The TRAPPAN Trapt. OR The true Relation of a Cunning, Cogging, Confident, Crafty, Counterfeit, Cosening and Cheating KNIGHT, alias KNAVE.
Wherein is Discovered his Mischievous and Machivillian matchlesse Mischeefs, Plotted against an Honest Gentleman, a Marchant of good Repute, named Mr Iohn Marriot: Dwelling neer LONDON BRIDGE.
Set forth for the benefit of Others, who else through Ignorance might easily fall into the like snares of such Dissembling, VVicked, and Trecherous TRAPPANS.
By W. B.
LONDON. Printed by Joseph Moxon, and sold at his Shop on Corn-hill, at the Sign of Atlas. 1657.
The TRAPPAN Trapt.
IT is too apparently evidenced by sad experience, that a Civil War draws a longer train or tail behind it, then any other inconvenience whatsoever, that can come or happen on a Common-wealth; for the miserable consequences thereof, are not sheathed with the bloody-drawn sword; nor do the effects cease, though the cause matter and manner are withdrawn from the face and body of action, as may plainly appear by the truths in the insuing discourse, setting forth a perfect relation of the Cheating or Trappanning courses, taken by the pretenders to worth and honourable imployment; as did this subject of our History now in hand: One Francis Moor, an Irish man, who pretended that he had been a Collonel, in the late King of England's service, an imployment long since cashiered the honour of memory; yet this Gallant continues himself in the List; and doth not only make that a Cloak to cover his specious pretences of undertaking action of great concernment; but to add a fair gloss to the glory of his pretended ingagements, Laces that Cloak about with a more glittering cognizance, and in his own defence; dubbs himself Knight, under the notion and title of Sir Francis Barker of Staffordshire, and under the shadow (together with another shell to dress his Knight-hood or knavery in viz. Dr. Barker Doctor of physick, he not only deludes, cheats, and abuses the plainer sort of honest people; but reaches to very dead (I mean in the late King) whose judgement is in nothing more questionable then in the imployment of such ignoble spirits to act by his Commission, nor doth it yet stick there; but as it were a design laid on purpose to bring a perpetual ignominy on that sad and enough abused family by such Villans, who will be sure to make the King of Scots the Patron of their wickedness. There is scarce a notorious piece of Debauchery [Page 2]acted; but the contrivers are reputed or reported (by themselves) to be people imployed for him; and indeed this is not all, but that which they think will cover more Roguery, then all the Kings in the World, they are not ashamed to stigmatize the Army, and Common-wealth of England; with pretences of having been, nay immediately to be Officers or Members of this now Army; to carry on their divellish designs, as this Pseudo Cavalier, Sir Marmaduke many forms hath done; when (as formerly) he durst lie about the City of London; sometimes pretending the receit of great Arrears; sometimes a great imploiment from the Lord Protector, to deceive and delude poor people, and make himself seem the more creditable in the eye of the World; as he did some two yeers since, at one Mr. Godbids an honest Tradesmans house in Red-Crosse street in London; where one while he was one of the Armies Officers; another time (as he found the disposition of people he had commerce withall a distressed Gentleman a Cavalier, and one that had suffered very much losse in his estate by the common enemy (Civil War) as being a Collonel for the King; but when these Visards began to be pretty well worn out, and fearing lest his own face should appear through in its proper colours, he takes on another more dark and full of amazement than any of the rest. And said he was son to the Duke of Guise in France; (which they might be the more apt to beleeve, because he had such an incomparable use and benefit of his French tongue, which he spake as absolutely as a Native French-man) and sayes (which is alwaies his great assilum in such extremities, when nothing else will gloss his falsities) that he had fought a Duel with a grand favourite of France, and was so persecuted in Law for his presumption, and disobedience for the King, Orders (having then newly made and set forth an Edict against Duels) that he was inforced to take England for his shelter, and though for the present hee seemed somewhat straitned for want of due supplies of monies (which he said was occasioned by his sudden flight) yet his mother who (as he heard) indeavoured with all her power and powerfull friends to procure his pardon from the King) would not fail to send him all the speediest and necessary returns for supply, that should be imagined fit for a person of his quality, as soon as she did understand where he was; and therefore pretended often to write Letters of advice into France, and to receive dispatches from thence, with promises of Bills for monies very suddenly; till at last with these and the like insinuations he had involved himself so far into his honest Landlords pith and good opinion, that he became a Faucilist, and at bed and board promising (at least proposing a cate of seven shillings per week an easie cate for a young Duke, was entertained by his new Host, as his brother or son, and then after a little time was visited by many great Gallants of much seeming worth and quality, who (but Ile warrant you by his own advice und order) for the most part stood alwaies at great distance, and all bare-headed, giving him as much observance and respect, as