said messenger should be killed, and his grace return into Cheshire, and declare as above, or else post into the west of England and set up there. But his grace, and the lord Grey of Wark, were of another opinion, viz. That his grace should surrender himself, which his grace did accordingly. And this examinant further saith, That since the insurrection intended in November last was laid aside, this examinant was informed by col. Romzey, that one great reason of its being laid aside, was, that one Mr. John Trenchard on whom there was a great reliance for a consi derable body of men in the west, viz. at Taunwould not undertake to procure such a body, for which he was much reproached by the lord Grey. and other convenient posts, as could be: that And this examinant further saith, that the said lord Howard at another time told this examinant at a tavern in the city, that he thought it no difficulty with 500 horse to surprize the king, duke and all the court at Newmarket, by beating up their quarters about break of day; but this examinant told the said lord Howard it was impossible to get such a body to so great a distance unobserved, at which his lordship seemed convinced. And this deponent further saith, that the said Ferguson told this examinant that the arms to be bought with the said 10,000l. lay ready provided in Holland to be transported for Scotland, and that the earl of Argyle would go over with them and head the Scots in person; and that one English lord offered to pay the whole 10,000l. by mortgaging his estate, if the rest of the managers would have secured him their proportions. But he should not name the ford's name, then but since the said Ferguson told this examinant it was the lord Grey. And further this examinant saith not. 26 Junii, 1683. Capt. ROBERT WEST. et Cognit. Coram me, L. JENKINS. And this examinant further saith, That some time before Mr. Ferguson went over into Holland, the said Ferguson, this examinant and one Mr. John Roe late sword-bearer of Bristol, were together at the Young Devil tavern in Fleet-Street, where some discourse was had concerning the killing the king and duke of York and of a general insurrection; but this examinant cannot remember any particular passages of that discourse. And this examinant further saith, That after the said Ferguson went for Holland, viz. about Christmas last, col. Romzey, this examinant, Richard Goodenough and the said Roe, several times met and discoursed concerning the said design against the king and duke, as also of a general insurrection, which they distinguished by the names of the Lopping Point, and General Point: One of which meetings, to the best of this examinant's remembrance, was at this examinant's chamber in the Temple, where were present besides col. Romzey, this exami nant, the said Goodenough and Roe, Mr. Joseph Tyley, Mr. Edward Norton, and Mr. Richard Nelthrop. And the said Mr. Nelthrop approved of an insurrection, but always expressed a detestation of the design to kill the king and duke, as a base ungenerous thing: But the said Roe declared, he would be one to execute it rather than it should fail to be done. Aud this examinant saith, That at some or all of those meetings it was discoursed in what place, and in what manner the said design against the king and duke should be put in execution; and it was proposed to be done either in the playhouse, by planting men in the The further EXAMINATION of ROBERT pit about the king's box, armed with pistols and WEST of the Middle Temple, Barrister at Law. of the play should make the assault, or in their pocket-blunderbusses, who between the acts This examinant saith, That he was informed return from the playhouse by night under Bedby Mr. Ferguson, and to the best of his re- ford garden wall; because of the convenience membrance, by col. Romzey likewise, that the for one part of the assailants walking unsuslate earl of Shaftsbury advised the duke of pected in the piazza and another walking so in Monmouth when he went into Cheshire in the square within the rails, and another being September last, that if his grace were attended about the church porch, who upon the first with a good appearance of gentlemen and free- assault might prevent assistance to the king holders there, his grace should set up and de-out of Covent-Garden: Or else it might be clare for a free parliament. And that when his grace was taken into custody by a messenger, the said earl of Shaftsbury advised that the done as the king and duke were passing down the river in a barge, either by overrunning their barge with a hoy, or else boarding their barge, and shooting a plank or two out of the bottom with blunderbusses, and so to sink it; but both these ways were looked upon as very hazardous and probable to miscarry, and therefore neither was agreed on. And this examinant further saith, That in the last Christmas holy-days, col. Romzey invited this examinant, and several others to dinner at his house in King's square in Sohofields, where dined this examinant, Mr. Richard Goodenough, Mr. Francis Goodenough, Mr. Roe, Mr. Blaney, and to the best of this examinant's remembrance, Mr. Joseph Tyley, and some discourse was then had of the said design against the king and duke, and of a general insurrection, which this examinant proposed to them, being lawyers, to call and distinguish them in this manner; the design of killing the king and the duke, executing a bar gain and sale, which was a short manner of conveyance; and the general insurrection, by the executing a lease and release, which is a longer conveyance, which distinction was received, and often afterwards made use of; but the same Blaney was never afterwards, as this examinant remembers, at any other meeting. And this examinant further saith, That some short time after Christmas last, this examinant, col. Romzey, Mr. Walcot, and Mr. Rumbold met at the Salutation