire, about Maffes, Priefts, &c. and other things too open and vifible in thofe countyes. The Gentlemen gave fo good an account to the Houfe, having been alfo adlive on their parts in fuppreiling to their power thofe irregularityes, that the Houfe ordered the thankes of the Houfe to be given them, which was accord- ingly done very eloquently by Mr. Speaker ; and they pro- ceeded on in their debate, fome by reafon of the inftant adjournment moving that the debate might be adjourned untill the next meeting ; but it being refolved to the con- trary upon divilion of 1 1 3 againft 69, they afterwards named a Committee TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 381 a Committee to confider of the dangers by the growth of Popery, and the remedyes for the fame, which is in order to a conference to be defired of the Lords at the next meet- ing, touching that fubjedt, and probably as one great remedy for the fame, to prelTe them againe for the pafling of the Commons Bill which hath layd there fo long, to prevent the growth of Popery. During this debate there was a meflage from the Lords waited long at the doore, fuppofed to be concerning an anfwer to the reafons of the Commons about the AddrefTe, but not being called in, they returned. Thefe things being fo farre fettled, they then ordered the call of the Houfe to be the iG** of the next moneth, and then they adjourned themfelves till the ii'\ I have fent you the Poll Bill. I have nothing further at prefent, than to remaine. Gentlemen, &c. Your mod affectionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJlm'inJier, March 28, 1678. The Shrieves have order to fummon up all abfent Parlia- ment-men in the countryes. LET- 382 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CCXLIL Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY his Majefty being come into the Lords Houfe Tent for the Commons, who prefented him their Speaker, who firft, as ufuall, excufed himfelfe upon his difabiUtyes, defiring his Majefty to admit it; but his Majefty, by the mouth of the Lord Chief Juftice North, approved of him, and then the Speaker made the foure ufuall petitions in the name of the Commons, which the King granted. Then Judge North told them, that the Dutch Embaffador wanted power to a principall part of the war, prohibition of commerce ; his Majefty therefore would have them adjourn till the 29'^ by which time hoped to impart things to their fatisfoaion. But they returning, debated to fend to the Lords to addrefte jointly to his Majefty, that they might ftt on to do other bufmefle, which debate fell, news being brought the Lords were rifen. Then they ordered the Committee for drawing reafons to confer with the Lords about the Bill of Popery, and for examinations about the growth of Popery and the remedyes, to ftt in the intervall, and fo adjourned till the 2(f\ I remaine, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, .prii 16, 1678. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 383 LETTER CCXLIIL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons being to-day met, Mr. Secre- tary Coventry acquainted them from his Majefty, that their Speaker being iick in the country, and that very dangeroufly, his Majefty gave them leave to chufe a new one, and that they fhould prefent him next Munday. This being all from his Majefty, he fate down, then rofe, and moved for Sir Robert Sawyer as a fit perfon. It indured fome debate : but at laft it vi^as agreed that the clerke fliould put the queftion upon him, which went in the affirmative; fo he was placed in the chaire, and then the Houfe adjourned itfelfe without doing more bufmeffe, untill Munday. In the Lords Houfe likewife, the Chancclor not being prefent, but a patent read, whereby he was inabled to fubllitute a fpeaker in his place, but pro tcjnpore^ and fignifying at the fame time tliat he was not in health fit to attend their fervice, and had therefore named Lord Chief Jiiftice North to fupply that place, it was fo done. The City have agreed to indevor to lend his Majefty ioo,oool. on the fecond 100, cool, in the Poll Bill ; 20, cool, is fubfcribed already. As bufineife opens I fliall write you more at large, remaining, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft ajffedionate fervant, ApnUc^. 1678. ANDREW MARVELL, 384 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CCXLIV. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS is only to give you account, that upon Tuefday morning laft I delivered your Letter to the Duke of Monmouth. I went with it on the Munday, but he was gone fomething earlyer then ufuall to mufter fome of the forces at Barnet. I told him the fumme of your Letter, and he was pleafed to read it over leifurely in your own better words, deliring me then to returne you this his anfvver ; ** that he was glad you tooke it fo well, and you might be " aflured of his continuing his care in this bufmefTe of yours, " or on whatfoever other occafion." I have after this to beg your pardon for not having advertifed you of this the fame poft ; but truly I was unexpededly diverted, and fo that without giving you the particulars of my excufe, I am confident you will allow it, according to your accuftomed candor toward, Gentlemen, &c. Your moll: affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Covm-Gardeny JprUzSt 1678. LET- TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 385 LETTER CCXLV. Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE two inclofed papers will fupply the fhortncfle of this letter. The firft is my Lord Chancelor's Speech (his Majefty being prefent but not fpeaking) to both Houfes; the fecond, the reafons prepared for a Conference with the Lords : the firft was fpoke yefterday ; the latter read at the Conference with the Lords to~day. There was yefterday alfo read in the Commons, a long narrative of fa<5l from the Committee concerning Popery, it confifting partly of great and publick Meetings, MafTes, many Priefts, &c. in Mon- mouth and Herefordftiire principally ; then of Juftices of the Peace turned out of Commiflion having profecuted Papifts according to law ; and of others Popifhly affedled put in and continued. After that of proceedings in the Ex- chequer, many hundred Papifts in Middlefex difcharged, fo that but one man remained for ten groats, &c. Much of the like nature. I write thefe things unwillingly, as being of ill report, and which therefore although fit to be communi- cated to perfons of your prudence, yet it may be prudent to keep within a narrow compafle. The Houfe ordered fome gentlemen to goe to the Lord Chancellor to inquire by what means, and at whofe inftance particularly, Mr. Vol. L 3D. Probert 386 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS Probert and Mr. Arnold were put out of Commiflion ; as alfo Mr. Fenwick, in Northumberland, put in, and Mr. Milburn, in Monmouthfhire, continued, &c. The Houfe hath further defired his Majefty (and they are accordingly brought in) to have the Leagues and Treatyes mentioned in the Speech, and the agreement (or propofall) of the number of men and fhips with Holland, and my Lord Feverfliam's difpatch with the French King's anfwer, imparted to them, and a Committee is appointed to view and bring in the abftrads. To conclude, the Houfe is very bufy. I am, &c. ANDREW MARVELL. April ■yi, 1678. LETTER CCXLVL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THIS hath been the third day that the Houfe of Com- mons hath been upon the confideration of the Leagues with Holland, and what depends thereon. This day hath lafted continuall fitting 'till nine at night, and hath pro- duced thefe three votes inclofed. There is a generall appre- henfion left the Hollanders have already made their condi- tions with France. I muft beg your pardon if I be not punduall, for you fee in the third vote, that upon haft one may TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 387 may be excufed even from ufing the formalityes due to the Prince, much more will you difpenfe with, Gentlemen, 8cc. mM•'r'M,May,.^(.^i. ANDREW MARVELL. I LETTER CCXLVir. Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, Forgot by reafon of my haft to give you account (what doubtlefle you have known from other hands) that Sir Robert Sawyer having writ a letter to Mr. Goldfbrough, clerke of the Commons, to be read, fignifying that he was by ficknelTe difabled from performing his place, and Mr. Secretary William fon informing the Houfe that his Majefty gave them leave to chufe a new Speaker, Mr. Seymour was upon Munday laft chofen Speaker, and approved at the Lords bar by his Majefty in the ufuall manner. To-day the Houfe hath not fate. Yefterday in the morning they adjourned early to give their Committee time till three in the afternoon to forme three addrefles. It was five before they had finifhed, and firft they reported that concerning Duke Lauderdale : the debate indured till toward nine at night ; the Houfe was twice divided 152 againft 151, and then afterwards 161 againft 157, whereby all the words of the whole addrefte were thrown out ; fo that there remains nothing but their 3 D 2 firft 3S8 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS firft naked vote ; and how they will difpofe now of that is uncertaine, for it being late, the Houfe adjourned without coming to any further refolution. The apprehenfions of the Hollanders doling up their peace with France do ftill continue, and rather increafe then otherwife. I am, Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. There was no Counfell yefterday, fo the buffenefTe of Angel's Lights is for to-morrow. LETTER CCXLVIIL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY Mr. Secretary Williamfon delivered to the Houfe this meflage from the King in writing : Charles Rex, His Majejiy having been acquainted with the votes of this Houfe of the 4'* infant^ was much furprifed both with the matter and forme of them. But if his Majejiy had had ex- ception to ?ieither^ yet his Majefy having ajked the advice of both Houfes^ doth 7Jot thinke ft to give a?iy aifwer to any thi?tg of that ?2ature till he have a concurrent advice from both 4 Houfes, TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 389 Houfes. Given at the Court of Whitehall the 6'" of May, 1678. The Commons being fomcvvhat abafhed at the mefiage, proceeded onely that day upon ordinary reports from the Committee of Privileges. But they have continued jfitting all this day untill almofl: nine at night, and have made three feverall votes, and appointed a Committee to draw them up in an AdrefTe ; firft to defire a fpeedy anfv/er from his Majefty to their Saturday votes or adreffe ; next to defire him to remove from his Counfells all fuch as advifed the anfwer to their adreffe of the 26"* of May 1677, given the 28'^; and of January laft 31*, given 4"* of February, or either of them : this was upon diviiion of 154 againft 139. Then they debated of the Duke of Lauderdale, and upon the queftion of adjourning the debate till the morrow, 'twas continued by 144 againft 103; at laft by 137 againft 93 it was voted to deftre his Majefty to remove him from his Prefence and Counfells. Their haft for his Majefty's anfwer is if poffible to prevent the Dutch yet from cloftng up the peace with France. The Lords have adjourned their conft- deration of advice till Saturday, You fee how ill tooles I am forced for haft to make ufe of. Pray excufe. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. Ma;j 7, 1678.. 390 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CCXLIX. Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY the Committee appointed for that pur- pofe made their report of this adrefle inclofed. But as foon as it was made, feverall gentlemen moved not to proceed in it further, but to expert fome information more of the refolutions to come from Holland ; this was long and frequently oppofed by others ; fo that the debate termi- nated in a divifion of the Houfe, the mofi: numerous that I remember of many years, wherein by 176 againft 174 it was carried to proceed ; then the feverall paragraphs of the adrefTe were in order put to the queftion, and upon two of the fmoft materiall there were two divifions of the Houfe ; the firft of 170 againft 167 ; the fecond of 169 againft 166: both carried in the affirmative : and the whole adrefte as I fend it you was agreed, and the members of the Privy Counfell ordered to delire of his Majefty the time when the Houfe might wait upon him with it. It was then moved that the Houfe's vote againft Duke Lauderdale, that his Majefty may further humbly be defired to remove him from his Counfells and Prefence, might be added to this addrefle, the Houfe having rejedled the other day the particular forme in which it was drawn up ; this admitting a debate, and the TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 391 the Houfe having already fate the whole day till five o'clock, fome moved to adjourne, which came at laft to be the queftion, and the Houfe being divided upon it, it was car- ryed by 158 againfl: 150 not to adjourne ; fo they proceeded on, and it was, without any divifion more, voted to add him to the adrefTe. It happened in one of the former divifions that on fome occafion in the lobby there were blows given between Sir Thomas Chichley, Mafler of the Ordinance, and the Lord Obrian, though both of the fame party. The Houfe ordered Sir Thomas, who was prefent, and the Lord Obrian, who abfented, to be taken into the cuftody of their Sergent at Arms. To-day a verball meffage as from the King was delivered by Secretary Williamfon, that he would receive their adrelTe in the afternoon, and to enter imme- diately into confideration of a fupply : This laft was long debated, none being willing to give a negative, but neither forward to an affirmative in the uncertainty of War or Peace; both were avoided by the queftion whether the debate fhould be adjourned, which paft by 168 againft 167 in the negative, and fo fell. They with their adrefle waited llnce on the King, who feemed diflatisfyed. God grant better things and deeds. I am. Your fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. May iij 1678a ^gz ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CCL. