July 1643
[5 July, 1643.]
Whereas a great Sum of Money is due, and in Arrear, to the
Scottish Army in Ireland, upon the Public Faith of the Parliament; for the Payment whereof (as most just and necessary)
with all expedition, all possible Care hath been taken by the
Parliament; but by reason of the pressing Occasions and
Distractions of this Kingdom, the same hath been hitherto
inevitably retarded and hindered, contrary to the Will and Intent
of both Houses; and whereas, for the present Supply of this
important Service, divers well-affected Persons of the Company
of the Merchant Adventures, namely
have, at the earnest Desire of the House of Commons, been well
contented and do agree, to advance the Sum of Twenty
Thousand Pounds, to be paid in Holland beyond the Sea, upon
Bills of Exchange forthwith to be given here for the same, in
Cross Dollars, in Specie, at the Rate of Four Shillings Six Pence
the Dollar, so as they may be secured of the Payment thereof
here in England, in the Coin of this Kingdom, in such Manner
as is hereafter expressed: Both Houses do Declare, That the
same is a good and acceptable Service to the Commonwealth;
and do further Ordain and Promise, That, next and
immediately after the Payment of Thirty Thousand Pounds
already ordered to be paid upon the Ordinances of
Sequestration of Delinquents Estates, the Particulars whereof
were as followeth; that is to say, The Sum of Ten
Thousand Pounds to the Earl of Essex, Ten Thousand
Pounds to the Lord Fairefax, Three Thousand Pounds to the
Earl of Mulgrave and the Lord Sheffeild his Son, Five Thousand
Pounds more to the Earl of Essex; the full Sum of Thirty
Thousand Pounds, so advanced by the Merchant Adventurers,
shall be paid unto them by the Treasurers at Guildhall, London,
for the Sequestration-money, out of the Monies that shall arise
out of the said Sequestrations, with Interest for the same, after
the Rate of Eight Pounds per Cent. for a whole Year, if they
shall stay for their Money above Two Months, after it shall be by
them paid in as aforesaid; and that none of the said Sequestration-monies, over and above the said Thirty Thousand Pounds so
already charged thereupon by former Orders, shall be any Way
stopped or diverted, or otherwise disposed of, by any Order or
Ordinances of both or either of the said Houses of Parliament,
until the said Merchant Adventurers shall be fully satisfied of
the said Money by them advanced, with Interest as aforesaid;
and, if it shall happen that there shall not be sufficient out of
the said Sequestration-money to satisfy them their said Money and
Interest, then the said Lords and Commons do engage the
Public Faith of this Kingdom for the Payment thereof: And it
is further Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That whatsoever further or other Sum or Sums of Money the said Merchants
shall advance, towards the Service aforesaid, shall be secured and
paid unto them, by the Treasurers at Guildhal, out of the
Monies arising upon the said Sequestrations, with all Expedition;
and, in Default thereof, by other Monies, to be provided by both
Houses of Parliament.