The Irish-Evidence CONVICTED By their own OATHS.
I Doubt not but the whole Nation is by this time sufficiently Alarm'd with the noise of the Irish Witnesses, and their Notorious Adventures, their Swearing, Counter-swearing, Quarrels amongst themselves, Suborning, and being Suborn'd, Endeavours to drop the Popish Plot, and Sham another upon Protestants, &c. are become the Common themes of every Table-talk, and the Subject matter of Play-House Drolls.
But the Methods how, the persons by whom, and the Ends for which they were turn'd Renegado's, and brought to debauch their Consciences to such an unparallel'd degree, are things perhaps not so Generally known, or taken notice of.
Nor shall I (though I have more Reason than most Private Persons to Inspect those Affairs) undertake fully to satisfie in all those Particulars, only shall here present the publick with a few Remarques and true Copies of some of their own Depositions, which will afford us not a little Light therein; for he must be extreamly dull, that by those four Grapes cannot Judg of the whole Vintage.
1. It appears by Coleman's Letters, and all the Evidence of the Popish Plot, that the same was a General Conspiracy to Subvert and Root out the Protestant Religion, not only in England, but likewise in the rest of his Majesties Dominions, and indeed throughout the World. Whence it cannot in Reason be imagin'd, they would neglect to carry on the same in Ireland; a Kingdom where the over-ballance of Papists, the open undisturb'd Residence of Popish Bishops and Priests, the natural Antipathy and Malice in the Natives towards the English (as well on the account of Religion, as for enjoying several of their Lands) and many other Reasons, afforded such apt fewel for that Combustion. On the other side, 'tis most probable, that the French, as well to embroil our Affairs, and promote Popery, as more especially in hopes of gaining, at long Run, the Possession and Government of so Important a Kingdom into their own Hands, might be forward enough in offering them Assistance, as they did to the Rebels of Messina in Sicily, when lately they Revolted from their Soveraign the King of Spain.
2. The Plot in England being Discovered, and the Prosecution vigorously carried on against the Traytors, and some of them Executed, 'tis no wonder, if Conscious Guilt, and Fear, (a very powerful motive with an Irish man, and which has abundance more Influence on them than true Remorse of Conscience, or Kindness to the English) might prevail with some of the Conspirators to Discover what they knew; and indeed their Informations were so Coherent, and Backt with such pregnant Circumstances, that both His Majesty and the Parliament declared themselves satisfied, There was such a Bloody and Traiterous design on foot in that Kingdom, and accordingly Plunket the Titular Primate, on the Testimony of some of these Evidence, and his own Papers, was Condemn'd and Executed.
3. But the Popish Party taking Boldness from the Dissolutions of Parliaments, whereby the Prosecution against them, was not so vigorously carried on, or at least retarded, and perceiving the Poverty of these Witnesses, who had a very little to subsist on, but [Page 4] the meer Charity of well disposed Protestants, resolv'd to try if they could take them off, and prevail with them by Bribes and Hopes to decline their former Evidence, and lay the Plot at the Protestants doors.
This they foresaw would be a two-edg'd Strategem; for if they succeeded, and could get these Witnesses to be believ'd as to the Protestant Plot, then they should Infallibly destroy many of their Enemies and most zealous Prosecutors, as the Earl of Shaftsbury, &c. or if the Sham were Discovered, and the Witnesses Trapp'd in their Stories, yet however it would spoil their Credit, and render their Testimony so suspected as to be Invalid against any of the Popish Traytors, and so either way not fail of doing their Party a most Effectual Service.
Nor had they reason to despair of prevailing with these fellows, for though some of them (not all) did now call themselves Protestants, yet even those pretended Converts remain'd Papists in their Hearts, or at least were still Irish men, that is, implacable Enemies to the English. And as fear of a Rope first brought them to Discover, so now these fears beginning to lessen, and new fears arise, that they should suffer for Discovery; Therefore, the only way whereby they could hope for reconciliation to their Countreymen, and Pardon and Absolution from their Church, was to be Instrumental in Sacrificing the Lives of as many Protestants as they could to her Interest, as a Peace-Offering. Add hereunto their wretched Poverty, which not only rendred them desperate, but that very small Relief which they had received from Protestonts, gave them greater opportunities to colour such a Sham-Plot, and swear against their Charitable Innocent Benefactors.
4. In order therefore to this, they first tamper with and prevail upon David Fitz-Gerald, and make use of him as a Decoy to wheadle in the rest, concerning which Worshipful Tool, it will be necessary to give a brief Account. His Pedigree is very suitable to his Imployment and Practiecs, his Father a pitiful Villain, considerable only for having had the honour to have been Indicted and Out-law'd, as being one of the Cut-throats of the Protestants in the late Rebellion in that Kingdom, and who now goes a begging with his Wife from Door to Door: This young Hero, their Son, was Originally a Foot-Boy, first to one Captain Butler, and afterwards to one Colonel Piggot, and though he hath had the impudence to say before the King and Council, that he was a man of a considerable Estate, 'tis most Notorious, that in Lands, Goods or otherwise, he was never worth twenty Pounds in his Life, whilst he continued in Ireland; and what he hath done as to Discovery of any thing of the Popish Plot, he was provok'd thereunto rather by desire of Revenge, than any Sentiments of Loyalty: for his Landlord Sir Thomas Southwel having distrain'd a few Cattel he had for his Rent, (which were not at all worth 10 l.) And having no way to recover them back again (being all that he and his Family had to subsist on) but by breaking of the Pound and stealing them out, and Sir Thomas Prosecuting him for the same, he then in Revenge Charges Sir Thomas for Concealing the Popish Plot, pretended to be Discovered by him, to the said Sir Thomas sometime before, which whether true or false, I determin not; 'tis certain few people believ'd it, the whole Country knowing him to be a fellow of so vile a Life and Conversation, that they would give no credit to any thing he should either say or swear, though they were otherwise well satisfied of the designs of the Papists.