if he had been the real Duke himself, which confirmed [Page 3]the honest people in their mis-beleef, and himself in an imaginary Dukedom. Yet because he would not seem to be what they thought he was would dismount himself from that garb of glory which he seemed to be in, when the people held him in such adoration, and would vouchsafe some of them to his familiarity, they must stay and keep him company, dine with him and passe away the time after dinner with drinking a glasse or two of Wine, whereof there was no want; for the young Duke could scarcely drink any thing but wine; which at first, himself would often send money for; but afterwards there was such an intimacy of friendship and familiarity between the Host and his Guest, that it was no more but Landlord, I shall have such and such friends come to dine with me to day, pray send for so many bottles of Wine, which was without scruple performed; and thus by degrees increased his credit, and his score very handsomly with his Landlord, and his whole family, but not so fully as he thought fit, til he had possest his good Creditor, (remembring his hasty flight,) that he had left his Clothes behind, and therfore desires his Credit and assistance to equip him in English A la mode France; and this began to be the winding up of his bottom there. His Landlord not doubting but his young Duke would prove a Prince in time, would not let him want any thing he desired, Especially such things as might set him forth like himselfe, and therefore with his purse and Credit furnished him with good store of gold and silver lace, and other hansome furniture, till the summa totalis amounted to 220 lb. all which the Duke was in his Landlords debt, and something too from one squire Fisher of Gloucestershire who lay then in the same house.
But now to pay our Landlord and give a general satisfaction to all, one Tuesday morning he comes to his Landlords bed side, Well Landlord (quoth he) I am going to fetch money for you: (having often enough and sufficiently promised it before.) I Sir replyed his Landlord I hope you win. Nay says the young Spark, I have received my Bills, and they being accepted, I am going to receive my money but if I do not receive it (by God quoth he) I will sell this same to pay you (shewing him a very noble Diamond Ring, to any bodies thinking,) which he wore on his finger, which seemed of an immense valew: (as indeed it was, being worth above halfe his Dukedome: and so takeing a morning (or rather a mourning farwell) of them away he goes, leaving in his Chamber his Trunks, (which they doubted not was full of the rich clothes so lately made for his Honor:) but in brief my Gentleman was so overladen with his money that he could not come home againe that night, nor indeed the next day: when in the afternoone his Landlord and his wife fearing and doubting the Truth, made bold to inquire into his Trunkes, where they found the Nest, but the Birds flowns wherefore he must now bethink him what to doe; and then remembring that surely his mother would not be unmindfull of such a hopefull young gentelman as her son, but had ere this procured his Pardon, which he having notice of, was [Page 4]gone to take the benefit of: and therefore presently posts away his son after him, who together with another freind of his, hasted by Gravesend, and that night posted towards Dover; by the way often hearing of him: and to Dover they Persue him but there Ne plus ultra, for Monsieur was gone for Callis on wednesday by noone, and so the youngster may returne to Certify his freindes in London: where we leave him to tell his strange adventures in the persuite, and his father with time enough to summe up his bookes of his guests ingagement, and returne to the Monsieur, whom wee finde in France glittering in his new Cloths and honor, which will there stand him in no steed: wherefore he thinkes it more convenient to change his French Honor, for English Worship, and intitles himself Sir Francis Barker of Staffordshire Knight, which now suites best to his purpose. And so in May last, he makes a voyage to London, where we will dispense with him for a while, and let him alone in his Inne, plotting and Contriving diverse stratagems; and meet with one Mr William Marriot, living neer London Bridge, a Marchant of very good account among all men of his owne ranke and dealing, a very honest, sober, quiet, iust, religious, plaine man in all his dealings in the world and the generall esteem of all that knew him; and by this Character you may know him to be no Cunning snapp in worldly matters; and therefore the lesse able to judge when hee met with such an one; and this honest simplicity rendred him the more easy to be betrayed by any such knave, as sought to delude the honest: and what made him more lyable to be wrought upon, (though he were a man that dealt much abroad in the world,) Could neither read nor write, but trusted all accounts for Trades, (of which he had many beyond the seas) either to the recordes of other mens pens or his owne Marke and memory; and in this manner had Commerce with all sortes of people for a long time: till at last this M. William Marriott having imployed divers Factors in France, and chiefly in Roven, where lay the greatest part of his Trade, and stock, and had often sent letters, to demand an account of his estate there, in their handes; as being so Carefull and provident, that his estate should not be wasted and imbeziled by the improvidence of others, which he did endeavor to to preserve and strengthen, for the future maintainance of himselfe and family.
