IMprimis, Richard Strange Provincial, John Keines, Bazil Longworth, John Fenwick, and Mr. Hartcourt, Jesuites, did Write a Treasonable Letter to Father Sinman an Irish Jesuite at Madrid, in the Kingdom of Spain, in which was contained their Plotting and Contriving a Rebellion in Scotland, of the Pres­byterians against the Episcopal Government, in order to which, they have imployed one Matthew Wright, William Morgan, and Mr. Ireland, to go and Preach under the Notion of Presbyterians, and give the disaffected Scots a true understanding of their sad States and Conditions which they were in, by reason of Episcopal Tyranny exercised against them; and withall to tell them, now they had a fair opportunity to Vindicate their Liberty and Reli­gion, and that it could be done by no other way but the Sword, and that now the King was addicted to his Pleasure, that he would and could take but little care of that Concern. In the said Letter it was expressed, they had gotten an Interest in His Royal Highness, but they deal with him as they think fit, and that they were resolved by all means to weaken the King of England's In­terest, by informing his Friends of his intent to betray them into the Hands of Forraign Powers, (viz.) to send them to fall by the Sword in the French King's Service against the Confederate Princes, which Letter bares Date April 19/27 1677.

2. That the Persons abovementioned, gave the Deponent 10 l. to carry the said Letter to Father Sinman into the Kingdom of Spain to Madrid, the said Sinman being the Provincial General for the Kingdom of England, and Ireland; and in order to which Message, the Deponent Embarked himself in the Ship called the B [...]sca Merchant, whereof Luke Bath-Roch was then Master to go for B [...]lboa, and there took Mules for Valladolydd, but staying a day at Burgos in Spain, the Deponent broke open the said Letter, and found these Contents in the same.

3. That they of the Society of Jesus in the English Seminary at St. Omers, sent a Mission of Twelve Students into the Kingdom of Spain, (viz.) Eight to Valladolydd, and Four to Madrid, there being English Colledges in both places in order to Study Philoso­phy, [Page 2] and Divinity, which Missioners were sent by Richard Ashbey, Richard Peter, Nicholas Blundel, and Charles Peter, by the Patents of the several Missioners, by which they had power to demand Admission into the respective Colledges to which they were sent, which Missioners were obliged by the Jesuits of the Colledges to renounce their Allegiance to His Majesty of Great Britain, in the hearing of the Deponent, and those of Valladolydd, were taught by Daniel Armestrong a Jesuite Minister of the English there. That First the Oath of Allegiance is Heretical and Anti-christian, and Divellish, and that Charles Stuart King of England is no Lawful King, but comes of aspurious Rase, and [...] his Father was a Black Scotch-man, and not King Charles the First. This was de­livered in a Sermon the 29th. of Sept. 1677. to the Students there, which Sermon the Deponent did hear, and in this Sermon the said Daniel Armestrong in plain words did say, that the King of England was a Bastard; now that Daniel Armestrong goeth in Spain by the Name of Joseph Munford, in Spanish by John Mon­tefortio.

4. That the said John Munford, alias Armestrong, did bring Letters from St. Omers, to the English Colledge at Valladolydd, to the Father there in Latin, by reason they were Spaniards, in which was expressed and related from the Fathers at St. Omers, that the Fathers of the Society of London, hath procured one Fa­ther Beningfield, to be Confessor to His Royal Highness, but if they saw that His Royal Highness did not answer their expecta­tion, they would dispose of him as they did intend to dispose of His Brother the King, which they hoped to effect within a year, which Letter bares Date, June 1677. and Subscribed by Richard Ashbey, alias Shimbleby, Rector of the English Jesuites at St. Omers, Richard Peter Minister, Edward Nevil Prefect of the Studies, Ch. Peters Prefect of Sodality, John Farmor Prefect of Ma­nors, which Letters the Deponent saw in the Month of Septem­ber, 1677. at Valladolydd in the Kingdom of Spain.

5. That Father Sinman above mentioned, Writ to the English Colledge, and the Fathers there said, that the King of England was Poysoned to the great Joy of the English Fathers, and that they would serve King James so, if he did not give them a good assurance of bringing in the Catholick Religion, and of rooting out the Protestant, this Letter bore Date July the And was seen and read by the Deponent at Valladolydd, near the latter end of July, 1677.

6. That one Father John Blake, alias Cross, who went with the Four Students to Madrid, did bring Letters from Richard Strange Provincial of the Jesuits, and one Father Gray a Jesuit, and John Keines, to Father Sinman above mentioned, in which was speci­fyed the great diligence was used by the said Richard Strange, Father Gray, and John Keines, to procure such persons to dis­patch the King, and to put a period to his dayes, which Letter bore date June the 10. 1677. Stilo Novo. And the Deponent being sent to Madrid in August, read it in Father Sinmans Cham­ber, he shewing it also at the same time to James Arch-Bishop of Tuam, of the Kingdom of Ireland.

7. That the said Father Sinman received another Letter, July the 20. 1677. Stilo Novo, from Richard Strange, Father Gray, John Keines, Bazill Longworth, John Fenwick, Father Ireland, and Father Hartcourt; in which they did manifest, they were very sorry for informing him; that he might assure himself that the business was done, there man William being faint harted, could not then do it, though he had 15000 l. promised for his pains, of which Letters the English Missioners by one information, that at Madrid by John Cross, alias Blake, and those of Valladolydd, by Daniel Armestrong Jesuit, which Letters the deponent saw in the Chamber of Mr. Synman, at Madrid, at the same time that he saw the Letters of the [...] June, mentioned in the fore-going paragraph or num­ber.

8. That on the 3. of November Stilo Novo, Father Petro Jero­nymo de Cordela Provincial of the Jesuits in New Castle, did write to Richard Strange, and John Keines, that if the business of dis­patching of the King of England could be effected, they should have 10000 l. which Letter the deponent brought from Vallado­lydd to Bilboa, and imbarked in a Ship within 5 dayes after his Arrival thither, and in five dayes more arrived at a little Town near Exeter, and in five dayes more at London, and delivered the Letter, to Richard Strange; and when opened it was writ in Lat­tin, and read by the said Strange; and he said, that all means should be used to answer Father Petro's expectation; and in the Letter to Strange was one inclosed to this Keines, by the Name of John de Neaporto de la Companey de Jesus, which Letter the said Keines offered the Deponent to read, and because of the Spanish abbreviation, the Deponent did not well understand the Letter, it being also in the Spanish Tongue; so that the Depo­nent [Page 4] could but make little of it; therefore the said Strange did give the Deponent the Letter directed to himself, saying that he thought the Deponent understood the Letter better then Spanish, that the Deponent read the Letter, and found in it the Con­tents above mentioned, and the said Keines being then ill upon Stranges Bed, said, that he hoped that God would strengthen ho­nest Williams heart to do this work (now this honest William is a Servant of the Society of London) this Strange did lye at Mr. Saunders his House, part of Wild-house in Wild-street, where the Deponent heard this discourse, from Strange and Keines.

9. That the said Richard Strange, Bazill Longworth, Father Hartcourt, John Fenwick, Father Ireland, Father Gray, Father Je­nison, Father Saunders, and Father Euliston did write a Letter, and subscribed it, and did send it to St. Omers, to Richard Ash­bey, Alias Thimbleby, Rector of the English Seminary, there in which he, and the rest of the Fathers were given to understand, that the King was as well given to Debauchery, as Whoreing, that they had an intent to get one to stab him in his Court at Whitehall, and if that could not be conveniently done, they would imploy one of his Physitians to Poyson him, and for his work they had 10000 l. in the hands of one Worseley a Gold-Smith, which Money was pro­cured by one Father Leshee a French Jesuit, and Confessor to the French King, which Letter the Deponent saw and read, and saw it subscribed by the above said persons, and carried them to St. Omers, he went down to Dover in a Coach, place being taken for him by the said William their Servant, but whose Name is John Groves the Letter carried bore date—December 1677. Stilo Novo.

10. That Letters were inclosed in this Letter aforementioned, the aforementioned Father Leshee, in which thanks were given him, by the Father that had subscribed the Letter, to Father Richard Ashbey for his great charity to them, and his care for the propagating the Catholick Religion, and that all meanes should be used to destroy the opposers of it, both root and branch, which Letters bear date the sixth or seventh day of December, which Letters the Deponent carried inclosed with those of Richard Ash­bey to St. Omers, and from St. Omers to Paris, and delivered them into the hands of the said Leshee, about the 18. December. as near as the Deponent can remember.

11. That other Letters, bearing date December. the 12. 1677. [Page 5] were sent from Richard Strange and others of the Society of Lon­don, to those of the Society of the English Seminaries at St. O­mers, and them Letters were inclosed to Father Leshee, in which they told him they had stirred up the Presbyterians in Scot­land to a Rebellion, and that 20000 l. of them would be in Arms, if that his Majestie would break with the King of England, and that a way was also made for the French King landing an Army in Ireland, and further that the Irish Catholicks were ready to rise in order, to which 40000 Black Bills, were provided to serve the Irish Souldiers withal, which Letters were subscribed by Ri­chard Strange, John Keines, and John Fenwick, and the outside Letter directed to Richard Ashbey and told the Deponent that the Letter to Leshee was carried by a special messenger, for which he had 10 Pattacoones as the said Ashbey, to the Deponent said, and that the Messenger was Drummer of St. Omers.

12. That an other Packet sub-date the 18. of December 1677. in which it was specified that the Father Grall of the Society of Jesus at Rome, had written and removed Richard Strange from being Provincial, and had profered the Provincialship on Thomas Whitebread: Ordered that Father Conyers should Preach on Thomas of Canterbury's day, in the sodality Church, in the English Semi­nary, against the oath of Supremacy and Allegiance, and that he should exhort the Fathers to stand by the new Provincial, who would be as zealous for the bringing in of the Catholick Religion into England, as ever his Predecessors were, and would not leave one stone unturned to promote the same, which said Letter was directed and read by Richard Ashbey, and this was a­bout the 24. of December.

