Iosiah Coram me L. Jenkins The Ioint Information of Josiah Keeling of the Parish of St. Butolph without Aldgate in the County of Middlesex Salter and of John Keeling of the Parish of St. Anne Black-Fryers Citizen and Turner June the 15th 1683. THe Informants say That being in the Company of Richard Goodenough at the Sun-Tavern behind the Royal Exchange between the hours of One and Three of the Clock on the fifteenth day of this instant Iune 1683. They asked the said Goodenough what Persons of Quality would be concerned He the said Goodenough replyed That he had discoursed William Lord Russel Son to the Earl of Bedford and that the said Lord Russel told the aforesaid Goodenough that he would be concerned in it to his utmost and that he would use all his interest to accomplish the aforesaid Design of killing the King and the Duke of York And these Informants further say That asking the said Goodenough what Collonel that was that yesterday he the said Goodenough told the Informants Iosiah and Iohn would advance eight Hundred or a Thousand pound towards carrying on the Design of Killing the King and Duke he the said Goodenough Replyed it was Collonel Romzey and the Informant Iosiah asked the said Goodenough whether it was that Romsey that Married the Lady Smith and had Commanded Forces in Portugal for his Majesty i. e. the King of England he Replyed it was Witness our hands this 15th day of June 1683. JOSIAH KEELING JOHN KEELING The Information of Josiah Keeling given upon Oath at Hampton-Court the 23d of June 1683. ANd this Informant further saith That several Gentlemen viz. Mr. Roope Mr. Fitton Gerrald and Mr. Allen and one other whose Name this Informant hath forgot who as they said came to visit their honest Wapping Men that this Informant would recommend to them for such and also to Dine with them at some Tavern which was the Fortune at Wapping where was Mr. Samuel Gibbs Mr. Edmund Hunt Mr. Robert Ferguson with several other persons that this Informant doth not remember where the aforesaid Gentlemen began to drink Healths some of which were as followeth To the Man that first draws his Sword in defence of the Protestant Religion against Poperty and Slavery Another was to the Confusion of the Two Brothers Slavery and Popery and being askt what they meant as this Informant verily believeth it was replyed The Two Brothers at Whitehal The next was to the pinning of Mackinny's Head on the Monument for burning the City in 66. And this Informant asking what was meant they said it was the Duke of York And this Informant Dining at the Horse-shoe Tavern on Tower-hill with Edward Norton Esquire Mr. Starkey Mr. Ogle Mr. Goodenough and others forgot by this Informant they drank the fore-said Healths and did explain them as the afore-said Company did And this Informant further saith that Fran. Goodenough sent a Letter to this Informant by one Cherry to acquaint the said Informant That the said Goodenough would with some other Gentlemen Dine at the End of the Town where this Informant dwelleth and that this Informant would speak to such men as he could trust to meet the afore-said persons at the Siracusa House There came with the afore-said Goodenough one Iohn Row late Sword-bearer at Bristol with a Dorsetshire Gentleman whose name this Informant hath forgot also at the same Meeting was Mr. Edmund Hunt Andrew Barber William Tomson Iames Burton as this Informant verily believes with several others forgot where it was agreed we should discourse so that it might not be understood if we were over-heard Then the question was if the Foot-ball was laid down how many we might reasonably expect would come in at first Laying of it down from our end of the Town to play at it To which it was replyed it was uncertain but as many as were there would be concerned to which it was answered by Row and Goodenough if we would not in a little time kick the Ball effectually we should be made Slaves for saith Row the Lord Mayor hath imposed Sheriffs upon you and the King will take away your Charter and then you 'l be in a fine conditâ—on and Goodenough spake to the same purpose upon which Hunt replyed That he could do as much good as any body for that Foot-ball players often got broken shins and he the said Hunt could Cure them And this Informant further saith that this Discourse was grounded upon this Foundation What Men can be raised against the Church-Warden at Whitehal which was understood the King And this Informant further saith that Richard Goodenough and Richard Rumbal told this Informant that there was a Remonstrance or Declaration ready drawn up which would be â—inted against the day that this designed Commotion was to be wherein they would ease the people of Chimney Money which seemed to be most Grievous especially to the common people and that they would lay the Kings Death upon the Papists as a continued design of the former Plot. JOSIAH KEELING Copy of a Note given in by Iosiah Keeling 23d of Iune and by him received from Goodenough From the Tower Eastward on the South-side of Rosemary-Lane to Maiden-head-lane the West-side of Maiden-head-lane the North-side of Upper Shadwel Westward to new Gravel-lane the West-side of new Gravel-lane to the Thames and by the Thames to the Tower The Streets and Allies of Note within the bounds St. Katherine's East-Smithfield Ratclift-High-way Victualling-Office Butcher-Row Redcross-street Armitage Nightingale-lane Artichoack-lane Red-Mead-lane Wapping Gun-alley Cross-alley Well-alley Warners Yard Salters-alley Green Bank Gunâ—alley Pumpâ—alley Love-lane Back-alley Meeting-horse-alley Old-Gravelâ—lane Brewer's-lane Tobacco-pipe-alley Cinamon-street Crown-street Queen-street King Edwards Street King-street Carman-Rents Crown Yard Harrow-alley Seven Star-alley Garter Yard Wests Garden Blew-gate field Fleece Yard Chamberlain's-alley Frankland-street Match Walk With all other Places within