when the Agitators convecned at Bury, and came up with the Letter that
slighted the Lords and Commons, five were secured. The 2 of March.
A Petition was presented by the Officers of the Army, with a Letter
from the Gen: the Petition prayes that free quarter may be taken of totally:
Secondly, a larger tax for maintenance: Thirdly, the tall persons intrusted with
money may give account, that persons of trust may take that account, 4 that
Clipt money may be provided against: as good and more flourishing times
then these the Subjects was put to no damage for light money, nor was
any refused that could be known by the impression what it was: the Law
hangs and draws the Clipper, and that was of old thought punishment sufficient
to the offender. An Act, that whosoever buyes money by weight (to the
great losse of the seller) shal not be disperst again, instead of melting were
good: its most certain, this way of deceiving was practiced in gold, and yet
is. 5 That the accompts of souldiers may be stated, the Countries charge above
their taxes may come into consideration. 6 That Deans & Chapters lands may
be security for it: 7 That horses be allow'd to some souldiers: 8 support to maimed
souldiers: 9 that Ireland may be considered immediatly they gave abundant
thanks for this Pettion, and presently took it into consideration, as to the
maintenance of the souldiery of Eng. & Ireland: it was referred tot he Councel
of State, to consider what is necessary in way of an army for England and
Ireland: also for recruits of horse, an Order was sent to the General, and the
Councel of State are also to consider. The Parlia. ordred, that a Committee
should consider of the Standard in the old Palace, to what end it was erected,
and what it was worth, in case it be put to publike use.
Sir George As[unr]kues good service being taken notice of, hee was ordered
Chief or Admiral in the Irish Seas. Two hundred pounds given to such souldiers
as had deserted the Lord Inchequeen, which is to be distributed among
20: several Gentlemen voted to command in the Navy that is to go forth at
Spring. Now the Navy is like to go wel out, and do good when care is taken
for pay, the charger educed to the smallest that may be with Honour, and
those who wil go at reason ablest rates, taken on, and no Merchant or Parliament
man allowed to thrust in his ship, and keep out as good at a cheaper
rate, by reason of his friends or power. The Ordinance for the Sequestrations
of Delinquents in those Counties to the North of Trent was past, and
to bring all receivers to accompt was twice read.
The high Court of Justice sate this day, the Councel for the Commonwealth
took off all that Duke Hamiltons Counsel had said, and cleer'd it, that
the Duke was not exempt, because employed by the Parliament of Scotland,
that he was Naturalized, & that his articles did not exempt him from triall
in that Court, not had the General such power by his Commission.
The third of March, the Parliament sate not.