The narrative of Col. Tho. Blood concerning the design reported to be lately laid against the life and honour of His Grace George, Duke of Buckingham wherein Colonel Blood is charged to have conspired with Maurice Hickey, Philip le Mar, and several others, to suborn the testimony of Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan to swear buggery against the said duke : together with a copy of the information exhibited in the Crown-office against the said Colonel Blood, Hickey, Le Mar, and the rest.

The narrative of Col. Tho. Blood concerning the design reported to be lately laid against the life and honour of His Grace George, Duke of Buckingham wherein Colonel Blood is charged to have conspired with Maurice Hickey, Philip le Mar, and several others, to suborn the testimony of Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan to swear buggery against the said duke : together with a copy of the information exhibited in the Crown-office against the said Colonel Blood, Hickey, Le Mar, and the rest.

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Title page

THE NARRATIVE OF Colonel Blood, &c.

THE NARRATIVE OF Colonel Blood, &c.

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AT, or about the third of January laſt, 1679. One Jane Bradley, a Widow, now and then living at the Sign of the St. John's Head, alias, the Heaven-Tavern in the Old-Palace-Yard, Weſtminſter (mentioned in the Narrative that was lately pretended to be Mr. Blood's (accidentally ſeeing Mr. Blood's Servant going by, beckon'd to him, and told him that ſhe thought ſhe had heard ſomething related, by nameleſs Perſons, proper for Mr Blood's knowledge, and therefore bad him tell him ſo, and that ſhe would ſpeak with him about it, when he came that way; which ſhe deſired might be that or the next day following; thereupon the Servant haſten'd home to his Maſters Houſe, and told him what Mrs. Bradley had ſaid.

Within few dayes after Mr. Blood calling, deſired the ſaid Woman to let him know the meaning of her late meſſage, brought him by his Man John: She replyed, and told him, that ſhe had ſome reaſon to believe there were ſome damn'd Deſigns and Plots under Agitation, tending to the diſturbance and interuption of the preſent eſtabliſhed Government, and that ſhe feared the ſame was as great and dreadful, if not exceeding any that has been yet diſcovered.

Mr. Blood asked her, with no ſmall ſurpriſe and aſtoniſhment, why ſhe thought ſo, and by what Ccircumſtance. ‘why, ſaid ſhe, here were two ſhabby fellows here the other Night, that told me, they had ſomething of great conſequence, in reference to the welfare of the publick, to reveal, but that they did not know how to [Page] do it for want of ſome diſcreet Perſon whom they could confide in, and that would manage it and them warily by carrying them before the King and Council.’ Mr. Blood hearing her ſay ſo, ſuſpected that there was ſomething in the matter more than ordinary; and weighing her Apprehenſions of the Fellows in reference to the Eagerneſs wherewith ſhe told him they expreſt their deſire of being rid of this Plot (for ſo they called it) replyed, that if ſhe truly thought they were fit to be taken notice of, or knew any ſecret that might be to the prejudice of the publick good, he would take care ſo to manage their pretences, as that he would engage to hand them to a ſuitable Power in order to it's receiving what they had to offer of any kind relating to the diſcovery of a Plot.

Hereupon, the ſaid Jane Bradley prevailed with Mr. Blood to promiſe to call of her again that Evening at ſix of the Clock.

Mr. Blood inſiſted to her upon letting him know, why ſhe deſired his calling at that time, becauſe, replyed ſhe, ‘I and they have appointed a meeting about that time in order to their diſcourſing with him about the buſineſs (ſhe not naming him to them.)’ Accordingly, Mr. Blood came much about the hour, and went into a Room below ſtairs, and asked whether the two Perſons ſhe talkt of came yet or no; ſhe replyed, and told him, Yes, they were in the Balcony Room above ſtairs.

Within a quarter of an hour after the Woman came into the Room where Mr. Blood was, and told him that the ſaid two ſtrange fellows looked ſo like Rogues, that ſhe was of opinion they came upon the Katch as Trapans; for their behaviour, whiſperings, and ill aſpects, made them ſeem to look no leſs. ‘Why, ſaid Mr. Blood, a man may be an honeſt man, though by his looks he may be thought otherwiſe, for it's oft-times obvious, ſaid he, that though the Face be the Emblem of the Heart, and that thereby mens meaſures are uſually taken yet a man may be miſtaken ſomtimes.’ Nay, replyed the Woman, I have ſome other reaſon to think them to be ſuch. Curtis being drinking with them, and telling them that Mr. Blood was the man that they were to diſcourſe with, about being brought to the King and Council: ‘What, [Page] ſaid one of them, what Blood? is that the Blood that ſtole the Crown? God damn him, we will have nothing to do with him, for he is a great Friend of the Duke of Buckingham's.’ And a while after underſtanding that Mr. Blood was in the Houſe, and that he was the man that was to treat with them (ſhame take their Craft) they began ſuddenly to be under a reſolution different from that of ſpeaking with him, as they ſeem'd before to do if it had been another man; for calling up Mrs. Bradley, they asked her whether Mr. Blood was come: Yes, reply'd ſhe: Why, ſaid they, we have appointed a meeting with other perſons this night, that we did not think of when we came hither, which we muſt neceſſarily attend, and deſired to be excuſed for that time. ‘Pray (ſaid Mrs. Bradley) do not diſappoint him for he came of purpoſe, but could not prevail with them.’ Where it is to be rationally ſuppoſed that this ſudden change of their purpoſe of ſpeaking with Mr. Blood, (who Mrs. Bradley intended to have them to, though they knew it not) either ſprang from faint-heartedneſs and fear of diſcourſing one againſt whom they intended to lay ſnares, and ambuſhes, leſt ſomething might drop in by their behaviour that might betray their deſignes, or their being there, to be a ſufficient Circumſtance to prove that Mr. Blood was tampering with them; as in he concluſion of this Narrative they ſeem to charge him with the doing of. For it is obvious to ſee that where a Guilty Conſcience appears, to that power againſt which it has offended, there is ſcarce need of any Teſtimony to prove the Guilt: for as the ſaying is, a guilty Conſcience needs no accuſer, which may be properly alluded to this circumſtance of theſe two perſons altering their meeting, as above. But upon parting, Mrs. Bradley, with much ado, perſwaded one of them to ſhew himſelf to Mr. Blood, that thereby it might appear they were there, and that ſhe did not tell a lye, in mentioning that ſuch an appointment was to be and not to appear ſo; who when he was paſſing by where Mr. Blood was, ſtept in and told him, ſaid he, ‘we have a buſineſs of great concernment to diſcover, but are diſappointed and pinched as to our preſent Leiſure of diſcourſing with you about it, by reaſon (continued he) of another appointment that we [Page] made about this hour with others; but upon Munday morning next we will take an occaſion of waiting upon you again, and communicating to you what we are privy to:’and ſo withdrew immediately, accompanied with ſome others, ſuppoſed of his Confederates, who were alſo very ſhye to appear to Mr. Blood. This was the firſt time that Mr. Blood ſpoke to theſe men, though they ſeem to make out, in what you ſhall hereafter ſee, that he has been in their company, and feaſted them, and gave them money ſeveral times before.

Upon this paſſage, Mr. Blood not knowing what to think of the matter, or what theſe fellows might mean by a Plot, or their coming there to diſcover it, went home immediately; whither within about an hour after Mrs. Bradley came, and repeating over her former thoughts, and opinion of the two men, in reference to their manner of Geſture, talking both openly, and whiſperingly, declared her ſelf ſatisfied, by what ſhe already ſaw, they were Rogues and Trapans, and that ſhe did fear, they had ſome miſchievous deſigns upon him, and therefore bad him to have a care of himſelf, by laying with all poſſible diſpatch a prevention and ſtop againſt any ſuch thing (for this was her Opinion) ‘How do you think I I can do it (replyed Mr. Blood) for I know nothing of them, neither do I know where they live? Why, ſaid ſhe, I know, and ſo told him the Directions left her, by Mr. Curtis, where their lodgings were. Why what will you have me do, replyed Blood again, to Strangers that I never ſaw before? Do, ſaid ſhe, ſeize, carry, and get them examined before one of his Majeſties Juſtices of the Peace, where they muſt upon a report of this meeting, and what they told me touching a Plot, give a ſatisfactory account of what they are, and what they mean, or are privy to, relating to a Plot.’

Hereupon Mr. Blood weighing the Conſequence of her Advice, and conſidering how much the ſame in it's Circumſtances affected his ſafety and defence againſt any eminent Deſign that might be probably threaten'd him, in preference to the Trouble, and expence which the finding out of theſe fellows could expoſe him to, eſpecially in theſe dangerous times, when all men Mouths ſeem to be as open [Page] as their Eares, reſolved immediately to go in queſt of them; and in order thereto, went to Colonel Walcup, one of his Majeſties Juſtices of the Peace, who happen'd to be then out of Town. Upon that he went in queſt of another, and met with Doctor Chamberlain, likewiſe a Juſtice of Peace, to whom he communicated the whole paſſage at large; and told him that the behaviour of the aforeſaid two Fellowes towards him appeared ſo wry-necked (for thoſe were his very words) that he believed they had a Deſign of doing him ſome miſchief, and that he thought the way to prevent them in it, and the defending himſelf againſt harm, was to get them ſeized and examin'd in order to the forcing them to declare what they pretended to be privy to relating to a Plot or any thing elce concerning him, and therefore deſired his Warrant ſo to do, and that he would pleaſe to do him the favour to go with him, in regard ſaid he, that it did meerly concern his particular part to be out of the fear of it, as well as the health of the Government ſaid to be aimed at, by what theſe fellows reported they knew.