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, I Have very little fubjedl of writing, the prefent builnefle of Parliament having been all concluded yefterday morn- ing ; for his Majefty fent up for the Commons to the Houfe of Lords, and prorogued the Parliament till the twenty- third of this moneth. You know that always upon Proro- gation whatfoever bulinefle was imperfect and depending, is quite cut of, and if the Parliament intend to proceed againe upon it they muft refume all from the very beginning. One thing you may pleafe to take notice of, that the Corne claufe is by the period of this SefTion expired. Alfo this Proro- gation having thus happened, and if there fhould be a Peace, it is now in the King and Parliament's power to re- voke the French prohibition next meeting. It is probable the continuance of the additional duty on French and other Wines may then too be conlidered. I doubt not but many will refled upon this Prorogation for other reafons. But they that difcourfe the leaji, and think the befi of ity will be the wifefi men a7td the befi fubjeEis. God in mercy direct his Majefty always to that which may moft conduce to his own and the kingdoms happinefle ! I remaine. Gentlemen, 8cc. Your moft affedlionate fervant, WeJlmnPr, May 14, 1678. ANDREW MARVELL. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 393 LETTER CCLL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, HIS Majefty opened this Seffion with the Speech which I fend you inclofed ; and after that the Lord Chan- cellour fpoke at large, but the copy of it not having been communicated to the Houfe of Commons, they appointed a Committee to perufe the Lords Journall for it, where fuch things are of courfe to be entred. The Lords have alfo or- dered the Speech to be printed : fo that I fuppofe one way or other I may by the next pofl compafle it for you. The Houfe of Commons opened their Seflion, as is ufuall, with reading a Bill, and that which was pitched upon was, the former Bill for regulating the CoUedion of Hearth-mony, and then they appointed a day for its fecond reading. The reft of their time was fpent in fettling the ordinary affaires of their Houfe, appointing days for their grand Committees, naming and impowering their Committee of Privileges, and renewing the claufe againft Bribery or Entertainments in order to Elections, and laftly in receiving feverall petitions concerning undue Eleftions. What I remarke in the Houfe is that it is much fuller than ordinary, and more are ftill upon the road, and there feems a more than ufuall con- cernment among all men, as if fome great, and I hope good Vol. I. 3 E thing 394 ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS thino- were to be expected. God in his mercy dired all to the beii ; what I underftand thereof I fliall from time to time communicate to you, remaining, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedtionate fervant, WeJlmhlfl^r,May^l,^b^%. ANDREW MARVELL. LETTER CCLIL Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe of Commons not having the Chancellor's Speech that day printed or written, fate (I mean yefter- day) not long, nor did much worke. The Bill for incou- ragement of the Woolen Manufadlure, which was in pro- grefle laft feffion, was read the firft time. They alfo ap- pointed a Committee to bring in a Bill or Bills to hinder the growth of Popery. Alfo a Committee for the Laws con- cerning the Poore in order to redlify them. Severall things of the like publick and good intention were fet on foot againe, which I fhall be glad to fee come to perfedion. To-day (which was intended though not ordered for confideration of his Majeftye's and the Chancellor's Speech) but the morn- ing being moft part fpent before the Speeches were publifhed, there TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 395 there was a motion made for an humble Addrefle to his Majefty, to know of him the ftate of affairs as they now ftand in relation to war or peace ; and that if his Majefty fhall think fit to enter into a warre with the French King, with the affiftance of the Emperour, and fuch other Princes and States as fhall come into the confederacy, this Houfe will fupport and affift his Majefty in the carrying on the warre. This debate took up the whole day, forafmuch as fome counted this addreffe to be unfeafonable, when it appeared that all things abroad were fo difpofed toward a peace. Some thought it more requifite to proceed firft of all to the dif- banding of the army ; others, that it were beft to lay by all apprehenftons and jealouftes, and to furniOi the King with mony, leaving the reft to his Majeftyes difcretion. In this variety of opinions the Houfe came about foure o'clock to a queftion of adjourning the debate, which was carried in the affirmative by 195 againft 176. In generall what I learne by information both within and without doors is, that both Holland and Spaine appeare to be agreed upon termes with France. I have inclofed the Speeches. I remaine, Gentlemen, 6cc. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. No date, but the pod mark is 25 May, 1678. 3 E 2 396 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS LETTER CCLin. Mr. henry MAISTER, xMAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe ycfterday refumed the debate, which was adjourned on Saturday, and it ended in the vote in- clofed, which pafl without division. That occafioned the inclofed meffage to-day from the King; though getting them in haft as well as we can I have difplaced them. The Houfe hereupon after a long debate (fome moving fo early for a Supply) concluded, without dividing, in a vote to take on Thurfday his Majeftyes Meffage into confideration. They alfo voted to take the Chancelor's Speech into confi- deration upon Saturday ; and then adjourned till Thurfday. The Bills already in motion againe are — Wearing of Woolen — Burying in Woolen — For exporting of Leather — Securing the Proteftant Religion — For the Poore — For poore Pri- foners — For Highways — Againft Maintenance — Againft Hawkers and Pedlars — For meafuring Keels and Boats for Coals, 8cc. The Scotch Lords had an hearing before his Majefty on Saturday night, but were not admitted to kijfe his ha?idj nor obtaified any- of their other dejires ; fo are departing homeward, I remaine. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. WiP.minJiiri Ma^z^^ 1678. TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 397 LETTER CCLIV. Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe fate yefterday in a Committee of the whole Houfe upon the motion formerly made for a fupply ; and from the Mufter-mafter they received an account of the feveral regiments, and the numbers that were raifed, and in pay fince September 29"', amounting horfe and foot to thirty thoufand men. But the Paymafter of the army not having had time fufficient to make up his accounts of what mony was in arreare to them refpedlively, the Committee pro- ceeded no further than to vote, That a fupply fhould be given to his Majefty toward the paying and difbanding of all the forces raifed iince the 29"* of September. This day the Houfe, according to order, read the Chancelor's Speech, and debated it thorowly. The queftion that arofe was, That the proceedings of this Houfe had not given any occafion for the Peace mentioned in the Chancelor's Speech. The firft thing put to the queftion, whether thofe words, meji- tioned in the Chancelor s Speech^ fliould be part of the quef- tion, which was carried in the negative by 181 againft 156. The next was, whether that queftion, TVhether the proceed- i?tgs of this Houfe had given any occafion to the Peace^ fhould be now put ; which was likewife carryed in the negative by 181 againft 157; fo that the Houfe rofe about foure o'clock, 4 without 398 ANDREW MARVELL's LETTERS without any effedl or refult of the whole debate. This is all at prefent, with the addition of all due refpeds from, Gentlemen, &c. Your mofl: affedionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. IVeJlm'inJler^ June i, 1678. LETTER CCLV. Mr. HENRY MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, THE Houfe, in a Committee of the whole Houfe, have for thefe two dayes been intent upon receiving the accounts of the land forces raifed fince September 29*"", and having to-day received the report from the Committee, they agreed that the fumme of 200jOOol. be raifed for the fpeedy and compleat paying and difbanding all the faid land forces ; which fumme to be levyed by fix moneths Land-tax, at 34,4101. 9s. 6d. to begin at the determination of the prefent monthly feffment. Then they ordered, that a Bill fhould be brought in to that purpofe : that there fhould be a borrowing claufe inferted in that Bill, and an appropriating claufe ; and that they fliould be payd of and difbanded by the laft of this prefent June. This fumme, together with what hath been already payd thefe forces, dos largely pay and TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 399 and recompenfe both thefe foldiers and their commanders. To-morrow the Houfe is by order to be in a Committee for retrenching the growing charge of this Fleet. To-day, be- {ove they went upon this more pubhck buiineffe, there was read the firft time a Generall Bill that came in by order, for infpeding the Laws againft Bankroutes, and to confider the defects and fupply them : to find a more effeiluall difcover- ing of the Eftates of Bankroutes, and to take care that it may not be in the power of any fingle creditor, or fmall number of them, to obftruftthe compofitionwith the generality of the creditors. Alfo the Bill of the former Seflion, for regulating the collection of Hearth-mony was read the fecond time and committed. We heare that feverall of thefe forces are com- manded northward. And from Holland, there are feverall rumours, as if, now they are in probability of a peace, they were grown very fadious among themfelves, to the dimi- nution of the Prince's authority. Judge Scroggs his place, who is now Lord Chief Juftice, is not yet fupplied, as was reported. I remaine. Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affeAionate fervant, ANDREW MARVELL. June 4, 1678. LET- 4oa ANDREW MARVEL L's LETTERS LETTER CCLVL Mr. henry MAISTER, MAYOR. Gentlemen, my very worthy Friends, YESTERDAY was the Petition of the Creditors of the Hambrough Company debated, whofe cafe I fend here inclofed, and which is referred to a Committee to receive their propofals and conlider of them. Afterwards they refolved that there fhould be a fupply to difmifle the extra- ordinary charge of the Navy, and they have appointed a Committee, which is taking and examining the accounts of the Fleet. To-day there was read the fecond time the Bill for burying in Woolen ; and after feverall things of lefTer moment, the Bill for difljanding the Army was read the firft time, and ordered to be read the fecond time to-morrow. After this there was a motion made for the 20o,oool. taken up on the credit of the Excife, that the accounts thereof might be brought in, in order to the payment thereof, de- manded in his Majeftyes Speech. But there was a debate rofe hereupon, as if the Houfe lay not under any obligation for it. In conclusion, that debate was adjourned till Satur- day, which will probably be of great weight and confidera- tion. The Committee of Privileges fitting to-night upon Grantham Election, in which mofi: of us are more than ordi- narily concerned, I cannot write more than that I remaine, Gentlemen, &c. Your moft affedtionate fervant, JVi/}minJ(r,Juneb,lb^%. ANDREW MARVELL. - TO THE CORPORATION OF HULL. 401 This reco77i7?iendatQry Letter in favour of Mr. Shales does not appear to have had that fuccefs which the Duke of Mon- mouth was flattered with ; for on the 24'* o/" February yo/- lowing^ Lemuel Kingdon and William Ramfden, Efqrs. were eleSled Members of Parliament for Hull. Aug. 23, 1678. UPON my arrivall at London I mett with the report of Mr. * Marvell's death, one of the Burgefles for your Towne, which gives me occasion to become a fuitor to you in behalfe of Mr. Shales, that you would elect him to fup- ply that vacancy in Parliament, whom I look upon as a perfon very well qualify ed to ferve the King, his Country, and your Corporation in particular, to whofe interefts I fhall allways have a peculiar regard, and fhall owne your kindnefs herein as an obligation to. Gentlemen, Your very humble fcrvant, MONMOUTH, * He died on the 16th of Auguft, 1678. Vol. L 7. F FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. Written by Mr. MARVEL L to his intimate Friends. TO A FRIEND IN PERSIA. - Dear Sir, I HAVE yours of the 12"" of Odlober, 1670, which was in all refpedts moft wellcome to me, except when I confidered that to write it you endured fome pain, for you fay your hand is not yet recovered. If I could fay any thing to you towards the advancement of your affairs, I could, with a better confcience, admit you fhould fpend fo much of your precious time, as you do, upon me. But you know how far thofe things are out of my road, tho', otherwife, moft deiirous in all things to be ferviceable to you. God's good providence, which hath through fo dan- gerous a difeafe and fo many difficultys preferved and reftored you, will, I doubt not, condudl you to a profperous ifilie^ 3 F 2 and 404 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. and the perfection of your fo laudable undertakings. And, under that, your own good genius, in conjun<5lion with your brother here, will, I hope, though at the diftance of England and Perfia, in good time operate extraordinary effedls ; for the magnetifm of two fouls, rightly touched, works beyond all natural limits, and it would be indeed too unequal, if good nature fhould not have at leaft as large a fphere of activity, as malice, envy, and detraction , which are, it feems, part of the returns from Gombroon and Surat. All I can fay to you in that matter is, that you muft, feeing it will not be better, iland upon your guard ; for in this world a good caufe lignifys little, unlefs it be as well defended. A man may ftarve at the feaft of good confcience. My fencing- mafter in Spain, after he had inflrudled me