the Outbounds not Named The Information of Thomas Shepard taken by the Right Honourable the Earl of Sunderland c. June the 27th 1683. SOme time before my Lord Shaftsbury went for Holland the Duke of Monmouth Lord Gray Lord Russel Sir Thomas Armstrong Colonel Romsey and Mr. Ferguson met at my House in Abchurch-lane where the subject of their Discourse was how to seize Your Majesties Guards and in Order thereunto as I afterwards at their next Meeting was informed the Duke Lord Gray and Sir Thomas Armstrong walked about that end of the Town one night and gave an account that they found them very remiss in their places not like Souldiers and that the thing provided they could have a sufficient strength was feasibly enough but finding that failed the Project was wholly laid aside so far as I know After that Mr. Ferguson told me of a Project was on foot for Destroying Your Majesty and his Royal Highness coming from Newmarket Colonel Romsey Mr. West and as I remember Mr. Wade came to my Counting-house one Evening and began to Discourse of it upon which I told
this Examinant further saith That Mr. Rumbald told this Examinant not long since that Major Wildman had shewed him a Paper in the nature of a Declaration or Remonstrance which he intended to have Printed and Dispersed among the People at the time of the intended Insurrection and that he the said Wildman had formerly encouraged the said Rumbald in the attempt upon the King and Duke in their way to or from Newmarket but afterward seemed to discourage him And this Examinant further saith That after the Fire happened at Newmarket and this Examinant Colonel Romzey Walcot Ferguson Rumbald and Richard Goodenough had met twice and resolved to let making any Attempt upon the King and Duke alone The said Ferguson on Saturday or Sunday before the Kings return borrowed Forty Gunies of Colonel Romzey as the said Colonel Romzey and Ferguson have since told this Examinant in order to set the same on work but did nothing in it and hath since repaid Thirty Gunies if not the whole Forty Gunies to the said Colonel Romzey And this Examinant further saith That after the Kings return from Newmarket the said Colonel Romzey this Examinant Ferguson Rumbald Goodenough and Walcot as this Examinant believes met at the George and Vulture Tavern on Ludgate-hill where the Arms in this Examinants former Examinations mentioned and the Sorts and Sizes thereof were agreed upon And the said Ferguson told the Company that one was employed to see for some Convenience between Hampton-Court and Windsor to make the Attempt upon the King and Duke but he never made any Report of the Message though he was pressed to it by this Examinant and others being then wholly intent as this Examinant perceived upon Managing the Scotch Insurrection And this Examinant further saith That soon afterward there were several Meetings between all or most of the Parties abovementioned at the Castle Tavern in Fleetstreet and Green Dragon Tavern on Snow-hill but this Examinant doth not remember any particular Discourse at any of the said Meetings other than concerning the Progress of the Scotch preparation towards an Insurrection And this Examinant further saith That there was since proposed making an Attempt upon the King and Duke in their return from the Dukes Play-House in the narrow part of the Street but the same was wholly rejected and this Examinant never heard of any Attempt designed to be made upon the King and Duke at a Bull-Feast nor never heard that a Bull-Feast was to be had till about Ten or Eleven days since And this Examinant further saith That the said Ferguson told this Examinant that the Insurrection in England intended to second that in Scotland would be in this manner viz. That one Party should be up in the West at Bristol Taunton and thereabout another in Yorkshire at York another in Cheshire at Chester and if it could be done another in Devonshire at Exeter in every of which places some Persons of Quality would appear but named them not and that the main Push was designed at London and was ordered thus viz. That several parties should at once Attack the Tower the Guards and the Exchange the Mews the Savoy and White-Hall and one at Westminster should fall upon the back of White-Hall that a Party of Horse should be laid at Staines Bridge to way-lay the King and Duke if they went towards Windsor and another Party of Horse to way-lay them in their Road to Portsmouth if they went thither that the Mayor and Sheriffs should be seized but the Design was not to be Communicated till it was ripe for Action and added that he hoped the Duke of Monmouth and Lord Russel might be prevailed with to appear in London And this Examinant further saith That after the Scots were disappointed of the Money promised to them the said Ferguson would have had this Examinant to have met and discoursed with Sir Thomas Armstrong but this Examinant refused to do so and he once asked this Examinant to wait upon the Duke of Monmouth but this Examinant refused that also And this Examinant further saith That though the said Ferguson was shie of Naming Persons of Quality to this Examinant yet he always believed he meant the Duke of Monmouth Lord Russel Lord Grey Colonel Sidney Mr. Charleton Major Wildman and others but this Examinant never Discoursed with any of them himself And Colonel Romzey about two or three Months since to the best of this Examinants remembrance told this Examinant that the Lord Howard of Escrick Colonel Sidney Mr. Hampden Junior Major Wildman and others whom this Examinant hath forgotten were Managers of the Design And this Examinant further saith That Richard Rumbald was commonly called Hanibal by reason of his having but one eye and that it was usual at the Meetings above-mentioned to Drink a Health to Hanibal and his Boys and this Examinant believes the Ninety three Guineys in this Examinants