THE IMPEACHMENT AND Charge of Mr. Henry Hastings, Sonne to the Earl of Huntington.
THe proceedings of Mr. Henry Hastings in Liecestershire hath bin very great, putting the inhabitants in a great fear and perplexity, he having bin at the Earl of Stamfords House at Bradgate where the Magazine for that County remained, with some hundreds of men in Arms, & at his comming thither, he made a Demand for the Magazine, and desired that it might be delivered into his Custody and keeping, and that the Charge therof [Page] according to the Authority given him by his Majesty might be delivered into his hands.
But the Earl did withstand his Demands, and denyed that power which hee there made use of, and still did reserve the Militia in his own Custody.
Upon which denyall, M. Hastings being very much moved, in his wrath and Coller gave forth very insolent and proud threats against the Earle, and all his Assistants, and not only did strive to staine their spotlesse Reputation with malicious and most opprobrious tearms, but also proclaimed the Earl and all his followers Traytors.
The Report and Consideration of these Out-rages by the said Hastings so committed, took up each House some time in debate, and occasioned two Conference for the stopping and hindring of tumultuous meetings, both in that County and else-where.
The Houses being much moved at these troubls, took into their consideration [Page] the strength of the malignant Party with His Majesty, and the opposition caused by them, to the great interruption of Parliamentall Proceedings.
Amongst others concerning the late actions of Mr. Hastings in and about Leicester: And after some debate thereupon, they appointed a Committee to draw up a Charge, against him and his Adherents. Upon the meeting of the House of Commons, the Committee appointed, having prepared the Charge against Mr. Hastings, according to the direction and appointment given them by the House, it was publiquely read, and the Lords House being compleated and setled, the said Charge was sent up unto them for their approbation also, with a Desire of the said Committee that the said Mr. Hastings might bee forthwith proceeded aginst, which was assented to, and an Order issued forth for his summoning in to answer the same.
On the 13. of JULY the Committees of both houses being met about the accommodation [Page] between His Majesty and His Parliament, the Earl of Pembroke made an excellent Speech; the substance whereof did discover and lay open the meanes for that most happy and desired Union, and the happinesse that would arise from that Conglatination.
Wherupon the Committee taking into their serious consideration, the best means for an Accommodation between the King and the Parliament, upon a Message sent to the Lords, there was a Conference.
Where it was concluded, that a Select Committee of both Houses should meete the next morning, to consider of those Remoraes, which hindered that happy connexion, and to remove them if it were by any means possible.
And upon their meeting the next morning, it was concluded, that the Earle of Holland should present their Desires to His Majesty, who is now gone for the same Businesse, whose Endeavours the Lord of his mercy blesse, for the benefit and peace of this Kingdom.