March 1778 6-10

DIE Veneris, 6^o Martii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Militia Pay Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for defraying the Charge of the Pay and Cloathing of the Militia in that Part of Great Britain called England for One Year, beginning the Twenty-fifth Day of March One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight; and for filling up Vacancies in the Militia, in the Cases therein mentioned."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Evesham, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repealing certain Parts of Three several Acts of Parliament, of the First, the Seventeenth, and the Thirtieth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, made for repairing several Roads leading to and from the Borough of Evesham, in the County of Worcester; and for repairing and widening the Road from Evesham Bridge, in the said Borough, to the Globe Inn in Alcester, in the County of Warwick."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Cornwall Jail Bill:

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for building an additional Jail, and also a Prison and House of Correction, within the County of Cornwall; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

King's Consent signified to it.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That His Majesty having been informed of the Contents of the last-mentioned Bill, was pleased to consent (as far as His Majesty's Interest is concerned), that their Lordships may proceed therein, as they shall think fit."

Whistle Bridge, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for amending, widening, turning, altering and keeping in Repair, the Roads from Whistle Bridge, in the Parish of Barwick, in the County of Somerset, to the Turnpike Road in the Parish of Charminster, in the County of Dorset; and from the Cross in the Town of Maiden Newton, to a Stream of Water in the Parish of South Perrott, in the County of Dorset; and from a Place called Furzmoor Gate, in the Parish of Broad Winsor, to Lenham's Water, in the Parish of Beamister; and from Bugler's Corner, in the Town of Beamister, to the Dorsetshire Inn, in the Parish of Woolcombe; and from Upsydling Ewe Leaze to the Town of Cerne Abbas; and from the Town of Frampton to join the Western Turnpike Road near Steepleton, in the said County of Dorset."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Mutiny Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for punishing Mutiny and Desertion; and for the better Payment of the Army and their Quarters."

After some Time, the House was resumed;

And the Lord Amherst reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Dobbin, for a Divorce Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of Clotworthy Dobbin, late of Spanish Town, in the Island of Jamaica, but now of Wardour Street, Soho, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, praying Leave to bring in a Bill to dissolve his Marriage with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition.

Bill read.

Accordingly; The Lord Le Despencer presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Clotworthy Dobbin Esquire with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Monday the 23d Day of this Instant March; and that Notice thereof be affixed on the Doors of this House, and the Lords summoned; and that the said Clotworthy Dobbin may be heard by his Counsel at the said Second Reading, to make out the Truth of the Allegations of the Bill; and that the said Mary may have a Copy of the Bill, and that Notice be given her of the said Second Reading; and that she be at Liberty to be heard by her Counsel what she may have to offer against the said Bill at the same Time.

Bills passed by Commission.

The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House, "That His Majesty had been pleased to issue a Commission to several Lords therein named, for declaring His Royal Assent to several Acts agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament."

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Then Three of the Lords Commissioners, being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, the Lord Chancellor in the Middle, with the Archbishop of Canterbury on his Right Hand, and the Lord Privy Seal on his Left; commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to signify to the Commons, "The Lords Commissioners desire their immediate Attendance in this House, to hear the Commission read."

Who being come, with their Speaker;

The Lord Chancellor said,

My Lords, and Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

His Majesty not thinking fit to be personally present here at this Time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, and thereby given His Royal Assent to divers Acts, which have been agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament, the Titles whereof are particularly mentioned; and by the said Commission hath commanded us to declare and notify His Royal Assent to the said several Acts, in the Presence of you the Lords and Commons, assembled for that Purpose; which Commission you will now hear read."

Then the said Commission was read by the Clerk, as follows:

GEORGE R.