But he hearing that the Irish Plot was discovered in England by Mr. Hethrington to the King and Council, comes over for England, and gave Information before the King and Council and both Houses of Parliament, against several Persons that were concern'd in the Popish Plot in Ireland; but his wants being very great, insomuch, that had not his Landlord given him Credit for Meat, Drink and Lodging, he must either have starv'd, or followed the old Trade that he formerly practised in Ireland, and being a fellow naturally proud, ambitious, false, treacherous, and disposed as well by his Constitution as former Conversation for any kind of Villany; the Papists or some of their disguised Factors and Abettors, fell in with him, and manag'd him so, as he not only began to Retract his Evidence against Sir John Fitz-Gerald, Colonel Lacy, and others. And also used all the means he could, by Threats, Discouragements and Temptations, to get the rest of the Witnesses against them and others to Retract also; which ill Practises being found out by Mr. Hetherington, he immediately made a Complaint, and Exhibited the following Articles against him to the House of Commons at Westminster.
Articles of High Misdemenour preferred against David Fitz-Gerald, to the House of Commons, and there proved fully by Mr. William Hetherington, and afterwards before the King and Council; but not there brought io hearing.
1. THe said Fitz-Gerald at the first coming of the Witnesses out of Ireland to prove the Hellish Popish Plot, did seem to be very glad of their coming, to justifie their Evidence, and in particular, that of Eustace Comins, saying that he was an honest man, and was wrongfully clapt up in prison by the means of Sir William Davis, for discovering of the Plot, which he the said Fitz-Gerald swore he could say more to, than any of them all, and that he could charge the greatest men or man in Ireland therewith, or in words to that effect: but after he saw Comins's Narrative Printed, and found that several of his Friends, as he pretended, were charged there, then he began to rail and reflect upon him, and threaten to be the death of him; and afterwards took accasion to abuse and revile the rest of the Witnesses.
2. That amongst other matters that he pretended he could prove touching the Plot, he said he could prove the day and time that the Duke of York was to be Proclaimed King in Ireland, and that he would tell the King of it, and that he did acquaint the Earl of Burlington coming out from the Committee of the Lords, that he could and would hang those he had accused, and bring great ones to prove the matters he had charged them with.
3. That notwithstanding, the said Fitz-Gerald hath since endeavoured by many waies and means to bring this Informant and the said Witnesses into His Majesties disfavour, and to cast reproaches upon them, the better to Invalidate their Evidence; alledging untruly, That they had received three thousand pounds from the City of London, or some of the Citizens thereof, or some others whom he would mention if he could.
4. That the said Fitz-Gerald hath sometimes by threats, other times by feasts, treats, moneys, promises, and other waies of perswasion, laboured to take off the said Witnesses from giving their Evidence on His Majesties behalf, particularly in the Case of Sir John Davis, and when all that would not prevail upon them, told them that His Majesty was displeased with this Informant's Proceedings, and would be so with them, if they followed his directions; and by these devices so affrighted them, that he got them to sign to a Petition to His Majesty (which he drew for the purpose) Intimating, That they were informed, His Majesty did not look upon them as coming to doe him Service; and that if it were so, they should readily desist appearance further: though their intentions were really to serve His Majesty.
5. That the said Fitz-Gerald, when he knew the said Witnesses were to be called into either Houses of Parliament, or some Committee relating to them, to give in their Evidence, hath endeavoured to hide them, or some of them, that they could not be found; and when they have been found, he hath laid violent hands on them, or some of them, and would not permit them to go, untill they forced themselves away from him; and then he threatned them, and those that called them, and with an Oath, said he would break Shaftsbury's Knot; and the better to prevail with the Witnesses, acknowledged he had received for his Service, 100 l. of his Grace the Duke of Ormond, 500 l. from the King, and a Commission to be a Captain; and that His Majesty had given him two Blank Pattents for Baronets, the one for his Father-in-Law, and the other to be at his own disposing, and a Grant of the Lands of Rakeale, and all the Commons of Knockgreny in the County of Limerick.
6. That the said Fitz-Gerald had not only villified and threatned the said Comins, but had also informed several of the Members of the House of Commons, that the said Comins was a very Rogue, and that he could produce many Records against him, and that he was not fit to be credited: and also terrified and threatned to kill him the said Comins, so that he was forced for some time to keep himself in Obscurity That the said Fitz-Gerald hath not only villified and abused him this Informant, and the Evidence which [Page 6] he was concerned for, but also Mr. Thomas Sampson, who came over upon his own accord to serve His Majesty in that matter: and who by his Testimony therein hath given great satisfaction to both Houses of Parliament.
7. That the said Fitz-Gerald being examined by a Committee of the House of Commons against Sir John Fitz-Gerald, refused to give his Evidence, being his Relation, unless the Committee would promise to Intercede to His Majesty for his the said Sir John's Pardon; and before a Committee of the Lords, in his Evidence, he charged Colonel John Fitz-Pattrick and Sir Edward Scot to be Confederates in the Plot, but at the Lords Barr would not, though asked, and left their names out in his Narrative, published in Print, of his own knowledge in that matter, his mind being since altered, upon what considerations may well be judged; he also said before the said Committe, that he fared the worse because they knew that the King had a kindness for him.
