1G51.] HOKSE RACES PROHIBITED. 203 



On the 14th of January, 1651, a report was ordered 

 to be drawn up and presented to Parliament against 

 horse races, huntino^, and hawkinor matches, 



. * . ^ 1651. 



and foot-ball playing. * 



On the loth of March, Mr. Frost was directed to 

 prepare a letter to the Militia Commissioners through- 

 out the nation, to take care that all public meetings for 

 horse races, cock-fighting, etc., be prevented.f On the 

 day following, this letter was issued to the Commis- 

 sioners. It recites that the Council of State had 

 received many informations that the enemies of the 

 Commonwealth were still driving on their designs to 

 rise new troubles amongst us, and held many dan- 

 gerous meetings and conferences in many places, for 

 contriving and disposing their plots, under colour 

 and pretence of cock-fighting, horse-racing, hunting, 

 and other meetings for recreations, which, if there 

 be not care to prevent or disperse, might con- 

 duce to the ripening of their counsel, and give a 

 beginning to the breaking out of insurrections and 

 rebellions. The Commissioners were ordered to en- 

 quire after all these or like meetings ; and to appoint 

 some of the militia to attend such times and places, 

 and either prevent their meetings or disperse them, to 

 take care that the public peace might not be en- 

 dangered by them. They were to observe and secure 

 the chief promoters of such meetings, and such as shall 

 affront or opose them in the execution of this order 

 were to be reported to the Council, who would then 

 give further direction therein. J 



* Ibid., vol. xvi., p. 32. f Ibid., vol. Ixv., p. 83. t Unil, vol. xcvi., p. 35. 