George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth: To Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and to Our Trusty and Well-beloved the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, and the Commissioners for Shires and Burghs, of the House of Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, Greeting. Whereas, We have seen and perfectly understood divers and sundry Acts agreed and accorded on by you Our Loving Subjects the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons, in this Our present Parliament assembled, and endorsed by you as hath been accustomed, the Titles and Names of which Acts hereafter do particularly ensue; (that is to say), "An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore." "An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels." "An Act for repairing the Highways and Bridges in the County of Wigton." An Act to enable His Majesty to license a Theatre in the City of Bristol." "An Act to continue and enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of King George the Second, for building a Bridge over the River Lea, at or near a Place called Jeremy's Ferry; and for making, repairing, and widening Roads from thence into the Great Roads at Snaresbrook, in the County of Essex, and at Clapton, in the County of Middlesex." "An Act for taking down the Parish Church of Lilford, being a Vicarage united to the Rectory of Achurch, in the County of Northampton; and for repairing the Parish Church of Achurch aforesaid; and for other Purposes therein mentioned." An Act for continuing the Terms and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts, One passed in the Seventh, and the other in the Eighth Years of His present Majesty's Reign, for repairing and widening the Roads from Oxford over Botley Causeway to Fifield, in the County of Berks, and Witney, in the County of Oxford." "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, passed in the Sixth and Twelfth Years of King George the First, the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majesty, and the Ninth Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Stevenage, in the County of Hertford, to Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, and other Roads therein mentioned." "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from Long Horsley Bar or Gate, on the Post Road near the Town of Morpeth, by or through Long Horsley, Weldon Bridge, and Whittingham, to the River Breamish, and from thence to Percy's Cross, in the County of Northumberland" "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, for repairing the Road from Highgate Gate House, in the County of Middlesex, to Barnet Block House, in the County of Hertford; and the Road from the Bear Inn in Hadley, to the Angel in Enfield Chace; and also Canewood Lane leading from Highgate to Hampstead, in the said County of Middlesex, and the Road beginning at Barnet Block House, and ending at the Bear Inn in Hadley aforesaid." "An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Stokenchurch, in the County of Oxford, to Wheatley Bridge, and from the said Bridge to Enslow Bridge, and from Wheatley Bridge to the Mileway leading towards Magdalen Bridge; and from the Mileway leading from Saint Giles's Church near the City of Oxford, by Begbroke, to New Woodstock in the said County." "An Act to enlarge the Term of an Act, passed in the Thirtieth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from Towcester, through Silverston and Brackley, in the County of Northampton; and Ardley and Middleton Stoney, to Weston Gate, in the Parish of Weston on the Green, in the County of Oxford." "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road from Wakefield to Austerlands, in the West Riding of the County of York." "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Thirty-third Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Bars at Boughton, within the Liberties of the City of Chester, to Whitchurch, and from thence to Newport, in the County of Salop, and other Roads in the said Act mentioned; and for making a Road of Communication from the said Road between Whitchurch and Newport, to the present Turnpike Road from Newport aforesaid to Eccleshall, in the County of Stafford." An Act for repairing and widening the Road from the Birches Brook to Buildwas Bridge, and from thence to join the Watling Street Turnpike Road at Tern Bridge, in the County of Salop." "An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of Three Acts of the Third and Seventeenth Years of the Reign of King George the Second, and the Tenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Galley Corner adjoining to Enfield Chace, in the Parish of South Mims in the County of Middlesex, to Lemsford Mill, in the County of Hertford." "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act made in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, King George the Second, for amending, widening and keeping in Repair, several Roads leading from the Market-House, in the Town of Much Wenlock, in the County of Salop; and for amending, widening and keeping in Repair, the Road leading from Gleeton Hill to Cressage, in the said County." "An Act for vesting certain Messuages, Lands and Hereditaments, in the County of Kent, (Part of the Estates devised and settled by the Will of John Thoyts deceased), in Trustees, to be sold and conveyed to Sir Sampson Gideon Baronet, and his Heirs; and for laying out the Monies arising by such Sale, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be conveyed and settled to and upon the like Uses and Trust, in the said Will." "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Bulwick, in the County of Northampton." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows and other Commonable Lands, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptoft, in the County of Leicester." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton." "An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing, the Open Fields, Commons and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester." "An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton." "An Act for dividing, and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton." "An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields. Downs and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tithing of Bockampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks." "An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields, and Stinted Pastures or Waste Grounds, in the Manor of North Dalton, in the East Riding of the County of York." "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, and Common or Waste Land, in the Lordship of Long Whatton in the County of Leicester." "An Act for regulating the Stocking of a certain Piece of enclosed Pasture Ground, called Nazeing Wood, or Nazeing Park, in the Manor and Parish of Nazeing, in the County of Essex; and for keeping the Fences thereof in Repair." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Commons and Waste Grounds, within the Manor of Clifton upon Calder, in the West Riding of the County of York." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common or Waste Ground called Brislington, otherwife Bussleton Common, in the Parish of Brislington, otherwise Bussleton, in the County of Somerset." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Commons and Waste Grounds, within the Manors of Lathom and Skelmersdale, in the Parish of Ormskirk, in the County Palatine of Lancaster." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Isham, in the County of Northampton." "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows and Common Pastures, within the Lordship or Parish of Castle Donington, in the County of Leicester." "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, and other Commonable and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Highworth, in the County of Wilts." "An Act to enable Walter James Head Esquire, a Minor, and his Issue, to take and use the Surname of James only, and to bear the Coat Armour of the Family of John James Esquire, deceased." "An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire (now called Charles Edwin), and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Surname of Edwin only." "An Act for naturalizing David Henry de Beaune." "An Act for naturalizing Hans Arfwidsson." "An Act for naturalizing Charles Frederick Loudonsack." "An Act for naturalizing Henry Wilckens." "An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius." "An Act for naturalizing James Cazenove." "An Act for naturalizing Francis Long." "An Act for naturalizing Antoine Bazin." And albeit, the said Acts by you Our said Subjects, the Lords and Commons in this Our present Parliament assembled, are fully agreed and consented unto; yet, nevertheless, the same are not of Force and Effect in the Law, without Our Royal Assent given and put to the said Acts: And forasmuch as for divers Causes and Considerations, We cannot conveniently at this Time be present in Our Royal Person in the Higher House of Our said Parliament, being the Place accustomed to give Our Royal Assent to such Acts as have been agreed upon by you Our said Subjects the Lords and Commons, We have therefore caused these Our Letters Patent to be made, and have signed the same, and by the same do give and put Our Royal Assent to the said Acts, and to all Articles, Clauses, and Provisions therein contained, and have fully agreed and assented to the said Acts; Willing that the said Acts, and every Article, Clause, Sentence, and Provision therein contained, from henceforth shall be of the same Strength, Force and Effect, as if We had been personally present in the said Higher House, and had openly and publickly in the Presence of you all assented to the same: And We do by these Presents declare and notify the same Our Royal Assent, as well to you the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons aforesaid, as to all others whom it may concern; commanding also by these Presents Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor Henry Earl Bathurst, Our Chancellor of Great Britain, to seal these Our Letters Patent with Our Great Seal of Great Britain; and also commanding the Most Reverend Father in God, Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Counsellor Frederick Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of all England; Our said Chancellor of Great Britain; Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, Granville Earl Gower, President of Our Council; William Earl of Dartmouth, Keeper of Our Privy Seal; Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, Augustus Henry Duke of Grafton, Thomas Duke of Leeds, John Duke of Rutland, Peregrine Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, Great Chamberlain of England; Our Right Trusty and Right Well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, William Earl Talbot, Steward of Our Household; Francis Seymour Earl of Hertford, Chamberlain of Our Household; Henry Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, One of Our Principal Secretaries of State; John Earl of Sandwich, First Commissioner of Our Admiralty; Robert Earl of Holdernesse, William Henry Earl of Rochford, Hugh Earl of Marchmont, John Earl of Ashburnham, Groom of Our Stole; Wills Earl of Hillsborough, William Earl of Mansfield, Our Chief Justice assigned to hold Pleas before Us; and Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors, George Viscount Townshend, and Thomas Viscount Weymouth, One other of Our Principal Secretaries of State; or any Three or more of them, to declare and notify this Our Royal Assent, in Our Absence in the said Higher House, in the Presence of you the said Lords and the Commons of Our Parliament there to be assembled for that Purpose; and the Clerk of Our Parliaments to endorse the said Acts, with such Terms and Words in Our Name as is requisite and hath been accustomed for the same, and also to enrol these Our Letters Patent and the said Acts in the Parliament Roll; and these Our Letters Patent shall be to every of them a sufficient Warrant in that Behalf And finally, We do declare and Will that, after this Our Royal Assent given and passed by these Presents, and declared and notified as is aforesaid, then and immediately the said Acts shall be taken, accepted, and admitted good, sufficient, and perfect Acts of Parliament and Laws, to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes, and to be put in due Execution accordingly; the Continuance or Dissolution of this Our Parliament, or any other Use, Custom, Thing or Things, to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. In Witness whereof, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent.