8. That the said Fitz-Gerald asked the Witnesses, or some of them, whether they retained the Romish Religion still? who replied they did, for which he the said Fitz-Gerald commended them for so doing, for that the Protestants would only make use of them for their own purpose and advantage, and afterwards would hang them.
9. That the said Fitz-Gerald also told the said Witnesses, or some of them, that the King was satisfied that the late Lord Stafford was innocent, denying the Fact at his death, or words to that Effect: and that His Majesty was resolved not to try any more of the Lords in the Tower; and after the Parliament was Prorogued, he told the said Witnesses, or some of them, that he would remove their Nests.
10. That the said Fitz-Gerald had kept continuall correspondency and familiarity with the four Witnesses which were brought over by a Messenger from Ireland: and a Person of Quality perceiving it, told him that he had not observed the Orders the Committee gave him; which was, That he should not come near any of the Evidence, nor Converse with them. The said Fitz-Gerald replyed, that he was Commanded by the King to come there, and also gave the said Person of Quality very scurrilous abusive language.
11. The said Fitz-Gerald also abused the said four Witnesses, or some of them, and asked them if they came to hang poor Plunket.
12. That the said Fitz-Gerald said he was abused, because he would not accuse the Duke of Ormond and the Chancellor of Ireland, which he knew to be as honest men as any in the three Kingdoms.
THe Examination of these Articles being referred to a Committee, Mr. Hetherington produced all the Evidence that Fitz-Gerald had been tampering with, and gave full satisfaction to the Committee of his villanous Practises, of which indeed his own Insolent Behaviours before the said Committee, might alone have been a very pregnant proof. And the Chair-man of that Committee was making his Report to the House, when the Black Rod came to Prorogue them; soon after which, a Dissolution followed, otherwise 'tis probable this Plot-shammer would have been severely dealt with according to Law. But escaping Justice then so luckily, has encouraged him and his Accomplices, to proceed since more boldly in their endeavours to sham the Popish Plot, and Suborn Witnesses against the Earl of Shaftsbury, Mr. Hetherington, &c.
The first course he took to shock the Integrity of the other Witnesses, was to fright them with impudent lies and scandalous Aspersions upon the Person and Honour of His Sacred Majesty, assuring them with Horrid Oaths, That His Majesty did not send for them, nor regard whether they were all hang'd or drown'd, That His Majesty did not believe there was any Popish Plot at all, nor care for prosecuting it, That they should never get any allowance if they would not be ruled by him, &c. Such brazen-fac'd slanders on the best of Monarchs, who on all occasions has so vigorously shewn himself a true Defender of the Protestant Faith, that no good Subject can repeat them without Horror, and Wonder that the Villian that broach'd them, has so long escaped the Pillory, or rather the Gallows.
In the next place he braves it out with fine clothes, and Insults over the other Witnesses poverty, and shews them whole handfulls of temptation, bright charming Gold: Insinuating that they should have the like encouragment if they would but embark with him in the same design. Some of them indeed had so much conscience and sparks of honesty remaining, or at least such regard to their future repute and safety, as for some time to struggle with these Temptations, and then freely upon Oath discovered the profered Subornations and wheadling devices; yet afterwards (as may reasonably be judged by the sequel) over-swayed with the suggestions of the Devil and his Instruments, so as to value neither Truth nor Conscience, nor even their former Oaths, pinched with necessities and [Page 7] Brow-beaten with the frowns of Grandees, and abandoned (almost) by all the World, they began to hearken to the voice of this Man-catching Syren, and forget the Popish Plot, and set up the Irish Ha-loo-loo against Protestants; and being once engaged, and having slung their Consciencies over-board, nothing remains that they will Boggle at, or which their grand Plot-shamming Masters and dayly Feeders please to put them upon.
This may seem a bold charge, and would appear very unjust, had we only suspitions and probable proofs, or violent presumptions, to justifie it, but we have it under several of their own hands, nay more upon their Oaths, which for the Readers satisfaction, we shall here faithfully recite. The following Depositions being by several of them (ere they were so totally debauched) voluntarily sworn before the respective Magistrates therein mentioned.
The Information of Maurice Fitz-Gerald, Gent. taken this Eighteenth Day of March, 1680. upon Oath before me, Sir John Frederick, Knight and Alderman, one of the Kings Majesties Justices of the Peace, for the City of London.
THis Informant being duly sworn saith, That whereas it is reported in and about the City of London and Westminster, and other places, That he hath retracted from the Evidence and Information that he gave upon Oath before John Odell, Nicholas Mouncton and George Aylesmer, three of His Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Limerick, in the Kingdom of Ireland, against several Persons in the said Information mentioned, being concerned in the Horrid Popish Plot, contrived against His Majesty and His Protestant Subjects there, it is altogether false and untrue. And further declareth, That whatsoever he hath related in the said Information, is altogether true, and will upon no account whatsoever retract from the same, but will justifie the same Information whensoever he this Informant shall be thereunto required. And further saith, That whereas there was a Petition lately presented in the name of this Informant and others (as he hath heard) to the King and Council, by David Fitz-Gerald, That he this Informant had disowned any Information that he had given against Sir John Fitz-Gerald and Colonel Pierce Lacy, He this Informant doth declare, That he knew nothing of the said Petition till after it was presented, and was not any waies concerned in the same.
