Die Veneris, 29 Decemb. 1648.
ORdered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Letter of the Lord
Admirall from Warwick House of the 21. Decemb. 1648 and the Indempnitie of
the Lord Admirall unto Capt. Will Batten, now called Sir Well. Batten, Capt. Elyas
Jordan, and Capt. Rob. Dare, be referred to the Committee of the Navy: And to inquire
of the Lord Admirall, the names of the Vice Admirall, and Reare Admiral,
and also the names of all the Captaines of the ships, and to acquaint the House
there with tomorrow morning. H. Elsyng Cler. Par. Dom. Com.
A Letter from the Navy.
Right Honourable,
One of the Revolted ships, the Governour whereof hath Commission
from Prince Charles, came neare to Dover pier, and
there seized on a small Vessell; one of these which the Lord Admirall had retaken from the
Prince. The Captaine whereof, seeing himselfe surprised, told the other that he was empty
and could be worth little to him, and that if he went out to the Point, be should find a good
ship worth the taking prize. Hereupon they hath sallyed out, and discovered the Hunter,
which is commanded by Capt. Rich Nubery, which was designed to surprise (but the then
prisoner now pretends it to worke the Pirate into a snare) Capt. Nubery behaved himselfe
so valiantly in this businesse that he bcoke them both. And in the Pirate are taken divers prisoners
very considerable, and mischeivous men, who are to be tried. There are some others
that were taken a shore, will be sent to the Lord Generall, to be tryed by a Councell of War.
The Earle of Warwick hath left Capt. Moulton as Vice Admirall in the Downes, And
Capt. Bethell as Reare Admirall to the Navy. An Irish man of War was set upon by 2 of
our ships, which after some shot against her, failed between both ours, and went away without
persuite.
Dated in the Downes 26 Decemb. 1648.
The Ordinance for proceeding to tryatt with the King was read the second time,
The preface therof was debated (viz.) Where as Charles Stuart hath been instrusted with
the Government of the Kingdome, &c. this held great debate. Some moving, That
(rather) the Charge should be sent to the King, as King, and with his titles, &c.
And that if he will give answer, then there need no more. And that if he should demutre,
then to take away his honours, and proceed against him as Charles Stuart,
others thought fit not to loose time, but proceed as it was brought in yet one
Gentleman said, that it was better to ride softly in the way, then gallop out of
the way. But the whole debate, and some other particulars were referred backe to
the Committee, who were to sit, this afternoone, and accordingly they met, and
sate late, and (after all) chose a sub Committee who were to bring it into the
Committee, the next morning, that the Committee might report it to the House.
The Lord's adjourned their House (this day) until Tuesday following. And gave
strict orders to the Gentleman of the Blacke Rod (himselfe in person) to summons
all the Lords within the late line, and bring their answers.
Saturday 30 Decemb.
THis day the Committee met (in the morning)for dispatch of the Ordinance for
tryall of the King, upon report where of it was recommitted and ordered the
Commissioners to be added, And the House considering that the Lords sate not till
Tuesday, referred it until Munday, and then to be dispatched (if possible) to bee
sent to the Lords on Tuesday.
The Commons looked upon the Reports (this day made) of the Members of the
Company of Weavers, that complain against their Officers that they chose a select