Witness Ourself at Westminster, the Sixth Day of March, in the Eighteenth Year of Our Reign.

By the King Himself, signed with His own Hand.

"Yorke."

Then the Lord Chancellor said,

In Obedience to His Majesty's Commands, and by virtue of the Commission which has been now read, we do declare and notify to you, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, That His Majesty hath given his Royal Assent to the several Acts in the Commission mentioned, and the Clerks are required to pass the same in the usual Form and Words."

1. An Act for the Regulation of His Majesty's Marine Forces while on Shore."

2. An Act for the better Supply of Mariners and Seamen to serve in His Majesty's Ships of War, and on board Merchant Ships, and other Trading Ships and Vessels."

3. An Act for repairing the Highways and Bridges in the County of Wigton."

4. An Act to enable His Majesty to License a Theatre in the City of Bristol."

5. An Act to continue and enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of King George the Second, for building a Bridge over the River Lea, at or near a Place called Jeremy's Ferry; and for making, repairing and widening Roads, from thence into the great Roads at Snaresbrook, in the County of Essex, and at Clapton, in the County of Middlesex."

"6. An Act for taking down the Parish Church of Lilford, being a Vicarage united to the Rectory of Achurch in the County of Northampton; and for repairing the Parish Church of Achurch aforesaid; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

"7. An Act for continuing the Terms and enlarging the Powers of Two Acts, One passed in the Seventh, and the other in the Eighth Years of His present Majesty's Reign, for repairing and widening the Roads from Oxford over Botley Causeway to Fifield, in the County of Berks, and Witney, in the County of Oxford."

"8. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, passed in the Sixth and Twelfth Years of King George the First, the Twenty-eighth Year of His late Majesty, and the Ninth Year of His present Majesty, for repairing the Roads from Stevenage, in the County of Hertford, to Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, and other Roads therein mentioned."

"9. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road leading from Long Horsley Bar or Gate, on the Post Road near the Town of Morpeth, by or through Long Horsley, Weldon Bridge, and Whittingham, to the River Breamish, and from thence to Percy's Cross, in the County of Northumberland."

"10. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of several Acts, for repairing the Road from Highgate Gate House, in the County of Middlesex, to Barnet Block House, in the County of Hertford; and the Road from the Bear Inn in Hadley, to the Angel in Enfield Chace; and also Canewood Lane, leading from Highgate to Hampstead, in the said County of Middlesex, and the Road beginning at Barnet Block House and ending at the Bear Inn in Hadley aforesaid."

"11. An Act for repairing and widening the Road from Stokenchurch, in the County of Oxford, to Wheatley Bridge, and from the said Bridge to Enflow Bridge, and from Wheatley Bridge to the Mile Way leading towards Magdalen Bridge, and from the Mile Way leading from Saint Giles's Church near the City of Oxford, by Begbroke, to New Woodstock, in the said County."

"12. An Act to enlarge the Term of an Act, passed in the Thirtieth Year of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from Towcester, through Silverston and Brackley, in the County of Northampton; and Ardley and Middleton Stoney, to Weston Gate, in the Parish of Weston on the Green, in the County of Oxford."

"13. An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing the Road from Wakefield to Austerlands, in the West Riding of the County of York."

"14. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of an Act passed in the Thirty-third Year of King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road from the Bars at Boughton, within the Liberties of the City of Chester, to Whitchurch, and from thence to Newport, in the County of Salop, and other Roads in the said Act mentioned; and for making a Road of Communication from the said Road between Whitchurch and Newport, to the present Turnpike Road from Newport aforesaid, to Eccleshall, in the County of Stafford."

"15. An Act for repairing and widening the Road from the Birches Brook to Buildwas Bridge, and from thence to join the Watling Street Turnpike Road at Tern Bridge, in the County of Salop."

"16. An Act to enlarge the Term and Powers of Three Acts of the Third and Seventeenth Years of the Reign of King George the Second, and the Tenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, for repairing the Road leading from Galley Corner adjoining to Enfield Chace, in the Parish of South Mims, in the County of Middlesex, to Lemsford Mill, in the County of Hertford."

"17. An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act, made in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for amending, widening and keeping in Repair, several Roads leading from the Market House, in the Town of Much Wenlock, in the County of Salop; and for amending, widening and keeping in Repair, the Road leading from Gleeton Hill to Cressage, in the said County."

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, by the Clerk Assistant, severally, in these Words; (videlicet),

"Le Roy le veult."

"18. An Act for vesting certain Messuages, Lands and Hereditaments, in the County of Kent, (Part of the Estates devised and settled by the Will of John Thoyts deceased) in Trustees, to be sold and conveyed to Sir Sampson Gideon Baronet, and his Heirs; and for laying out the Monies arising by such Sale, in the Purchase of other Lands and Hereditaments, to be conveyed and settled to and upon the like Uses and Trust, in the said Will."

" 19. An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Meadows and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Bulwick, in the County of Northampton."

"20. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands, in the Liberties of Kimcoate and Walton, in the Parishes of Kimcoate and Knaptoft, in the County of Leicester."

