THis age hath produced diverse strange demonstrations, of the many Damnable and Horrid Designs, such as possess the Ro­man Catholick Religion which affords such Hellish Princi­ples, that the Bloud of Princes, Magistrates, Destruction of Nations, or what Hell it self can invent, cannot obstruct them or stand in their way, to hinder the promoting their excellent Religion, and as a fur­ther detection of their villanies; I recommend to your consideration this ensuing Narrative, which had it taken the effect intended might have proved as dangerous to the Protestant Interest as any, for about the month of February, 1678. One Mr. Strode being a Prisoner in the K. Bench did after some time enter into a Correspondence with one Lionel Anderson alias Mounson, a Dominican Priest; and then also a Prisoner there: who pretending some better Opinion of Mr. Strode then of others, did invite him to his Chamber to drink, which favour he readily imbraced and very often; but at one time being somewhat over­taken with Drink, the said Anderson alias Mounson, demanded of him of what Family he was, and the manner of his present Condition and also if he was a Roman Catholick, to which he answered he was not, but was a well-wisher to that Religion, then he demanded of him if he would undertake something that would produce him immediate Liberty, and his future Happiness and good Fortune, he answered, he would, and desired to know what it was, at which he exprest much satisfaction, and withall lanched out a discourse relating to the stifling the Evidence of Capt. William Bedloe, one of His Majesties Witnesses of this most Horrid Plot, which was thus. Mr. Strode you are ac­quainted with one Phillip Marsh, who has formerly been a Servant to Mr. Bedloe and have often informed me you held a correspondence with Bedloe: now if so, I will put you in a way by that means how to create to your self a considerable Interest: provided you will fol­low my directions and to give a general satisfaction to all good Catho­licks, which Mr. Strode declared a seeming approbation of, and that from thenceforward he would be guided by the said Anderson alias Mounson who shewed his rejoycing thereat by imbracing Mr. Strode in his Arms, and said Bedloe was a great Villain, and had given false te­stimony against the Lord Powis, Lord Arundel, Lord Bellasis, Lord Stafford, Lord Petre, and divers other worthy Roman Catholicks, but had done it so weekly, that it was to be seen through every part. And therefore the aforesaid five Lords in particular were willing to use some means to bring Mr. Bedloe on the Stage, And then further [Page 2] added that no way could be so proper for accomplishing this Design, as for the said Mr. Strode to drink with Philip Marsh and enquire of him about the behaviour of his Master Mr. Bedloe, and what Conver­sation he was of when the said Phillip Marsh lived with him, and de­sired if the said Marsh should of himself or could by the said Mr. Strodes instigation be brought to say any thing material against Bedloe, that might any wayes lessen or invalidate his Testimony, that Mr. Strode should offer him a reward of money, or to that very Effect.

But Mr. Strode being of better Principles, and therefore desirous to improve such an opportunity to the discovery of the Romish Villany, pretendedly, but untruly to encourage the said Mr. Anderson alias Moun­son to proceed in that design, told him no man was fitter to be em­ployed in such an Affair then himself, in regard he had known Mr. Bedloe divers years and had during the time of his Impri­sonment, received divers Letters from him in which he requested him to be true to him, as knowing he had or could produce some Papers that would much invalidate his Testimony, to prevent which he of­ten had by the said Marsh sent him money; and that by Mr. Bedloes means one Mr. Iohnson a Servant to the Right Honourable the Earl of Shaftsbury, did often come to request his Testimony against the Lords in the Tower, and in order to it offered him divers summs of money all which he had refused to accept of, This feigned story so incoura­ged Mr. Anderson alias Mounson to proceed, that he began very hotly to urge Mr. Strode to use his utmost endeavours in Prosecution thereof, and accordingly some time after Mr. Strode acquainting him that he had Communicated the said matter to the said Phillip Marsh, whom he found was as ready as himself to be directed by him, but that to encourage the said Marsh he had promised him some Money, Anderson seemed to be very well satisfied therewith and then protested it should be performed both to Marsh and Strode. Provided, they would when occasion should require be ready to Swear such matter against Mr. Bedloe as he the said Anderson would inform them of, which was by Mr. Strode seemingly agreed on.

Upon the ninth of March following Anderson and Strode meeting, the said Anderson desired to know of Mr. Strode if he would be true to him, to which he answered he would, then said Anderson I can beleive you, because I have been imformed you are nearly related to an inti­mate Friend and Acquaintance of mine of your Name, and a person of great Worth and Honour; therefore I do assure my self no man of that name can break his Word, but notwithstanding that Mounson urged him to take an Oath of Secrecy, to be True to him which Mr. Strode seemed unwilling to do; but rather then he would lose so pro­bable an occasion to serve his King and Country in making himself ca­pable of detecting so Villanous a Roguery, he did on his faith Promise [Page 3] to be true to him, which he being satisfied with, further to encou­rage Mr. Strode to proceed therein, then promised him five hun­dred pound, and to make him one of the greatest of his name, If He the said Philip Marsh, and others did so follow his directions, that Mr. Bedloes Evidence would be taken off, which Mr. Strode pretendedly undertook to do, but desired to know how he might be certain of the five hundred pound when the business should be finished, to which the said Mr. Anderson desired some time to Con­sider of.