former Examination mentioned to be paid to him by the said Ferguson for the Arms were given to him by Mr. Charleton for that the said Ferguson had before told this Examinant that he should have the said Money when Mr. Charleton came to Town and when the said Ferguson paid the said Guinies to this Examinant he told him he had not them in his Custody above half an hour and this Examinant met the said Charleton going from him when this Examinant came to him And this Examinant further saith That about five Weeks since after the said Treaty with the Scots seemed to be broken off this Examinant Colonel Romzey Mr. Walcot Mr. Wade Mr. Norton Richard Goodenough and Iames Holloway met at the Young Devil Tavern between the two Temple Gates where it was agreed to divide the City into several Parts and to give the several Parts to several Persons to examine what Force might be Raised in every one of them and if 3000 Men could be Raised for the first Onset it was thought sufficient encouragement to venture upon an Insurrection and it was not doubted but 20000 Men would fall in if the first Onset had any success and in order to this a large Map of the City and Suburbs was bought and hung up in this Examinants Chamber where Mr. Wade Holloway and Mr. Francis Goodenough divided the City and Suburbs into Twenty Divisions which were to be Managed thus One principal Man in each Division should employ Fourteen or Fifteen under him and give them their particular Walks so that they might not interfere one with another and be deceived in their Numbers These were to provide Ten men apiece at least so that 150 Men in each Division would make 3000 out of the Twenty Divisions and what was over might be kept for a Reserve but there was no particular Method as this Examinant remembers agreed upon to use these Men but was deferred till the Number was certain after which Division so made the said Richard Goodenough by reason of his general Acquaintance undertook to find out Men to act accordingly
Mr. Roe and he had been to see the Earl of Bedfords Garden and told him that was a fit place to take off the King and Duke at but in other Terms which now I have forgot Sir Thomas Armstrong did come to me the Sunday night after the Fire at Newmarket and told me that he just came from Ferguson and that notwithstanding they returned so soon Ferguson did not doubt to have Men ready by that time to do the business and desired me to go with him to Fergusons Lodging in his Coach which I did when I came there Ferguson told me the same but that they wanted Mony Mr. Charleton not being to be found upon which Sir Thomas desired me to lend some and he would see me repaid and said if he had been in stock he would have done it himself upon their perswasion I went tâ— my House I think in Sir Thomas his Coach and brought forty Guinnies he again repeated that he would see me repaid several times after he told me Ferguson had my Mony and wondred I would not go to him to receive it After the Discovery Sir Thomas came one night and told me he wondred I was not gone and did importune me to be gone with the first and in the mean time to keep close for that I was mightily hunted after I. Romzey A Letter from Sir William Stapleton Governor of the Leeward Islands to Sir Leoline Ienkins Nevis Ian. 25th 1685. Righ Honourable WHAT now offers to inform your Honours is that having seen the Kings Proclamation and a List in Print of the Conspirators in the last Most Detestable Plot I found one James Holloway Merchant therein specified fled and Indicted who went by another Name viz. John Milward whom I have caused to be secured in order to send him home by the next good opportunity which is by one Captain John Wilkinson Commander of the Ship Joseph of London a good Sailer William Stapleton The Information of James Holloway Read the 11th of April 1684. Great SIR I Your Majesties most humble but too much misâ—ed and disobedient Subject do here most faithfully according to the best of my Remembrance give you an Account of what I knew concerning the late discovered Conspiracy how I came to be concerned how far I was concerned how it was to have been carried on in Bristol why I did not come in at the first Discovery and cast my self at Your Majesties Feet for Mercy how I made my escape and where I was till taken If I shall through forgetfulness omit any thing that it may be thought I am privy to I shall be ready and willing truly to answer any question that shall be asked by Your Majesty or any Your most Honorable Privy-Council no way despairing of Your Majesties Mercy but remain in hopes that that Fountain of Mercy which hath so abundantly flowed from Your Sacred Breast ever since Your happy Restauration is not yet Dry and that there is some drops left for me who doubt not but to Serve Your Majesty both at home and abroad much more Living than my Death will That which I have cause to impute the occasion of my being Concerned was my too Publick Spirit preferring Your Majesties and my Countries Interest much before my own but especially in attending the two last Parliaments promoting an Act for the Encouragement of the Linnen Manufacture and the preventing of Frauds in Your Majesties Customs c. Which would have brought in and saved to Your Majesty near 200000 l. per An. and employed many thousands of Poor c. as is well known to many Worthy Persons about your Court and indeed proved my Ruine otherwise than in this Concern by bringing me into too great Acquaintance for one of my Capacity and by that to be concerned as I was My Attendance on those two Parliaments I doubt have been mis-represented How far I was Concerned After the Dissolution of the two last Parliaments I observed a great dissatisfaction in People in most parts where I travelled but heard nothing of any Design till Iuly 1682. when one Mr. Ioseph Tyly of Bristol came from London I meeting with him asked What