The Copy of Sir Robert Walsh his Petition unto the Honorable House of Conpnons.

That your Petitioner having lived most of his [...]ime, for these Thir­ty Years past in the French Kings Territories, and since the Year 1669. particularly in Paris, until the Year 1675. Mr. Progers of his Majesties Bed-Chamber, and heretofore a Member of this Honorable House, was by His Majesty's permission ordered to keep a corres­pondence with your Petitioner, as unto what may relate unto his Majesties Service, and the interests of his good Subjects, as may evi­dently be made to appear, unto any this Honorable House may please to appoint, to hear the transactions and passages of the said correspon­dence; who as accordingly may make report unto this Honorable House, of the validity thereof. Your Petitioner also having given an account, in his Representments unto some of His Majesties Ministers of State, which had they timely given ear unto, undoubtly must have conduced unto His Majesties interest, and that of his good Subjects, but the aversness of some towards the giving of a just hearing, unto your Petitioners Representments, hath Ecclipsed your Petitioner as al­so his Representments; by your Petitioners care and endeavors, he did so prevail with a person, who hath been above Twenty years under secretary in France, to the secretary of state, in the Transactions of the French concerns, yet he became discontented and was unsatisfied, and though he was well in Money, yet much would ambition more, so as your Petitioner prevailed with him to come hither in 1675. and the rather that in the surintendent Monsiere de Fouketts being great, this person was known unto His Most Excellent Majesty, and came resolved hither to give His Majesty great Lights and intelligence, as regarding the Transactions of France. Here your Petitioner doth give a Brief which when provised, as also Mr. Progers Letters probably this Honorable House may Judge, that this man's Representments and Intelligence, would have proved of use, but some ill advisers, who perhaps were here concerned, or that carried an animosity against your Petitioner, did so deturn that his Representments could not gain Cre­dit, else undoubtedly he would so have furnished against the French King, which would put water into his Wine, and have clipt his Wings, here annexed you read what your Petitioner could draw or gather out of him, which he Represented, where his Allegiance and duty did bind him to have done, and withal one of Mr. Progers his [Page 15] Letters, your Petitioner in order thereunto comes into England being of the first, if not the first, who gave Lights and Intelligence of ill designs, and of a subversion intended, towards the Government and Laws of this Kingdom, so as your Petitioner could have no sinister in­tention.

Though this Edmund Everard did most pernitiously and falsly say, before this Honorable House, that your Petitioner in Paris, did pre­caution the Talbots from trusting this Everard, so as the malice of this Everard might have scandalously abused your Petitioner, who is rea­dy and willing to answer before this Honorable House, disclaiming in any grace or favor, if any disloyalty could or can be laid to his charge, your Petitioner could look for no other but revenge from this Everard: for your Petitioner being the Person that procured Everards Imprisonment in the Tower, an action this Honorable House would have allowed of, did they but know upon what occasion and grounds, and how I was and am ready to maintain my acting therein, the Anixels some Years past were shewed unto some of the members of the Honorable House, to the Lord Cavendish, Sir John Coryton, Sir Francis Winnington, and Sir John Earnly, many others, your Petitioner humbly prayeth that any of the members of this Honorable House, may be ordered to see what your Petitioner can show, as to hear what he hath to say for the good and interests of His Majesty, and that of his good Subjects, and that in as much as that your Petitioner came into England of purpose, for the service and interest as afore-said, that according to the Report made by those Commissions, your Petitioner may find the effects of your Justice, and he shall Pray &c.

I. My Representments were given the Ministers of State in the Year 1675. 1676. These are what Representments attended my Petition, that Sir John Coriton put into the hands of Master Speaker, Sir Robert in the Year 1675. brought with him out of France, the person men­tioned in his Petition, first he would have made Evident, that there was then of His Majesties Subjects a Caball in France, who were very active and busie, being thereunto much incouraged by a great Person, to ingender great tumults and disturbances in His Most Excellent Ma­jesties Kingdoms, who would have put into His Majesties Hands, some Letters from their Correspondence, writ from hence unto the said Cabal in Paris, and some of theirs from Paris into their associates here, and would have declared how they were introduced unto the French King, and his reception of them.

II. He would have discovered, that some persons in England were gained by the French King, and his Ministers to be of Intelligence with them, so as that thereby the French might have given the better con­duct, unto their transactions with the English, and that he would no­minate some of those of His Majesties Subjects, who were so gained by the French King and Ministers.

[Page 16]III. He would have made it apparent, that the great Preparations that the French King made for War, did bend to bring the States of Hol­land to His Majesties Bent, which if he did not by force of Arms com­pass, he was sure to do when he pleased to afford them plauseable Terms, which-depended on His Majesty to do when ever he pleased, and that once getting in the states of Holland, the Confederates would soon come to tearms, and that once coming so, the French King tak­ing Breath would soon imploy His Army Elsewhere, as this man would more particularly and probably into His Majesties Kingdoms, declare here, had our Ministers of state given him a hearing, but he being not heard went very unsatisfied for Holland, where certainly he was listened unto, and gave great lights to the states as unto the con­duct of their Treaty, and accommodation with France. This man was not wanting in money, I may say he was very well to the con­trary, but disatisfied in France, and being very knowing in the French concerns, he would thereby increase his Fortune.

IV. I could examplifie much upon what this man could have done, but as the times go it's more convenient not, when I could not be coun­tenanced in gaining credit for this-mans representments, I made them no Jewels, I communicating them unto many, and so were they by others to the French King, and his Ministers from hence, so as if I went now for France, my reception would be but cold, I having I may with Justice say, that I was the first, that first gave notice of these in­tended revolutions and disturbances, though I never hitherto did name the persons who were first set on work to contribute unto the rai­sing these Tumults, however I am not unsatisfied, to have contribu­ted by my endeavors towards the payment of my duty, unto my Loy­alty, and though the returns I meet with, are leading to deturn in the future, such as may not resolve to continue in the Principals of Loyalty which I do and ever shall, which time may give an undeni­able demonstration of. Two things I may aver; the first is, that I have no fear; second, that I am not by any means discouraged, in persisting to do my Kings service, as willingly as ever.

V. I have been an eye-witness, and active in the War of 1639. until 1646. Therefore I may give now I am in, some accounts in the said War, when the said War began, as my Fare hath rendered me subject unto Imprisonments, I was then so, and for the sins and debts of my youth Prisoner in the King Bench. His Glorious Majesty of Blessed Memory, and her Majesty then quitted London, which I wish they ne­ver had, I was then Her Majesties Sworn Servant, and but in extra­ordinary, I petitioned to the House of Lords, that I might be set at liberty, as a priviledge that did belong unto Her Majesties Servants; unto which the Lords consented, and an Order was made for my Li­berty, which still stands upon record in the House of Lords, and I then set at Liberty. It was no mean thought or concern, that invited [Page 17] Edward Earl of Dorset, the Lord Chamberlain to Her Majesty, who was a Lord in deed, to uphold the priviledges belonging to Her Majesty, he was my Advocate, nay Solliciter in my behalf and stuck to me, not by saying, I will do you all the Service that lyes in my power, but in the performance to act what he said or promised: I was by the Order of the House of Lords discharged from Prison, yet in the year 61 returning into England was again taken for the old Debt, and made Prisoner; but my Lord was dead, that Noble Dorset, else assuredly there had been payed as much duty unto her Majesties Priviledges as before, she then being here present as was in her absence, as in my concern, but the times are chan­ged, and we too much a La mode, some promises much, and in effect per­form little, this is no romance and less is, what will follow: The wars beginning then; truly I was offerd by the Houses of Parliament a consi­derable Imployment, my Tenent not leading me that way, I quietly got away, and went for York where my King was; and I in no ill equipage, and after kissing his hand, applyed my self unto the Lord Henry Wilmot late Earl of Rochester deceased, who left this Young Lord, I hope to inhe­rit the Fathers Worth and Gallantry. The Lord Wilmot was then raising a Regiment of Horse for His Majesty, and assoon as I came to him, he did embrace me, bidding me welcome, not Alamode but in effect, telling me I should command his own Troop, then a raising, so I did, and in it a Hundred Valiant brave men, most Gentlemen of Estate and Quality, who not long after did so approve themselves, who could not choose but so to do, having such a General in the head of them as was his Lord­ship, what hath not he done to leave his Name Renowned.