tavern in Lombard street, where it was discoursed, that some preparations ought to be made against the time, that either the said design against the king and duke, or a general insurrection should be put in execution: And it was agreed, that Ferguson should be sent for home, and that Ludlow should be sent for if it could be, and that blank commissions should be drawn up for officers both civil and military and a model of government; but there was some doubt in whose names those commissions should run, and at last it was proposed (but this examinant does not remember by whom) that they should run in the name of the Confederate Lords and Commons of England. After which meeting, this examinant and col. Romzey went the same night, to the best of this examinant's remembrance, or soon after, to a coffee house in Popes-head alley, to enquire for one Mr. Thomas Shepard a merchant, for directions how to send to Mr. Ferguson then in Holland, and there found Mr. Shepard. And this examinant, by the consent of the said col. Romzey, wrote a sort of canting letter to Fergason, to invite him over for his health, but there was no particular business in the said letter; and the said Mr. Shepard sent it: But Mr. Ludlow was never sent for, nor any commissions prepared, nor any frame of government drawn up to this examinant's knowledge, or as he ever heard of. was like to be at a stand; but the persons of that cabal, the said còl. Romzey did not then give this examinant any account of: but the said col. Romsey, this examinant and Nathaniel Wade agreed to draw up some few fundamentals, which they thought reasonable, and the said col. Romzey to present the same to the lord Russel, for him to present to the managers or the duke of Monmouth, which they did accordingly, but the same were rejected, as the said col. Romzey told this examinant, and this examinant hath no copy of them. And this examinant further saith, That about Hilary term last, this examinant was informed by Mr. Joseph Tyley, and since by James Holloway of Bristol, that there was a considerable party in Bristol, well provided for, and almost impatient for action, and had laid a rational design, if they could be seconded in other places. And this examinant further saith, That he was informed by Mr. Richard Nelthrop, that col. Sidney had sent Aaron Smith into Scotland, with letters to sir George Cambel, and sir John Cochran, or one of them, upon pretence of a purchase of land in Carolina, but in truth, to get them up to London, in order to settle matters for a rising, or used words to that effect; and that the said col. Sidney gave the said Aaron Smith fourscore guineas, or some such sum for his charges; and Mr. Ferguson hath since told this examinant, that the said Aaron Smith behaved himself very indiscreetly in the said journey, and run a hazard of discovering the design. And this examinant further saith, That Mr. Ferguson often told this examinant, that it was agreed between several Scots and several persons of quality here in England, that the Scots should have 10,000l. from hence to buy arms, and then should rise in Scotland, and be seconded here by an insurrection in England; or if the English would help the Scots to 30,000l. they would attempt a rising in Scot land, without being seconded in, or further assisted from England. And that the 10,000/. was to be paid this day and that day, but at length the 10,0001. sunk to 5,000l. but the Scots were resolved to rise though they had nothing but their claws to fight with, rather than endure what they did. And about three weeks or a month since, the said Ferguson told this examinant that col. Sidney and major Wikman had used the Scots ill, and broken with them after making them attend two months; and the reason they broke upon was, That the Scots would not agree to declare for a commonwealth and the extirpation of the monarchy, but that the said Ferguson had hopes of raising the money otherwise, but And this examinant further saith, That would not tell this examinant how; neither about Christmas last he was informed, to the could this examinant ever be certainly informbest of this examinant's remembrance, by col. ed, whether any part of the said money has Romzey, that a design for a general insurrec-been paid to the Scots. And this examinant tion was carrying on, and was managed by a cabal or council, and that the said cabal differed amongst themselves, and the business further saith, That Mr. John Roe hath told this examinant, that he the said Roe was acquainted with some Scotchmen here in London, who informed him that there were 2,000 or 3,000 Scots (many of them Bothwel bridge men) who were journey-men and pedlars in and about England, and were under the order and management of ten or twelve Scotchmen in London, who could in a month or six weeks time draw in all up to London: and that the earl of Shaftsbury had a great command of these men. And this examinant further saith, That about three months since or thereabouts, this examinant being upon the exchange, met with major Wildman, who told this examinant for news that the marquis of Huntly and earl of Douglas, two eminent Papists, were reported to be made general of the forces, and governor of Sterling castle in Scotland, and that a resumption or repurchase of the abbey lands was going to be made there. Whereupon this examinant told the said major Wildman, that he this examinant had a plantation in America where the churchmen never had footing, and would go thither if he was driven from hence. To which the said major Wildman replied, keep here, and don't talk of being driven out, drive them out hence. And this examinant saying, he did not see how that could be done: the said major Wildman returned, it may be done, and must be done, and shall be done; or used words to that effect. And this examinant further saith, That Mr. Rumbold 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 Rumbold 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, col. Romzey, Walcot, Ferguson, Rumbold, 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 king's return, borrowed forty guineas of col. Romzey, as the said col. 