all he could, told me, I remember, there was yet one fecret, againft which there was no defence, and that was, to give the firft blow. I know your maxim, ^i fejl'mat ditefcere, no7i erit hinocefis. Indeed while you preferve that mind, you will have the bleffing; both of God and man. In oreneral I perceive, and am very glad of it, that by your good ma- nagement, your friends here get ground, and the flint in your adverfarys' hearts begins to be molUfyed. Now, after my ufual method, leaving to others what relates to bufy- nefs, I addrefs myfclf, which is all I am good for, to be your gazettier, I am forry to perceive that mine by the Armenian mifcarryed. The' there was nothing material in it. FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 405 it, the thoughts of friends are too valuable to fall into the hands of a ftranger. I wrote the laft February at large, and wifli it a better paflage. In this perhaps I may inter- fere fomething with that, chufing rather to repeat than omit. The King having, upon pretence of the great preparations of his neighbours, demanded three hundred thoufand pounds for his navy, (though in concluilon he hath not fet out any) and that the Parliament fhould pay his debts, which the minifters would never particularize to the Houfe of Commons, our Houfe gave feveral bills. You fee how far things were ftretch- ed, though beyond reafon, there being no fatisfadlion how thofe debts were contra6led, and all men forefeeing that what was given would not be applyed to difcharge the debts, which I hear are at this day rifen to four millions, but diverted as formerly. Neverthelefs fuch was the number of the con- ftant courtiers increafed by the apoftate patriots, who were bought off, for that turn, fome at fix, others ten, one at fifteen thoufand pounds in mony, befides what offices, lands, and reverfions, to others, that it is a mercy they gave not away the whole land, and liberty, of England. The Earl of Clare made a very bold and rational harangue, the King being prefent, againft the King's fiting among the Lordsj contrary to former precedents, during their debates ; but he was not feconded. The King has this April prorogued, upon the Houfes cavilling, and their harlli conferences concerning fome bills, the Parliament from this April till 4o6 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. till the 16"* of April, 1672. Sir John Coventry's Bill againft Cutting Nofes paffcd, and Obrian and Sir Thomas Sands, not appearing at the Old Baily by the time limited, ftand attainted and outlawed, without pofTibility of pardon. The Duke of Buckingham is again one hundred and forty thoufand pounds in debt, and, by this prorogation, his creditors have time to tear all his lands in pieces. The Houfe of Commons has run almoft to the end of their line, and are grown extreme chargeable to the King, and odious to the people. Lord St. John Marquefs of Winchefter's fon, one of the Houfe of Commons, Sir Robert Howard, Sir John Benet Lord Arlington's brother. Sir William BucknoU the brewer, all of the Houfe, in fellowfliip with fome others of the city, have farmed the old cuftoms, with the new ad of Impofition upon Wines, and the Wine Licenfes, at fix hundred thoufand pounds a year, to begin this Michaelmas. You may be fure they have covenants not to be lofers. They have figned and fealed ten thoufand pounds a year more to the Dutchefs of Cleveland, who has likewife near ten thou- fand pounds a year out of the new farm of the country excife of Beer and Ale, five thoufand pounds a year out of the Poft Office, and, they fay, the reverfion of all the King's leafes, the reverfion of places all in the Cuftom Houfe, the green wax, and, indeed, what not ? All pro- motions, fpiritual and temporal, pafs under her cognizance. Buckingham runs out of all with the Lady Shrewfbury, by 5 whom FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 407 whom he believes he had a fon, to whom the King flood godfather ; it dyed young Earl of Coventry, and was buryed in the fepulchre of his fathers. The King of France made a warhke progrefle this fummer through his conquefts of Flanders, but kept the peace there, and detains ftill the Dutchy of Lorain, and has ftired up the German Princes againft the free towns. The Duke of Brunfwick has taken the town of Brunfwick ; and now the Bifhop of Cullen is attacking the city of Colen. We truckle to France in all things, to the prejudice of our alliance and honour. Barclay is ftill Lieutenant of Ireland ; but he was forced to come over to pay ten thoufand pounds rent to his Landlady Cleveland. My Lord Angier, who bought of Sir George Carteret, for eleven thoufand pounds, the Vicetreafurefhip of Ireland, worth five thoufand pounds a year, is, betwixt knavery and foolery, turned out. Dutchefs of York, and Prince Edgar, dead. None left but daughters. One Blud, outlawed for a plot to take Dublin Caftle, and who fcized on the Duke of Ormond here laft year, and might have killed him, a moft bold, and yet fober fellow, fome months ago feized the crown and fceptre in the Tower, took them away, and if he had killed the keeper, might have carryed them clear off. He, being taken, aftoniflied the King and Court, with the generofity, and wifdom, of his anfwers. He, and all his accomplices, for his fake, are difcharged by the King, to the wonder of all. Yours, Sec. Augujl (j^ 1671. 4o8 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. TO MR. WILLIAM RAMS DEN. Dear Cousin, I HAVE writ twice to you at Bourdeaux *. I received one from you of the i" of March. To fatisfy your curioiity of our affairs, the Lord Lauderdale, the King's CommifTioner for the Parliament of Scotland, returned hither fome few days before our fitting down the 14''' of February. He had paffed there, through the weakncfs of the prefbyterian and epifcopal parties, an adl, giving the King abfolute power to difpofe of all things in Religious Matters ; and another AS: for fettling a Militia of twenty thoufand foot, and horfe proportionable, to march into England, Ireland, or any part of the King's dominions, whenever his perfon, power, authority, or greatnefs was concerned ; and a third, impowering his Majefty to name Commifiioners of Scotland, to treat with other of England, on the union of the two nations: for which fervice he was re- ceived with extraordinary favour by the King, and introduced into the cabinet council, and is ripe for farther honours at a due leafon. By other parties thefe affairs were difcourfed of according to their feveral interefts; and many talked that he deferved an halter, rather than a garter, and were medita- ting * Mr. William Ramfden was a great adventurer in trade, and a capital merchant ; it is therefore probable ibme mercantile affairs called him to Bourdeaux. FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 409 ting how, he not being an EngUfli peer, they might im- peach him in ParHament. Now for the affairs oi Ireland. About the fame time the King had refolved to recal the Lord Roberts back, his friends were reprefenting him daily to his Majefty on all occallons, in the word charadler , and he himfelf, tired out with continual checks and counter- mands hence, in matters which he thought were agreed to him before he went, wrote a fhort letter to the King, de- firing to be difmifled from all employment whatever, which fhould be his laft requeft. The King took him at his word, and ordered the Lord Barclay, a man unthought of, to go Lord Lieutenant, which he does as foon as we rife, and then the other returns to tell his tale here, and to retire into the country, and will, as is thought, relinquirh the privy feal. You know that we having voted the King, before Chriftmas, four hundred thoufand pounds, and no more ; and enquiring feverely into ill management, and being ready to adjourn ourfelves till February, his Majefcy, fortified by fome undertakers of the meaneft of our Houfe, threw up all as nothing, and prorogued us from the firfl; of December till the fourteenth of February. Ail that interval there was great and numerous caballing among tlic courtiers. The Kino; alfo all the while examined at council the re- ports from the CommifTioners of Accounts, where they were continually difcountcnanced, and treated rather as offenders than judges. In this pofture we met, and the King, being Vol. I. 3 G exceed- 4IO FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. exceedingly neceflltous for money, fpoke to us Jlylo minaci &' imperatorio ; and told us the inconveniences which would fall on the nation by want of a fupply fliould not ly at his door; that we mufl: not revive any difcord betwixt the Lords and us ; that he himfclf had examined the accounts, and found every penny to have been employed in the war ; and he recommended the Scotch union. The Garroway party appeared with the ufual vigour, but the country gentlemen appeared not in their true number the firft day.: fo, for want of feven voices, the firft blow was againft them. When we began to talk of the Lords, the King fent for us alone, and recommended a rafure of all proceedings. The fame thing you know that we propofed at firft. We prefently ordered it, and went to tell him fo the fame day, and to thank him. At coming down, (a pretty ridiculous thing !) Sir Thomas Clifford carryed Speaker and Mace, and all members there, into the King's cellar, to drink his health. The King fent to the Lords more peremptoryly, and they, with much grumbling, agreed to the rafure. V/hen the Commiflioners of Accounts came before us, fometimes we heard them pro for7nd^ but all falls to dirt. The terrible Bill againft Conventicles is fent up to the Lords ; and we and the Lords, as to the Scotch bufynefs, have defired the King to name Englifti Commiflioners to treat, but nothing they do to be valid, but on a report to ParHament, and an ad to confirm. We are now, as we think, within a week of 2 rifing» FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 411 riling. They are making mighty alccrations in th^ Con- venticle Bill, (which, as we fent up, is the quinteflence of arbitrary malice) and fit whole days, and yet proceed but by inches, and will, at the end, probably affix a Scotch claufe of the King's power in externals. So the fate of the Bill is uncertain, but muft probably pafs, being the price of money. The King told fome en:»inent citizens, who applyed to him againft it, that they muft addrefs themfelves to the Houfes, that he muft not difoblige his friends ; and if it had been in the power of their friends, he had gone without money. There is a Bill in the Lords to encourage people to buy all the King's fee-farm rents; fo he is refolved once more to have money enough in his pocket, and live on the common for the future. The great Bill beg;un in the Lords, and which makes more ado than ever any a6l in this Parliament did, is for enabling Lord Ros, long lince di- vorced in the fpiritual court, and his children declared ille- gitimate by Ad: of Parliament, to marry again. Anglefey and Afhly, who ftudy and know their interefts as well as any gentlemen at court, and whofe fons have marryed two fifters of Ros, inheritrixes if he has no iflue, yet they alfo drive on the Bill with the greateft vigour. The King is for the Bill: the Duke of York, and all the Papift Lords, and all the Bifhops, except Cofins, Reynolds, and Wilkins, are againft it. They fat all Thurfday laft, without once rifing, till almoft ten at night, in moft folemn and memorable de- 3 G 2 bate, 412 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. bate, whether it fhould be read the fecond time, or thrown out. At' laft, at the queftion, there were forty-two perfons and fix proxy s again ft it, and forty- one perfons and fifteen proxys for it. If it had not gone for it, the Lord Arlington had a power in his pocket from the King to have nulled the proxys, if it had been to the purpofe. It was read the fecond time yefterday, and, on a long debate whether it fhould be committed, it went for the Bill by twelve odds, in perfons and proxys. The Duke of York, the bifhops, and the reft of the party, have entered their protefts, on the firft day's de- bate, againft it. Is not this fine work ? This Bill muft come down to us. It is my opinion that Lauderdale at one ear talks to the King of Monmouth, and Buckingham at the other of a new Queen. It is alfo my opinion that the King was never fince his coming in, nay, all things confidered, no King fince the conqueft, fo abfolutely powerful at home, as he is at the prefent ; nor any Parliament, or places fo certainly and conftantly fupplyed with men of the fame temper. In fuch a conjundure, dear Will, what probabi- lity is there of my doing any thing to the purpofe ? The Kine would needs take the Duke of Albemarle out of his fon's hand to bury him at his own charges. It is almoft three months, and he yet lys in the dark unburyed, and no talk of him. He left twelve thoufand pounds a year, and near two hundred thoufand pounds in money. His wife dyed fome twenty days after him ; fhe layed in ftate, and was FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 413 was buryed, at her fon's expence, in Queen Elizabeth's Chapel. And now, DifcCy puer^ virtutem ex me verumque laboreui^ Fortunam ex aliis. March 21, 1670. To WILLIAM RAMSDEN, Esq^ Dear Will, THE Parliament are ftill proceeding, but not much advanced on their eight hundred thoufand pounds Bill on money at intereft, offices, and lands ; and the E.xcife Bills valued at four hundred thoufand pounds a year. The firft for the navy, which fcarce will be fet out. The laft to be for paying one million three hundred thoufand pounds, which the king owes at intereft, and perhaps may be given for four, five, or fix years, as the Houfe chances to be in humour. But an accident happened which liked to have fpoiled all : Sir John Coventry having moved for an impofition on the playhoufes, Sir John Berkenhead, to ex- cufe them, fayed they had been of great fervice to the King. Upon which Sir John Coventry defired that gentleman to explain whether he meant the men or women players. Hereupon it is imagined, that, the Houfe adjourning from Tuefday 414 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. Tuefday