VI. I being made Prisoner last Parliament 1678. all my Papers and Writings seized upon, and I carried Prisoner to the Black Rod by Sir Edward Cartred, who was very civil towards me, and carried before the Most Honorable Committee of Lords, and yet the Noble Lord that moved against me in Parliament, appeared no more to have made party against me, believing not as I presume what was told him.

VII. Now give me leave Noble Readers, to give a relation of the first War betwixt King and Parliament, which truly is uncontradict­able, for it shall carry nothing in it but a real Character of truth. At the Battle of Edge-hill, His Highness Prince Rupert that ever Renown­ed Person, Commanded the right Wing of our Horse, who put the Enemies into an absolute rout, and the Earl of Brandford the left, unto whose share it came to charge the Enemies right Wing, His Highness putting into a derout their left Wing, the Battle begun upon a Sunday Morning, and the Lord Digby commanded our reserve of Horse, who gave more Testimony of his Courage then of conduct, but that never to be buried in oblivion the deceased Earl of Rochester, this Lord being then Commissary General of the Horse, and in the head of our left Wing of Horse, and in the head of his one Troop, Commanded by Sir Robert Walsh, and his Lordships Troop consisting of at least a Hundred Brave and Noble Gentlemen, as Sir John Dongan, Sir Brien O Neale, [Page 18] Sir Henry Talbot, sir walter Dongan, son to sir John, brave Irish Gentle­men, whose most Valiant deportment gave great Testimony of their Loyalty, as I may say did the whole Troop and his Regiment, as may witness that first service they were in, his Royal Majesty of Blessed Memory, and His now sacred Majesty, and his Royal Highness. were not only there as witness of their Loyal subjects, but also hazardly and dangerously ingaged in the said Battle, to their great and ever Renowned Everlasting Glory. The Lord wilmos having charged the right Wing of the Enemy, did beat them and put them so in disor­der, as that they run confusedly into Kington, which was in the Rear of their Army, the reserve of our Horse unpremeditatedly follow the pursuit of the Enemy, which gave the advantage unto the reserve of the Enemies Horse, as also unto their main Body, that they fell upon that Renowned Most Honorable Earl of Linzy our General, and so furiously, as that His Majesties own Regiment was disordered, and divers of their standards taken at the same time, where the Noble Lord Gerard Commanding Three Regiments of Foot made a most manly stand, our Horse being for the most part mingled in the Enemies, and his Highness Prince Ruperts Horse pursuing, fortune proved so favor­able unto sir Robert walsh, as to keep the Lord Wilmots Troop in a Body unscattered, so as he encountred some of the Horse that charged the Earl of Linzy in their return, this being in the rear of the Enemies Army towards the Town of Kington, sir Robert with his Troop charg­ed them and recovered the standards, which they took from the Kings Regiment, and also took some of the Enemies, and sir Robert being then in the rear of the Enemies Army in the Town of Kington, did sieze upon Two Pieces of Cannon and a Waggon, brought them into the rear of His Majesties Army. His Glorious Majesty having lain that night upon the top of Edge-Hill, his Army not then drawn from the Enemies, sir Robert towards Morning brought the Two Pieces of Can­non and Waggon to the bottom of Edge-hill, and brought the stan­dard of His Majesties, and some of the Enemies unto His Highness Prince Rupert, who immediately did present them, and sir Robert un­to His Majesty, who was graciously pleased, there to Knight sir Robert for the acceptable service he then did render.