Doctor Chamberlain condeſcended to the giving a Warrant for the apprehending of them under the Names of Philemom Codan, and Samuel Ryther, and was as well out of friendſhip to Mr. Blood as love to the publick good, pleaſed to go in perſon himſelf to find them out taking a long with him, a Conſtable or two, and a competent number of Watchmen, and being informed that they lodged, viz. the former at one Richard Monk a Dyers Houſe, bearing the Sign of the Rainbow at the lower end of Long Aker, and the other, viz. Samuel Ryther, about the Soho, thither he went, and having taken care to ſpeak with them at either place as they came in, after ſome attendance, ſeized both at the latter of the ſaid Places, that is at Rythers Quarters, about eleven of the Clock at night. After being ſeized, Doctor Chamberlain began to examine them ſeverally, touching the Plot they pretended to be priuy to, and which they wanted a Magiſtrate to reveal to, whereat they behaved themſelves with much ſtrangeneſs and ſurprize, and very pragmatically and inſolently preſſed the Juſtice to let them know what he meant, what the ground of his Apprehenſion was, or what he had to lay to their Charge? He told them that he heard they were privy to a great and dangerous Plot againſt the Tranquility of the Government; and that to diſcover the ſame, he underſtood that they did appoint a meeting that Evening about ſix In order to their revealing the ſame, to ſuch a perſon as Mrs. Bradley did bring them to, but that when they came to the place, appointed, being at the St. Johns-Head-Tavern, alias called Heaven, [Page] in the Old Pallace-Yard Weſtminſter, they ran away without giving any Account of what they pretended to reveal when they came either to Mrs. Bradly or her Friend, and that he underſtanding it was about a Plot, he came purpoſely to know and receive what they had to diſcover of that kind.

Whereat Samuel Ryther ſtarted up and proteſted he knew of no Plot, nor ought like it. The other, viz. Mr. Codan forſooth, being ask'd what the meaning of their meeting at Heaven was, if they had no Plot to diſcover? To which he replied, that it was about the Duke of Buckingham, who he ſaid owed them both ſeveral hundreds of pounds upon Account of Wages, and that they wanted ſome body that was able to cope with him. How! how! replied one Thomas Curtis, that happened to ſtand by, why do you ſay ſo? Did not I hear you ſay at ſuch a place, naming it, that you knew of a greater Plot yet undiſcovered, than either Doctor Oats or Captain Bedlow ever hither to confeſſed; to which they gave no ſatisfactory Anſwer.

Then Doctor Chamberlain urged again, that it was not to be expected, that any ſhould be ſo overſeen as to interpoſe between Maſters and Servants about Wages, eſpecially ſo great a Perſon as the Duke of Buckingham was, that that could not be the reaſon of their meeting as was appointed at Heaven, and therefore told them that he could not believe, but that that was an Excuſe

Upon which one of theſe men (ſeeing themſelves ſo ſtrictly ſet, and no other pretence to eſcape owning that they ſaid they knew of a Plot) ſtarts up, and fell violently upon Damming and ſinking himſelf, in the preſence of the Juſtice, that he would be revenged on the Duke of Buckingham, and that he would ſwear and do any thing that could tend to the doing him a prejudice, and that he himſelf would ſwear Sodomy againſt him.

With that Doctor Chamberlain and Mr. Blood perceiving and weighing deliberately that the reſult of their Cavelling in coherent Replies and Defence, was fictitious, and ſprang from their own invention; concludes, that it was ſcarce worthy their further notice, and therefore the Juſtice told him of the two that laſt ſpake, that he neither did, nor would hear any thing of the matter of Sodomy they talkt of relating to the Duke; and that he was a little unſatisfied with their evaſions and quibling ſtories, aſſerting that there was a ſufficient Witneſs by (naming Curtis) who vvas able to juſtifie that he heard them ſay they had ſomething to relate touching an Interruption deſigned to the Government, and therefore preſſed them both to be ingenious, yet to no purpoſe.

Then Doctor Chamberlain reſolving to leave no ſtone unturn'd, [Page] nor any Circumſtance unrepeated, that could contribute to the having out the Truth of the matter from them, asked them jointly why, and what was the reaſon of their running away at the ſight of Mr. Blood, when they appointed to meet at Mrs. Bradlies at Heaven, without giving an Account of what they came about? Becauſe, replied they, we were diffident and miſtruſtful of him, why ſo ſaid the Juſtice? Why ſaid they, we did not judg him to be a fitting perſon for our turn, in reference to what we have to offer againſt the Duke of Buckingham. Why ſo ſaid he? becauſe replied they, we apprehended by what we heard, that he was the Dukes friend, and if we did truſt him he might probably betray us.

Thereupon Doctor Chamberlain taking them for idle Fellows, had them be gone, but preſently upon ſecond Thoughts, directed them to conſider of what they had already ſaid, and to attend upon him at his Houſe in Eſsex-Building on the Munday morning following, where he would receive what, if any thing, they ſhould then have to offer concerning the diſcovery of a Plot.

Accordingly they came accompanied with Mr. Whittaker, and Mr. Jenks, where Mr. Blood likewiſe attended, and Doctor Chamberlain asking them over again the meaning of thoſe ſhuffling Stories they treated him the foregoing Saturday at night with, they replied, they had a further Deſign to diſcover and carry on, relateing to the welfare and Good of the publick, but would come to no particulars. Whereupon without more ado, Doctor Chamberlain diſmiſſed them, and heard not of them for ſome time after.

About the 20th of January, Sir William Waller being returned out of the Country where he then was about this time, took occaſion of ſending his Man to Mr. Blood, with directions that he would be pleaſed to come to him to the Buffillo-head-Tavern near the Gatehouſe in Weſtminſter, to drink as he thought, a Glaſs of Wine with him; who preſently came, where finding, to his ſurprize, Mr. Ryther and Mr. Codan, together with Mr Whittaker and Mr. Jenks in Sir Williams Company, ſtarted not ſo much at their being there (I mean Mr. Ryther and Codan) but at the ſudden change of the dreſs of the ſaid two, who from the degree of Porter-like fellows (for ſuch like, or worſe they appeared to be when they were examined before Doctor Chamberlain) got into fine Rigging, ſuch as near Clothes, good Perrivvigs, new Hats, clean Linnen, Swords and all other Accoutrements anſwerable, ſo that Mr. Blood did ſcarce know them, and ſo ſaid nothing for a little time.

After the drinking a Glaſs or two of Wine, Sir William began to open the Matter, and told Mr. Blood why he ſent for him, and withal, that he was very much troubled at the misfortune he [Page] lately brought himſelf under, and that not only upon the Account of his being a Neighbour, and a long Acquaintance, but for ſome other Reaſons, which he did not think fit then to mention.

What misfortune do you mean, replied Mr. Blood, I do not underſtand you? Why, ſaid Sir William, theſe two Gentlemen (pointing at Mr. Ryther and Codan, that ſate by) are come hither before me, to depoſe upon Oath, that you as a Confederate have attempted at ſeveral times to corrupt them by money, and the proſpect of other conſiderable Rewards, to ſwear and falſly to accuſe and charge his Grace the Duke of Buckingham with Sodomy. How! What do you mean, rereplied Mr. Blood? what is the matter, I do not know what you ſay?

Whereat Philemon Coddan ſtarted up, almoſt diſguis'd (for Mr. Blood could ſcarce remember where he ſaw him, becauſe he got ſo finely Rigged of a ſuddain) and ſaid, Mr. Blood you would ſuborn us to ſwear Buggery againſt the Duke of Buckingham. O ſhame on you replied Blood, can you be ſo Impudent, as to invent ſuch a thing of Mr. Blood, that is a Stranger to you, and who never ſaw you in his Life, but before Doctor Chamberlain, and one time at Heaven.

At which Mr. Jenks and Mr. Whittaker ſitting by, jointly interpoſing, ſtood up and took the opportunity of backing him that laſt ſpake, and ſaid, come Mr. Blood come, as God gave you Reaſon, Wiſdome and Underſtanding; be honeſt, and juſt, and Confeſs.

Mr. Blood being ſomething concerned thereat, replied, ſaying, you that have been theſe two years laſt paſt imployed to aſperſe Mr, Blood, do you appear in ſuch a Game as this, is your Invention no better?

Then directing his Diſcourſe to Sir William Waller, askt him what the matter was, or what made thoſe two men run away from Heaven without ſaying of any thing of this kind, and why did they Damme and ſink themſelves, when they came afterwards before Doctor Chamberlain, that they would ruine the Duke of Buckingham, by Oath or any other Act that could inable them to reach him. Sir William Waller replied, that they ſaid ſo on Purpoſe, and in Order to the carrying on a greater Deſign; further aſſerting that theſe Gentlemen (for ſo they were pleaſed to call them, were honeſt men, whereupon Mr. Jenks and Mr. Whittaker jointly preſt, that they meaning Codan and Ryther, were very honeſt men, and therefore deſired that Sir William would be pleaſed to exerciſe Juſtice on Mr. Blood in their behalf.

Sir William Waller thereat deſired Mr. Blood with Civility, that he would bring in two perſons for his Bail, inſtancing at the ſame time Mr. Jarrat and another Gentleman, that were friends of Mr. Bloods, Mr. Blood replied, that he would take time to conſider of the validity of his Advice, and wait upon them with the reſult of what he would reſolve upon another time, for ſuch things were not to be done raſhly.

Accordingly Mr. Blood quitted the Company friendly and went about his buſineſs

Next morning he went to Sir William Waller to his houſe, where he found Mr. Whittaker and being askt by Sir William, have you brought your friends Mr. Blood as I deſired you, no replied Mr. Blood nor will till I know for what, and then deſired a Copy of the mittimus that he was to be Committed by, for by that ſaid he I ſhal be able to know how I ſhall proportion my Bail.

Upon which Sir William begg [...]d that he would not proceed according to that method or Courſe, but follow his directions, and put in Bail. Which Mr. Blood perſiſted in his declining the doing of it, declaring that he would inſiſt upon being treated by him according to the form of Law, and therefore deſired to know what he ſtood charged with, by letting him have a Coppy of his mittimus, which Sir William did.

The next day a Conſtable came to Mr. Bloods Houſe in the name of Sir William and deſired to ſpeak with him, notice whereof being carried to Mr. Blood, who happened then to be in bed; he ſent his man to Sir William to tell him that as ſoon as he waf up, and made an end of ſome Affairs that he was obliged to ſee diſpatcht that morning at Court, he would wait upon him.