before till Thurfday after Chriftmas-day, on the very Tuefday night of the adjournment twenty-five of the Duke of Monmouth's troop, ^nd forae few foot, layed in wait from ten at night till two in the morning, by Suffolk- flreet, and as he returned from the Cock, where he fupped, to his own houfe, they threw him down, and with a knife cut off almoft all the end of his nofe ; but company coming made them fearful to finifli it, fo they marched off. Sir Thomas Sands, lieutenant of the troop, commanded the party ; and Obrian, the Earl of Inchequin's fon, was a principal ador. The court hereupon fometimes thought to carry it with an high hand, and queftion Sir John for his words, and maintain the adlion. Sometimes they flagged in their counfels. However the King commanded Sir Thomas Clarges, and Sir W. Pultney, to releafe Wroth and Lake, who were two of the adors, and taken. But the night before the Houfe met they furrendered him again. The Houfe being but fullen the next day, the Court did not oppofe adjourning for fome days longer till it was filled. Then the Houfe went upon Coventry's bufynefs, and voted that they would go upon nothing elfe whatever till they had paffed a Bill, as they did, for Sands, Obrian, Parry, and Reeves, to come in by the fixteenth of February, or elfe be condemned, and never to be pardoned, but by an exprefs Act of Parliament, and their names therein inferted, for fear of being pardoned in fome general adt of grace. Far- ther, FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 415 ther, all fuch actions, for the future, on any man felony, without clergy ; and who fhall otherwife ftrike or wound any parliament-man, during his attendance, or going or coming, imprifonment for a year, treble damages, and in- capacity. This Bill having in fome {qw days been difpatch- ed to the Lords, the Houfe has fince gone on in grand Committee upon the firft eight hundred thoufand pounds Bill, but are not yet half way. But now the Lords, inftead of the fixteenth of February, put twenty-five days after the King's royal aflent, and that regiftered in their journal ; they difagree in feveral other things, but adhere in that firft, which is moft material. Adhere, in this place, figni- iies not to be retraced, and excludes a free conference. So that this week the Houfes will be in danger of fplitting, without much wifdom or force. For confidering that Sir Thomas Sands was the very perfon fent to Clarges and Pultney, that Obrian was concealed in the Duke of Monmouth's lodgings, that Wroth and Lake were bay led at the feffions by order from Mr. Attorney, and that all perfons and things are perfedly difcovered, that a6l will not be paffed without great confequence. George's father obliges you much in Tangier. Prince Edgar is dying. The Court is at the higheft pitch of want and luxury, and the people full of difcontent. Remember me to ycurfelves. To 4i6 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. To WILLIAM RAMSDEN, Esq. Dear Will, 1 Think I have not told you that, on our Bill of Subfidy, the Lord Lucas made a fervent bold fpeech againft our prodigality in giving, and the weak loofenefs of the govern- ment, the King being prefent ; and the Lord Clare another to perfuade the King that he ought not to be prefent. But all this had little encouragement, not being feconded. Copys going about every where, one of them was brought into the Lords Houfc, and Lord Lucas was afked whether it was his. He fayd part was, and part was not. Thereupon they took advantage, and fayed it was a libel even againft Lucas himfelh On this they voted it a libel, and to be burned by the hangman. Which was done; but the fport was, the hann-man burned the Lords order with it. I take the laft quarrel betwixt us and the Lords to be as the afhes of that fpeech. Doubtlefs you have heard, before this time, how Monmouth, Albemarle, Dunbane, and feven or eight gen- tlemen, fought with the watch, and killed a poor bedle. They have all got their pardons, for Monmouth's fake ; but it is an a6l of great fcandal. The King of France is at Dunkirke. We have no fleet out, though we gave the Subfidy Bill, valued at eight hun- dred thoufand pounds_, ,or that purpofe. I believe indeed he FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. ^ he will attempt nothing on us, but leave us to dy a natural deatli. For indeed never had poor nation fo many com- plicated, mortal, incurable, difeafes. You know the Datchcfs of York is dead. All gave her for a Papift. I think it will be my lot to go on an honeft fair employment into Ireland. Some have fmelt the court of Rome at that diftance. There I hope I fhall be out of the fmell of our. Your's, &c. i4toMa To WILLIAM RAMSDEN, Esq. Dearest Will, I Wrote to you two letters, and payd for them from the poflhoufe here at Weftminfter ; to which I have had no anfwer. Perhaps they mifcarryed. I fent you an anfwer to the only letter I received from Bourdeaux, and having put it into Mr. Nelthorp's hand, I doubt not but it came to your. To proceed. The fame day my letter bore date there was an extraordinary thing done. The King, about ten o'clock, took boat, with Lauderdale only, and two ordinary attendants, and rowed awhile as towards the bridge, but foon turned back to the Parliament flairs, and fo went up into the Houfe of Lords, and took his feat. Almoft all of them were amazed, but all feemed fo ; and the Duke of York efpecially was very much furprizecj. Being fat, he Vol. I. 3 H told 4i8 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. told them it was a privilege he claimed from his anceflors to be prefent at their deliberations. That therefore, they fliould not, for his coming, interrupt their debates, but proceed, and be covered. They did fo. It is true that this has been done long ago, but it is now fo old, that it is new, and fb difufed, that at any other, but fa bewitched a time as this, it would have been looked on as an high ufurpation, and breach of privilege. He indeed fat ftill, for the moft part, and interpofed very little ; fometimes a word or two. But the moft difcerning opinion was, that he did herein as he rowed, for having had his face firft to the Conventicle Bill, he turned (hort to the Lord Rofs's. So that, indeed, it is credible, the King, in profpe^ fine. 424 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &;c. fclf one whole day at Highgate, I fhall write four whole fides (it my fpirit will hold out) in arifwer to your kind letter, and to atone for my fo long unafFedled filence. And now, Will, I have cafl: it fo, that I can give you an account of the bufniefs of Parliament laft fitting. If it fhould feem to come too late, it is but imagining yourfelf in the Eaft Indies, and it could not have come fooner. Nor is there any philofophical difference betwixt the ignorance or knowledge of thefe publick matters. The Treafurer, Lau- derdale, and I fhould have faid the Duke of York, had, as they generally have, the great ftroke in our counfels. It feemed neceffary for the King's affairs, who always, but now more, wants money, the Parliament fhould meet. Lauderdale therefore, and the Treafurer Coke, voted fo obnoxious to the Parliament, (the fecond forefeeing himfelf to have many enemys) that they were forced to make a moft ftridl league with the bifhops, and the whole old cavalier party, in order to their own fecurity, and the King's buly- nefs, and for the Duke of York, who ought to be againff the Parliament's meeting. They perfuaded him, that, in an A61 for taking the Popifli Teft, he fhould be exempted by particular provifo. And though they two could have been content the meeting fliould have been put off, fo the blame might have layed at the Duke's door, yet he thought himfelf as able to abide the brunt as they were, and fo let it -rf» FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 425 it take its chance ; for there is no real union betwixt any of them ; but they fliuffle and cut every dealing. In order to make their epifcopal cavalier party, they contrived before hand a politic teft to be ina6ted, and then taken by all Members of Parliament, and all officers ; though there lay an hook too under that, for after fuch an A61 they thought another Parliament might fafely be called, if this proved refractory. Among other chimasras, they difcourfed of none having any beneficial offices but cavaliers, or fons of cavaliers. But, for more pageantry, the old King's ftatue on horfeback, of brafs, was bought, and to be fet up at Charing-Crofs, which hath been doing longer than Viner's, but does not yet fee the light. The old King's body was to be taken up, to make a perfedl refurredion of loyalty, and to be reinterred with great magnificence ; but that fleeps. But principally the laws were to be feverely executed, and reinforced againft Fanatics and Papifts ; Proclamations iffiiing a month, which is always time enough, before the fitting, to that purpofe. And the King fhould afk, for- footh, no money, but only mention the building and re- fitting of {hips. And thus the Parliament meets, and the King tells them 'tis only to fee what farther is wanted for religion and property. The Commons were very difficultly^ brought to give him thanks for his gracious exprefllons. Strait they poured in Bills for Habeas Corpus againft im- prifonment beyond fea ; treafon to levy mony without, or Vol. L 3 I longer = 426 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. longer than, confent of Parliament ; and that it fhould be lawful to reiift. To vacate any Member of Parliamentj and iflue a new writ, who, hereafter being chofen, fhould accept a beneficial office. A new Popifh teft for Book- Houfes, elfe to be incapable. New teft, and way of pro- ceeding, for fpeedyer convidion of Papifts, and which is worfe, for appropriating the King's cuftoms to the ufe of the navy ; and, worfe of all, voted one morning to proceed on no more Bills before the recefs ; which the King inti- mated fliould be fhortly, but to return in winter. Addrefs upon addrefs againft Lauderdale. Articles of impeachment againft the Treafurer, but which were blown off at laft by great bribing. Several addrefies for recalling our forces out of the French fervice. One day, in this laft matter, upon difpute of telling right upon divifion, both parties grew fo hot, that all order was loft ; men came running confufedly up to the table, grievoufly affronted one by another ; every man's hand' on his hilt ; quieted though at laft by the pre- fent prudence of the Speaker ; and every man, in his place, was obliged to ftand up, aud engage his honour, not to refent any thing of that day's proceeding. Shaftfbury of the Lords, Cavendifh and Newport of the Commons, are forbid the Court, Strangways, a flagrant churchman, made privy counfellor. Scaramuccio * ading daily * Performing Mafs. FAMILIAR EPISTLES, ice. 427 daily in the hall of Whitehall, and all forts of people flock- ing thither, and paying their money as at a common play- houfe ; nay even a twelve-penny gallery is builded for the convenience of his Majefty's poorer fubjeds. Dear Will, prefent my kind love and fervice to your wife. O when will you have arrived at what is necefiary ? Make other ferviceable inftruments that you may not be a drudge, but govern all by your underftanding. When I hear you have received this letter, I have another of more pleafure ready for you, July 24., 1675. P. S. Strangways, a man of feven or eight thoufand pounds a year, having, as I told you, been lately made privy counfellor, is dead, like a fool. The fame poft brings it certain. He was gone into the country, fvvoln with his new honour, and with venom againft the fanatics. He had fet the informers to work, and dyed fuddenly, notwith^ ftanding his church's letany, from fuclden deaths good Lord^ &c. He was their great pillar in the Houfe of Commons. Thus holy church goes to wrack on all fides. Never were poor men expofed and abufed all the feffion, as the bifhops were by the Duke of Buckingham, upon the teft ; never the like, nor fo infinitely pleafant : and no men were ever grown fo odioufly ridiculous. 3 I 2 Dr. 428 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. Dr. Burnet, one of Lauderdale's former confidents, wit- nefTed, at the Commons bar, that, difcourfing to Lauder- dale of the danger of ufing fuch feveritys againft the non- conformifts in Scotland, while the King was engaged in war abroad, Lauderdale faid, He wijhed they would rebel. How fo ? Why, He would bring over the Irifh Papijls to cut their throats. Farther, concerning the Parliament, if they he refraSiory^ I will bring the Scotch army upon them : But it will be difficult to perfuade them. JVo, the prey (j/England will draw in a great many. Neverthelefs Lauderdale is in as much favour as ever. To WILLIAM RAMSDEN, Esq. Dear Will, IHave time to tell you thus much of publick matters. The patience of the Scots, under their oppreflions, is not to be paralleled in any hiftory. They ftill continue their extraordinary and numerous, but peaceable, field conven- ticles. One Mr. Welch is their arch-minifter, and the laft letter I faw tells, people were going forty miles to hear him. There came out, about Chriftmas laft, here, a large book concerning the growth of popery and arbitrary government. There have been great rewards offered in private, and con- iiderable in the Gazette, to any one who could inform of the FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 429 the author or printer, but not yet difcovered. Three or four printed books fince have defcribed, as near as it was proper to go, the man being a Member of Parliament, Mr. Marvell to have been the author ; but if he had, furely he fhould not have efcaped being queftioned in Parliament, or fome other place. My good wifhes attend you. Yours, &c. 