RObert Bolron of New-Castle upon Tyne was bound Apprentice to Mr. Deale, a Jeweller in Pye-Corner London.

He abandoned his Master in a Twelve-month, and listed himself a Foot-Soldier in Tinmouth-Castle.—He was with others thence put on Board the Rainbow Frigat, in the second War against the Dutch.—He got ashoar, and came in his Yellow Coat to Sir Thomas Gascoignes House, having acquaintance with Richard Pepper, one of his Servants, and thence he went to NewCastle.

He sometime after much importuned the said Pepper to recommend him to Sir Thomas his Service, upon pretence of his having been used to look after ColeMines near New-Castle; 1674. and by his means he was admitted to over-look a small Colliery of Sir Thomas's.

Lawrence Maybury, (being the Son of a Day-labouring Forge-Smith about Leeds) and now of late a Bum-Bailiff) through the means of Francis Johnson (one of Sir Tho­mas's Tenants and Neighbours) was preferr'd to be Sir Thomas his Foot-boy.

The same Maybury being lay'd in a Chamber, where was a secret Place, in which the Lady Tempest (Sir Thomas's own Daughter, upon her going to London about Midsummer 1675.) put a small little Trunk, and in it some twenty Pieces of Gold, her Wedding 1675. Ring, and several little Stone Rings, Medals, and other things, to the value of about sixty Pounds, and he who was known to all the Servants not to be worth a Groat, and having but a small Salary, being afterwards discovered to have Gold, Silver, a large Wedding-Ring, and other Rings; and the Lady Tempest returning about August, and the Trunk being 1676. gone, and these Particulars talk'd of he became vehemently suspected to be the Thief. Howbeit her Ladiship, not having certain Proofs, did not prosecute him; but upon the 14th of January following Sir Thomas turn'd him away, both for suspition of the said Theft, and for some insolent attempts upon his Maids.

Maybury being discharged in January, cloaths himself finely, and sets up for a Gentle­man, goes to the Dancing-School at York, intrudes into the company of some of the Gen­try, appears flush of Money, and at the Sunday after Easter he called at Sir Thomas's, de­siring to be admitted to Prayers into the House, but was positively denyed; others of the Fa­mily (having within some weeks after the said Maybury's being gone) miss'd 100 l. in a Bag, besides other Moneys, As lately hath been dis­covered, and Affidavit made thereof. out of the Place where they kept their Money. Finding him­self much eyed and taken notice of by those who knew him, about May the Spark comes 1677. to London; and not contented with the Name of Whereof some Letters are extant. Maybury, as he used to write himself before, he now assumes the more Honourable Title of Mowbray, takes Lodgings in Holborn, where he spent most part of that Summer. He gives himself out also to be a great Heir, borrows a Gentlemans Coach, Courts a Gentlewoman of Quality, having 1500 l. to her Portion; being refused, he writes Verses (such as they were) against her. About which time, being in company with some Gentlemen, into whom he had insinuated himself, he fairly borrowed of them a Sum of Money, (about 70 l.) giving them a Bill of Exchange on his pretended Merchant in London for Security; but the Merchant being soon enquir'd of, had no advice, nor knew neither Maybury, nor any else concerned in the Bill; which therefore being discovered to be a Forgery, he leaves his residence above said, pretending to go in all hast to Warwick-shire to take possession of 400 l. per Annum just fal'n to him; but in very few days after his old Land-lord found him in an obscure House near Smith­field, absconding for fear of those he had wrong'd: On the 24th of December he removes again, pretending to Bishopsgate-street; and in the beginning of February next ensuing, (having debauch'd and play'd away his Money) as easily as he got it, he made such shift as to return to Leeds, but with a lighter Purse, and far heavier Heart than he parted from thence; and having formerly, by the Charity of Sir Thomas, improved his Hand-writing, he now sets up a School for that purpose.

Bolron likewise being after some time more than suspected to be an ill Man, his Accounts of the Colliary were inspected, and upon the perusal of them in February 1677/8. he was 1677/8. found to have received about 300 l. for Coles, and accounted for to Sir Thomas but 60 l. whereof much more was due.—That he had defrauded Sir Thomas very much in other pretended disbursements about the Colliery;—and that he had taken out of Sir Thomas [Page 2] his Chamber a Book of Accounts, whereby it appeared how he had wrong'd his Master more particularly of other Moneys and Dues, and that he return'd many Persons indebted for Coles, who in truth had paid him: Hereupon Sir Thomas resolved not only to part with him, but to punish him according to Law; but upon his earnest beseeching Sir Thomas to shew him mercy, he in compassion accepted of 12 l. and two Bonds for payment of 48 l. Principal more, and so about April 78. let him go quietly and peaceably away; Sir Thomas 1678. (like a good Christian) being desirous he might amend, and do better in another Service.

Mr. Thomas Gascoigne, Sir Thomas his eldest Son, having resolved, by reason of the trou­bles to those of his Church, or in general to Catholicks, to go beyond Seas, as many others did; took leave of Sir Thomas in order thereunto at the end of March; and having obtain'd 1679. his Majesties Pass-Port on the 4th of April following, he went from London to Dover the 7th of that Month, and Letters were received from him in his way to Paris, (and as by a publick Testimonial since sent) he setled himself there the first of May following New Stile, or 20 April Old Stile, and was not yet departed thence, as many Witnesses now in England can testifie. About a year after his the said Bolrons departure from Sir Thomas, he being still indebted to Sir Thomas, and also to others of the Family, viz. to Mr. Thomas Gas­coigne, and his Sister the Lady Tempest; and being now become insolent by his own ill government, he declares himself a Protestant, and accordingly takes the Oaths at Ponte­fract Sessions; being also call'd upon for the aforesaid Payments, he earnestly press'd one of Mr. Thomas his Servants, with whom he thought he was intimate, to assist him to steal a Hundred Pound from his Master, or otherwise to acquaint him where his Masters Money lay, that he might do it himself; but not prevailing therein, he importun'd him at least to steal from Sir Thomas the Bonds, for which he promised to reward him.