[Page] Immediately Mr. Blood got up, and went to Court accordingly, and upon his return thence, which was within ſome ſmall time after, he met a Conſtable at the upper end of Kingſtreet in Weſtminſter, who deſiring him to ſtep aſide a little into an Alley that was hard by, told him he had a Warrant (miſtaking a Warrant for a Mittimus) againſt him from Sir William Waller, and that if he pleaſed to ſtep into any Houſe hard by, he would follow him, without expoſing the paſſage to the view of any, that upon ſeeing a Conſtable in his company might be apt to gueſs of his being in trouble; Mr. Blood thereupon went to the Dog-Tavern, next door to the Gate-houſe, whither the ſaid Officer followed him, and ſhew'd him his Authority from Sir William, which was in the following words, (Viz.)

A Copy of the Mittimus by which Mr. Blood was ſeized, and to be carried to the Gate-houſe.

To the Keeper of the Gate-houſe Weſtminster, or his Deputy.

WHereas Oath hath been made by two Witneſſes before Comit' Middleſex Clvit' & Libert' Weſtm' William Waller. me, That Collonel Thomas Blood is a Confederate in the late Conſpiracy of ſuborning Witneſſes falſly to accuſe and charge his Grace the Duke of Buckingham of Sodomy, he having refuſed to give in Bail to appear the next General Seſsions of the Peace to be held for the City and Liberty of Weſtminſter to anſwer the Premiſſes.

Theſe are therefore in His Majesties Name upon ſight hereof to direct you to take into your Cuſtody the Body of him the ſaid Collonel Thomas Blood, and him ſafely to keep until he ſhall be delivered by due courſe of Law.

Given under my Hand and Seal triceſsimo die Januarii, Anno (que) Domini 1679.

While Mr. Blood lay under the reſtraint of this Mittimus, (which happened upon Saturday the one and thirtieth of January) it chanced that one of your common Hawkers, among other things, as he went by, cry'd, that Mr. Blood was in the Gatehouſe, (vide the Print) where it is to be rationally ſuppoſed, that Sir William having iſſued his Mittimus the day before, being [Page] the thirtieth day of January, for the apprehending and carrying away Mr. Blood to Goal, by the vertue of the ſame, and imagining that the Conſtable did his Duty that day accordingly in laying of him up, the Printer had ſome how notice thereof brought him, and ſo diſpers'd it. But Sir William ſoon heard of the miſtake, for ſending upon the ſaid Saturday, about three in the afternoon, one of the ſaid Witneſſes from the Cock-Ale-Houſe near Temple-Bar to Weſtminſter, to know of the Conſtable how he had diſpoſed of Mr. Blood, he found the Conſtable was with Mr. Blood at the Dog-Tavern, who ſending for the Conſtable into another Room, asked him why Mr. Blood was not carried to Priſon before that time? Why, replyed the Conſtable, I do not know how Sir William can juſtifie me in what I have done; for, ſaid he, when Sir William gave this Mittimus, I told him, that I durſt not carry him to Goal before he was firſt carried by Virtue of a Warrant before a Juſtice of Peace, and thence, according as the Crime appear'd, or ſworn againſt him, Committed; and then he told me, that he would bear me out in it, but now I find to the contrary; and beſides that, I have opened the Buſineſs to two of my Acquaintance, whom I accidentally met with here, and that are now Conſtables of this Pariſh, who tell me, that it is in the Power of Mr. Blood to bring me under great trouble, for my inadvertency in the thing, which pray go and tell him, and that if Mr. Blood hath a mind to go, I neither dare nor will keep him one minute longer in my Cuſtody.

In this interval of time, Mr. Blood taking notice of the Paſſage, and obſerving that the Conſtable abſented from his Company a good while, and taking notice alſo, that he was ſuddenly called for into another Room, to ſpeak with one, and deſirous to know who it was, or what the matter might be, ſent out one of his Friends to learn who it was, who upon his return brought word, that it was one of the Witneſſes againſt him, that came from Sir William Waller, but what his Meſſage or Buſineſs was he knew not, but that they were together in the Houſe. Whereupon the ſaid Witneſs going back immediately again to Sir William to tell him what the Conſtable ſaid touching his incapacity of detaining Mr. Blood without a Warrant; the Conſtable came in to Mr. Blood, but did not then tell him the Paſſages that happened between him and the two Conſtables about the danger he was in, nor the Meſſage that the ſaid Witneſs came upon, or that he went back to Sir William for a Warrant.

[Page] Mr. Blood took occaſion then of telling the Conſtable of his inadvertency, and that if he (meaning himſelf) were a troubleſome Man, he could have trounc'd him; how? replyed the Conſtable, and for what? For detaining me here, replyed Mr. Blood, unlawfully, for I know what a Juſtice of Peace ought to do in Caſes of this kind; but, ſays he, as you are a Neighbour, and a civil Man, I ſcorn to take the advantage of you, though I might bring my Action at Law againſt you, and make you pay me ſo much an hour for falſe Impriſonment.

This Diſcourſe was ſcarce at an end, but the Conſtable was ſent for a ſecond time out of Mr. Blood's Company to ſpeak with this Witneſs, who was by this time hurried back from Sir William, who preſently, when he underſtood what the Conſtable ſaid of his not daring to hold Mr. Blood without a Warrant, ſent him down with one, dated the one and thirtieth of January; upon the delivery whereof to the Conſtable the Witneſs withdrew, and the conſtable came to Mr. Blood, and told him the whole ſtory, and withal, that juſt then Sir William ſent him a Warrant, and what paſs'd between him and the Witneſs before, and that he did purpoſe to diſcharge Mr. Blood without any more ado, had not that Warrant been brought him, acknowledging, that he could not anſwer his detaining of him ſo long without it: A Copy of which Warrant, for the Readers further ſatisfaction, is as followeth, (Viz.)

A Copy of a Warrant ſent by the Witneſs to ſeize Mr. Blood, then actually in hold at the Dog-Tavern, by Vertue of an antedated Mittimus.

To all Conſtables, and other His Majeſties Officers Civil and Military.

WHereas Oath hath been made by two Witneſſes, That Civit' Middleſex Libert' Weſtm. William Waller. Collonel Thomas Blood has been a Confederate in a late Conſpiracy of falſly accuſing and charging his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, of Sodomy, and has refuſed to give in Bail for his appearance at the next General Seſſions to be held for the City and Liberty of Weſtminſter.

Theſe are therefore to will and require, That you ſeize and apprehend the ſaid Collonel Thomas Blood, and if he ſhall refuſe to give in Bail, to carry him, and deliver him into [Page] the Hand of Mr. Church, Keeper of the Gate-houſe in Weſtminſter, according to the Tenor of the Mittimus in your Hands.

Given under my Hand and Seal the one and thirtieth of January. 1679.

Here it may be moſt naturally inferr'd from the Premiſſes, that there was nothing more aimed at in theſe Proceedings, than to hurry Mr. Blood to Goal, purpoſely to bring him at firſt under publick ſcandal, and then to ſtrip him of the good eſteem of his Friends, by turning them all againſt him, and (to compleat their work) to poſſeſs Sir William Waller, that Mr. Blood ſtood guilty of capital offences, ſuch as Conſpiracy againſt the Kings Laws, &c. and therefore fit to be confined, for there lay the knack of the Intrigue; for the original meeting of the two Witneſſes at Heaven was intended only to ſerve as a Circumſtance of their having ſeen him there, and accordingly to be made uſe of by them, when ever they came to prove what they were then imployed upon: for when they underſtood by Thomas Curtis, when they firſt came to Heaven, that Mr. Blood was the Perſon that was to introduce them to the King and Council, in order to their detecting and divulging the Plot that they pretended to be privy to, exceeding in greatneſs, as they called it, any that has been yet diſcovered by Dr Oates or Captain Bedloe, they excepted againſt Mr. Blood, (though they came thither upon no other ſcore than to furniſh themſelves with Circumſtances) ſaying, Is not that the Blood that ſtole the Crown? God damn him, we will have nothing to do with him, for he is too great a Friend of the Duke of Buckingham's. Then to publiſh in Print, that he was a Priſoner, to the end that the ſame might be diſpers'd over all the Nation, and the People poſſeſs'd, (eſpecially his Friends) that it was for high miſdemeanours, and conſequently not bailable; and then for haſt, becauſe his Reputation ſhould not eſcape, being gull'd to take him up by a Mittimus, on purpoſe to run him into Priſon; and finding that way not to take, then to take him by a Warrant.

After the Warrant was thus brought, Mr. Blood and the Conſtable continued together till it was about ſix of the Clock, (for till then no Juſtice of Peace could be found) when Mr. Blood gave in Bail to the value of forty Pounds before Sir William Poultney, to anſwer this monſtrous Accuſation, for ſuch they made Sir William VValler believe it to be.