In some short time after the said Anderson alias Mounson, meeting Mr. Strode in the said Prison, requested Strode to follow him into his Chamber, where he told Mr. Strode, he had made the design of subverting Mr. 'Bedloes Evidence known to some persons of very great Quality, (by a scheme he had sent them in a Letter of the whole thing) who had returned him answer that they were very well pleased with the same and approved thereof, and gave him their thanks, and also order to give the said Mr. Strode such security as he should approve of for what he had promised, and directions where to find the said securities, or if Mr. Strode would nominate any Person of Credit and Trust, in whose hands the said summe of five hundred pound should be deposited for his use, it should be so done, and at a convenient time paid him, together with what he had promised to Marsh, then he ordered Mr. Strode to let the said Marsh and others, which were to be imployed with him in that de­sign, know that whatever sum they could in reason desire it should be granted, and immediately after (the business effected) Pay­ed.

In order to the carrying on of this Affair some time after, the said Mr. Anderson invited Mr. Strode again into his Chamber, where he entertained him with discourse still relating to Mr. Bedloes busi­ness, but he being very desirous (as may very well be supposed) to push on the same with all Expedition, was resolved to lose no time, and the better to incourage Mr. Strode he fetcht forth of his Study a quart-bottle of Brandy, and desired him to drink of the same, but Mr. Strode being cautious of the Liquor, did request him to drink first, which he did, but a very little, and desired to be excused for that his body would not bear drink, as Mr. Strodes would, who drank a considerable quantity of the Brandy, and then Mr. Anderson fetcht a Bottle of Wine and desired him to drink of that too, which after some little time he did, then the said An­derson alias Mounson told him, he had acquainted Sir Henry Tychbourne of the whole business against Mr. Bedloe in as full and ample man­ner [Page 4] as it really was intended, and that Sir Henry's maid-servant had informed him the said Anderson alias Mounson from her Master, that he was exceeding well pleased, and that he had promised as a far­ther encouragement, he would assign him the said Strode an Estate in Hampshire worth one hundred pounds a year, for the space of two years, to be Rent free; and this Sir Henry would give of his own free will for the good of the Cause, and desired he should be infor­med of such a Reward intended for him, but that he might not know from whence it was to come, and then Mr. Strode left him.

Mr. Strode about a quarter of an hour afterwards, coming into Andersons Chamber again, was promised by Anderson that as soon as Marsh himself, and others were ready to receive the directions he had prepared for them, to swear against Mr. Bedloe, that then he would send one Mr. Nevil alias Paine (now a Prisoner at the Kings Bench, and Accused of High Treason) to a Person of High Quality, whom the said Anderson alias Mounson said was his very good Friend, and was sure would make way for the said Strodes Liberty in two dayes, which when accomplished the five Lords in the Tower did intend to Petition the Parliament for their Tryals, and to Subpoena the said Mr. Strode as a Witness in their behalfs, but he being as cauti­ous as the matter would bear, of Engaging himself too far in such dangerous matters, yet very desirous by that Correspondence though to his great hazard to be serviceable to his King and Coun­try, and the True Protestant Religion, he did continue the dissem­bling his reality of being an instrument in that Hellish Practice de­signed. But such was Mr. Strodes misfortune in the management of this Affair, that whether with cause or without, I know not; but its all one, with those of that Romish Religion, if they beleive other­wise, but now the scene was changed and Mr. Andersons Principles only the object, for now he having harboured a Jealousie in his thoughts that Mr. Strode was not real to him in this Catholick de­sign, he presently forgets all-those little Vows and Execrations he he had uttered to make Strodes Fortune, and begins to cast about how to ruine him upon these grounds of suspicion.

• First, He is possest with a beleif that Mr. Strode had Papers re­lating to the Plot and concealed them from him.
• Secondly. That he was likely to be a Witnesse for the King, up­on that or some other account relating to it, and had not discovered it to him the said Anderson.
• [Page 5]And Thirdly, That in regard he could not get those Papers nor into those secrets, Strode might become very prejudicial to himself upon these Accounts, presently there is a Consultati­on by him with the Countesse of Powis, Mrs. Cellier, my Self, Mr. Nevil alias Paine, Mrs. Celliers maid-servant, and Mr. Ke­mish. And now, Reader observe, how these holy members, of this holy Carholique Church proceeded.