Sir Thomas observing Bolrons declining condition, sent a Servant for him, whereat Bolron seemed much concerned, and amongst other things told the Messenger, that he had been reading the Printed Tryals, and that he had learn'd T. O. The Reader may see in further peru­sal hereof, that Bolron is not come much short of his pretended Pater. his way of witnessing so ex­actly, that he did not doubt to hang any Man whom he pleased; but upon the 29th of May he came to Sir Thomas, to tender a Mortgage of a poor House his Father left him at New-Castle; which Sir Thomas then slighted, having several others bound with him for the Debt, the next day being the remarkable 30th of May last, (and on which day Bolron had laid the ground of his Principal Accusation;) Sir Thomas stir'd not from about home, and a­bout six of the Clock that evening one of Sir Thomas his Servants went to the House of Nicholas Shippen, not a quarter of a Mile from Bolrons House, and there found Bolron, who said he had lain private there most part of that day for fear of the Bailiffs; and moreover, that he would now keep himself conceal'd, and get into the Cole-pit at Castleforth not far off, where he was sure the Bailiffs should not find him.—

Bolron having by his Wife (who was formerly a Servant in the Family) gotten into one of Sir Thomas his Farms, and being in arrear of Rent also, a Declaration of Ejectment was ordered by Sir Thomas to be delivered him, and on the 4th of June (following the a­bovesaid 30th of May) Bolron had notice thereof, about which time Bolron went to Sir Thomas his House, and slipt up to Mr. Rushtons Chamber; but at his coming down seem'd much in passion, and told one of Sir Thomas his Servants, that he had been with Mr. Rush­ton to borrow 5 l. but was refused it, and with a great Oath vow'd to be reveng'd on him, going away without speaking to Sir Thomas.

Bolron having now resolved revenge, told his Wife he would now pay Sir Thomas all, by Mortgaging Above three years before Bolron had mortgaged it fully to one Carr of New-Castle, an Al­derman. his House at New-Castle, wherein she had her Joynture, if she would give consent to it; she consenting at length, he brought her a Writing to Sign, purporting her consent, as he pretended, to her. He likewise pretended to Sir Thomas his Attorney, that he had gain'd his Wives consent to Mortgage or sell the said House, and pray'd him to pre­pare a Deed of Mortgage thereof to Sir Thomas; and he did so, having perswaded Sir Tho­mas to accept it; but it proved ineffectual.

Bolron being become more and more enraged, and having studied the several Proclamati­ons which had come forth since T. O. supposed discovery of the Plot, goes to Broderton Tyn­dal Esq; Justice of the Peace, and informs him several things against Rushton; and that Mrs. Mary Presseck, Wife to Sir Thomas his Servant, had spoken several strange words concern­ing his Majesty. Afterwards he gave his Information to William Lowther Esq; another Ju­stice of the Peace.—After that he attended Mr. Lowther, Mr. Tindal, and Mr. Francis White Esq; a third Neighbouring Justice of the Peace, and there likewise confirm'd to them what he had said the two former days, and then desired four or five days to give them a further account.

Bolron attending them accordingly, requested that the former Information he had given them might be return'd to him; but 'twas told him, that the Informations he had given them were sent up to London; and thereupon he resolved to follow them, and prayed them [Page 3] to lend him a little Money for his Journey, (for he was grown very low) and he said they gave him 8 s. 6 d. towards it, and Mr. Tyndal gave him a Letter of Directions and Assistance to his Brother in London; but another of them (a Neighbour of Sir Thomas's) gave him something more to make quicker expedition; but he perceiving that most of the Justices would give little faith to his Informations, they being made up of hear-says, contradi­ctions, and improbabilities, and Mr. Thomas Gascoigne, whom he involved, being gone be­yond Sea near two Months before the time hinted of the 30th of May; and that therefore they would issue out no Warrants against any whom he had accused, but a Servant, which otherwise (as the whole Country knows) they would most readily have done, he resolv­ed to mend his Error when he came to London; and so by becoming a Kings Witness to be above all wants, and also be reveng'd on Sir Thomas, and secur'd from him, and all other his Creditors; and in order to those good ends, (he gave out in the Country, he would go to New-Castle and sell his House) but in stead thereof he hasted to London immediately.—

At Ware upon the Road he lost Justice Tyndal's Letter; but getting to the Green-Dragon in Bishops-gate-street upon the third of July following, he immediately acquainted the Land-lord with his errand, and by his directions goes in all hast to Sir Robert Clayton, and the next day, viz. the 4th of July, he attended the Right Honourable the Lord President Shaftsbury, and the Lords of His Majesties Privy Council, and positively upon Oath accu­seth Sir Thomas and others of Consultations in relation to the Kings death; for he swore, that upon the 30th day of May, he being at Sir Thomas his House, Sir Thomas bade him go into the Gallery, where Rushton, (though he were so angry with him the said Bolron (as Bolron swore) for taking the Oath of Allegiance, that he was ready to have strucken him; nevertheless tempted him in express terms to kill the King; and that upon his refusing to do it, Rushton pray'd him however to keep it secret. That waiting by Sir Thomas's ap­pointment till his return, Sir Thomas about six of the Clock that evening took him into his Chamber, and having ask'd him what Rushton said to him, Which was a sufficient Ad­vertisement for any Man in his Senses, if it were true. Sir Thomas told him, That if he would undertake a design to help to kill the King, he would send him to his Son Mr. Tho­mas Gascoigne, who should instruct him how to do it, and he should have a thousand Pounds re­ward; but refusing again to have any hand in blood, Sir Thomas desired him of all love to keep it secret. Now as to the Account the said Bolron then gave of Sir Thomas his Ser­vants, he declared, that Maybury went away about suspition of a Trunk the Lady Tempest had lost, with Moneys and Jewels in it; for then he had not pitch'd on the said Maybury for his second Witness, as afterwards in a Month, or thereabouts, he did.

Their Lordships presently sent away Bolron and a Messenger into York-shire for Sir Thomas; and in the mean time examin'd those Persons in London, to whom Bolron had directed them where to find or hear of Mr. Thomas Gascoigne, Son to Sir Thomas mentioned in the abovesaid Accusation, and when they saw him last. But their Lordships soon found upon Enquiry, that Mr. Gascoigne was then and long before gone beyond Sea, having set forward for Dover, viz. on the 7th of April, and was so far from being seen since in Town by them, that seve­ral Letters had been received from him from beyond Sea by the Post, with the Post-mark on them, which caused strange reflections on this new Evidence given by Bolron: and there­fore these Persons being seperately examin'd by the Lord President, were admonish'd to take great care what they answered, for that it was sworn (by Bolron and another) that Mr. Gascoigne was seen at London both the beginning and latter end of May by several; whereto it was reply'd by one of them under examination, That on that 30th of May he assi­sted in a Cause or Law-suit of Sir Thomas's against one Mr. Nelthorp in London, and that his Sons presence, if he were in London, had been necessary, and that if Mr. Thomas had been any where near, he would have appeared at it to have supplyed his Fathers place at the said Tryal in Chancery: Nay Bolron himself has since depos'd, that one principal cause of Mr. Gascoigne's coming to Town when he left the Country, was this very Law business with Mr. Nelthrop, how truly the effect hath shewn, as well as of the rest of those Allegations.