Jur. Coram me,
Vera Copia.
Which Information given by the said Maurice Fitz-Gerald in Ireland, follows in these words.
The Information of Maurice Fitz-Gerald, Gent. taken before us, John Odell, Nicholas Muncton and George Aylsmer, three of His Majesties Justices of the Peace, for the County of Limerick.
THe Informant being duely sworn on the Holy Evangelist saith, That on or about Winter, 1676. after Captain Thomas Mac-Inerina returned out of Flanders and France, whether he had been imployed as Agent from the Irish Gentry, there was a very [Page 8] great meeting, at Colonell Peirce Lacy's House at Curroe, where met besides the said Colonel, the Lord of Brittas, Molowney the Popish Titular Bishop of Killalow, Brenan the Popish Bishop of Waterford, Duley the Popish Bishop of Limerick, two Jesuits whose names this Informant knows not, Sir John Fitz-Gerald, John Power, Son to David Power late of Killbolan, John Hurley, Eustace White, John Bourke of Cahormohill, William Bourke his Brother, Captain John Purdon, Captain Thomas Mac-Inerina, Captain Richard Stephenson, David Fitz-Gerald, and he this Informant, and several others, whose names this Informant knows not, where and at which time the said Captain Mac-Inerina gave an account of his Agency, and what Force the French King had promised to send over into this Kingdom of Ireland, which to the best of this Informants remembrance, was to be about 20000 men, and Artillery, Armes and Amunition for 20000 men more, which were to be raised in Munster, and they then and there consulted how the 20000 men should be raised, and resolved it should be by their Clergy, and made a Computation, and appointed how many each Priest should raise in his Parish; and likewise appointed the Officers that should Command, and saies that the Lord of Brittas, Colonel Pierce Lacy, Sir John Fitz-Gerald, John Macnamarra of Cortlaigh, John Power, Captain Sulivan of Beerehaven, one Carty, and several others were to be Colonels: That John Bourke of Cahirmokill was to be Lieutenant Colonel, and that Captain Thomas Mac-Inerina was to be Lieutenant Colonel, or Major to Captain Sulivans Regiment, and that Captain John Purdon, Captain Richard Stephenson, Mr. John Hurley and Mr. Eustace White, were to be Field-Officers; and that he hath heard, That Mr. John Anktill was to be Lieutenant Colonel, and that Mr. William Bourke, Mr. Theobald Dowdall, Mr. Oliver Stephenson, Mr. David Fitz-Gerald, now in London, This Informant, and several others, were then appointed Captains, and that John Bourke of Ardagh, and several others, were appointed Lieutenants, and that John Dury and Tady Quin, were to be Captains, and that Nicholas Bourke and many others of Limerick, were then pitched on for the surprize of Limerick, whose names at present he remembers not, and saith, That on notice from Captain Sulivan of Beerehaven of the Frenches landing, there was a Massacre of all the English resolved in one Night, and persons particularly assigned to the Massacre or Murther of every Family, and saith, That the Popish Servants in each Family were to betray and open the doors, or some other way let in those Irish, and so murther the English in their beds, and after if they could not surprize, they were imediately to besiege Limerick: and saith, That by reason of the Emperors, the King of Spain, and other the Confederates joyning and assisting the Dutch, the French King was hindred from sending out those Forces and Arms he promised, and so all things were at a stand till about Michaelmas, 1679. That all the aforenamed persons, and John Macnamarra of Cratellaigh, John Anktill of Farochy, Captain Levallin and several others, met at Mr. William Bourke's House at Lisnekilly, and continued there two or three daies together, and that the said Captain Levallin brought and produced a Commission for the raising of those 20000 men, and uniting them with what Forces should be sent out of France, and raysed in other parts of this Kingdom; and saith, That he hath heard, that the Earl of Tyrone was to be a General Officer, and Colonel Fitz-Patrick and Sir Wiliam Talbot, were to have some great Commands, and saith, That all then present at Lisnekilly, bound themselves by strict Oaths, and by an Instrument under their Hands and Seals, to be true and faithfull and stand by each other, and saith, That the Plot is still, and that they have dayly hopes of the French Kings invading, and that he hath heard there was some Powder lately landed in the County of Clare, side of the River of Shanon, and that he will labour to discover it, and saith, That he hath some papers which he will peruse, and hopes by them other things may occur to his memory, which he will be ready to add to this his Information; and saith, That he hath been told, That David Fitz-Gerald discovered the said Plot both to Sir Thomas Southwell and John Piggot, Esq And this Informant saith; That in case this Information should be known, he and his Family are in danger of being murthered.
The Information of Maurice Fitz-Gerrald Gent. taken the one and twentieth day of March 1680. upon Oath before me Sir John Frederick Knight and Alderman, one of the Kings Majesties Justices of the Peace for the City of London.