13. That another Packet Sub-Date the 26. where it was or­dered by Thomas Whitebread, Richard Strange, John Keins, Bazill Longworth, John Fenwick, Francis Gray, Father Hartcourt Senior, Father Hartcourt Junior, Father Michael, Father Benefield, Father Ireland, Father Blundel, Father Jenison and some others of the So­ciety; That Father Leshee should be written to by Richard Ashbey, and informed that the Fathers before named had met together, to contrive the advancement of the Design of the happy disposal of His Majesty of Great Britain: and if his Royal Highness should not appear to answer the expectation, the former giving no hopes at all, they would endeavour with all speed his dispatch; that he might not hinder their design of Bringing in the Catholick Religi­on; and if they could not find an opportunity of taking him from [Page 6] his Kingdom, they would take his Kingdom from him: which Letter, he, this Deponent, saw in the hands of Richard Ashbey, and desired to read it, but the said Ashbey would not read it to him, Jan. the 2. 1678.

14. That in the said Letter of December the 26. it was specified that Richard Ashbey, and Nicholas Blundel was Constituted by Pa­tent from the Provincial, to be Ordinary of Newgate, to go and visit the Condemned Prisoners, and to seduce them to the Catho­lick Religion, and to Catechize some Youths in London; and every day in the Week he hath his several places, where he teaches Youth treasonable Doctrines, and mutinous against the Interest, and Person of His Sacred Majesty; and giveth several sums of Mony to their Parents, if Poor, to encourage them to send their Children to be thus instructed, which passages was contained in the aforesaid Letter, and afterwards practised in London.

15. That another Packet came to Richard Ashbey, to St. Omers, from Thomas White, John Keines and others of the Society of Jesus in London. Which Letters from them and others were inclosed to Father Thomas Stapleton Procurator at Brussels, to perswade the Father Confessor to the Duke De villa Hermosa, to inform him that His Majesty of England, did not intend to assist His Majesty of Spain, but to stand a looker on, till he was ruined by the French King, which Letter being not sealed, was seen, heard, and by Richard Ashbey, Rector of St. Omers, in which it was or­dered, that if the said Father Confessor should not be ready to comply with the said Stapleton; that Messengers should be forth­with sent to Father Sinman at Madrid, to inform His Majesty of Spain, of the said concern; and to make the same relation of the business to the Arch-Bishop of Tuam, in the Kingdom of Ireland, now at the Court of Madrid. That he the said Arch-Bishop, and the said Sinman, might jointly give an account to the King of Spain, of the motion made, or to be made to the said Father Con­fessor, to the Duke De Villa Hermosa: and also to advise the Spa­nish King to Seize the Estates of the English Merchants, in several Factories in this Kingdom. For that they have endeavoured to Transport them to England, which would tend highly to the pre­judice of Spain; and for the Confirmation whereof, they pro­cured Letters from one Fausica, sometimes an Agent in London, to attest the same. To which the said Fausica willingly conde­scended, and sent his Letters to St. Omers, to be sent to the Court of Spain, that the Fathers might give their approbation, which [Page 7] Letter was long and large, with attestations therein made against the Merchants residents in their several Factories, concerning the matter of Faith before mentioned; and also other Letters to Daniel Armstrong at Valladolidd, and John Armstrong at Madrid; which they were ordered to Confirm this affirmation made, or to be made by the Fathers in England; and of the English Semi­naries at St. Omers. Or if the said Stapleton, together with that of Fausica the above mentioned Spanish Agent, now lives at Bru­ges in Flanders: All which Letters bore Date the First, Second of January, 1678. Stilo Novo; and were seen by the Deponent at St. Omers: and in the Letters to the Two Fathers, Armstrong and Cross in Spaein, was contained a special Order, that if the fermer could go to Madrid, he should send his Attestation to Don John of Austria, and to carry on which, 200 l. was made over by Fa­ther Sinman and the English Fathers.

16. That when the Lords came from England, about the busi­ness before mentioned to St. Omers, Edward Nevil, and Thomas Farmer did say, that they would not let this Black Bastard go so, to His Grave in peace, meaning the King of England; for that he had cheated them so often, and that now they resolved to be served so no more. That this Deponent standing by, said if the Duke prove slippery, they both replyed that his Pas-Port was ready, when ever he should appear to fail them. These words were heard by the Deponent, on the Third of January in the Af­ternoon, in the Library of the Jesuits at St. Omers.

17. That on the Fourth of January 1678. Stilo Novo, Letters were sent from Richard Ashbey, Edward Hall, Edward Novil, Christ. Peters, William Busby, James Junior, Thomas Farmer, Mi­chael Constable Jesuits of the English Seminary at St. Omers; as also from Father Williams, Rector of Watton, and Master of the Novices there. Sir Jo. Warner Barroner, alias Clare, Franois Sam­by, alias Ditz-Biling, to the Father-Confessor of the Emperours Majesty: That His Majesty of Great Britain hath treatherously been the ruin of the Confederates; especially, of the Germain Empire, and of his Catholick Princes under him, and has under hand stir­red up the Hungarian Rebellion against his Imperial Majesty, and found them Money to go on in their Rebellion: His design being not to keep any Alliance with his Imperial Majesty; but only in shew that he might advance the Prince of Orange his Nephew, and make him absolute; and therefore prayed the States of Hol­land might have notice of it. Which Letter was seen, and per­used [Page 8] by the Deponent, it being writ in the Latine Tongue. All which Letters were sent away by a Lay Brother, who was a Dutch Man; and when these Letters were sending away, one of the Lay Brothers, whose name was George; did say, the Prince of Orange was more fit to Roban Orchard, than to be a General of an Army.

18. That Letters bearing Date the 1. of January, Stilo Novo, arrived at St. Omers January the 20. from Arch-Bishop Talbot, Arch Bishop of Dubline; wherein it was expressed that the Fa­thers of the Society in Ireland, were very vigilant to prepare the people to rise, for the defence of their liberty and Religion, and to recover their estates; and if the Parliament that was to fit in England, shall joyn with the King in declaring war against France, and should put His Majesty to ingage in a War with France, that a place in Ireland should be open to receive the French Kings Army, when His Most Christian Majesty should think fit to Land one their. And in the Letter he advised the Fathers of St. Omers, to advertise Father Leshee of the same, and other Jesuits that had an interest in the French King; and that His Ma­jesty of Great Britain was brought to that pass, that if any Male content amongst them should not prove true to their designs; His Majesty would never give ear to their information, and pray­ed them to be diligent, for now was the time, or never. Which Letter this Deponent saw and read, and in order to the Fathers Compliance, with the said Arch-Bishops Letters to Father Leshee to Paris and appointed Edward Nevil, and William Busby to carry, and deliver them to the said Leshee, which Letters were answered with all speed by the aforesaid Messengers, Jesuits, as above. The one of them being Prefect of Studies, and the other Procu­rator for the Seminaries, and by them writ Letters to Thomas White Provincial to the Rector of St. Omers, (viz.) Richard Ash­bey, but of that to the Provincial, the Deponent can give no ac­count; but of that to Ashbey, the Deponent faith, there was ex­pressed in it, that the General of the Society of the Jesuits would Contribute 500000. Crowns to be paid in June next coming; and that his Holiness the Pope would not be wanting to sup­ply them, when they had made some progress in that glorious attempt.

19. That another Packet arrived at St. Omers, directed to Ri­chard Ashbey Rector there, the Date whereof is not well remem­bred by this Deponent; but as near as he doth remember, it [Page 9] was about the beginning of the Parliament, for then came the Kings, and Lord Chancellors Speeches, and Votes of Parliament, which were put into ridiculous Phrases, in contempt of the King and both Houses of Parliament, and for the Fathers and Scholars to Laugh at, and then Translated into French, and given to the Governor of St. Omers, who sent them to the French King his Master; and in the Packet was contained, the account of the attempt of one Pickering, a Lay Brother, that waited on the Je­suites lying at Sommerset-house, to Shoot the King as he was Walking in St. James's Park, when he was at some distance from his Nobles, and Attendants, but the Flint of his Pistol being loose, he did defer the Action till another opportunity, and if he had done it, and had suffered, he should have had 300000. Masses said for the Health of his Soul, which Letters were signed by Tho­mas White, alias Whitebread Provincial: when received, the Fathers of the English Seminaries, were in great trouble for Pick [...]rings negligence; which Letters the Deponent saw and read in the lat­ter end of January, and the Votes put into such Mock-Phrases, as also the Kings and Lord Chancellors Speeches, in the Month of February.

20. That the Deponent went out the 29th. of January, to know of his Confessarious, whether he might keep the Thirtieth day of January as a Fast, the Confessor replyed, that the account with them was the Ninth of February, by reason the account with England did differ from that on that side of the Water, the De­ponent then asked if he might keep the Ninth of February, the Confessarious asked him, why? the Deponent replyed, because of the Martyrdom of the late King: He answered, the late King was no Martyr, but a Heretick; and withall added, that he was not King James's Son, but a Bastard, begotten on the Body of Queen Anne of Denmark by her Taylor; this Confessarious is a Jesuite, and his name is Charles Peters, Prefect of the Sodality.

21. That Letters bearing Date 18. of February, Stilo Novo, from Thomas Whitebread, John Keines, John Fenwick, Father Ire­land, Father Micho, Father Richard Ashby Rector of St. Omers (then ill of the Gout) to the English Fathers there, and did let them know, that they had sent William Morgan into Ireland, to see how Affairs stood there in that Kingdom, and expected his return by the end of March, and that he set out the 26th. of January, with Instructions to order the Affairs in Hand, and to encourage the Irish Natives to defend their Religion and Liberty, [Page 10] and his Companion was one Francis Lovell, who was to go into the North of Ireland, to see the Fathers of the Society there, and carry 2000 l. to supply their present wants, and to promise 4000 l. in case of action.

22. That another Packet came from Thomas White, alias White­bread, Father Micho, Father Ireland, Father Hartcourt, and others of the Society of London, bearing Date Feb. 7. 1678. in the which was contained, an account of the Fathers Progress in Berk-shire, Oxford, Essex, in perswading the Catholicks, who are Votaries, for the Order of St. Ignatius, to Contribute to the Irish Rebelli­on, and maintaining of a Civil War in that Kingdom, in case the French King should break with the King of England, and also have received Letters from Scotland, in which they were inform­ed, that the people would rise to oppose Duke Lauderdale, and the Royal Party in that Kingdom, by which means they thought to weaken both Parties, and also that they would endeavor by themselves, their Agents, and Purse, to provoke the Scots against the English, and withall, told the Affairs at St. Omers, to whom this Packet was directed, and by whom it was read, that they should be glad to effect such a design, which Packet the Depo­nent saw and read, Letter by Letter.

