The TRIUMPH of TRUTH: IN An Exact and Impartial RELATION OF THE LIFE and CONVERSATION OF C james Turner Which he Imparted to an Intimate Friend a little before His EXECUTION. TO WHICH IS ADDED, His Deportment and Discourses in Prison: The manner of his Execution and Burial. WITH Other Occurrences never yet made public, AND Now published as a seasonable Warning for others to avoid such strange Miscarriages.  
London, Printed by W. G. for Nath. Brook at the Angel in Cornhill, and Hen. Marsh at the Prince's Arms in Chancery-Lane. 1663.   

The TRIUMPH of TRUTH: in an Exact and Impartial Relation of the Life and Conversation of Colonel JAMES TURNER; which be imparted to an Intimate Friend, a little before his Execution.  
CHAPTER I. The Birth and Breeding of Col. James Turner, his Marriage, and first taking up of Arms.  
AS the Memory of Good men ought not to be buried in Silence, but that men by reading their Heroic Actions may be stirred up to an Emulation of Virtue; so the Remembrance of the Wicked should not be forgotten, that men by reading the punishments of vicious livers, might be deterred from the committing of lewd actions: And herein examples work more with the People than Precepts; especially when men eminently known come to be examples of Justice: For the terrors of Punishment works more with many to deter them from vice, than the promises of reward doth excite others to the pursuit of virtue. To this end is the life of this person set forth, that others by his Extravagancies, and the evil effects attending thereon, may learn Sobriety, and to live a regular and well ordered life. In the pursuit of our intended design, we shall avoid all unnecessary impertinencies, and with as much brevity as may be, declare to the World, what are known to be verities concerning the whole progress of his Life and Conversation; and herein we are resolved to steer an even course, neither swerving to the one hand nor the other, for favour or envy; that so avoiding this Scylla and Charyblis, our Relation of him may find free acceptance with all people.  
JAmes Turner (commonly called or known by the name of Capt. or Col. Turner) was born about the year of our Redemption 1608. He was the Son of a Reverend Divine, Minister of Hadley in Middlesex, not far from Barnet, of which he was Parson above 40. years, being a Divine of the Primitive stamp and temper, that expressed his Faith by his Works; a friend to the Poor, a Mediator in any differences among the rich, eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame; in short (according to his ability) none more forward in good works than he. This his Son, james Turner, he brought up to School for the attainment of some sufficiency in Learning, where he first began to show his pranks, which were so unhandsome, that his very Schoolfellowes took such a dislike of him, that as much as in them lay they shunned his Company.  
Afterwards for his future fortune, he bound him an Apprentice to a Sempster (or one that sells Linen Clothes ready made) at the lower end of Cheaspside, near the Mitre-Tavern; which time he served, though with much regret to his Neighbours, who likewise by reason of his unlucky actions had ever an evil opinion of him.  
For, to relate to the mad Figgaries he had during his Apprenticeship, would of themselves make up a sufficient Volume; no unhappy action done, wherein he had not a hand, if he were not a principal; yet was he always so cunning to carry on his business, that his extravagancies were by his Master rather deemed youthful excursions, or harmless Figgaries, than any innate mischief, or wilful acting of what was bad, though others of his Neighbours had a contrary opinion, and by a bloody morning did foretell a dismal afternoon.  
His Time being out, he married a Gentleman's Daughter of Shaston in Dorsetshire, one of the Foils, a Family of good account in that Country; Afterwards he set up for himself in the Round Court in St. martin's le Grand near the Shoemakers, which Trade he continued for some short time: but the small profit redounding from a private shop, was not correspondently agreeing with those high Chimaeras his vast imaginations had prompted unto him; and his ambition soaring a higher pitch, he resolved to throw his Chance in Fortune's Lottery. The Times then suited well to his purpose, being those fatal days wherein the Nation was engaged in an uncivil Civil War; and first (as nearest) he sought to ingratiate himself into the Parliaments side, endeavouring an advancement under them, and was very active to promote his own interest, thinking by taking up Arms to have brought him to have wound himself out of many troubles, which his litigious nature, and vexatious spirit had brought him to: But a turbulent person hath many enemies, who prevailed so far that he was in danger to have been taken by the Officers and Sergeants at Arms, so that he was forced to make a Virtue of Necessity, and abandoning London, for the amendment of his fortunes, to turn Royalist.   

