AN ACCOUNT OF THE Late horrid Conspiracy TO DEPOSE Their Present MAJESTY'S K. WILLIAM and Q. MARY, To bring in the FRENCH and the Late King JAMES, and ruin the City of London.  
WITH A Relation of the miraculous Discovery thereof.  
ALSO Some brief Reflections on the Trials of the Lord Preston, Major Ashton, and Mr. eliot, who were chiefly concerned therein, and found Guilty.  
By a Gentleman who was present at their Trials.  
LONDON, Printed for J. Humph●ys, 1691.   

THE PREFACE, TO All that love the Protestant Religion, King William and Queen Mary, and Old England.  
I Need not tell you, gentlemans, how many and how restless Endeavours have been used by the Enemies of our dear Country and dearer Religion, to destroy both ever since the Reformation. You cannot but remember with due regret and concern, what deep Designs have been frequently laid for this Purpose, within the reach of your own Observations, (not to look back to King James the First, or Queen Elizabeth, of blessed and eternal memory.) Nor are you, I am confident, of so easy and implicit a Faith, as to be persuaded by all the popular Harangues in the World to contradict your own senses: And indeed, they only may inform us how much we have hitherto been the Care of Heaven, and what need there was of our being so, since we have taken so little of ourselves, but with a sort of Stupidity, which looks like Incantation, for the most part sat tame and quiet, Expectants when the hanging Sword would drop on our Heads, which so slender a Thread as to outward view only supported; though we ought to believe there was an Arm within the Clouds, which would not suffer it to wound any further than its Commission: For indeed, what else has hitherto preserved us under the two last and the present Reign? For whether the Throne has been filled by an open Papist, or a pretended Protestant, or one who is really such: One thing is certain, that Popery, with its infeparable Companion, has been all along struggling to get uppermost, and like a true Politician, was indeed nearest the obtaining its desire, when it appeared farthest from it. The Popish Plot in King Charles 's Reign, although it obtain not its immediate Design, yet in the Effects thereof, went a great length towards our ruin, like Gunpowder in a Vault, doing incomparably the more mischief by being stifled. All know what an odd Branch was grafted upon it, and how unnatural a Fruit it bore; the Jugglers, who managed that Show, pretending to change Papist into Presbyterian: Just as effectual a Miracle as their turning Bread into Flesh, while 'tis Bread still. However, this is more certain, That they went on so fairly, as to Juggle one King ('tis more than probable) out of his Life, and the other out of his Throne; for indeed he was little better than spirited away by the Kidnapping Priests and Jesuits, the Merchandise of Rome being sometimes the Bodies, as well as the Souls of Men. And one would have thought a fair riddance there had been now made for good and all, the vacant Throne being filled by the Consent and Applauses of all goodmen, with two Protestant Princes, whose actions as well as words have declared them as true Defenders of the Faith, as of the undoubted Rights and Liberties of their Kingdoms. But neither must these expect to sit in quiet, like the ancient Heroes, they seem born for Troubles, and made on purpose to wade through Danger and Honour. And were their Enemies and the Protestant Religion's (whose Life and very Being seems very much bound up in Theirs) but all before 'em; Were there no danger but from the Sword of France, or the late King's Valour, there would not be so much reason for our apprehension and concern. But when those inestimable Lives, as well as all our own, all that we have hazarded, whatever i● dear to us, have paid for, continued to Pray, and are ready to fight for; when all this, and the Interest of all Europe, shall be still in as much danger as ever, from a sort of People, that Mercy is thrown away, and Pardon lost upon 'em; I cannot doubt, but we shall all be inspired with a just judignation against them: That the Law will be, now in earnest let loose upon them; and that we shall no longer by a foolish pity towards them, endanger our own utter Ruin.  
Now as to what their Designs are, and have been for some time past, these Papers may give some satisfaction, till a larger account shall be thought fit to be made public.   

An ACCOUNT, etc.  