"21. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Titchmarsh, in the County of Northampton."

"22. An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing, the Open Fields, Commons and Waste Grounds, in the Parish, Lordship, and Liberty of Sapcote, in the County of Leicester."

"23. An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor and Parish of Great Billing, in the County of Northampton."

"24. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows and Commonable Lands, in the Parish of Rushden, in the County of Northampton."

"25. An Act for dividing and allotting the Open and Common Fields, Downs and Commonable Grounds, in the Hamlet or Tithing of Bockhampton, in the Parish of Chipping Lambourne, in the County of Berks."

"26. An Act for dividing and enclosing several Open Fields and Stinted Pastures or Waste Grounds, in the Manor of North Dalton, in the East Riding of the County of York."

"27. An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, and Common or Waste Land, in the Lordship of Long Whatton, in the County of Leicester."

"28. An Act for regulating the Stocking of a certain Piece of enclosed Pasture Ground called Nazeing Wood or Nazeing Park, in the Manor and Parish of Nazeing, in the County of Essex; and for keeping the Fences thereof in Repair."

" 29. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Commons and Waste Grounds, within the Manor of Clifton upon Calder, in the West Riding of the County of York."

"30. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common or Waste Ground, called Brislington, otherwise Bussleton Common, in the Parish of Brislington, otherwise Bussleton, in the County of Somerset."

"31. An Act for dividing and enclosing the several Commons and Waste Grounds, within the Manors of Lathom and Skelmersdale, in the Parish of Ormskirk, in the County Palatine of Lancaster."

"32. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common and Open Fields, Meadows, Commonable Lands and Waste Grounds, in the Parish of Isham, in the County of Northampton."

33. An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows and Common Pastures, within the Lordship or Parish of Castle Donington, in the County of Leicester."

"34. An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open and Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, and other Commonable and Waste Lands, within the Parish of Highworth, in the County of Wilts."

"35. An Act to enable Walter James Head Esquire, a Minor, and his Issue, to take and use the Surname of James only, and to bear the Coat Armour of the Family of John James Esquire, deceased."

"36. An Act for enabling Charles Wyndham Esquire, (now called Charles Edwin), and his Heirs Male, to take and use the Surname of Edwin only."

37.An Act for naturalizing David Henry de Beaune."

38. An Act for naturalizing Hans Arswidsson."

"39. An Act for naturalizing Charles Frederick Loudonsack."

"40. An Act for naturalizing Henry Wilckens."

"41. An Act for naturalizing John Christian Dean and Jacob Gottfried Hippius."

"42. An Act for naturalizing James Cazenove."

"43. An Act for naturalizing Francis Long."

"44. An Act for naturalizing Antoine Bazin."

To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced, by the Clerk Assistant, severally, in these Words; (videlicet),

"Soit fait comme il est desiré."

Then the Commons withdrew.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure.

The House was resumed.

Browne's Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Timber and Wood growing upon the Estates of Henry Perryn Browne Esquire, in the County of York, in Trustees, to fell the same, and apply the Money arising therefrom for making a Recompence to Sir Richard Perryn, his Father, for the Charges and Expences of making Buildings and Improvements upon the same Estate; and for the other Purposes therein mentioned," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Northallerton, Road Bill.

The Lord Scarsdale also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, for widening and repairing the High Road leading from Northallerton to the South Wall of the Church Yard of the Town of Thirsk; and from the South East End of the Street called Finkell Street in Thirsk aforesaid, to and through the Town of Easingwould, in the County of York, to a Place called Burton Stone, near the City of York; and also the Road from Thirsk aforesaid to Topcliffe, in the North Riding of the County of York," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Kegworth Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Open Meadows, Common Pastures and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Kegworth, in the County of Leicester."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on Monday next, at the usual Time and Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Huntspill Rectory Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for annexing a Portion of the Rectory, and of the Rectory Manor thereto belonging, of Huntspill, in the County of Somerset, to the Office of Master of Baliol College, in Oxford."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Harpole Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Knightley and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing, the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Parish of Harpole, in the County of Northampton;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

North America Commissioners Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to appoint Commissioners with sufficient Powers to treat, consult, and agree upon the Means of quieting the Disorders now subsisting in certain of the Colonies, Plantations, and Provinces of North America;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Sandys reported from the Committee, I hat they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time on Monday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

North America, removing Doubts concerning Taxation, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for removing all Doubts and Apprehensions concerning Taxation by the Parliament of Great Britain, in any of the Colonies, Provinces, and Plantations in North America and the West Indies; and for repealing so much of an Act, made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present majesty, as imposes a Duty on Tea imported from Great Britain into any Colony or Plantation in America, or relates thereto;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Sandys reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time on Monday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

Massachusets Bay Charter Act, to repeal, Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act, passed in the Fourteenth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The House was adjourned during pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the said Bill.

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Sandys reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Ordered, That the said Bill be read the Third Time on Monday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

Sir L. Dundas against Honeyman et al.

Upon reading the Petition of Sir Lawrence Dundas Baronet, Appellant in a Cause depending in this House, to which Patrick Honeyman and others are Respondents, setting forth, "That this Cause is appointed to be heard before their Lordships on the 12th Instant; but that, from the Absence of the Petitioner's first Counsel, who is obliged to be on the Circuit, the Petitioner is concerned at being under the Necessity to desire their Lordships to postpone the said Cause; and therefore praying their Lordships to put off the Hearing of this Cause to the 3d Day of April next, the Agent for the said Respondent, having signed the said Petition, as consenting thereto:"

It is Ordered, That the hearing of the said Cause be put off to Friday the 3d Day of April next, as desired.

Barnsley Common, &c. Road Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir George Savile and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers, of an Act made in the Thirty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road leading from the East Side of Barnsley Common, in the County of york, to the Middle of Grange Moor, and from thence to White Cross; and also the Road from the Guide Post in Barugh, to a Rivulet called Barugh Brook; and from thence for Two hundred Yards over and beyond the same Rivulet or Brook, into the Township of Cawthorne, in the said County;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Prize Goods Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Stephens and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Captors of Prizes, with respect to the bringing and landing certain Prize Goods in this Kingdom;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, nonum diem instantis Martii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Lunæ, 9^o Martii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Countess of Wemyss against Wemyss, etal.