THis Informant saith that David Fitz-Gerrald was a Grand Plotter, and also to be a Captain to assist the French King, as he hath formerly sworn and declared; and that there was a difference between one Collonel Lacy and the Lord Brittis, which of them should have the said David to be their Captain in their said Regiments. And further the said Maurice Deposeth, that the said David did use all his endeavours to stifle some of his Majesties Evidence, as himself, one Edmond Morphew John Moyer, Hugh Duffey, George Coddan, Paul Garmley, and Mortaph Downing, from declaring the truth concerning the horrid Popish-Plot in Ireland. And further saith, that the said David-Fitz-Gerrald, did desire him this Informant and the rest of his Majesties Evidence, to go back for Ireland, that the said David might be Captain over all the said Evidence, and have all the benefit to himself. Also the said Informant saith that the said David Fitz-Gerrald, did send one Thomas Fitz-Gerrald, to one John Fitz-Gerrald to perswade him the said John Fitz-Gerrald to retract his Evidence. And the said John being come to the said David Fitz-Gerrald, this Informant was ordered by the said David to withdraw into a private Chamber, that he might not hear their Contrivance and Discourse. As also, the said John was to be one of the three Eitz-Gerralds that were to joyn with the said David against his Majesties Evidence. Furthermore, the said David did order me to write in my Information, that one William Hetherington and the rest of his Majesties Evidence, were but all Rogues and Thieves, and Goale-breakers, and Turbalent persons; and that their Evidence ought not to be taken, either by King or Parliament; And the said David Fitz-Gerald did likewise tell this Informant, that his Majesty told him the said David Fitz-Gerrald, that he would not give, or Order any money for his said Evidence that are in the City, unless the said persons would go back from their Evidence, and joyn with the said David Fitz-Gerrald, meaning one Moyer, Morphey, and Duffey, that were to have thirty pounds a piece to joyn with the said David, against the rest of his Majesties Evidence. Further, being demanded whether David Fitz-Gerrald had been at any time in Company with the Earl of Aron, and Sir John Davis, since the last Sessions of Parliament, saith several times at their respective Lodgings, and likewise, that the said David had been several times with Sir John Fitz-Gerrald in the Gatehouse, likewise, this Informant saith, that he hath seen David Fitz-Gerrald, in Company with Robert Poor, a person charged for Treason, at the said Davids Lodging, where the said David Fitz-Gerrald gave the said Robert Poor Instructions to draw up the Articles against Mr. Hetherington.
Jurat Vicessimo primo die Martij 1680. Coram me.
The informatton of Owen Callaghan and Murtagh Downing taken upon Oath before the Right Honorable Sir Patient Ward Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London, the 4th. of May, 1681.
THe said Informants being duly sworn and examined upon the holy Evangelist, deposeth and saith: That David Fitz-Gerald hath used all the means he could possible for to get these Informants to retract from their Evidence these Informants had formerly given in against several persons who were concerned in the late Horrid Popish Plot in Ireland. The said David Fitz-Gerald meeting with these Informants in the City of Westminster near Charing-Cross demanded of them these Informants what their business was here in England, whereupon they these Informants told the said David Fitz-Gerald that they came over to be Witnesses for the King, to whom the said David Fitz-Gerald replying, and said to these Informants, that the King did not send for them nor for the rest of the Evidence and that the King had rather that they were all hanged or drowned, than that they should stay here to any such purpose. And these Informants further say, that the said David Fitz-Gerald told them these Informants, that those that would joyn with him the said Fitz-Gerald against Mr. William Hetherington, and the rest of his Majesties Evidence should have money enough, and named Ten Pounds a piece and also their pass for Ireland. And these Informants further declare that in the company of one Morris Fitz-Gerald who is also one of the Kings Evidence, and the said Mortagh Downing one of these Informants being at the sign of the Kings Head in Long-Acre near London, the said David Eitz-Gerald declared that the said Evidence had better to go home for Ireland: and dig their Potatoe Gardens than to stay here and expect any money from his Majesty for their service. And that the said David Fitz-Gerald also declared to these Informants that his Majesty did not care for putting this Popish Plot forward at all, and the said David Fitz-Gerald further said, that his Majesty did not believe there was any such Popish Plot intended in Ireland. And these Informants further declare, that the said David Fitz-Gerald declared and said to these Informants that his Majesty did not care for any man that should speak any thing against his Grace the Duke of Ormond, neither would his Majesty believe that the said Duke had any hand in the said Irish Plot. And these informants further declare that the said David Fitz-Gerald, wherein he could meet with these informants, and the said Morris Fitz-Gerald in discourse would tell the foresaid Morris Fitz-Gerald and these informants, that his Majesty would not give them any money for maintenance, nor money to bear their charge for Ireland, except they would all joyn with him the said David Fitz-Gerald against the said Mr. William Hetherington, and the rest of his Majesties Evidences: meerly to force them to retract from the discharge of their Consciences in giving in their just Evidences to serve his Majesty, as in true zeal and loyalty to their King and Country they ought to do as becometh true Subjects: And these Informants further declare, that the said David Fitz-Gerald declared to several Fryars (whose names [Page 7] do follow) when first they came to him the sald David Fitz-Gerald, that they should have no money from his Majesty unless that he the said David Fitz-Gerald did further and forward them the old Fryars which he would do upon condition that the said Fryars would assuredly joyn with him the said David Fitz-Gerald against the said Mr. Hetherington and the rest of his Majesties Evidence, &c. The which they the said Fryars have since acaccordingly done and agreed to the said Fitz-Gerralds desire, as namely Fryer John Moyer, Edmond Murphey a secular Priest, Fryer Hugh Duffey and others by the said Fitz-Gerralds procurement. And these Informants further say, That the said Fitz-Gerrald ordered all the said parties to have all things in