'June 10, 1678. To Sir JOHN T R O T T, Honoured Sir, IHave not that vanity to believe, if you weigh your late lofs by the common ballance, that any thing I can write to you fhould lighten your refentments : nor if you meafure things by the rules of chriftianity, do I think it needful to comfort you in your duty and your fon's happynefs. Only having a great efteem and affedion for you, and the grateful memory of him that is departed being ftill green and frefh upon my fpirit, I cannot forbear to inquire, how you have ftood the fecond fhock at your fad meeting of friends in the country. I know that the very jfight of thofe who have been witneffes of our better fortune, doth but ferve to rein- force a calamity. I know the contagion of grief, and in- fedion of tears, and efpecially when it runs in a blood. And I myfelf could fooner imitate than blame thofe inno- cent 430 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c, cent relentings of nature, fo that they fpring from tender- nefs only and humanity, not from an implacable forrow. The tears of a family may flow together like thofe little drops that compact the rainbow, and if they be placed with the fame advantage towards Heaven as thofe are to the fun, they too have their fplendor ; and like that bow, while they unbend into feafonable fhowers, yet they promife, that there fhall not be a fecond flood. But the diflTolutenefs of grief, the prodigality of forrow^ is neither to be indulged in a man's felf, nor complyed with in others. If that were allowable in thefe cafes, Eli's was the readyefl: way, and higheft com- pliment of mourning, who fell back from his feat and broke his neck. But neither does that precedent hold. For though he had been Chancellor, and in eficd King of Ifrael, for fo many years, (and fuch men value, as themfelves, their lofles at an higher rate than others) yet, when he heard that Ifrael was overcome, that his two fons Hophni and Phineas were flain in one day, and faw himfelf fo without hope of iffue, and which imbittered it farther, without fuccefllon to the government, yet he fell not till the news that the ark of God was -taken. I pray God that we may never have the fame parallel perfected in our publick concernments. Then wc fhall need all the ftrength of grace and nature to fupport us. But on a private lofs, and fweetned with fo many cir- cumftances as yours, to be impatient, to be uncomfortable, would be to difpute with God. Though an only fon be ineftimable, FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 431 ineftimable, yet it is like Jonah's fin, to be angry at God for the withering of his fhadow. Zippoiah, though the de- lay had almoft cofl her hufband his life, yet, when he did but circumcife herfon, inawomanifh peevifhnefs reproached Mofes as a bloody hufband. But if God take the fon him- felf, but fpare the father, (hall we fay, that he is a bloody God ? He that gave his own fon, may he not take ours ? It is pride that makes a rebel ; and nothing but the over-ween- ing of ourfelves and our own things that raifes us againft Divine Providence. Whereas Abraham's obedience was better than facrifice. And if God pleafe to accept both, it is indeed a farther tryal, but a greater honour. 1 could fay over upon this beaten occafion mofl: of thofe leflons of mora- lity and religion which have been fo often repeated, and are as foon forgotten. We abound with precept, but we want examples. You, Sir, that have all thefe things in your me- mory, and the clearnefs of whofe judgment is not to be obfcured by any greater interpofition, fhould be exemplary to others in your own pradice. 'Tis true, it is an hard tafk to learn and teach at the fame time. And, where yourfelves are the experiment, it is as if a man fliould diffed his own body, and read the anatomy ledure. But I will not heighten the difficulty while I advife the attempt. Only, as in dif- ficult things, you would do well to make ufe of all that may ftrengthen and affift you ; the word of God ; the fociety of good men ; and the books of the ancients ; there is one way ^ more, 431 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. more, which is by diverfion, bufinefs, and adivity; which are alfo neceffary to be ufed in their feafon. But I myfelf, who live to fo little purpofe, can have little authority or ability to advife you in it, who are a perfon that are and may be much more fo generally ufeful. All that I have been able to do fince, hath been to write this forry * Elogy of your fon, which if it be as good as I could wifli, it is as yet no indecent employment. Hov/ever, I know you will take any thing kindly from your very affedlionate friend, and moft humble fervant. HIS MAJESTY'S MOST GRACIOUS SPEECH TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. My Lords and Gentlemen, 1TOLD you at our laft meeting, the winter was the fitteft time for bufinefs, and truly I thought fo, till my Lord Treafurer affured me the fpring was the beft feafon for fallads and fubfidies. I hope therefore that April will not prove fo unnatural a month, as not to afford fome kind fliowers on my parched exchequer, which gapes for want of them. Some of you, perhaps, will think it dangerous to make me too rich ; but I do not fear it ; for I promife you faithfully, v/hatever you give me I will always want ; and although * Edmundi Trottii Epitaphium, fee Second Vol. FAMILIAR EPISTLES, 6cc. 433 although in other things my word may be thought a (lender authority, yet in that, you may rely on me, I will never break it, Mv Lords and Gentlemen,- I can bear my ftraits with patience ; but my Lord Trea- furer does proteft to me, that the revenue, as it now ftands, v/ill not ferve him and me too. One of us mufl: pinch for it, if you do not help me. I muft fpeak freely to you, I am under bad circumftances, for befides my harlots in fer- vice, my reformado concubines lye heavy upon me. I have a paffable good eftate, I confefs, but, God's-fifh, I have a great charge upon't. Here's my Lord Treafurer can tell, that all the money defigned for next fummer's guards muft, of neceflity, be applyed to the next year's cradles and fwad- ling-cloths. What fhall we do for fhips then ? I hint this only to you, it being your bufynefs, not mine. I know, by experience, I can live without fhips. I lived ten years abroad without, and never had my health better in my life; but how you will be without, I leave to yourfelves to judge, and therefore hint this only by the bye : I do not infift upon it. There's another thing I muft prefs more earneftly, and that is this : It feems a good part of my revenue will expire in two or three years, except you will be pleafed to continue it. I have to fay for't, pray, why did you give me fo much as you have done, unlefs you refolve to give on as faft as I call Vol. I. 3 K for 434 F A M I L I A R E P I S T L E S, &c. for it ? The nation hates you already for giving fo much, and I'll hate you too, if you do not give me more. So that if you flick not to me, you muft not have a friend in England. On the other hand, if you will give me the revenue I defire, I fhall be able to do thofe things for your religion and liberty, that I have had long in my thoughts, but cannot effedt them without a little more money to carry me through. There- fore look to't, and take notice, that if you do not make me rich enough to undo you, it fhall lie at your doors. For my part I wafh my hands on't. But that I may gain your good opinion, the beft way is to acquaint you what I have done to deferve it, out of my royal care for your religion and your property. For the iirft, my proclamation is a true pidlure of my mind. He that cannot, as in a glafs, fee my zeal for the church of England, does not deferve any farther fatisfadlion, for I declare him wilful, abominable, and not good. Some may, perhaps, be ftartled, and cry, how comes this fudden change ? To which I anfwer, I am a changling, and that's fufficient, I think. But to con- vince men farther, that I mean what I fay, there are thefe arguments. Firfl, I tell you fo, and you know I never break my word. Secondly, My Lord Treafurer fays fo, and he never told a lye in his life. 5 Thirdly, FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 435 Thirdly, My Lord Lauderdale will undertake it for me ; and I fliould be loath, by any a6l of mine, he fliould forfeit the credit he has with you. If you defire more inftances of my zeal, I have them for you. For example, I have converted my natural fons from Popery ; and I may fay, without vanity, it was my own work, fo much the more peculiarly mine than the be- getting them. 'Twould do one's heart good to hear how prettily George can read already in the Pfalter. They are all fine children, God blefs 'em, and fo like me in their underftandings ! But, as I was faying, I have, to pleafe you, given a penfion to your favourite my Lord Lauder- dale ; not fo much that I thought he wanted it, as that you would take it kindly. I have made Carwell dutchefs of Portfmouth, and marryed her fifter to the Earl of Pem- broke. I have, at my brother's requefl:, fent my Lord Inchequin into Barbary, to fettle the Proteftant Religion among the Moors, and an Englifh Intereft at Tangier. I have made Crew, Bifhop of Durham, and, at the firft word of my Lady Portfmouth, Prideaux, Bifhop of Chichefter. I know not, for my part, what fadious men would have ; but this I am fure of, my predecelTors never did any thing like this, to gain the good will of their fubjects. So much for your religion, and now for your property. My be- haviour to the Bankers is a publick inftancej and the pro- 3 K 2 ceedings 436 FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. ceedings between Mrs. Hyde and Mrs. Sutton for private ones, are fuch convincing evidences, that it will be needlefs to fay any more to't. I muft now acquaint you, that, by my Lord Treafurer's advice, I have made a confiderable retrenchment upon my expences in candles and charcoal, and do not intend to ftop there, but will, with your help, look into the late em- bezzlements of my dripping-pans and kitchen-ftufF ; of which, by the way, upon my confcience, neither my Lord Treafurer nor my Lord Lauderdale are guilty. I tell you my opinion ; but if you fhould find them dabling in that bufynefs, I tell you plainly, I leave 'em to you ; for, I would have the world to know, I am not a man to be cheated. My Lords and Gentlemen, I defire you to believe me as you have found me ; and I do folemnly promife you, that whatfoever you give me fhall be fpecially managed with the fame conduct, truft, fincerity and prudence, that I have ever pradifed, fince my happy reftoration. A N FAMILIAR EPISTLES, &c. 437 AN EPITAPH. HERE under refts the body of who in his life- time refled;ed all the luftre he derived from his fa- mily, and recompenfed the honour of his defcent by his virtue j for being of an excellent nature, he cultivated it by all the beft means of improvement : nor left any fpot empty for the growth of pride or vanity. So that, although he was poliflied to the utmoft perfediion, he appeared only as a mirrour for others, not himfelf, to look in. ChearfuU without gall, fober without formality, prudent without ftratagem, and religious without affediation. He neither neglected, nor yet pretended to bufynefs ; but as he loved not to make work, fo not to leave it imperfect. He un- derftood, but was not enamoured of pleafure. He never came before in injury, nor behind in courtefy : nor found fweetnefs in any revenge but that of gratitude. He fo ftudioufly difcharged the obligations of a fubje6l, a fon, a friend, and an hufband, as if thofe relations could have confifted only on his part. Having thus walked upright, and eafyly through this world, nor contributed by any ex- cefs to his mortality ; yet death took him : wherein there- fore, as his laft duty, he fignalized the more his former life with all the decency and recumbence of a departing Chriftian. 4 AN ACCOUNT OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT I N ENGLAND. More particularly from the long Prorogation of November, i6y^, ending the 15th of February 1676, till the laft Meeting of Parliament the i6th of Ju/y 1677. By ANDREW MARVEL L. Printed at Amsterdam in the Year M.DC.LXXVII. A N Account of the Growth of Popery, AND Arbitrary Government in England^ &c. THERE has now for diverfe years a defign been carried on to change the lawful! Government of England into an abfolute Tyranny, and to convert the eftablifhed Proteftant Religion into downright Popery : than both which, nothing can be more deftru6live or con- trary to the intereft and happinefle, to the conftitution and being of the king and kingdom. For if firft we confider the ftate, the kings of England rule not upon the fame terms with thofe of our neighbour nations, who, having by force or by adreffe ufurped that due fhare which their people had in the government, are now for fome ages in the poffeflion of an arbitrary power (which yet no prefcription can make legall) and exercife it over their perfons and eftates in a moft tyrannical manner. Vol. I. 3 L But 442 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND But here the fubjeds retain their proportion in the Legifla- ture; the very meaneft Commoner of England is repre- fented in Parliament, and is a party to thofe laws by which the Prince is fworn to govern himfelf and his people. No mony is to be levied but by the common confent. No man is for life, limb, goods, or liberty, at the Soveraigns difcretion : but we have the fame right (modeftly under- ftood) in our propriety that the prince hath in his regality ; and in all cafes where the King is concerned, we have our juft remedy as againft any private perfon of the neighbour- hood, in the Courts of Weftminfter Hall or in the High Court of Parliament. His very Prerogative is no more then what the law has determined. His Broad Seal, which is the legitimate ftamp of his pleafure, yet is no longer cur- rant, than upon the trial it is found to be legal. He can- not commit any perfon by his particular warrant. He can- not himfelf be witnefie in any caufe : the ballance of pub- lick juftice being fo delicate, that not the hand only but even the breath of the Prince would turn the fcale. Nothing is left to the King's will, but all is fubjedted to his authority r by which means it follows that he can do no wrong, nor can he receive wrong; and a King of England keeping to thefe meafures, may, without arrogance, be faid to remain the onely intelligent Ruler over a rational People. In recom- penfe therefore and acknowledgment of fo good a