CHAP. II. His Actions in the Army, with some mad frolicks which he committed.  
HIs first appearance in the King's Army was very low accompanied only with three or four Companions. But being a Londoner, he was the more welcome; and having gotten a Commission, he made use of his wits to raise a Troop, Commanding many of the Countrymen who lived in the Villages, to ride with him to Newcastle, which they were persuaded unto, upon promise they should not stay above three or four days; where getting Ammunition for a whole Troop, he became a Captain under the marquis of Newcastle. In which Military condition he continued four years, during which space of time we cannot greatly applaud his Manhood, for we hear of no wonders performed by him, nor was his courage so great, but that (I conceive) the Iliads of his valour might be comprised in a Nutshell. His chiefest valour consisting in plundering, for which he was called The Plunderer of the North. In which action being very busy, one day in a Town in the North, a Party of the Parliament Soldiers came in, who was so busy at his work, that had not one cried to him, Col. Turner, Col. Turner; he had been taken: So that for his refuge, he was forced to run, and that with all the speed he could; yet did he receive one shot in the Neck, which was all the wounds he could ever boast of.  
One thing very remarkable is commonly reported of him; namely, that during his command, he sent a Warrant to a Constable to provide Quarters for him and his men, and over and above for himself in particular a handsome Lass: the Constable was willing to obey him in the one, but having not such a command as Mr. Turner, could not tell how to satisfy him in the other; whereupon he was threatened to be hanged, and being of a foolish temerity, to avoid what was afterwards the destiny of the Captain, he permitted him the enjoyment of his own Wife, whom he kept three or four days; but afterwards (as being contrary to the Rules of War) he was called to an account for it, when to justify himself, he sent for the Constable's Wife (whom he belike, had so pleased) that she cleared him of any incivility to her, before the Council of War. 
Thus Women (if they list) can hide men's crime,  
And none shall ere be hanged before their time.   
But one exploit he used much to boast of, which we will relate, leaving the Reader to believe as he pleases; namely, That he being with Paarty of men gathering of Contribution near to Newberry, he was set upon by a party of the enemy's Horse, of far greater number than they were: but according to his order, making fast their Bags to the Bows of their Saddles, (which proved a defence to their Belly and groins) he gave them a desperate Charge, and very manfully hacked their way out quite through the Enemy, both men and money coming safely off to Wallingford-Castle. 
Thus some can boast, although they make a Lie on't:  
For evermore the Knight must beat the Giant.   
It is likewise reported that in a Skirmish betwixt some small Parties near Stevenage in Bedfordshire, he was beaten and taken Prisoner; when for his Ransom he gave a ring with a Stone in it, which he said was worth 100 l. but the Victor afterwards found it worth no more than 5 s. But this Rhodomontade humour was not so much to be blamed in him, it being for his liberty.  
During this War he had plundered and laid up much money for his future occasions, whereas the other Royalists in stead of getting, lost almost all they had; here we may commend his providence, though we must condemn his Conscience, in plundering for his private gain his own Country people.  
The War now being expired, he with several other Gentlemen for some facts they had committed, were kept Prisoners at York, their crimes were some Misdemeanours during the War, all the Gentlemen saving only Turner pleaded Not guilty, but he (whose Indictments were said to be no less than 65. he himself telling the Judge, That if he stayed one hour longer there would be no less than 99 pleaded Guilty, and the day of his Trial had as many dishes of meat as there were Indictments against him, all carried up in sight of the Court, and at withal laid a wager of five pounds he should be hanged that Assizes: Being demanded his Reason therefore; he said, If he lived he did not value the five pound, and if he died it would serve to buy Gloves and Ribbons for his friends; which frolic together with his Plea to the Jury, viz, Whether they would not have done the same if they had been under the like command? brought him off clear without the least Fine or Damage: Whereas, the other Gentlemen, who pleaded, Not Guilty, and stood to the defence of their Cause by Disproof of Witnesses, etc. Were by the Jury found guilty, and lost their lives.   

