THE HVMBLE ANSWER OF the Honourable House of Commons to the Kings Majesties last message, 7 th of Feb. 1641. in defence of the Speech lately spoken by M. Pym.
YOur Majesties most Loyall and faithfull Subjects, the Commons now assembled in Parliament, have taken into their serious consideration the message received from your Majestie the 7 th of this instant February, And doe acknowledge that the speech therein mentioned to be delivered by M r. Pym in a Conference, was printed by their Order, and that what was therein delivered, was agreeable to the sense of the House: And touching that passage wherein it is affirmed, that since the stoppe upon the Ports against all Jrish Papists, by both Houses, many of the cheife Commanders now in the head of the Rebells, have beene suffered to passe by your Majesties immediate warrants. They present your Majestie with this their humble Answere.
THat they have received divers advertisements concerning severall persons, Irish, and other Papists, which have obtained your Maiesties immediate warrants for their passing into Jreland, since the order of restraint of both Houses; Some of which, as they have beene informed, (since their comming into Ireland,) have ioyned with the Rebells, and beene Commanders amongst them, and some others have beene stayed, and are yet in safe custodie: Particularly the Lord Delvin and foure other persons in his Companie, whereof one is thought to be a Priest. One Collonell Butler brother to the Lord Montgarat now in rebellion, and Sir George Hamilton, all which are papists, and one other (as is reported) being sonne of the Lord Nettersfeild, whose Father and brother are both in rebellion. The particular names of others we have not yet received, but doubt not but upon examination they may be discovered.
And your Maiesties most faithfull Subiects are very sorry, that the extreme caution which your Maiestie hath used, hath beene so ill seconded with the diligence and faithfulnesse of your Ministers. And that your Royall Authority should be so highly abused, although (as it was exprest in that Speech by Master Pym) we beleeve, it was by the procurement of some evill instruments too neere your Royall person, without your Maiesties knowledge and intention. And we beseech your Maiestie to take such course, that not onely your Honour may bee vindicated for the time past, but your Kingdome may be secured from the like mischeife for the time to come.
Read, and by Vote upon the Question, assented unto.