readiness, in order thereunto in Writing: These Informants also say, that the said Moyer, Murphey Duffy and others, gave him the said Fitz-Gerrald a Contract in Writing under their hands, to effect the said purpose solintended by them, which was to side with him the said Fitz-Gerrald, against the said Mr. Hetherington. And these Informants further say, that the said David Fitz-Gerrald hath likewise ingaged himself to the said Fryers, that all the Names of those persons in Ireland, who are concerned in the said horrid Plot, that he the said Fitz-Gerrald would undertake to have mony enough from his Majesty for them, upon the condition that they would ioyn with him the said Fitz-Gerrald against the said Mr. Hetherington, and the rest, to sham their Evidence in speaking the Truth as aforesaid in the discharge of their Consciences. And further the said David Fitz-Gerrald told them, these Informants, that he would make his Majesty not to give any of the Evidence that was in this City of London any money at all, and that as soon as the Parliament sate at Oxford, that those Evidences then lying in the City of London, would be all hang'd for lying there; meerly on a pretence to get these Informants as they verily believe, to joyn with him the said Fitz-Gerrald, as the before named Moyer, Murphey, Duffey, and one George Murphy had done; the which said persons, the said Fitz-Gerrald had drawn to side with himself, by Treats Threats and Money as aforesaid. And these Informants further say, That the said David Fitz-Gerrald declared to them, these Informants, that his Majesty had told him the said Fitz-Gerrald, that within one week after the Parliament were met and sate at Oxford, they would be dissolved. And that then every one of the Evidence might go home about their business: and these Informants further say, that one Doctor Thomas Fitz-Gerrald, who was sent by the said David Fitz-Gerrald as these Informants verily believes, on purpose to Trap or insnare us these Informants in our Evidence, and thereby to know our intentions, and for no other end then to get us to retract our Evidence as aforesaid: he the said Doctor Thomas Fitz-Gerrald uttering himself in these words (viz.) that he the said Doctor Fitz-Gerrald would Pistol or kill the said David Fitz-Gerrald, (always provided) That they, these Informants, would joyn with him the said Doctor Fitz-Gerrald against the said David Fitz-Gerrald. And these Informants further say, That the said Doctor made it his Business to come several Nights to the Informant Mortough Downings Lodging to effect his said purpose, thinking thereby to intrap these Informants in their Evidence, as aforesaid, if by any means he could.
The Information of Bernard Dennis, taken upon Oath before the Right Honourable Sir Patient Ward, Knight, then Lord Mayor of the City of London.
I Do remember that Captain David Fitz-Gerrald at several places hath told me, that the King was clearly against Mr. Hetheringtons proceedings, and that if the Irish Evidence did follow his directions they were likely enough to fall out of the Kings Favour as well as he: and the Reason was, because of his Familiarity with the Earl of Shaftsbury. And that his Majesty would be highly disconted that any of the Evidence should proceed against Sir John Davis or any of his appointed Magistrates without his permission. He further told me, that there was a Collection made for the Irish Evidence, in the City of London, and that the King had notice of it. And if we would take Fitz-Grralds advice we might have what mony we would, and told me that he had five hundred pounds Sterling, and a Commission for a Captains place from his Majesty, and that he was to go suddenly for Ireland, he further told me that his Majesty was informed, that we the Kings Evidence came over not to serve him, but to cast an Aspersion upon his Majesty: which we utterly then, and always absolutely do deny. Hereupon, we drew and presented a Petition to his Majesty, setting forth the occasion of our coming over: which was to serve his Majesty and the Kingdom, and that when he pleased, we were willing to return home: after this, he told me that his Majesty intended to impeach Mr. Hetherington.
Vera Copia.
The Information of Mary Cox, Spinster, taken upon Oath the eighth day of July, 1681. before Sir John Frederick Knight, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the City of London.
MAry Cox of Stoke Newington, in the County of Middlesex, Spinster, maketh Oath, that being at Mr. Robert Boulters a Stationer in Cornhil London, the night before Mr. Plunket was Tryed, Mr. Bernard Dennis came to speak with Mr. Boulter aforesaid, and in Discourse of the Tryal of Plunket, Mr. Dennis said, that coming from the other end of the Town, in Fetter-Lane, by the Cross-Keys, he saw a Crowd of people, and enquiring what was the reason of it, they told him it was a Subpena served upon Murphy, and he said Murphy had absconded for some time, because he would not have been Subpened, and he said Murphy did say, he would not appear the next day according to the Subpena, but what the Issue was he did not know; but left them and came straight to Mr. Boulters. After some Discourse of Mr. Dennis his being in Newgate, and that Mr. Wilmore was Bayl for him and Macnamarra, my self and Mr. Boulter aforesaid, asked him some Questions about Mr. Hetherington, and whether he thought him an honest Man, he told us he thought him a very honest Man for what ever he did see or know concerning him. Then we asked him what was become of his Man George, he said he was gone from him over to Fitz-Gerrald, and that he had new Clothes, and was very fine, and said so might he have if he would turn Rogue, for he said he had a Letter in his Pocket, which made him great proffers to retract his Evidence. We ask'd him from whom he had this Letter, he said from Fitz-Gerrald. Then we asked him if he were sure it was from him, and how he knew it, he said it was writ with his own hand, and his Name subscribed to it, and that he knew his Hand very well, and had seen it several times. And he said in this Letter, Fitz-Gerrald proffered him Gold and Silver enough holding out his hands, as people do when full of Money, and that he might have his change of Rayment, and live Comfortably not only for the present for the future also. But he said, he hoped [Page 10] he should approve himself an honest Man, and take Mr. Boulters Council, to keep to the Truth, and then he should never be ashamed. There were present Mr. Boulters Wife, one Mrs. Norton and my self. We had several other discourses about divers Irish Men that were gone off, and about the great endeavour Fitz-Gerrald made to get the Evidence over to his side, which I cannot remember so particularly as I did the former.