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 30 guineas, if not the whole 40 guineas to the said col. Romzey. And this examinant further saith, That after the king's return from Newmarket, the said col. 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 examinant's 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 exa minant perceived, upon managing the Scotch insurrection. And this examinant futher saith, That soon afterward there were several meetings between all or most of the parties above mentioned, at the Castle tavern in Fleet-street, 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 duke's 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-ball, 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 sheriff's 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 shy of naming persons of quality to this examinant, yet he always believed he meant the duke of Monmouth, lord Russel, lord Grey, col. Sidney, Mr. Charleton, major Wildman and others, but this examinant never discoursed with any of them himself. And col. Romzey about two or three months since to the best of this examinant's remembrance told this examinant that the lord Howard of Eserik, col. 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 abovementioned to drink a health to Hanibal and his boys, and this examinant believes the 93 guineas in this examinant's 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 guineas to this examinant, he told him he had not had 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 did not hear what passed there; and about a week after the same parties, except Holloway (who was gone to Bristol) met again at the Green Dragon tavern on Snow-hill, where the said Goodenough reported that he had an account of 1800 men out of two of the hamlets, and that Southwark would yield more, and Spittle-fields a great number, but had no particular account of other places. And this examinant further saith, That about three weeks since Richard Rumbald told this examinant that he suspected Mr. Keeling had discovered all the designs, as well that of the intended assassination from Newmarket as the other design then on foot, and that if he were sure of it he would take care to get him knocked on the head, but was unwilling to do so till be were fully satisfied, and about a fortnight since the said Rumbald told this examinant that he had several reasous, to convince him that the said Keeling had made a discovery, and but that he made so many protestations and impreca And this examinant further saith, That about tions to the contrary he would kill him. And five weeks since after the said treaty with the this examinant hath heard from Mr. William Scots seemed to be broken off, this examinant, Rumbald, that he lent the said Keeling 100% col. Romzey, Mr. Walcot, Mr. Wade, Mr. on Saturday was senn'ight last, lest the said Norton, Richard Goodenough and James Hol- Keeling should be tempted by want of money, loway, met at the Young Devil tavern between which he then pretended to labour under. And the two Temple gates, where it was agreed to on Monday was senn'ight last, this examinant divide the city into several parts, and to give the was informed by the said Mr. William Rumbold several parts to several persons to examine what that the said Keeling was with persons that afforce might be raised in every one of them, ternoon, some of whom he believed would and if 3,000 men could be raised for the have killed the said Keeling if he had not defirst onset, it was thought sufficient encourage-ceived them by many imprecations that he had ment to venture upon an insurrection, and it was not doubted but 20,000 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 examinant's chamber, where Mr. Wade, Holloway and Francis Goodenough divided the city and suburbs into twenty divisions, which were to be managed thus: one principal man in each division should employ 14 or 15 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 a-piece at least, so that 150 men in each division would make 3,000 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, and some short time after the said parties above mentioned met at the Green Dragon tavern, where the said Goodenough declared he had employed several persons from whom he hoped to have a good account in a little time, and the next week after the said parties abovementioned and one Mr. Zachary Bourn a brewer whom the said Goodenough had employed in it, met at the Salutation tavern in Lombard-street, but this examinant came not thither till the company just broke up, VOL. IX. made no discovery. And this examinant further saith, that this examinant, col. Romzey, Mr. Wade, Mr. Nelthrop, Goodenough, and Norton had notice on Sunday senn'ight last, by means of the said Keeling's brother, that the said Keeling had made a discovery, and thereupon they resolved to meet early the next morning in order to their escapes, and according to their appointment met in Goodmans-fields, where they endeavoured to hire a boat for Holland, whither all except this examinant were resolved to go, but by reason they could not get clear of Gravesend before five or six o'clock on Tuesday night and so might be taken, they laid aside that design, and every one shifted for himself. And this examinant further saith, That when this examinant was much dejected, and refused to go for Holland, most of the company, and particularly co!. Romzey, looked wistfully in this examinant's face, as if they suspected treachery in this examinant. Whereupon this examinant told the said col. Romzey, this examinant, if he were taken, would not save his life unjustly, and instanced