23. That the Fathers of St. Omers, (viz.) Richard Ashbey Re­ctor, Edward Hall, Edward Nevil, and others of the English Se­minary, did Write to Thomas Whitebread and other Fathers, in the which it was exprest, that it was now apparent, that the Ca­tholick Religion was to be brought in the same way that they had used, for the Destruction of the Father of this King, and as that could not be effected by the effusion of Blood, and withall, prayed them to Prosecute their design in taking away the King, and if His Royal Highness should not comply with them, to dispatch him also, for they did fear that never any of the Stuarts were men for the effecting of their ends and purposes, and this Letter and Instructions, were given to the Fathers, how to feel His Royal Highness stood affected, which Letter bore Date February the Ninth, Stilo Novo, and was signed by the Persons abovesaid, in the presence of the Deponent, who did Compose the said Letters for them, according to Directions given him by them, which Let­ter was (to this Deponents knowledg) carryed into England, by one Father Eury, who then went thither.

24. That an answer of the aforesaid Letter, February the 19th. Stilo Novo, came Dated the 20th. of February, from Thomas White, John Keines, Bazil Longworth, Richard Peters, John Fenwick, Father Ireland, Father Hartcourt, Father Blundel, Father Matthew Wright, Father Thomas Wright, Father Jenison, and Father Sinman, who some times belong to Summerset-house, who also Signed with the rest the said answer, which told the Fathers of St. Omers, (viz.) Richard Ashbey, to whom the Letter was Directed, that they found, that although the Duke was a good Catholick, yet he had a tender affection for the King his Brother, and would scarce­ly be engaged in the concern, and if they should but once inti­mate the designs and purposes unto him, they might not only be frustrated of their design, but also might loose his favor: which Letter, the Deponent saw and read in February.

25. That the Fathers of the English Seminaries at St. Omers, did oblige one Brother George, a Lay Brother in that Seminary, to go to Ghent in Flanders, to the Engl [...]sh Jesuites there, with a Letter from St. Omers, Dated the 26th. of February from London, and the said Brother Arrived there, as they advised the Father, the First of March, that the Secular Clergy should be Treated with about the business, but they finding them at that time, to be men inclined to live in Peace and Obedience to their Prince, the Father, with Thomas White, &c. answered them in one of the Tenth of March, Stilo Novo. That the Clergy were a sort of Rascally Fellows, that had neither Wit nor Courage, to Manage such a Great Design, and did pray them of Ghent, and those of St. Omers, to be of god Chear, for they went on well, both in Scotland, and Ireland, and the Fatal Blow shall be given the Black Boy of White-Hall, with all the speed that might; which Letter to them at Ghent, and from them, to the Provincial, they being brought to St. Omers before they went: as also those of March the Tenth, the Deponent saw and read.

26. That there was an attempt, to make an assassination on the Person of His Sacred Majesty, in the Month of March, seve­ral days as he was Walking in the Park, and once as he was go­ing to the Parliament-House, by Honest William and Pickering, but opportunity did not offer it self, for the which, the former was Chidden, and the later had a Penance of Twenty stroakes, with a Discipline on his shoulders, it being judged by the Fathers, the effect of his negligence: Which passage the Deponent saw, [Page 12] mentioned in a Letter, from Thomas White, to Richard Ashbey, bearing Date the 26. of March 1678.

27. That on the 5. of April, Letters came from Thomas White, and the Fathers in London to Richard Ashbey, and those in St. Omers, in the which, the former gives the latter to under­stand, that William Morgan and Father Lovel, were returned out of Ireland, that they had given them an account, that the Irish was ready to rise at ten days warning, with Twenty thousand Foot and Five thousand Horse, and would let the French King into that Kingdom, if he should come with an Army to land there, and that Father Lovel did give an account, that Fifteen thousand Foot, would rise in the North of Ireland, and that the people were patient but very resolute, and that the Duke of Ormond now Lievt. is in great perplexity to see the Catholick Religion thrive so well in Ireland, and that there are persons, that have Secretly taken Commissions from the General of the Society of Jesus, by virtue of a Breviate from the Pope, Dated October. 1673. and that they are resolved to cutt the Protestants Throats once again, when they rise, and in the said Letter, the Provincial Summoned a General Council, to be holden in London, and there­fore commanded the Fathers, on the other side of the water to be present, in which Letter the Deponent, did see himself to be Summoned to assist at the Consultation, as a messenger from Fa­thers to Fathers, this Letter the Deponent saw in the Moneth of April.

28. That in order to this Command on April the 24. 1678. Father Warren Rector of Liege, Sir. Thomas Preston Barronet, Fa­ther March Rector of Ghent, and Father Williams Rector of Wat­ton, and Master of the Novices, Sir. Jo. Warner Barronet, Richard Ashby being sick of the Gout would not go, but out of the Se­minary of St. Omers went Sir. Robert Brett Barronet, Father Poole, Edward Nevil, there were in all with the Deponent about nine or ten, who met in London, about Consultation with Thomas Whitebread, Father Hartcourt Senior and Junior, John Fenwick, Father Longworth, William Morgan, John Keines, Father Lovel, Father Ireland, John Blundel, Richard Strange, Father Micho, Fa­ther Gray, and others to the number of fifty Jesuits, met at the White horse Tavern in the Strand, where they plotted their de­signes for the Society, and ordered Father John Gray (who was always there) to go Procurator for Rome, all which consultations they held in May, 1678. The Deponent was present to at­tend [Page 13] the consultory, and did their concerns from Company to Company, some met at Mr. Saunders house in Wildstreet, others at Mr. Fenwicks, at Mr. Ayres house in Drury Lain, others at Mr. Ireland's in Russel-street near Covent-Garden and other places, all which though in several Companies did contrive the death of the King, in order to which Papers were sent from Compa­ny to Company, which the Deponent did carry containing their opinion of the business and the manner how it was to be done, and within three or four days after, the Deponent went to St. Omers with the Fathers, who came from the other side of the water.

29. Item that on the 10. of June Stilo Novo, came Tho. White Provincial of St. Omers, and in order to visit his Colledges in Flanders and Germany, and in his Chamber of the tenth day, when the Deponent with Richard Ashbey were present, he told the said Ashbey and the Deponent, that he hoped to see the Fool at Whitehall laid fast enough, and that the Society need not fear, for he (that is the King) is grown—and would hear no complaint against them, and if the Duke should see his face in the least manner to follow his Brothers foot steps, his pasport was made to lay him asleep.

30. Item that the said Thomas Whitebread, on the Thirteenth of June, did tell the Rector of St. Omers, that there was a Mi­nister of the Church of England, that had Scandalously and base­ly put out the Jesuits Morals in England, and had indevoured villanously to render them odious to the people, and asked the said Rector whether the Deponent might possibly know him, and the Rector not knowing called the Deponent, who heard these words as he stood at the door, wherein being entred, the Pro­vincial asked the Deponent, if he knew him that was the Au­thor of the Jesuits Morals, his Person but not his Name: The said Thomas Whitebread demanded then, whether the Deponent would undertake to Poyson or Assassmate the said Author, which the Deponent undertook to do, and to have 500 l. reward promised him by the Provincial, and appointed to return to England, and the De­ponent doth further testify, that at the same time, the said Pro­vincial did in his Chamber say, that he and the Society in Lon­don, would procure Dr. Stillingfleet to be knockt in the head, and also Poole the Author of Synopsis criticorum, for writing something against them.

31. Item That Richard Ashbey Rector of St. Omers, being ill that evening with the Gout and Stone (viz) the 15. of June, he desired the company of the Deponent, and did tell him, that Father Warren now Rector of the Jesuits Colledge in Leige, did when he was Procurator at Paris, Reconcile the late Lord Chan­celor Hide to the Church of Rome, upon his Death-bed, which words were occasioned by the Deponents taking notice that the late Dutches of York (the Lord Chancelors Daughter) dyed a Papist, and the Deponent, when he heard the said Ashbey speak these words, replyed, that he never had heard any thing of the return of the Lord Chancellor, answer was made that the said Ashbey was certain that the Lord Chancellor was reconciled by the said Warren.

32. That the 23 of June Stilo Novo, in the afternoon the De­ponent, had express order presently to repair to Callis, and then take the Packet Boat, and so away for England, to attend the motions of the Fathers in London, till he had orders from the Provincial to the contrary, and gave the Deponent four pounds for his Charges, and promised him 80 l. for service already done, for the Society in Spain and elsewhere, and the Deponent saith that night he parted for Callis, where he met four Jesuits bound for London, on Fryday they all took Boat, on Saturday they arri­ved at Dover, where they met John Fenwick, who had brought Students to Dover, to transport them to St. Omers. The Depo­nent saith further that the four Jesuits, John Fenwick (who went at Dover by the name of Mr. Tompson) and himself took Coach, and that at Burton six miles this side Canterbury, the Coach was stopt and a Box was seized, of the said John Fenwicks, by the Searchers of the place, and when by them opened, in it, they found Beads, Pictures, Images, and other Agnus Dei, which were to be given by Bundles, the Catechise to Children to encourage them, to come to Catechising School, and to be Catechised by him, according there was a direction to him, fixed on the Box, to the Honorable Richard Blundel Esquire in London, which Box so seized by the said Searchers, and they had searched the Pock­ets of the said Fenwick, they had found such Letters about him, as he confessed to the Deponent, might have cost him his Life, they (calling said he) the concern in hand, but the said Let­ters the Deponent did not see.

