March 7, 1623. Numb. 21. A PROCLAMATION BY THE STATES of the Province of Vtrecht, against certain others of the Conspirators. Together with a new and full Relation of the Apprehension, Examination, Torturing, and Confession of diverse of the principal Conspirators, of the late intended Treason against the Prince of Orange, and the State of the United Provinces. Both by Letters, and other direction from the States themselves. As they were Printed at Amsterdam, for Martin jansen Brandt Bookeseller, dwelling by the new Church at the sign of the reformed Catechism. Anno 1623.  
LONDON Printed for Nathaniel Butter, Nicholas Bourne, and Thomas Archer. 1623.   

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE STATES OF the Province of Vtrecht, against the Conspirators.  
MAuritius by the Grace of God, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassaw, Meurs, Buren, etc. Marquis of Camp-veer, and Flushing, Lord and Baron of Breda Diest, etc. Governor or Deputy of Holland, Zealand, and Vtrecht, with the States of the Land of Vtrecht, send to all them which shall see or hear these presents read, greeting.  
Seeing there is of Late discovered an abominable, and most wicked Conspiracy, against the State, and welfare of the Land, and that amongst others the Instigators and Conductors or principal Instruments have been these following, namely Hendrick Danielsson Slatius in former time Preacher at Bleyswick: Adriaen Adriaensson van Dick, which was here before Secretary of the said place: Cornelius Gesteranus in former time Preacher at Gorchum, and Cornelius Velsius, lately Preacher at Rackangie, which is a village lying in the Island of the Briel. The Sons of the late Barneuelt, and Adriaen Ʋander Dussen of Rotterdam, are likewise accused of the crime afore said, besides many more, which are all fled intending to save themselves in Brabant, or other Countries of our Enemies, so that they are not easily to be met withal, although their apprehension is much required, and greatly necessary for the good of these united Provinces.  
So it is, that there is notice given by these presents that whosoever can reveal any one of them, or any of their complices, and assistants which have had a hand in this abominable conspiracy, and cause them a live to be delivered to the justice, that he shall be rewarded with the sum of 4000 Gilders, which amount to 400. pound sterling for each one of the persons which are here above named and described, and for any other they shall be recompensed with a sum of 600. Gilders, which amount to 60. pound's starling: And here beside shall the revealers or Informers be pardoned of this crime if they be guilty of it: and their own persons and names shall not be made known to any.  
We interdict and prohibit likewise by these all manner of Persons to lodge any of the aforementioned (which hide themselves) or their complices, and assistants which are culpable of this damnable and detestable Conspiracy, in their houses, or keep, or suffer them in their Gardens, Ships, Boats, Hay Reeks, Barns, or permit them to go away with their Wagons, Horses, Carts, Sleds, or any such like serving to get away, either by Water, or by Land, upon pain of life and goods, and there shall not any favour be showed to any, although it were first known many years after.  
Furthermore seeing it hath appeared manifestly by diverse informations, which the Commissioners authorised and appointed thereunto have received, that the Arminians, or the Society of the Remonstrants (as they enstyle them) have in these Lands, a formal Court, or College, wherein they meet, being also provided of diverse Commissioners, or chief undertakers and a Superintendent: likewise it is confessed, that they have diverse Commissioners in every Town, and City, to gather the moneys amongst them of their own Faction, of which they must make account to their Court where the Superintendent sits with the other Commissioners. Moreover that some of their society had written to some of their Preachers in these Lands, that they marvelled mightily that some of them maintained that their society might not right their cause by the way of violence: And they had therefore consulted upon this point at their meeting, or Court, where they judged that the said way could not be tried without endangering the Country to her utter destruction and ruin, nevertheless considering that they could not mend themselves (as they thought) in any other manner of ways, and suspecting their Confraters, or Brothers to smell of Anabaptisme, or Memnonisme, (knowing that their opinion was hurtful to their dessignes) they rejected them: Whereby, as likewise by that which is already discovered of the aforesaid abominable and most detestable Conspiracy, as also, by the Enterprises, and Machinations of the hidden Preachers, above mentioned, and diverse others of their Society, it appeareth evidently, that they have used all kind of sinister practices and devices, to disturb again not only the Church and State, but likewise to cause in these Countries an inevitable or unavoidable bath of blood, and to destroy these Provinces afterwards by Incendiaries, or firers which should set several places on fire, whereupon (when the Country should have been in this confusion and perplexity) would our Enemy, have assaulted us, and invaded the Country to make himself Master of it, which he hath not been able to do (God be praised within the space of these last 50. years and more, although he employed to the said purpose great Armies, and charges, as it appeared likewise of late within these last two years.  