that he had never spoke with the duke of Monmouth, and could say nothing against him, and would not do injustice to the colonel but rather give his right-hand to serve him; which compliment the colonel returned, and so parted, and there was no agreement between all or any of the parties abovenamed to favour one another, and further this examinant saith not. 2 D The further EXAMINATION of ROBERT Exchange, Saint George's Fields, in SouthMoor-Fields, where the arms in the artillery wark, Goodmans-Fields, Spittle-Fields and ground were to be seized. And this examinant further saith, That Mr. This examinant further saith, That Mr. Rd. Roe told this examinant that he had discoursRumbald and a party of his friends about ten ed with one Mr. Hicks a tobacconist, an Anayears since designed and were prepared to have baptist preacher, a great ringleader of the Anakilled the king and duke of York in their jour-baptists, and that the said Hicks had told him ney to or from Newmarket, and lay in ambush for that end, but the king and duke went an unusual road through the forest that time, which they never went before or since, and so escaped them, and the said Rumbold also told this examinant that he once had a mind to have taken one of the cellars under the duke's play-house, and by placing barrels of powder there have blown up the play-house when the king and duke were there, but the consideration that a great number of other innocent people must And this examinant further saith, That to have perished in it diverted him from it, though the best of his remembrance he was informed a friend to whom he communicated the design by colonel Romzey, that the managers of the endeavoured to overrule that objection by say-general insurrection had one or more meetings ing, "What have the jack-daws to do amongst the rooks?' And this examinant further saith, That at some meeting before or about Christmas last there was a discourse concerning surprising some garrisons in case of an insurrection, and it was proposed for Portsmouth, that some gentlemen should go into the town and treat the officers of the garrison, who in that bad air were apt to accept of an invitation and drink plentifully, and that in the height of their drinking a party of men who might be brought into town on a market-day in country-men's habits should surprize the guards, who likewise to that end should be treated, and it was thought the townsmen who were uneasy under the insolencies of the garrison would be apt to close in and assist in the enterprize. Pendenis Castle was also mentioned as a place naked and easily seized, and that might be of great use and this examinant doth not remember any thing said about Hull, but Mr. Ferguson lately told this examinant that he had good assurance of having Newcastle. : And this examinant further saith, That after the intended insurrection in November last was laid aside, Ferguson to the best of this examinant's remembrance told this examinant that the lord Shaftsbury had sent Mr. Walcot to sir William Courtney in Devonshire, to engage him in an insurrection, and to join with some person of quality if it should be thought fit to send one thither, but Mr. Walcot returned without any encouragement from sir William Courtney: and though this examinant knew that the said Mr. Walcot sook a journey into Devonshire, yet the said Mr. Walcot kept the business ofit close from this examinant, and would own only making a visit to a friend. And this examinant further saith, That the places usually resolved on for places of rendezvous in case of an insurrection in London, were Saint James-Square, Covent-Garden, Lincoln's-inn-fields, Smithfield, the Royal that the Anabaptists could, and he believed upon a good consideration would make up an army of 20,000 men, and 1,500 of the 20,000 would be horse, and though perhaps there would be a necessity of making use of some great men at the beginning (and this exami nant thinks he mentioned the duke of Monmouth) yet when the Anabaptists were once up, they would not lay down their arms till they had their own terms. at the house of Mr. Thomas Shepherd merchant in Abchurch-Lane or St. ClementsLane in Lombard street London, and that if the money were paid to the Scots the said Mr. Shepherd was to return it into Holland, and this examinant to the best of his remembrance, once or twice asked Mr. Shepherd whether any money were paid, who answered it was promised several times but he had not any assurance of its being paid. And this examinant believes the said Mr. Shepherd did know of the intended assassination of the king and duke, but doth not remember that this examinant had any particular discourse with the said Mr. Shepherd about it, the said Shepherd having failed to meet this examinant, col. Romzey, and others several times when he had promised to do so. And this examinant further saith, That Mr. Ferguson to the best of this examinant's remembrance told this examinant since the king went to Windsor, that there had been some thoughts of surprizing Windsor with 500 horse, but upon consideration it seemed impracticable, but he named no persons to this examinant. And the said Ferguson desired this examinant to speak to Mr. Richard Goodenough to meet sir Thomas Armstrong, which this examinant did, and this examinant believes the said Goodenough and sir Thomas Armstrong have had several meetings, and the said Goodenough hath communicated to sir Thomas Armstrong the design last carrying on for raising 3,000 men out of the twenty divisions of the city and suburbs, and the progress that wàs made in it. And this examinant further saith, That at one of the meetings concerning the last mentioned design Mr. Richard Goodenough reported one man (but would not name him) would undertake to bring 1,000 men out of the hamlets, and if occasion were to give satisfaction he would shew them all a football match or other |