For he Mr. Tho. went be­yond Sea near two months before the Tryal with the said Nelthrop. The 7th of July Sir Thomas was taken into custody, late at night, out of his House at Barnbow, fourteen Miles from York, and Bolron caused a Warrant to be served on his own Wife and Grand-mother, to testifie before Mr. Lowther and Mr. Tyndal what they knew of the things they had charged Sir Thomas with; but they were very unwilling to go, and pro­tested before God, that they never knew nor heard of any ill by the said Sir Thomas, or any thing in the least ways concerning any wicked design against the Kings Person, the Govern­ment, or Religion of the Nation. Whereupon the said Bolron being much enraged, swore and threatned, and then said, if they would go and testify what he had sworn against Sir Thomas, he should get 500 l. by it; but if they refused to do so, he should be utterly un­done; after this Bolron was very melancholly, and being ask'd if his Conscience did not trouble him for what he had sworn against Sir Thomas, he declared, That if some Persons would pass it by, he would not prosecute him any further. One of Sir Thomas's Servants [Page 4] went to Bolrons House that night about nine a Clock, and found Bolrons Wife in bed cry­ing extreamly, complaining that her Husband had lately made her set her Hand to a Wri­ting, pretending to her that it only concern'd her consent to part with her right to the House at New-Castle, which she willingly agreed to; but she now found it was a Writing wherein her Husband had accused Sir Thomas, and several others, but had not found pro­per to produce it as yet.

The 18th of that Month Sir Thomas was examin'd at the Council-Board, and the day following he was committed to the Tower; now Bolron (who was also return'd) consi­dering that he had often named Mr. Corker, (a Prisoner in Newgate) as a Man he intimate­ly knew, though in truth he had never seen him in his life; and thinking also that it was necessary he should be able to distinguish him at least from other Men, (against the time he should be brought to charge him about the Plot, and about the Moneys return'd to him) he came on the 22d of July last to the Press-yard at Newgate, in another Man's Name, desiring the Turn-key to bring Mr. Corker to him; Mr. Corker being inform'd that a Stranger would speak with him, very prudently desired a Gentleman then present to step down, and see who it was; the Gentleman coming into the Box, and asking before some Protestants that were by, who would speak with Mr. Corker? Bolron supposing him to be the Man, call'd him Mr. Corker, and ask'd him how he did, pretending a particular know­ledge of him, and several years acquaintance with him; whereat the Gentleman following the humour, sate down by him, and drank with him; so that the familiarity encreasing, Bolron (among other things) told him he had several times heard him say Mass; where­upon Mr. Corker being made acquainted with this pleasant Passage, came down to the Box likewise, and sate by Bolron, who knew him not in the least, but wholly applied himself to the other; all which the Protestants, and others present, have attested under their Hands.

—The like accident happened to Bolron the last Summer Assizes at York; for there he demanded of Mr. Butler the Goaler a sight of his Prisoners, (a Method learn'd of the Con­fraternity at London (to whom all Prisons were open at their call) and having there throughly view'd and survey'd one Lambert, he at length saluted him by the Name of one Osbaldestone; who answering that he was not the Man, Bolron told him that he was, and that he would swear that he heard him say Mass: Whereon Mr. Butler replyed, That he was a rash Man, for that Lambert was a Trades-man, as several could testifie, and besides, Osbaldestone was twenty five years elder.

At this time Bolron becoming more known in London, and familiar, was advertised by some of his new Collegues, Who had perusal of pri­vate Papers, and all Passa­ges for their better infor­mation through most Offices. and Well-wishers, in plain Language, that he had made a mighty false step in swearing on the 4th of July, That Sir Thomas had said to him on the 30th of May last, that if he would assist to kill the King, he would send him to his Son Thomas, who would instruct him how do it, and that he should have 1000 l. reward; whereas in truth it was found that Mr. Thomas Gascoigne was gone to Paris about eight weeks before that 30th of May, with His Majesties Licence or Pass-Port, and had continued there ever since in much company. Bolron was extreamly surprized in having so unluckily named Mr. Tho. Gascoigne to be his assistant to kill the King, at a time when he was not upon the Land, nor of so many weeks before had been, and which his former Deposition implyed, and as he had assured the Lords on Oath, and they had found it different, Bolron was at a loss, but his Brethren had bethought them of a Salvo; he confided the Point to others also, shews them Copies of all, and it was resolved the Redress should be by a second additio­nal Information (given in about the end of the said July) to reconcile the former, and to cover the Artifice of it by a latter Superfoetation of such old and new things as might be proper, and seem natural; but it's plain, the drift of the said Addition was to make Sir Thomas have spoken to him in these different words from his former, viz. If thou wilt undertake to assist to kill the King, I will send thee to my Son, (if in Town) who, with the rest that are concern'd, shall instruct thee how thou shalt assist in it, and thou shalt have 1000 l. reward. Having sworn thus in his second Deposition, and composed the Matter as he thought, the Consult advised him to apply now to the greatest difficulty, which was to get a second Witness, who might confirm what he had already sworn.

Therefore about the beginning of August he sets out for York-shire; and pretending he had many Priests and others concerned in his Plot, he obtained Moneys and Commissions to seize and secure all such Papists as he found obnoxious; and under this pretence going to Leeds, he wonderfully caressed his old Fellow-servant Maybury, informs him of the se­veral Proclamations, Narratives, and other Transactions at London, shews him how much the World was mended with him, tells him how easie it is, not only to get a Pardon for any former Felony, Forgeries, &c. but to make ones Fortunes for ever, and also to be re­veng'd on all Enemies. And that certainly the Lady Tempest (Daughter to Sir Thomas Gas­coigne) could not be deem'd his Friend, who had so defam'd him, and blasted his Repu­tation [Page 5] in her noise about her Trunk, and the Moneys taken from the Family, which in time might have a worse effect, and he suffer for't, when too late to repent the loss of this Golden opportunity to destroy her and secure himself.