Seeing also that a great while since it is perceived, that diverse Arminian preachers which were here tofore banished, and led out of these United Provinces, have emboldened themselves to return hither again (in such manner that there hath been four and twenty of them at once at Vtrecht) against the Proclamations of the High and Mighty Lords, the State's General of the United Provinces, and go disguised with strange habits in the United Provinces, and principally in this Province of Vtrecht, as well in the City, as the other Towns and Villages thereof, conversing and walking there both day and night: Keeping also secret meetings, and conventicles, in which they make even their Sermons, (which are prohibited by the State) and provoke there, and instigate the good Inhabitants of the United Provinces, and especially them of the City, the Towns, and the Lands of Vtrecht, to factions and commotions, and dissensions: as likewise to the disobedience of their Superiors and Magistrates: In such manner, that (which is great pity) there are found some of their faction and Society, that have lost the one which they did bear in former time to the Almighty, their Country, and Countrymen, (before this Arminian Faction or Sect (rather) arose, living then Peaceably with their neighbours) and have forgotten themselves so fare, that they have been plotters and chief workmasters of this most wicked and abominable Conspiracy, and made it ready to the execution, which had happened assuredly, if the merciful God had not stopped their proceed, through his infinite wisdom, and caused it to be revealed in good time.  
So it is that we insisting upon that which is aforesaid, prohibit moreover (according to the tenor of the two former Proclamations of the general States, one of them was dated the third of july, 1619. the other the first of February, Anno 1620. and the resolutions, and interpretations made since upon them) expressly, any manner of persons whatsoever, to appear (under what pretext or colour soever) at any of those meetings, and conventicles aforesaid, neither in the City, nor Towns, nor Lands of this Province, or to do or say any thing which might in any manner of ways prejudice the Land, or the Government: upon the pains appointed by the Proclamations aforesaid, beside they shall be accounted as perturbators of the State, and shall be punished according to their offence, and as the case shall require. Likewise we charge that none shall presume to lodge any of the banished Preachers afore mentioned, which are also led out of the Country, nor any of their young propounders, or other which do not stick to cause prohibited meetings, to preach, read, or exhort in the same without permission. As likewise to administer the Sacraments, and other Ecclesiastical functions, nor cause or suffer them to come in their houses, gardens, hay-reekes, barns, ships, boats, wagons, carts, or sleds: nor to hide them any where, be it by water or by land, upon pain of banishment, or otherwise (as the fault shall deserve) to be punished, without that any long time shall excuse them although it were many years since discovered.  
And because such persons may be the better revealed and taken, they which shall discover them, (which are here last of all mentioned) shall be rewarded with the sum of 300. Gilders, which are 30 pounds sterling, and shall receive them of the Country or State: and if they be guilty themselves they shall be pardoned, promising moreover, that their persons or names shall not be discovered. For we have judged with a general voice this to be convenient, and a fit remedy to prevent all further Conspiracies and wicked Machinations, and to advance the welfare and preservation of these Lands, and their inhabitants.  
And because the contents hereof may well be observed and kept, and that none might pretent ignorance, We have given order that this present Proclamation shall be published in all usual places as the custom is, and command hereby the Precedent, and the Council of Vtrecht, as likewise all Officers, justices, and ministers of justice, whom this may concern, to proceed against the offenders, and cause likewise to be proceeded against them without any connivency, savour, or dissimulation to the contrary.  