NO one can imagine that a Plot of so dangerous a nature, and large an extent as this appears to be, which is now brought on the Stage by so wonderful a turn of Providence, could be of yesterday growth, but as Trees which shoot their Roots deep into the Earth, and spread wide in the Air, may be easily guessed to be of no very late planting; so, for a Reason not unlike, we may believe the original of this Design is to be fetched much higher than its Discovery, and the event would be apt to make one think there was really more in the Memorial, we have been told was last Summer presented to the French King, than some persons would have us imagine. And indeed it may be worth another Enquiry what became of that Plot, for which, after so many Proclamations plainly declaring, that there were ill Designs then on foot against the Government, after so many persons actually seized and committed for the same; there was never any suffered besides one Blockhead that was not worth a saving▪ Whether the reason of this, and of their acquitting all those committed upon that account without any Trial, at which time my Lord C—, and Presto● among the rest, were dismissed of their Confinements▪ Whether the reason of it were, That the Government was resolved to try whether an Excess of Merc● and Mildness would work any thing on those concerned, or intended to let them run to the end of their Line, and more clearly discover themselves to all the World, is not our present business to inquire. What's perhaps more sure, is that as deep as these ●oles lay, they did not work in the dark, but their Design were known some time since, to some Ministers of State, (at least one) and that few steps they took or Feet they advanced, were Secrets to them against whom they were levelled; which shows us, that the present Government wants not those who can manage things of this nature, perhaps not much less dexterously than a Cecil or a Walsingham, and has further had a large and a happy Influence in opening some persons Eyes, which Prejudice had so long either blinded or changed their colour in relation to the Honour and Integrity of a certain Noble Person, who after all the hot and hasty Censures passed upon him, has been the chief or sole manager of this Detection and Discovery.  
Whoever were behind the Scenes in this Plot, we are certain enough who were publicly engaged in it, and the main Go-betweens and Agitat●rs for the Cause, which were so lately tried for their Lives, and so justly found guilty, were my L. Preston, one commonly called Major Ashton, and Mr. eliot.  
Ashton had been employed formerly by Major-General W—, before the late King's abdication, and had married one Mr. Rigbies Daughter, but whether or no embarked in the same design, time may discover.  
For my Lord Preston, he has been sufficiently known ere this, and perhaps it would not be either beyond Truth or Modesty to affirm, He had been better have suffered the former Errors of his Management to have been forgotten, than by thus meddling in things of such a dangerous nature, given liberty and occasion to look backward, and thereby draw on his own Head nothing but Infamy, and ruin. It will be readily granted, that the Family of the graham's have been not a little obliged to the late King James, and that Gratitude, where it leads us no farther than Justice, is a very Noble and Beautiful Virtue; but then a Mistaken Gratitude and Honour ought not sure to carry us into such Actions as are pernicious to the Society, under which we enjoy protection, and to our Country towards which we have far deeper and stronger Obligations than we can possibly have to any particular Person. For I'd fain know, whether it would be any excuse for a Man who should set Fire to his own Father's house, or the public Magazine of his City, that he had formerly been obliged by the Robbers of the one, or declared Enemy's of the other. Now how fit a person my Lord Preston was for an Employment of this kind, and as it should seem the general Agitator of the whole Affair, will easily appear, if we consider his Character. He is undoubtedly, to do an Enemy Justice, a person of the highest Form for most Accomplishments becoming a Gentleman.— His Wit is much above the ordinary Standard, he is extremely well versed in business, and as indefatigable in the prosecution of what he undertakes. He has been generally thought a Man of Courage, and if he appeared to some more dejected than was usual at the time of his Trial, 'twas no great wonder when he found all his fine work unravelled, the Cause ruined beyond a possibility of recovery, and his own Life at the mercy of offended Law, and injured Justice. After all, it must be owned he is a great Master of address, and his words are so charming, his motions so graceful, that a fitter person could hardly be found out, or even made on purpose to bewitch Men from their duty and Alegience, and for my part I rather wonder such a man as he, has not made more Proselytes to his Master's Interest, than that he has made so many. And if at his Trial he showed not so great a Strength of mind as may have appeared in other parts of his Life, I believe we may blame his Ingenuity for it, it being probable that one who knew himself so deeply and palpably guilty could hardly have Face enough to insist much upon his Innocence. Add to this, that he's a reputed Protestant, and had been formerly Ambassador in France, from the King of England. The other two, being but Under Wheels, to this great Mover, will not deserve so much time, or notice, in this short Paper, nor are so loaden with Commendations as we find he is in almost all the Letters, made public at the Trial from the Heads of the Party, nor are they of so fair a Character as his Lordship has had given him. For these yet behind the Curtain, time may draw it aside and discover 'em, nor can any one think, that a design of this Nature and Extent, had only three or four Persons embarked therein. Thus much therefore must for the present satisfy for the Characters of the chief Managers of this Conspiracy.  
