Monday, June 22, 1657.
Major Aston. One Vincent, an attorney, has sued one Mr.
Davies, a member of Parliament for Ireland, (fn. 1) to an oath.
He produced the declaration and other proofs of it, and
craved his privilege, and that the parties might be sent for as
delinquents.
Mr. Secretary. Though this Davis was chosen, yet he
never attended here. He was one of those that were excluded, (fn. 2) and I hope I shall never see him sit within these
walls. I could give you particular satisfaction in it, if there
was occasion, that he is not a person that deserves privilege in
this case.
Major Aston stood up to vindicate himself, and said, if he
had thought him to be such a person, he would not have
moved for him. He knew nothing of him, but would take
that gentleman's word for it, and rest satisfied.
The Bill for Three Months' Assessments on Scotland, was
called for, read the third time, and passed, and ordered to be
presented, &C. (fn. 3)
The Bill for Three Years' Assessments upon England,
Scotland, and Ireland, (fn. 4) was read, and, after several amendments, passed.
I tendered a rider to add Mr. Sands and Captain Sedgwick,
as Commissioners for Westmoreland. (fn. 5)
Colonel Clarke offered a proviso for remitting half the three
assessments on Cardigan for the three months, as well as the
three years, which is more than was voted by the House;
but in a crowd the clause passed, (fn. 6) and nobody questioned
it. (fn. 7)
Post Meridiem.
The Bill for the Excise was read the third time, and after
several provisos tendered, (fn. 8) and a great and tugging debate
thereupon, the Bill passed.
The House sat till nine o'clock, as they told me. I was
in the city, buying clothes and other necessaries.