Given at Vtrecht, the 14. day of February, according to the new style. Anno 1623. Upon the margin was written, Dirick van Eck. Vt. Lower stood, By the order of the aforesaid Lords the States. And was subscribed, Ant: van Hilten. Upon the Margin was the Seal of the said States in red wax.   

From the Hage, Febr. 8. 1623.  
Loving Friend: knowing that there are dispersed amongst you strange speeches of the Prisoners here lately taken, I would not forbear to advice you the truth of the matter.  
The Prince of Orange being two days ago about the afternoon, at Ryswyck, there came three or four Sailors which desired to speak with his Excellency, and having gotten access to his person, they related, that they were asked at Rotterdam, whether they would be employed in a service for the good of these Countries, and were also promised great reward therefore.  
They confessed moreover, that they had accepted the said service, and had received certain money thereupon, and that they were sent afterwards to the Hage, where they delivered two days ago their fireworks and other things, at a house (unto which they were directed) called the little fool in the Achterom, which is a street. And that they had spoken there with the party unto whom they were directed to receive further instruction: but he had not told them at the same time, what they should do, wishing them only to go on to the business with a good courage, and promising that the next day the matter should be laid open unto them.  
They told moreover, that they got of them at that instant certain Dutch Riders of 21. shillings sterling a piece, which they shown also to the Prince of Orange, and said that their great liberality made them to mistrust the goodness of this service, and caused them to suspect some treason or Conspiracy.  
Hereupon the Prince commanded them to return to the Hage, and to come towards evening to him at his Palace. Which they did, and informed his Excellency fully of all the business.  
Whereupon he sent presently for the Precedent, and the Council of State, who forthwith (after some deliberation) sent the Attorney or fiscal of the Court, with the Provost Martial, to the house or Inn aforesaid, where they found the persons by them described, and the man which paid them the money aforesaid, whom they carried instantly to the Court, and examined them.  
The Townsmen and the Soldiers within were presently commanded to keep strong watches every where, and to stop all passages that no body should come away without leave. But it was not possible for them to prevent it, seeing there are no walls about the Hage. They searched also afterwards the Helmet (an Inn) about the Wagons which go to Harlem, and when they asked for the man with his Trunks, the owner thereof went speedily up into a chamber where it stood, and opening it, he took some things thereour, and leaving it open, came down in great haste, and got out of the house, seeing that there was a Sergeant which told to the rest, that he was an honest man, and that he had known him many years ago.  
When the fiscal asked the Host whether there was not a man with a trunk in his house: he answered, no: But seeing they found afterwards the trunk, (open with diverse pistols and other things, as it was left by the owner) when they searched the house, the Host was taken prisoner, though the owner, the former Secretary of Bleyswicke had made an escape, as is aforesaid, the other were examined the same night, and he which paid the money to the Mariners confessed that there was one dwelling at Rotterdam which had set him on work, and having told his name and described his person, there went, about four of the clock in the morning, two Councillors of State with diverse others to find him out, but he was departed thence, & it is thought that the late Secretary of Bleyswick who was escaped had given him notice of the discovering of their conspiracy.  
The examinations of the prisoners have lasted yesterday, and this night and day, but their confessions are kept as yet very secret: there are found in the mean time many pistols, swords and daggers in the trunk aforesaid, and in the other Inn, and I have seen some of them at the Court.  
To day had the Preachers order to give God thankes in their prayers for the discovering of this abominable conspiracy of the enemies of the State.  
The Mariners which have revealed this Treason, are glad that they have cleared their conscience, and cast this burden off their necks, making good cheer at the Castelayn of the Court his house.  
I hear at this instant that there is now to be made another search: of the success I will advice you with the next, if God give me leave.  
Farewell.   

From Amsterdam, Febr. 28. 1623.  