As for the Subject and Method thereof, it can appear from nothing better, or clearer than the Original Papers and Letters of the very Conspirators and Managers under their own Handwriting. And indeed there need no Colours to heighten or advance it.— The Devil is ugly enough of himself, could the Painter describe him like what he really is, nor needs the addition of Tail and Horns to make him more terrible. The Truth is, 'twas a Home-stroak, and there wanted no good will, either in the design or management. 'Twas neither less nor more, than the overthrowing the Government, Deposing, if not Murdering Their Majesties, Whom God long preserve, to the Confusion of their Enemies, bringing in an Army of French and Strangers, and joining them on their Invasion, after having betrayed the Strength and Condition of the Nation to them, and given an exact Account of our Fleet and Forts, laying Designs for the Destruction of both, and taking a particular and remarkable care to plague London.— Which Favour the Honest Citizens can't be forgetful of, and some here at home of another Character, one would almost think had been aiming at, a little before the Plot was ripened.  
This in general— More particularly the Scene was laid as deep and as subtly as Hell itself could contrive it (though the Traitors concerned, will be apt to say here, as well as in the Gunpowder Treason, 'Twas the Devil who discovered it) to destroy in a few Weeks, or Months, all that which has been so long and so firmly building, by the wonderful Providence of God, and the united Wisdom, and Valour of the Nation at the expense of so much Blood and Treasure, as it has already cost us. Here at home it appears to have been carried on ever since, and before the Bravado of the French on our Coasts the last Summer; for some of the Letters taken, mightily lament the disappointment they met with at that time, and assure the Enemies of our Country, that 'twas for want of no good will, but only a handsome opportunity▪ that they lent not their utmost assistance to destroy it— But you would not have Men Rebel when they can't do't, and join the French at Portsmouth or Devonshire, when fast in the Tower of London. However they saved their Stakes, and by this time it seems were got ●e●dy for another Game, their only trouble being (as they express it) that their Confinements had retarded the Affair, but promising with double vigour to prosecute it as soon as discharged of their Imprisonment, and recover the ground which they had thereby lost.  
But one grand Obstacle, it seems, the Plotters met with in the prosecution of their Designs. They knew very well the Mortal and Unchangeable Aversion rooted in the very Souls of the generality of the English against Popery, ever since the Reformation, and which they liked, at least, never the better for what knowledge they had thereof, during the short visit it lately made us: Accordingly they could not but imagine this would be a terrible Obstacle to their design of reinstating the late King James in his Throne, whom the English can hardly think much better or truer for having been so long under the French King's Pupillage, nor could believe it so much as possible, that he should return without the destruction of the Protestant Religion, not only in England, but very probably throughout all Europe. This Objection, which lay so full against the very centre of their design, they found it necessary to obviate ere they could proceed one step further; and though all the World else thinks it impossible that King James should should ever now return without Popery at his Heels, the Agitatars of this design undertake to prove it possible— which was all it seems they would so much as pretend to; though with what Reason, or to what end, I can't imagine, only the cause would bear no more, scarcely that itself; for though we believe 'tis possible, and barely so, for a Man to leap over the Bridge and not be drowned, or Tumble from a precipiece and not be Crushed to Pieces, (of both which we have Instances) yet none but a Madman would offer to repeat the Experiment, in hopes of the same Event. But that the Villainy might proceed Methodically, they had a formal Consult, and Conference between divers Lords and Gentlemen: Tories as well as whigs (those are the words of the Paper which gives an Account thereof; Seized among others in ashton's Bosom) wherein it was Actually proved; possible that he might return without any Injury to the Protestant Religion.— And wherein were several fine Chimaeras proposed, which had King James Conquered the Country, and Recovered His Throne by the French Arms, would have signified just as much as his Promise at his first coming to the Crown, and his Oath at the Coronation, to protect the Government as then Established, in Church and State.