govern- ment under his influence, his perfon is mofl: facred and in- violable ; ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 443 violable ; and whatfoever excefles are committed againft fo high a truft, nothing of them is imputed to him, as being free from the neceflity or temptation, but his minifters only- are accountable for all and muft anfwer it at their perills. He hath a vaft revenue conftantly arifing from the Hearth of the Houfholder, the Sweat of the Labourer, the Rent of the Farmer, the Induftry of the Merchant, and confequently out of the Eftate of the Gentleman : a larg competence to defray the ordinary expenfe of the Crown, and maintain its luftre. And if any extraordinary occafion happen, or be but with any probable decency pretended, the whole land at whatfoever feafon of the year does yield him a plentifull harveft. So forward are his people's affedlions to give even to fuperfluity, that a forainer (or Englifhman that hath been long abroad) would think they could neither will nor chufe, but that the afking of a fupply were a meer formality, it is fo readily granted. He is the fountain of all honours, and has moreover the diftribution of fo many profitable offices of the Houfhold, of the Revenue, of State, of Law, of Re- ligion, of the Navy (and, fince his prefent Majefties time, of the Army) that it feems as if the Nation could fcarfe furnifh honeft men enow to fupply all thofe imployments. So that the Kings of England are in nothing inferiour to other Princes, fave in being more abridged from injuring their own fubjeds : but have as large a field as any of external felicity, wherein to exercife their own virtue, and fo reward 3 L 2 and 444 <^F THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND and incourage it in others. In fliort, there is nothing that comes nearer in Government to the Divine Perfedion, then where the Monarch, as with us, injoys a capacity of doing all the good imaginable to mankind, under a difability to all that is evil. And as we are thus happy in the conftitution of our State, fo are we yet more blefled in that of our Church; being free from that Romifh yoak, which fo great a part of Chriften- dome do yet draw and labour under. That Popery is fuch a thing as cannot, but for want of a word to exprefs it, be called a Religion : nor is it to be mentioned with that civility which is otherwife decent to be ufed, in fpeaking of the differences of humane opinion about Divine Matters. Were it either open Judaifme, or plain Turkery, or honefl: Paganifme, there is yet a certain bona fides in the mofl extravagant Be- lief, and the fincerity of an erroneous profefTion may ren- der it more pardonable : but this is a compound of all the three, an extradt of whatfoever is moil ridiculous and im- pious in them, incorporated with more peculiar abfurdityes of its own, in which thofe were deficient; and all this delibe- rately contrived, knowingly carried on by the bold im- pofture of PrieRs under the name of Chriftianity. The wif- dom of this fifth Religion, this lafl: and infolentefl: attempt iliipon the credulity of mankind, feems to me (though not ignorant otherwife of the times, degrees, and methods of its 5 progrefTe) ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 445 progrefle) principally to have conlifted in their owning the Scriptures to be the Word of God, and the Rule of Faith and Manners, but in prohibiting at the fame time their com- mon ufe, or the reading of them in publick Churches but in a Latine tranllation to the vulgar : there being no better or more rational way to fruftrate the very delign of the great Jnftitutor of Chriftianity, who firft planted it by the extra- ordinary gift of Tongues, then to forbid the ufe even of the ordinary languages. For having thus a book which is unir verfally avowed to be of Divine Authority, but fequeftring . it only into fuch hands as v/ere intruded in the cheat, they had the opportunity to vitiate, fuppreffe, or interpret to their own profit thofe Records by which the poor people hold their falvation. And this neceffary point being once gained, there was thenceforward nothing fo monftrous to reafon, fo abhorring from morality, or fo contrary to fcrip- ture, which they might not in prudence adventure on. The Idolatry (for, alas ! it is neither better nor worfe) of adoring and praying to Saints and Angels, of worfhipping Pidlures, Images and Reliques, incTedible Miracles and palpable Fables to promote that veneration ; the whole Liturgy and Worfhip of the Blefled Virgin ; the faying of Pater Nojlej-s and Creeds, to the honour ol Saints, and of y^i;^ Mary s too, not to her honour, but of others. ' The Publick Service, which they can fpare to God among fo many competitors, in an unknown tongue, and intangled with fuch Veftments, Con- 446 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND Confecrations, Exorcifmes, Whifperings, Sprinklings, Cen- fings, and phantafticall Rites, Gefliculations, and Remo- vals, fo iinbefeeming a Chriftian Office, that it reprefents rather the pranks and ceremonyes of Juglers and Conjurers. The Refufal of the Cup to the Laity ; the neceffity of the Prieft's intention to make any of their Sacraments effectual ; debarring their Clergy from Marriage ; interdifting of Meats ; Auricular Confeffion and Abfolution, as with them pra6tifed ; Penances, Pilgrimages, Purgatory, and Prayer for the dead. But above all their other devices, that Tran- fubftantiall folacifmc, whereby that glorified Body, which at the fame time they allow to be in Heaven, is fold again and crucifyed daily upon all the Altars of their Communion. For God indeed may now and then do a Miracle, but a Romiili Prieft can, it feems, work in one moment a thou- fand impoffibilityes. Thus by a new and antifcriptural Be- lief, compiled of Terrours to the Phanfy, Contradi6lions to Senfe, and Impofitions on the Underftanding, their Laity have turned Tenants for their Souls, and in confequence tributary for their Eftates to a more then omnipotent Prieft- hood. I muft indeed do them that right to avow that, out of an equitable confideration and recompenfe of fo faithfull a llavery, they have difcharged the people from all other fer- vices and dependance, infranchifed them from all duty to God ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 447 God or Man ; infomuch that their feverer and more learned Divines, their Governors of Confcience, have fo well inftrudt- ed them in all the arts of circumventing their neighbour, and of colluding with Heaven, that, were the fcholars as apt as their teachers, there would have been long fince an end of all either true Piety, or common Honefty; and nothing left among them but authorized Hypocrify, Licentioufneffe and Knavery ; had not the naturall worth of the better fort, and the good llmplicity of the meaner, in great meafure preferved them. For nothing indeed but an extraordinary temper and ingenuity of fpirit, and that too afTifted by a diviner influence, could poflibly retrain thofe within any the termes or laws of humanity, who at the fame time own the Dodrine of their Cafuifts or the Authority of the Pope, as it is by him claimed and exercifed. He by his Indul- gences delivers foules out of the paines of the other world : fo that who would refufe to be vicious here, upon fo good fecurity ? He by his difpenfation annuls contrads betwixt man and man, diflblves oaths between princes, or betwixt them and their people, and gives allowance in cafes which God and nature prohibits. He, as Clerk of the fpirituall market, hath fet a rate upon all crimes : the more flagitious they are and abominable, the better commodities, and men pay onely an higher price as for greater rarityes. So that it feemes as if the commands of God had been invented meerly to ered an office for the Pope ; the worfe Chriftians men are, 44? OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND , are, the better cuftomers ; and this Rome does by the fame policy people its church, as the Pagan Rome did the city, by opening a fandtiiary to all malefadlors. And why not, if his power be indeed of fucli virtue and extent as is by him chalenged? That he is the Ruler over Angels, Purga- tory and Hell. That his Tribunal and God's are all one. That all that God, he can do, clave non errante^ and what he does is as God and not as man. That he is the univerfali Head of the Church ; the fole Interpreter of Scripture, and Judge of Controverfy. That he is above Generall Councils. That his Power is abfolute, and his Decrees in- fallible. That he can change the very nature of things, ma- king what is Juft to be Unjuft, and what is Vice to be Virtue. That all Laws are in the Cabinet of his Breaft. That he can difpence with the New Teftament to the great injury of the Divels. That he is Monarch of this World, and that he candifpofe of Kingdoms and Empires as he pleafes. Which things being granted, that ftile of Optimwn Maximum ^ fupremutn ?nwten hi terris, or that of Do?mnuSy Deus nojler^ Papa, was no fuch extraordinary ftroke of Courtfhip as we reckoned : but it was rather a great clownifhnefs in him that treated fo mighty a Prince under the fimple title of Fice- "Deiis. The exercife of his dominion is in all points fuitable to this his pretence. He antiquates the precepts of Chrift as things only of good advice, not commanded : but makes it a mortall fin even to doubt of any part of his own Religion, and ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 449 and demands under paine of damnation the fubjedion of all Chriftians to his Papal authority : the denying of two things fo reafonable as blind obedience to this power, and an implicite faith to his do6lrine, being the moft unpar- donable crime, under his difpenfation. He has indeed of late been fomewhat more retentive than formerly as to his faculty of difpoflng of kingdomes, the thing not having fucceeded well with him in fome inftances : but he layes the fame claim ftill, continues the fame inclination, and though velvet-headed hath the more itch to be pufhing. And how- ever in order to any occallon he keeps himfelf in breath al- ways by curfing one prince or other upon every Maunday Thurfday : nor is there any, whether prince or nation, that diflents from his ufurpations, but are marked out under the notion of Hereticks to mine and deftrudtion whenfoever he fhall give the fignal. That word of Herefy mifapplyed hath ferved him for fo many ages to juftify all the executions, aflallinations, warrs, maflacres, and devaftations, whereby his faith hath been propagated ; of which our times alfo have not wanted examples, and more is to be expetled for the future. For by how much any thing is more falfe and un- reafonable, it requires more cruelty to eflablifh it: and to in- troduce that which is abfurd, there mufl: be fomwhat done that is barbarous. But nothing of any fed: in religion can be more recommended by all thefe qualityes than the Papacy. The Pagans are excufablc by their natural dark- VoL. I. 3 M nefs, 450 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND nefsj without revelation. The Jews are tolerable, who fee not beyond the Old Teftament. Mahomet was fo honeft as to own what he would be at, that he himfelf was the greateft Pro- phet, and that his was a Religion of the Sword. So that thefe were all, as I may fay, of another allegiance, and if enemys, yet not traytors : but the Pope avowing Chriftianity by profefllon, doth in doctrine and pradiife renonce it : and prefuming to be the only Catholick, does perfecute thofe to the death who dare worfhip the Author of tlieir Religion in- ftead of his pretended Vicegerent. And yet there is nothing more evident, notwithflanding his moft notorious forgeries and falfification of all writers, than that the Pope was for feverall hundred of years an honeft Bifhop as other men are, and never fo much as dream- ed upon the Seven Hills of that univerfal power which he is now come to : nay was the firft that oppofed any fuch pre- tenfion. But fome of them at laft, growing wifer, by foifting a counterfeit donation of Conftantine, and wrefling another donation from our Saviour, advanced themfelves in a weak, ignorant, and credulous age, to that Temporal and Spiritual Principality that they are now feifed of. Tu esPetrus, &'fuper ham Petram cedijicabo Ecclefam meam. Never was a Bifhop- prick and a verfe of Scripture fo improved by good manage- ment. Thus, by exercifing in the quality of Chrift's Vicar the publick fundlion under an inviiible prince, the Pope, like the ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 451 the Maiies of the Palace, hath fet his mafter afide and deli- vered the government over to a new line of Papal fuccef- fion. But who can, unlefie wilfully, be ignorant what wretch- ed doings, what bribery, what ambition there are, how long the Church is without an head upon every vacancy, till among the crew of bandying Cardinalls the Holy Ghoft have declared for a Pope of the French or Spanifh Fadion? It is a fuceflion like that of the Egyptian Ox (the living idol of that country) who dying or being made away by the priefts, there was a folemn and general mourning for want of a Deity ; until in their conclave they had found out another beaft with the very fame marks as the former, whom then they themfelves adored and with great jubilee brought forth to the people to worfhip. Nor was that election a grofler reproach to human reafon, then this is alfo to Chriftianity. Surely it is the greateft miracle of the Romifh Church that it fliould ftill continue, and that in all this time the gates of Heaven fhould not prevaile againft it. It is almoft unconceivable how princes can yet fuffer a power fo pernicious, and do(5lrine fo defl:ru6live to all go- vernment. That fo great a part of the land fhould be alie- nated and condemned to, as they call it. Pious Ufes. That fuch millions of their people as the clergy, fliould, by re- maining unmarryed, either fruftrate human nature if they live chaftly, or, if otherwife, adulterate it. That they fliould 3 M 2 be 452 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND be priviledged from all labour, all publick fervice, and ex- empt from the power of all fecular