Jurat. octavo die Julij, 1681. Anno (que) Caroli secundi nunc Angl. &c. xxxiij. Coram me
The Information of Robert Boulter of Cornhil London, Stationer, taken upon Oath, before Sir John Frederick One of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the City of London, on the eighth day of July 1681.
RObert Boulter of Cornhil London, Stationer, maketh Oath, that he was present when the discourse happened between Mr. Bernard Dennis, and Mrs. Mary Cox, and himself, as in her Deposition aforegoing is set forth, and that the same is a just and true Account of the said Discourse.
Jurat. octavo die Julij 1681. Anno (que) Caroli secundi nunc Angl. &c. xxxiij. Coram me
A true Coppy of a Paper, Remaining at the Council-Board, attested in pursuance of an Order in Council, Dated the fifth day of October, 1681.
BRyan Heynes of London, Gent. Aged thirty years and upwards, maketh Oath, that Mr. David Fitz-Gerrald one of the Kings Evidence, about the latter end of February last, told this Deponent that he the said Fitz-Gerrald possessed his Majesty, and also gave it under his hand and Seal, that the late Plot was a Presbiterian Plot, and invented by the Right Honourable Anthony Earl of Shaftsbury, on purpose to extirpate the Family of the Stewarts, and dethrone his present Majesty, and turn England &c. into a Commonwealth, or else set the Crown upon the Earls own head, which the said Earl told the said Fitz-Gerrald, did more appertain to the said Earl, then to his present Majesty, as the said Fitz-Gerrald told this Deponant, and this Deponant further saith, that one Robert Power, Agent for the Earl of Tyrone, & likewise the said Fitz-Gerrald did divers times tamper with this Deponant, to speak to John Macnamarra, to the end the said Macnamarra would retract his Depositions concerning the Popish-Plot against the said Earl of Tyrone, and that in case the said Macnamarra would deny what he deposed against the said Earl of Tyrone, the said Robert Power and David Fitz-Gerrald did to this Deponant promise the said Macnamarra should be provided for all the days of his Life, &c.
Much more this Deponant can say:
And this Deponant further saith, That the said Fitz-Gerrald told this Deponant, he wanted but Mr. John Macnamarra to come in and joyn with him, and he would have the said Earl of Shaftsburies Head off, and Sham the whole Popish-Plot.
All these are exact Copies of Affidavits and Testimonies freely made by these Irish Evidence (except only that of Mrs. Cox and Mr. Boulter, which relate materially thereunto) And not a man of those Irish-men that made these Oaths, but has since been great with Fitz-Gerrald, and submitted to his Conduct, and really done what there they swear, they were first tampered with, and profferred to be subborn'd unto; Whence we may most naturally raise these conclusions.
1. Either what they swore then, was True, or False. If True, nothing is more apparent, Than that this Fitz-Gerrald who is now so much in favour with Grandees, and one of the preparers of Witnesses, against Protestants, is one of the worst of Men: And that there were long since ill Designs set on Foot to corrupt them. And who can doubt but they have swallowed the Bait, that sees the sudden change of their Condition from Beggary, to Bravery; whil'st they swore against Papists they had not a penny to help themselves, but what peoples Charity gave them, to keep them from Starving; As soon as they began to talk of a Protestant Plot, they appear fine, full of money, have Lodgins, and Diet provided for them, &c. And yet (observe the ridiculous Absurdity) these Men (amongst other Lies) must now swear, that Ptotestants Brib'd them to swear that Papists.—
On the the other side, If what they swore in these Affidavits be False, They are virtually and voluntarily forsworn (if not legally perjured) Consequently nothing any of them shall hereafter (I mean at least against any Protestant, for as to their Testimony against Papists nothing of such a Biass appears) ought to be regarded.
2. If such Practises have been used towards these particular Men (the Indirect Dealings with whom are thus Providentially brought to Light) we have Just Reason to suspect the like, have (behind the Curtain) been also made use of with others, and even several of the English Witnesses too have no less receded from their former Declarations and frequently of late Herd and associate with these Tainted Irish-Cattel. That Subornation is every where Vigorously endeavoured, and that the Conspirators reckon it worth their while to offer mighty Temptations, and give large Wages of Iniquity, too Charming for most Mens slender Honesty to Refuse, is evident by the late Practises with Captain Wilkinson. That these Plot-shamming Intrigues were at Bottom carried on by Papists, there is no doubt to be made; Not only because it serves only their Interest. But also from several Instances of Fact.