Maybury thus won in few days, declares himself a Witness, notwithstanding he had few days before protested to several, (who were amaz'd at Sir Thomas his Charge) that he be­liev'd him to be most unjustly accused; nay Bolron was so pleased with his new Conquest, that he tells a young Woman, (whom Maybury courted) that she might marry him now with satisfaction, for that he had ingaged him (the said Maybury) in a Business against Sir Thomas, and that he should be well rewarded out of his Estate, and come to great pre­ferment. Methods and Circumstances being now fully setled and agreed upon by them, Maybury goes to Mr. Tyndal and Lowther, Justices of the Peace, and acquaints them in short of his business; whereupon the 16th of August the said Maybury informs th [...]m upon Oath, (and as it appears in his Narrative more at large) That Sir Thomas Gascoigne and Sir Miles Stapleton had made Deeds of Trust of their Estates, and that about Michaelmas 76. At first May­bury had sworn this treasonable discourse to have been o're heard by him in Spring pre­cedent, when some of the Accused were not in York-shire,—Now (like Bolron) advertised by the Brethren of his mistake, and the dis­proof that would ensue, he turns the Spring into Michaelmas. Sir Thomas, his Son Mr. Thomas, the Lady Tempest, and Mr. Rushton, being in Barmbow Dining-room, he heard them holding several discourses concerning killing the King, and firing of London and York, &c.—That there was in the House one Doctor Stapleton, who coming from another Room, and finding him at the Door, went in, and in a low Voice He could o­ver-hear low as well as high, and though at a greater di­stance than before. desired them to forbear their discourse, for there was one at the door.—And thereupon her Ladiship call'd him in, and sent him down to entertain some Strangers; and that he heard several discourses from Sir Thomas and Rushton about a Nunnery to be esta­blish'd at Dolebanke, and of Sir Thomas his selling 90 l. per Annum for maintaining it.

Whilst Maybury was hugging himself with Bolron, that this Information would suddenly be at the Council-Board, he found more than a fortnight passed, and no manner of notice taken of him, his impatience prompts him the last of that Month to write He becomes officious and importune. to Sir John Nicholas, that there were divers material Circumstances relating to his Discovery, which were not inserted in his first Information before the Justices, which should be declared when the Council should command a full account from him. Upon this he had a Summons by a Messenger sent him on purpose, and a Letter superscrib'd To Mr. Lawrence Mowbray, at his House in York-shire; and so repairing to London on the second of October following, he in­form'd Justice Warcup by Order of Council upon Oath, that he had not discovered all he knew As his Oath in the Country implied then, whereon a Re­mark was made, and something more to re­concile it. of the horrid Plot, for fear of York-shire Papists, whom he was to detect; but now would do it, conceiving himself under the Protection of the Council, and hoping that they would intercede for his Pardon: Which was soon after granted him and his Col­legue. Then he said, That in the Year 1674. he came to Sir Thomas, and was with him in his Service till January 1676, &c.—That waiting on Rushton at the Altar, he was permitted to be in his private Chamber, when other Priests were consulting with him, &c. as appears more at large in his Narrative and Informa­tions.

That he took the Sacrament of Secrecy from Rushton, and well remembers, that about Michaelmas 1676. there was an Assembly of many Priests and others at Rushtons Chamber, when they all agreed and declar'd that the King should be kill'd, and then Fire and Sword were to be imploy'd against the Opposers of the Catholick Religion, and all or most Ca­tholicks were engaged therein.—That Rushton then produced to the Priests a List T. O. his Me­thod to have a grand reserve or stock for sure Accusati­ons, if his first succeeded. of 4 or 500 Names engaged in the Design, and he had read many of them, and remembers very well that Sir Thomas Gascoigne, Sir Miles Stapleton, Mr. Thomas Gascoigne, the Lady Tempest, Thomas Pressick, and many others were in the List: That Moneys and Arms But never produced. were collect­ing; and that on the first of January 1677. he wrote a Letter (for so he swore and con­firms in his Narrative) to the Duke of Monmouth at Whitehall, which he sent that day by the Post from Leeds to London, declaring therein, (not in hopes of Reward, (God forbid) but as a true and Loyal Subject to the King) that some Papist-Conspirators had a wicked and desperate Design against the King; and by an immediate Insurrection to proceed with Fire and Sword, till they had altered the Government, or setled the Crown upon the Head of some other Person. T. O. by him degraded from the Ho­nour of hav­ing the first knowledge of the Plot.—And at Sir Thomas's Try­al Oats's Re­verend Father, and Bolrons good Mother, had a contest in the Hall a­bout the pri­macy due to one of their Sons. So that by consequence the Death of the King was conspired and sought for.—That this Conspiracy was to his knowledge contriv'd almost three years ago, and now was at the height of a desperate resolution.—That his Heart was Loyal and true to the King; but confess'd, that through Rushtons perswasions, he himself had subscribed to this wieked Design, and now was forced by his Loyalty to his King, and to clear his stain'd Conscience, to reveal it: That he would endeavour to procure a List of the Conspirators which he had seen and subscribed to. That he was certain Mr. Ingoldsby, Sir Thomas Gas­coigne, Thomas Gascoigne Esq;, Sir Miles Stapleton, with many others, had subscribed it, and were great promoters of this Act, and are still providing Force and Arms to carry on this Design.—That he begg'd his Lordships pardon for this boldness, and intreated him to communicate this to whom he thought fit.—That at present he durst not subscribe his [Page 6] Name, being within the Whereas by his Narrative since printed, and Proofs of his constant habitation, it appears he was in London from Spring to the end of the said year. Claws of the Papists, but upon protection from them he would acknowledge the Hand and Mark subscribed. ☞ As in his Narrative, fol. 15. says York; but ibi­dem P. 21. says it from Leeds. ☞—York 1. January 1677/8. yet sent from Leeds as a few Lines before he had deposed.—This is the effect of the pretended Let­ter, which forsooth never came to the Dukes Hands; and yet I etters we find do as seldom miscarry here, as in any place of the World; but the whole design is (Reader) so vain, that one would wonder how a Man could fancy such a childish Fable would take and salve his not discovery of the Plot before; for he not only lay dormant three whole quarters of a year, I mean the whole time between the date of his wifes Letter, and T. O. his appearing in the World, but almost a year after the full discovery of the Plot, notwithstanding the encouragements the Witnesses had by the Kings Royal Proclamations, and the misery of the Catholicks in England were in: But to be short, it appears by what is already said and shew'd, that this Maybury was so far from writing any such Letter at that time from York or Leeds, (and he swears both) that he was then actually at London, (as several Prote­stants here are ready to testifie.) So that his design and ambition was not only to equa­lize, but also to exceed and out-go those of the Kings Evidence that had got the start of him in the supposed Discoveries.

Sir Thomas Gascoigne being committed to the Tower, as has been mentioned, an Indict­ment was preferr'd at Leeds before especial Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, on the 7th of November, against him and Sir Miles Stapleton, for that they, with several others, on the aforesaid 30th of May 1679. at Barmbow contriv'd to kill the King, &c. and that Sir Thomas then solicited Bolron to't, and promised him a thousand Pounds for't; upon the E­vidence of Bolron and Maybury it was found; and Bolron being then ask'd, if Maybury had not been suspected of stealing Money and Jewels, he said, No; (and that the things suppo­sed to be stoln, were his the said Bolrons) so that the denial is a new escape, and directly contrary to what he found by his Copies he had sworn before the Council, of the said Maybury parting from Sir Thomas on suspition of Theft.