First, I must be by Habeas Corpus removed to the Kings Bench, and kept a Prisoner there, in order to be an Instrument in this Design on Mr. Strode, but to induce me to undertake it, and stir up zeal in me for this good Catholique Cause, Mrs. Cellier takes upon her to let me know that one Mr. Strode who was a Prisoner there, held a strong Cor­respondence with Captain Bedloe, and that Bedloe sent him Money and Lette [...]s very often, which when Strode was drunk he would boast of and had often said, it lay in his Power to do much prejudice to Bedloes Testimony, and that he had such Papers in his Pocket as would do the L [...]ds in the Tower much service, or to that purpose; which at that time ( [...] fully believed by me) wrought very effectually with me. And to second this, Mr. Anderson alias Mounson took upon him to come and instruct me how to attaque Mr. Strode for the said Papers.

And that in regard of my former acquaintance with him, I might easily drink him to a pitch, for he was free to drink; and when he was in such disorder, I might easily pick them out of his Pocket, or otherwise get them from him, which in regard of our former acquaintance I readily undertook and I did frequently converse in the Prison with him without any Sus­picion from him, as I believe, of any design intended against him by me, at least at that time.

But sometime after he observing I was somewhat full of mony, and more then ordinarily obliging to him, and always rea­day to pay for what ever we had drank; made him then suspect me: and the rather for that it seems he had heard of my being wounded in Sommer set shire, where I had made known to my Chirurgion the great desire I had to converse with one Mr. At­wood then a known Popish Priest, to a Person of Quality of that Religion, and in the same County; by which it was apparent to him I was of the same stock or Religion. These suggestions together with the former Dealings or works of Darknesse, he had been endeavoured to be perswaded to by Anderson, made him somewhat cautious; but these things having no certainty in [Page 6] them, I prevailed with him to accept of my Company, which was the easier effected, because he wanted money and I did not, during this time; in regard neither Wine nor other Liquors would attain my ends, I was furnished by some of the afore­mentioned other parties with a dose of Opium, to lay him a­sleep; but either by Sight or Tast he finding it in the Drink, spilt it, or otherwise avoided it; but by my insinuations I pre­vailed with him to cast off all suspicion of any Design intended by me, and rather impute it to the neglect of the People of the House.

About the five and twentieth of May last 1679. Mr. Strode coming into my Chamber, he found me very busie in Writing, and in some of the Papers which lay on the Table before me, he read his name in divers places, but the full meaning thereof he could not understand, yet conceived it could not be of any good Consequence to himself; then he went up to his Chamber fel­low, and Communicated to him the substance of the whole Affair, and also that of Anderson's, and desired hi [...] [...]ice, whe­ther or no he should hold any farther Correspondence with any of Us, as Strode informs me, and he advised him not to do it; for said he, Anderson offered me a conside [...] Reward, if I would by any means procure him some Papers, which you have, that concerned Mr. Bedloe, but I have denied to [...]erve him, and so I would have you do, meaning Mr. Strode: after this he qui [...] ­ted my Company for the space of a [...] [...]eabouts, but I Attacking him one day very ea [...]stly, [...] prevail with him to drink with me again, to which he yeil [...]d; at which time from the same hands I had received nine g [...]es of Opium, to give him, which I accordingly a [...] t [...] time conveyed into a Tankard of bitter small Beer for him to drink, but the Beer be­ing thereby Thick, and of an unpleasant Tast, it displeased both his Eyes and Palate, in so much that he cast it on the ground and never after that would come into my Company, for which both he and I have cause to praise God, as Strode to [...] present time does own.

When all these Engines and Wayes, that had been set on foot, to carry on this Holy Catholique cause, would take no effect; I was then released out of that Prison to manage something of greater moment, but yet was willing to joyn with Anderson in a Revenge to be taken on Mr. Strode, lesthe should be made use of as a witness for the King, and so discover our deeds of darkness, [Page 7] and in Order to it, we agreed upon a Letter to be written by Mr. Anderson to a Lady of Quality, the Copy whereof for a better sa­faction, is, as followeth.