[Page] Within few days after, Mr. Blood happening to meet with one Mr. Burrowes, a Cabinet-ſeller in the Strand, they both by conſent went to the Kings-head-Tavern in Chancery-Lane to drink a Glaſs of Wine, where being accompanied by one or two more Gentlemen, Mr. Blood, among other Paſſages, began to mention Sir VVilliam VVallers's unkind uſage of, and behaviour towards him; whereat Mr. Burrowes ask'd him wherein? Mr. Blood replyed, that when he was ſent for the other day by Sir VVilliam, to give in Bail to anſwer the Charge ſworn againſt him by the two Witneſſes, he ask'd Sir VVilliam, do you heed theſe Fellows? you ſhould rather ſecure, and lay them by the heels, for they did own before Doctor Chamberlaine, and ſeveral Witneſſes, that they did run away from Heaven without ſpeaking with him, becauſe they thought he was too great a Friend to the Duke of Buckingham, and that they then ſwore ſeveral times God damn them, they would deſtroy the Duke of Buckingham, by Oath, or any thing elſe they could reach him with; and thereupon Sir VVilliam ask'd them both at that very inſtant of time, whether they knew or ſaid any ſuch thing touching the Duke? and that they thereupon acknowledged they ſaid ſo before Doctor Chamberlaine; yet Sir VVilliam did, notwithſtanding that, tell Mr. Blood, (touching him on the Sleeve) that they were both honeſt Men for all this; at which Mr. Blood anſwered, Then the Devil is honeſt. Upon which Mr. Burrowes, ſeeming to be very unwilling to believe, that Sir VVilliam could be guilty of ſo great an error; Mr. Blood, upon his own free accord, ſent his Man to ſee if he could find out Sir VVilliam, and if he did, to deſire him to come to him to the Tavern, to the end Mr. Burrowes ſhould ſee and hear Sir VVilliam himſelf own to his face what Mr. Blood ſaid, touching him in this Particular. Sir VVilliam being come accordingly, Mr. Burrowes opened the matter, and, by way of reproach, began to charge Mr. Blood with his having ſcandalized Sir VVilliam behind his back, in ſaying; that he did diſpence with the two Witneſſes, when he ſaid they were honeſt Men: I do not know, replyed Mr. Blood, that he gave them a Diſpenſation, or that he did diſpenſe With them; but that I ſaid either the one or t'other, I confeſs; and then Sir VVilliam being ask'd if he ſaid ſo or no? Yes, replyed Sir VVilliam, I own I ſaid ſo; yet it has been ſince induſtriouſly reported, that Mr. Blood took occaſion of railing againſt Sir VVilliam VValler before ſome company; and ſome Perſon thereof concerned for Sir VVilliam, obſerving the ſame, [Page] ſhould ſend for Sir William before the Company broke up, and that when Mr. Blood was charged therewith before Sir William by that Party who was ſaid to be ſo concern'd, he ſhould deny it, which Mr Blood is ready to prove if need be; and it is believed Sir William himſelf will own it if need be.

Mrs. Bradley, the Woman at Heaven, was much about the ſame time brought upon the ſame Stage with Mr. Blood, and it ſeems upon the like ſcore; for Sir William being jealous that Mr. Blood held correſpondence with Thomas Curtis, ſent for her to know how long Mr. Blood knew the ſaid Curtis; ſhe told him that ſhe thought he never ſaw him but once, which was before Doctor Chamberlaine; whereat Sir William Waller, not willing to believe her Anſwer, told her that ſhe lyed, it was no ſuch thing, but that they correſponded; you may believe me, replyed the Woman, if you pleaſe, for I do not lie.

Sir William not ſatisfied herewith, on the 30th of January charged her with a Conſtable, and cauſed her to be brought before him. When ſhe came, he asked her where her Bail was, I have them here, quoth ſhe; who are they? ſaid he; ſo ſhe told him; but he not liking them, commanded the Conſtable to do his Duty, and carry her to Goal; the Conſtable hearing him ſo ſay, and knowing her to be a Neighbour, carried her to Mr. Church his Houſe, where ſhe continued till next day, when ſhe gave in Bail before Sir William Poultney to the value of two Hundred Pounds.

The meaning of this Paſſage being mention'd here is this. When the two Witneſſes came firſt to Heaven, and went up ſtairs to drink, it happened that one of Mrs. Bradley's Acquaintance, being a Woman-kind, was in the next Room to them, who ſuſpecting them to be Bailiffs, or ſuch like Fellows, (for their outward condition made them look no better) ſhe accidentally liſtened to know what they might ſay, or came about. By and by one of them ſaid, How ſhall we do this? God damn me, ſaid t'other, we will do this Rogue Blood's buſineſs for him, and get Oaths enough to ſwear againſt him by that time Sir William Waller comes to Town.

Upon this Mrs. Bradley's Friend for the preſent ſaid nothing of the matter to her, but told it the next day to another Friend, who took no notice of it neither at that time. But ſeeing Mrs. Bradley brought under trouble about a fortnight after, as you heard before, both came and told her what the two Witneſſes ſaid of Mr. Blood when they were above in the Balcony Room, [Page] and how they ſwore they would do Mr. Blood's buſineſs, and would find Oaths enough againſt him by that time Sir William came to Town. Hereupon Mrs. Bradley had both before a Juſtice, to have them ſwear the Matter of Fact, which they accordingly did; which Depoſitions are to be ſeen in due time. From whence it may be pertinently inferr'd, that the ſaid Witneſſes were then brewing what they have ſince broached in the following manner.

Firſt they frame and contrive, that Maurice Hickey, aliàs Higgins, Robert Smith, aliàs Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur O-Bryan, Phillyp la Mere, and Jane Bradley, did by unlawful means and ways, between themſelves, conſpire to rob the Duke of Buckingham, not only of his Honour and Reputation, as a Peer of England, but likewiſe of his Life, upon a preſumption of his committing Sodomy with one Sarah Harwood; and in order to the convicting and condemning him the ſaid Duke of the ſame, they did invent, that they the ſaid Mr. Blood, and Company afore-mention'd, did agree with two of the ſaid Dukes Servants, namely Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, to pay them ſeveral hundreds of Pounds, upon condition that they would ſuffer themſelves to be prevailed with to come as Evidences, and ſwear, when the matter of Fact was brought to a Tryal, that they did hear Sarah Harwood declare ſuch and ſuch things againſt the ſaid Duke; (meaning Sodomy with her, and ſeveral others) and that, beſides theſe ſeveral Sums of Money thus invented to be agreed upon to be in hand paid, they ſhould engage to ſecure them the ſaid Coddan and Ryther of conſiderable Annuities for Life, and the Friendſhip of the beſt Noble-men in England, to vindicate them in whatever they did.

That previous to all this, the ſaid Mr. Blood, and the reſt of them, ſhould be invented to have expended ſundry great Sums of Money upon theſe two Fellows in Junkets, Treats, and ſo forth, before they could be brought to ſwear to this ſubornation againſt the Duke. In manner following, viz. That the ſaid Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, ſhould Sign a Paper ready drawn, wherein they were to certifie, that they did hear the ſaid Sarah Harwood confeſs and declare before them, that his Grace the Duke of Buckingham did forcibly enter both her Privities, as far as he could go, ſtop'd her Breath, and then ſent her away; by which conveyance the King loſt his Evidence. That they were further (as they contrived it themſelves) to [Page] teſtifie, that the ſaid Duke ordered the ſaid Sarah Harwood to be murthered, or conveyed to, and ſold beyond the Seas, and that he had committed the like on ſeveral others, which they were to be ready to prove when called thereto: And that this Inſtrument ſhould be ſent (by direction of Mr. Blood, and the reſt above-mentioned) by Maurice Hicky to a certain place in Bloomſberry, where he was to meet with the ſaid Ryther and Coddan, and being met there, to offer both or either of them that came 300 Pieces of Gold, provided they Signed the foregoing Inſtrument, and if they did not, to ſtab them; but if they did Sign, to give them the Gold. That Ryther being come alone, and offered the Gold and Inſtrument by Mr Hickey, he ſhould deſire to have a little leiſure of peruſing and pauſing upon it in the next room, and when that, to eſcape and run away to the Duke of Buckingham's Sollicitour, and tell him that he was ſet upon in ſuch a place by Maurice Hickey in the name of himſelf, Mr. Blood, and others to ſign that Paper (which he was to bring with him) and take ſo much Gold for his pains, or elſe to be killed. And that upon this eſcape, Hickey, thus outwitted, was to ſay, when he underſtood by the Woman of the Houſe that he was gone, that he and Partners were undone, and ſo fled. And the next day after, the better to carry on the Deſign, without ſuſpition, to bid 100 l. in the Intelligence to any that could give tydings of this Hickey, in the following manner, viz. That whereas one Maurice Hickey had tempted one Samuel Ryther, a Servant of the Duke of Buckingham's, to Sign to a certain Paper, (meaning the foregoing Inſtrument) containing matters tending to the taking away the Life of his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, and that he offered him 300 Pieces of Gold for his condeſcention thereto; and whereas the ſaid Samuel Ryther did not only deny the ſame, but ran away; and that the ſaid Maurice Hickey did thereupon fly, and could not be heard of, then to bid 100 l. in the Intelligence to any that could bring tidings of him to Mr. Whitaker.

By this any Man may plainly ſee, that theſe Fellows were not idle in carrying on what they damn'd themſelves they would, againſt Mr. Blood, when they were over-heard at Heaven, where they ſaid we will find Oaths enough to ſwear againſt him by that time Sir William Waller comes to Town; for when Sir William came home, it's worth the Readers notice to remember, how he ſent for Mr. Blood preſently to the Buffillo-Tavern, where theſe Fellows were; how Sir William was prevailed with [Page] to preſs Mr. Blood to give in Bail to anſwer what they ſwore againſt him; what haſt was made in running him to Priſon, by laying hold of him firſt by a Mittimus, and then by a Warrant, as by the foregoing appears; and then to have it declared and cryed about the ſtreets, that he was in Priſon, when he was not; and how Mr. Blood was diſappointed by thoſe Hands who promiſed to have them forthwith coming before that Juſtice of Peace in Westminſter that took examination on his behalf, to anſwer what he had to accuſe them of, but did not: for Mr. Blood having examin'd Witneſſes before a Juſtice in the Liberty of Westminſter, before whom a Conſpiracy was proved to be on foot againſt Mr. Blood, and finding that theſe Fellows were, by the report of the Neighbourhood, fled from their Habitations, he ſent a Gentleman of his Acquaintance to Sir William VValler, to deſire and require of him, that in regard, and for as much as he had promiſed to take good Security for the forth-coming of the ſaid Perſons, and their appearing before that Authority that took examinations on his behalf, when required, he would pleaſe to produce them, to the end they might be bound over to anſwer what ever Charge Mr. Blood had to offer againſt them, and he thereby obtain equal Juſtice. Sir William was pleaſed to ſay, that he was not obliged to take any Security for their appearance, nor would he bring them forth, adding, that Mr. Blood was unkind for abuſing him for his civility, (meaning the Paſſage touching Mr. Burrowes.) Upon this the Gentleman urged, that it was Mr. Blood's opinion that he was not over kind to him, who had been ſo long his Neighbour and Acquaintance, and one by whom he never knew any ill.

To which Sir William anſwered, That he had done his Duty as to the Method wherein he took their Oaths; and as to thoſe Circumſtances which he charged him with the neglect of, they muſt make them out as they can, when the Matter comes to be decided by a Tryal.