News he answered to this effect All bad and if some speedy course be not taken we shall be all undone for by their Arbitrary Illegal ways and by force of Arms they have got Sheriffs to their Minds Witnesses they had before but wanted Jurors to believe them now they have got Sheriffs naming Mr. North and Mr. Rich who will find Jurors to believe any Evidence against a Protestant and so hang up all the Kings Friends by degrees I then told him that I thought it was impossible such things could be done but the King must hear of it no said he there 's none suffered to come near the King but those who have been declared Enemies to the King and Kingdom by Parliament naming some that were mentioned in the Printed Votes who to save themselves do indeavour to keep all such things from the Kings knowledge and perswade him against Parliaments with much more such-like discourse by which I found the same was discoursed throughout England Scotland and Ireland as a means to engage People At length he told me that the Protestant Gentry naming the Earl of Shaftsbury Lord Howard of Estrick and others were come to a Resolution seeing fair means would not do but all things on the Protestants side are misrepresented to the King by such great Criminals and none more in favor than those to take the King from his Evil Council and that by an Insurrection in several parts of England at once viz. London Bristol Taunton Exeter Chester New-Castle York and some other places in the North and that there would be a considerable party ready in Scotland and another in Ireland Therefore said he we must consider how to manage affairs in Bristol for if they proceed at Michaelmas in choosing Lord Mayor as they did Sheriffs and to swearing of North and Rich it must begin in October or November otherwise there will be some Sham-Plot contrived to take off most of the Stirring Men in the last Parliaments with much other Discourse to the same effect adding that Mr. Wade would come down very suddenly by whom we might expect a full Account of all About the end of August as near as I can remember Mr. Wade came down who confirmed what Mr. Tyly had said but could say little as to any farther Resolution they were come to above either of any Time or Method agreed upon but that the Design went on and men were imployed in all parts to try how people were inclined who found enough ready and that there would be no want of Men if it was once begun Then we considered how it might be managed in Bristol and what Number of men might be needful for the first Onset towards which he said We might depend on 150 Men from Taunton or thereabouts and concluded that 350 might be sufficient to secure it
Paper and Print Number 1500. 05 00 00 Second Impression with Altâ—rations Number 1500. 05 00 00 The Answer to the Declaration Three Sheets Number 3000. Paper and Print 18 00 00 The two Conferences Five Sheets Number 2500. Paper and Print 25 00 00 Reasons for the Indictment of the D. of Y. Number 1000. Paper and Print 02 10 00 For Bags Boxes and Portridge 01 00 00 Sum is 56 10 00 Whereof Received 33 00 00 Remains 23 10 00 Besides all the large promises when engaged in that Service viz. to be the Parliament Printer and when the Parliament sat had not one Sheet to do of all the vast Numbers done for them Also 100 l. per annum and Reimburstment for an Engine made on purpose for the Service which cost 15 l. A Former that cost 16 l. being rotted in the former Publick Service Towards all which Eight Guineas were received of Mr. Ferguson said to be his own Gift This is a Brief Account of what past under Mr. Ferguson's Order which shall be faithfully made appear to his Face if he dare stand the Test. By Sir your most humble Servant Captain Walcot's Letter To the Right Honourable Sir Leoline Ienkins Honoured Sir I Being in the Country and to my great trouble seeing my self in his Majesties Proclamation I came last Night to Town resolving to lay my self at his Majesties Feet let him do with me what he pleaseth This is the first Crime I have been Guilty of since His Majestie 's Restauration and too soon by much now If his Majesty thinks my Death will do him more good than my Life God's Will and His be done Vntill I sent your Honour this Letter my Life was in my own Power but now it is the Kings to whom I do most humbly propose That if his Majesty desires it I will Discover to him all that I know reâ—â—ting to England Scotland or Ireland which I suppose may be something more than the Original Discoverer was able to acquaint His Majesty with especially as to Ireland There is not any thing his Majesty shall think fit to ask me but I will answer him the Truth as pertinently and as fully as I can My intiâ—acy with a Scotch Minister through whose Hands much of the Business went I judge occasioned my knowing very much And I do further humbly propose That if His Majesty thinks it advisable I will follow those Lords and Gentlemen that are fled into Holland as if I fled thither and had made my Escape also and will acquaint the King if I can find it out what Measures they resolve of taking next I do assure his Majesty the business is laid very broad or I am misinformed And I am sure as to that particular if 〈◊〉 being with his Majesty and your Honour be not Discovered I shall be ten times abler to serve â—im than either Mr. Freeman or Mr. Carr for they will trust neither of them There 's scarce any thing done at Court but is immediately talk'd all the Town over therefore if his Majesty thinks what I have presumed to propose Advisable I do then further most humbly Propose That my waiting upon his Majesty may be some time within Night that your Honour will acquaint me the Time and Place where I may wait upon you in order to it and that it may be within Night also and that no body may be by but his Majesty and your Honour And if his Majesty pleaseth to Pardon my Offences for the time past