Now the Truth is, this Letter was designed to be an obstru­ction to Strode's Pardon, for first, it was directed to the aforesaid Lady, who was to present it to his Lordship, as an accidental thing; though 'twas indeed a contrivance in general amongst [Page 8] Papists as well no doubt as with the said Lady, if she were [...] [...]ere may all good Protestants discover their Romish Villa­ [...] For first Strode was to be suborned by them, to swear such [...] as they should direct, though never so false, and upon the [...] of that he must be hanged, stifled, poisoned, or any [...]g to be gotten out of the World rather than they discovered, [...]w these Persons who can so easily combine, to take away the Life of one private Person, to accomplish a part of their De­sign, doubtless would as readily wade through a Sea of Pro­testants Blood to finish the whole; 'tis most miraculous that God does suffer the Earth to bear such Vipers. Nay, to have Accomplished this piece of Roguery, how they hoped to insi­nuate a belief into his Lordship, when they had even at the ve­ry same time, with the greatest Confidence, and in the highest nature villified him? and no doubt would have been as ready to have taken his Lordships Life as any others, which they did afterwards endeavour as much as in them lay, had not God of his infinite Mercy prevented my hand from being the instrument thereof: can these people call themselves Christians, and hold such bloody doctrines, or ever think their ramping Priests who ('tis plain) had dispensations to dye with lyes in their mouths, or their Babylonian Midwives, hope to bring any more Sham-Plots too Bed in this Kingdom; no, the whole Nation are well acquanited with and too sensible of such their Treachery; as al­so their Witchcraft dayly exercised on many of the Nobility of the Nation, who 'tis admired should be induced from a sound Faith, to follow such Anti-christian doctrine. The Letter I tell you of in my first Narrative, I was sent with by the Countess of Powis to the Right Honourable Lord Privy Seal, was (as I understood by his Lornships answer) to pray some favour on the behalf of Anderson.

But I was sometime after that, by the said Ladie's Order, to wait on his Lordship, and to represent Strode's Case, as Anderson had drawn it up agreeable to that in the afore-recited Letter, in order to the stopping the passage of his Pardon, as it was intend­ed with the right Honourable the Lord Shaftsbury, whose great wisdom easily saw through the design, and what the meaning was. By which may plainly be seen what Audacious Impudence they Act withal.

[Page 9]And for your better satisfaction herein, that that part they represented to the Lord Privy Seal, was not inferiour to the former▪ I have Inserted part of the papers first sent by Anderson to the Lady Powis, and by her hand given to me, who at the same time gave me her Lady­ships Order to carry them immediately to the Lord Privy Seal, who ordered me to read the same papers to his Lordship at his house at Kensington, which were in Contents thus, as they came from Ander­son, who pretended to have them originally from me, and so did still con­tinue them as taken in my Name from Strode, viz. May. 11. 1679. Strode did acquaint me that about 15 years since, he knew Bedlow, who was then but a servant to Alderman Blackwell at Bristoll; at which time he scarce had any Stockens or Shooes to his Feet. But Strode denyes he ever see Bedlow since, till he and Oates came to the Kings-Bench to view the Pri­soners which were in about the Plott; and once since that, Mr. Bedlow came with his Brother who was the Night after wounded. He denies the holding of any correspondence with Mr. Bedlow either by Letter or otherwise, but sayes that one Philip Marsh (who is either a friend or a servant to Mr. Bedlow) is his friend (that is to say, Strodes friend) and that they said Philip Marsh has often sent Letters to Strode, in which Letters it has been desired that the answers thereto should be left at Bedlows lodg­ing; but the Contents of the said Letters either were not worth while to repeat, or he was unwilling so to do.

May the 12. 1679. Strode told me this day, that Bedlows occasion of giving him Money was to the intent he should conceal something he knew of Bedlow, which if discovered would be of consequence enough to hang him, if prosecuted on the same; and the summes which Bedlow sent him was the greater, for that Strode should take particular notice of the behaviour of the Priests which are here, and who they did correspond with; which Strode has done, and has sent some to follow divers persons which have come to Mr. Anderson, which persons and their abodes are, as Strode sayes, well enough known, and hereupon swore Damn his soul, if they should not be better known if ever he could obtain his liberty.

May the 13. Strode acquainted me, that his business was either past, or in great probability so to be, and when he could get his enlargement, there were some in the world should soon feel the effects of his fury: But amongst the rest, Mr. Anderson, who as Strode said, was very uncertain of ever being so near his liberty; but if there ever be any probability for Andersons liberty, Strode makes no doubt but to prevent the same. By this I find Strodes thoughts to be laden with venom (as having been thwarted in his temper by some of the Catholicks) and to his power he designs a Revenge on them, but for what I know not.

[Page 10] May the 14. Strode did this day acquaint me, that his wife had in a Cabi­net at home in the Countrey, the original papers which concerned Mr. Bedlow, and when he can be at Liberty to go home he will be very brisk in exposing the said matters contained in the said papers to a publick view; but whilest he remains in Custody he will not impart the said matters to any person whatsoever, for that he will not bring himself under Mr. Bedlows Lash.

May the 15. Strode did tell me, that one Mr. Iohnson (a Servant to the Right Honourable the Earl of Shaftsbury) did often come to visit him, and bring him Guinneys, in order to the prevailing with him for to joyn Evidence with Bedlow: but Strodes answer was (as he informed me) that he would not perjure himself for ten thousand worlds.

May the 16. Iones (Strodes Bedfellow) did inform me, that he had this day seen in Strodes hands some papers which did contain the whole matter of the Popish plott, in a more plain manner than either Oats or Bedlow could make out.