Upon this Mr. Blood's Friend came back, and gave him an account what paſſed between him and Sir William Waller, and how he denyed the bringing forth of the two Perſons. It's plainly to be ſeen from the foregoing Circumſtances, that there was no labour ſpared towards the ſetting of Sir William and Mr. Blood by the ears.

Whereupon Mr. Blood, not well knowing how to help himſelf, or what remedy to retort to, at laſt he went to, and directed Mr. Thompſon to put them into his Intelligence, in the Words following, viz. Whereas Philemon Codan and Samuel Ryther, [Page] pretended Servants to his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, did falſly aſperſe Thomas Blood Eſq that he would have ſuborned them to ſwear ſome notorious Crimes againſt the ſaid Duke, (who now abſcond themſelves.) If any can give notice of the ſaid Philemon Coddan and Samuel Ryther, unto the ſaid Thomas Blood Eſq at his Houſe over the Bowling-Alley in Weſtminſter, or to Dorman Newman at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, they ſhall be well rewarded.

When this was cryed about the ſtreets, and a Reward profered to any that could tell where theſe Fellows were, one Mrs. Stringer, that keeps a Cup of Ale to ſell at the lower end of Long-Acre, happened to buy the Intelligence, and knowing theſe Perſons, when mentioned, and where they lay, came to Mr Blood's Houſe to let him know where they lay, under hopes, it is ſuppoſed, of receiving the promiſed Revvard; but miſſing of Mr. Blood at home, left vvord at his Houſe, that ſhe lived at ſuch a Place, that her Name vvas Stringer, and that ſhe came to give tidings of Coddan and Ryther, vvhom ſhe heard cry'd in the Intelligence, and that if he came to her, ſhe vvould tell him more of them.

When Mr Blood heard this, he ſent preſently to the Woman to let him knovv vvhat account ſhe had to give of them. Whereupon ſhe told them he ſent, that ſhe knevv Philemon Coddan and Samuel Ryther, mentioned in Mr. Thompſons Intelligence, very vvell, that Coddan lodged in the next Houſe, viz. at Mr. Monkes a Dyer, for ſome time, that he vvas indebted to her for Drink, &c. Whereupon Mr. Bloods Friends deſired her to let them knovv, if ſhe could tell vvhere the ſaid Perſons lay novv? ſhe told them in the City at a Shoomakers in Walbrook; notice vvhere of being brought back to Mr. Blood, he vvas adviſed to have her, by Warrant, carried before a Juſtice of Peace, as alſo Mr. Monk the Dyer, to be examined touching their knovvledge of theſe Perſons; vvhich he accordingly did, vvhere being both come, Mrs. Stringer gave relation of them both to the follovving purpoſe, viz.

The Juſtice ask'd her and Mr. Monk both, 1ſt. Whether they knevv any thing relating to the Plot? they reply'd, No. Have you ever taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy or not? they replyed, Yes: Then you knovv that thoſe Oaths bind you to be true and faithful to the King; Yes, they knevv that, they ſaid: Then the Juſtice took Mrs. Stringer ſingly to task, asking her, vvhether ſhe knevv Coddan, Ryther, or Hickey? Yes, ſaid ſhe, I knovv them all three conſtant Companions together, and that they uſually reſorted to her Cellar, accompanied great many times by other Iriſh Men, vvho vvere of their Gang, and vvhoſe Names [Page] ſhe knew not, though they all together dyeted with her commonly. Have you taken any notice of any diſcourſe they had when they were together? replyed the Juſtice. Why, replyed the Woman, when they diſcourſed about any thing that they would not have me, or the Houſe privy to, they uſually ſpoke Iriſh. And being asked, whether ſhe knew any remarkable thing or paſſage relating to any of the three under preſent debate. Yes, ſaid ſhe: What is't? Why, ſaid ſhe, the day after Hickey was cryed in the Intelligence, and one hundred Pounds bid to any that could diſcover him, ſhe eſpied him go by her door in very great haſt, and being indebted to her, ſhe ran after him, and with much ado overtook him in ſuch a Sweat, that every drop that came from him looked as big as a Pea; being overtook, ſhe asked him for the Money he owed her, for, ſaid ſhe, we are very Poor People, and new Beginners, and you would do very well to pay us. Whereto Mr. Hickey replying, I am, ſaid he, going into the City to Mr. Coddan, and though I am diſappointed at preſent, yet it ſhall not be long before I content you; and not only that, but I will ſpeak to Mr. Coddan to do the like for what he owes you.

The next day, being the ſecond day after Hickey was cryed in the Intelligence Coddan himſelf came to Mr. Monkes, whom he owed Money to alſo for Lodging, where I happening to ſee him, quoth the Woman, I went and ſpoke to him before Mr. Monk, and told him, I ſaw and ſpoke with Mr. Hickey, ſaid ſhe, yeſterday about my Money, and he told me that he was going into the City to ſpeak with you: Yes, replyed Coddan, he was with me yeſterday, and told me what you ſaid to him. But, ſaid the Woman, Mr. Coddan, I hear that Mr. Hickey is in the Intelligence; no, ſaid Coddan, you are miſtaken, it's another. Whereupon he went away, and called within two days after at Mr. Monkes Shop, where I happened to be, ſaid the Woman, and I hear, (continued ſhe to Mr. Coddan) that Hickey is in the Gate-houſe, and did not I tell you before, that I was ſure it was the ſame Hickey that was cryed in the Intelligence the other day. Coddan replyed to Mr. Monk and ſhe, ſaying, I was not willing you ſhould take him, becauſe I had a mind to take him my ſelf. Whereupon the Woman told the Juſtice, that the ſaid Coddan owing her Money, ſhe went ſeveral times to demand it, but to little purpoſe; and being loſt for ſome time, ſhe heard at laſt that he lay in London, whither ſhe and her Husband went on a Sunday morning to demand their Debt, not exceeding five Shillings. He reply'd, Damn him, he would pay her no Money, if it were to ſave her Life from the Gallowes, or her Soul from Hell, and ſo would not pay her one farthing, though he ſhewed a great quantity of Money [Page] that he had about him. At which her Husband went with a Friend to the Gate-houſe, where he found the ſaid Hickey with the Campaigne Coat that Coddan had on his back, when Hickey was in the Intelligence.

Mr. Monkes Confeſſion of his Knowledge of the ſaid Hickey, Coddan, and Ryther, &c.

Mr. Monk, when examin'd, told the Juſtice, that he always ſuſpected ſince firſt he ſaw them, that Coddan, Ryther, Hickey, and the reſt of the Gang were Rogues, that Coddan and Hickey lay at his Houſe about three Weeks, whither they were reſorted to by ſeveral other Iriſh men, that his opinion was, they could not get their Livelihoods honeſtly, being ſometimes very fluſh of money, and ſometimes none at all; that after Hickey was in the Intelligence, he met with Coddan, and told him, that Hickey was in the Intelligence, for he knew it by the mark of his Hand, and that there was one hundred Pounds bid for the apprehending of him, and that Coddan reply'd, he was miſtaken, it was none of him, it was another; and Coddan calling a day or two after, Mr. Monk ſaid to him, Did I not tell you it was the ſame Hickey? I, ſays Coddan, but I was not minded you ſhould take him, for I intended to take him my ſelf.

Further Mr. Monk declared, that the ſaid Coddan did often tell him about this time that Mr. Blood and he did never converſe together in their Lives.

When Sir William Waller, and ſome others, heard this, and that Mrs. Stringer and Monk were with Mr. Blood before a Juſtice of the Peace, and given in ſome report relating to Coddan and Ryther, he took occaſion of going to Long-Acre, and happing in hard by the Place where Mrs. Stringer and Monk lived, Coddan ſent in his own name for Mr. Monk to drink a Cup of Ale with him; accordingly Monk came, where he found Sir William Waller, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Jeuks and Coddan together. After ſome diſcourſe, Sir William took Monk aſide, and deſired him to tell him plainly what he knew of Coddan, Ryther or Hickey, how long he knew them, and what his opinion was of them, as to their honeſty, manner of living, and ſo forth, to the end, as he ſeemed to pretend, that if they did Mr. Blood any wrong, things might be put to right, and the ſaid Perſons expoſed to condign puniſhment, as far as they were found to deſerve it. Whereto Mr. Monk replying, gave him his opinion as he did before when he was examin'd on Mr. Blood's behalf, and that withal, he always took them for very looſe Fellows, and that little time would diſcover better what they were, and ſo bad Sir William believe them, and what they ſaid accordingly, for they were idle Fellows in his Judgment.

[Page] Here the Reader may, with little trouble, undo the Snare, as well as unriddle the whole Plot laid againſt the Innocence of Mr. Blood and others, if he will but pleaſe to conſider,

Firſt, the manner of the two Witneſſes firſt coming to the Woman at Heaven, what they were over-heard to ſay againſt Mr. Blood, ſaying (when they were told by Mr. Curtis, that he was the man, that was to treat with them touching what they came about,) Is that the Blood that ſtole the Crown? God Damn him, we'll have nothing to do with him, for he's the Dukes Friend.

Secondly, Their ſaying at Heaven, How ſhall we do? ſaid the ſame again, God Damn me! we will do Blood's buſineſs for him, and find Oaths enough againſt him by that time Sir. W. W. comes to Town.

Thirdly, Their Confeſſion before Doctor Chamberlain, where they acknowledged they would have told the Plot to Mr. Blood when they met, but that they knew he was the Dukes Friend, and therefore durſt not truſt him.

Fourthly, How he has been treated by Sir W. W. through the inſtigation of others, and endeavoured to be hurryed into Priſon, firſt by a Mittimus, and then by a Warrant; reported that he was in Priſon, when he was not, &c.

Fifthly, How they invented the Paper which was to be ſigned by Coddan and Ryther, certifying that Sarah Harwood ſaid before them that the Duke of Buckingham did ſo and ſo with her, &c.

Sixthly, How Maurice Hickey ſhould appoint a meeting with this Coddan and Ryther at a certain place in Bloomsberry, where he was to pay them 300 pieces of Gold, in the name of himſelf, Mr. Blood, &c. upon their ſigning the ſaid Paper.