jurifdidion. That they, beino- all bound by ftrid oaths and vows of obedience to the Pope, fhould evacuate the fealty due to the foveraign. Nay, that not only the clergy but their whole people, if of the Romifh perfwafion, {hould be obliged to rebel at any time upon the Pope's pleafure. And yet how many of the neighbouring princes are content, or do chufe to reign,, upon thofe conditions ; which being fo diOionorable and dangerous, furely fome great and more weighty reafon does caufe them fubmit to. Whether it be out of perfonal fear, having heard perhaps of feveral attempts which the blind obedience of Popifh zelotes hath executed againft their princes. Or, whether aiming at a more abfolute and tyran- nical government, they think it ftill to be the cafe of Boni- face and Phocas (an ufurping emperour and an ufurping bifhop) and that, as other cheats, this alfo is beft to be managed by confederacy. But, as farre as I can appre- hend, there is more of floth than policy on the princes fide in this whole matter: and all that pretenfe of inflaving men by the afliftance of religion more eafily, is neither more nor lefTe than when the Bramine, by having the firft night of the bride, aflures himfetf of her devotion for the future, and makes her more fit for the hufband. This reflection upon the flate of our neighbours, in refpe how falfly !) That the nation was running again into fourty one ; that this was the time to refrefh their antient merit, and receive the recompence double of all their loyalty, and that henceforward the cavaliers fhould have the lottery of all the great or fmall offices in the kingdom, and not fo much as Sir Jofeph Williamfon to have a fliare in it. By this means they indeed defigned to have raifed a civil war, for which they had all along provided, by new forts, and 510 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND and ftanding forces, and to which they had on purpofe both in England and Scotland given all provocation if it would have been taken, that fo they might have a rafe campagfie oi x&VigioR, government, and propriety? or they hoped at leafl: by this means to fright the one party, and in- courage the other, to give henceforward money at pleafure, and that money on what title foever granted, with what ftamp coyned, might be melted down for any other fervice or ufes. But there could not have been a greater affront and indignity offered to thofe gentlemen (and the beft did fo refent it) than whether thefe hopes were reall, to think them men that might be hired to any bafe adion, or whether as hitherto but imaginary, that by ereding the late King's ftatue that whole party might be rewarded in effigie. While thefe things were upon the anvil the lo*^ of No- vember was come for the Parliament's fitting, but that was put off till the i-f" of April 1675. -^^^^ ^^ ^^-^ mean time, which fell out moft opportune for the confpirators, thefe counfells were matured, and fomething further to be con- trived, that was yet wanting : the Parliament accordingly meeting, and the Houfe of Lords, as well as that of the Commons, being in deliberation of feverall wholefome bills, fuch as the prefent ftate of the nation required, the great defign came out in a bill unexpedledly offered one morn- ing in the Houfe of Lords, whereby all fuch as injoyed any 3 beneficiall ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 511 beneficiall office, or imployment, ecclefiaftical, civil, or military, to which was added, privy counfellors, juftices of the peace, and members of parliament, were under a penalty to take the oath, and make the declaration, and abhorrence, infuing, " I A. B. do declare, that it is not lawful upon any pre- tence whatfoever to take up armes againft the King, and that I do abhorre that traiterous pofition of taking armes by his authority againft his perfon, or againft thofe that " are commiffioned by him in purfuance of fuch commif- *' fion. And I do fwear, that I will not at any time in- deavour the alteration of the government either in church or ftate. So help me God." (C This fame oath had been brought into the Houfe of Commons in the plague year at Oxford, to have been im- pofed upon the nation, but there, by the affiftance of thofe very fame perfons that now introduce it, 'twas thrown out, for fear of a general infeftion of the vitals of this king- dome: and though it palTed then in a particular bill, known, by the name of the Five Mile A61, becaufe it only con- cerned the non-conformift preachers, yet even in that, it was thoroughly oppofed by the late Earle of Southampton, whofe judgement might well have been reckoned for the ftandard of prudence and loyalty. It was indeed happily faid, 512 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND faid, by the Lord Keeper, ia the opening of this fefnon, *' No influences of the ftarrs,no configuration of the heavens, " are to be feared, fo long as thefc two Houfes ftand in a *' good difpofition to each other, and both of them in a " happy conjun6lion with their Lord and Sovcraign." Eut if he had fo early this A61 in his profpcd, the fiime aflrology might have taught him, that there is nothing more porten- tous, and of vvorfe omen, then when fuch an oath hangs over a nation, like a new comet foreboding the alteration ol reli- gion, or government. Such was the holy league in France in the reigne of Henry IH. Such in the time of Philip IL the oath in the Netherlands. And fo the oaths in our late King's time taught the Fanaticks, becaufe they could not fwear, vet to covenant. Such things therefore are, if ever, not needleffely thought for good fortune fake only to be at- tempted, aod when was there any thing lelTe neceffary? No King of England had ever fo great a treafure of this peoples affeftions except what thofe ill men have, as they have done all the reft, confumed ; whom but out of an excefTe of love to his perfon, the kingdome would never (for it never did formerly) fo long have fuffered : the old afts of allegiance and fupremacy were flill in their full vigour, unlefle againft the Papifts, and even againft them too of late, whenfo- ever the way was to be fmoothed for a liberall feflion of Parliament. And moreover to put the crown in full fecu- rity, this Parliament had by an Adl of theirs determined a queftion ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 513 queftion which the wifdome of their anceftors had never decided, that the King hath the fole power of the militia. And therefore my Lord Keeper did, by his patronizing this oath, too groffely prevaricate, againft two very good ftate maximes, in his harangue to the Parliament, for which he had confulted not the aftrologer, but the hiftorian, advifing them firft, that they fliould not qiikta inovere^ that is, faid he " when men ftirre thofe things or queftions which are, " and ought to be in peace." And fecondly, that they {hould not res pai^vas magn'is jnotibus agere : That is, faith he againe, " when as much weight is laid upon a new and not " always neceflary proportion as if the whole fumme of " affaires depended upon it." And this oath, it feems, was the little thing he meant of, being forfooth but a moderate fecurity to the church and crown, as he called it, but which he and his party layd fo much weight on, as if the whole fum of affaires did depend upon it. But as to the quieta movere^ or flirring of thofe things or queftions which are and ought to be in peace, was not this fo, of taking armes againft the King upon any pretence whatfoever ? and was not that alfo in peace, of the tray- terous pofttion of taking armes by his authority againft his perfon ? had not the three adls of Corporations, of Militia, and the Five Miles, fufficiently quieted it ? why was it fur- VoL. I. 3 U ther 514 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND ther ftirred ? but being ftirred, it raifes in mens thoughts many things more; fome lefs, others more to the purpofe. Sir Walter Tirrell's arrow grazed upon the deer it was fliot at, but by that chance killed King William Rufus ; yet fo far was it that Sir Walter fhould for that chance fliot be adjudged of treafon, that we do not perceive he under- went any other tryal like that of manflaughter: but which is more to the point, it were difficult to inftance a law either in this or other country, but that a private man, if any king in Chriflendom ailault him, may, having retreated to the wall, ftand upon his guard ; and therefore, if this matter as to a particular man be dubious, it was not (o prudent to ftirre it in the general, being fo well fetled. And as to all other things, though flnce Lord Chancellour, he have in his fpeech of the 15"' of February, 1676, faid (to teftify his own abhorrency) " Away with that ill meant diftindion " between the natural and the politique capacity." He is too well read to be ignorant that without that diftindtion there would be no law nor reafon of law left in England ; to which end it was, and to put all out of doubt, that it is alfo required in this teft, to declare mens abhorrency as of a traitorous polition, to take armes againft thofe that are com- milBoned by him, in purfuance of fuch commiflion ; and yet neither is the tenour, or rule, of any fuch commiffion fpecified, nor the qualification of thofc that fhall be armed with ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 515 with fuch commiilions, expreficd or limited. Never was fo much fenfe contained in fo few words. No conveyancer could ever in more compendious or binding terms have drawn a diflettlement of the whole birth-right of England. For as to the commiflion, if it be to take away any mans eftate, or his life by force, yet it is the King's commiflion : or if the perfon commiflionate be under never fo many difTabilities by A6ts of Parliament, yet his taking this oath removes all thofe incapacities, or his commiflion makes it not difputable. But if a man ftand upon his defence, a good judge for the purpofe, finding that the pofition is traito- rous, will declare that by this law he is to be executed for treafon. Thefe things are no nicetyes, or remote confiderations (though in making of laws, and which muft come after- wards under conftru6lion of judges, durante bene placito^ all cafes are to be put and imagined) but there being an Ad: in Scotland for 20,000 men to march into England upon call, and fo great a body of Englifh fbuldery in France, within flimmons, befides what forainers may be obliged by treaty to furnifh, and it being fo frefli in memory, what fort of perfons had lately been in commiflion among us, to which add the many bookes then printed by licence, writ, fome by men of the black, one of the green cloath, wherein 3 U 2 the 5i6 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND the abfolutenefs of the Englifh monarchy is againft all law aflerted. All thefe conlidcrations put together were fufficient to make any honefl: and well-advifed man to conceive indeed, that upon the pafling of this oath and declaration the whole fum of affaires depended. It grew therefore to the greateft conteft, that has perhaps ever been in Parliament, wherein thofe Lords, that were againft this oath, being affured of their own loyalty and merit, ftood up now for the Englifh liberties with the fame genius, virtue and courage, that their noble anceftors had formerly defended the great charter of England, but with fo much greater commendation, in that they had here a fairer field, and the more civil way of decifion : they fought it out under all the difadvantages imaginable : they were overlaid by numbers: the noife of the Houfe, like the wind, was againft them, and if not the fun, the fire-fide was all-; ways in their faces ; nor being fo few, could they, as their adverfaries, withdraw to refrefti themfelves in a whole days ingagement : yet never was there a clearer demonftration how dull a thing is humane eloquence, and greatnefs how little, when the bright truth difcovers all things in their proper colours and dimenfions, and fhining ftioots its beams thorow all their fallacies. It might be injurious, where all of them did fo excellently well, to attribute more to any one of ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 517 of thofe Lords than another, unlefs becaufe the Duke of Buckingham, and the Earl of Shaftfbury, have been the more reproached for this brave adion, it be requifite by a double proportion of praife to fet them two on equal terms with the reft of their companions in honour. The parti- cular relation of this debate, which lafted many dayes with great eagernefs on both fides, and the reafons but on one, was in the next fefTion burnt by order of the Lords, but the fparkes of it will eternally Hy in their adverfaries faces. Now before this teft could in fo vigorous an oppofition pafle the Houfe of Peers, there arofe unexpedledly a great controverfy betwixt the two Houfes, concerning their pri- viledges on this occafion ; the Lords according to their un- doubted right, being the Supream Court of Judicature in the nation, had, upon petition of Doctor Shirley, taken cognizance of a caufe between him and Sir John Fagg, a member of the Houfe of Commons, and of other appeales from the Court of Chancery, which the Commons, whe- ther in good earneft, which I can hardly believe, or rather fome crafty parliament men among them, having an eye upon the teft, and to prevent the hazard of its coming among them, prefently took hold of, and blew the coales to fuch a degree, that there was no quenching them,- In the Houfe of Peers both partyes, as in a point of their own privilege, eafily united, and were no lefl'e inflamed againft.: p^ OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND againft the Commons, and to uphold their own ancient ju- rifdidlion ; wherein neverthelefl'e both the Lords for the teft, and thofe againft it, had their own particular reafons, and might have accufed each other perhaps of fome arti- fice; the matter in conclufion was fo hufbanded on all fides, that any longer converfe betwixt the two Houfes grew imprad:icable, and his Majefty prorogued them therefore till the 13*** of 06lober 1675, following: And in this man- ner that fatall Teft, which had given fo