33. Item that in the Moneth of July, Richard Ashbey came to London, with instructions from the said Thomas Whitebread, or [Page 15] White, that the 10000 l. procured by Father Leshee, and in the hands of the Society in London, should be sent into the hands of one Worsely their Banker, and that the said Richard Ashbey, with other Fathers, should agree with Sir George Wakeman, about the Poysoning the King, and if that he would undertake it, he should have 10000 l. which the said Richard Ashbey told the Deponent, shewing him the said instructions, by way of memorandum, in writing, in the which memorandum was contained, an Item given by the said Thomas Whitebread, to the said Richard Ashbey, for the assassination of the Right Reverend Father in God Herbert, Lord Bishop of Hereford, and for that the said had been educa­ted in the Popish Religion, and was fallen, and they were resol­ved that they would not spare any Apostate from the Roman Faith; the said Richard Ashbey asked the Deponent, whether the said Bishop was a forward man against Catholicks, to which the Deponent not knowing the said Lord Bishop, said, he could not tell, and the said Ashbey did say, the times now being ready to Change, they would be ready to punish Apostates, but all those Hereticks, that had obstinately opposed the proceedings of the Society, and their Agents in propagating the Faith and interest of the Church of Rome, a just reward for their obstinacy and A­postacy, and though the Parliament had taken away the Act for Burning Hereticks, yet they should not escape the vengeance of Catholicks.

34. Item That in the Moneth of July, 1678. Richard Strange late Provincial of the Jesuits, came to the Lodging of Mr. Ri­chard Ashbey, who before he went down to the Bath, lay in the new Provincials Lodgings at Mr. Saunders his house, and finding the Deponent with the said Ashbey, did desire him, the Depo­nent to meet him at his Chamber, at Mr. John Groves in York-street, and after a very short stay with him, took his leave of the said Ashbey, and the Deponent, took his leave also and followed the said Strange, and got to his Chamber presently after him, where the said Strange did encourage the Deponent, to go on in assisting the Society, in carrying on the design, and thereupon told the Deponent, that they got 14000 l. by the Fire in London, in 1666. the Deponent asked the said Strange, how they came to Effect that great and famous Work, the said Strange replyed, that himself, one Gray, one Pennington, and one Burton Jesuits, and some others, with one Kinmash a Dominican, Joyned with one Green, that met at one Mr. Wests house at the Green Dragon at Puddle-Dock, the said West was a Taylor, whom they imploy­ed [Page 16] to make them some Cloaths, and there they did debate the manner about the Firing the City, and where they should begin, and did attempt it in February 1664/5. But then not being provi­ded with assistance enough, lost that good opportunity; because Downe and he being afraid to be killed, ran away. This was the greatest Plunder of one sort they got, (as the said Strange inform­ed the Deponent) there was a 1000. Carrats of Diamonds rapt in several Papers, for several Goldsmiths; but they were con­veyed by the first opportunity to St. Omers: The Deponent ask­ed Strange how One Man should trust them with so much Goods, and never One Man had so much Jewels at once. The said Strange said, he could not tell that; but certain it was they met with them, and sold them for 3500 l. sterling in Flanders, and had a Fish Dinner into the Bargain, at the Salutation Tavern in Holbourn, at the return of the Money. The Deponent asked Strange, how the Fire began: The Deponent farther asked Strange how many servants the Society imployed; and he said about 80. or 86. he could not tell which, he the said Strange said far­ther, that indeed they were resolved to have Cut off the King, when at work in Person about the Fire; but then they were not got secure of the Duke, who was then but a well-wisher of theirs; and besides▪ they seeing the King so Industrious, they could not find in their Hearts do it. Whilst this discourse in hand, a Gen­tlewoman knockt at the Door, and so we broke off; being Nine of the Clock, and ended at almost Eleven in the Forenoon, and the Deponent went to his Lodging in Drury-lane.

35. Item, That Richard Ashbey, the day before he went down to the Bath, which was in July, had a Conference with Father Hartcourt, Father Fenwick, Father Ireland, Father Keines, Father Strange, Father Jenison, Father Blundel, and others of the Society, by Order of the Provincial, to send new Messengers into Scotland, to promote the Commotion there, and to informe the People of the great Tyranny they lye under; by reason of their being de­nied the liberty of their Consciences, and that not to be procured but by the Sword: they must take that course to purchase their Liberty; by which means (said the Fathers thus assembled) we shall weaken both the Presbyterian, and the Episcopal party: at which Conference the said Deponent was present, and heard these words.

36. Item, That in July the said Richard Ashbey went down to Bath, in Order to his being Cured for the Gout; and the Morn­ing [Page 17] that he went away, the Deponent being in the Chamber, to take his leave of him, Father Hartcourt Rector of Lond [...]n came to him, and told him that if after he left the Bath, he would make a little progress into Sommersetshire, to informe those of the Society of the design, it would do well; and withal desired the said Ashbey to hasten to Town, after he had finished the said Information, which the Deponent did hear.

37. Item, That on the First of August, Letters from Thomas Whitebread, bearing Date the 22. of July, to John Fenwick, in which it was expressed; that if 10000 l. would not do, he would have 15000 l. should be proposed for the effecting of the Kings death; and that 150000 l. should be proposed to Sir George Wakeman, if he should refuse the 10000 l. But whether Sir George hath been Treated about the Concern, the Deponert cannot as yet inform in this Article; but Sir George was divers times in Ashbey's Company, as the Deponent was informed by the said Ashbey; and saw the Letters sent to John Fenwick, Three days after, which was the Fourth of August, 1678.

Item, That Letters arrived in London, bearing Date, the Fifth of August, 1678. from Thomas White Provincial, to John Fenwick, from St. Omers, in the which, he did inform the Fathers, that he had made his Visit within his promise; and that he Ordered Twelve Jesuits to go for Holland, and Inform the Dutch, that the Prince of Orange did intend to Assume the Crown of a King, and that he was resolved to bring them under another Govern­ment; which Missioners took their leave of the said Thomas White, on Ignatius's day, the 31. of July; but got no further than Wat­ton, by reason of a Mischance they met withal in the way; by which Missioners the said Thomas White, did design to beget in the Dutch an evil Opinion of the Prince of Orange, and to cause a Commotion there against the Prince: Which Letter, the Depo­nent saw, and read in Fenwicks Chamber, the Eleventh of Au­gust, 1678.

39. Item, That another Letter of the Master of the Augustins came to Blundel, and because the Thames was Frozen over, and the Sickness coming on, they altered their purpose, and in Janu­ary 1675/6. they met with this Green again, who closed with them in their design; and that they might Ingratiate themselves the more with him, furnished him with Thirty Pound (he being Poor, yet they found him an Active Man, and fit for their purpose) [Page 18] and the more to ingage the said Green, they pretended to hold many Fifth-Monarchy Mens Principles; which when Green per­ceived (Judging them too zealous) brought them acquainted with Eight others, who were zealous in the business. The afore­said Jesuits, were earnest to have the business done in February, before the return of the Inhabitants to London: But the said Green intreated them to suspend that resolution; because that they should be the sooner discovered, and such a design must have an uproar; and besides that the King would not be much in Town (if at all) until the Plague was more abated; whom the said Green did say must be Cut off too, when the People were in a hurry, by reason of the Fire; and this Motion pleased the Jesuits and Dominicans well; and it was put off in a very little time after the said Green, and the rest of the Fifth-Monarchy Men, together with those Four Jesuits above named; and the Domi­nicans were suspected by the said West, that kept the house at Puddle-dock, and were forewarned the said house; and presently after Green and his Eight acquaintance were clapt up in Prison: But for what the said Strange did not tell the said Deponent up­on the Imprisonment of these Nine Persons. The said Jesuits did go to St. Omers, and remain there till May, after the Execution of Eight of these aforesaid Persons (Green dying in Newgate) one Fitz-Gerard an Irish Man and Jesuit, and one Neal of White-Chappel did write to this Strange, as the said Strange informed the Deponent, that none of the Fathers names were mentioned in the business of these men, and thought they might safely re­turn so. In the latter part of May, they set forth for England, and got to London the beginning of June, and then concealing their Names and Lodgings, they began afresh to consult about this Fire, which was still carried on by the Jesuits in London, in the absence of the said Persons, and it was plotted by them in the Fire-time, to Cut off the King, that the number of the Beast might be accomplished (in the uttering of which words, the said Strange broke out into a great Laughter) but said the said Strange; To be short, we got 50. or 60. Jesuits to ply the work, and one Everard was very diligent in preserving the Fire-Balls, which they had made, and put into Granada-shells; and the more to Palliate this, they procured this Everard a Place in the Kings Service, to look after the Ammunition that was to be carried down to the Fleet, it being in the time of the First Dutch War; and the said Strange told the Deponent that great Attempts we made at the Tower, but without effect. But said Strange to the return, ordering our Affairs, we were also in Fee with several [Page 19] French men; who, also were faithful in the business; and all things being ready, and the place pitched upon, Strange removes his Quarters, and got to lye in a house in Fanchurch-street, and went by the name of Walker; this he did in August, 1666. and with him he took the aforesaid Kinmash the Dominican together with Pennington and Purton, who lay at an Apothecaries house in Shooe-lane, &c. Fitz-Gerrard lay at Neales in Whitechappel; but Neale was one to see the Fire carried on through Thames-street, and so to the Tower. In a word, the said Strange told the De­ponent, they spent 700. Fire-Balls; and when the Fire-Merchants were at work, then others (both Men and Women) were at work to Plunder what they could; and that they had a Ware­house in Wildstreet, where some things so plundered were laid, and other things they concealed in Sommerset-house, as Holland, Cambrick, Fine Cloth, and some considerable quantities of Plate, and a Box of Jewels, the Owners gave their Men to carry away, and ordered his Servant to go along with him; but they having increased their number ordered the Servant to be knocked down by the Fathers in London, for not giving an account of what progress they made, or to be made in the proposals to Sir George Wakeman; and how he refused it, if made, and if not, to do it; for it would not be convenient to deferr it, and told them that Ireland was safely▪ arrived at St. Omers: Who only told that the King was ve­ry secure; and therefore he the Provincial, admonished them to be very vigilant; which Letter, the said Blundel shewed the Deponent, the 19. of August, 1678.

40. Item, That another Packet of the 15. of August, from St. Omers, from Thomas White Provincial, to Father John Fenwick; in the which were Letters inclosed to Father Jenison, Father Hart­court and others, which Letters he did not see; but that to Fen­wick the Deponent saw and read; and in it the said Thomas White did write, that he hoped that the Figure 365. should lie as low as ever 666. did; and that if Poyson did not take the King a­way, Fire should, for the Catholick Religion would never flourish, unless I. H. S. took its Course. Now the Deponent saith, that the Figure 365. is meant Westminster, and by 666. London; it be­ing the Character or Cypher for those places; and the Letters I. H. S. Jesuits, they using it always.

