Lords Sitting of 23 June 1807

Preamble
At three o'clock, the lords commissioners took their seats, and immediately sent the usher of the black rod to desire the attendance of the house of commons, with their Speaker elect, in the house of peers, to present him for his majesty's approbation.—In a few minutes, the commons, with Mr. Abbot at their head, attended at the bar.—Mr. Abbot then addressed the lords commissioners to the following effect:— "I have to acquaint your lordships, that in obedience to his majesty's commands, and in virtue of their ancient rights, his faithful commons have proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has once more fallen upon me. Deeply penetrated with the most heartfelt gratitude for this new mark of their confidence and good opinion, and in humble compliance with their wish, I now present myself at your bar, and have humbly to pray, that his majesty will graciously allow them to re-consider their choice, and to elect a worthier person.
The Lord Chancellor—Mr. Abbot, the lords appointed by his majesty's commission, have it in command from his majesty, to signify, that his majesty, fully persuaded Of the wisdom and prudence of his faithful commons, is perfectly satisfied with the choice they have made, and convinced of your ample and tried sufficiency to execute all the duties of that office. We, therefore, by the authority of his majesty's commission, do allow and confirm the choice they have made of you as their Speaker
Mr. Abbot.—My lords, I feel deeply penetrated with gratitude for this fresh mark of his majesty's grace and favour, which I receive with all due humility and resignation. It now becomes my duty, in the name and in behalf of the commons to lay claim to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, to which, by the usage of the constitution of parliament, they are entitled; more especially that their persons, servants, and estates, be free from arrest and molestation; that they may enjoy liberty of speech in their debates; and have free access to his majesty's royal person, whenever occasion may require; and that all their proceedings may receive from his majesty the most favourable construction; and that, where any involuntary errors may seem to have been incurred, the blame, I hope, will be wholly imputed to myself.
The Lord Chancellor—Mr. Speaker, We have it in command from his majesty to say, that his majesty allows and confirms to his faithful commons, all those immunities and privileges they claim, and that in as full and ample a manner as they have hitherto been granted and allowed by his majesty, or by any of his royal predecessors. As to any apprehension you may entertain of incurring any errors, we are commanded to inform you, that his majesty sees no ground for any such apprehensions; and that consequently, we may moreover acquaint you, that any thing coming from you or his majesty's faithful commons, will receive from his majesty the most favourable interpretation.—The Commons then withdrew, and the commissioners retired to unrobe. After which the clerk proceeded to swear in the Peers.