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 2] 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 3] 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 4] 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 1] 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 2] 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 3] 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 4] 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 9] 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.)

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 10] 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 11] 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.)

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 13] 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 14] 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 15] 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 16] 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 17] 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 18] 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 19] 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 20] 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.

[Page 21] 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 22] 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 23] 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 24] 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.

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 29] 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 30] 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 31] 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 32] 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.