— But now, they tell ye, he had bit upon the Bridle, and known the smart on't, and if he ever came back again, he had learned more wit, then to take such evil Courses as had formerly Broke and Ruined him, Yes undoubtedly, as much as any Highwayman or Murderer Pardoned, during his happy Reign, would leave the Road, or Cutting-Throats, for having been once in sight of the Gallows. One would think the former Jaunt of almost Twenty Years long, had been enough to have taught some Persons Wit and Honesty; if ever they would have been capable of either: Or at least, that the sound Ruffle they met with from the People of England before they came to the Throne, should have taught 'em, when fixed in it, how to behave themselves there, and what Measures to use with a Nation; who, though 'tis not an easy matter to anger 'em, when once they are so, never By't but their Teeth meet; and though you cut their Heads off, won't let go their hold. There's a Proverb of a certain King, a little wiser than him we are discoursing of, which may be with Truth and Manners enough applied— at least to some of his Old Courtiers, and those inseparable Friends, who will to he sure always have his Ears and Heart— Bray a Fool in a Mortar, yet he won't depart from his Folly: Which was one unlucky Objection, which I doubt, those Men of Projects, and Reason, forgot to answer at this Conference; though it seems, several there present, who pretended great Zeal for the Protestant Religion, (and without doubt, much according to knowledge) went away as entirely satisfied in the point in Controversy, as one who has never made any experiment of Matter of Fact, is with some fine Hypothesis of mounting to the World in the Moon, in a Chariot of Ganza's. In the mean while they must give other Men leave to doubt of what they were pleased to be satisfied with, so long at least till they can produce one Instance of a Bigoted Popish Prince, who kept his word with his Protestant Subjects, longer than his Interest persuaded him to observe it; or he wanted Power to break it. However, so much we may learn by the Title of the conference before mentioned: that it is not being of one Party, or tother, makes a Man Honest: That Loyalty is not Tied up to one side or Interest. That there are Traitors of both sides; and that all those who love the Government, ought heartily to agree in their Defence of it, though they differ in their Sentiments, as to other things, unless they'd have both that and their selves Ruined by the Common Enemy.  
After this Consult, we may believe they pushed on more vigorously than formerly, and have brought things to bear so well, that in their several Letters of Treasonable Correspondence, they rest almost secured of Success; provided, they might be but powerfully assisted by the French, in that manner and time they proposed, and had drawn up in a Scheme of the whole. And if they did their part, and a certain Person easy enough to be guest at, did but appear in Westminster-Hall, (as they express it in one of their Cants) they doubted not but before next Easter Term, the Causes would come to a Final Hearing. That is before that time, we had been all involved in Blood and Confusion, and as miserable as these Plotters and their Masters could make us.  
To that end, Exact Lists were sent of all our Naval preparations, what Ships in Repair, and what not, from the First, to six Rates, not omitting so much as the very Yatchts and Tenders. So that an Account also added of such Commanders as were most likely to be drawn to the French Interest— So that we need now no longer puzzle ourselves to guests which way so many French-Pistols creep in among us; (Twenty Four of which, have within this few days been Received in no larger a Sum then Forty Pound.) And yet more Villainous; Directions were prepared for the French Fleet, how, and where to Fight, and destroy Oars, their Numbers proportioned, and the Time of their setting out, and appearing upon our Coast at furthest in March, or the beginning of April, to hinder the Dutch Fleet and Ours from Joining. They were to look to Spithead in their way, Burn the Shipping there, and take the Town. To which end, a most Exact Account was drawn up for them of all the Force in Portsmouth. The State of the different Forts, as South-Sea, Trevanion, etc. As the Number of Men in Garrison, and the Facility of putting a design of that Nature in Execution. London, to be sure, among the rest, is never to be forgotten Nothing is to be done till those proud Citizens be humbled — Carthago est delenda— Destroy that, or that will Destroy Rome or at least till things are Ripe enough, and the Rebellion strong enough, let French Ships always lie ready on purpose to Plague it, as if their Fire had not been enough before.  
