Lords Sitting of 4 March 1813

PETITIONS RESPECTING THE CLAIMS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLICS.
The Earl of Moirapresented a petition from the Catholics of the county of Galway, praying the repeal of disabilities. His lordship took that opportunity (as he might not be present at the discussion of the question) to declare his opinion that the removal of these disabilities was not only the wisest and most politic, but also the only safe course that could be adopted.
Earl Greypresented petitions from certain Christians at Sheffield and its neighbourhood, and from the Protestant Dissenters there, praying for the repeal of all disabilities on account of religious opinions. He also presented a petition in favour of the Catholic Claims, from the portmen of Ipswich, and one to the same

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effect from the inhabitants of Berwick-upon-Tweed. With respect to the latter, his lordship observed, that a petition from the corporation, against the Catholic claims, had been presented, which had been agreed to at a meeting, by a majority of those present; but he was instructed to state, that the present petition was signed by 80 of the burgesses, forming, in fact, a majority of the corporation.
Lord Hollandpresented a petition from the Protestant dissenting ministers of the three denominations in London and its vicinity, praying for the repeal of all disabilities, on account of religious opinions. His lordship observed, that the petitioners were the successors of those persons who had so materially contributed to the restoration of Charles the 2nd, and of those, who, at a later period, had consented to acts, which involved the sacrifice of their own privileges, with the most disinterested view of supporting the House of Hanover. Their petitions upon the present occasion had been accelerated in consequence of what had been stated by right reverend prelates and other lords, that petitions which they presented against the Catholic claims had been signed by Protestant dissenting ministers and Protestant dissenters. They were therefore anxious to make known their sentiments in favour of general religious liberty, that it might not be supposed that they participated in the opinions of a contrary description thus stated to have been expressed by others.
The Earl of Essexpresented a petition in favour of the Catholic claims, from the nobility, gentry, and freeholders of the county of Flint.
Lord Kenyonadverted to the petition already presented, which had been agreed upon at a county meeting of Flintshire, with only two dissentient voices, and stated that, subsequently, with a view to obtain this counter petition, the greatest exertions had been used by the agents of earl Grosvenor to procure the signatures to it of persons dependent upon his lordship and in his employ. They had for this purpose resorted to threats, and in particular two individuals had been threatened with being turned out of their farms, and dismissed from his lordship's employ, if they did not sign the petition.
The Earl of Essexsaid, he knew nothing of the circumstances alluded to by the noble lord. The petition had been handed to him, the noble earl alluded to not being able to attend.
Lord Kenyonstated, that he had intimated to earl Grosvenor his intention of stating the facts connected with the manner of obtaining signatures to this petition, if that noble earl should present it. He disclaimed any intention of imputing to the noble earl who now presented the petition, any knowledge of the circumstances to which he had alluded.