HC Deb 12 July 1820 vol 2 cc396-7
R. A. Jervis

was brought to the bar, where he received the following Reprimand from Mr. Speaker, and was ordered to be discharged out of custody:

"Richard Armstrong Jervis; You were reported by the select committee appointed to hear and determine the merits of a petition complaining of an undue election and return for the borough of Grantham, as having disobeyed a warrant directing your attendance before that committee:—for this disobedience you were ordered to be taken into the custody of the serjeant at arms. You were then reported as having absconded, in order to avoid being so taken into custody; you subsequently surrendered yourself, and were then committed to his majesty's gaol of Newgate.

"You now petition to be released, expressing your sorrow and contrition, acknowledging your offence, and throwing yourself upon the mercy of the House. Upon a full consideration of your case, the House is inclined to extend its mercy. I must, however, observe upon one passage in your petition, in which you plead, as an excuse for your misconduct, that you were not sufficiently aware of the nature and importance of this warrant. It is well that you and all should know, I that the parties to whom the Speaker's warrant is directed, are not to constitute themselves judges of the nature or importance of it: they have but one duty to perform—prompt and implicit obedience—by the performance of which alone, they can secure themselves from the inconvenience and punishment to which you have been subjected.

"Under all the circumstances, however, of your case, believing that your misconduct has arisen rather from ignorance and misunderstanding, than from any attempt to resist the authority of this House, or any corrupt design to impede the course of justice, this House is prepared to extend its utmost lenity, and now to discharge you from further confinement; and you are hereby discharged, upon payment of your fees."