§ The Speakerbegged leave to recall the attention of the House to an order made a few days back for the taking into custody John Stanbury, who was reported by the Penryn Election committee to have absented himself. It was directed, by order of the House, that he should be taken into custody, in consequence of his not having attended before the committee. The Speaker's warrant was accordingly issued for the purpose, and a messenger was deputed to carry it into execution; but the party having- absconded, all his endeavours to discover and apprehend him were unsuccessful; and although he was a second time despatched from town on a similar mission, his efforts were attended with as little beneficial results as before. The usual course on such occasions was to have the messenger to the bar, that the House might hear from himself what steps he had taken for fulfilling the order of the House; and if it should then appear expedient to the House, to present an address to the Crown, praying his majesty to issue a proclamation, with a reward for the apprehension of the party.
The Serjeant-at-Arms was then called and received directions to order the messenger, John Wright, to appear at the bar of the House. The messenger having made his appearance, he was desired by the Speaker to state the course he had pursued for the apprehension of John Stanbury. He accordingly entered into a detail of his route from town to Exeter, to the house of Mr. Stanbury, where he was informed, that that individual had not been 1312 at home for some time before. Having received intimation that the fugitive was concealed in a farm-house about five miles from Plymouth, he proceeded thither, and aided by four constables, searched the premises, but without obtaining any trace of the object of his search. He then proceeded to Tregony, and from thence to Truro, in both of which places he made diligent inquiries after Mr. Stanbury, but was unable to gain any intelligence of his retreat. He returned again to Exeter, and from thence came back to town; and having received directions to go a second time to Plymouth, he repaired thither, but with no better success than before; and he was obliged finally to return to town without having accomplished the object of his mission.
§ The Speakerasked if any member wished to put any question to the messenger; and no advantage being taken of the invitation, the messenger was permitted to withdraw.
§ Mr. Wynnthen moved, "That it appears to this House, that John Stanbury has absconded, to avoid being taken into custody, pursuant to an order of the House." Also, "That a humble address be presented to his majesty, praying that he will be graciously pleased immediately to issue his royal proclamation, with such reward as his majesty shall think proper, for discovering, apprehending, and detaining the said John Stanbury."—Agreed to.