Mr. Sheriff Rothwellappeared at the bar, and presented the petition relative to the proceedings against the queen, which had this day been agreed to by the lord-mayor, aldermen, and commoners of the city of London, in common-council assembled.
Mr. Alderman Woodsaid, the petition was agreed to by a very large majority of the common-council. Indeed, scarcely ten hands had been held up against it.
The petition was read. The petitioners stated, that they had learned, with great regret, that a bill of Pains and Penalties had been introduced in the House of Lords against her majesty, having for its object to degrade her from her rank, and to dissolve the marriage between her and his majesty. That the principle on which this measure was founded was never resorted to except in the worst of times; and the petitioners could not but express their sorrow that it was brought forward on evidence that would not be received in ordinary cases. The petitioners contemplated with great satisfaction the caution observed by this hon. House, in the course of a proceeding which tended to lower the dignity of the Crown, and to endanger the peace of the country. In conclusion, the petitioners prayed the House to reject the bill if it should come before them.