CHAP. III. Turner's returning to London, his ways to enrich himself, and of the great port he lived in.  
SOon after this, he returned again to London, and knowing it in vain to strive against the stream, he resolved for his profit, to have a seeming Compliance with the adverse party, sitting amongst the Committees of Goldsmiths and Haberdashers-Hall, upon Compositions for Delinquents Estates; but those Foxes were too cunning to be deceived, and the place of such great profit, as it was coveted after by some of their own Gang, and he being known to have been one of the other side, he was forced to abandon that employment quite.  
Thus did he run divisions like a dog in a halter, for his active spirit would never be at rest, well knowing that Idleness is the Mother of Poverty, and having gotten some small store of money formerly in the Army, he spared for no cost either of Clothes or otherwise, to bear a port equal to the best; and having thereby screwed himself into the Acquaintance of some men of good account, he pretended to a great perfection of Skill in all Affairs: And first he began to manage poor men's Causes, whose charges he disbursed out of his own pocket, which won him very high Commendations, and was very acceptable to injured people, who very much applauded him for it.  
This brought him into more employment amongst the great ones, so that what hetwixt Broking and Soliciting he grew very famous, and withal got store of money, for the condition of some people is so given to contention, that they will do no right, nor suffer any wrong; and where such Seeds of Division are sown, there the Lawyers reap golden Harvests. So that now he flaunts it with the bravest, Taverns and Ordinaries are daily frequented, rich and costly garments provided, high prized Jewels daily worn, not a dinner could be made under seven or eight several dishes of meat, nor the least journey gone without a Coach: Yea, nothing wanted which might conduce to an outward happiness. And that he might be the more taken notice of, he kept a high prized Gelding, with which he ambled up and down the City, and was so bold, that upon the Kings most happy Restauration, when the Lords and Gentry went to meet him, he thrust himself into the company of the Barons, riding most sumptuously in his Foot Cloth, attended by his Footboy; but being known by the Marshal, that it was only the Ass that marched in the Lion's Skin, he was by him sufficiently Caneed for his audacious boldness. Yet notwithstanding this Check, he always afterwards kept up a stately port, so that none was more notice taken of then he, for had he come by in his Coach (as he often did) in the night, upon Col. Turner's name, the very Watchmen would tremble, whom yet he would often reward with money: but his terrible Oaths, being so habitu 〈…〉 Swearing, would make a good Christian quake to hear him. But though his Vices were very great, yet had he many things in him worthy of commendation, being very charitable to poor distressed Cavaliers, whom he would entertain at his own Table, and if it were his Chance to be in their Company with him at Taverns, he would pay their share out of his own pocket, and lend them money besides. 
High active spirits commonly excel  
Either in doing ill, or doing well.   
Hitherto no great blemishes were laid on his practice, which now began to be very great, being acquainted with most of the moneyed men in London: His frequent dealings were in the sales of Lands decreed in Chancery, and the recovery of Right and Title to Lands unjustly holden from the true heirs: In which he had such a multitude of business, that he kept two Clerks constantly a writing, or running about his business. He also dealt very much in Jewels, by the sale and bartering of which to persons of quality he gained exceedingly, so that his incomes were valued at seven or eight hundred pound a year; yet by reason of his extravagancies we cannot conceive he laid up much for his posterity.  
But in prosecution of his Designs he met with many opponents, particularly one Bachelor, who lived near Fenchurch-street, who having (as he thought) received some wrong from Colonel Turner, got a friend of his to Write a Pamphlet against him, wherein amongst other base passages this was one, viz. This same Turner was Knighted in the Field for slaying, kill, and undoing the good and well affected People of this Nation; a most dangerous and active fellow, and for his Services so rewarded, etc. This he did out of revenge to render him obnoxious to the Usurper, though it proved rather to his Reputation, he himself taking great delight in the repetition of it; nor would ever contradict it, but would say, If he had an Estate of Lands and value, he would soon be a Knight; but his Condition as a Broker, and Solicitor, 〈◊〉 not comport thereunto.   