Seventhly, How when Hickey came (as the pretence would make it be believed) Ryther only appear'd; where it was ſo contrived, that when Hickey ſhould offer him the Paper to ſign, Ryther ſhould deſire the liberty of conſidering on it in the next Room, and then like a faithful Servant forſooth, to make his eſcape, and run to a place hard by, where it is credibly reported his Teachers attended his coming out of ſuch a danger (here is a delivery with a vengeance!) and pretend that one Maurice Hickey, and others did tempt him with ſo much monyes for ſigning ſuch a Paper, and that if [Page] he did not, they the ſaid Hickey, and Company, ſhould ſtab him; that the ſaid Paper tended to the ruin of his maſter the Duke, and that therefore it was wery Proper to lay the ſaid Hickey by the Heels.

Eighthly, That when Hickey underſtood that Ryther went thus away, unknown to him as he pretetended, he ſhould thereupon tell the Woman of the Houſe, we are all undone; for the information, its ſuppoſed, of thoſe that waited hard by, who when they ſhould repair where Hickey was, upon this alarum carried them by Ryther, and that they knew Hickey was fled, were to come under pretence of ſeizing him.

Ninthly, When Hickey was thus fled, Mr. Whitaker to bid 100 l. in the Intelligence to any man that could apprehend him, and give notice thereof to the ſaid Dukes Attorney, living near S. Thomas Apoſtles. Where to their, viz. Coddan and Ryther's never to be forgotten reproach, infamy and ſhame (if they had or have any) it plainly, and undeniably appears, by Mr. Stringer, and Monks Depoſitions aforeſaid, that every day, both while he the ſaid Hickey was ſo cryed after, and till he was taken, or ſurrender'd, (it matters not which, though the laſt is the propereſt and neareſt to the matter) that Hickey who thus was hunted after, and a 100 l. bid to take him, was every day in the Company of Ryther, who pretends to refuſe the 300 pieces for ſigning the Paper, and might tell Mr. Whitaker where he vvas if he liſted, Coddan might do the ſame too. And being together, as Monk and Stringer make it out, Hickey might as well then, as at the meeting at Bloomsberry, kill Ryther if he liſted, and Coddan too: And if Coddan and Ryther were ſuch honeſt men as Mr. Jenks and Mr. Whitaker ſaid and told Mr. Blood, before Sir W. W. they were, they would certainly have ſhewed themſelves ſuch, by diſcovering Hickey to Mr. Whitaker gratis, without ſuffering him to be at the charge of ſo much money as he publickly bid to any that ſhould take him: But their ill management of it makes it evidently plain, that when the whole matter vvas to be brought to an iſſue they did hope to make appear that Mr. Blood, &c. were tampering with theſe two Witneſſes before Sir W. W. to charge a falſe thing upon the Duke; and to make it look the better, ſo to bring in this Hicand others, who, upon being pardoned (which Hickey amongſt the reſt, is ſaid to have attempted the doing of [Page] ſince his confinement) were to become the Kings Evidence, and ſwear in Conjunction with the reſt, that Mr. Blood, &c. did tempt them to the Fact, that they otherwiſe knew nothing of it; that in fine, the whole was a Contrivance to bring an odium upon Mr. Blood and his Friends.

Immediatly, upon Mr. Blood's having them thus cryed after, in Mr. Thompſons Intelligence, in order to the bringing of them to that Juſtice of Peace in Weſtminſter (before vvhom it vvas proved that they really Conſpired againſt Mr. Blood, &c.) to anſvver the ſame, the ſaid tvvo Perſons thought fit, about the 16 of February, not only to make knovvn vvhere they lay, but in a daring Vindictive manner to publiſh (the better to carry on their buſineſs) that notvvithſtanding the many diſappointments the Conſpirators againſt the Duke of Buckingham have hitherto met with, and the ill ſucceſs met vvith by Subornation, yet that the unvvearied endeavours of the Popiſh Conſpirators ſeemed to find out a nevv vvay for aſperſing the Kings Evidence, thereby to fend off the hand of Juſtice, repeating that on the 12th of February, Mr. Blood vvith others of his Creatures, ſent for Mr. Thompſon the Publiſher of the pretended True Domeſtick Intelligence, and he in his Print offering revvard to aany that could diſcover them, they thereupon ſent a meſſenger to knovv the revvard, and if the revvard ſhould be denyed, to acquaint him that they vvere both ready at their Lodgings in Walbrook, and had never abſented themſelves, though Mr. Blood charged them therevvith contrary to his ovvn particular knovvledge, and that Mr. Blood (after divers meſſengers ſent him to take poſſeſſion of the tvvo Perſons) ſent vvord back that he vvould not trouble himſelf further in the buſineſs, nor pay any revvard. And that thereupon on the Saturday follovving they vvent to my Lord Mayor, vvhere they complained of the abuſe done; not only to them but the Kings Evidence, and prayed His Lordſhips Warrant to bring Mr. Thompſon before his Lordſhip, who being ill, and His Lordſhip being inform'd hovv theſe 2 Gentlemen (for ſo they call themſelves) came to be thus unfortunately hunted after, vvas pleaſed on the enſuing Munday, to Iſſue out his Warrant for the apprehending of Mr. Blood and ſome others of his Companions.

How unwilling they were to come out of London-Liberty, or appear before him who had the keeping of thoſe Depoſitions at Weſtminſter, that were made of theſe two Fellows [Page] having conſpired againſt Mr. Blood, is clear, for had they done ſo, they well knew that either they muſt clear that, give in bayl for their anſwering the ſame, or go to Coal; and beſides that, if Mr. Blood had done them any wrong, it was equally, or more in their Power to have him taken up by Warrant at Weſtminſter, where he was every minute to be ſpoken with, at his Houſe: than in London where he ſeldom came; but to be taken out of London could not ſerve their ends; for the Engliſh of it was, they wanted him in London to bring him under the laſh of a Fob Action or ſome ſuch like thing, thereby to expoſe him to the trouble of procuring bail, not to be by him there probably obtain'd; or to publiſh that he was in Priſon in good earneſt, to make amends for that falſe publication thereof that was formerly made, when he was ſaid to be in the Gate-houſe.

Immediately upon the Neck of this, they frame an Indictment againſt him, the ſaid Mr. Blood, and ſeveral others (moſt of them for Company ſake) in the Crown Office, containing the whole Scene and Intrigue of this Plot; wherein Maurice Hickey the better to diſguiſe it, has the Honour of having the firſt Poſt aſſign'd him. A Copy of which Indictment, is for the Readers better information as follows.

A COPY of the INDICTMENT.

Hilarii 31. and 32. of King Charles the Second.