VIII. Some time after, his then Royal Highness the Prince, going to command in the West of England, Sir Robert was by His Majesty Ordered into the West, to serve under his Royal Highness Bannor, which he did, as Lieutenant Collonel of Sir George Vaughans Regi­ment of Horse, who was a brave Worthy Noble Gentleman, and then Sheriff of wiltshire, leaving all to Sir Robert, Conduct: But he still came when any fight was. The Devises being then surrounded by Sir william waller, and all our Army in the Devises, which were so short of Ammunition and Match, that they were forced to make use of all the Bed-cords which were in the Town for Match. His Royal Highness Prince Maurica, that Renowned Prince, the Famous and Honourable the Lord Marquess of Herford, and the Honourable [Page 19] Lord Hopson were in the Devises, and Sir william waller surrounded them with his Horse, Foot, and Cannon, having summoned the Trained-Bands of those parts to come and joyn with him, which they then did, the Prince and Lords called then in the Devises a Coun­cel of War, and concluded that their best expedient was to dispatch an Officer, that would hazard to get to Oxford, to give His Majesty advice how it stood with them in the Devises, whereupon did depend very highly His Majesties Interest: They pitched upon Sir Robert walsh to go, and sent for him, he being with his Regiment upon the Out-guards, and asked him if that he would adventure; he made answer that he would most willingly and readily; that he regarded no hazard, or danger, so as that he could but compass their Relief: upon which he was immediately ordered to go, which he did, being not ill Horsed, and went all alone, carrying not a servant or mart with him. He was in his way closely pursued by the Enemies Scouts, and part of their Out-guards; but it pleased God he got safe, and the next morning got to His Majesty, who their was in Oxford. His Majesty did then immediately Order that Relief should presently be sent, and calling upon the Lord wilmot, did order, without delay, that he should get ready the Horse, and march unto the Relief of the De­vises, which was as soon as possibly observed; so as the Lord wilmot, the Lord Biron, Colonel Thomas weston now Earl of Newport, and di­vers of the best Commanders did march, and hardly drew Bit in their march to the Devises, which was no easie or short march: And when arrived at the Devises, the Horse were weary, and I may say by she same; and stragling, that we missed Five hundered Horse of our Number coming from Oxford. My Lord wilmot from Malborough did dispatch Sir Robert walsh, all alone towards the devices with Or­der to return assoon as possible, to bring him notice how matters went, Sir Robert did go and return quickly to my Lord, whose conduct and Carriage was so evidently, made apparant to the world, as nothing could be more; my Lords; (as thus) His Highness Prince Maurite, and she Lord Hopton did march with the Horse out of the devices, in­tending to have joyned to the Lord wilmot, and in part did, his High­ness Horse were not many, and when he came to joyn, they advised in Council, what was to be done, waller and his Army, Horse, cannon and Foot and Train-Bands very numerous, and our Horse were weari­ed being not above Fifteen Hundred or Two Thousand, at the Council the Lord wilmot gave his opinion as thus; that his Horse were all weari­ed, and by consequence an impossibility that they could make any re­treat, from the Enemy without being utterly cut off. The Enemies Army being not half a Mile from them, and therefore if the Prince and the Lord Hopton pleased to consent, that he would advance with a Thousand Horse, to the top of a Hill which lay betwixt them, and the Enemy, presuming that the Enemy would so undervalue them, as that they would march up the Hill to devour them. My Lord wil­mot adding, that if they so would come as they did, perhaps it might ruin them, which did, the Princes and Lord Hopton did conclude with [Page 20] the Lord wilmots sense, whereupon of the Horse which were in the devices, my Lord wilmot of the Western Horse only takes Sir John Digby, a most Noble and brave Officer, and Sir Robert Walsh, with their Troops to joyn with him, my Lord sends Lievtenant Collonel Paul Smith, who was unto his Lordships Regiment with a Hundred Horse as a forlorn hope, and marches himself in the right Wing of a party of his Horse, and adjoyns Sir John Digby, and Sir Robert Walsh with their Troops, to be at the head of his second Division of his left Wing, and his Highness Prince Maurice marched with the Body of the Horse, it fell out so as my Lord Wilmet did Prognosticate Sir Wil­liam Waller Orders Sir Arthur Haselrick, to march up such a Hill to de­vour the Enemy, which he undertook in the Head of a Thousand Horse first, which were Armed Cap a pe, and afterwards named Lob­sters. Haselrick sending his forlorn hope, which was encountred by ours, he marched in the head of two divisions, and the rest of his Horse marching in Regiments up the Hill after one another, which were between Four and Five Thousand Horse. The Lord Wilmot first re­ceived their charge, then charges them, beats Haselrick, and Haselrick disorders the rest of his Horse, the Prince and Lord Hopton advance, so as the Enemies Horse was clean forced to run away. Then the Prince and Lord Wilmot consults to charge their Foot and Cannon, which they put in Execution and did Rout them, took all their Can­non, Foot and Colors, e're that our Foot in the devices could get out to joyn with us, this was so clear and fair a Victory, as that it gained his Majesty the whole West of England, which then was of the last consequence; The Lord Wilmot then calls Sir Robert Walsh, and says that as he went to His Majesty to bring this relief, he should imme­diatly post to His Majesty and give him the account, which Sir Ro­bert did, His Majesty being not at Oxford, but gone to meet Her Ma­jesty then come out of Holland, which he met at Edge-Hill where Sir Robert addrest, and His Majesty and Her Majesty in the Coach, Sir Robert gave His Majesty the account, which was most mightily accep­table, and his Highness Prince Rupert and my Lord of St. Albans then by when Sir Robert gave the ccount, some time after the Lord Hopton retiring, his Brigade of Horse was given Sir Robert Walsh, who was al­so made Commissary General in the West of Horse and Foot, a charge of great trust and Honor, as also of the Counties of Southampton, Sussex, Surry and Kent, which then were associated Counties, his Commissions are now extant, which were so ample and spatiously large, as that the General the Lord Goring was not over pleased, yet signed the Commissions. His Majesty of Blessed Memory, gives Sir Ro­bert Walsh Commission, to go for Ireland in the Year 1644. to raise Horse and Foot, and in His Majesties one hand, writes to my Lord of Ormond then Lord Lievtenant of Ireland, to give Sir Robert all assi­stance and countenance, which that most ever Loyal untainted and un­changeable Subject, did most willingly countenance Sir Robert in, giv­ing all furtherance, so as Sir Robert did bring upon his own cost and charge, without having a Peny from His Majesty bring then out of [Page 21] Ireland a Hundred Horse, which he recruted his Regiment with and His Glorious Majesty being then in Cornewal to oppose Essex, who then was General. Listedel Castle was surrounded by Essex, his forces, Essex Lying of Listedell side, and His Majesties Army of the other side of a small River. Sir James Smith that Worthy Noble brave Gentleman, being sent with his Regiment of Horse For the Guard of the said Castle, did there most Worthy service and received cruel Wounds: Sir Ro­bert Walsh and his Brigade of Horse were then commanded unto Sir James his relief, whose fate was so prosperous, in the beating of Essex his Foot from the Hedges about the said Castle, and in view of His Majesty and Army, that His Majesty after Sir Roberts coming off, sent for him, and took him by the hand, his Royal Highness then next His Majesty, saying, he hoped to live to gratifie Sir Robert, not only for the service he then saw him render, but as well for his Loyalty and former services.

IX. Some time after the Lord Wilmots Imprisonment and confine­ment into Exeter, by the false reports of some, Sir Robert having been a Creature of the Lord Wilmots and his Officer, who most per­fectly well knew his Loyalty, faithfulness and Gallantry, and particu­larly in His Majesties service, seeing the Lord Wilmots unjust disgrace, being siezed upon in the head of the Army by Mr. Thomas Elliot; up­on which Sir Robert was surrendring and giving up his Imployment and charge; His Majesty taking notice of which, the Army then march­ing, His Majesty stopt, and so did the Army, and called upon Sir Ro­bert, saying, he heard that he was upon quitting his service, Sir Robert humbly replied, that he hoped that His Majesty would permit him so to do, seeing that the Lord Wilmot, whose Loyalty and service he ever was a witness of, was so used, and truly Sir Robert did plainly so declare his unwillingness to serve any longer; His Majesty was pleased to give Sir Robert great encouragement to continue, and in an extraordinary manner, and told him that he should not quit, and that he commanded him not to quit, unto which there rested no answer, (but obedience) the world ignores not with what ungrounded false­hood the Lord Wilmot was then made Prisoner, and how he came off with honor. Then His Majesty came into Wiltshiere, and came to Andover where Sir William Wallers Army lay near, Waller sent a con­siderable party of Horse to observe His Majesties Army, whereupon the Lord George Goring, that Worthy Commander then General of his Royal Highness's Army, immediately did order to draw out a con­siderable party of Horse, and did Order Sir Robert Walsh to command the said Party, with order to pursue Sir William Waller, which readi­ly was put in Execution, where many Voluntiers readily went along, and particularly then Mr. Henry Bennet now Earl of Arlington, with so much of good will and resolution as none could demonstrate more Sir Robert then desiring him not to go, he being a person who was then in the Pen charge and Imployment, and so readily kind and care­ful to serve and obliege us Officers, so as that if any thing should hap­pen [Page 22] him, it would infinitely redown to our loss and sufferance, but he would not be deturned, of bearing a share in that occasion, which was so visibly near of being put in Execution; in the pursuance of which, he then from the Enemy did receive that Noble scar of honor, which to this day he beareth the mark of in his Face, which assoon as Sir Robert saw, he immediately did Order Collonel Garret Moor, now here in Town to conduct him off; and to have him to the Chy­rurgion to be dressed, which accordingly was done.