Yesterday were 4. of the conspiracy executed at the Hage, one of them was beheaded and quartered, the other three were only beheaded: to morrow we hope to get here the Copies of their sentences. The principal and the richer sort are as yet kept in prison, but it is generally reported that they shall follow the other very speedily.  
They have confessed that they would have murdered first of all the Prince of Orange: secondly, changed the government and Religion: thirdly, that they had correspondency and intelligence with the enemies: fourthly, that they would have set on fire several houses and towns.  
Last Sunday, passed through this City certain Soldiers of Emden, which brought thence these following prisoners; Abraham and jan Blancert, and one William Pertii, carrying them by the way of Harlem towards the Hage.   

A RELATION, OR The Light of February: Wherein is to be seen, The strange and abominable Conspiracy which was intended against the united Provinces, and the Inhabitants therein: Revealed by these four honest men: john Engelen, john Faes, Ieroen Ewoutszon, Pieter janssen Broeck.  
IT seemeth that the Almighty hath been pleased many times to defend or preserve his Church not only by means of the simple, but even also by the actions of her own enemies, as you may perceive by this present Relation. And it is very well known to the Inhabitants of this Country, what kind of fellows our Mariners are for the most part, and principally these 4, which discovered the treason, here before mentioned, to be very stout and resolute, and stained moreover with the Arminian doctrine, as all the rest of the conspiracy, but I will not say that they are all stained which have conversed with them, with such a foul spot, as shall appear by these and other good Patriots or well-willers of their Country.  
But to come to the matter: It is to be observed that the eldest of these four Mariners was called (by a nick name) Light, amongst the common people, which seemed to presage some thing, if the Prognostication had been made before the effect appeared: but to leave all frivolous things behind, and to relate shortly that which is passed in these parts of the Low Countries, concerning the conspiracy aforementioned.  
The 4. of February, in the year 1623. came to Rotterdam a strange Monster, in the shape of the former Secretary of Bleyswyck, having his belly filled with rank poyfon, as shall be published afterward by authority of the State to all the world: This wicked fellow who (as he thought) could alter his mouth & face into such countenance as he pleased, and change his voice as he listed, was acquainted with one of the Mariners aforesaid, but the Mariner could not feel presently with his woollen gloves what he carried under his cloak, as he did afterwards (by the grace of God) when his hands were naked. He told in the beginning to the Mariner, that it was a brave enterprise, & tending to the good of the Commonwealth, but (as he said) it must be kept secret, and the reward would assuage or sweeten the labour and pains, and desired him therefore to find out three other lusty and resolute Sailors as he was himself, which he did at an instant, (seeing they know one another, and can certify whom they dare trust with their lives, and will stand for a man when occasion shall serve) and brought them to him; where after some speeches betwixt them, the four Mariners yielded to their employment in the said service. About the same time there came another (whom they never saw before) which after some conference gave them 300. Gilders (which amount to 30. Pound sterling) a piece aforehand, only upon hope of good success, which pleased the Mariners exceeding well, and made them grow hot to the business: He added moreover that after the enterprise was performed they should want neither goods nor money, and should each one of them beside be honoured with an office. After these fair promises made unto the Mariners, the other two told them where they should receive diverse Pistols, besides gunpowder, and Led, or Bullets, with great store of Stillettos or murdering Daggers, and other such like things to pierce a harness of proof withal, and desired them to bring them in several trunks to a certain Inn at the Hage, which they performed with all possible speed, and diligence, for they packed these things secretly up in trunks, and caused them in their company the 5. of February to be carried from Rotterdam to Delft, and thence towards the Hage, where they brought them to the appointed Inn called the Helmet, and found there at the same instant their Master (which set them on work at the beginning) who bade them welcome, and made them good cheer.  
In the mean time had he (who paid them the money) hired likewise four other courageous and lusty Mariners, and had sent them with the like instruments and commodities put in trunks as the other, through the same passage towards the Hage, & charged them to meet at an Inn called the little Fool, (which they did) and were there well received and entertained with drink and meat.  