41. That the Deponent was informed by John Fenwick, and o­thers of the Society then in his Chamber; that the Jesuits had 60000 l. per annum good Rents, and 100000 l. in Bank; that he and the rest of the Society, have in the name of their several [Page 20] Trustees, lent Money out at 5 l. per cent, the improvement of which Money in Bank, is used about these practices, and that it costeth them 400 l. per annum, for intelligence, besides their day­ly Messengers (on which vast summs of Money are spent) and besides, an other part is transported beyond-Sea, by Bills of Ex­change, which the Deponent (in a very great part) knoweth himself to be true, and of the rest, they themselves have inform­ed him several times, all which tends much to the dammage of the Kingdom.

42. Item, That on Munday 5/15 of August, Father Hartcourt, John Keines, John Fenwick, and another of the Society (whose names the Deponent remembers not) did say, they intended to raise a commotion in England and Wales, which also did appear by several Letters, which the Deponent did see and read, the Date whereof the Deponent doth not know, nor now well re­member, but he saw them in August.

43. Item, That Two New Messengers were sent into Scotland, on the Fifth of August, one by the name of Father More, the other Father Saunders alias Brown, with instructions to carry themselves like Presbyterian Ministers, and to Preach to the dis­affected Scots, and the necessity of taking up the sword, for the defence of liberty of Conscience, these the Deponent saw dispatch­ed, and ordered to go by Father Hartcourt, in the name of Tho. White Provincial.

44. Item, They have several times communicated (and doe still) what they have revealed to them of the Kings Secrets: Which they purchase by giving Money, and then send them o­ver to Leshee the French Kings Confessor, and the Deponent hath seen several particulars (as others pretend) how the King stands affected to War or Peace, and this they do by one Smith, who dayly lurketh about Whitehall and Westminister Hall, in time of Parliament, and is (as he saith) in Fee with the Clerks of the Parliament, who gives him the intelligence, and with the Clerks and Officers, of his Majesties Privy Council, and Cabinet Coun­cil. The Deponent saith further, that one Coleman doth assist this Smith with private intelligence, as John Keines Jesuit, and this Smith have told this Deponent, several times in the Moneths of July and August. 1678.

45. Item, That these Jesuits drive several Trades in Town, as [Page 21] Merchants, Tobacconists, Gold-Smiths, Scriveners, and by means of the last, come to the knowledge of several Estates, of several Persons of Quality, and other Scriveners of their Religion and Practices, by which they take an estimate of the strength of the Nation, as this Deponent was informed by John Keines in August, and 'tis probable their Scriveners have great Imployment.

46. Item, That on Fryday the Ninth of August, Came Letters of the Sixteenth Ditto, by an especial Messenger from Thomas White Provincial, and subscribed by the Fathers of St. Omers, in which, he and they did rejoyce very much, that Sir George Wake­man had taken the business into his hands, and if he did it the 15000. pound should be paid, but ordered that Pickering and his companion honest William, should not desist their endeavoring to Assassinate the Kings Person, which Letters, the Deponent read and asked Fenwick, how the Provincial came to understand that Sir. George had undertaken the business, he the said Fen­wick told the Deponent, that he had dispatched a special Messen­ger away, to give him notice, and that the said Messenger brought this Answer, and withal said Fenwick, it cost at least Ten Pound to give him word of it.

47. Item, That one Wil. Berry (now a secular Priest,) that had formerly been a Jesuit, because that the said Berry had writ­ten, and was about to Print some sheets of Paper, in vindicati­on of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and in it persua­ded Roman Catholicks, to a more charitable complyance with the Protestants; Bazil Longworth and others did offer it to the Deponent, to kill the said Berry, and if he durst not do it him­self, to procure some others to do it, assuring the Deponent, who ever did it should have a pardon. This was proposed August the Ninth 1678.

48. That on the Ninth of August in the Evening, in the Cham­ber of John Keines Jesuit, in Warkwickstreet, where John Fenwick a Jesuit, and the Deponent were together, there came one Richard Heath, a Lay Brother of the Jesuits, who after some discourse, of the design of Killing the King, did say he was a Bastard, and indeavored to Rule by the Sword, which words the Deponent did hear, and so did Keines and Fenwick, and replyed one after another in the hearing of the Deponent, that the Bastard should not trouble the World long.

49. That on the 10/20 August, the Deponent did meet with John Groves, In Wild-street in the afternoon (as near as he remem­bers) about Five a Clock, and Groves having made several promises to the Deponent, to give an account of South-wark Fire in 1676. The said Groves took the Deponent into Wild-house Garden, and and thus began, he said, that he had certain Fire-works made for that very purpose, and he and Three Irish Men more, that were his assistants, went into the Burrow, and not finding an opportunity, went to St. Margarets Hill, where they found an Oyl-shop, which the said Groves bragged he Fired; the De­ponent asked Groves, how he came acquainted with these Three Irish Men, he said his acquaintance was not much, but they were procured by Foggerly an Irish Doctor: For which the Society Ri­chard Strange Provincial, gave him and his Assistants 1000 l. Viz. 400 l. for him, and 200 l. a piece for the Irish, and the said Groves told the Deponent, that the Society got at least 1000 l. in the Fire, which was also told the Deponent another time by Richard Strange.

50. That on the 15. of August (Sunday) this Deponent saw Letters from St. Omers, Ditto vvritten by Father Ireland, in the name of the Provincial Thomas Whitebread, to John Fenwick, in which Letter (by the contents thereof) there was Letters to John Keines, Mr. Jenison, Blundel and others, which the Deponent did not see, but in that to John Fenwick it was specified, what diligence was used in Ireland by the Jesuits there, for the de­struction of the Duke of Ormond, and for the procuring another demonstration of zeale, for the promoting of the Catholick Re­ligion, and interest in that Kingdom, and that which arts would not effect, the Sword should, to the great vexation of the Pro­testants there, and he intimated to the greatest joy he had, that there was yet hopes, the disaffected Scots would not lay aside their endeavors for, and after the defence of their Liberties and Religion, and that the Catholicks in Scotland, had promised to use their Utmost Indeavors to keep up the Commotion there, and the said Father Ireland, bad the said Father Fenwick to exhort the Fathers there, to be earnest in their design, for now was the time that the English Nation, was to be reduced. And further more, ordered (in the name of the Provincial) that Letters should be written to all the Societies in England, that they make it their business, to incourage their friends to braveness of mind, for that God had hitherto given them such a hopeful Prospect of things, and that no opportunity on his part should be lost, and that they [Page 23] In London (if they thought fit to communicate these things) that they should have a care, that they did it not to more then one at a time, least they should be bafled in their Enterprise, which Letter (when read by the Deponent) Fenwick to whom the Let­ter was directed, told the Deponent, it was his duty to offer up a Mass or Two, that God would prosper the design of these Ho­ly endeavors of the Society, to promote the Catholick Religion and Faith, and told the Deponent further, that if he lived till Christmas, he should see a good change of things, either that 48. should be taken from the World (or the World, especially that little World he was concerned in) should be taken from him, and that one that was a Catholick should play such a Game, as ne­ver was play'd since the Conquest. All which the said Fenwick, told the Deponent in his Chamber, and the Deponent asked the said Fenwick, who this Catholick was, and the said Fenwick said it was the [...] and the Deponent said 48. is put for the King.

51. Item, on the 21. of August in the Evening, the Deponent went to the Lodging of John Keines, where he found another Je­suit with him (whose name this Deponent remembers not) in whose presence the said John Keines told the Deponent, that his Provincial had taken great care, for keeping alive the differen­ces between the disaffected Scots, and Duke Lautherdale, and that the Affairs in Ireland went on with great expedition, and that meanes was now used, to create a difference between the Dutch and Prince of Orange, and if it could be effected, there was no question to be made, but that the Protestant interest would fail in Holland, and that 48. would not last long in England, for that it was high time to hinder 49. from being effected, that Barley Broath trade should grow dead, and Twelve be cut off; that Mum and Chocholate should be put down, and the order of Mag­pies should be turned into their first institution and habit, now the Deponent saith these words to hinder 49. to be effected, is an odd expression amongst them, for the cutting off the King, be­fore he be 49. Years Old compleat, Barly Broath is the House of Commons, which shall be turned out, and sit no more, Mum and Chocholate is Protestant persons which if not destroyed, shall never have any vote in the House of Peers after this Kings death, and by the Magpies they understand the Bishops, whose habit in Parliament is Black and White, which shall be turned into Pur­ple, whilst the said Keines and the other Jesuit entertained this Deponent with these Treasonable discourses and expressions, Mr. [Page 24] Jenison came to the said Keines, and told him he lost a Letter, which he had received from Thomas White the Provincial of St. Omers in a Walk he took to Islington, and would give Ten Pound to any friend that would give it to him, and was afraid some in­conveniencies would follow, if found by some Heretick; which words put the said Keines into such a Consternation, that he ask­ed him if he had a mind to ruin them all; but then the said Je­nison bad the said Keines to be quiet, for none could under­stand it, which word this Deponent did likewise hear.

52. Item, That Mr. Keines was on the Twelfth day of August, determined to go to Windsor, in Order to settle business therein, and towards the dispatching 48. at Windsor, if the King should go thither; and it was Judged the said 48. would in few days go to Windsor, to make his abode there for some Weeks; but the said John Keines told this Deponent he might chance to fall short of his return again; these words were spoken to the Deponent by John Keines in his Chamber; but the said Keines did not then go down to Windsor so soon, as afterwards appeared to the De­ponent.

53. Item, That Smith within mentioned, that lyeth in Drury-Lane, at one Mr. Lowdes house a Taylor, in Cock-pit Alley in the aforesaid Lane; and is also imployed to go from House to House, to see how the Catholicks stand affected, and Mr. Jenison did say, that if the Catholicks had Courage enough, they might Rise and Cut the Throats of 100000. Protestants in London; of which ex­pression of Jenison, the said Smith did tell the Deponent, asking his Opinion also of the same; he answered, that Mr. Jenison talk­ed like a Person that had more heat than light. The said Smith did at the same time tell the Deponent, that the Society gave him Five Pound per cent. for his Intelligence he getteth at Court of the Kings Actions, words, and Council, and transmits the same to John Fenwick, who doth the like to St. Omers; where it is Translated into French, and so goes to Father Leshee the Con­fessor to the French King; which daily Intelligence, the Depo­nent did daily see from the said Smith, he Lodging in the same house with the Deponent, and the said Smith at the same time did tell the Deponent he was a Lay Brother of the Society of Jesus, of the Order of Politicians, as they term it, and attends Father Blundel to Newgate, in Order to Convert the Prisoners there: All which the said Smith did tell the Deponent, the 12. of August; and likewise the said Blundel did tell as much to the [Page 25] Deponent, who hath seen the said Blundel and Smith go to New­gate together.