But letters were but words, and words but wind, wich blew no good to Mr Mariott as he thought for they brought him no news of his Estate, nor account from his Factors but delatory putt offs and nothing to the purpose Wherefore (on good Consideration and advise of Friends.) Mr Marriot resolves that he will himself take a Iourney into France, to Compell them to give an account of their Stewardship or at least to take into his own hands, what he should there find belonging to him, before all was gone. And so on the 30 th. of May last 1656. he took horse at the Spurre in Southwark, intending to go for Rye in Suffex, where at the same instant, he that Called himself Sir Francis Barker aforesayd, tooke horse too; and pretending the same Journey, imediately rides [Page 5]out of the Inn with him; telling him in the mean time, that he was bound for France, and should be very glad of good Company; which to Mr Marriot seemed no lesse then a blessing beyond Expectation, in regard Sir Francis (as he called himself) promised by all probable Conjectures to be an absolute Gentleman, and nothing Lesse then what that outward Garb had promised, and his inward parts (whereof he had by this time given many gracefull testimoneys,) to be such that might have been a Cabinet for Concerns of the greatest Consequences. Besides his most exellent knowledge and delivery of the French tongue, (the cheifest Iewel in all his Treasury,) for Mr Marriotts use, who could neither speak nor understand the least breath of the French Dialect. These noble endowments so wrought on Mr Marriotts honest Iudgement, that he presently thought his new acquaitance to be a man fit to open his breast to: And to be short both being mounted, acquainted, and resolved for the same Journey, away they ride; and already we find them a Lighting at the signe of the Anchor in Rye, a little By-house of Entertainment, where our Knight was well acquainted and respected, (having it seemes,) used this house for many years before; because he had frequently, (it may be) on the like occasions passed betweene England and France: here the courteous Knight gallantly welcome the Disconsolate Squire, and entertains him with such a feast of his own good Company, that they were very freely merry, and in that mirth had so Confirmed and Contracted their new acquaintance that they must (as it were) go both under one hood; for Sir Francis must Call him nothing but Father, and Mr Marriott from that time forward must Call him Son, and a forfeiture under a certain penalty to be paid by him that should at any time hereafter forget the duty or indulgency of Son, or Father. Thus this new adopted Father and Sonne take Sea, and within few hours Landed at Deip in France. By this time Sir Francis Like a dutifull Sonne was so diligent, and indulgent that he had carefully dived into his Fathers debt 6. or 7. foot (Pounds I should say) deep. But Deip they leave, and in short space arive at Roven; where Sir Francis brings his Father to the Boon Foy, an Inn where the Son was very well acquainted, and in the French tongue at large inquired all affaires and news: but the Father seems more a Child, that sate all this while and opened not his mouth, but minding his business he came about, more then the Curiosities of France for the present, hee desired his good Sonne Sir Francis to [...]ake the paines as to goe with him, and inquire out his Factors, which the Sonne most obediently condiscended to; and together they go to the Factors where Mr Marriott demanding an account, they presently show what they have received, [...]nd what moneys they have drawn upon those goods; as like wise the residue as [...]et not sold: all which Sir Francis Cast up, for Mr Marriott (as I told you) could neither write nor read; but Committed all to memory: and by the [...]ccount finds there was 1000 lb. good to Mr Marriot; 200. thereof was ready [...] Bank, when Mr Marriot pleased so Command the same; which was very [Page 6]much to his content. And now Mr Marriot (seeing all things were so well there,) would needs have his wife and friends in England, (that were partakers of his former doubts,) be shaters in his present satisfaction and content: and to that purpose desires Sir Francis to be now his Secretarie, and write some Letters for him to his wife in London, to acquaint her and the rest of his freinds there, of his present Estate of health, and good success he had hitherto had in his Journey; which was all Sir Francis desired, that he might the more easily dive into his Fathers secrets; and unsuspected discover, what he resolves now to be Master of; viz. his Estate.