The Prisoner was under infinite disadvantages, he being about 85 years of age; he had of late years almost totally lost his Hearing; his Memory was mightily decay'd; his Sight bad; his Hands shaking; his Body crazy; his Mind so little intent to publick business, that he was not in London but once in thirty years, and that was in passing to France and back, which happened about 14 years ago. This poor Gentleman now finding that these Per­sons had sworn positive Treason against him, and understanding by some who were inti­mate with them, and had had a sight of their Papers, that they had positively contradict­ed themselves in their several Informations, he thought fit to petition for Copies of the said Informations, but was denied them; so that all his dependance, under God, was his Innocency, and in the assistance of Mr. Charles Ingoldsby a Lawyer, and his near Kins-man, and therefore to him he committed all the management of his Affairs.

On the 24th of January he was arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar, where, first crossing himself with his Hand, he answered. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Not Guilty. Now he prayed the Court, (some of his material Wit­nesses being at Paris) that his Tryal might not be till they could conveniently be sent for, for he feared the day appointed for them was of the soonest, and so it prov'd, for they came not till a day or two after. Bolron finding that Sir Thomas rely'd wholly on Mr. In­goldsby, (as has been said) what does he, but informs against him as a Conspirator, and so got him seiz'd by a Messenger, which fell out whilst he was actually penning Sir Thomas his Breviate, which amaz'd not a little every body; for Mr. Ingoldsby had not only openly frequented London and the Kings-Bench Bar every Term since the Plot was first talk'd of, but was at home in York-shire when Sir Thomas was accus'd and taken with the rest; nay he was publickly at York Assizes, (as Mr. Justice Dolbin acknowledged) when Bolron came thither with Commissions to apprehend whom he pleased: Nay yet more, was in a Room where Bolron came to search, and yet took no notice of him there neither.

The 11th of February Sir Thomas was brought to his Tryal, Serjeant Maynard and Mr. Attor­ney, Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Recorder being of Counsel against him; and there Bolron swore, that he came to his Service in the year 1674.—That a Deed of All Catho­licks do the like, when they fear any fresh persecu­tion, or re­newing the Poenal Laws. Trust was executed to Sir William Ingoldsby by Mr. Charles Ingoldsby's advice about April. 1675. and that Sir Miles S. said it was well done.—That in 1676. Sir Thomas said that he would send 3000 l. to the Jesuits at London for carrying on the Design; but if sent or not he knows not.—That in 1677. Sir Thomas, Mr. Thomas Gascoigne, Mr. Ingoldsby, Lady Tempest, and others, met at Sir Thomas's, and agreed to establish a Nunnery.—That Sir Thomas was to give 90 l. per An' towards it, and be Canonized, his Son Thomas to be made a Privy-Councellor, &c.—That they were six hours in consultation to carry on the Design.—That in March last Mr. Thomas told his Father he had gotten a Licence to go to London.—That he would fly into France, and commit the Design Bolron his variation from his first Deposition, and uniting with the se­cond to salve the former. to those would not fail to do it: And Sir Tho. approv'd it.—That [Page 7] on the 30th of May he went into Sir Thomas his Gallery, and Rushton chid him for taking the Oaths of Allegiance, and told him it was meritorious to kill the King, and he would assist in't; but, he, Bolron would have no hand in it.—That having staid by S [...]r Thomas his order till he returned, Sir Thomas took him into his Chamber about six a Clock that night; and having ask'd him the discourse between him and Rushton, which was so con­trary to the present purpose, yet said, if thou wilt undertake to assist to kill the King, I will give thee a thousand Pounds, and send thee to my Son Tom, if in London, or else to o­thers concerned therein. But he refusing to have his Hands in Blood, Sir Thomas pray'd him Bolron renews his Salvo for his first De­position. to keep it secret, and he promis'd it.

Bolron being ask'd by the Lord Chief Justice, when he first discovered this to any body? he said, that about a week or a fortnight after he went to Mr. Tyndal, and upon Oath in writing inform'd him that Sir Thomas offer'd him a thousand Pounds to kill the King; and that Mr. Tyndall said he would give the Council an account thereof, and issued out his War­rant against Pressick, but not against Sir Thomas: Whereat his Lordship seem'd to wonder yet more, as well he might. To see so little credit given to his Information, as not to seize Sir Tho. in so important a Case.—That in the latter end of June (he should have said the beginning of July) he came to London, and was examin'd by Sir Robert Clayton, and car­ried to the Lord Shaftsbury the fourth ditto,—and there he might have told how that he then made a full Information upon Oath; and that upon the 29th he made the amend­ment, both which he hath now united into one, as he had done in his Narrative, lest he should offend the Criticks with his humane frailty, and want of memory in so fresh a mat­ter; but he thought better on't, and that it would be a discovery of his chiefest Master­piece.

Maybury being next sworn, deposed, That he came to Sir Thomas's Service in 1674. and liv'd with him till January 1676. that divers Priests came to Sir Thomas's, and he serving at the Altar, was permitted to be with them.—That 1676. he heard them discoursing of bringing in Popery by Fire and Sword, if it could not be done by fair means.—That York and London should be fired, and the King kill'd for a Heretick.—That Rushton said so, (Sir Thomas not being present) but Sir Thomas, and his Son Thomas, and the Lady Tempest, and Stephen Tempest, received first the Sacrament of Secrecy, It is but rare in Histo­ry, that Em­perors, and the greatest Princes have taken the Sa­crament, on occasion even of ratifying Articles of peace, leagues, and marriages of State. But amongst Ca­tholicks in private the very word Sa­crament of Secrecy is not understood; or seen pra­ctised, as Mil­lions can te­stifie. and then were made acquainted with it, who all agreed to kill the King, and he the said Maybury received the Oath of Secrecy also.

That about Michaelmas 1676. he saw a List with 500 Names; that the Title of it was, The Names of them engaged in killing the King, and setting up the Popish Religion; that Sir Thomas Gascoigns Name was to it with his own Hand, as also the Lady Tempest, Mr. Tho­mas Gascoign, Mr. Stephen Tempests, Sir Walter V [...]sou [...], Sir Francis Hungates, the Townleys, and several others.—That they discoursed of Commissions, Indulgences, and Pardons from the Pope for it.—That about Michaelmas 1676. Sir Thomas, his Son Thomas, the Lady Tempest, Sir Miles Stapleton, and Rushton, in the Dining-room at Barmbow, de­clared they would do their utmost to kill the King, and would venture their Lives and E­states therein.—That Doctor Stapleton coming from some other part of the House, went in, and told them, that, he, the Deponent, was at the door; that thereupon the Lady Tempest bade him go down and entertain Sir Miles his Servants.—Being ask'd why he dis­cover'd it not long before? he answered, That about Michaelmas 1679. he discover'd it to Mr. Tyndal, but durst not do it of three years before, for fear that Papists should kill him. He further added, That he turn'd Protestant about the time that the Plot first came out; which occasioned the greater wonder in the Auditory, considering him a twelve-month silent, when Oates and the rest had broken the Ice with such success and encourage­ment, and a whole Nation with their Representative Besides His Majesties Pro­clamations and Assurances of Reward to the further discoveries, and his having liv'd in Lon­don about a year. His Habita­tion and Con­versation known since to many. standing at his back.