X. Some time after the Army was given up in Corn-wall, and Most Officers to shift for themselves, of which number Sir Robert being one, he betook himself for Ireland, and there treated with the French Kings Envoy, by name Monsieur de la Monnerie, for Sir Robert to carry a Regiment of Foot into the French Kings service, who capitulated with Sir Robert in the Name of His Christian Majesty: that Sir Robert upon his Landing in France should receive Thirty Crowns, for each man, and should have a pension of Two Thousand Crowns yearly, besides other great and large promises in words, which never were perform­ed. Sir Robert upon his one costs and charge, hired Two great Hol­land Ships, into which he Shipped Nine Hundred and Fifty men, from the County of Galway, and the City of Galway, and sailing for France was met by some Parliament Ships, who took one of Sir Roberts Ships, loden with men, which they sent into the islands, but fortune fa­voring the Ship that Sir Robert was in, did escape, and he got into Haver de Grace with Six Hundred men, he served the French King as Collonel of the said men, which Agent la Monnerie did not perform his capitulation in a Tittle; so as Sir Robert grew unsatisfied in His Majesties Service, and loosing his Sons who were Captains in Sir Ro­berts said Regiment: then the Prince of Conde taking Arms against his King, Sir Robert took his dismiss and passe from the King, and gave himself into the service of the Prince of Conde. After some time Sir Ro­bert was taken Prisoner and put into the Bastill, where he was forced to lye for Three Years, notwithstanding that, the Prince of Conde did use all indeavors to have Sir Robert exchanged, and did offer one Mon­sieur Bougy, for to Exchange Sir Robert; who was Lievtenant General in his Christian Majesties Army, which was denied, it being given out, that Sir Robert did intend to kill Cardinal Mazarine, the ordinary common pretext, that when envy or malice contrives against man; then usually its babbled and given out, that he was to kill the Prince or Minister of State.

XI. If gratitude were in practice, sure Cardinal Mazarine would not have forgot his parts as hereunto; for when the Cardinal er'e he made his escape from Paris, was in very great apprehension and fear of his life by the Duke of Orleans, the Prince of Conde Monsieur de Beauford & their party. Sir Robert having not then quit the Kings Service nor the court party, the Cardinal being in great apprehension of loosing his life, though he lodged in the Pallas Royal, though Sir Robert was then ve­ry [Page 23] unsatisfied; he did remass and gather a Hundred Gentlemen, every one with his Sword and Pistol, and had them into the Inns and Ca­baretts in the Reu de bones enfents and near the Pallas Royal, and the Cardinal then being in hourly fear of being attacked in the Pallas. Sir Robert writ unto his Eminence, that he lay with a hundred Cavaliers, in Case that any attempt were made upon his Eminence: That Sir Robert was ready to be in the head of the said Gentlemen to hazard his Life and theirs in the defence of his Eminence; who then sent Monsieur de Navaile, now Duke de Navaile, to see if what Sir Robert writ was so; Monsieur de Navaile did to the Cardinal return, and certified him, that what Sir Robert writ to him was so. Upon which the Car­dinal, the Alarum being past, Two or Three days after, Sir Robert being in the Palsas Royal, the Cardinal took him in his Arms, saying he was a true Person of Honor; and that if ever it came in his way, that he never would forget Sir Roberts generosity and kindness. But the Cardinal made it his profession, not to be a slave to his word; yet did Sir Robert when he lay in the Bastile, put him in mind of his promise, which proved one a la mode de France: But at long run, Mr. Walter Montegue a Person of Credit and Renown with the French Court, and Cardinal, was so honourable as to imploy himself for Sir Roberts liberty, which in fine he obtained; but upon such Terms as have rarely been imposed upon any Officer or Soldier of Fortune, which was thus; that Sir Robert Walsh should put in Two Collonels of the Kings Army, and Two good Burgesses of Paris, who should become bound in Fifty thousand Crowns. That Sir Robert Walsh should not serve nor carry Arms against His Christian Majesty in Five years fol­lowing, which was given by Sir Robert and performed. The Lord of Muskery, and Sir James Dillon were the Two Collonels who be­came bound, Monsieur de Couteure, and Monsieur de la Coste the Burgesses, and so Sir Robert was set at liberty. Could it be thought that so great a King would so far consider a single Officer, or Soldier of Fortune: I cannot but speak well of the Prince of Conde; for when he first re­ceived me into his Protection, seeing my Dismiss and Pass from His Christian Majesty, he did afford me his Favour and Countenance, and when first I came to him, the Armies then lying about Villneufe St. George a little above Shallonton, the Kings Army lying of one side the River, Commanded by Mounsieur de Turene, and the Princes Army of Chalonton side. The Prince bid me take Five hundred Horse and beat about Paris, to find some Booty which may put me into an Equipage; and that he would but moderately hear any Complaint that should come against me. I did take the said Horse which were all Germans; and truly I did more study to render the Prince service than to plunder, if it came not in my way; and so I marched all Night, and past by the Rear of the Kings Army, and took some Offi­cers and Prisoners; my intent being to go to Pontoise to beat up some of the Kings Army who lay there; and in my return the next Morn­ing I drew up to refresh betwixt St. Germans and St. Clow a top of a Hill: While I was there, I saw a Coach with six Horses going for [Page 24] Paris, I sent a Party of my Germains to bring me that Coach, think­ing to make a prize thereof; but who should be in it but the best of men; so the Germains were greedy, and would understand no French or English; but one of his Lords, that noble Lord Garret as I take it; comes up to the party, and found me in the head of them, he ask­ed me who commanded the party; I answered, he was not far off; then he tells me who was in the Coach, and made Prisoner. Upon which I immediately drew my Party towards the Coach, and waited on it to Paris. I am glad it was no other than his Subject that com­manded the Party. The Prince of Conde then being not very affe­ctionate; the Duke of Lorrain being slacken'd and I well satisfied in all occasions, which may demonstrate the paying of my duty and Loy­alty; yet I was not a little satisfied, it was I that Commanded that Party, which prevented further trouble to the said Coach. The Prince of Conde not being ignorant how the Duke of Lorrain was gained to have proved slow in the Prince of Conde's then pretensions, with­out which the French King might have run the hazard &c.