[Page 13] 1. Whil'st these Witnesses (as I said but now, and 'tis a Consideration deserves to be repeated) Charged Papists, they were poor, forlorn, miserable, and had nothing to live on, but what they begg'd of Protestants (who though they had the Compassion not to let them Starve, had no such lewd Principles as to Bribe them to swear falsly against any; That they gave them something to keep them Alive shews their Charity. That they gave them no more, is an Indeniable Argument of their Innocency) But no sooner did they pretend a Protestant Plot, and Damn and Sink against Shaftsbury, Wilmore, &c. But they were New-Rigg'd, and had plenty of Money and Encouragement. 'Tis not unknown, that four of these Post-Knights, viz. Owen Callaghan, John Arthur, Maurice Fitz-Gerrald, and Murtagh Downy were kept for a considerable time at a certain place in St. Gileses, and taken care for by one M. an Agent, or Solicitor for the Duke of Norfolk (a true Friend to the Catholick Cause, till falling out amongst themselves, one of them declaring he would not forswear himself against my Lord Shaftsbury, Mr- Hetherington and others; that were Listed in Fitz-Gerralds and J. W's Black Book, unless he had as much money as the rest ('Twas not doing the Job they scrupled, but not having equal Snacks, divided them) The Cabal of Sham-Plotters, and Plot-shammers, were forced to meet to appease the Difference. And for fear it should take wind in Town, that good Friend Mr. M. moved, that he had a convenient place in the Country and a trusty Friend that would keep them in Decorum, and be as diligent in Instructing them, as Castlemain or Dangerfield (in days of Yore) were, in Tutoring the St. Omers Lads at Gammar Cellierses. Whereupon, they were Transplanted for some time down into the Fenns, not far from Lynn about a place called Downham, where they Conn'd their Lesson so fast, and behav'd themselves so Insolently, that 'twas feared they would have sworn Treason against most part of the Country (Papists only excepted) For they had not only assaulted a worthy Loyal Justice of the Peace, but were contriving to make a Swear (as they call it) against several others that would not Associate with them, had not their Mannagers again thought fit to remove them up to Town with the rest that were entertained in the Subornation-Office, That they might all the better Concur in their Tales, first to procure a Protestant-Plot in General, and then to proceed in particular against all those both in City and Country that were in F.—G. and J.—W's Fatal Lists. Out of which, the Grand Sham-Plotter, Fitz-G. was pleased to shew a great many Names of Persons that were to be charged with High-Treason by him and the rest of his Confederates, to a certain honest Man of Ireland, by whom he sent several Broad-Picees (part of the price of his Soul) to his Wife, who was before in a Starving Condition.
[Page 14]2. There was some time since one Mr. H [...]rley a Protestant that came over, and could make a very considerable Discovery of the Popish-Plot in Ireland, and brought with him Letters of Recommendation from a Noble Protestant Peer in that Kingdom, The Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Shannon, but Fitz-G. and the rest of that ungodly Tribe, meeting with him, and thinking he had no more Conscience than themselves, used all means to get him to make up one of their Number, intended for the Sham-Plot-Office, But he detesting their wicked Designs, they immediately procured a Fellow to Arrest him in a Fobb-Action, and clap him up in the Marshals [...]a in Southwark, where (contrary to a late Statute) he was thrust amongst the Common Felons; and there continued four or five days without Meat or Drink, (unless the Pump and kindness of his Companions who had scarce sustenance for themselves, supply'd him) and none of his Friends knew what was become of him, till a person by chance meeting with Mr. Hetherington, told him one of the Kings Evidence was in that desperate deplorable Condition, and that without speedy Relief, he would not live till the next day. Whereupon Mr, Hetherington taking pity on the poor Man though altogether unknown to him, was so Charitable as not to suffer a Stranger and a Christian to perish for want; especially coming on so good an Account as he did, to serve his King and Country, and the Protestant Religion: and so went immediately and paid his Fees and got him Released. But the poor Mans Spirits were so far spent, that he never Recovered, but having Languisht for some time, Dyed; And who at the great day of Account are to Answer for his Blood, is left to that Tremendous Assize where all wicked Contrivers and false Witnesses and corrupt Judges shall receive an Impartial Doom.
3. That these Sham-Office-Evidence are still in their Hearts Papists though they pretend to be Protestants; appears, for that several of them since they Listed themselves in Fitz-Geralds Troop have been with the Condemned Priests and Jesuites and Madam Damnable Celiers the Midwife, or chief Lady of the Popish Inchantments. And 'tis highly probable, That they gave them Absolution (as they did to the beforementioned Arthur, (commonly called Club-Foot) for swearing against Mr. Hetherington) And upon Condition to do some great Service for their Interest, as swearing a Protestant Plot against all such as they should direct, they may again be Reconciled to the Church of Rome.
[Page 15]4, These Witnesses cannot deny, but they have often said, Nay, some of them have given it under their hands, and declared upon Oath, That it was no sin to spill Protestants Blood, but a Meritorious Act, and that it is usual with the Popish Clergy to give Absolution as well before the Fact committed, as after, the better to effect their Designs. I do for the Truth thereof Appeal to some of the Papers of that Popish Traitor Bishop Plunket lately executed, which were delivered by Mr. Hetherington to the King and Council.
There is one thing more I may not omit, which is, That David Fitz-Gerrald (upon a hearing between him and Mr. William Hetherington, before the King and Council, did assert, That he could procure forty Irishmen for forty pound, to Swear to whatever he desired them, upon which it was Replied, That he gave an honourable Character of his Countrymen.
Several other Deductions and Notes might be made on the foregoing Depositions, But I would neither weary nor fore-stall the Reader; I conceived my self bound in Duty to my King and Country and the Protestant Religion, to make them publique, and some other Depositions there are likewise, not less material, but too long or in some Respects not fit yet to be Printed. I think these sufficient to give us an Insight into the Intrigue, for he's but an Ill Woodman, that cannot discover the Nature and Size of the Beast, by the View of his Excrement.