54. Item, That one Matthew Medbourn a Player in the Dukes Theatre, one Mr. Penny, Mr. Mammock, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Shedon, and one Willim Smith a Schoolmaster at Islington, one Edward Everard, and others meeting in a Club on Thursday and Sunday Nights, with one Jones a Priest, and one Kinmash within mentio­ned: All these Persons are employed by the Jesuits to Villifie the House of Commons, and to go about the City of London, to In­cense the people against them, and against the Bishops of the Nation; and they delivered this Treasonable Position, that the Commons Assembled in Parliament, are the Devils representa­tives and not the Nations; which Treasonable and detestable words, this Deponent did hear at the said Club, which is kept in Fullers Rents near Grays Inn, in the Month of August; and the Deponent was Ordered by the Jesuits in London, to give the said Persons great respect, and in their Names to thank the Club for their faithfulness to them in that Particular.

55. Item, That Mr. Jenison on the Twelfth of August, did say, and did boast that he had put several out of Love with the Kings Interest, and would so continue, if that the King did not Turn Roman Catholick; and if the King did not become Roman Ca­tholick, he would not be Charles Rex long.

56. Item, That a Pacquet 10/20. August, arrived in London, from Thomas White Provincial, Mr. Stapleton, Mr, Nevil, Mr. Peters, Mr. Busby Procurator, and Master of the Humanity Schools, to John Fenwick, in which it was specified that the Twelve Jesuits were gone into Holland, and would use their skill and interest to make a Commotion there; and that the Apple-tree which the Deponent saith, is meant the Prince of Orange should not be Great, and they hoped the Fathers in London would follow their business closely, which Letters this Deponent saw and read.

57. That a Packet went from London 12/22 August, in which the Provincial was informed by John Fenwick, and the rest, that the Court was gone, or going to Windsor, and the Fathers and honest William were ready to attend the Court, as this Deponent was informed by John Fenwick.

58. That on August the 13. in the Afternoon, about Six of the Clock a Sermon was Preached by John Keines to Twelve Persons, Men in poor habits (yet Men of Quality, as the Deponent ve­rily believes) by the whiteness of their hands: In which Sermon, he did deliver that Protestants, and other Heretical Princes were deposed (ipso facto) because such; and that it was as lawful to destroy them as Oliver Cromwel, or any other Usurper: At which Sermon the Deponent was present, not designedly, but by accident.

59. That on the 15/25 of August, John Keines, and John Fenwick went to a Gentlemans Lodging, in or about Westminster, and perswaded him to remove his Quarters, least God destroyed him with the sinners of the City, for God had raised them and others of their Society, to do such things against the City, that would make a mans Eares to ring that should hear it. The same Eve­ning Keines and Fenwick told the Deponent the Story, and laugh­ed to think in what affright they had put the Gentleman into, whose name they named but cannot be called to mind by the Deponent.

60. Item, That John Keins came to the Lodging of this De­ponent on Saturday the 17. of August, and told him it was en­deavoured to dispatch 48. at Windsor, if possible, and withall told the Deponent that Mr. Howard Prior of the Benedictines, Hilch­cock Sub-prior, and Skinner, and Mr. Cook, and some other Benedictines had promised to assist them with 6000 l. in order to the carrying on the design: Now the said Monks did then by, at or near the Wardrobe behind the Savoy; which report the said Keines the Deponent did believe; for that the said Mr. Howard Prior, and Hilchcock Sub-prior of the Benedictines, told the De­ponent in the Morning, the 17. of August, that they had pro­mised such a Sum, and withall that the securing his Majesties Person, in flight from Worcester, was the worst days work that ever simple Jack Huddleston did in all his life time, but now it was the time of their business, to get the Stewarts out of the way; which the Deponent related to John Keines, and he the said John Keines did tell the Deponent, if he would undertake to assist in dispatching the King, he should be well rewarded, if not here, in Heaven; and the Deponent replyed, that he never shot off a Gun in all his life, and withall told the said Keines, he could not be guilty of such a thing for all the world: Then the said Keines [Page 27] did further Inform the Deponent, that Mr. Coniers a Benedictine Monk, was resolved to pursue the design of dispatching 48. (which is the King) which appears to be evidently true to the Deponent; for he heard Coniers on the 14. of August, Lay a Wa­ger of One Hundred Pounds with a Gentleman (not known to the Deponent) in the Benedictine Covent, behind the Savoy, that the King should not Live to Eat any more Christmas Pyes, of which Wager Ten Guineys were by each party deposited in the hands of Mr. Hilchcock Sub-Prior; so that the Deponent said to Keines, he told him no more of Coniers than he heard from him­self the 14. Ditto. But the Deponent before he parted with Keines, asked him what News about the Town, and the said Keine told the Deponent, that all the News was War with the French; the said Keines did say, if that prove true, then have at the Rogues the House of Commons, they shall be remembred for all their Long Bills against the Catholicks. The Deponent replyed, that with submission he thought that the revenge proposed against them, would not do the business; and therefore not a resolution consistent with a Catholick Spirit; for the enterprise will be more Noble and Martial, and the Deponent urged he feared the death of the King would not scarcely do the business, and effect the design, unless His Royal Highness would pardon those that did that Act, and stand by them in it. To which the said Keines replyed, that the Duke was not the strength of their trust; for they had ano­ther way to effect the setting up the Catholick Religion; for when they had dispatched the King, they had a List of Twenty Thousand Catholicks in London, that were substantial Persons, fit to bear Arms, that would Rise in Twenty Four hours time and less; and if James would not comply with them to Plot, he must go also; it being late in the Night, The said Keines prayed the Deponent to come to his Chamber at Eight of the Clock next Morning, and he would have an hours discourse with him, before he said Mass; and being about to take his leave of the Depo­nent, asked the Deponent what he meant by those words, could not be guilty of such a thing, as to assist in dispatching the King, there being no guilt in the thing. The Deponent smiled, and said, he would not be guilty of so much Courage: Besides, the Deponent saith, that he told the said Keines, that it was his O­pinion, that it would be more safe to let Sir George Wakeman try his skill, and then the People would not apprehend it so much.

61. Item, That he went to Keines Chamber on the 18. in the Morning, about Eight or Nine of the Clock; but he was gone abroad, and left word that the Deponent should come at Four in the Afternoon, and then he would have some Discourse with him; and the Deponent went accordingly, but met Mr. Keines in the Mewse, who said he was to meet some of the Fathers in Covent Garden, and there would meet them some Dominicans; so would have the Deponent go along with them, and coming to the appointed house, the Dominicans were ready met, these (viz.) Mr. Vincent Provincial of the Order of St. Dominick in England, Joseph Davies, Kinmash, Mr. Dominick, Mr. Collins, Mr. Fidding, Mr. Mansell and Mr. Launsdale, as they said in the Name of all the rest of the Order in England, to consider and comply with the Fathers of the Society, to propagate the Catholick Faith, and when John Keines was sat with the Fathers of the So­ciety by him (all on a side) John Keines, Father Hartcourt, Fa­ther Fenwick, Father Wright, and Father Blundel; the said John Keines propounded to the Dominicans, to contribute to the de­sign of killing the King, and carrying on the business in England and Scotland. The Dominicans answered by their Provincial, that they were Poor, and not able to do much; for they had but little or no money, but they would let them have their personal assistance and Councel, and procure what Interest they could; but as for money they could not part with any, for they were in Debt, and had scarce Four hundered pound in Stock, and the most they could make of their Estates, is Three hundered and sixty pound per annum; at which Consultation the Deponent was to and fro, and what was more said, the Deponent cannot tell, for he was sent with the Proposals made to the Dominicans, to the Carmelites Doctor Hanson, and Kemball, and Mr. Trevers, and they said they had not One Penny in Stock, nor any Income, besides the Spanish Embassadors Allowance, for assisting in his Chappel: They by the Deponent did present their Service to the Fathers met together, and bad him tell them their prayers to God and our Blessed Lady should not be wanting: all which was acted by Order of the Provincial of the Society.

62. Item, the Deponent went to see John Fenwick, on the 19. of August in the afternoon, and whilst he was there, in comes John Keines, and presently after him Richard Blundel, after Salu­tation past they asked the Deponent what news, he answered he had heard none, but what was in the Gazett, then Blundel [Page 29] said, he had been with his Work-men and they wanted Oyle (what the meaning of this is, the Deponent cannot positively tell,) but believes it was Sheeps Fat; for the said Blundel, would not tell the Deponent his meaning by it, when asked: Then the Deponent asked of Keines when he was for Windor, he replied the Court was scarcely setled as yet, but said, Mr. Coniers and Mr. Anderton were to go down on the Morrow, August the 20. and in the Morning. And if they did any thing as to the business in hand, it would hasten his going down, and therefore as yet could not certainly tell; when the Deponent asked further how honest William did, Keines replied he was troubled with a sore Throat, and very bad with it, that he could not ride to Windsor, and it would be dangerous for him to go by Water, and that cold would be contracted, and he rendred unfit for service. Then the Deponent took his leave of them, if being near Six of the Clock in the afternoon, and went to the Monks Convent, and enquired there of one Rumley a Lay Brother of the Orders, for Mr. Coniers, who said he was not within, yet not far off, yet not to be spoken withal, for he was with some of the Benedictine Fathers about business, and on the Morrow Morning was to go out of Town betimes. So the Deponent left him, and being but a little way from the place met Coniers, who laughing, said, the Roone Still People were fools to set upon The King 48. at Windsor, because he was sel­dome in a posture to receive their kindness, but he would see his Worship, and talk with him in some other Language. Gun-powder. Then Formillio, the Deponent asked him, how he replyed, that if the Shirt on his back knew he would Burn it; if that should not take effect, no means or opportunity should be neglected, in order to the dis­patch of 48; he further told the Deponent he was in hast, his time short, and business great, but told the Deponent, honest William, and Pickering should stay in Town, seeing the Person concerned was hic & Ʋbique, never long in one place.