But they knew what would be most acceptable to the Person who employed them, who whilst he remained at Helm, was so true a Pater Patriae, who always so dearly loved the City, and between which and him there was so little Love ever lost. Further if it should come to a Battle, the very place was agreed on where they should fight the English, not so high as last Summer, near the Beachy, but rather in the Chaps of the Channel. And all this with the landing of the French, and the public defection of his Traitors at home, who were immediately to come in to their assistance, to be put in Execution as soon as possible after the departure of the King for Holland, a Proclamation being prepared (perhaps with as much as Coleman's Declaration for dissolving the Parliament) to the same effect with what was discoursed in the Consult before mentioned, setting all the Varnish possible on the Cause; the Protestant Religion to be as surely established and defended as it was before, they only to have the Government, and all the poor harmless Catholics to be left to nothing but their Devotions. The Dispensing Power and Prerogative to be left where it was before that Controversy begun; all Persons being also required to come under the French Standard, and turn Traitors by such a day, on pain of being used as if they were so. In order to effect which Designs, and carry on a Correspondence with the Enemies of the Nation, several particular Cants being invented, under which to cover their Treasonable Practices. Some of the Letters were writ on pretence of Trade; advising their Correspondents by all means to choose such Factors as were bold and Industrious, to fix probable ends, and choose fit means to bring them to an issue, which they added, was the life of Trade as well as Government. Above all, to be quick and expeditious as possible in their Resolutions and Actions, the Sea being now open, whereas a few Months hence 'twould be very dangerous sailing. Others were disguised in a Story of Tenants or Landlords, acquainting the Person to whom 'tis writ, that many of the Freeholders were dissatifyed with their usage, etc.  
Others related to a Lawsuit, as has been already mentioned; some were Letters of Civility and Compliment, as from one acquaintance to another, assuing them that their Elder Brother and most of their Family were their true Friends, and would continue so; enquiring for their little Daughter, whom tho' they had not yet seen, they had heard described very pretty and Witty. All this under feigned Names. To Mr. Reading and Mrs. Reading, Mr. Charleton and others.  
Besides these they had several Characters and Keys affixed to them, the more covertly to carry on the main business; one wherein all the Letters of the Alphabet were made use of to signify Persons and things, one Letter standing for the K of France, another for K. James, a 3d. for the K. of England, the Duke of Luxemburgh, the Marquis with them, Duke Powis and his Duchess, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Dunkirk, etc. the Marquis of Carmarthen, the Lord Devonshire, the Lord Clarendon, Lord Preston, and several other great Persons, both their Friends and Enemies. But this was observable in most of their Letters, that although they began with some of those sorts of Cants already mentioned, and carried on the Humour pretty well, yet before the Conclusion, they used generally such high and profound expressions of respect and veneration as could agree to none with any common propriety of Speech, but those of the first Quality, and such as they thought their Sovereigns. One good Man being so zealous in the Cause, as to protest he could venture his hopes of Heaven upon it, or an expression little below it, if not the very same. But after all that could be written, said or done, London still sticks in their Stomaches, whose Citizens or Clergy they could by no means be pleased with, the Clergy being as the significant memorandums express it, almost all stark naught, and the very worst of the whole Nation. I wonder wherein have the Clergy of London obliged the Lord Preston so highly, that he's pleased to do them the honour of so ill a Character? Not that 'tis a new thing for Malefactors to give thofe who detect and prosecute 'em, ill Names, while they style none Honest Fellows but such as are as great Villains as themselves. In the mean time it seems all the Luidores yet received are not sufficient: Money is the Life of the Cause all the World over, which the Jacobites want as well as we, and those Horseleeches still cry, Give, Give, without being ever satisfied. Poor King James, must he pay Pensions still when he himself is but a Pensioner? The mischief is, his Brass Money won't go in England, nay would be out of fashion in Ireland, had the Teagues any other among them— So thick are the Complaints, and so bold the Beggars, that one may easily conclude their King can't live without them, nor they without him. My Lord will acquaint you with my occasions— I have told my Lord my occasions. The Bearer knows how I have been pressed, How well I have deserved— and much more to the same purpose, which the World will shortly see in the printed Trials.  
After all this, people may choose whether theyl'l believe any such thing as a Plot, they may say and swear (and yet not be perjured) that this is as great a Shame as the Popish Plot in 78, and all those who die for it as ●●rand Martyrs as Coleman, and as innocent as the Jesuits; nay, had not all this been so strangely discovered, things had run on in the same current, and the great Agitators but got safely off with their Papers, or but got them disposed of safely into the bottom of the Sea; had all this happened, and the French Fleet according to appointmnet appeared on our Coast as they did the last Summer, who dared have dreamt of a Plot in't, any more than the last time, or that they came for any thing else but to fish for a few Herrings on our Coast, or make fine Lines across the Channel in a Sunshiny day?  