The Answer of the Honourable James Wemyss of Wemyss, and others, to the Appeal of Janet Countess Dowager of Wemyss, was this Day brought in.

Kegworth Enclosure Bill.

The Lord Sandys reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open Arable Fields, Open Meadows, Common Pastures and Common Grounds, within the Parish of Kegworth, in the County of Leicester," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Huntspill Rectory Bill.

The Lord Sandys made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for annexing a Portion of the Rectory, and of the Rectory Manor thereto belonging, of Huntspill, in the County of Somerset, to the Office of Master of Baliol College, in Oxford," was committed.

Whistle Bridge, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Sandys also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for amending, widening, turning, altering and keeping in Repair, the Roads from Whistle Bridge, in the Parish of Barwick, in the County of Somerset, to the Turnpike Road in the Parish of Charminster, in the County of Dorset; and from the Cross in the Town of Maiden Newton, to a Stream of Water in the Parish of South Perrott, in the County of Dorset; and from a Place called Furzmoor Gate, in the Parish of Broad Winsor, to Lenham's Water, in the Parish of Beamister; and from Bugler's Corner, in the Town of Beamister, to the Dorsetshire Inn, in the Parish of Woolcombe; and from Upsydling Ewe Leaze to the Town of Cerne Abbas; and from the Town of Frampton to join the Western Turnpike Road near Steepleton, in the said County of Dorset," was committed: "That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Evesham, &c. Road Bill.

The Lord Sandys made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing certain Parts of Three several Acts of Parliament, of the First, the Seventeenth, and the Thirtieth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, made for repairing several Roads leading to and from the Borough of Evesham, in the County of Worcester; and for repairing and widening the Road from Evesham Bridge, in the said Borough, to the Globe Inn in Alcester, in the County of Warwick," was committed.

Cornwall Jail Bill.

The Lord Sandys also made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for building an additional Jail, and also a Prison and House of Correction, within the County of Cornwall; and for other Purposes therein mentioned," was committed.

Ld. Foley's Estate Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, intituled, "An Act for settling a Jointure upon the Right Honourable Harriot Lady Foley, to take Effect from the Death of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Foley, her Husband (in case the shall survive him), in pursuance of Articles executed previous to their Marriage; and to enable the Trustees and Executors named in the last Will and Testament of Thomas Lord Foley, lately deceased, to raise Money by Sale of Part of his Lordship's real Estates, and by Sale of Timber growing thereon, and by other Means, for Payment of certain Debts and Engagements of the said Thomas now Lord Foley, and of the Honourable Edward Foley Esquire, his Brother; and for other Purposes," be read a Second Time on Friday next, and the Lords summoned.

Mutiny Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for punishing Mutiny and Desertion; and for the better Payment of the Army and their Quarters."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Evesham, &c Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repealing certain Parts of Three several Acts of Parliament, of the First, the Seventeenth, and the Thirtieth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, made for repairing several Roads leading to and from the Borough of Evesham, in the County of Worcester; and for repairing and widening the Road from Evesham Bridge, in the said Borough, to the Globe Inn in Alcester, in the County of Warwick."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Two preceding Bills.

And Messages were severally sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Montagu and Mr. Leeds:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Browne's Bills.

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting the Timber and Wood growing upon the Estates of Henry Perryn Browne Esquire, in the County of York, in Trustees, to sell the same, and apply the Money arising therefrom for making a Recompence to Sir Richard Perryn his Father, for the Charges and Expences of making Buildings and Improvements upon the same Estate; and for the other Purposes therein mentioned."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

Prizes, Captors of, Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Captors of Prizes, with respect to the bringing and landing certain Prize Goods in this Kingdom."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Barnsley Common, &c. Road Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road leading from the East Side of Barnsley Common, in the County of York, to the Middle of Grange Moor, and from thence to White Cross; and also the Road from the Guide Post in Barugh to a Rivulet called Barugh Brook; and from thence for Two hundred Yards over and beyond the same Rivulet or Brook, into the Township of Cawthorne, in the said County."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings, near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

Frampton and Hayley Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, and all other Commonable Lands, in the Tithings of Frampton and Hayley, in the Parish of Sapperton, in the County of Gloucester."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Braybrooke Enclosure Bill,

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Braybrooke, in the County of Northampton."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Harpole Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Parish of Harpole, in the County of Northampton."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Darby for a Divorce Bill:

Upon reading the Petition of Thomas Darby of Feckenham, in the County of Worcester, Clerk, praying Leave to bring in a Bill to dissolve his Marriage with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned:

It is Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition.

Bill read.

Accordingly, The Lord Scarsdale presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Thomas Darby, Clerk, with Mary his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Tuesday the 24th of this instant March, and that Notice there of be affixed on the Doors of this House, and the Lords summoned; and that the said Thomas Darby may be heard by his Counsel at the said Second Reading, to make out the Truth of the Allegations of the Bill; and that the said Mary may have a Copy of the Bill; and that Notice be given her of the said Second Reading, and that she be at Liberty to be heard by her Counsel what she may have to offer against the said Bill at the same Time.

Whitehead et al. against Travis.

The House being moved, "That a Day may be appointed for hearing the Cause wherein Thomas Whitehead and others, are Appellants, and the Reverend George Travis Clerk, is Respondent:"

It is Ordered, That this House will hear the said Cause, by Counsel at the Bar, on the first vacant Day for Causes, after those already appointed.

Ogbourn St. Andrew Enclosure Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Goddard and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting certain Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Lands or Grounds, in the Tithing of Ogbourn Saint Andrew, in the County of Wilts;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Barker to enter into Recognizance on Cullimore's Appeal.