he shall find I will approve my self very Loyal for the future if not I resolve to give his Majesty no further troublâ— but to lie at his Mercy let him do with me what he pleaseth I purpose to speâ—d â—uch of this Day in Westminster-Hall at least from Two of the Clock to Four I beg your Pardon I send your Honour this by a Porter I assure your Honour it was for no other reason but because I would not have a Third Person Privy to it And that I might have the better opportunity to make good my Word to his Majesty and to approve my self Your Honours most humble Servant THO. WALCOT Minutes of Walcots Confession before His Majesty the 8th of July 1683. THe first Business was spoken of in a place and at a time he does not now remember But it was agreed that Lord Shaftsbury should have the Command in London Lord Russel in Devonshire Lord Brandon in Cheshire Duke of Monmouth in Taunton and Bristol This agreement did not hold long Some coming to Town that said the Countries were not ready The last business was spoke of about a fortnight before Ash-Wednesday last Captain Walcot had no Conference about it with any Lord but with the Lord Howard of Escrick Ferguson did oblige Captain Walcot to bring him and the Lord Howarâ— together The Lord Howard and Ferguson discoursed together of the ways and means to surprize the Tower Lord Shaftsbury told him that the City was divided into twenty parts and that there was to be a Chief to every part and he was to choose fifteen Men to assist him within his Division Lord Shaftsbury told the Duke of Monmouth that the King was to be deposed Rumbald was Lieutenant of Horse in Fairfax's Army Walcot served in the same Army Richard Goodenough said the Duke of Monmouth expected six thousand Men tâ—gether in London Lord Russel and Lord Gray were to Mortgage Lands for the Raising of ten thousand pounds Lord Howard of Escrick was concerned in the Grand Consultation Captain Walcot always opposed the Assassination He will leave 800 l. a year behind him Ferguson told Walcot about a quarter of a year ago that the Earl of Essex was in this Affair A Note taken from Walcot by Captain Richardson Keeper of Newgate Iuly the 11th 1683. IF Colonel Romzey be to be spoke with I would have you speak with him to be tender of me that will do him no hurt he hath room enough to serve the King upon others and if Mrs. West would do the like to her Husband her Children On the other side Run no hazard nor speak with him before any Body if you cannot be private leave the Issue to God Two Letters from the Mayor of New-Castle Dated June the 1st 1683. To Mr. Secretary Jenkins about Pringle c. Right Honourable New-Castle Iune the 1st 1683. WE presume to acquaint your Honour there are two persons Apprehended and Committed to his Majesties Goal here with whom there are found divers Seditious Papers and Letters they were for going beyond Seas the one of them goes by the Name of Alexander Pringle the other Edward Levitson when their Papers and Writings were seized on they attempted to destroy and convey the same but were prevented We have sent by Express the Writings so seized on to his Grace the Duke of New-Castle our Lord Lieutenant to forward the same with this Letter to your Honour What Commands we receive from your Honour shall be obeyed by c.
Mead at one Mr. Cooks a Merchant living near the Exchange in Austin-Fryers in London but I do not mind what he spoke of the aforesaid Design to me but thinks not for I was a stranger to him and not acquainted before that time and this I subscribe before these Witnesses Sir William Hamilton of Prestoun Master Iohn Vans Keeper of the Tolbooth of Edinburgh A Copy of the Interrogators proposed to Alexander Gordon sometime of Earlstoun in the Committee 25th of September 1683. TO Interrogate the said Alexander Gordon what Correspondence he did hold with the pretended General Convention from whom he had his Commission And if he did not write a Letter to and hold correspondence with them before he came last to Scotland and upon what account he did write that Letter to the said Convention which is mentioned in one Letter to him from one Michael Sheills bearing that the Convention had received his Letter c. And if to his knowledge the said pretended Convention General did not hold any exact Correspondence and Intelligence with the disaffected Party and other their Adherents both in England and in the United Provinces of the Netherlands and what the said Correspondence was and if it was not to the weakning and diminishing if not to the ruining and overturning of His Majesties Government both in Church and State as it is now Established within His Majesties Dominions 2. Upon what account was he moved to accept of the said Commission and what other Instructions he had from the said pretended Convention General in order to the Methods he was to take for inviting the assistance and supply of the Forreign States and Churches unto which he was Commissionate and if he had not Instructions for imploring their Aid by Supply of Money and other Necessaries for sitting and capacitating the distressed Party in Scotland to subvert and overturn at least to resist His Majesties Government in this Kingdom 3. Who were the Persons who did sit and assist in the said Convention General when his Commission was ordered and who did preside thereat And that he would declare such of the Members of the said Convention as he either knew or heard of by their proper Names and Sir-Names and place of their Residence and from whom he received the foresaid Commission and who were present at the delivery of the same to him and what a person Mr. Iames Renvicle is who subscribes as Clerk to the said Commission and if that was his own true or only a borrowed Name And if the same was borrowed that he would declare what his true Name is and where his place of Residence was and if he knows what is become of him since