And here I should have closed the account of this cursed Design, had not a new and strange accident given us new confirmations thereof. No longer since than the last Week, were taken two Gentlemen coming ashore from France in a small Sloop near Lewis in Sussex— Sir. R. P. who by the greatness of his Genius, and mere strength of his own natnral Reason (both of 'em as weighty Motives as the Jesuits Arguments) left the Protestant Religion for the Roman, in the Reign of the late King James, and would fain have had his Children Educated the same way, had not their virtuous and prudent Mother placed them out of his reach. The other Colonel M. and old experienced Officer: Both going to a great Papists House in those parts, One of these a Man of Interest and Money, might have done excellently well, lying there Perdue till the Plot had ripened; then to have raised Forces for advancing the design; and the other of more Brains and Experience, when raised to have commanded them. With these were found several Letters of dangerous consequence, which it's said, confirm exactly what has been formerly discovered. And here we are like to meet with something of Ingenuity, tho' not much Wit, and the having been with King James at the Boyne, (or rather running away with him there,) actually and publicly acknowledged.  
It may be worth also to remark the subtle ways the Conspirators took to prevent Discovery. They indeed did almost as much as Men could do, who had no mind to be hanged, to keep themselves safe, and had provided against every thing but Providence. Here at Land they made use of Iron-heels, opening and shutting with a sort of a Spring, to be covered with Leather, and worn in a Shoe, wherein to conceal their Treasonable Letters and Papers. But these too, were discovered as well as the Person who made 'em, who lately was seized, and in custody for the same. What they did at Sea to the same end and purpose, was very strangely rendered ineffectual, and proved only a strong presumption against 'em.  
And from hence 'twill be an easy Transition to the wonderful Discovery of this so deep and well-laid Design. In which, perhaps there may be some passages not yet ripe for public notice. What has yet appeared on the open Stage in relation to this great Affair, is to this purpose.  
After the Scene had been laid, and the Scheme of their Designed fixed as abovementioned, and the Assurances and Protestations of the most considerable Persons therein engaged, given under their own hands to be witnesses against 'em; My Lord Preston and his two other Accomplices, Major Ashton and Mr. Elliott, etc. prepared for France, with an account of the whole Negotiation. In order whereunto, a Vessel was to be hired to convey them to France, and one being found sit for the purpose, the Master was to be bargained with for the price; who at the first meeting, wherein he engaged safely to transport 'em thither, demanded 200 l. for his reward: At the second Meeting, he fell to 100 l. Ashton and Elliott, agreeing with him for the same; the Money to be deposited in Mrs. Burdet's hand till the Service should be performed; accordingly 93 Guinea's and a 6 d. were paid in, the odd six pence being broke, and one piece left with Mrs. Burdet, the other Mr. Ashton had with him, which he was to deliver to the Master of the Ship as soon as ever he had landed his Passengers at any Port in France, and on his return and bringing that piece to Mr. Burdet, on the application and agreement thereof with the other piece in her custody, he was immediately to receive the Hundred pounds. According to this Agreement, the Master prepared his Smack for the Voyage, and all things being ready, they came to Surry-stairs late in the Evening, to avoid suspicion, calling a Sculler, with whom these 3, the Skipper and my Lord's Man rowed Through-Bridge to the Tower, and over against it near Pickle-herring-Stairs, went aboard the Smack there provided. But the weather being cold, the Waterman, as is usual, lent them his Coats to keep them warm, which it being late, and he in haste to return, as well as they to get rid of him, were there forgotten; and on his recollecting himself, and returning, denied, on which he was forced to go home without them.  