XII. Fortune was to me so favourable, that at the Battle of St. Antoine; I gained so much the heart of the Citizens of Paris, as that ever af­ter, they hardly would stir out of the Gates of Paris, without hav­ing me in the head of them, as I was at St. Dennis, when Monsieur de Semegrine Commanding the Queens Guards, charged the Parisiens and was repulsed, these troubles of Paris being appeased by the Prince of Condes quitting Paris, wherein he quit his chiefest hold: I betook my self for Flanders, and made my address unto his Grace the Duke of Ormond, who most kindly not degenerating from his ever wonted greatness and goodness, did afford me his Countenance; so as I by His Majesties Order and Consent, did venture for England, in hopes to prove useful for His Majesties Rights and Interests. Upon which his Grace the Duke of Ormond writ unto me all in his own hand; that I should come for England; and to advance my Interest and en­deavours as in all I could for His Majesties service; assuring me; that if I could attain to be permitted by the Usurper to be in Lon­don; if so I should sometimes transgress in my expressions, towards His Majesty, that it should not in the future prejudice my Loyalty: Upon this I came for London, and did use all my endeavours to come in Thurloes favour, then Secretary to the Usurper; I did so obtain from Thurloe, that he gave me his word, I should have the liberty of the Town. I giving him my word that I would not act any thing against the State, during my being under their Government: So for a Months time I had access unto Thurloe; but soon after; though I had Thurloe's word for my liberty, that word was not per­formed, but I was surprized, I lodging at one Elkings House, who was a Packer and an Anabaptist, then dwelling in Mark-lune; and I presume lives their still. I was by Four Files of Musketeers sur­prized in my Bed, Captain William Bower then lying with me, and hurried away into the Tower, where I lay Four Months close Priso­ner, [Page 25] none being admitted to me but my Keeper; soon after was that most Noble and ever Renowned Earl of Orery, the Earl of Tennet, the Earl of Norwich the Earl of Clanricarde, and many Persons of qua­lity brought in Prisoners, and as I take it the only then made close Prisoners, was that Famous never to be buried in Oblivion, the Duke of Albemarle and I close Prisoner, some who then attended His Sa­cred Majesty did assuredly give the Usurper notice, that I was in Eng­land as imployed by my King, some time after, the liberty of the Tow­er being granted me, upon the intercession of Baxters Wife to her Husband. The Lord Brohil now Earl of Orery, who is a Person of that Honor, as will own what I here say, through the Intercession of his Honorable Sister, then in London the Countess of Barimore, his Lord­ship did interpose for my liberty: Whereupon his Lordship came to the Tower, and gave me a visit, his words as near as I can remember were these: Sir Robert had you served the State, and his Highness the Protector as you did the King, what post or posture do you imagine you might now be in, I seemingly did aver what his Lordship said, why then said my Lord can you now resolve to serve his Highness, if you can I will tell you how, and you shall have your Liberty and Money to boot, unto which I did seem to listen, then said my Lord, you see what a deal of Noble-men and Gentlemen lye here Prisoners, and I will tell you upon what account. It is upon an intelligence we have received, that his Highness Person is to be attempted, and we fain would sink into a discovery therein, and here be Two Persons of Qua­lity now Prisoners, who make offer of their attempt, as unto what I intend to propose unto you, each of them now offering, that they will find out to make the discovery, but as I am inclined to get you your liberty, I have propounded to his Highness that you may be the Person imployed, and he hath consented thereunto If so you can make it appear that you may be received at Bridges? and that upon your word and honor unto me, that you will really imploy your en­deavors to make the discovery, how his Highness Person was design­ed to be attempted, and you shall have your liberty, and some Money for your Voyage. I replied that I first would address unto the Duke of Ormond, to see if I could make my peace, and be admitted to Court, which my Lord Brohill gave me some time to do. And then I writ to the same tenure unto his Grace of Ormond, and an other Letter in private, unto his Grace of what past and was to pass, and upon what termes I was to obtain my liberty, I showing the return to the Lord Brohil, he procured me my liberty, & Fifty or Sixty pound, upon my word I know not which; upon the Faith of a Christian this was all, that past betwixt my Lord of Orery and me, or from any other of the U­surpers Creatures; I never having spoke to the Usurper, only once he Landing at White-Hall-staires, out of a Pair of Oares coming from Lambert, and I entring into a Pair of Oars, he asked who I was and called me to him, asked me whether the Island near Waterford was not mine, I said of right it was, but that his Highness did take it from me and gave it Collonel Vernon, who had been his quarter Ma­ster [Page 26] General, so parted, and I never saw him since. As unto my Lord of Orery, I would take the Sacrament that he never spoke one word or syllable unto me of my King in the whole course of our transaction, but as heretofore I have mentioned, soon after I Landed in Flanders and went to Gant, there was casually his Grace of Ormond, unto whom I presently made my address, but he being busie with the Lord Cul­pepper, that time was not convenient; the next day I waited on his Grace, to give him the account of my Transactions in England, re­presenting all I could gather, only that I would make it out, how some near His Majesty did betray his Secrets, unto the Usurper and his Crea­tures, I offering upon pain of the loss of my Head to give evident proofs of the said intelligence. My Lord said, he would give his Ma­jesty who was then in Bruges an account of what I said; some Two days after the Earl of Clancarthy, came to Gant from his Grace of Or­mond, and brought me this message, that it was His Majesties Pleasure, that I should appear before His Majesty and Council to answer what was to be laid to my charge, unto which I replied, that I was ready to appear, and the next day I being going into the Boat from Gant to Bruges, in obedience as I conceived to His Majesties Pleasure, I re­ceived an other message from his Grace, that I should immediatly leave the low Countries, by His Majesties positive Order so expressed; or that I should run the hazard of what should follow. I answered I would in all things obey my Kings Command, though I well know that this Order was procured, by those who knew themselves guilty, how I would have accused them of their keeping intelligence with the Usurper. Next day from Gant I took my journey towards Ger­many, to get unto his Highness Prince Rupert, and took the City of Bruxels in my way, which was not much out of it, the Lord Digby and Sir Edward Hyde were then hand and glove, the world hath seen what they have been afterwards. Truly I was at a defiance with ei­ther, so as the true liberty of the Subject had been allowed me, for I neither would creep, or cringe to either: the Lord Digby was then immediatly by Sir Edward Hyde dispatched, and Imployed after me to Bruxels, it being well known that I had entrance so with the Prince of Conde, who was then in Bruxels, so as to bring me to his Catho­lick Majesties State Ministers, and Governors there; where I would have declared of the Treacheries, done to my King; but the Lord Digby and Sir Edward Hydes joyning their heads, so contrived, that the Governors Don John d' Austrea and Marquis de Carassenas, were inform­ed and possessed, that I was then imployed by the Usurper, and Earl of Orery to Kill my King, so the next Morning after my arrival in Bruxels, my Son and Servant and I ready to take Horse, the grand Provo Casteneda, comes with Forty at his heels, shewing me no Order, conveyes my Son and I to the Prison called Urinate, and Orders that none should come to speak unto us, which so continued for six Months, we starving with hunger and cold, after which I found means to ad­dress unty my Sacred King, who was so indulgently just, that he did authorize the Judge Millitary of Flanders to examine the proceedings, [Page 27] as also to determine who so did as heretofore is declared, which compri­ses his Catholick Majesties Orders, to pay the charges of my impri­sonment who had nothing to do with it, and to put me at liberty, that was made Prisoner sine culpa: To give an allay unto my unjust sufferances, this Order did not a little solace me.

XIII. One thing Noble Reader, I being admitted Pen and Ink, be plea­sed to observe; I did ever renounce my Kings Grace or Favour, should I be made guilty of Disloyalty; I would neither beg, desire, or take my Kings Pardon, I never having sinned against him, his In­terests, or Service; nor would I my Gods pardon, had I no more sinned against him, than I have against my King. I then in my time of Imprisonment, did represent unto my King that a time would come that the Lord Digby, and Sir Edward Hyde would be Cashier'd, and Banished from his Court; and that I who was then Tyrannically made Prisoner by their false Informations and Suggestions, should be at liberty to stand at His Majesties Elboe, to see them both in disgrace, and so I have, and seen them; and seeing I could not then there possess the true liberty due to a Subject, I would I may here, which hitherto I have not. I may implore, nay press for it, Conscientia mille Testes; I fear no man upon Earth, my Duty to my King not com­prised, nor no Laws either: My King I am sure cannot in himself err. So good I am sure he is, I cannot nor will I say that Ministers of State, who govern the consciences of Kings, and who are to an­swer may not err: This I intend unto the Ministers of Forraign Kings.

