February 1644
[16 February, 1643/4.]
Ordinance concerning the Committee of both Kingdoms.
Whereas, by the Covenant and Treaty ratified and established
between the Two Kingdoms, both Nations are engaged in one
common Cause, against the Enemies of their Religion and
Liberties, and, by the late Entrance of the Scottish Forces into
this Kingdom in Pursuance hereof, are firmly united in a jo[int]
Posture of Arms, for their own necessary Defence, and for the
attaining the Ends expressed in the Covenant and Treaty.
And whereas both Kingdoms have thought it necessary that
they should be joined in their Counsels as well as in their Forces,
and, in Pursuance thereof, the Convention of the Estates of
Scotland have appointed Committees, residing in Scotland, and
in the Scottish Army, and have sent some of the said Committees
as Commissioners, for the Purposes aforesaid, to repair unto and
to reside near the Parliament, who, since their Arrival, have
presented their Commission and Powers, with their earnest
Desire that the Parliament would lay down some speedy and
constant Way of communicating the Desires and joining the
Counsels of both Kingdoms, in Pursuance of the Covenant,
Treaty, and common Interest of His Majesty's Dominions.
In Consideration hereof, the Lords and Commons do nominate,
ordain, and appoint, Algernon Earl of Northumberland, Robert
Earl of Essex Lord General, Robert Earl of Warwick Lord
Admiral, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Say &
Seale, Phillip Lord Wharton, John Lord Roberts, William
Perpoint, Sir Henry Vane Senior, Sir Phillip Stapleton, Sir
Will'm Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Sir William Armyne, Sir
Arthur Hazlerigg, Sir Henry Vane Junior, John Crewe, Robert
Wallopp, Oliver St. John Solicitor General, Oliver Cromwell,
Samuell Browne, and John Glynn Recorder, or any Six of
them, whereof One Lord and Two Commoners, to treat with
the Committees and Commissioners appointed by our
Brethren of Scotland, in such Things as shall by them be propounded from and in the Name of the Kingdom of Scotland
for the Ends aforesaid; as likewise to propound to the Committees and Commissioners of Scotland whatever they shall
receive in Charge from both Houses, and, from Time to Time,
to advise and consult concerning the same, and report the
Results to both Houses.
And further Power and Authority is hereby given to them,
or any Six of them, whereof one Lord and Two Commoners as
a joint Committee with the Committee and Commissioners of
Scotland, to advise, consult, order, and direct, concerning the
carrying on and managing of the War for the best Advantage
of the Three Kingdoms, and the keeping a good Intelligence
between the Three Kingdoms, their Forces, Committees, and
Counsels; and likewise with Power to hold good Correspondency
and Intelligence with Foreign States; and further to advise and
consult of all Things in Pursuance of the Ends expressed in the
late Covenant and Treaty.
Provided always, That nothing in this Ordinance shall
authorize the Committee hereby appointed to advise, treat, or
consult, concerning any Cessation of Arms, or making Peace,
without express Directions from both Houses of Parliament.
And lastly, the said Committee are to observe such Orders
and Directions as they, from Time to Time, shall receive from
both Houses of Parliament. Provided also, That this Ordinance
shall continue for Three months and no longer.