But in some of these letters he informed them, that Mr Marriot (whom they knew well enough to be an honest, Godly, plain man, but no disputant;) held high disputes in discourse with the Papish Preists, and argued with them in controversies of Religion; That he did fear they would do him some sudden mischeif, and therefore advised them that in their next letters to Mr Marriot, they would Councell him to forbear Speaking, or disputeing with those (as he rightly enough tearmed them.) Bloody Revengers.
This was the first Scean of the Tragedy he intended to Plot on the stage or Mr Marriots Ruine; and this was done that after he had performed the bloody Tragady himself of his fathers Death and Ruine, that then the losse and mishap that had fallen on Mr Marriot should have been layd to these Priests account: for indeed no body knew any else to accuse. But herein we only give a guesse at his intent, and I think a shrowd one too.
But to proceed to my story, after this loving Father and precious Son, had stayed some 10 dayes in Roven, Sir Francis would needes perswade his Father Marriot to some recreation, and to take so much pleasure of his Journey as to go up to Paris, and to see so much of that City, that when he returned he might report so much of the Country and place, that might reader him more like a Traveler, then a messenger or Carryer, that could onely say There I have beene.
Well Mr Marriot Considering that his busines was in a pretty good decorum, and his friends in England had advertisement thereof, so that they need not be in suspence of his welfare; and withall thinking himself a litle ingaged to Sir Francis for his assistance in Roven, would not be such a Churle, as to deny him so cheap a courtesy, and therfore condiscended to bear his Son company to Paries And with this resolution away they go to Paris; where Sir Francis brings his Father to his own house, in the Toubour Saint German, where there was a French woman that lay with Sir Francis: and by whom he had formerly had a child or a but was never married to her. Here Mr Marriot was very well respected for some dayes, though at his own Cost, and nothing was wanting that might not make him think, nay assure himself he was wellcom: For besides the generall observance that he had from all persons in or belonging to the house, his Sonne Sir Francis would in no wise be thought flack, in his duty; but dayly [Page 7]attended on his Father up and down Paris, every where feeding his eye with severall varieties of houses Gardens walks and such pleasant prospects, whereof Paris is plentifully full. But, that which is herein chiefly to be taken notice of, in all these transactions, you must observe Sir Francis did not permit his Father to come into any English Company, or to have any Converse with any that had but a peece of an English tongue; except himself: neither did Mr Marriot distrust any thing of danger, although he had all this while about him, a letter from a Merchant in London, to deliver to an English Gentleman in Paris; which Mr Marriot (in case he did not go to Paris himself) was to send thither from Roven. But being now in Paris, at last he shews it to his Son Sir Francis, desireing him to read the superscription, and direct him to find out the Gent. which Sir Francis grants, but reads no more of the superscription then thus; For Mounseur Bond in Paris: though the superscription was very large and sufficient, (as shall hereafter in this discourse sufficiently appeate,) and presently, Peugh (quoth he) is this all, what foole was he that wrote this directions? he had as good have written, For Mounseur Bond in France, and as soon they should have found him. So Sir Francis put the letter in his owne Pocket, with a kind of a sleight put off, or indeed put up. But Mr Marriot being loth to lett it so slip, through his slippery fingers; repleyed, Nay, (quoth he,) good Son give mee the letter again; that so I may show it to the party, and not only by his own eyes Convince him of his error; but laugh at him for his folly, which Sir Francis could not with modesty deny, but with a seeming willingness gave his Father Marriot the letter.