great difturbance to the mindes of our nation, dyed the fecond death ; which, in the language of the divines, is as much as to fay, it was damned. The Houfe of Commons had not in that fefiion been wanting to vote 300,0001. towards the building of fhips, and to draw a bill for appropriating the ancient tunnage and poundage, amounting to 400,0001. yearly to the ufe of the navy, as it ought in law already, and had been granted formerly upon that fpecial truft and confidence, but neither did that 300,0001. although competent at pre- fent, and but an earneft for future meeting, feem confider- able, and had it been more, yet that bill of appropriating any thing to its true ufe, was a fufficient caufe to make them both mifcarry, but upon pretenfe of the quarrel be- tween the Lords and Commons in which the fefiion thus ended. The ARBliRAllY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 519 The confpirators had this interval to relied: upon their own affaires. They faw that the King of France (as they called him) was fo bufy abroad, that he could not be of farther ufe, yet, to them here, than by his directions, while his armyes were by afliftance of the Englifh forces, feverall times faved from mines. They confidered that the Tefl was defeated, by which the Papifls hoped to have had repri- falls for that of Tranfubftantiation, and the confpirators to have gained commifTion, as extenflve and arbitrary, as the malice of their own hearts could didate : that herewith they had miffed of a legality to have raifed mony without confcnt of Parliament, or to imprifon or execute whofoever fhould oppofe them in purfuance of fuch their commiffion. They knew it was in vaine to expedl that his Majefty in that want, or rather opinion of want, which they had re- duced him to, fliould be diverted from holding this feflion of Parliament : nor were they themfelves for this once wholy averfe to it, for they prefumed either way to find their own account, that if money were granted it fhould be attributed to their influence, and remaine much within their difpofal, but if not granted, that by joyning this with other accidents of Parliament, they might fo reprefent things to his Majefly as to incenfe him againft them, and diftrufting all parliamentary advice to take counfel from themfelves, from France, and from neceffity. 4 And 520 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND And in the meane time they fomented all the jealoufiies which they caufed. They continued to inculcate forty and one in court, and country. Thofe that refufed all the mony they demanded, were to be the onely recufants, and all that aflerted the libertyes of the nation, were to be reckoned in the clallls of Prefby- terians. The 1 3''' of Odober came, and his Majefty now afked not only a fupply for his building of fliips, as formerly, but further, to take off the anticipation upon his revenue. The Houfe of Commons took up again fuch publick bills as they had on foot in their former fitting, and others that might either remedy prefent, or prevent future mifchiefs. The bill for Habeas Corpus j that againft fending men prifoners beyond fea; that againft railing mony without confent of Parliament ; that againft Papifts fitting in either Houfe; another a6t for fpeedier convi6ling of Papifts; that for recalling his Majeftys fubjeds out of the French fervice, 8cc. And as to his Majeftys fupply, they proceeded in their former method of the two bills, one for raifing 300,000!. and the other for appropriating the tunnage and poundage to the ufe of the navy. And in the Lords Houfe there was a good difpofition to- %vard things of publick intereft: but 300,000!. was fo in- fipid ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 521 fipid a thing, to thofc who had been continually regaled with millions, and that ad of appropriation, with fome others, went fo much againft ftomach that there wanted only an opportunity to reje6l them, and that which was readieft at hand was the late quarrel betwixt the Houfe of Lords and the Commons. The Houfe of Commons did now more peremptorily than ever oppofe the Lords jurifdidlion in appeals : the Lords on the other fide were refolved not to depart from fo effentiall a priviledge and authority, but to proceed in the exercife of it : fo that this difpute was raifed to a greater ardure and contention than ever, and there appeared no way of accommodation. Hereupon the Lords were in confultation for an addrefle to his Majefty cdntein- ing many weighty reafons for his Majeftyes diffolving this Parliament, deduced from the nature and behaviour of the prefent Houfe of Commons : but his Majefty, although the tranfadtion between the two Houfes was at prefent be- come impradlicable, judging that this Houfe might at fome other time be of ufe to him, chofe only to prorogue the Parliament ; the blame of it was not onely laid, but aggra- vated, upon thofe in both Houfes, but efpecially on the Lords Houfe, who had moft vigoroufly oppofed the French and Popilh intereft. But thofe who were prefent at the Lords, and obferved the condudt of the great minifters there, conceived of it otherwife ; and as to the Houfe of Commons, who in the heat of the conteft had voted,** Vol. I. 3 X « That 522 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND " That whofoevcr fhall follicity or profecute any appeal " againft any Commoner of England, from any court of " equity before the Houfe of Lords, fhall be deemed and taken a betrayer of the rights and liberties of the Com- mons of England, and fhall be proceeded againft accord- ingly." r adjourning the Houfe with- out queftion, by his own authority, and was loath to have it difcontinued ; fb that without more ado, like an infallible judge, and who had the power over councils, he declared, ex cathedra, that they were adjourned till the third of De- cember next. And in the fame moment 'ftampt down on the floor, and went forth (trampling upon, and treading under foot, I had almoft faid, the privileges and ufage of Parliament, but however) without fhewing that decent re- fpedl which is due to a multitude in order, and to whom he was a menial fervant. In the mean time the four Lords lay all this while in the Tower, looking perhaps to have been fet free, at leaft of courfe ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 641 courfe by prorogation. And there was the more reafon to have expedled one, becaufe the corn claiifc, which de- duced, commtmtbus annisy 55,000!. out of the King's cuftomes, was by the Ad: of Parliament to have expired. But thefe frequent adjournments left no place for divi- nation, but that they muft rather have been calculated to give the French more fcope for perfeding their conquefts, or to keep the Lords clofer, till the confpirators dcfigncs were accomplifhed, and it is Itfs probable that one of thefe was falfe, than that both were the true caufes. So that the Lords, if they had been taken in war, might have been ran- fomed cheaper than they were imprifoned.' When there- fore, after fo long patience, they faw no end of their capti- vity, they began to think that the procuring of their liberty deferved almoft the fame care which others took to conti- nue them in durance; and each of them chofe the method he thought moft advifable. The Earl of Shaftfbury having addreffed in vain for his Majefties favour, reforted by habeas corpus to the King's Bench, the conftant refidence of his Juftice. But the Judges were more true to their patents than their jurif- diftion, and remanded him. Sir Thomas Jones having done him double juftice, anfwering both for himfelf and his brother Twifden, that was abfent and had never heard any argument in the cafe. Vol. L ' 4 O The 642 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND The Duke of Buckingham, the Earle of Salifbury, and the Lord Wharton, had better fortune than he in recurring to his Majefty by a petition, upon which they were enlarged, making ufe of an honorable evafion, where no legal repa- ration could be hoped for. Ingratefull perfons may cen- fure them for enduring no more, not confidering how much they had fuffered. But it is honour enough for them to have been confefTors, nor as yet is the Earl of Shaft{bury a martyr for the Englifh liberties and the Proteftant religion, but may ftill live to the envy of thofe that maligne him for his conftancy. There remaines now only to relate that before the meet- ing appointed for the third of December, his Majefties pro- clamation was ifTued, Signifying that he expected not the members attendance, but that thofe of them about town may adjourn themfelves till the 4"* of April 1678. Wherein it feemed not fo ftrange, becaufe often done be- fore, as unfortunate that the French fhould fl:ill have fo much further leifure allowed him to compleat his defign upon Flanders, before the nation fhould have the laft opportu- nity of interpofing their counfells with his Majefty (it cannot now be faid) to prevent it. But thefe words, that the Houfe may adjourn themfelves, were very well received by thofe of the Commons who imagined themfelves thereby reftored to their right, after Mafter Seymour's invalionj when in rcr- 4 verfal ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 643 verfal of this, he probably defiling to retain a jurifdidtion that he had twice ufurpcd, and to adde this flower to the crown, of his own planting, Mr. Secretary Coventry de- livered a written meflage from his Majefly on the 3"* of December, of a contrary effe6l, though not of the fame validity with the Proclamation, to wit, that the Houfes fhould be adjourned only to the 15''' of January 1677. Which as foon as read, Mr. Seymour would not give leave to a worthy member offering to fpeak, but abruptly, now the third time of his own authority, adjourned them, with- out putting the queftion, although Sir J. Finch, for once doing fo in teriio Caroliy was accufed of high treafon ; this only can be faid, perhaps in his excufe, that whereas that in tertio Car. was a Parliament legally conftituted, Mr. Sey- mour did here do as a flieriff that difperfes a riotous aflembly. In this manner they were kickt from adjournment to ad- journment, as from one ftair down to another, and when they were at the bottom kickt up again, having no mind yet to go out of doors. And here it is time to fix a period, if not to them, yet to this narrative. But if neither one prorogation, againft all the laws in being, nor three vitious adjournments, againfl: all precedents, can diffolve them, this Parliament then is immortal, they can fubfifl: without his Majefties authority, and it is lefs dangerous to fay with Capt. Eldfon, {o lately, 4 O 2 Si 644 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND Si rcbellio evefierit in regno^ &^ non accideret fore contra omnes tres Jlatus^ no7i ejl rehellio. Thus far hath the confpiracy aganifl: our religion and government been laid open, which if true, it was more than time that it fhould be difcovered, but if any thing therein have been fallly fuggefted, the difproving of it in any particular will be a courtefy both to the publick and to the relator ; who would be glad to have the world convinced of the con- trary, though to the prejudice of his own reputation. But fo far is it from this, that it is rather impoflible for any ob- ferving man to read without making his own farther remarkes of the fame nature, and adding a fupplement of mofl: paffages which are here but imperfeilly toucht. Yet fome perhaps may objeil, as if the affiftance given to France were all along invidioufly aggravated, whereas there have been, and are, confiderable numbers likewife of his Majefties fubjedts in the fervice of Holland, which hath not been mentioned. But in anfwer to that, it is well known through what difficulty and hardfliip they palTed thither, efcaping hence over, like fo many malefadlors; and iince they are there, fuch care hath been taken to make them as ferviceable as others to the de- sign, that of thofe three regiments, two, if not the third alfo, have been new modelled under Popifh officers, and the Proteftants difplaced. Yet had the relator made that volun- tary omiffion in partiality to his argument, he hath abun- dantly ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT IN ENGLAND. 645 dantly recompenced in fparing fo many inftances on the other iide which made to his purpofe : The abandoning his Majeftics own nephew for fo many years, in compliance with his and our nations enemies : The further particulars of the French depredations and cruelties exercifed at fea upon his Majefties fubjedls, and to this day continued and tolerated without reparation : Their notorious treacheries and info- lencies, more efpecially relating to his Majefties affairs : thefe things abroad, which were capable of being illuftrated by many former and frefli examples ; at home, the con- ftant irregularities and injuftice from term to term of thofe that adminifter the judicature betwixt his Majefty and his people : The fcrutiny all over the kingdom, to find out men of arbitrary principles, that will bow the knee to Baal, in order to their promotion to all publick commiilions and imployments ; and the difgracing ot» the contrary and dif- placing of fuch as yet dare in fo univerfal a depravation be honeft and faithful in their truft and offices : The defedion of confiderable perfons both male and female to the Popifh religion, as if they entered by couples clean and unclean into the ark of that church, not more in order to their falvation, than for their temporal fafety : The ftate of the kingdom of Ireland, which would require a whole volume to reprefent it : The tendency of all affairs and counfels in this nation towards a revolution ; and (by the grea.t civility and forefight of his Holynefs) an Englifh cardinal now for fcveral 646 OF THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND feveral years prepared like Cardinal Poole to give us abfolu- tion, benedi1orn.a ^^^^^^ SOUTHERN BEGiONAL UBBAR,^ ^^^^,.,388 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los ^ng ^^^ ^^ ,^ This book is DUE ou the last date Ktan 16 igals ! ./ 4 19i / ii %^\ yo AW 7-4 195'. 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