And that the Earl of Shaftsburies servant (whose Name was Mr. Iohn­son) came often to Strode, to court him to give his Testimony against the Lords in the Tower, and had offered Strode most considerable sums of money if he would do the same.

May the 17. Iones did tell me, Strode had in some discourse informed him, that Bedlow in the time of his padding was entertained at Strodes house, and particularly when there had been a Robbery committed but a day before, and at the same time a Hue and Cry all over the Country to ap­prehend him: And that it is not long since that Strode sent to his wife at Shepton Mallet in the County of Somerset, for the Copyes of some Wri­tings which were in her custody, which said writings are the original of those he shewed Iones.

May the 18. Iones sayes, Strode has often prayed his advice what to do in a matter of such weighty Consequence as was to be made out from the aforesaid papers: Iones answered him, that in regard he was in Reversion of a good Estate, and had divers good and honorable Relati­ons to support him, it would perhaps be much more both for his Credit and advantage to be silent in things of such a nature, than to stir, unless he could make every particular thereof visible by a Lively Testimony. Upon which Advice Strode did promise to let it fall, rather than run the hazard of disobliging his Relations and Friends, and become altogether obnoxious:

[Page 11]But for your more full satisfaction in these matters, I do not only think it proper to referre you to my former Narrative, so far as it concerns these particulars, but also to the Examination of Mr. Strode and others: Which I hope will not only give a full satisfaction to the good Protestant Reader, but a full Conviction of the Romish Reader: In order to which, I will shew you the Es­sential parts of the matters herein contained, as they were severally delivered upon Oath; that it may not be said to be the Device of my self, to insinuate a good Opinion in the people, without just Cause.

And one thing more as notable as any, as another Character of the Excellency of these Romish Christians, I must acquaint you with, which is as follows.

That about the tenth day of February 7 8/9: one Mr. Thomas Willi­amson Citizen and Merchant-Tayler of London, being a man some­what inclined to favour (to his power) those of the Romish Church, out of his great pitty, having once relieved a Romanist who informed Mrs. Cellier (to whom he was a Proselite) of the said Charity he had received, she according to the practice of the godly Members of that Church, found Mr. Williamsons Habitation, whither she repaired divers times before he was to be found. But at a certain time meeting with him at home, they entred into some discourse, amongst which, after she had well searched his Tem­per, she demanded if he understood the prosecuting or soliciting of business at Law, he replied he either did of himself, or easi­ly could by the help of his Friends, who studyed as well as practi­sed the same. Then Mrs. Cellier requested him to undertake the Bayling out of Prison divers Papists, as well such as were accu­sed of the Conspiracie against the Kings most Sacred Majesty (whom God preserve) the present Government, and the true Protestant Religion, as those who were barely imprisoned for be­ing of the Romish Church. Mr. Williamson answered he would readily undertake the same, upon which Mrs. Cellier did promise his Reward should be for so doing, fifteen Pounds for each Person, besides an allowance of all Prison Fees, and all other ordinary and extraordinary Charges whatsoever, which once being delive­red to her by Bill, should forthwith be paid, in order to which Business she gave him ten Shillings, and a List of the Persons Names who he was to Solicite for, and to let you know—how many he enlarged their Names are as followeth (viz.)

• Doctor Southwel for refusing the Oaths, Bayled out of the Gatehouse, his Charges. 02 l. 15 s. 00 d.
• Mrs. Green Bayled from the same place. 02 l. 10 s. 00 d.
• Mrs. Iane Everstone from the same place. 03 l. 10 s. 06 d.
• Mr. Garret a Papist Bayled from the same place. 04 l. 13 s. 00 d.
• Mr. Cooke a Glover Bayled from Newgate for refusing the Oathes. 06 l. 17 s. 00 d.
• Mr. Mollineux a Papist Bailed from the Gatehouse. 03 l. 09 s. 06 d.
• Ieffrey Hudson her Majesties Dwarfe Bayled from the Gatehouse. 05 l. 04 s. 00 d.
• Mr. Shelton, alias Napper, for being in the Plot, Bayled from the Gatehouse. 04 l. 06 s. 09 d.
• [Page 18] Penelope Walford Bayled from New-Prison, [...]a Papist. 02 l. 08 s. 07 d.
• Dorothey Wright Bayled from the Gatehouse, but a Protestant. 03 l. 19 s. 04 d.
• John Woodman a Botcher Bayled out from New-Prison for being a Pa­pist, his Charges. 05 l. 06 s. 00 d.
• Marina Pyott, from New-Prison, a Papist. 02 l. 04 s. 05 d.
• Stephen Harrys a Papist Bayled from New-Prison. 02 l. 07 s. 03 d.
• One Snig a Prisoner for debt in Ludgate, but a Papist, Mrs. Cellier paid his Debt, which amounted to 09 l. 08 s. 06 d.
• Mr. Peter Lanton a Papist, Bayled from New-Prison. 02 l. 05 s. 06 d.
• Iohanna Davice a Papist, Bayled from New-Prison. 02 l. 06 s. 00 d.
• Arthur Woolgard a supposed Priest Bayled, but burnt in New-Pri­son. 04 l. 17 s 06 d.
• Robert Goade a Papist Bayled from New-Prison. 02 l. 13 s. 09 d.
• Madam Fitzherbert, Williamson was bound for, when she went into France for that she should not go into any Cloister or Nunnery. 01 l. 17 s. 08 d.
• Benjamin Haynes a Papist, Bayled from the Gatehouse. 03 l. 09 s. 07 d.
• Iane Overton a Papist, Bayled from the Gatehouse. 02 l. 17 s. 09 d.
• Iohn Woodman the Botcher Bayled from Newgate, for being suspect­ed to have Fyred New-Prison. 07 l. 08 s. 08 d.
• Snig the Papist Bayled from Newgate. 05 l. 07 s. 09 d.
• Daniel Edmonds, alias Captain Kelley Bayled out of the Marshalseas, whose Name was sometime after in the Gazet. 09 l. 10 s. 09 d.
• The Sum is 101 l. 14 s. 09 d.