Thus having passed away some 10 dayes in Paris, Sir Francis comes to his Father, tells him he hath some very urgent busines, at a Town Called Corbell, some 7 or 8 leagues from Paris by water; there to meet with a Gentelman, a speciall loving friend of his, who had lately fought (as he said) a Duell about Paris, and therfore durst not yet come any nerer: however he was imediately imployed by the King of Scots, and that he had brought some letters from the said King to Sir Francis; so that if Mr Marriot would go down with him to Corbell, he should there heare all the News of affaires, with the said King; and furnish himself with News enough to carry home with him, when he went; which might be as soon as Mr Marriot pleased, for that (as Sir Francis told him) they would come backe again, either the same night, or the next morning at furthest.
Mr Marriot (who was much delighted with his new sons good Company.) thought, for so little a time it would be uncivil to leave him therfore would not give his good Son a deniall; but away presently they go, and without sword or sticke, or any other sort [...]f A [...]mes, put themselves into a boate together: and Sir Francis his pretended [...] in Law in their Company, which was the Father of the forementioned [...] whom Sir Francis cald wife, and with in shorte [Page 8]space they land safe at Corbell but there was no such man there, as Sir Francis had formerly spoken of. But Sir Francis (because he would not be much observed to walk about the town with M. Marriot as he had formerly been at Paris,) possesses the honest mistrustless Gentelman (Mr Marriot,) that the expected Gentelman stayd for him at a private house, a matter of a mile and half, or 2 miles out of the town, whether he must go to speak with him: still perswading Mr Marriot, that this Gentelman and himself carried on businesses of immence concerments concerning the King of Scotts. Mr Marriot was easily induced to beleeve all this; and as easily seduced to go along with them: and having taken such a tedious Journey by water, would not stick now to walk a mile or two by land; partly for his own recreation, and partly to satisfy the importunity of his Son Sir Francis; who told him, that this was the period of all his busines in France; and this dispatched, he would then be at his Fathers dispose, if he pleased, to wait on him back again, even into England: which Mr Marriot was not a little glad of, in regard of the strangenesse of the place, people and language, (to him utterly unknowne) and therfore, (without any great scruple) went along with him to the promised place, which Mr Marriot found private indeed; being a lone house, in the midst of many great Vinyards, and large Corn fields, not any house neer it by 2 miles at least, the nerest was Corbell; Neither was here any accomodation, but what satisfyed a poor old man and woman, who merely dwelt there to look to the Vinyards: yet here they stayd till it was now almost night, but no Gentelman from the King of Scots, to our brave Knight: so sayes Mr Marriot, Come Son let us return to the Town, and lodge there this night, for here is not any accomodation, but at the Town we may refresh our selves at our pleasure, and be here again to morrow; but this advise suited not with Sir Francis his stratagems: wherfore he replyed, No No, Father, we will even make as good shift as we can, with these honest folkes this night, in this house, (which though it seem very bad, I must tell you the King of England hath been contented with a worse) and my friend, will be with us betimes in the morning. Mr Marriot (having no mind to stay,) considering the lonen-nes of the place, the barreness of the house, and the strange and uncouth condition of the people, would fain have perswaded his Son Francis to have gone to the Town: but Mr Marriots mouth was quickly stopd again, with the King of England &c. and the like put-offs till night came on, and there they must be forced to stay: where at length there was a bed made where they both lay till day light next morning; when on a sudden Sir Francis slides out of the bed, and was making himself ready, which made Mr Marriot ask him what was the reason he rose up so early, it being yet not past 3 of the Clock. Father (quoth Sir Francis) I was loath to waken you, but I must rise to send a messenger for my friend to come to me; and then we will be gone toward Paris. This new lodging pleased not Mr Marriot so well, that he would ly and take a napp in the morning [Page 9]but (being weary of his Quarters) up he gets, and as he was making himself ready, he looked out at the window, where he saw his Son Sir Francis talking with 3 sturdy villaines, (all standing bare headed before his worship,) but what they sayd Mr Marriot Could not understand; for they spoke altogether in French. This made Mr Marriot begin to distrust a little Villany in his Son Franck; and therefore began also to Consider with himself what to do. But to put those troubles out of his thoughts at the very instant up staires comes his dear Son, and his three God-fathers, with each a good sower Cudgel in his hand, with him; and then Sir Francis goes to imbrace and kiss his