The House being moved, "That Henry Barker of Gray's Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Joseph Cullimore, and another, on Account of their Appeal depending in this House, they residing in the Country:"

It is Ordered, That the said Henry Barker may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellants, as desired.

Gorman et al. against M^cCulloch et al.

The House being informed, "That William M^cCulloch and others, Respondents to the Appeal of Franeis Gorman Esquire, and others, had not put in their Answer to the said Appeal, though duly served with the Order of this House for that Purpose."

And thereupon, an Affidavit of Edward Cahil of the City of Dublin, Gentleman, of the due Service of the said Order, being read:

Ordered, That the said Respondents do put in their Answer to the said Appeal peremptorily in a Week.

Newfoundland, &c. Exportation.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Charles Whitworth and others:

of Wheat-Flour, &c. Bill.

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat-Flour, Biscuit and Pease, to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Bay Chaleur and Labrador;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Bills of Exchange, &c. Forging, to prevent Bill.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Morton and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act to explain an Act, passed in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for the more effectual preventing the Forging the Acceptance of Bills of Exchange, or the Numbers or Principal Sums of accountable Receipts for Notes, Bills, or other Securities for Payment of Money, or Warrants or Orders for Payment of Money, or Delivery of Goods;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Two Bills were, severally, read the First Time.

Ordered, That the last-mentioned Bill be printed.

Militia Pay Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for defraying the Charge of the Pay and Cloathing of the Militia in that Part of Great Britain called England for One Year, beginning the Twenty-fifth Day of March One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight; and for filling up Vacancies in the Militia, in the Cases therein mentioned."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Lord Scarsdale reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Several Persons ordered to attend.

Ordered, That Sir Richard Temple Baronet, of the Navy Office; William Brummell Esquire, of the Treasury; Richard Atkinson Esquire, Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street; Mr.Robert Furnass, at Mr.Durand's, Greenland Dock; Mr. James Mather, Birchin Lane; and Isaac Heard Esquire, of the Herald's Office; do attend this House on Thursday next.

Names and Tonnage of Transports, &c. hired by the Treasury since Sept. 1775:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to desire His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order that there be laid before this House, The Names and Tonnage of all the Transports and other Vessels hired by the Treasury since the 1st of September 1775; distinguishing the Names of the Owners, the Freight per Ton, the Freight already paid for each Ship, the Freight in Arrears, and the Copies of the Advertisements for such Contracts; or if the Contracts have not been made by publick Advertisement, in such Case the Names of the Persons by whom the Agreements were negotiated, and under what Terms such Person or Persons were employed:"

Expence of equipping such Vessels:

Also; "The Expence of equipping such Transports or Vessels with Guns, Stores and Workmanship; distinguishing each Ship, and the several Articles, and by whom furnished or negotiated:"

Account of Voyage of such Vessels:

Also, "An Account of the Voyages and Manner in which each Ship or Vessel hired by the Treasury since September 1st, 1775, has been employed; distinguishing the Time which such Ship or Vessel may have laid in Harbour in Great Britain or Ireland, when in the Pay of the Publick, but not in actual Service:"

North America, Account of Soldiers sent to:

Also, "An Account of the Number of Soldiers sent out to North America on board any of the Victuallers hired by the Treasury since the 1st September 1775; together with the Expence allowed for their Provisions and Accommodation on the Voyage; distinguishing the Number on board each Ship or Vessel respectively:"

Account of Provisions, &c. shipped on board such Vessels:

Also, "An Account of the Quantity of all Provisions, Stores, Goods, or other Things shipped for America, on board all Ships or Vessels hired by the Treasury since the 1st September 1775; distinguishing the Quantity and Quality of all such Provisions, Stores, Goods or other Things, put on board each Ship or Vessel respectively:"

Messrs. Long, &c. Reports on Mr. Atkinson's Rum Contract, Address to His Majesty for.

Also, "A Copy of the Report of Messieurs Long, Neave, Glover, and Creighton, of July 16th 1777, on the Reference of Mr. Atkinson's Rum Contract:"

And also, "A Copy of Messieurs Long, Neave, Glover, and Creighton's further Report on the same Subject, August 21st, 1777."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

North America Commissioners Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable His Majesty to appoint Commissioners with sufficient Powers to treat, consult, and agree upon the Means of quieting the Disorders now subsisting in certain of the Colonies, Plantations, and Provinces of North America;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Moved, "That the Bill do pass."

Which being objected to;

After long Debate;

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

North America, removing Doubts concerning Taxation, Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for removing all Doubts and Apprehensions concerning Taxation by the Parliament of Great Britain, in any of the Colonies, Provinces, and Plantations in North America and the West Indies; and for repealing so much of an Act, made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, as imposes a Duty on Tea imported from Great Britain, into any Colony or Plantation in America, or relates thereto;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Moved, "That the Bill do pass."

Which being objected to:

After Debate;

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Massachusets Bay Charter Act, to repeal, Bill:

The Order of the Day being read for the Third Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing an Act, passed in the Fourteenth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled, "An Act for the better regulating the Government of the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England;" and for the Lords to be summoned:

The said Bill was accordingly read the Third Time.

Moved, "That the Bill do pass."

Which being objected to:

After Debate;

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Protest against passing said Bills:

DISSENTIENT.

Because the Terms now offered by the above Bills to America, whilst sufficient to shew the very humiliating State to which the Dignity and boasted Supremacy of Parliament are reduced, are insufficient to the great End of Conciliation proposed by them; and for the following Reasons:

1st, Because (as to the First Bill), a Declaration not to impose Taxation on America, is, in the very Suspension of the Exercise, a Confirmation of the Right; for, without the Right, the Declaration is void: whereas America denies the Right, and upon that Ground resists the Exercise. If the Right, then, be reserved, the Object of Resistance remains; and so remaining, may be exercised whenever any future Quixote Ministry, in Example of their Predecessors, shall be led to convert History into Romance. But it is objected, "that a Right cannot be surrendered:" so neither, if it be a constitutional Right, can the Exercise of it be dispensed with; for what repels the former must equally counteract the latter. But this is no constitutional Right; on the contrary, the Constitution reprobates and disavows it. For Taxation and Representation are constitutionally inseparable, and America is not represented; of course, America cannot be taxed. Whilst America, therefore, will not accept that by Courtesy of Parliament, which she holds in Right of the Constitution; and for the good Reason, that an Act of Parliament is revocable, and the Constitution irrevocable; it follows, that a Renunciation of the Right, and not the mere Suspension of the Exercise, was the proper Object of this Bill.