Now when he had given her the Signification of his great diligence by procuring the Liberty of the aforesaid Persons. He also return­ed the List of those Persons he could not get enlarged on Bayle, whose Names are—

• Mr. Meales at the Marshalseas, not bayled out.
• Mr. Roach at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Thomas at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Lloyd at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Oakely at the Kings Bench.
• Mr. Thomas Thorne at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Anderson aliàs Munson at the Kings Bench.
• Mr. Kemesh at the Kings Bench.
• Mr. Barnesly at the Kings Bench.
• Mr. Doudal at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Cullun at the Gatehouse.
• Ralph Carter at the Gatehouse.
• Mr. Vahan at the Gatehouse.
• [Page 19]Mr. Iohn Parsons.
• Richard Ganes.
• Mr. Ireland alias Douting.
• Mr. Harcourt.
• Mr. Gavan and others.

At which time he went to Mrs. Cellier's house to receive his Char­ges expended in that Affair, where she acquainted him that his great Care in prosecuting their Business should raise him a consi­derable Interest, designing by this to encourage him, as appears by what she said to him at the same time, which was as he affirms upon Oath in these very words, viz. These are but small things which you have yet done. But I will put you upon greater things if you will be just, for which you shall be well rewarded.

Now 'tis to be suppos'd Mr. Williamson did enter into a pro­mise in this as well as the former affair before he took his Leave; but not long after Mrs. Cellier sent Anne Blake her Nurse to Mr. Wil­liamson's house, to let him know how earnestly her Mistress did de­sire his Company at her house, she having some mighty Business for him; he being at home went with the said Nurse to Mrs. Cel­lier's house in Arundel Street, where he found the Mistress who cal­ed him into her Lodging-room, and acquainted him after some short discourse that she had a Business of a great consequence to imploy him in, for which he should have a considerable Reward, at which he being desirous to raise his Fortune, did demand what the said Business was, to which Mrs. Cellier replyed, 'twas thus, viz. if you can procure me two men of undaunted Spirits, that will be prevailed with to swear to some directions that I have drawn up to take off the Evidence of Mr. Prance, I will give them 20 l. a­piece for their Rewards.

Mr. Williamson demanded what the Contents of those directions she intended for the two Persons were: At which Mrs. Cellier at the same time gave him a Copy. But enjoyned him to keep it private, only when he had procured the aforesaid two persons she did allow he should communicate and debate the matter with them, he ha­ving first ingaged them to undertake the said matter: Now the Contents of the said Note of directions was to this effect, viz.

That they should both agree to one and the same thing, by swear­ing that at a certain time when they were passing under Newgate, they heard a most hideous noise, at which they were somewhat startled, and demanded of a stander by what noise that was, to which the said person replyed 'twas one Prance, who was brought into that Prison about the Murther of Sr. Edmondbury Godfrey, and for that he should confess the same, he was tortur'd with vast [Page 20] weights of Iron on his Legs, on his Hands, on his Neck, and fastned down with Bolts and Staples to the ground, so that he could lie only on his back, and that such intollerable Torture he had en­dured for some time.

Now, their design by this, was to represent Prance his Testimony Invalid, for that in as much as the Law hath provided, that no per­son was to be wrack'd or tortur'd for his Testimony in no case what­soever, they did conceive that to be Prance's Case, and therefore according to the intent of the said Directions it plainly appears, their play (I mean the Papists, who were undoubtedly equally concerned in the thing) was to baffle Prance to save the Convicting of Berry, Hill, and Green: (as Mr. Williamson on his Oath tells us, Mrs. Cel­lier informed him) amongst which said three persons one was a Pro­testant and no doubt but they greatly feared that he was not zealous enough, though the rest were to die with a damnable Lie in their Mouths.