Father Marriot, saying Good Father be not afrayd, there shall not an hair of your head be wronged; onely you must stay here as my Prisoner, till you have payd me 800 lb. either from Roven or London; because I am to raise a Regiment for my Master the King of Scots, (there is He brought in to father his damnable villanies) and I know you are a man of such abilities that you may well spare him such a sum, hee will pay you again: and this you must do before you go. Neverthelesse you shall not want any accomodation befitting your Condition, for I will use you as a Gentleman, therfore be not afrayd. Mr Marriot knew not what answere to make him at the present, but after a very little deliberation (quoth he) Sir Francis you know very well how my estate lyes at Roven, how the most part of my goods sold are at 3 moneths and 5 moneths payment; and the greatest part of them are yet unfold, insomuch that no money can be so speedily got in: you know there is 200 lb. ready in Roven, and if you will be contented with that and discharge mee, I will make it over to you, (quoth Mr Marriot.) This was nothing to Sir Francis purpose, and therfore he took from his Father Marriot a Silver stamp of his name, which he did use to set to all Letters, Acquittances, and Contracts of dealing, and was ever known to be sufficient Testimony of his act and deed; and so writ letters presently to Roven, to Mr Marriots Factors, affirming this his mark to them to affirm the truth of their Contents, wherein he bids them go to one Bromwells vessell that lay in Roven, who had brought divers Goods of his in her, from England, with a Box of wearing Clothes, which Sir Francis Commands to be broken open, and a new suit and Cloak of Exellent good Cloth trimed richly with Gold, and a Riding Coat all new, to be sent imediately for Paris, and orders them and all letters, and the like concerning Mr Marriot to be directed to Paris, in the Foubour Saint German to a Lute makers house: the like direction he gives to his friends in England, so that now what ever letters must come for Mr Marriot, must (unknown to him) be sent to Paris; and by these means directly to Sir Francis his hands first: by which plott Sir Francis receives and answeres Mr Marriots letters without his knowledge or least manner of suspition: and this he had ordered a good while before he had secured Mr Marriot. This happened on Satturday the 21 of Iune 1656. on which day Sir Francis, had sent his pretended Father in law to Paris, to receive and bring to him Letters [Page 10]that were that day to come from England and Roven to Mr Marriot, as Sir Francis had appointed them. Then after 3 hours stay that the fellows had made (still close attending on them,) Sir Francis bids them go to worke in the Vinyard, (which was iust by the house) and to be within call, which they did; Therby presuming he kept Mr Marriot in aw enough: and then sends the woman of the house to Corbell, to buy provision for the next day, (being Sunday) and to bring Wine along with her. At length all being absent but the Father and Son. Come says Sir Francis, Father let us go play at Cards to passe away the Time, and so pulls a pair of new Cards out of his pockett, with which they plaid some 2. or. 3. hours, still expecting the return of the woman; for they were very thirsty, and had no manner of drink in the house. So says Mr Marriot Come son, Pray let us not sit stenching up our selves within doors, but walk abroad into the Vineyard, and take the fresh air a little, for I am very weary with playing at cards: which Sir Francis would faine have put off; for he was very unwilling to trust himself with Mr Marriot abroad, there being many other people at work in the Vineyard, beside the 3 Rogues that were his assistants: so that Sir Francis told him they would walk into the fields toward Corbell to meet the woman, and so come back again with her. Thus Sir Francis taking a good Crabbtree Cudgell in his hand, (Mr Marriot having none) forth they go, Sir Francis always Carrying the Cudgell in the Contray hand to Mr Marriot, who had much to do to draw his graceless son a quarter of a mile from the house; at length Mr Marriot staying behind to make water, overtakes Sir Francis but seizing on that side where the Cudgell was, he wrested it out of his hands; and before Mr Marriot could recover it to give him a blow therewith, was Sir Francis on his knees, asking his Father blessing and pardon, confessing his fault, and begging his life, desiring that he would not kill him: wich made Mr Marriot to forbear striking him: and told him that as he had saved his life in the morning, so he would now give him his: but on this condition, that he Sir Francis should return again to the house, and not follow him towards Corbell: for if he did, he vowed he would kill him, and throw him into the Corn; of which Conditions Sir Francis was so much overjoyed with; that he desired his Father (as he still called him) to Pardon him, and seal it with a kisse, as he was on his knees: which Mr Marriot did: and so they parted: wherefor this time we must leave him to shift among his rogues, and follow Mr Marriot to the town, where we find him Iust entred.