THe Jury for our Lord the King preſent upon their Oaths; That Maurice Hickey, late of the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields in the County of Middleſex, Gent. otherwiſe called Maurice Higgens, late of the Pariſh aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. Robert Smith, late of the Pariſh aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. otherwiſe called Robert Jones, late of the Pariſh aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. John Haley, late of the Pariſh aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. Thomas Curtis, late of the Pariſh aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. Thomas Blood, late of the Pariſh of St. Margaret Weſtminſter, in the County of Middleſex, Gent. Edward Chriſtian, late of the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields, in the County of Middleſex, Eſq Arthur Obrian, late of the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, Gent. Philip le Marr, late of the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County aforeſaid, Gent. And Jane Bradley, late of the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields, in the County of Middleſex, Widow. The ſeventeenth day of March, In the Year of [Page] our Lord Charles the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. The Thirtieth, with Force and Arms, &c. at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, unlawfully, unjuſtly, nequitiouſly, deviliſhly and corruptly, by unlawful ways and means between themſelves, have practiſed, conſpired, intended and deſigned, to diſpoil and deprive his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, then and there one of the Peers and Grandees of this Kingdom of England, not only of his honour, eſtimation and reputation, but alſo to take his life away, and deſtroy his life and dignity of Dukeſhip. And to cauſe the ſaid George Duke of Buckingham, to be taken, arreſted and condemned to death, for deteſtable Crimes and Offences of Sodomy and Buggery, by him ſuppoſed to be committed, with one Sarah Harwood, and divers other perſons, againſt the order of nature. And alſo for inticing or tranſporting of the ſaid Sarah Harwood beyond Sea, to ſuppreſs and take off their Evidences, of and concerning the Crimes of Sodomy and Buggery aforeſaid. And that the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins. Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obrian, Philip le Mar, and Jane Bradley, to accompliſh and fulfill their moſt impious contrivances and practiſes, conſpiracies, and devilliſh intentions aforeſaid. Afterwards, and divers days and times between the aforeſaid ſeventeenth day of March, in the Thirtieth Year of his now Majeſties Reign aforeſaid, and the day of taking out this Inquiſition at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields, in the County of Middleſex, Falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, malitiouſly, nequitiouſly and devilliſhly, have ſolicited, laboured and en deavoured to perſwade, procure, ſuborn, and cauſe one Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, then or before Servants of the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham, for divers great ſums of Money, promotions and preferments, againſt all truth, falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, nequitiouſly and devilliſhly, to Swear and give in Evidence upon the Tryal of the ſaid George Duke of Bukingham, for the Crimes and Offences aforeſaid, That the Crimes and Offences aforementioned were committed by the ſaid Duke of Buckingham; and to induce and cauſe thoſe the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan and Samuel Ryther, to Swear, give in Evidence, and prove againſt him the aforeſaid Duke of Buckingham the Crimes and Offences aforeſaid, They the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obrian, Philip le Mar, and Jane Bradley, within the time aforeſaid, to wit, between the aforeſaid ſeventeenth day of March in the Thirtieth Year of the King aforeſaid, and the day of taking this Inquiſition at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the ſaid County of Middleſex. The aforeſaid Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, with Wine, Junkets and other alurements, unlawfully, unjuſtly, corruptively and deviliſhly are compleated and conjoyned in the proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid. And then and there, to wit, within the time aforeſaid, in the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, Falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, corruptly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, have expended divers great ſums of money upon the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, in the whole amounting to the ſum of one hundred and fifty pounds, and at their junketting, drinking, and careſſing, then and there, within the time, Pariſh, and County aforeſaid, did unlawfully, unjuſtly, corruptly, [Page] and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, promiſe the ſaid Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, divers great advantages and preferments, and every one of them promiſed, that if the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan, and Samuel Ryther, would ſwear and prove, in manner and form aforeſaid, the Crimes and Offences aforeſaid, to be perpetrated by him the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham. And further, the Jury aforeſaid preſent upon their Oaths, that the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obrian, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, afterwards, to wit, between the ſeventeenth day of March, in the Thirtieth Year of the King aforeſaid, and the day of taking this Inquiſition at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, corruptly, deviliſhly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, have given, depoſited, and paid down to the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan, divers ſums of money, amounting in the whole to Forty pounds of lawful money of England, for and towards the maintenance and incouragement of the ſaid Philemon Coddan to go forward, compaſs and perfect their wicked, unlawful and deviliſh machinations, practiſes and intentions aforeſaid. And that the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obrian, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, afterwards (to wit) within the time aforeſaid, in the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields, in the County aforeſaid, falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, wickedly, corruptly and deviliſhly, in proſecuting the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, did aſſume upon themſelves, and faithfully promiſe to the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan, that he the ſaid Philemon Coddan ſhould have the friendſhip and reſpects of ſome Peers, and men of Power and Degree, And alſo ſhould have a Place or Office in and about the buſineſs of the Cuſtoms of our Lord the King, now called a Land-waiter's place, of the yearly value of two hundred pounds, and the ſum of ſixty pounds in money's numbred, and a certain maintenance during his life; if he the ſaid Philemon Coddan would Swear and give in Evidence, that the Crimes and Offences aforeſaid, were perpetrated by the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham, in manner and form aforeſaid. And further, the Jury upon Oath ſay, That the ſaid Morice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obryan, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, afterwards (to wit within the time aforeſaid (to wit) within the aforeſaid ſeventeenth day of March, in the thirtieth year of the King aforeſaid, and the day of the taking this Inquiſition, at the Pariſh of St. Martin in the Fields aforeſaid, in the ſaid County of Middleſex, falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly and deviliſhly, in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, have given, depoſited and actually paid to Samuel Ryther, divers other ſums of Money, amounting in the whole to fifty pounds, for and towards the maintenance and encouragement of the aforeſaid Samuel Ryther, to proſecute and compaſs their wicked, unlawful deſigns. And that the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obryan, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, afterwards (to wit) within the time aforeſaid (to wit) within the aforeſaid ſeventeenth day of March, in the aforeſaid thirtieth year of our now Lord the King, and the day of taking of this Inquiſition [Page] at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the ſaid County o Middleſex, Falſly, unlawfully, wickedly, corruptly, devilliſhly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, have taken upon them, and faithfully promiſed the ſaid Samuel Ryther, that he, the aforeſaid Samuel Ryther ſhould have the Friendſhip of ſome Peers, and men of great Eſtates and Degree, as alſo a Place or Office in or about the Cuſtome Houſe Buſineſs of our Lord the King, as alſo money to redeem his Eſtate Mortgaged by him the ſaid Samuel Ryther, being above three hundred pounds. And three hundred pounds more, if he the aforeſaid Samuel would Swear and give in Evidence againſt the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham, in manner and form aforeſaid, that the Crimes and Offences aforeſaid were committed by the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham. And the Jury, further ſay, upon Oath, that the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe called Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obryan, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, Afterwards (to wit) within the time aforeſaid (to wit) within the ſeventeenth day of March in the thirtieth year of the King aforeſaid, and the day of taking this Inquiſition at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, Falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, wickedly, corruptly, devilliſhly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, and in Order to fix and ſecure them the aforeſaid Philemon Coddan and Samuel Ryther to perform and execute their malicious devices, practices and conſpiracies aforeſaid, have made, compoſed and writ, and cauſed to be drawn and writ a certain falſe and ſcandalous writing in Paper. The Tenor of which Writing follows in theſe Engliſh Words and Figure following. Whereas Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan Gentlemen, in St. Martins Pariſh in the Fields, do hereby confeſs and declare, That Sarah Harwood of the City of London, Gentlewoman, did confeſs before us, That the Lord Duke of Buckingham was with his Privy Members as far in both her Privy Parts as he could go with forcible entrance, ſtopping her Breath, and that the ſaid Lord Duke of Buckingham hath ſince conveyed the ſaid Sarah Harwood out of the way, by which means the King loſt his Evidence. And do further declare, That ſince that time, the ſaid Duke did order the ſaid Sarah to be murdered, and ſince the time is murdered or ſold beyond Sea. And do further declare, That the ſaid Duke hath committed the ſaid Sin of Sodomy, with ſeveral more, which we are ready to prove, when we are required as the Kings Evidence. Witneſs our Hands this 12 day of Jan. 1679. And notwithſtanding all and ſingular the Matters in the ſaid Writings contained, were and ſtill are altogether falſe, and ſcandalous and untrue, yet Maurice Hickey, otherwiſe called Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obryan, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, afterwards (to wit) within the time aforeſaid (to wit) within the ſeventeenth day of March, in the aforeſaid thirtieth year of the King, and the day of taking of this Inquiſition at the Pariſh of St. Martins in the Fields aforeſaid, in the County of Middleſex aforeſaid, unlawfully, unjuſtly, wickedly, corruptly, devilliſhly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, againſt the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham's Life, Eſtate and Honour, this writing in Paper to the ſaid Samuel Ryther, then and there did produce, ſhew and offer, and every one of them then and there unlawfully, unjuſtly, corruptly, wickedly, devilliſhly, and in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, hath produced, ſhewn and offered [Page] the aforeſaid Note of the aforeſaid Samuel Ryther. And then and there falſly, unlawfully, unjuſtly, wickedly, corruptly and devilliſhly in proſecution of the Conſpiracy aforeſaid, did offer and promiſe to give to the ſaid Samuel Ryther a Purſe of Gold, containing three hundred pieces of Gold, of the value of three hundred pounds, and every one of them did then and there promiſe to give, if he the ſaid Samuel Ryther would ſign and ſubſcribe the aforeſaid Writing with his own Name and Hand, which the ſaid Samuel Ryther then and there refuſed to do. All which contrivances, conſpiracies, ſubornations and unlawful practices of the aforeſaid Maurice Hickey otherwiſe Maurice Higgins, Robert Smith, otherwiſe Robert Jones, John Haley, Thomas Curtis, Thomas Blood, Edward Chriſtian, Arthur Obryan, Philip le Marr, and Jane Bradley, tend to the great hazard of the Life and deſtruction of the aforeſaid George Duke of Buckingham, and the manifeſt perverſion of the Juſtice of this Kingdom of England; to the ill example of all others in the like Caſe tranſgreſſing, and againſt the Peace of our Lord the King, his Crown and Dignity.

When Mr. Blood ſmelt of this Indictment, and that for proof of the Contents thereof, it was reported that it was given out by Mr. Chriſtian and others concerned, that among other Places of conſultation: The Crown in Ram Alley in Fleeſtreet, and the Bear in Holborn, both Victualling Houſes, were ſaid and nominated; and that Mr. Blood, and Mr. Chriſtian have conſulted in thoſe two places, as well as treat the ſaid two Perſons with money, Treats, Junkets and other encouragements, and large plights and promiſes of preferment, &c. in the Cuſtom-Houſe, in order with the more eaſe to prevail with them to be ſuborned as Witneſſes in this matter. He carried with him five ſubſtantial people and went to both places (for well he might without bluſh, innocent man!) and directed the ſaid five people to examine whether they knew of Mr. Blood, or ever ſaw him with any body there? to which the people reply'd, (as well they might) No; Do you know him? no, ſaid they: did you over ſee this man here ſaid they, pointing at Mr. Blood? no, never in our Lives. All which he is ready to juſtify, when need is: Beſides it is very well known, that this Mr. Chriſtian and Blood could never to this day lay up their Horſes together, as the old ſaying is, ſo that it is very improbable that he ſhould coact with one in an Intreague of this make, to whom he always grudged the civility of drinking either publickly or privately. Furthermore, if any Houſe in London or England, of any good repute, can ſay or give any Teſtimony that he has ever ſeen Mr. Blood and theſe Fellows together, in company of Mr. Chriſtian, by himſelf, or all three together, Mr. Blood will contentedly acquieſce under the ſevereſt cenſure.

To come to my L. Mayors Warrant, when his Lordſhip Iſſued it, for the apprehending Mr. Blood, & others of his Crew, purſuant to the complaint of Coddan and Ryther, it was reported (you may immagine by whom) that Mr. Blood, nor the other Perſons of Mr. Blood's company, ſaid to be mention'd therein, durſt come into his Lordſhips Liberty for fear of being taken up. When the ſame came to be underſtood by one of the Parties, he preſently went into the City, and having waited ſome ſhort time about his Lordſhips houſe, he was introduced to his Lordſhip, and told his Lordſhip that hearing it ſpread abroad, that he Iſſued a Warrant againſt him, he was come to know of his Lordſhip what it was for. I do (Replyed my Lord) Iſſue a great many Warrants [Page] that I do not remember who they are againſt. Why, replied Blood's Friend, reading in the Intelligence that your Lordſhip had a Warrant againſt Mr. Blood and Friends, I thought it might be my ſelf; whereupon my Lord ſent his Clerk to know whether by his Entries any Warrant appeared iſſued againſt one of that name; who went accordingly, and brought word that he did not find any, and when there is, ſaid the Clerk, I'le ſend word. I lodge, replied Blood's Friend, at Grayes-Inne, and if there be, or when there is any thing of this kind againſt me, I'le wait upon your Lordſhip, if I am ſent for. I do not uſually concern my ſelf, replied my Lord, with any out of my Liberty; and ſo went away.

A day after, Mr. Blood ſent one Comings an Atturney to my Lord, to know, if his Lordſhip had iſſued any Warrant lately againſt Mr. Blood, and if he did, he came in Mr. Blood's name to know what it was for. To whom it was replied, by another of his Lordſhips Clerks, there was one iſſued againſt Mr. Blood three dayes before, together with one John Burry, and one Fooks.