In the mean time the Vessel went down the River, as fast as Wind and Tide could carry it, and soon came to Long-Reach, where then lay the George-Frigat at Anchor, of whom my Lord Preston had some apprehensions, and therefore desired the Master to hide them till they passed that danger, which he did under the Quarter-hatches on the Ballast, whence they returned above-Deck, when out of sight of the Frigate. But at the Blockhouses at Graves-End, my Lord was again for hiding, and accordingly retired to his old hole; a Pinnace being just coming aboard them, which the Master thought was only come to Press, as Captain Billop who was in her, pretended all his business there was, who coming aboard with a Press-Warrant, humoured the business exactly, and asked the Master if he had any Men aboard? He replied, he had a Protection, which he produced: The Captain tells him he was sorry for it, but must look further; and going into the Hold, found my Lord Preston and the other two a top of the Ballast, whom he immediately searched for Papers, whilst one of the Seamen who came with him discovered Mr. Ashton thrusting somewhat into his Bosom, of which he immediately informed the Captain, who questioning him concerning Ashton with Presence of Mind enough replied, 'twas only his Handkerchief, which he immediately pulled out of his Bosom; but the Captain not thinking fit to trust him, clapped his Hand after, and found something much more valuable, to wit, that famous Packet of Letters which did all their businesses, with a small leaden Plummet fixed with a Packthread, sufficient to have sunk it deep enough for ever telling Tales again; which way they would soon have sent it, had not their Fear confined 'em to a place where it was impossible for them to put a thing of that Nature in execution. But there were yet found further Evidences against them; for exactly in the same place whence these Papers were taken up by Ashton, the same Seaman who discovered him doing it, observed something else lying on the Ballast, which proved a couple of Seals, both my Lord Preston's; one the Seal of his Office, as Secretary of State to King James, the other his own Coat of Arms; both which he delivered to his Captain; observing at the same time my Lord Preston in great Confusion, pale and trembling, and scarce able to speak a Word. However my Lord and the others treated the Captain with a great deal of Complaisance and Respect, desiring him to go ashore with them for some Refreshment, who not judging that so convenient, yet civilly proffered to accompany them for that end aboard the George Frigate, which lay in their way to London (and of which they had now no reason any longer to be afraid.) But finding all those Subterfuges rendered ineffectual by the prudence of the Captain, they resolve to attack him on the two other sides, on one of which most of Mankind lies open, with Arguments of Profit and Honour, offering him some Hundreds of Guinea's only to Dispose of those Papers he had taken, which he might easily do, without giving any suspicion to those about him, my Lord having another Parcel of Letters of less concern, to which they might fix the Plummet that was on the others, and easily make 'em pass for those he had first taken: Adding further, That 'twould be a generous thing for the Captain to go along with them. But none of all this prevailed, he still continued faithful to his Trust, and altogether unmoveable; and the Pinnace brushed away roundly towards London, which eliot observing, swore they rowed as if they were carrying them all to Prison. And when they came under the Bridge, wished heartily 'twould fall down and crush 'em all to the bottom— But 'twas the same thing, the Bridge was as stubborn as the Captain was before, and stood still in the same place where it has been this two or three hundred year, while the Pinnaces were tugged lustily, and soon brought their Fare to Whitehall; where, just as they were stepping out of the Boat, my Lord Preston clapped some Money into the Hands of two of the Smack's Men, who were brought up with them, bidding 'em when examined, say, That the Ship was bound for Flanders, not for France.  
No sooner were they landed here, but Captain Billop waited on my Lord Nottingham with the Packet, which he had seized, which he having opened and looked over, delivered all of 'em to the Captain again, who carried them to the Lord Precedent the Marquis of Caermarthen, who also opening and marking 'em, carried 'em to the King, after which my Lord Sidney had them in his Custody, wherein appearing Treason enough to have hanged all the Plotters in England, my Lord Preston was sent back to the place from whence he came so lately before, the Tower of London, and the other two likewise committed.  
'Twas not long after this, before they were acquainted their Trial was coming on, and time given 'em accordingly to prepare for the same. The Bill was found against 'em with little hesitation on Thursday, January 15th, and the next day they were arraigned at the Old-Baily, my Lord's Petition to have the Trial put off till Monday not being granted him. For indeed 'twas already more than time to let the Enemies of the Government know, that it could be angry, and dared both bring 'em to Justice for their Treasons, and punish 'em for the same. Besides, Delays in this case might on many accounts be dangerous, and would serve only to encourage the Accomplices of these Traitors, and dishearten the true Friends of the King and Kingdom. On his Arraignment, my Lord Preston insisted on his fruitless Peerage, (he being only a Knight in England, though a Viscount in Scotland) which had been prejudged in an higher place, the House of Lords having before thrown it out, and which there was no great likelihood should ever be allowed him, since his Patent was dated at St. Germains, after King James his Abdication; and had it been allowed for good here, 'tis certain, those who had done it could not have cleared themselves from such consequences as would have been most pernicious and invideous to themselves and the Nation.— However this took up some time, and about an hour or two's Argument was employed therein, but after all, it was overruled by the Bench, as any one would easily guests it could be no otherwise. He moved also for a Copy of his Indictment, and brought Precedents, but those were answered, and his Request not granted, but a Copy of the Panel he had according to custom. The next day being the 17th of January Ann. Dom. 1691. he came to his Trial, at which was a vast Concourse of all degrees present, particularly, besides the Lords Chief Justices, and their Brethren, several Noble Lords of the Garter, several Lords of their Majesty's most honourable Privy-Council and others, my Lord Precedent, Lord Sidny, etc.  