The sixth of this Month (O happy day) began the Mariners aforesaid to suspect the business, (without question through the inspiration of the Almighty) and to confer one with another about it, and concluded amongst themselves, that they would not enter any further into the said business, believing it to be a foul piece of work: And resolved thereupon that two of them should go instantly to the Prince of Orange, to certify his Excellency of the case, and to learn whether they were employed in the service of the Country or not. Coming with all possible speed to the Court in the Hage, they understood that the Prince of Orange was gone to Ryswyck, (where some of his Horse are kept) they went thither presently with their tarred apparel, & sheaths of horn for their knives, and other things, as the Sailor's use to wear in the Low Countries, and talking amongst themselves along the way, the time seemed very short unto them at their arrival: And amongst the rest, they conferred together in what manner, and with what countenance they should speak to the Prince his Excellency.  
When they were at the Stable of the Prince, they saw there diverse Lackeys and Yeomen of the Prince his Guard, and told them that they would fain speak a word or two with his Excellency; but no body seemed to give greatly ear unto them, nevertheless there was one of the Lackeys, who laughing, accepted to tell the Prince of them and their desire, suspecting that they had some strange toy or thing to show to his Excellency; who sent them word back again by the Lackey, that he would hear them as soon as he came out of his stable: whereupon they answered, that they would speak with his Excellency about a business that concerned mightily his own person, and that there was perhaps danger in delay, (as the Civil Lawyers say) Periculum in mora: The Prince (who hath loved continually the Mariners) understanding this, caused them instantly to come to him, where they made the best reverence they could after their own manner, and revealed all the matter unto him. Now you may guess what the Prince thought of it, hearing of an enterprise of which he knew not himself: he commanded the Mariners to return to the Court, by the way of Vorburg, which is a village about the Hage, and road himself with all speed to the Court, where he communicated instantly this matter with the States. Hereupon was presently given order that the two Inns here before mentioned, should be searched instantly, and that all them which were within the two Inns should be ceased upon, until such time as the heads and complices of this wicked onterprise should be found out. They got the money master or Purser, (who paid the Mariners) at the Inn called the little Fool, the rest which were in the house are likewise apprehended, and I cannot hear as yet that any one of them is set at liberty. At the other Inn (where the Secretary of Bleyswick escaped) were even also diverse apprehended, but they are all dismissed, seeing they were found innocent and clear of this business. All the instruments aforesaid which were found in the two Inns, were likewise carried away by the Officers of the Court.  
Concerning the Mariners, they were 9 days kept in the house of the Keeper or Castelain of the Court, until the States knew by examination that they were not guilty, and had behaved themselves as true Patriots and well-willers of the Country ought to do, and discharged their consciences.  
This night and the next day commanded the States strong watches to be kept, as well of the Townsmen, as of the Soldiers about the Hage, and the passages to go thence: And they caused likewise a Proclamation to be published and printed as we have heard before.  
The next day being Wednesday, upon the 8. of this Month, was the fasting and prayer day kept, whereof the States had warned the Country fourteen days before. This alteration seemed to cause a new zeal amongst the inhabitants, that all the Churches were packed up so full, as the like was not seen by any man living.  
About the evening came the Hangman into the Hage, to put some of the apprehended to the torture. The same day were likewise three of Barnevelts servants taken prisoners, and the house of the widow of john of Oldenbarnevelt as likewise that of Renier of Oldenbarnevelt his son guarded by certain officers of the Court.  
The 9 day of this Month were yet some at the Hage apprehended, and there came news that two were taken at Rotterdam, and that some were fled thence, whereupon the Country was much perplexed.  
The same day there came also tidings from Harlem, that there was made a great hole in the walls of the prison by some which were without, with a great augre, just upon the room in which two Arminian Preachers were put about three weeks ago, because they were come into the Dominion of the States, out of which they were banished.  