2dly, Because (as to the Second Bill), the Appointment of Commissioners to treat with any Person or Persons, other than the Congress, is so glaring a Manifestation of the Intention of such Treaty, as must necessarily occasion a Circumspection in the Congress that may not be much to the Ease of the Commissioners themselves.

3dly, Because, although the Commissioners and the Congress be agreed, such Agreement is of no Effect till confirmed by Parliament; which is giving such Advantage to Parliament, by knowing what Congress will do, and is of such Disadvantage to Congress, by not knowing what Parliament will confirm, that the very Inequality of the Conditions will put a Stop to Accommodation.

4thly, Because, as the withdrawing of the Troops would be the Saving of the Army (not to mention the Policy of the Measure upon other Grounds) so the ceasing of Hostilities there, will, by fatal Experience, prove to be the Loss of it. The Remains of General Burgoyne's Army are now constituting a Part of the Great Yeomanry of America.

5thly, Because the prohibitory Act is to be suspended under Exceptions and Restrictions, which Exceptions and Restrictions (and whilst Great Britain is under neither) intending a Restraint upon the Supplies of America, are neither liberal in Proposal, nor probable in Acceptance.

6thly, Because, among the many Things to be done, the one Thing needful is to be left undone. The Quebec Act is to remain without Suspension. The Power given to the Commissioners is, "to suspend the Operation and Effect of any Act or Acts of Parliament, which have passed since the 10th Day of February 1763, and which relate to any of His Majesty's said Colonies, Provinces, or Plantations in North America:" but Canada is not One of the said Colonies, Provinces, and Plantations, referred to in the Bill, and therefore the Commissioners have no Power to suspend the Operation and Effect of any Act or Acts of Parliament that relate to Canada. This, then, will create a Stumbling-block insurmountable at the very Threshold of Negotiation. For, besides the Establishment of Despotism and Popery in Canada, under which America will never sit quiet, this horrid and unconstitutional Act, by extending the Boundaries of its Province, has invaded the Property, and removed the Land-marks, of its neighbouring Colonies; a Violation that Justice should redress, if America were even silent thereupon.

7thly, Because Power is given to the Commissioners to grant Pardons to People who not only say they have been guilty of no Offences, but the very Bills themselves say the same Thing for them: for, besides acceding to the Claims of America, the Americans are stiled His Majesty's faithful Subjects; and to pardon faithful Subjects is an Act of Supererogation, if not of Absurdity.

8thly, Because the Appointment of Governors being now in the Hands of the Congress, an Attempt to supersede that Power, before it be known whether the Terms offered be accepted, looks more like having an Eye to that Machiavelian Maxim, of "divide et impera," than to the more solid Benefits of a general Union.

Lasty, Because Concession now, like a Death-Bed Repentance, comes at the last Hour; and being, as avowedly, the Effect of Necessity, and not of Principle, we are left under all the Fears and Apprehensions of Dissolution, and without the Hope of Salvation but in the Magnanimity of America; a Magnanimity however, which we have already experienced, and which (by insisting on the Justice of removing from His Majesty's Councils those evil Ministers who have trodden on the Liberties, and, with savage Cruelty, spilled the Blood of America, and, by placing in their Room the Friends of Humanity and of the Constitution,) may restore us to that Health and Strength, and again to that Peace and Empire, which was once the Boast of this Country, and the Terror of the World beside.

"Abingdon."

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers:

Three preceding Bills.

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Newfoundland, &c. Exportation of Flour, &c. Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat-Flour, Biscuit and Pease, to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Bay Chaleur and Labrador."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, decimum diem instantis Martii, hora undecima Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.

DIE Martis, 10^o Martii 1778.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Luttrell against Ld. Irnham:

This Day being appointed for hearing the Cause wherein the Honourable Henry Lawes Luttrell is Appellant, and the Right Honourable Simon Lord Baron Irnham, in the Kingdom of Ireland, Respondent; complaining of an Order of the Court of Chancery in Ireland, of the 26th of February 1777, made in Two certain Causes, in the First of which the said Simon Lord Irnham was Plaintiff, and the said Henry Lawes Luttrell Defendant; and in the last, the said Simon Lord Irnham was Plaintiff, and the said Henry Lawes Luttrell and Francis M^cFarland were Defendants: And also of an Order or Decree of the said Court of the 3d of March 1777, made in a certain Cause wherein the said Simon Lord Irnham was Plaintiff, and the said Henry Lawes Luttrell and Francis M^cFarland were Defendants; and praying, "That the same might be reversed, or that the Appellant might have such other Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, should seem meet;"

Counsel were accordingly called in:

And Mr. Attorney General, first Counsel for the Appellant, having been heard, and an Order of the Court of Chancery in Ireland made the 11th of July 1777, in the said first two Causes before mentioned, whereby an Agreement therein recited to bear Date the 10th Day of July 1777, between the said Henry Lawes Luttrell and the said Simon Lord Irnham was made an Order of the said Court of Chancery, having been read:

The Counsel were directed to withdraw.

Then the following Order and Judgement was made:

Appeal dismissed.

Upon reading an Order of the Court of Chancery in Ireland made the 11th of July 1777, in the said first two Causes before mentioned, whereby an Agreement therein recited to bear Date the 10th Day of July 1777, between the said Henry Lawes Luttrell and the said Simon Lord Irnham was made an Order of the said Court of Chancery:

It is Ordered and Adjudged, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the said Petition and Appeal be, and the same is hereby dismissed.

