much time in the House, and at length they proceeded to these Resolves following,
viz. That some more of their Members should be added to that Committee,
That nine of this Committee be of the Quoram, That the Act be recommitted,
And that the parties complaining shall have the benefit of their Articles, so far,
as in justice they onght, where they have not had it already, and have not forfeited
their right thereunto, without charging any costs or damages on the Common
wealth, or any person or persons, against whom the complaint is made.
And it was likewise ordered that this Act be reported again the next day.
A Petition presented to the House (in the name of many thousand prisoners
of Debt and Creditors) earnestly imploring them to hasten the passing of the Act
(often debated) touhcing the relief of poor prisoners that h[unr]ve not wherewith to
way, and such Creditors as have to satisfie, and yet either by taking prison, or
some other ways, the just Debtor doth oftentimes desrand the creditor.
Mr. Blackston (a Member of the House, and Burgesse of the Town of New.
castle) departed this life, which the house being informed of, they took into
consideration the eminent service the deceased had done for the Commonwelth
and voted to his wife and children 3000. li. and to his brother (for particular
services) 500.li.
To his Excellency the Lord Fairfax, Lord General of all the Parliaments p[unr]rtes
in England.
A Declaration of the Officers and Souldiers of coll. Hortons Regiment, testifying
to adhere to the Parliament and your Excellency.
WHereas divers of our fellow Souldiers have of late beene by the subtle
and crafty insinuation of our old and unwearied enemies deluded into
a dangerous engagement, without Gods timely prevention tending precipitatly
to a new Warre, and evident hazard of all those mercies, that were the fruits of
so many prayers and suffering (obtained by this Nation) with expence of so
much blood: To the end therefore that it might appear that God hath put
some due reicentment therof upon our spirits, and that our Enemies might have
no further hopes to catch us with misrepresentations and pretences of an honest
interest, abusing us with the names of Liberty and Freedome: We thought it
our duty humbly to testify and declare to your Excellency, That We have a deep
fence of the evill and irregularity (besides the hazard) of their late resolutions
and proceedings: And that we by Gods assistance, will to the uttermost of our
abilities, adhere to the Parliament in maintaining the present established Government,
and obey your Excellency according to the discipline of War, not
suffering our selves to be seduced by misprision of the wisdom, illaborate pains,
and diligent care the Parliament and Councell of State have expressed for the
safety and peace of the Common-wealth, which your Excellency hath asserted
in your late Declaration, where in now we rest satisfyed and shall waite with
patience in our Sphere and subordinations the accomplishment of what else may
be found necessary, giving such assistance thereunto both here and in Ireland,
when called as shall give sufficient proof of this Declaration of the duty and obedience
of.
My Lord Your Excellencies faithfull Souldiers, Thomas Horton, col.[unr]
which all the other Officers and Souldiers do subscribe.