they have any) dictate (but in private) thus,
let us before mens eyes now cast a mist,
while we perform such matters as we list;
For f[unr] he that no good game can make,
When Princes play, and States lie as the State.
Saturday, April 7.
THe House this day, according to former Order, resumed the debate of the
Act for asusting 90000 l. per mensem, for payment of the Armies in England
and Ireland, the rest of the Commissioners names were read (which they could
not get time to debate and paste yesterday) and upon the question on the Act was
assented unto, and ordered to be forthwith Printed and published.
The House took notice of the great burthen that day upon this Nation by
Free Quarter, and that since the people were to be assensted for the payment of
this 90000 l. per mensem there was no reason they should be burthened with that
Monster of Nature Free Quarter, which is more damage to them then all the other
Assessments. They therefore thought fit and ordered, That there should
be a Committee nominated to treat and advise with his Excellency, and the
Officers of the Army, how (upon due levy of this 90000 l. per mensem) all Free
Quarter may be taken off, and the people eased from the same, and to report
it to the House with all convenient speed.
The House then considered how far forth it mights be prejudicial to this City
and Nation, if the four Aldermen formerly committed to the Tower, and the
late Major, should be continued in any Office, or publique employment. The
House therefore ordered, That the said four Aldermen, and the lare Lord
Major Reynoldson, should be disabled Aldermen of the City of London, or bear
any publique Office of Employment in this Common-wealth, and that the
Common councel do proceed to the Election of new Aldermen in their steads
The House then was informed, That there was matter of proof sufficient for
convicting Major Gen. Brown, Sir John Closmarthey, &c. now Prisoners to the
Parliament, and late Members of that House, especially against the first of
them concerning the receipt of 1000 l. to abet and promote the last Rebellion
in Kent, and elsewhere. The House hereupon Voted, That the said Major
Gen. Brown, Sir John Clotworthy, &c. should be forthwith brought to their
Tryal.
The House then adjourned till Munday morning, and to sit in Committees
this afternoon.
By Letters out of Yorkshire it is certified that one Capt. Denton, Mountaire,
and others, formerly of the Kings party, came into Moulton in that Country, and
(with their Swords drawn) proclaimed King Charls the second, and that a Parliament
Colonel came into the Town within an hour, and they still in the
Town, and did not so much as question the businesse.
Monday 9. from Poul, April 5.
Sir, I have been amongst many Country people, who cry out they have no
Trade, their families ready to strave, all things at a dear rate, and yet their burdens
continued; they say they could be content to pray Contibution, so as
honest men were intrusted to lay it equal as long as there is an Army, but the
Failing of Trade starves them; they desire the As or P. would take some speedy