The 10. and 11. day of this Month, were in all the Cities and Towns of the United Provinces the Proclamations of the States concerning this Conspiracy published, & every where great pains were taken to apprehend the Authors and Complices thereof. In those days was the Lord vander Mylen sent for to come into the Hage, where he came freely, and is lodged now at the house of the Keeper of the Court, whereby it seemeth that he is not suspected.  
The 12. day of this Month when it was night, there were two poor Boers which saw Adriaen Adriaensson van Dick, the former Secretary of Bleyswyck, whereupon they went purposely to the Mayor of the place, who took him afterwards: whereupon the Boers got within few days the monies promised by the Proclamation of the States, for the discovering of him, namely 4000 Gilders, which amount to 400. pounds sterling.  
The 14. of this Month, the  Adriaen Adriaensson van Dick sent for some of his Children and Kindred (a little before the Officers came to him out of the Hage) and confessed unto them that he had deserved death, and cursed mightily the Arminian Preachers which seduced him, he was yet the same day brought to the prison of the Hage by the Officers which came for him from the Court.  
This day were the Sailors (which had until that time made good cheer at the house of the keeper of the Court) set at liberty, and each one of them was honoured of his Excellency with a piece of gold whereon was the Picture and Arms of the Prince with his Device, worth about 80. Gilders, which amount to 8. pounds sterling, as likewise with a silvered Sword for each of them. The States moreover caused to each of them to be given 600. Gilders which amount to 60. pounds sterling, besides a monthly pension of 16. Gilders, or 32. shillings sterling, during their lives: granting them moreover their Letters of recommendation to the Court of Admiralty, for the first offices (of which they be capable) that shall fall. Whereupon they returned with great contentment to Rotterdam, and told their friends their fortune, and clothed themselves there in grey suits of cloth, and bought there for their own wearing grey hats, with golden bands, as if they had been Sea-Captains already.  
The same day were the bells of the Town house of the Hage rung, whereupon the two sons of Barnevelt were warned to appear within the space of 14. days; and to answer for themselves upon pain of their banishment, & confiscation of their goods, according to the Laws and custom of the Country.  
The 15. day four Citizens were apprehended at Leyden about this Conspiracy, and it was perceived that some of their consorts were fled.  
The 16. of this Month was at the Hage a rumour that both the sons of Barneuelt were seen at Schevelingen about the Sea-coast, with a skipper of their acquaintance who dwelled there, whereupon his Wife was apprehended in the absence of her husband and carried to the Hage, where she confessed upon examination that her husband departed the night before from his house with them: & search being made, it was found out presently that they went from Schevelingen to Berckerhey, Catwyck, Noortwyck, Santvoort, wick op Zee, along a ditch towards the Sea, which is called the Hondsbosh, and came thence into the Island of Texel.  
The 17. day of this Month was the town-house of Rotterdam fired very early in the morning, at which time the Cutler afore mentioned got away among the people which came to quench the fire, he was taken, because he had sold diverse Instruments and arms to the Conspirators. The other, namely the Tinker was dismissed by the Lords, seeing there was at that time yet nothing found out wherewith they could charge him.  
The Cutler went to diverse of his acquaintance, but no man would receive him, and seeing he is still absent there is promised a sum of mone● to them that shall cause him to be apprehended.  
The 18. of this Month was the eldest son of Barnevelt taken in the Island of Texel, with the skipper aforesaid, and one of his men.  
The 19 being the next day, he was brought to the Hage and put in prison, where he was examined since, but we cannot hear as yet any thing of his confession.  
The 20. of this Month were all the prisoners which were taken about this Conspiracy examined by the justices of the Court.  
The 21. were at Ouwerschic, a village, yet two other taken of this Conspiracy, namely David Corenwinder Secretary in former time of Berckel, and the Boer which lodged him. They were carried likewise the same day to the prison which is in the Hage, where there are (masters and servants) at least twenty, apprehended for this Conspiracy.  
FINIS.