The Lower House. 99

Mr. Wilson was called in; and on his Appearance Mr. Speaker
acquainted him with the Resolution of the House.
Upon which Mr. Wilson addressed himself to Mr. Speaker, and
said, That he would readily ask the Pardon of the House; but that
Mr. Hammond was a Person of so very infamous a Character, and
guilty of so many Vices, that he could not suffer his Lips to belie his
Heart, and therefore hoped the House would excuse him from asking
his Pardon; which Words were order to be taken down by the Clerk.
Mr. Wilson was ordered to withdraw; which he accordingly did.
Ordered, That Mr. Wilson be again called in; who being asked
by Mr. Speaker, if he would comply with the Resolve of the House,
he desired the Indulgence of the House, with Time to consider upon
the Matter, and to have a Copy of the Resolution of the House
thereon; which was accordingly given him, and the Time he prayed
for granted.
Mr. Wilson was again called in, and was asked by Mr. Speaker,
if he would comply with the Resolution of the House, with which
he had before been acquainted; who replied, he had Reflected upon

L. H. J.
Liber No. 51
Dec. 12

what he had before acquainted Mr. Speaker be determined to submit
to, and that he could not recede therefrom.
Mr. Wilson desired the Indulgence of the House to retire; and
that he would return again in a few Minutes.
The House gave him Leave to retire.
Mr. Wilson again appeared, and delivered the following Words
in Writing, viz.^t
Mr. Speaker,
I am obliged to you for informing me of the Determination of
the House upon this Occasion, and am sorry that any Expression of
mine should give either Trouble or Offence to the House. I observe,
that Part of the Censure is, that I should ask the Pardon of the
House, with which I could readily comply; but as to asking the
Pardon of Mr. Hammond, I look upon him to be a Person of so
very infamous a Character, and charged with so many Vices, that I
cannot suffer my Lips to belie my Heart, and therefore hope the
House will excuse me from asking his Pardon.
Mr. Wilson was ordered to withdraw.
Thereupon it was moved, That the Resolution of the House be
enforced; and the Question was put, That Mr. Wilson be committed
to the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House, and
to remain in his Custody until he comply with the Order of the
House. Resolved in the Affirmative.
Ordered, That Mr. Wilson be again called; who appeared.
Ordered, That Mr. Wilson be committed to the Custody of the
Serjeant at Arms attending this House; who accordingly was com-

p. 68