Several of Sir Thomas his Almanacks, which were taken from him, were produced also against him, and there it appear'd, (by his own writing) that from the 21st of July 1678. Mr. Corker had received from him 900 l. and directions were there also how to send Letters to Mr. Harcourt, and about buying Heworth, and likewise about buying the Rever­sion of Heworth for his Niece Thwing; as also a Memorandum to acquaint Thomas Thwing with his design, and other Notes; as also a Paper of the 9th of June 78. which had been taken out of Sir Thomas's Chamber, was produced against him likewise, being a Letter from John Prasset, and a Paper to Mr. Benefeild, with a Proviso, that if England should be converted, then the whole 90 l. per Annum should be applied to purchase Heworth, and the Writing to be made without any alteration. Moreover the word Yes, on the side of the said Paper, was written by Sir Thomas himself.

There was also a Letter of the 24th of May last from Mr. Prasset produced, wherein he he declared the taking of the Oath, as now worded, damnable; but some Letters that were for Sir Thomas his advantage, and would plainly have made appear some of Bolrons Informations to be most insulse and inconsistent, were suppressed and kept from the Prisoner, and from the view of any.

[Page 8] After this Richard Fishwick was sworn, who declar'd, that he had serv'd Sir Thomas a­bout six years, and a Writing was shewn, which gave an account of his returning in six years 6000 l. to London. This the said Fishwick Formerly Servant to Sir Thomas. own'd, and that part thereof was Sir Thomas his own Money, part of it was Mr. Thomas Gascoignes, and the Lady Tempests, and that Mr. Thomas Gascoigne had 4 or 500 l. per Annum, and the Lady Tempest 3 or 400 l. per Annum.—Mr. Attorney General produc'd an Account out of Mr. Mawson's Book, That from March 1674. to December 1677. there was return'd from him to Sir Thomas 2500 l. and that several Sums thereof were paid to Mr. Corker, which Sum was taken as part of the 6000 l. return'd from York-shire, as before mentioned: And here Mr. Attorney ended, saying, that he would give no further evidence at present, till he heard what the Prisoner would offer in his defence.

Sir Thomas, who all this while understood not one syllable from the Witnesses themselves of what they had sworn against him; but having by his Solicitors, hollowing in his Ear, an imperfect apprehension of some Particulars, prayed the Court, (after he had a little considered his Breviate) that the Witnesses following might be examin'd; who being call'd, testified to this purpose.—

Mr. James Babington testified, and offered to depose,—That he was, and for several Protestant. years had been Attorney at Law to Sir Thomas Gascoigne; and by his direction sued Bolron in May last upon his two Bonds of 20 l. and 28 l. and that Bolron desired him to forbear suing him for a fortnights time, and promised to pay the Money due upon the said Bonds, or to secure the same. That Bolron also offer'd afterwards to make a Mortgage of his House at New-Castle for Sir Thomas his security; but that his Wife refused to joyn therein, unless the Bonds were cancell'd.—That on or about the 13th of June last, he, by Sir Thomas his direction, delivered Bolron a Declaration in Ejectment for the Farm he liv'd in, and told him that he had Orders from Sir Thomas to proceed against him; and Bolron said,—By God then will I do that which I did not intend.

Obediah Moore testified, That he being bound with Bolron in the said Bonds, press'd him Protestant. for Counter-Security; but Bolron told him, that he need not fear; for if Sir Thomas offer'd to sue him, he would be reveng'd on him, and inform against him.—That after this, he the said Moore sued Bolron, and that upon the 29th of May last several Bailiffs by his ap­pointment attended to arrest him.

Stephen Thompson testified, That he was likewise perswaded by the said Bolron to be ano­ther of his Securities for payment of the said 48 l. Capital Money to Sir Thomas; and that Protestant. he pray'd the said Bolron to keep him harmless from the fame; and Bolron thereupon told him, if Sir Thomas Gascoigne sues me, I will do his work for him. Whereupon he ask'd Bolron how he would do it, and if Sir Thomas was in the Plot? Bolron said no, he is as clear of the Plot as the Child unborn, but he would inform against him for harbouring of Priests.—That after Sir Thomas was imprison'd, the said Bolron declar'd, that what he had said of Sir Thomas his not being in the Plot was false, and was spoken by him when he was a Papist, and could say any thing. That now he was offer'd Money for discover­ing the Plot, but would not take it till he knew what Oates and Bedlow had done.—That before he gave his Evidence he would have as much Money as they had; and further, that he would thereby discharge the said Debt; and then the said Bolron desir'd him not to de­clare what he had spoken.

William Backhouse testified, that upon the 7th of July last he was charged by Warrant to Protestant. carry Bolrons Wife before Mr. Lowther, but that she was sick in bed, and cry'd, and re­fus'd to go, saying, That she knew nothing ill against Sir Thomas: That thereupon Bolron threatned her, telling her she must go and swear against him, or else he would draw her thither at the Carts tail,

Cuthbert Hemsworth testified to the same effect. Then—Protestant.

Nicholas Shippen testified, That upon the 29th of May last he was at Garforth Horse-race, and that night he saw Bolron, who ask'd him if he had seen any Bailiffs abroad; that he told him he had seen Obedia Moore, and two Bailiffs, going towards Bolrons House that Evening; whereupon Bolron wish'd that he might escape them. That the day following (being the very 30th of May, or day on which Bolron swore, he had those treasonable dis­courses with Rushton and Sir Thomas; Bolron came to his the said Shippens House about two a Clock in the Afternoon, and stay'd there till two hours after Sun-set; and that Bolron was never out of his sight all that time, having told him that he came thither to send a Letter to Newcastle, for that he durst not carry it himself to the Post-house for fear the Bailiffs should take him.

Roger Grigson testified, That in August last Bolron said that Sir Thomas would come off well Protestant. enough, only it would cost him Moneys; and in case Addison that Rogue had not examin'd, and taken his Accounts, he would never have done what he did against Sir Thomas.