or where he now is and to interrogate him after the same manner in relation to Michael Sheills 4. If the said General Convention was not composâ—d of Persons sent from particular Districts within this Kingdom and how many such Districts there were and who were the leading Persons within these particular Districts and what sort of Persons they were who were Commissionate from these reserved Districts to the pretended General Convention And what farther he knows in Relation to the Government and management of Affairs within these particular Districts 5. To interrogate the said Alexander Gordon what Persons he knew either in Scotland England Ireland or in the United Provinces of the Neatherlands that did hold Correspondence with the said pretended Convention General in order to their acting and consulting of their Affairs or concerting of measures and Methods to be taken in the Prosecution of their purposes and designs c. Interrogators to be put to the said Alexander Gordon in Relation to the late Horrid Conspiracy IMprimis That the said Alexander Gordon would ingenuously declare the true and Genuine meaning and sense of that Letter written to him by Io. N. from London and would give a full and satisfactory Account thereof to the Lords of the Committee such as may satisfie rational and knowing Men conform to the meaning of the Writer who was his Correspondent and who would never have writ to him in Riddles and Mysteries seeing by the Letter it appears that he was informing Alexander Gordon with the State of their Affairs and with the measures and resolutions they had already taken And therefore to interrogate him who this Correspondent was who subscribes Io. N. and where he resided and what was his Trade and Occupation and with whom else he the said Alexander did know him to keep Correspondence and how he became to be acquainted with him and of that way and manner of writing under the Metaphor of Trade and Commerce c. Had not been conceived and agreed to betwixt the said Alexander and the said Io. N. and their party before thereby to vail and disguise their Rebellious contrivances and who were present at the contriving of such a Metaphorical way of Writing besides the said Alexander and Io. N. and if these and the like Methods were not a common Rule and Practise of these Barbarous and execrable Conspirators for disguising of their Horrid and Bloody Designs against the Person of His Sacred Majesty and Royal Brother and for rising in Arms against his Majesty and his Government 2. What he knows in relation to the said Horrid Conspiracy against His Majesties Person and the Person of his Royal Brother or of rising in Arms against His Majesty and Government and who were accessory to the said Horrid Designs either in Scotland England Ireland or any where abroad whither in the United Provinces of the Netherlands or else where and that he would give an account of them in so far as he knows by their Names Sir-Names and Places of residence and such other designs as he knew them by and likeways that he would give an account of the particular designs methods and contrivances treated upon and concerted for the rising in Arms against the King and Government either in Scotland England or Ireland and by what Persons the said Treaties and Designs were carried on as to all which he would give a particular and distinct account to the Lords of the Committee 3. To interrogate him anent the other Letter Written to him under the Name of Mr. Pringle and what was the true meaning thereof and by whom the same was written and if the Trade therein specified do not relate to the condition of the Fanatick and disaffected Party and what other import the said Letter does bear and from what place of the world the same came A Copy of the Examination of Alexander Gordon late of Earlstoun Edinburgh 25th of September 1683. The Earl of Linlithgow Lord Livingston Lord President of Session Lord Collintoun Lord Castlehil JUSTICES The Lord Pitmedden The Lord Harcarss The Earl of Linlithgow Elected President TO the first Interrogator answers That the first time he met with that pretended Convention was near the Inneâ—-Kirk of Kyle in the Fields about two years ago and there were about Fourscore persons
where we stay'd a Week and kept several Conventicles with her About this time the Duke was come to Scotland and whilst we were in this House it was one Night at Supper propos'd by Haxtoun to kill his Royal Highness the said Lady being present together with the two Camrons four Gentlemen of the North whom I knew not and two of my Neighbors whose Names are Iohn Harper and Robert Nalson This Haxtoun said he would do it himself if he could come at him and thought that it might best be done when the Duke was at Dinner wherefore he asked If there were any there that would go and observe all the manner of his Royal Highness's Dining Whether People might get into the Room to see him at Dinner And if there were any Number or Crowds of People got in Saying That he was too well known to go upon this Errand himself So Mr. Michael Camron undertook it and took me along with him who were particularly instructed to observe whether people could go in with large Coats or Cloaks upon them and Women with Plads and whether they could pass the Sentinels with their Swords And according as he should find matters he would afterwards contrive the best way to effect the Business Accordingly we two went and saw the Duke at Dinner but as we returned to our Lodging at one Danald Mackay's House at the Head of the Coâ—gate near the Grass-market Camron by chance met there a man which knew him whereupon we both betook our selves immediately to our Horses and were pursued by Twelve of the King's Dragoons who followed us so close that we were forced to part Company and I went to my own House where being again in danger by a Party of Claverhouse his Troop and not thinking my