Here Mr Marriot endeavors all he can to find out himself, for he was at an Extream losse, he knew not what to make of any body, and no body knew what to make of him; for he could speak never a word of French; nor they could understand nere a word of English: yet he Continued making of signes, and crying out Angletorre, which he took to be French enough for one man to be known by; so that some (perceiving him to bee a stranger,) went and Called a Cappuchine an Italian born, but one that understood English very well; To [Page 11]whom Mr Marriot relates his sad Condition, and tells the whole story: who being a man that wore not the habit only, but had the true spirit and Charity of a man in Religious orders, not onely stood in admiration at the impious villany of the treacherous knight, but like a pittifull and Compassionate Father, Contrives which way to relieve the poor distressed Gentelman in his so deplorable Condition, and preserve him from the future dangers he was incident to, by the treachery of his wicked son, and his Complices: and therfore he carries him first to his Convent, where the rest of the Fathers at the relation of the story, are in no less wonder then their Brother, nor lesse Compassionate. At length the good Italian got a boat for Mr Marriot, and bargained with them for 14. shillings to set him safe on shore at Paris; which carefully was performed by the 2 boate men. But being arived, he was in as great a strait as he was at his coming to Corbell; for he knew not any person there, neither could he speak to any to be understood; but getting up into the high street, had recourse to his former helps at Corbell, viz. making signes, and crying out Angleter Angleter; and all to as little purpose as before; till at last a poor Irish man coming by, and hearing him to inquire for the English, went to him and asked him what he would give him, and he would bring him to some English? Mr Marriot was as ready to give, as the other to ask, and insteed of 12 d. which the Irish man asked, for his pains, Mr Marriot gave him a peice of French money 15 d. peice with which being so well satisfyed, he Carryes him to the house of the English Benedictines in the Foubour Saint Jaques. To whom Mr Marriot (seeing they were men) again relate, the whole story of the unfortunate Father, and unhappy son, from the first to the last, even till he had brought himself in there amongst them, and now desires them to get him a lodging amongst some English: which imediatly they do; and leave him that night to his repose: but in the morning they send their servant to him, to bring him to them again, there to be with them till some means might be found for his safety, or some friend or acquaintance of his found out, that would take care to reconvey him back to Roven to his factors or elsewhere, out of the danger of his dangerous Son Francis, which yet in the ey of Good men seemed to threaten him. Here Mr Marriot showes the forementioned letter directed to Mounseur Bond, whose superscription they read to him, thus, For Mounseur Bond, Controuler of the Queen of Englands house, in the Pallace Royall in the Rue Saint Onory at Paris. Although Sr Francis would have pocketed it with half that Complement. This Mr Bond being a Gentelman generally beloved, and known all Paris over. These Benedictines send their servant along with him to Mr Bond; to whom he first delivers his Letter, and then his story and danger desiring Mr Bonds advice and assistance: which Mr Bond (a very Courteous and Civill Gentelman) readily contributed, and calling severall friends of his together, consulted what Course was best to be taken in this business: And first they get printed 300. Bills in the French Tongue, after this manner.
