Letters from Lancashire complaining sadly of the miseries of that County
through want of Bread corn, many Families almost, and some altogether starved
for want of sustinance. A very sad complaint, which hath been mentioned severall
weeks and no course taken to relieve them. But, which adds further to their affliction,
it is certified that they have many Souldiers upon them that pretend for Ireland
but shew no Commission, take free quarter, they pretend to be horse, and so take
14 [unr]. a week or free quarter, make assesments upon men and se[unr]ze goods for default,
they increase daily, refuse none take s[unr]ed, Barley and Oats for their horses.
Referred to the Councel of State, and by them referred to the Lord Generall,
with the Gentlemen of Lancashire, to take such course as his Excellency shall think
fit for reducing those that are up in Lancashire.
An Act Passed for giving power for presenting Justices of the peace to passe the
great S[unr]a[unr]e, for the County Palatine of Lancaster, as for other other Counties.
By Order of the house M. Speaker sent this ensuing Letter to all the Counties of
England with the Act for the 90000 li. Per moneth for maintenance of the Forces of
England and Ireland.
Gentlemen
THe Parliament have lately passed an Act (herewith sent you) for the raising of the monthly
Assesment of 90000 li. for the maintenance of the Forces in England and Ireland for
six moneths from the 25 of March last past, to the 29 of September next ensuing.
I am commanded by the House to recommend unto you the speedy putting the same in execution
that the moneys thereby appointed may be speedily assessed collected and payd, according to
the engagements of the Parliament; which all good men, who wish well to the honour and preservation
of the Commonwealth, (and in particular to their own good ad safety) will be carefull
to effect.
It being the most effectuall means to take off or prevent the intollerable burden of free quarter
which otherwise will inevitably fall upon them.
In all which you are chiefly concerned whom the Parliament have especially intrusted for
the more speedy and effectuall carrying on of this worke, which being faithfully Performed by
you, will procure quiet and contentment to the people and be esteemed a most acceptable service
to the Parliament, it being a great part of their care to prevent the sad inconvenience of free
quarter.
I shall not presse you with may arguments to quicken you to this worke, wherein the publique
peace and safety of the Commonwealth is so highly concerned: your care and utmost
endeavours in promoting this service is expected by the House; whereof not doubting I rest,
Westminster, 30 April, 1649.
Your very loving friend,
Wil. Leuthall Speaker.
This day certain persons were brought before the Councell of State from Suffolk
who had counterfeitted the Passe of that Councell in an ilfavored manner, and the
hands of some Members thereof, and under presence of raising money for the poor
in Lancashire, did get great sums, and exercise power of taxing and frighting the
people. They, tis said have got many hundreds, and not unlike, for he that brought
them up saith they got 80 li. in their Town. They were committed to Peterhouse
until further order.
This day the Regiment of Col. Howsons marched from Whitehall to Rumford in