CHAP. IU. Some conjectural Misdemeanours of Mr. Turner, with some other mad frolicks performed by him.  
SEveral other matters are by common report laid to his charge, viz. that one Mr. Clench of Cambridge, having occasions for money, borrowed 400 l. upon a Farm called Bendish in that County, and made use of Mr. Turner for the procuring of it; who pretended that because his Lands lay so far distant, he must give Bond, together with personal security, for the payment thereof at the appointed day. But Mr. Clench upon the payment of the money, only took up his Mortgage, but forgot the Bond, which was afterward sued and recovered against him. Another story is reported of him, that he should deceive a young Gentleman of 60 l. upon promise of procuring him a Mandamus from the King, for a Fellowship in Cambridge. Also another rumour is commonly spread abroad, namely, that by his procurement he should supply the Tyrant Oliver, with Twenty thousand pounds to pay his Soldiers, who were then in a condition of Mutyning. But for the truth of these, I shall desire the Reader to suspend his belief, being cautious in our Relation, to cast any just aspersion upon the dead.  
But another thing real we shall impart unto you, wherein he received a foul Check, namely, in his dealing with one Mr. Galilee in Finch-lane, who pretended a right to an Estate of an Hundred pounds per annum, in Norfolk; and hearing of Col. Turner's abilities, bargained with him for the sum of 50 l. paid ready down, to prosecute his Title, and did afterwards pay him several sums of money incident to the charges that belonged thereunto: Which Suit being commenced in the Exchequer (according to the customary proceedings of that Court) a Lessee was named, which was one Samson, and he by the appointment of Galilee, as Turner affirmed. But before it came to a Trial, Galilee sold his right, so that Samson was overthrown, and an Execution for Costs taken out against him; who thereupon made his application to Galilee, that now disowned the matter, and said he never named him upon that account. Hereupon high differences rose betwixt Turner and Galilee, who brought an Indictment of Barratry against Turner, and swore it himself, with an attestation of several other Witnesses which put Turner to great trouble, and notwithstanding he produced several persons for testification of his honesty; yet the Jury found him guilty; but the Court was not so well satisfied therewith, whereupon the business was referred to Sir William Wild, who awarded Turner that he should pay to Galilee either 40. or 50. pounds; the whole Charges amounting to no less than three hundred pounds.  
To allay these, and some other troubles which he had, he had many Commical Frolicks, of which to relate one or two may not be unpleasant to the Reader. He having one time made one of his Company dead drunk, caused the Bell to be tolled, and sent for a Chimney-sweeper to be his Doctor, and the Searchers to view his Corpse, giving them 12 d. a piece for their pains.  
At another time, having occasion to go to Colchester, upon the Arrest of a certain man, he took for his assistance some Officers from the Compter, as special Bailiffs (which he many times before had done) having done his business, he bought a Pipe of Canary of his Landlord of the House, and gave it freely to all Comers; and from thence carried his Company to Bishops-Starford in Hartford-shire, where in the like frolicks he spent 40 l. more.  
Another of his frolicks was at Colchester aforesaid, where he hired a Wagon to carry away all the Dead he should kill; and to affright the People, caused all the Swords that belonged to his Company, to be hanged drawn, out of the Window; which so amazed the Man of the House, that he commanded his Ostler to stop up the Well in the yard with Hay, that none of the slain might be put in there.  
This his ungoverned Prodigality, brought him of late out of money, which (as I conceive) was the occasion to make him undertake this dishonest shift, to piece out his Ruins by base Attempts, rather than to sink obscurely into a Goal, and there lie an object of misery. The manner whereof we shall declare unto you.   

CHAP. V. An exact relation of the manner of the Robbery of Mr. Tryon.  