And here I would not be mistaken in what short Reflections I intent to make on the Trials of the petsons then accused and now convicted of this Conspiracy, as if my Intent were to forestall the public Accounts which will shortly be given of the same. Were this an Age like such as we have seen which would not bear Truth, and the Trials such as would force any one who saw or read 'em to wonder how so many Madmen broke out of Bedlam, and got possession of the Bench; and accordingly had we no expectation of a true Account of matter of Fact, than indeed something of that Nature tho' from a private hand might be both necessary and grateful. But now all things have been managed as becomes a Court of Justice, not as formerly with the Decency of a Bear-garden, no doubt but the public will be soon gratified with a true and exact History of the Trial of the persons lately convicted, which make so much noise in the World. All I pretend to here is from my own personal observation and knowledge to compare a little these Trials with those of the former Reigns, and to show the vast difference in the management of the whole in respect both of Court, Bar and Evidence.  
In the opening the Evidence, here was no affected Exaggeration of Matters, nor Ostentation of a putrid Eloquence one after another, as in former Trials, like so many Geese cackling in a row; here was nothing besides fair matter of Fact or natural and just Reflections from thence arising. What few Witnesses the Prisoners had were not affronted or cross-bitten in their legal Evidence. The Prisoners themselves were treated with that Humanity ever due to those who are unfortunate, though the most criminal persons in the World. There was so much Reason upon the Bench, that they had no need of Railing, and those at the Bar had such usage as if they came thither to be tried for their Lives, not baited to death. As for the Evidence, 'twas the clearest and highest the Nature of the thing could possibly bear— Plain Proof, undeniable matter of Fact, a desperate Plot at home, Correspondence with Enemies abroad, inviting them hither, showing 'em where to fall upon us, betraying the Strength of the Nation to 'em our Ships and Forts, corrupting and seducing those at home, and taking whatever measures could possibly be thought on for our common Ruin. And this seized in the very Bosoms of the grand Conspirators in their own undeniable Handwriting, nay their Seals, even their double Seals together with it. These Men had fairer play than Noble Sidny, etc. who were hanged by help of a Marginal Note, for controversial Papers of twenty years standing, to which they made both Keys and Characters, abused the Court as much as Dryden's Poem, and by a rare new Law-figure (for 'twould puzzle one to find it in all Vossius his Rhetoric) called Innuendo, extremely obliged the late King Charles, by turning him into a Tarquin. No Art nor Trick was there used to make them plead guilty, as with— n, nor one Murder committed to facilitate another as with the great and unfortunate Earl of Essex, whose Blood even yet in vain cries for Vengeance. Every thing here was in its due place and order; the Patriots on the Bench, and the Malefactors at the Bar; not quite contrary, as we have seen formerly, when the Persons Arraigned have as far and as visibly outweighed the Judges in Sense, as in Probity and Honour. The Juries here were neither frighted nor surprised, nor such as would be so; the Defence made by the Prisoners for the most part so weak and enervate, and so much below themselves, that it plainly appeared the fruitless Effort of a Guilty Mind, and 'twas easy enough to read their Sentence in their Foreheads, pronounced by a Judge within, greater than those who filled the visible Tribunal.  
On the whole, my Lord Preston, was, after a fair Hearing, on a long and full Evidence, found Guilty, about Seven in the Evening of the same day he was Tried. Major Ashton, after a Defence which took up more time, on the Monday after, being Jan. 19 And on the same day eliot's Trial was put off until another time; but whether any of them will obtain or deseruk their Lives by an ingenuous Discovery of all the Particulars of a Plot, so wide and deep as this will appear to whoever hears or reads the Letters which give an Account of it, a little longer time will very probably decide: Till when, here has been sufficient already brought to light, as to the reality of the Plot itself, the horrid and desperate Designs thereby to be perpetrated, the manner of its management, and strange Discovery; enough, I should think, to satisfy all persons, who in this point really want satisfaction, and are not themselves either Well-willers to the Design, or actually concerned therein.  
FINIS.