[Page 9] William Bateby testified, That about the beginning of August (he and George Dixon being Protesant. together, and Bolron and Maybury in another Room) he heard Bolron say to Maybury, that Sir Thomas and the Lady Tempest had been severe against them, and now they had an oppor­tunity to be reveng'd on them.—That Maybury said Sir Thomas was an honest Man, and that he knew no ill by him, nor had ever done him harm; but that if he knew any thing against the Lady Tempest he would hang her.—That Bolron reply'd to Maybury, that if he would be rul'd by him, he would advise him how to accomplish his desires; and added, that he was sued by Sir Thomas, and that if he made not out something against him, he should be ruin'd. That if they both joyn'd and struck at them, it might be effected, no­thing being to be done against them, but by the Testimony of two Witnesses.—That in case Maybury would come to his House, he would instruct him therein, and that he would engage he should have a good reward out of Sir Thomas his Estate; and thereupon he heard Maybury agree thereunto.

George Dixon confirm'd this Testimony; whereupon—Bolron answered, That upon Protestant. the Oath he had taken he had never seen the Witness. And Maybury said to the same purpose; which seem'd not only ridiculous, had their Assertion been true, (for a Stranger may over-hear as well as an Acquaintance) but caus'd the Witness in indignation at their im­pudence to declare, that they were well known to each other; and this several can testifie.

One of the Judges urged against the Prisoners Witness, why this Combination of Bolron and Maybury was not sooner made known to some body; and it was immediately replyed to his Lordship, That it was very early communicated to their Acquaintance, and named some regardable, being Protestants also.

Mrs. Deborah Jefferson testified, That about the beginning of August last Maybury said to Protestant. her, That Sir Thomas was a very honest Gentleman, and that he believ'd he was unjustly accused.

Mr. Matthew Hickeringal testified, That Maybury was generally suspected to have stol'n Protestant. several considerable things from Sir Thomas Gascoigne, and the Lady Tempest; and that in September last Maybury told him that Sir Thomas and the Lady Tempest had endeavoured what they could to take away his Reputation and Life: That they deserv'd as much from him, and he would now requite them.

Mr. Peebles testified,—That Bolron had done several ill Actions, and that he had com­plain'd Protestant. of the Judges the last Affizes at York, as not regarding him, nor admitting him to speak with them. That both Bolron and Maybury had no good Name among their Neigh­bours, and that he could say more against them, but that he was unwilling to't, in regard they were the Kings Evidence.

William Clough testified,—That upon the 24th of May last he arrested Bolron by the di­rections Protestant. of Mr. Hickeringal, (Steward to Sir Thomas) and that he then declar'd, that he would be reveng'd of Sir Thomas, if he got free from that Arrest, for that he said it was through Sir Thomas his means that he was arrested.

Francis Johnson testified, That Bolron had much wrong'd Sir Thomas in his Accounts, whilst he was in his Service, and look'd after his Cole-pits, and mentioned some particu­lars.

Alice Carpmel testified—Bolrons malice, and Maybury being suspected of stealing of Money; and would have proceeded, but was interrupted on directions of the Kings Evi­dence of being a Plotter.

Mr. Edward Hobart testified, That Mr. Thomas Appleby married one of Sir Thomas his Daughters, and by her had Issue Mary and Helena, and that towards raising of Portions for them, after some years previous provision, their Father had granted out of his Estate a Rent charge of 200 l. per Annum to Sir Thomas for 21 years, and he produced the Deed in Court, and said, that 4 or 500 l. thereof being in arrear, Sir Thomas commenc'd a Suit in Chancery, and the Arrears were thereupon paid him, and the 900 l. aforesaid, which were sent to Mr. Corker, were part of the said Mary's Portion, who is now in a religious Convent beyond Seas, and were return'd by him to her, for no other purpose whatsoever; he the Deponent having drawn the Acquittances for the same; that he was privy thereto, and constantly entred the same in his Account-Books.—That the other Sister Helena was disposed in Marriage, and 2000 l. of her Portion was likewise paid not long after. That he was likewise privy to Sir Thomas returning 1988 l. to Mr. Mawson, and that the same was paid to Mr. Trumbull and Mr. Mauleverer for the Purchase Sir Thomas made of an Estate at Manstone in York-shire; that he was at Mr. Trumbulls executing the Conveyance thereof, and drew the Acquittance for the said Money.—That 200 l. more of the said Purchase-money was paid to William Errington, and 80 l. more thereof to Widow Coston, in pursuance of directions from Sir Thomas. That he the Deponent had several Letters by him, directing Payments to several of Sir Thomas his Brothers, Sisters, Children, and [Page 10] Grand-children abroad, which Payments to his knowledge were made accordingly, and that the same amounted to no less than the 6000 l. which Mr. Fishwick deposed he had return'd in so many years, and that the said Moneys were paid to no other use, than as he had before declared.

Sir Thomas had many more Protestant Witnesses in and about the Court; but by his not hearing from the Mouths of the Parties themselves what had passed either for or against him, and especially the interlocutory discourses, (which in a false accusation ever afford main advantages) and by his being dim-sighted, so that he could not readily nor methodi­cally follow his Breviate; as also tyr'd with long standing, and stun'd too with the often hollowing in his Ears, he became so amaz'd and confounded, that he was wholly unable to help himself. Nor was any body suffer'd to call his Witnesses, till he had named them; and therefore several never appeared. Nay the hurry was at length so great in Court, that some of them were dismiss'd before they had half done; some being call'd too quick after the others, that the latter got in first, and the former call'd lost admission; which the Priso­ner not perceiving, and his Friends not permitted to re-mind him, was a great disappoint­ment in many material occurrences; amongst other things, those Witnesses which happen­ed to be omitted stood ready to testifie and make out the Thefts of Which though before suspected, were only dis­covered fully the night be­fore the Tryal of Sir Thomas. Maybury: Others his Cheats, and manner of living at London: Others the Gold and Medals sold and changed by him: Others the ill opinion Sir Thomas and his whole Family had of him, and Bolron also especially after their departure much encreased: Others how the said Bolron threatned his Wife, if she would not joyn to accuse Sir Thomas: Others how much he fear'd to be sued and arrested hy his Bonds-men: And others of Mr. Thomas Gascoignes being constant­ly at Paris, or on his Journey thither from the 7th of April (which was almost two Months before the aforesaid 30th of May) till that day of the Tryal; which was wholly inconsistant with a moral possibility of Sir Thomas his directing Bolron to his Son Thomas, then to assist him in the pretended Proposition of killing the King, as Bolrons first Information sworn to did run.

Those that were called by Mr. Attorney in behalf of the Kings Evidence, were—first Bolrons Wife; who said,—That her Husband never threatned or endeavoured to force her to swear any thing against Sir Thomas. Secondly, Bolrons Grand-mother, who wit­nessed, that he was a very honest good Man. And lastly, Fishwick, who declared, That whilst he the said Fishwick liv'd with Sir Thomas, he knew no dishonesty by Bolron. Now it seems Fishwick had left Sir Thomas his Service long before the Examinations of Bolrons Ac­counts, and the other matters afterward laid to his Charge, were made.