63. Item, That on Tuesday the 21 of August, a consult was held by the Jesuits then in London, with certain Benedictine Monks, about a Letter received from the Arch-bishop of Dubline Talbot, to the Fathers of the Society, in which they were given to un­derstand, that Four Irish Jesuits, had undertaken the death of the Duke of Ormond, and upon his death the Irish were ready to rise, and in his Letter told them, that a Legate was arrived in Ireland, from the Pope, and that he had asserted the Popes right [Page 30] to that Kingdom, and that the Kings of England ceasing from being Roman Catholicks, were no longer concerned therein, being given them during the good pleasure of his Holiness, and there­fore did incourage the said Arch-Bishop to contrive and use all means for the Recovery of that Kingdom out of the hands of the English; and in the said Letter it was mentioned, that if oppor­tunities did not permit, the said Jesuits to do their business, that they should send over one Dr. Foggarlie, now lodging at Mr. Sym­monds, the Widow of Symmonds and Apothecary, and that he and the Fathers in Ireland, together with the said Foggerlie, would find out an expedient way, for the death of the said Duke of Ormond. Furthermore, he did specifie, that they had procured several Irish to be made Commissioned Officers, in the Garrisons in Ireland, and that he, and the rest had dispenced with them, to take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; and that the Irish, that had so gotten Commissions by the Arch-bishops means, had promised to betray their interest into their hands, when the business should be ripe, and therefore desired the Fathers to be diligent in England, as he and the rest of the Clergy were in Ire­land, which Letter John Keines did shew to, and read to this De­ponent, Keines and Blundel giving this Deponent an account of the consultation, also Foggerlie did tell the same to the Deponent, on the 21. of August, and that he had great Interest in the Court of Ireland.

64. Item, That the said Foggerly is a main Agent, in this Hel­lish Plot, and hath promised, if the Arch-bishop Talbot will make use of him, he will do him all the Service he can, as the Depo­nent is ready to justifie, to the face of the said Foggerlie, who did tell the Deponent, that himself and Coleman were in the Con­sult, when Wakeman was contracted withal in order to Poyson the King, and said, if he had the interest in the King that Wake­man had, he would have undertaken it himself, and all this was told the Deponent, on the 21 of August in Foggerlies Chamber. And furthermore, the said Foggerlie did then and there tell the Deponent, that he had hired Four Irish Russians whose names he did neither tell the Consulters that met that day nor the De­ponent, and they were to mind the Kings posture at Windsor, but the Deponent telling the said Foggerlie, he heard the King was gone to Porch-mouth, he was wonderfully troubled, by reason (as the said Foggerlie did say) it did much impede their de­sign, and nothing would be attempted, as long as absent from Windsor.

65. Item, That the Lord Embassador at the Court of Spain, Sir William Godalphin; holdeth great correspondency, with Jerom Sinman the Irish Jesuit before mentioned, Procurator for the Je­suits in England and Ireland, also with the Arch-bishop of Tuam now at Madrid,—as is a friend in his business, as the said Sin­man did inform the Society in a Letter of the 30, of July, 1678 Stilo Novo. And likewise in one to the Deponent, wherein he did specifie that Sir. William was as industrious as any one could be, to answer the expectations of the Society, and that he had one Protestant Servant and his Chapline in the House (viz.) the the Cook which makes a couple, and the Deponent knows that Godolphin is a Papist, and has perverted a Kinsman of his own, also the Deponent knoweth the Embassador is very familiar with the Irish Jesuits, the Arch Bishop Tuam and Sinman, and the De­ponent doth verily believe, that Mr. Hodges sometimes Chaplain to the Lord Embassador; if required testifie as much: and this De­ponent further saith, that when he was at Madrid, the said Chap­lain has left his Employ, because of the Embassadors being a Pa­pist, and the Deponent hath seen the said Embassador at Mass, and hath a Jesuit that comes to his House, who reads both Phi­losophy and Divinity to the said Embassador, of which the De­ponent was perpetually informed by the said Jerom Sinman, and the said Arch-bishop of Tuam both Irish Jesuits of Madrid, but the Letters which the Deponent speaks of, he saw and read at Mr. Saunders house, August the 22 1678.

66. Item, That the 22 of August, Money was sent from the Society by a Servant of theirs, to supply the expences of the Four Russians mentioned, who were got to Windsor the 21. at Night, and the Sum sent was 80 l. which the Deponent saw told, and they have written to, and informed them, that if more was wanting they should have it, and they were bidden, not to be too frequent in one anothers Company, and always to profess but small acquaintance, which order and Money was dispatched away by Hartcourt Rector of London, in the Name of the Pro­vincial and whole Society.

67. Item, That the Deponent went to the Chamber of John Fenwick, which told him he was at St. Omers, with Ten or Ele­ven Students (as near as this Deponent remembers) there the, said Fenwick was to attend the Provincial, and with him to return in Ten or Twelve days (as he said) together with [Page 32] Micho and others. And while the Deponent was with the said Fenwick, a Messenger came in (viz.) John Groves, with Orders from Hartcourt Rector of London, John Keines, Richard Blundel, Mr. Write, Bazill Long worth, and Four other Jesuits that lie at Sommerset-house, to pray the Provincial to write to Leshee the French Kings Confessor, and let him know how well the business in Ireland stood, and desire him to acquaint the French King therewith; the Deponent asked Groves, where the Fathers were met again at Mr. Saunders house, and the Deponent after he had received the Orders or Memorial, for so it was Instituted, and saw their Names about Two of the Clock in the Afternoon, he went to the house of Mr. Saundirs, where this Deponent saw these Fathers, who told them of the said Order, and after a short stay took his leave of them, and by them was Ordered to meet them at Four of the Clock at Mr. Keines Chamber, where the Deponent met them, where he saw Doctor Foggarlie, who shew­ed him a Letter Writ to Mr. Benning field with his own hand, and likewise the Deponent saw Letters from Blundel and John Fenwick, and one from Father Ireland at St. Omers, but that of Dr. Foggarlies to Mr. Benning field did contain in it, an account of Eight Letters that were written to the Jesuits, some of which were delivered to the Post Office in Russel-street, others to the General Post Office, others sent by Private Messengers to Mr. Peters a Jesuit, who lived with Mr. Charles Shelly in Sussex, that Married the Relict of the Baron of Abergamy, the said Peters was Orde­red to meet with the Provincial at London, about the design in hand, which if it take not effect at Windsor, then speedily John Keines was to go to Windsor, to meet with Conni­ers, who was designed to go out of Town, on the 20. in­stant with Mr. Anderton to Windsor, 440. and after their business was done at Keines Chamber, the Deponent left them.

68. Item, That the Deponent being to meet Doctor Tongue, on the 22. of August, at the Kings-head in Grays-Inn-Lane, a­bout Six of the Clock at Night; accordingly he went, and find­ing the Doctor was not come, he walked into the Walks, and there he met with Coniers, who was supposed to be gone to Wind­sor: The Deponent asked how it happened he went not his Journey; he told him his Horse fell so Lame, he could scarce carry him Three Miles on the way; and he himself was troubled with the Sciatica, which had given him great trouble all the Night before. The Deponent was then urgent with him to tell [Page 33] him how he would kill the King, seeing he laughed at the Means the Fathers intended to use, (viz.) by shooting him; then said Coniers by reason of the Deponents Importunity (shew­ed him a Dagger, or a Knife Two edged) with a very sharp point, and broad towards the Haft, which was of Bucks-horn, being a Foot long in the Blade, and near half a Foot in the Haft; with this said he, shall the Villain fall to the Ground, if it be possible. Coniers demanded of the Deponent what he thought it might Cost, the Deponent answered, he could not tell. He replyed Ten Shillings or there about; the Deponent said it was too dear, and he said nothing could be too dear for the King; the Deponent asked him where he bought it: Coniers re­plyed at the Old Cutlers in Russel-street; the Deponent asked him why he made it so long; he replyed that the Villain might fall by it; the Deponent asked him how he said through his Cloak—The Deponent asked him how he could hope to escape. Coniers answered, he doubted not but to obtain a Pardon, if he were not knockt in the head on the same place; the Deponent after some short discourse, went to the Kings-head, where he met Doctor Tongue between Six and Seven of the Clock at Night.

69. That the Deponent did on the same 22. of August, about Nine at Night meet Mr. Blundel, and seeing him have a Bag, ask­ed him what he had; he replyed Tukesbury Mustard-balls, a no­table and biting Sauce, and would furnish Westminster, when he had enough of them.

70. Item, That on the 24. of August, Blundel told the Depo­nent in Fenwicks Chamber, that it would be so ordered by the Society, that the Catholicks of England would endeavour to ad­vance the design in hand, for shortning the Kings days, and bid the Deponent be of good Courage, for Protestant Religion was now on its last Legs.

71. Item, That on the Thirtieth of August, the Deponent met with the said Blundel; who told him he must shew him what Westminster, and the Houses on both sides the Water must be done withal, and carried the Deponent to Fenwicks Chamber, and there drew out a Letter-Case and Paper, in which the man­ner of Firing Westminster, and the Houses on both sides the Water must be done withal, and carried the Deponent to Fenwicks Cham­ber, Wapping, Tooly-street, Barnaby-street, and St. Thomas the A­postles were contained. First, for Westminster, if the Wind was [Page 34] Northerly, then they were to begin at the next door to the Pauls-graves-head Tavern; the Jesuits and their Agents were to carry it on to the Savoy, then the Benedictines were to carry it down on both sides to Charing-Cross, then the Jesuits and other Agents to Whitehall, and were to the end of the Stone-Gallery; another Com­pany to begin and carry it into King-street, and Channel-Row, which was first to be Acted in the great Fire 1666. But then they were not assured of the French Kings assistance, which they are now assured by Leshee the French Kings Confessor (as the said Blundel told the Deponent) at the same time Wapping, and the Ships in the River were to be burned; and in Case the Wind blew up the River, the Fire to begin at a Place near Bugbies-hole; and is to be carryed on by Four men, they have made sure of Wapping Middle-stairs; and then Four or Five more to carry it up higher. The Deponent himself with Seven more, were or­dered to ply about the Hermitage; and his business was to en­courage the Seven committed to his Care, and for his reward, One thousand pound was promised, besides Eighty pound for former service; but the Deponent saith, in that Paper was con­tained if the Wind stood contrary, they should change the Fire; at the same time others were to have the charge of Tooly-street, Barnaby, and Thomas the Apostles on the other side the Water committed to them, and the Fire is to begin on Redriff side, when it begins at Wapping, or presently after: And this is to be done when the Tides are low, that the Ships get not off from the Keys, in order to the Deponents managing that part of the Fire committed to his own care at the Hermitage; he was orde­red to remove his Lodging into Wapping as soon as Orders should be given him, and should have a Priest come to him, and say Mass in his Chamber for good success to the design; but the Deponent saith, he did not know he was to be an Agent in the business, till he saw the Paper was signed by Thomas White Pro­vincial, in the name of the whole Society.