XIV. You must know Noble Reader, that the City of Bruxels have it by their Charter, that no stranger made Prisoner there, is to be de­tained above Twenty four hours without he be Examined, his Charge given in against him, and the Cause of his Imprisonment Examined and that besides, if any make a Prisoner upon Informations, that they should secure to make a party against the Prisoner; who by their Law in Bruxels are to allow the Prisoner a daily subsistence, according to the Quality of the Prisoner, else the Prisoner not to be detained. Upon which it was ordered that I, and my Son, and servant, by His Most Excellent Majesties then Councel, that Twenty pence a day should be given us. The World may judge whether that was a pro­portion fit, and I having lain Thirty three months Prisoner. Sir Steven Fox being ordered to pay that considerable allowance; yet for the time of Thirty three months I never received but Ten pound or about the Value. I do not say this to upbraid Sir Steven, for I believe him an honest Gentleman; but that mony was then not over plenty in his Treasury. I being forced to address unto the King of Spain, he set me at liberty, and payed my Costs as here aforesaid, else I had there perished.

[Page 28]XV. I appeal unto my Most Gracious King for Justice, who never did deny it unto any of his Subjects, and I shall ever, as now I do submit unto his will and pleasure. I having ever served under his Royal Banner, and never had a hand in the War of Ireland; I had many of my Kings Letters and Orders, to have my Estate not to be made liable unto new Quit Rents, and years Value, which never had or took the least effects: I have payed ever since His Majesties happy Restauration for yearly Quit Rents, at Two pence Farthing an Acre out of my Estate, an Hundred and Three pound odd mony yearly, as is certified under the Auditor Generals hand out of Ireland; which amounts not far in the time from being 1900 l. and the years full Value for one year of my Estate, besides Morgages upon my Estate of above a Thousand pound; which I engaged for to bring Horse and Foot for His Majesties Service out of Ireland. I must attribute it to my fate, or the want of meeting with Justice, whereas I am put in Ballance with such as were in Actual Arms, and Service against their Majesty. Nay, a great many of such have had their Estates struck out of charge, and their Quit rents taken off, yet mine still stand charged. His Majesties Orders and Letters, as to my particu­lar meeting with no obedience: If loosers may speak, sure none can blame me for this my Declaration, having never had the least com­pensation, gift or grant, nor other usage than what herein is speci­fied; only One hundered pound from the Privy Purse. To this my Vindication or Declaration I set my hand, and am ready to justifie it; by either Common, Civil, or Military Law, or place of Justice against any man, that dare to my face contradict what I here have said; let him be Subject, French, Dutch, or any Forreigner. If any be here, he may find the lie given him, and he will swallow it, or give his appearance to charge me.

XVI. Sir Robert Walsh hath been detained Three years Prisoner to the French King in the Bastil, and never any thing laid to his Charge; but for being of the Prince of Conde's party. Then he came for England, and was made Prisoner in the Tower by the Usurper, ne­ver any thing laid to his Charge. Then was made Prisoner in Bru­xels by his Kings Ministers, and never any thing laid to his Charge before Justice. These Imprisonments were all, you I hope will say hard; here lately made Prisoner to the Black Rod, and nothing laid to his Charge in 79. Is this the liberty of the Subject?

XVII. One thing more I may with Justice add, I being in Paris about the year 72. or 73. or thereabouts I had by the means of Monsieur de Mumbas my ancient Acquaintance, who was Brother in Law unto mi­niere de Grote, alias Grotius then Embassador for the States of Holland, an entrance unto this Embassador, so as that I did discover that the French King, and the States of Holland, were then upon the point, and but very little difference between them of coming unto an agree­ment [Page 29] or Joyning, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham, then having His Majesty's Ear, I immediatly writ to him, that it would be of ve­ry great consequence to prevent the said junction, by an agreement with the States; which as I take did very soon issue, France and Hol­land, having until of late continued in a War, my Letter unto his Grace I addrest to Sir John Hanmer, who did tell me since my com­ing into England, that such a Letter he did receive from me, and that he believe it did still lye by him, I writ at the same time to Mr. Pro­gers to the same purpose, who I am sure did show or produce it un­to His Majesty, unto whom I sent Miniere Grotius his Letter to me in Mr. Montegue his Packet, as may be judged by the effects of the ac­commodation then we made with the States; and Mr. Edward Progers his Letter was to have me come in Person into England.

XIX. The Year of His Majesties happy restauration, the Marquis de Gu­dance was commissioned by the French King to come unto His Most Ex­cellent Majesty to London, upon some pretext from the French King, Dunkerk then in the Lord Lockerts time of Government there, and newly rendered unto His Most Excellent Majesty: the Marquis de Gudance, made it his work to gain some Officers of the Garison of Dunkerk, to sur­prise the Garison for the French King, and had contracted a Treaty with them for that purpose, Sir Robert Walsh then living at Berge St. Venox a League from Dunkerk, this Marquis came to Berge often, he and Sir Ro­bert came acquainted, so as the Marquis did communicate his design up­on Dunkerk to Sir Robert, sounding him that knew the humor of the En­glish, how he might so confide in the English, and to prevent and be pre­cautioned that he may not be trapanned, he offering Sir Robert an assu­rance of Five Thousand Pistols, If he would contribute by his advice and conduct. Which Sir Robert did consent to yield unto, reserving to him­self to do his duty to his King; immediatly hereupon, he humbly ad­dressed a Letter to His Majesty, whereupon His Sacred Majesty imme­diatly writ to Sir Robert in his own hand, immediatly to repair un­to him with all speed and privacy. Unto which Sir Robert quit his House, dwelling and interest in Berge St. Venox, and immediatly came to His Majesty. The now Earl of Arlington being then Secretary of State, His Majesty did Order Sir Robert to make his address unto him, and to communicate all particulars unto him, which Sir Robert so do­ing, my Lord gave thereunto a hearing answerable, and did receive Sir Robert with expressions very kind, of the sense he had of Sir Ro­berts service in that particular, and that he would in Order there­unto give His Majesty an account; unfortunately soon after Sir Robert was arrested for a Hundred Pound, and committed Prisoner to the Fleet, under Chancellor Hide his Verge, who made such use of his power; carrying an animosity against Sir Robert, that notwithstand­ing Sir Robert had put in good security, he could not obtain a day writ, Sir Jeremy Witchcot being so much the Chancellors Creature, un­til the Lord Arlington who was not so, writ to the Warden of the Fleet Sir Jeremy Witchcot, that it was His Majesties pleasure, Sir Robert [Page 30] should have a day writ, which Letter Sir Robert this day hath, and upon which his day writ was had; and His Majesty a little time af­ter did order Sir Robert a Hundred Pound, which was brought him to the Fleet, and the Lord Arlington did also make Sir Robert a present of Twenty Ginneys: unto my Lord Arlington, the Lord Chancellor (a thing not unknown) was then no great friend; yet the Lord Arling­tons Loyalty, Fidelity, and duty to his King, hath so preserved him as to be now what he hath deserved, and is, and so may all taste as they deserve, if not in this world, in the next they must and will, but as unto, Dunkerk such order was then given, as that the French Kings design took not, until it was sold him, which I wish had never been: Sir Robert could say more but hates to trample upon the dead. This was after Sir Roberts being kept Prisoner in Bruxels, by the in­stigation of Chancellor Hyde, and the instrument he made use of to have Sir Robert then made Prisoner, was one that ingratiated himself with Don John D' Austrea, who was then Governor of Planders, which was thus, he was an English man and a degree above a Knight, he being some years servant unto an English Dame, who had had Three or Four Children, he had her received by Don John for a Maid, and so past her for unto him, and some Five or Six Hundred Pistols was gained that way, this was not ill mis-trip, as some that read this well may re­member the passage herein, such qualified persons, not constant in Re­ligion, Protestant or Papist, were the instruments of Sir Robert Walsh his Murderous Imprisonment, for Three and Thirty Months in Bru­xels, but they never would come as witnesses in this age do, where­by to maintain their accusations either by right or wrong, those who Treacherously under hand to gain them a little favor, were ac­cusors of Sir Robert Walsh, he could name Six of them since gone un­to a worse World then this, and few or none now living.