self safe I came into England where I continued three years and was at many Presbyterian House-Conventicles in Shrewsbury Brummigham and Bristol but never see a Field-Conventicle in this Kingdom save one at Clee-hill some few miles distant from Ludlow upon a Sunday in May 1681 where were met to the number of upwards of 1000 and some of Note were amongst them but I do only remember the Names of Mr. Burton a Lawyer whose Country Residence is in Shropshire and Mr. Wardin a Merchant in Brummigham besides the two Ministers who preached there whose Names are Mr. Thomas Eaglesall who lived in a little Market Town called Kinver in Worcestershire near Justice Foley's House and Mr. Thomas Case who lived near Shrewsbury and their Sermons were wholly tending to raise Faction and Sedition in the same manner as I have too frequently heard in the Field-Conventâ—cles in Scotland About a year and half ago I went over into Holland when I saw the since deceased Earl of Shaftsbury and the late Earl of Argile aâ— Amsterdam but did not speak with either of them and saw Ferguson at Râ—tterdam with whom I spoke but nothing concerning the Government Then Mr. Iohn Hog and the other Scotch Ministers belonging to Rotterdam knowing that I was in the Rebellion and could not safely live at Home advised me to enter my self a Souldier in the Prince of Orange's Army which I did accordingly in Colonel Iames Douglas's Regiment in his own Company where I served a Year and then became known to Mr. Thomas Maxwell a Captain in that Regiment whose Countrey-man I am and he understanding that I was fled from home upon the Account of my Accession to that Rebellion told me how fair an Opportunity I had to serve the King by making a full Discovery of all Persons that I knew to be guilty of it or any ways aiding and assisting towards the promoting the same Adding that if I would follow his Advice in that matter he doubted not of his putting me in a way to deserve and obtain the King's Remission whereby I might be enabled to live peaceably at home hereafter To which I did very readily consent And he having thereupon the 12th of November last obtained my Discharge from my Colonel I have since discovered what I could And particularly that at Rotterdam since my said Discharge I had seen several of the Whiggish Ministers some whereof I remember were at Bothwel-Bridge who came from Scotland about the beginning of September last viz. Mr. Thomas Forreâ—ter and Mr. Patrick Vernatt formerly mentioned in the Council of War who preach frequently in the Scots Church at Rotterdam As do Mr. Gordon who is Brother to Iames Gordon a Merchant there lately deceased Mr. Iohn Harvey Mr. George Barclay and Mr. Iohn Sinclair all Phanatick Preachers The most part of whom as the above-mentioned Mr. Forrester told me went over from Holland into Scotland about the month of August last but that they found themselves in such daily Hazards of being apprehended that they returned back again to Holland and that this bad News which they brought over with them is the reason why Robert Hamilton's late intended Journey to Scotland was put off whither I was sometime before informed he did intend to go and to carry Arms along with him to some of his Friends there The said Forrester told me further That they resolve to keep no more Field-Conventicles finding that those Meetings have served only to weaken their Party through the seizing of some and dispersing the rest which made their Friends publickly known and that now the English and they joyn Councils and resolve to go on more warily I did likewise discover that the manner of the said Ministers their passing to and fro betwixt Holland and Scotland undiscovered was by their being clad in Sea-mans Cloaths and working in the Ships as Sea-men As also that I was perswaded before they shall attempt any thing towards a new Rebellion or making use of the Arms that the two Camrons left in Amsterdam which are now in the Custody of the late Earl of Argile as I was told about nine Weeks ago in Vtrecht by Sir Iohn Cochran's second Son and Mr. William Cleland mentioned in the Council of War they will first endeavor to dispatch the King and that being done they doubted not but they could soon overcome the Duke and all others that would oppose them Which I heard my self discoursed in a Meeting about two months ago at Mr. Thomas Hog a Phanatick Preacher his House in Vtrecht where were present besides Mr. Hog and my self Sir Iohn Cochran's Son and Mr. Cleland already mentioned Mr. Iames Steward the Lawyer his Lady the Lady Kersland and her Son with several others whose Names I do not remember But this Language they speak only amongst their confident Friends For they make the common sort of People believe that there was no such thing as a Phanatick-Plot but that the raising of that Report was a Contrivance of the Papists to make use of false Witnesses for taking away the Lives of True Protestants which I have often heard not only discoursed in Houses where some of the ordinary sort of People were in Company but also preached in