Mr William Marriott Marchant of England, at present in Paris; prayes all Factors of the said Citty, that if any shall bring them any Letters of Exchange Drawne from London, or from Roven, payable to him, or else from Mris Iean Marriott of London aforesayd, Wife of the sayd William Marriott, that they would not pay them, and to detaine those that shall bring them; The sayd Mr Marriott having been surprised, (not understanding the French tongue,) by persons of ill repute. If they bring such letters, or advise, to advertise Mr Bond Controller of the Queen of Englands house at the Pallace Royall thereof, he will resolve them of the reasons: and the discoveries shall do an acceptable service to the Republique.
These bills were (as it were) in an instant spread throughout all Paris, next they goe to search for Sir Francis, and with a speciall warrant, and a good guard (which Mr Bond easily obtained) they finde the house, and therein his whore and man that wayted on Sir Francis, whom they secure: and searching the house farther for Sir Francis, Mr Marriott finds his owne suit and cloak, and the riding Coat before spoken of, which hee takes away with him. And seeing Sir Francis his Picture, takes that away likewise, but no personall or reall Sir Francis Could be found: therfore they secure his man in the Pallace Royall, where they detain him some 9 or 10 dayes; to see if he would discover his master: But it was more then he could do, but he told that his Master was not gone out of the house above halfe an hour before they came to search for him. With that Sir Francis his Whore and her mother threatned to prosecute Mr Marriott for the lives of their 2 husbands, because they went out of Town together, and they swore they had never seen them since. But Mr Marriott having the better end of the staffe, and a friend in Court (Mr Bond who would not yet forsake him) ceased not to prosecute them so close that if they had bin then taken, they had both been hanged: however he was resolved to try the utmost what law would do against them; and prosecuted so farre, that he might have had their pictures hung up in the market place, and then any man might kill them and have 10 lb. for his paines. This struck such a terrour in the women, and so (by them) so frighted their husbands (as they called them,) that then they made friends to Mr Bond, (who had the whole management of the busines) to take up the busines, before the extreamity of the law should passe upon them.
This was readily agreed unto by Mr Bond, in regard this Sir Francis was hereby discovered to be what he really was not what he seemed to be, a Knight, but a Knave, nay a very Rogue, being an Irish man born, his name More (as I sayd before) and had been an officer in the wars; and had often acted such parts before now, for he had been known twice before to have taken a Religious habit to shrowd his Villany in the like Exigents.
Now as I sayd, having been a Collonel of the late Kings Army, and there being many such in and about Paris, who threatned to be the Death of Mr [Page 13] Marriott, if he did proceed thus to disgrace them; Mr Marriott was content, provided, that Sir Francis should come and acknowledge his fault, and ask him forgiveness before some friends of her Majesties, whereof Mr Bond was to be one; and then he would freely forgive him. This was agreed to on their part, and the day and hour appointed at the Comissaryes house: but Sir Francis alias Coll. Moore came not, but sent a messenger with his whore to begge his excuse, and desire them not to require his presence at that busines. But Mr Marriott would not consent to it; either he must come himself, or else he would still prosecute him: so at last after one or two put offs more, this Moore alias Barker comes to the stake, and there before all the Company, did acknowledge all this that is written to be true: desired Mr Marriott and Mr Bond to Pardon him; which they did: and Mr Marriott not only pardoned these injuryes done against him, but desiring God to pardon him too, forgave him the mony which he had formerly lent him from time to time: and so turned him going, to exercise the like plotts.
And so returns our story with Mr Marriott safe into England, who is here, and will Justify all this to be true. And this story was written by a Gentleman, that was an Ey and ear witness of all passages in this Relation, and personally present in all, after Mr Marriots return to Paris: and set forth for a Caution to all Marchants, Travellers, and others, that they may be armed and prepared to withstand the treachery and falsehood of him, or any such dissembling Sycophants.