Mr. Justice James (by reason the Lord Chief Justice was gone to try Causes in London) summ'd up the Evidence; and having done it with the usual Tope of shewing not only the Principles and Practises of the Papists, generally supposed to be believed, but the po­sitiveness of the two Witnesses Oaths for the King; and then discending to some Particu­lars in behalf of the Prisoner, he left the whole matter to the Jury. After Mr. Justice Dolbin had remembred him of a thing forgotten in the re-capitulation, very considerable,—viz. That Sir Thomas (as had been prov'd by Protestant Witnesses) did sue Bolron not only before the 30th of May, but just after also; and yet he had then (as Bolron swore) propos'd the killing of the King to him. But in Counterpoise to Justice Dolbins Remark, Mr. Justice Pemberton offer'd the great tye of Sacramental Secrecy, A thing un­heard of a­mongst the Catholicks, as hundreds of them recon­cil'd to the Church of England can testifie. which he said as if neither Life nor Death, Heaven nor Hell, nor any other provocation could move Catholicks to break, or to that effect.

This done, the Jury withdrew, being, as the Law intends, Gentlemen of the Neigh­bourhood; and therefore knowing not only Sir Thomas, but his Accusers also, they consi­dered that the said Accusers were decayed and necessitous Persons, who had left their Ma­ster (as the whole Country knew) upon very ill accounts:—That they tim'd the Fact in a very unlikely season, seeing the Protestants of England were not only long alarm'd, and upon their guard against so small, naked, and distracted a Party, but that most of the considerable If one Re­cusant to 500 Protestants can be said considerable. Papists were retir'd beyond Seas, and the rest (which were but a handful) disarm'd or in Prison, or in as low and dejected condition as could be well imagin'd. That a Pardon of all past Crimes, and an assurance of future Rewards, were great temptations to Men of an ill repute. That no body of those since accus'd by Bolron and Maybury had ever fled or absconded, unless (Rushton the Priest) who had refus'd to lend Bolron five Pounds in his necessities, and was obnoxious to the Law, purely on account of his being in Orders; and in common sense ought not to appear.

That Bolron was indebted to Sir Thomas, and others of his Family, as also sued by him both before and after the 30th of May: That he was at the Afternoon till ten at night on the said 30th of May at Shippens House for fear of Bailiffs; and yet pretends that at six that afternoon he had the treasonable proposition made him by Rushton and Sir Thomas. That both Bolron and Maybury had declared an ill will to their Master, and that they would [Page 11] be reveng'd on him and his Daughter Tempest. That their very confederacy procuring to make them guilty of the Plot, was over-heard by two Protestant Witnesses.—That they had not only accused all Sir Thomas his Family and near Sir Tho. Gas­coigne, Mr. Gascoine his Son, Lady Tempest his Daughter, Sir Miles Staple­ton, Mr. Charles Ingoldsby Cou­sin, Nich. Gas­coigne, Francis Gascoigne, Ste­phen Tempest his Nephew, Ellen Thwing Niece, Tho. Thwing Ne­phew, Tho. Pressick Ser­vant, James Verley Servant, Alice Carpmal Servant, Mary Root Servant, and others, as in their Prin­ted Narra­tives, and at the Tryals affirm'd. Relations, Friends and Ser­vants, to render him destitute of all help, comfort, Witnesses, and defence; but had now just before the Tryal most unreasonably and impudently seiz'd upon his Cousin and Counsel Mr. Charles Ingoldsby, who was publick even at York Assizes in Court, and never was touch'd, though Bolron came then with Authority to apprehend whom he pleased, and was often in Court also, where, as well as in other places, Bolron might have secur'd him.

That as for Maybury, he had been suspected in the Country of the aforesaid Thefts; that he had long been forbidden Sir Thomas his House, which could not be imagin'd, had he been a Conspirator.—That the List of the 500 Persons, and the improbable Title to it, viz.—(A List of those that are ingaged to kill the King,) was so extravagant and foolish, that 'twas sufficient of it self to invalidate all his Testimony.—That his lying still so long after the Proclamations and known Encouragements to all Witnesses in relation to the Plot, shew'd his idle The Letter in his Narra­tive being then printed and published. Letter, and all he had now said to be an invention, and of a late date also.—That Sir Thomas had above a dozen Protestant-witnesses, who proved most important matters in his defence, and had evidently made out the Uses for which he had return'd the 6000 l. to London; and that as for Dolbank, it might have been bought with the Money and Portions of some Nuns, for they are known sometimes when they have it, to lay out their Money in this manner, that so they and their Community may be maintained abroad with an Annual Income, and consequently have always some Relation or other for their Trustee, who acts as they direct,—Besides, they considered that a po­sitive Oath by blasted Men, without any material Circumstances proved effectually, or produced, is of little force.—That the very neighbouring Justices did not issue War­rants against Sir Thomas, though Bolron had accused him of Treason.—That Bolron had mended and altered his first Deposition most corruptly. And lastly, That to swallow this Evidence might be of a most pernicious consequence, and would settle such a stock of Cre­dit and Belief on these vile Persons, as might after the destruction of the Gascoigne Family extirpate Root and Branch many others in their List of 1500 in reserve, whose Loyalty to their Prince hath been eminent in the memory of the Living, and was not at all doubt­ed of hitherto.

The Jury declared Sir Thomas not Guilty, and accordingly he was acquitted.

There wanted not several of different Conceptions, who (on occasion of the imperfect and defective management of this Tryal, by reason of the Prisoners being decay'd, as well in Mind as Body) did speak and vote variously of the Success, so that some of the Jury mov'd at it, did give out Minutes of the Tryal, and the Reasons which led them to their Verdict, to many of their Acquaintance, and in reality who conversed the Prisoner more intimately did perceive he was become very uncapable and unfit for such a performance, being dosed with Years, his Sence decayed, and his Mind disused and abstracted of late from Conversation. The Pamphlets of the Age have made him since his Tryal a Fugi­tive beyond Seas; but his unsatiable Prosecutors have him in fresh pursuit here on new pre­tences, and have wearied the Attorney General with search and exposition of the Laws, to bind and fasten him on some new Tenter; yet the old Gentleman prays for them and the Nation; his Life is at the Kings Service, and his Soul travelling to his Creator, who hath also witnessed for him, giving him length of days on the Land, a Blessing promis'd of old to those who honour and obey their Superiors, as he professes to have done, and hopes it will appear better when some of those Persons come upon their last Pillow, where God grant them his Grace and true Repentance.