72. Item, That the Deponent saith, that the Pope hath Issued a Bull, a Coppy of which Mr. Blundel shewed this Deponent on the 30. of August, and as near as he remembers, bares Date, November or December last; in which the Pope was pleased to Order, and dispose of the Bishopricks in England, and other Dig­nities of the same, as followeth.

• Canterbury, Cardinal Howard, with an Addition of Forty thousand Crowns per annum, for maintaining of a Le­gatine Power and Authority.
• Yorke, Perrot superior to the secular Priests, who hath Power of Probate of Wills, Licences for Marriages, and all Episcopal Jurisdiction, except Ordination and Con­firmation.

• London, Corker President of the Benedictines.
• Winchester, White Provincial of the Jesuits.
• Durham, Strange Late Provincial of the Jesuits.
• Salisbury, Doctor Godden.
• Norwich, Napper a Franciscan Fryer.
• Ely, Vincent Provincial of the Dominicans.
• Exeter, Wolfe one of the Sherbon.
• Peterborow, Gifford a Dominican.
• Lincoln, Sir John Warner Barronet, a Jesuit.
• Chichester, Morgan a Jesuit.
• Bath and Wells, Doctor Armstrong a Franciscan Fryer.
• Carlile, Wilmot a secular Priest, alias Quartermain.
• Chester, Thimbleby a secular new Cannon of Cambray.
• Hereford, Sir Thomas Preston Jesuit.
• Bristoll, Mounson a Dominican.
• Oxford, Williams Rector of Watton, and Master of the No­vices: he is to have the Denary of Chichester, and is to have Precedence over Professors in Divinity, and per­use their Lectures ere they read them in Publick.
• St. Davids, a secular Priest Benson.
• St. Asaph, Jones a secular.
• Bangor, Joseph Davis, Kinmash a Dominican.

• Of Westminster, Doctor Sheldon a Benedictine Monk.
• Of Sion house, Skinner a Benedictine.
• [Page 36]Of Canterbury, Bettum a Sorbonist.
• Of St. Pauls, Leyborn, a Secular, and Secretary to the Cardinal.
• Of Windsor, Howard with Twelve Benedictine Cannons.
• Of Chichester, Morgan a secular.

Winchester, Doctor Watkinson President of the English Colledge at Lisbourn; many Dignities of the Church not here named, are to be supplied by the Spaniards, and other Forreigners; because they have not Clergy enough to be Professors, nor are there any Prebendaries, or other Places undisposed; and in the same Bull it was ordered that the Jesuits read Philosophy and Divini­ty in all great Towns, and Places where they had Colledges, but not give Degrees; and whilst English Jesuits are imployed in Instructing in Humanity and Philosophy, and others in reading Divinity, Preaching and Catechizing, they should be supplyed by Spanish Jesuits, and other Forreigners to assist at the Altar, and in the care of the Colledges.

73. Item, That the Deponent saw the Second of September, a Pacquet out of Scotland directed to John Groves, Dated August the 20. 1678. in which the Fathers from thence met at Edenbo­rough did tell the Fathers here, that they had not much to write, but that Eighty thousand Catholicks in that Kingdom were ready to Rise and assist when the business should grow hot, and would joyn with the disaffected Scots when required by the Scotch Je­suits; and in the said Letter it was mentioned that one Westby was destroyed, by one that was Servant to one Lovel a Jesuit, for endeavouring to detect the Rebellion, with its Authors and Contrivers to the Council of Scotland.

74. Item, That the Deponent saw on the [...]/12 September, Letters of the Fourth, Stilo Novo, from St. Omers, written and subscrib­bed by Thomas Whitebread Provincial, in which was given to Blundel, to whom the Letter was directed; that Twelve Scotch Jesuits were sent into Scotland, by Order from the General of the Society, and have One thousand pound given them by Leshee the French Kings Confessor, to keep up the Commotion in Scot­land, that the French King may Land an Army in that King­dom; and that the said Jesuits, had Orders to carry them­selves like Non-Conformist Ministers amongst the Presbyterian Scots.

75. Item, That the Third of September, this Deponent saw a Letter from St. Omers, from the Provincial; but it was Dated the First of September, by which the Deponent did perceive that though the Letter was Dated from thence, it came not from thence, because it was Old Stile, and thereby did believe the Provincial was in England. Fifteenth, a Letter directed to Blundel, was specified that the Provincial was informed of some discove­ries made; at which he was somewhat surprised, and upon se­cond thoughts Ordered the said Blundel to desist the business in hand; but to write to Benningfield not to take notice what Keines said, it being but a conceit of his own, and the said Blundel did on the Third of September write to Benningfield, and did adver­tise him of the Provincials thoughts, concerning what had past about that concern; and in the Letter of the Provincial to Blun­del, it was ordered that thanks should be given to Doctor Fo­garly, for his Care in the business of 48. (the King) and for his forwardness to assist those in Ireland, and Ordered Letters to be sent thither with all speed, and give them his thanks, and tell him he would not cease to pray for their good success.

76. Item, That the Provincial came to London on the Third day at Night, and the Deponent went to his Lodging, and was ordered to wait upon him next Morning.

77. Item, That the Deponent went on the Fourth in the Morn­ing, according to the aforesaid Orders, and when the Provincial saw the Deponent; he asked him with what face he could look on him, since that he the Deponent had plaid him such a trea­cherous trick, and strook him Three Blows with his Stick, and a Box on the Ear, and charged him with being with the King, and a Minister with him; whom he suspected to have in­formed the King of these things; because that Benningfield had related in a Letter to Blundel, that the Duke of York had sug­gested some such thing to him, and did therefore Judge that it must be so by the Deponent, that must have been drawn in by some person to the same; but at last the Provincial told the De­ponent he was willing to be reconciled to him, if he would dis­cover who the person was, his Name, and place of abode; to the end he might be secured of him; and were resolved to kill him, and in the mean time the Deponent was ordered to make himself ready to go Beyond-Sea within Fourteen days (as the Provincial said) and that the Deponent might not cheat them, [Page 38] they were to pay for his Coach-hire, and ordered him entertain­ment at Sittingborne, and other places on the Road to Dover; and there Mr. Coniers at the Kings-head was to pay for his pas­sage to St. Omers, where the said Deponent was to remain till further Orders from the Provincial, and R. Blundel was to take care of carrying on the Fire at Wapping, in the Deponents Room.

78. Item, on the Sixth of September, Pickering told the Depo­nent that Coniers was gone to Windsor, and he said after Ten days stay, he would go to the Lord Brudnels House.

79. Item, That about Night the Deponent attending the Pro­vincials door, and about to go in, he heard White and some o­thers, whom the Deponent supposes by their Voices to be Father Micho, and one Mr. Pool, consulting about the disposing a per­son, he supposes to be himself, their words were these; this man has betrayed us, and therefore we will give a Coach-man Twen­ty Pound, to take him up and carry him directly to Rochester, to Esquire Leeds house who lives near the Town, and from thence to Dover by some by way, because he was acquainted at Sitting­bourn, and said if they could get him beyond-sea, they would tor­ment him till he had confessed to them, who it was that had been with the King, and informed him of the business, when the Deponent heard these words he made hast away and durst not lie that night in his own Lodgings.

80. Item, That the Seventh of September at Night, the Depo­nent returned to his Lodgings, where he intended not to lye, but only to take some necessaries for his use the next day; but meeting one Grigson a Papist, at whose house he had formerly lodged near the Read-Lion in Drury-lane; the said Grigson told him that the Jesuits were displeased with him, because he an­swered not their expectations, in being true to them, and that the Jesuits are dangerous persons, and would ruin him if they could; and said further, that the said Grigson had known their Rogeries this Twelve or Fourteen years; and the Deponent being through discourse detained by him, was forced to lye in his Lodging in Drury-Lane; and when the Deponent was laid down in his Bed, one Stratford (a person utterly unknown to the Deponent, discoursed with, or any otherwise provoked) endea­voured to break into the house, where the Deponent lay, and broke down a door to get into his Lodging, but was forced [Page 39] back, because he apprehended himself to be observed by the Ser­vants; and when he saw he could not come at him to Assassi­nate him (as he verily believes); he reviled him▪ The Deponent, and brake several Quarrels of Glass in a Window under his Lodg­ing; the Deponent being therefore verily perswaded, that Strat­ford was set on by the Jesuits, to do him a mischief, made his escape thence easily on Sunday Morning; but durst not return thither again, because that Stratford threatned to kill him; now the House where the Deponent lay is a School, where Blundel usually Catechized every Sunday in the Afternoon.

81. Item, September the Eighth, whilst this Deponent was go­ing to attend Gods worship in the City of London, a Papist, who goes by the Name of Nevil, met him in the Strand, and told the Deponent there was great murmuring amongst the Jesuits against him; because a complaint was made against them by some per­sons, of whom he was suspected one. The said Nevil did tell the Deponent that it was reported he must ruin the Jesuits, or they him; telling him moreover, that the Bishop of Rochester was made acquainted with it, and said he would lead them such a Dance, as they never followed since the Fool their Founder came into the World; to which this Deponent made no reply, but taking this person to be a Trapan, when asked for his Lodging, gave no account.