At the same time Mrs. Cellier being apprehensive of some considerati­ons those two men of undaunted Courage might enter into, concerning the dangerous affairs they were to be ingaged in, she thought fit to de­sire Mr. Williamson to acquaint them, provided any jealousies did arise, that they should not fear a Prison, for if it should so happen that they or either of them, should be discovered and sent either to Newgate or any other uneasie Prison, she would make such Interest, That if they could not be immediately discharged, they should be from such Prison remo­ved to the Fleet, which is accounted by most experienced persons the easiest of Prisons, at which place during the time of their confine­ment, they should have paid them by the hand of M. Williamson 40 s. per week to defray their expences there, which said money was to be given to Mr. Williamson by Mrs. Cellier; All which proposals Mr. Williamson seemed to like well and agree to, but to confirm the Bargain, Mrs. Cellier according to her usual custom, gives him an ear­nest penny, praying withal his speedy prosecution thereof, whereupon he took his leave, and returned home where he had time to consi­der and advise what to do in that ill Cause, which was easily deter­mined, for when he came to lay his hand on his heart, and to enter into a serious consideration of the great scandal must undoubtedly accrue to him in this World if discovered, and if not, perhaps the e­ternal Damnation of his poor Soul in the next, he in some little time returned to Mrs. Cellier, saying, for that the time of Berry, Hill, and Greens Tryals did so nearly approach, 'twas not in his power to perform his promise in that Respect and beg'd her pardon. At which she was not a little concern'd, for if you take the true measures of the whole thing, 'tis most apparent Mrs. Cellier was making provision, [Page 21] as if those two desperate Blades, were Cock-sure to carry on the work she intended them for; but according to all the rest of their Practises, so is it in this, for when she found him to evade that Design, in which she had lay'd herself open to him, she might think it expedient rather than suffer him to fall off, and so expose herself to imploy him in an Affair somewhat (in his part) Inferiour to the former, which was to this effect; Green, Hill, and Berry being then convicted of Sr. Edmundbury Godfrey's Murther, Mrs. Cellier gave him a Note, desiring him to shew the same to all his Acquaintance, which Note was as follows, viz.

Now, since I have so fair an opportunity, it may be meet to let you know what I in my first Narrative omitted. And the Reason why I did so, is fair; for at that Juncture most per­sons were desirous to know the meaning of my Discovery, And I as desirous to satisfie each persons Curiosity.

[Page 25]1. In or about the Month of Iune, 79. at Powis's House, the Countess of Powis, and Mrs. Cellier, desired me to go to one Ni­cholas Stubbs, who then Lived in Stephens-Alley in Kings-Street, West­minster; and was (as they had been informed) Bed-ridden, and highly dis-satisfyed in Mind, for some false Testimony which he had given against one Gifford, a Romish-Priest. With this Stubbs I was to treat about the Usage, which he received in Prison; and to endeavour to bring him to a Denyal of what he had before Affirmed on Oath: Which was to this Effect; That he, being a Dying-Man, and touched with a true Remorse of Conscience did on his Death-Bed declare, that he knew not any such Man as Mr. Gifford; or that there was any such thing, as Burning of Houses, intended. But that, when he found himself Impeach't for a Crime of such a Nature, and most barbarously Tortur'd in Prison, inso­much that his Body could no longer indure the same, he was con­strained to give those Answers he did, as best agreeing to the Que­stions propos'd: But now he pray'd God Almighties Pardon; de­claring himself truly sorry for what he had done.

Here I have thought fit, for a general Satisfaction, to insert an Information taken from Iane Stubbs; which is as follows.