Cochran Ierviswood Commissar Monro the two Cessnocks Montgomery of Langshaw and one Mr. Veatch where they discoursed of Money to be â—ent to Argile in order to the carrying on the Affair and tho he cannot be positive the Affair was named yet it was understood by himself and as he conceives by all present to be for rising in Arms for rectifying the Government Commissar Monro Lord Melvil and the two Cessnocks were against medling with the English because they judged them men that would talk and would not do but were more inclined to do something by themselves if it could be done The Lord Melvil thought every thing hazardous and therefore the Deponent cannot say he was positive in any thing but was most inclined to have the Duke of Monmouth to head them in Scotland of which no particular method was laid down Ierviswood the Deponent and Mr. Veatch were for taking the Money at one of these Meetings it was resolved that Mr. Martin late Clerk of the Justice Court should be sent to Scotland to desire their Friends to hinder the Country from Rising or taking â—ash Resolutions upon the account of the Council till they should see how matters went in England The said Martin did go at the Charges of the Gentlemen of the Meeting and was directed to the Laird of Polwart and Torwoodlie who sent back word that it would not be found so easie a matter to get the Gentry of Scotland to concur But afterwards in a Letter to Commissar Monro Polwart wrote that the Country was readier to concur then they had imagined or something to that purpose The Deponent as above-said having brought over a Key from Holland to serve himself and Major Holms he remembers not that ever he had an exact Copy of it but that sometimes the one sometimes the other keeped it and so it chanced to be in his Custody when a Letter from the Earl of Argile came to Major Holms intimating that the would joyn with the Duke of Monmouth and follow his Measures or obey his Directions this Mr. Veatch thought fit to communicate to the Duke of Monmouth and for the Understanding of it was brought to the Deponent and he gave the Key to Mr. Veatch who as the Deponent was inform'd was to give it and the Letter to Mr Ferguson and he to shew it to the Duke of Monmouth but what was done in it the Deponent knows not The Deponent heard the Design of killing the King and Duke from Mr. Shepard who told the Deponent some were full upon it The Deponent heard that Aaron Smith was sent by those in England to call Sir Iohn Cochran on the account of Carolina but that he does not know Aaron Smith nor any more of that Matter not being concern'd in it Shepard nam'd young Hambden frequently as concern'd in these Matters Sign'd at Edingburgh Castle the 8th of September 1684. and renewed the 18th of the same Month. William Carstares PERTH CANCELL I. P. D. Edinburgh Edinburgh Castle September 18. 1684. MR. William Carstares being again examin'd adheres to his former Deposition in all the parts of it and Depones he knows of no Correspondence betwixt Scotland and England except by Martin before-nam'd For those Gentlemen to whom he was sent were left to follow their own Methods Veatch as the Deponent remembers stayed sometimes at Nicholson Stabler's House at London-Wall sometimes with one Widow Hardcastle in Morefields The Deponent did Communicate the Design on Foot to Doctor Owen Mr. Griffil and Mr. Meed at Stepney who all concurred in the promoting of it and were desirous it should take effect and to one Mr. Freth in the Temple Councellor at Law who said he would see what he could do in reference to the Money but there having gone a Report that there was no Money to be rais'd he did nothing in it nor does the Deponent think him any more concern'd in the Affair Nelâ—hrop frequently spoke to the Deponent of the Money to be sent to Argile whether it was got or not but the Deponent used no freedom with him in the Affair Goodenough did insinuate once that the Lords were not inclin'd to the thing and that before they would see what they could do in the City The Deponent saw Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Rumsay lurking after the Plot broke out before the Proclamation having gone to Ferguson in the back of Bishop-gate-street at some new Building whether he was directed by Ierviswood who was desirous to know how things went Rumsay was not of the Deponent his Acquaintance before but they knew as little of the matter as the Deponent This is what the Deponent remembers and if any thing come to his Memory he is to deliver it in betwixt and the first of October And this is the truth as he shall Answer to God William Carstares PERTH CANCELL I. P. D. At Edinburgh the 22d of December 1684. THese fore-going Pages subscrib'd by Mr. William Carstares Deponent and by the Lord Chancellor where acknowledged on Oath by the said Mr. William Carstares to be his true Depositions and that the Subscriptions were his in presence of us Underscribers William Carstares PERTH CANCELLARIUS David Falconer QUENSBERRY George Mekenzie ATHOL Copy of the Lord Russel's Examination in the Tower My Lord Russel Asked WHether he knows of any Consultations tending towards an Insurrection or to surprize His Majesties Guards at any time and by any persons and by whom Whether he hath ever been at Mr. Shepards House and how often and when last Whether any Lords were in company and who Whether at any time the Duke of Monmouth Lord Grey Sir Thomas Armstrong Colonel Romzey Mr. Ferguson or any of them were there and how many and which of them Whether there was any discourse concerning a Rising in the West or any parts of the West or at Taunton and what the Discourse was and by whom Whether there was any discourse concerning the surprizing the Kings Guards at any time Whether the Duke of Monmouth the Lord Grey and Sir Thomas Armstrong did undertake to view the Guards to see if it might be done and in what posture they were Whether they gave any account that they had viewed the Guards and how they found them What did Mr. Ferguson say at any of those Meetings and by whom was he directed Whether he knows of any Design for a Rising in Scotland Whether he hath been at any Consultations for that end with any persons Scotchmen or others and with whom What Monies the Scotch demanded at first and whether they did not consent to take Ten thousand pounds and how was that or any part of that to be raised and by whom My Lord Russel's Answer to the preceding Interrogatories MY Lord knows of no Consultation tending to any Insurrection His Lordship knows nothing of any Consultation or Design to surprize his Majesties Guards at any time divers times His Lordship doth acknowledge to have been frequently at Mr. Shepard's House His Lordship cannot