King's Answer to Address reported.

The Lord Chamberlain reported, That the Lords with White Staves had (according to Order) waited on His Majesty with their Lordships Address of Yesterday, for the several Accounts therein mentioned; and that His Majesty was pleased to say, "He would give Directions accordingly."

Prize Goods Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Captors of Prizes, with respect to the bringing and landing certain Prize Goods in this Kingdom."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Earl of Marchmont reported from the Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Newfoundland, &c. Exportation of Flour, &c. Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat-Flour, Biscuit and Pease, to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Bay Chaleur and Labrador."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And the Earl of Marchmont reported from the Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Prize Goods Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for the Relief of the Captors of Prizes, with respect to the bringing and landing certain Prize Goods in this Kingdom."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Newfoundland, &c. Exportation of Flour, &c. Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for allowing the Exportation of certain Quantities of Wheat-Flour, Biscuit and Pease, to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Bay Chaleur and Labrador."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Militia Pay Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for defraying the Charge of the Pay and Cloathing of the Militia in that Part of Great Britain called England, for one Year, beginning the Twenty-fifth Day of March One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight; and for filling up Vacancies in the Militia in the Cases therein mentioned."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H. C. that the Lords have agreed to the Three preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Montagu and Mr. Leeds:

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Earl Shilton Enclosure Bill.

The Earl of Denbigh reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Fields, Meadows and Commons, in the Lordship of Earl Shilton, in the County of Leicester," was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; that the Parties concerned had given their Consents to the Satisfaction of the Committee; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

E. Surrey's Estate Bill.

The Earl of Oxford made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for vesting in the Right Honourable Charles Howard Esquire, commonly called Charles Earl of Surrey, and his Heirs, the settled Estates of the said Earl, in the Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Surrey, subject to certain Charges affecting the same," was committed.

Ordered, That the said Bill be engrossed.

Braybrooke Enclosure Bill.

The Earl of Oxford made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Manor, Parish, and Liberties of Braybrooke, in the County of Northampton," was committed.

Frampton and Hayley Enclosure Bill.

The Earl of Oxford made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Common Pastures, and all other Commonable Lands, in the Tithings of Frampton and Hayley, in the Parish of Sapperton, in the County of Gloucester," was committed.

Harpole Enclosure Bill.

The Earl of Oxford made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Open and Common Fields, Common Pastures, Common Meadows, Heath and other Commonable Lands and Grounds, of and within the Parish of Harpole, in the County of Northampton," was committed.

Barnsley Common, &c. Road Bill.

The Earl of Oxford also reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for continuing the Term, and altering and enlarging the Powers of an Act, made in the Thirty-second Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, for repairing and widening the Road leading from the East Side of Barnsley Common, in the County of York, to the Middle of Grange Moor, and from thence to White Cross; and also the Road from the Guide Post in Barugh, to a Rivulet called Barugh Brook; and from thence for Two hundred Yards over and beyond the same Rivulet or Brook, into the Township of Cawthorne, in the said County," was committed: That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Causes put off.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein the Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Bective in the Kingdom of Ireland is Appellant, and Robert Hamilton and others are Respondents, et e contra, which stands appointed for To-morrow, be put off to Monday next; and that the rest of the Causes be removed in Course.

Horne against the King, in Error: Judges to attend.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Errors argued, assigned upon the Writ of Error, wherein John Horne Clerk is Plaintiff, and The King Defendant, which stands appointed for Friday the 20th of this Instant March, be put off to Wednesday the 8th of April next.

Ordered, That the Judges do attend this House on Wednesday the 8th of April next, upon arguing the Errors assigned upon the Writ of Error, wherein John Horne Clerk is Plaintiff, and The King Defendant.

Thimbleby and Edlington Enclosure Bill:

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Vyner and others:

With a Bill, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing certain Open Fields, Meadows, Ings, Common Pastures and Moors, within the Parish of Thimbleby and Edlington, in the County of Lincoln;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Sir James Wright & Ux Petition referred to Judges.

Upon reading the Petition of Sir James Wright Baronet, and Dame Catherine his Wife, on Behalf of themselves, and of George Wright their Infant Son, praying Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purposes in the said Petition mentioned:

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, who are forthwith to summon all Parties concerned in the Bill, and after hearing them, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon, under their Hands; and whether all Parties, who may be concerned in the Consequences of the Bill, have signed the Petition; and also that the Judges, having perused the Bill, do sign the same.

Sir Patrick Blake's Divorce Bill presented.

The Earl of Oxford presented to the House (pursuant to an Order of Leave of the 16th of February last), a Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Sir Patrick Blake Baronet, with Dame Annabella Blake, his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Wednesday the 25th of this Instant March, and that Notice thereof be affixed on the Doors of this House, and the Lords summoned; and that the said Sir Patrick Blake may be heard by his Counsel, to make out the Truth of the Allegations of the Bill; and that the said Dame Annabella Blake may have a Copy of the Bill, and that Notice be given her of the said Second Reading, and that she be at Liberty to be heard by her Counsel what she may have to offer against the said Bill, at the same Time.

Ordered, That Robert Mark, Mark Gibberd, Amos York, Vincienzo Moro, Hannah Jewers, Robert Brooke, and John Swale Esquire, do attend this House on Wednesday the 25th of this Instant March, in order to their being examined as Witnesses upon the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Sir Patrick Blake Baronet, with Dame Annebella Blake, his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned."

Ogbourn Saint Andrew Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and allotting certain Open and Common Fields, Downs, and Commonable Lands or Grounds, in the Tithing of Ogbourn Saint Andrew, in the County of Wilts."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords following:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet To-morrow, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, in the Prince's Lodgings near the House of Peers; and to adjourn as they please.

North Myms Common Enclosure Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common or Waste Ground called North Myms Common or Wood, in the Parish of North Myms, in the County of Hertford."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed:

Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day, at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Mercurii, undecimum diem instantis Martii, hora undecima auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.