Now, you are to note, the afore-said Denyal was (if Op­portunity had served) to have privately possest him with, by pro­mising to take care of his Wife, and the many Children he was like to leave behind him, if he should dye: But when I found the Man under a most violent Feavor, and the Wife still present, I was discouraged for making any Progress, according to Order; but rather was inclined to pitty his miserable Condition, which both his Wife, and Himself, began to relate to me. After I had stayed some time, and asked some Questions, and I finding no such Answer as I expected, gave him a Crown; and promised to bring with me (the next time I came) Five Pound, to pay their Rent; as being sollicited to that purpose, by them both: and in the mean time, to make Mr. Oates sensible of his great Necessity, ac­cording as he desired. I returned to the Countess; to whom I related the Success I had in that Affair: Telling her Ladyship, That my opinion was, nothing Matterial could be had from Stubbs. To which she replyed, 'Twas no great matter. But since 'twas her Lord's Advice, her Ladyship was willing to make Trial of the same. Further adding, That the Lords in the Tower, did measure out Wit, as Pedlers do Juckle; and that whil'st they beat their Brains on Things of mean Consequence, they let greater slip. Then I demanded, how that could be? Her Ladyship's Answer was, That in the time I had been gone to Stubbs, she had been inform'd by Person of good Credit, that one Mr. Boyce, and Mr. Praunce, were fallen out; and that now there was a fair oppor­tunity, for them to come within Praunce, at the same time: Or­dering me to go, and Drink with the said Mr. Boyce, (who, as her Ladyship informed me, lived in Bell-Savage-Yard, on Ludgate-Hill) and to endeavour (if I found by his Discourse, that Praunce and He were separated) if he would embrace any opportunity, to be Revenged on Mr. Praunce: Which if he did, according as I should find him inclined, I was to make some offer, to encourage him. Whereupon I did that very Day, go to the said Mr. Boyces House, after I had first been to Converse with one Mrs. Dorothy Sherborne, a Sempstress, living near St. Clement's-Church in the Strand, how to frame a Discourse which might be agreeable to the Diffe­rence, which was then between Boyce and Praunce: For, as I was informed by Mrs. Cellier, the said Mrs. Sherborne (who is Sister to Mr. Praunce's Wife) was the Person, who first gave notice of this Affair by one Mrs. Mary Quina, who then lived in or about Rus­sell-Street, near Covent-Garden. But when I found Boyce, and had prevailed with him to Drink, I did enter into some Discourse (which appears by this Information, which follows) relating to Praunce; but found no Encouragement to proceed, according as [Page 27] the Countess of Powis expected. But upon our parting, I promi­sed to visit him again: Adding, (when I found no Complyance in that) I would employ him to cut some Amber for me. And in order to that, sometime after, I made another Visit or two; but never gave him any Amber to cut: Nor could I get from him any thing, that would amount to the Prejudice of Mr. Praunce. So that Designe fell. But you may perceive by the Information of Boyce, and Mrs. Sherborne, that the Scheam thereof was well enough laid, had Boyce but performed his Part. Here follows their Informations, &c.

About the Month of September, 1679. when Mrs. Celliers, and my self, went to visit Mr. Stanford, the Duke of Newburgh's Resi­dent; whose Lodgings was then in the Hay-Market. He Entertain'd us with Discourses to this effect; viz. That Dr. Tongue did imploy divers Persons to write; and that to be done so warily, that no Person knew more, than just that Part which he was concerned in: Which Mr. Stamford did then promise, to acquaint the King's Ma­jesty withal. And farther added, that he would lay down his Opi­nion of the said Writing, in words to this effect; viz. That he did believe the said Dr. Tongue, and his Clarks, were writing out Di­rections for Dr. Oates, and Mr. Bedloe, how to proceed in the Plot, against the Roman-Catholicks; hoping thereby, as I suppose, to in­sinuate a Belief into the King, that there was no such thing as a Plot intended, by that Party; but a Contrived Fiction, by some other. At another time, not long after, I went by my self, to wait upon Mr. Stamford, with that Paper entituled, The Cloak in its Co­lours; which was wrote by some, if not all, the Lords in the Tow­er, as Mrs. Cellier informed me. At which time, Mr. Stamford bound himself in a Promise; and took upon him to say, That [Page] If ever the Duke of York come to the Crown of En­gland, he should have Interest enough to make my for­tune there; promising at the same time, in regard things stood then in so ill a posture, for the present he would make such Interest to the Spanish Embassador, when he returned from Fl [...]nders, that I should be entertained in his Family and Service; adding, that my business would be to furnish his Excellency with Intelligence both from City and Countrey, as well as other parts, for which he doubted not but to procure for my Sallery, at least One hundred pounds a year: But when I should be in such an imploy, Mr. Stamford proposed a way how I might be as service­able to himself, as the Embassador, which was to give him the same Intelligence.

Now this I do suppose was used only as a wheedle to encourage me in the prosecuting the many Affairs I then was engaged in for the good of the Roman Catholick Cause, more than a thing really intended by him, in regard I never was prefer'd to the said imploy he then proposed; but 'twas his usual custom when I came to wait on him in a Morning before 10 a Clock, to entertain me with a Mass or two before I left him, always admonishing me, and rather indeed enjoyning me to come and hear Mass with him; which I often did, where I constantly found a full Congregation, for the most part of English people; and I doubt not but that he still continues the same exercise.

Now to let you know why I did not insert the In­formations of my many Witnesses in my first Narrative, as well as some in this, I hope this following Reason may satisfie each Reader; for that in as much as I had the most subtile and wary people perhaps of the whole Uni­verse to deal withall, I neither could, nor yet can think it proper to discover to them the whole strength of my Testimony.