XX. Now Noble Reader, this Everard dashing at me, that I should be a subduer of Discoveries, Animosities, Plots, or Designs, intended towards the subversion of His Majesties Laws and Government, to prove how far from truth that is, I appeal to what my King know­eth, as coming from me in 1675. 76. 77. 78. And what I did com­municate unto the now Honorable Lord Chancellor, the Lord Arling­ton and other Ministers in or about the said years, whose names I now mention not, as unwilling to add calamity unto calamity. I doubt some whom I would have named in 1675. were I thereunto sum­mon'd, are no small Incendiaries or Promotors in Disturbances. Un­to which had I been heard in time, prevention might have been gi­ven, the World cannot but Judge, and so shall, that my interest is soly in my Sovereigns, and that of his good Subjects, I having staid here these Four years, in expectance that my Representments should be verified and so allowed as now they are; and to my great cost I have my Labor for my pains, sed Tempus edax rerum.

[Page 31]XXI. Now Noble Reader, pardon if I give you the trouble of reading, how the Sieur Grimings was put to death, who was the Receiver Ge­neral of Planders, a Person then most High and Eminent, would make Princes attend their having Audience, whiles he stayed to see his Daughters dance the Tricote; his Pallace in Bruxels, not much infe­rior to Dunkerk or Clarendon house: the reason why I trouble you your Reading his end, is that I was nominated in bringing him to it, he then being a Prisoner, in the same which I was in at Bruxels, in the year 1658. that I was the Person, who next his demeanor of not being capable to account, for the vast summs he had received, of his Catholick Majesties Subjects, that I was the person who hindered his escape, a thing I then did own and now do, which none living can or will blame me for, when they here the truth, as now here they may of the passages thereof, yet did Sir Edward Hide and his then Creatures, falsely asperse me, in giving out that I betrayed this Grim­ings, the passages were as thus, which is the Real truth of it: this Grimings being a close Prisoner in a ground Chamber, seeing me walk in the Yard, had the opportunity of asking me why I was there a Prisoner. I replied I did not know, and withal, that I renounced the Grace or Favor of all Kings or Law, for any thing that could be laid to my charge, upon which he said that the Kings grace was not to be denied, and I replied not for them who had use thereof; of which number I did conclude he was one, and so we parted; his Lady was then confined to his Pallace in Bruxels, and a Hundred Soldiers there every Night in Guard, she hearing that I was a person of Honor and a Prisoner, which lay in the Chamber above her Husband, she disgui­ses herself and comes to my Chamber, throws herself at my feet, which very much did surprize me, I made her rise, which she was unwilling unto, she declaring that I was the only person that could relieve and serve her, I said that sure she was mistaken, and that she took me for some other more considerable Person, that might be a Prisoner, she cryed no, that it was I, and none other else that could serve her, and declares unto me how, which was as thus, my Husband lyeth here under your Chamber, and I can no way contrive a Communication with him, but by your means, help and assistance. If that you may please so far to be charitably oblieging towards me, as to contrive his having a Billet from me, for all his Wealth lyeth placed in convents and particular places, that without my having an account from him, how and where, I and my Children are ruined for ever. Unto which I replied, that I lay Prisoner I knew not for what, and for to render my self to be guilty of Intermedling in a concern of that Nature, could shew no Judgment or wisdom in me, but she so did importune me that she prevailed, and I did contrive to convey her Billets to her Husband, and his to her, by which means she found where and how all his Wealth lay, upon which she got his Wealth, which were Mil­lions of Livers, and so conveyed herself into Holland, out of the King of Spains Dominions, without making me the least return, but by di­vers of her Letters which are yet extant, Grimings being put upon the [Page 32] Rack, confessed contrary to his Vows and promises, that it was by my means that he corresponded with his Wife, upon which his Ca­tholick Majesty sent Commissioners to examine me, who indeed were very civil; I did not deny my guilt, saying why did his Catholick Majesty detain me Prisoner, and upon what grounds: The Commis­sioners said I had given great Treasures out of His Majesties Cophers, soon after Grimings his Wife run away, I writ to Grimings, that I had served him in the trust his Wife imposed in me, and desired him that he would give his Billet to his son; for me to receive a Hundred Pistols, I being in distress, which he would not do, then I writ to him, that he should never expect any favor at my hand, but to the contra­ry as he found by the loss of his Head. For he being just ready to have made his escape, I did discover it to Don John d' Austrea, and to the Marquis de Carassenas, being in no trust for Grimings, for he intended to have got into the French quarters, and being a person that was in so considerable an Imployment and posture as he was, he would have disser­ved his Catholick Majesty to a greater value, then the vast summs of his Majesties that he could not account for, which I prevented and made His Catholick Majesty amends for what I formerly did for Grimings, who as unto his being ungrateful, did meet the due return, by my means in which he did not intrust me. I long since made a Declaration of this matter, the Year of His Majesties happy restauration, who was gra­ciously pleased to write unto me to come into England, all in his own hand, which I did obey: I then declared that the Chancellor of Po­land, for his ill managing the Kings Conscience, being chief Mini­ster, was degraded. Soe was Monsieur Fouquet in France, that was Treasurer: Then how Grimings in Flanders lost his head, and I did fore­see that the next bordering Minister should take example in being pre­cautioned, I addressing the same to the Lord Clarendon, who had me Prisoner under his Lash in the Fleet, I then shewed my Declaration unto that Honorable Person the Lord of Anglisey, Lord Privy Seal not to conceal the sight thereof from my Lord Clarendon, which my Lord of Anglisey did not, so as in a little time after my Lord Clarendon, pro­ved not so vehement in the Execution of his Power. Falix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.