Few dayes after, Mr. Whitaker took the liberty of ſpreading about the City that Mr. Blood and Friends, having heard of a Warrant that was out againſt them from my Lord Mayor, durſt not come into London, as they uſually did, for fear of being impriſoned, reporting at the ſame time that he had the ſame in his Pocket. This report being boaſted about in the Coffee-Houſes, and particularly in one Mr. Combe's, where one of Mr. Blood's particular good friends happened to be, the Friend replied, proteſting he did not believe it, and that if Mr. Blood's Friend did decline coming into London upon that ſcore, he would never own him; and withal ſaid, I'le warrant his coming, and being there, notwithſtanding all this, to day or to morrow.

Mr. Blood's Friend hearing this, as alſo that Mr. Whitaker offered Mr. Combes the Coffee-man, half a Crown in Money, to drink a Bottle of Sack with, conditionally that he would tell him where Mr. Blood's Friend was, if he was then in the City, or ſend him word when he came there; whereupon Mr. Blood's Friend hearing this, left word that he did not fear either Mr. Whitaker or his Warrant, and that if he had any thing to ſay to him, he was there to anſwer him: and, ſaid he, I am going to the Crown-Tavern, where I'le ſtay ſome time, which pray tell him if you ſee him this afternoon.

[Page] To make ſhort, by and by in came Mr. Whitaker, and afterwards his Man. Mr. Whitaker enquiring after Mr. Blood's Friend, Combes told him, that he was hard by. Where? ſaid Mr. Whitaker; nay, ſaid Combes, let me have the Half-Crown firſt, which he accordingly did, but with ſeeming anger; then he told him where he was. Whereupon Mr. Whitaker ſent his Servant with my Lord Mayor's Warrant, who asked him, whether he would pleaſe to go before the Lord Mayor? No, ſaid he, I may go before any other Juſtice of the Peace; for, ſaid he, your Warrant is not Special; then one that ſtood by adviſed him to go before Sir William Turner, and another to another: Well, ſaid Mr. Blood's Friend, I do not care if I go before my Lord, I'de as live go before him as any other, eſpecially upon this, in regard he took theſe People's Examination, and therefore Sweetheart, ſaid he, go and bring a Conſtable: will you not go without one? replied the Servant. Well, ſaid the Servant, I'le go and tell my Maſter, and come again. Well, ſaid Mr. Blood's Friend, now 'tis half an hour paſt Four, I'le ſtay till Five for your Maſter, and no longer, and if he comes within that time, I'le go with him before my Lord. Whereupon the Servant went to his Maſter, and at the time appointed came back again, and asked whether or no he would go before my Lord? No, ſaid Mr. Blood's Friend, not without a Conſtable. Well, ſaid he, my Maſter then muſt take another time and opportunity.

Thereupon Mr. Blood's Friend ſtood up and ſaid, Your Maſter has here, ſaid he, given Mr. Combes Half a Crown for a Bottle of Sack, to let him ſpeak with me when I came to the City, and ſee I dare do it: But, ſaid he, tell your Maſter that in recompence I'le give you five Shillings to buy a pair of Gloves, and ſpend Fifteen Shillings upon him, provided he will bring Coddan and Rither to Weſtminſter, to anſwer Mr. Blood's charge. And beſides, tell him farther, that if he be the Duke of buckingham's Solicitor, I am Mr. Blood's Solicitor. So that it is plainly ſeen they wanted only Mr. Blood in the City, to lay him in Pickle.

To the foregoing Narrative it may be without digreſſion added, that at the burſting out of the late Divice, called the Presbyterian Plot, diſcovered by Mr. Dangerfield, and broached at the Lodgings of Collonel Rotherick Manſell, in Ax-yard, Weſtminſter, it was fully reported, that Mr. Blood did combine and conſpire with ſome Perſons in the World to enſnare and entangle the Profeſſors of the true Proteſtant Religion, in a Plot laid againſt the Government, [Page] and that then he was to be by his own conſent Seized upon, Tryed for his Life, and then upon getting his Pardon, to become the King's Evidence by betraying ſeveral Presbyterians, which he was ſaid to be concerned within the ſaid Conſpiracy.

And that conſequently he apprehends himſelf under ſome ill cenſures with ſome of his beſt Friends in England, &c. to whom the ſame is ſaid to be reported for a real truth. The matter of Fact was as follows, viz.

VVHen the late Parliament was diſſolved, and our preſent one called to ſucceed it, it fell out, that one Thomas Curtis was then employed by ſome Power or Authority to carry down Writs into the Country to Sherifs, to chuſe new Parliament Members. This Mr. Curtis being returned from his Errand, and calling at Heaven, whether he uſually reſorted in Term and Parliament time, as being an old acquaintance of James Bradley in his life-time, Mrs. Bradley, the ſaid J. Bradley's Widow, asked his Opinion, in reference to his thinking whether the approaching Parliament would ſit at the appointed time or no; for it highly concerns us, continued ſhe, that live hereabouts, to have it ſit, if it were for no other Good but the Cuſtom and Trade it brings, (for her lively-hood depended much upon it.) Truly, replied Curtis, I know nothing of its Sitting, neither whether or no it continues Sitting when it meets. I am ſorry in my Heart, ſaid ſhe, that you can give me no better hopes, for we ſhall be ruined for want of Trade.

This after ſome further diſcourſe to that purpoſe, the ſaid Curtis whiſperingly told her, that he heard there were Commiſſions a giving out: how? quoth ſhe, how comes that? who has them a giving? ſaid he, Mr. Blood is one that has Commiſſions to give out. And with that they both parted, being Saturday Night.

When he was gone, ſhe began ſeriouſly to conſider of what could be the matter or meaning of giving out Commiſſions, and could not purge her thoughts thereof all that Night; and obſerving Mr. Blood mentioned, as alſo that he was a Friend to the King, and ſinking deeper into the thing, wondred what it ſhould be, and therefore at laſt thought fit to ſend for Mr. Blood, to acquaint him with it, (though ſhe never had the exchange of one word with him in her lifetime before.)

[Page] Mr. Blood after twice ſending, did happen to neglect coming to her, till the Tueſday following, as judging it was upon the ſcore of ſome frivolous errand that might tend to the begetting his Cuſtom to her Houſe, came at laſt, and deſiring her to tell him the buſineſs, ſhe rehearſed what paſſed betwixt her and Curtis, and that ſhe doubled that tho' ſhe knew Curtis as her Husband's acquaintance, yet ſhe did not know what his heart might be, and and that ſhe therefore ſent for him, to give him caution as became a Neighbour.

Whereupon Mr. Blood pauſed a little, and began to think what to do in the caſe; but at laſt reſolved to go to ſome friends for their advice and directions, what to think of as a defence againſt the ill effect or iſſue of ſuch a report as that ſeemed to threaten. And finding that it was impoſſible for any judgment or Scrutiny to detect or explain the meaning of it without ſome time to conſider on't, adviſed him to paſs it by, which he accordingly did; but now underſtands it by the foregoing Narative.

It is credibly reported, that notwithſtanding the ſtrictneſs with which Maurice Hickly has been committed to the care and cuſtody of the Keeper of the Gate-Houſe from the King and Council, with prohibition, that none ſhould be ſuffered to ſpeak with him, but that he ſhould be kept cloſe Priſoner till due delivery. Yet one of his Majeſties Juſtices of the Peace is ſaid to have contrary thereto carried him thence to Taverns, and other publick Houſes at unſeaſonable hours of the Night, furniſhed him with Money, and return'd him back again ſome times at 1, 2, 3 and 4 the next Morning. And Mr. Blood being told that the ſame was in order to the ſueing out his pardon, and eſcaping the puniſhment juſtly due to his Treachery to Mr. Blood, by becoming an evidence to put a Cavet thereto, in the proper Offices.

FINIS

§

[Page]

April 3. 1680.

I Do Appoint Robert Everingham to Print this my Narrative.

THO. BLOOD.

§

[Page]

THE NARRATIVE OF Col. Tho. Blood, CONCERNING THE DESIGN Reported to be Lately laid againſt the LIFE and HONOUR of his GRACE GEORGE Duke of Buckingham. WHEREIN Colonel Blood is charged to have Conſpired with Maurice Hickey, Philip le Mar, and ſeveral others, to ſuborn the Teſtimony of Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan to ſwear Buggery againſt the ſaid Duke. TOGETHER With a Copy of the Information exhibited in the Crown-Office againſt the ſaid Colonel Blood, Hickey, Le Mar, and the reſt.

Publiſhed for General Satisfaction.

LONDON, Printed by R. Everingham at the Seven Stars in Ave-Mary-Lane. M DC LXXX.

Information about this book

Title statement

The narrative of Col. Tho. Blood concerning the design reported to be lately laid against the life and honour of His Grace George, Duke of Buckingham wherein Colonel Blood is charged to have conspired with Maurice Hickey, Philip le Mar, and several others, to suborn the testimony of Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan to swear buggery against the said duke : together with a copy of the information exhibited in the Crown-office against the said Colonel Blood, Hickey, Le Mar, and the rest.

Blood, Thomas, 1618?-1680.

Edition statement

1680

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A70691

ID [STC]

Wing N171

ID [STC]

ESTC R23268

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12757159

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12757159

ID [VID]

93444

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A70691)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 93444)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 375:11, 430:1)

Source

— The narrative of Col. Tho. Blood concerning the design reported to be lately laid against the life and honour of His Grace George, Duke of Buckingham wherein Colonel Blood is charged to have conspired with Maurice Hickey, Philip le Mar, and several others, to suborn the testimony of Samuel Ryther and Philemon Coddan to swear buggery against the said duke : together with a copy of the information exhibited in the Crown-office against the said Colonel Blood, Hickey, Le Mar, and the rest., Blood, Thomas, 1618?-1680..

Extent

[4], 32 p.

Printed by R. Everingham ...,. London :: 1680.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library or Cambridge University Library.) (Entry cancelled for B3223 in Wing (2nd ed.).)

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