XXII. This is to declare the Ingratitude of the said Grimings, and what his not Provoyance did bring him unto; he having been put on the Torture did confess, that it was by my means, that his Wife did beget a Correspondence with him, to attain unto his wealth as she hath; I being Examined therein by His Catholick Majesties Com­missaries, who shewed me; how Grimings did own it was I who gave the Expedient; and they carrying themselves very civilly towards me, I did own, that I was, if it was a Guilt. The helper of giving the Access of her Billets to her Husband, and his unto her; saying; why did His Catholick Majesty keep me a Prisoner without producing my Charge; what had he to say against me, I renounced either Grace or Favour from him, I demanded Justice; withal declaring that the [Page 33] Tyranny of my so being kept Prisoner, might have given me scope, to have served all Prisoners, as supposing that they might be as guilt­less as I was. This Grimings after his being put to the Torture, de­signs to endeavour making his escape, and begets an understanding with one that was then there Prisoner, to help him unto Files, to file the Iron Barrs of his Grate, which he did, I having disserved His Catholick Majesty and willing to repair the same, I lodging above Grimings, in the Night I could hear him file the Iron Barrs, and taking notice thereof, I did walking in the Yard discover the Bar of Iron he worked upon, and was very near effecting his design, I lying under His Catholick? Majesties displeasure, I did calculate, that if I made a Discovery of his intent to have escaped, it might have allayed the former disobligement I had layed on His Catholick Majesty, and I being not satisfied with the ingratitude of Grimings and his Wife; so as I writ unto Don John d' Austrea, how Grimings was to have made his escape. Whereupon he sent to find the Utiles, and to search every corner of his Chamber, but found no visibility of what I had repre­sented, his having sent Commissaries and a Glasier to sound the Bars, but they could discover no appearance; so Don John sent to me, that I represented what was not true. I returned to Don John, that those he sent were Fools; and gave them direction how to discover the truth of what I represented, and so they did. You must know, that when they came with a Key to sound the Iron Bars, the Bars did sound all sound, which in a cut Bar is not ordinary. But Grimings, as soon as he filed, did fill the Oraphis with wax and Tobacco-powder, and un­til I gave the Key of this discovery, they could not find it out; but having found it he was soon Executed, and all the favour he could obtain, who was once the Great Grimings, was to have his head chopt off in the said Prison, and was not carried to the Common Place of Execution.

XXIII. I must a little here display in part, what return or reward I met with, for my coming out of France, with my Representments of the disturbances, which were intended towards the deturnment of His Sacred Majesties Laws and Government. I having been for ma­ny Years out of England, upon my arrival here in London, I was in­troduced to the Widow of a Hamborow Merchant, by Name E. I. now O. B. she was represented for a very Rich Widow; we falling into acquaintance, she very much did importune me to lodge at her House, which I did for a week, not without representing unto her, that it would bring her name under a sensure, seeing that there was no concern as unto any thing of Marriage in the point, for instead of every Thousand Pounds, said she had, that proved but Four or Five great Sons, and a Daughter, which I finding, as also discovering her Gossoping and Frolicking qualities, I withdrew in my visits and fre­quency with her, whereupon she grew most outragiously inveterate a­gainst me, and whereas her Letr ers of which I have a Bushel, de­clare that my sheets should be well aired, and I should be kept warm, [Page 34] and that all her all was mine, and in her Letters declaring, that she pretended not to have the honor of marrying a person of my quality, only coveting my Company. The cruel usage of hers as followeth; may admit my thus expatiating, though a thing contrary, to my na­ture towards that venerable Sex: It's true, that in the time of our converse, I did tell her that there would be great disturbances and troubles ingendred in England, I soon after refraining giving her my visits, she grew passionately desperate, run out one night out of her House into the street, stopt my Coach, she half naked; and swore if I came not in and stay all night, that she would kill herself. I not staying as being unwilling thereunto, she a little after went in her passion to my Lord Chief Justice, and made a most pernitious and false affidavit, that I robbed her of a Hundred Pounds worth of Plate, and that I had pawnd it, unto Mr. John wallis a Gold-smith in Lom­bard street, at the sign of the Angel, who can witness that I never did pawn any Plate unto him, a Person in whose hands, I intrusted ma­ny of mine to be kept, above Two Hundred Pounds, and that if any was pawnd that she pawnd it herself, and afterwards she came to Mr. Wallis, and fain would have retrieved her Plate, saying that she only sent it him to be Varnished, this Mr. wallis a man of fame and credit will aver; but as unto her false Affidavid, she procured the Lord Chief Ju­stice his Warrant, and in comes the Tipstaff one Otway, with Twenty or Thirty at his heels, and I scarce out of my bed, they hurried me half naked through the street, and carried me to New prison, where I lay Two or Three hours, sent for Bail, who entred into rcognisance of Two Thousand Pounds, for my appearance as Hick's-Hall, which I did, and the Gentlemen sitting there cancelled my recognisance, and took Two ordinary men bound in Twenty Pounds a peace, and I in Forty to appear at Guild-hall the following Sessions, to answer to the Indictment against me for the King, put in by this Widow E. J. now O. B. unto which I did appear at Guild-Hall, before the Lord Chief Justice and that Honorable Bench, a Jury being Impanneld, she appearing there and telling her Story, the Lord Chief Justice and the Bench, found it so nonsensical as my Lord told the Jury, that there was no Subject for them to be troubled with, so dismissed them and me from the indictment, though she pretended to have comprised me in the Number of such as were concerned in the Plot. This. Widow E. I. now O. B. did absolutely give unto Sir Robert walsh a Dubble guilt Tan­kard, which is under her own hand, and arrested by John Chappel Clearke unto Sir James Butler, Sarah Sing and Frances Duval, the said Tankard Sir Robert made a present of, unto a Person of quality, yet the said Widow most impudently did make her address unto the said Person of quality, and did perswade him that Sir Robert rob'd her of her Tankard, and the said Person of quality could not be rid of her importunity until he gave her the Tankard, without having asked Sir Robert of the matter; they being at a far distance one from the o­ther, I had at Guild-Hall under her own hand Forty of her Letter, to produce what she was, which are still extant. In one she writes, that [Page 35] she was so much in the favor of Sir J. E. as that she was sure if his Wife, who was sickly should dye, that he would marry her, and that if so, I should be her Gallant, and I should not want for mo­ney, this Letter and all hers are this day extant.

XXIV. In the Year 1655. or 1656, I being here intrusted as is set forth in my manifest, to steal away then from the Usurpers claws, I was necessitated, to take up Forty Pounds worth in silk Stockings, to carry me into Flanders, I being here in 1677. I was arrested upon my Bond of Forty Pounds, and forced to pay Sixty five Pounds, as Mr. John Wallis Gold-smith, and Sargent Dike in whose Prison I was can witness, yet I importuned not His Majesty to my relief as in that. I lying Prisoner upon the stocking action, comes an action of Four Hun­dred Pound against me, upon Bond in the Year 1641. where I then became bound for the Lord Henry wilmot, late Earl of Rochester, which was to carry him then after His Majesty of Blessed Memory to York: This action being laid upon me, I did petition and implore, His Ma­jesty to look upon the hardness of my paying that debt, which the Duke of Ormond and the Earl of Bathe, did represent unto His Maje­sty, who was compassionate, but I was forced to satisfie the debt, which I could not then have done, but that a great Lord and a great Subject, did so take me into his consideration, as that he did relieve me, he is not now in this Kingdom, but is in one of His Majesties, I dare not mention his Name, knowing he is not Covetous, that his charitable goodness, in such kind should esclat. These are the rewards I meet with, in return of my coming of purpose out of France in the Year 1675. To have discovered the insurrections and disturbances, which were intended against His Majesties Kingdoms and good Subjects, hav­ing no other for my labor, charges, and loss of time here these Four Years past, then have been these misfortunes.