ABout Christmas last, he consulted with some persons about this Grand Robbery, and had gotten for his turn three men fit for the purpose, viz. one William Turner a Butcher, james White a Solicitor, and another person, White's friend. The main of their Design was to be carried on by Colonel Turner himself, which was for the Robbery of Mr. Francis Tryon a Merchant in Lime-street, with whom Turner was very intimate, and knew all passages belonging to the house; upon their first meeting for the undertaking of the business, one of their Company being drunk, it was laid aside for that time; White (one of the actors) protesting he would not venture his life with one in his Condition. But not long after, viz. the 7. of january, they met again at the Red-Lyon in Bishopsgate-street, where they Dined together, and then resolved upon the Robbery that night, appointing to meet there again by Six of the Clock in the Afternoon; but coming thither, the room was taken up by other Guests, wherefore they went over to the Four Swans or Green Dragon, and there stayed till Eight a Clock; from thence they removed to the Newmarket in Leaden-hall, where three of them sat upon the Stalls, till the Colonel went out for Intelligence, who after half an hours space returned, bringing them word that the Man and Maid were both gone out, and that now was their time; whereupon away they went, and coming to the place, Col. Turner unlocked the door (having before got the impression of the Key in soft wax, and had one made answerable unto it) then went they up the Stairs, Turner leading the way, and in the Kitchen light a Candle, and so went immediately up to Mr. Tryon's Chamber, where two of them put a Cloth into his mouth, and bound his hands and feet, whilst Turner at the Beds feet took the Keys of his Warehouse, and Countinghouse out of his pocket; and whilst they were busy in gauging him, he in the mean time searches the Closet, where he finds the Jewels, and pockets them privately, not acquainting his Companions therewith. But there was store of Money beside, with which they severally loaded themselves, to the value of 1023 l. This was done all in the space of an hours time; which money they carried to one Nicholas Higginson's house, at Lowsie-lane in Duke's Place, which they hired some days before, pretending it for the use of a Master of a Ship, his Mate, Purser, and Boatswain. The next morning Turner fetched away the money to his own house, giving to White and his Friend only Twenty pound a piece for their pains, and promised William Turner a hundred pound.  
Soon after they were gone, Mr. Tryon got the gag out of his mouth, and though bound tumbled out of his Bed; in doing which he sell upon an earthen Chamber-pot, and hurt himself sorely; but recovering his legs and getting to the Window, called out Murder and Theives, which being next the Street his Neighbours heard him, and with a Crow of Iron broke open the door (for Turner had locked it after him,) and unbound him; then did they see how he was robbed, but the Man and Maid being missing caused some suspicion of them, who presently after came, pretending they had been at Supper at Col. Turner's, which was not so; whereupon a Constable went to examine the business, who found Col. Turner and his Family in bed, who likewise (upon the request of the Constable) went along with him to Mr. Tryon's, where he kept such a bustle about the business, that his too overmuch diligence gave him cause to be suspected; which suspicion was afterwards aggravated, by his listening to hear when others were examined, the Man and Maid being at that time throughly sifted by Sir Thomas Aleyn, who took a great deal of pains in the business; however Turner was let go that night, and in the morning betimes removed the money from his own house, to the house of one Mrs. Fry a Sempstress at the lower end of the Minories, pretending it to be the money of a Merchant newly broke, who having a Wife and seven or eight Children, desired to have it secured. This business Mrs. Fry reveals to a Kinswoman of hers in the house, who having been formerly a Servant to Alderman Love, and hearing of Mr. Tryon's Robbery, suspected the money was not well gotten, and thereupon acquainted her Master Alderman Love of it; who as speedily informed Sir Thomas Aleyn thereof; Sir Thomas therefore taking a Footboy with him, speedeth down, and in the way meeting with Major Tasker desired his Company to go along with him, which he accordingly did; and entering the house of Mrs. Fry, found Col. Turner with his hands in a Chest, wherein was two Wallets of money, one of a 100 l. the other 200 l. Sir Thomas took the Keys from him, and going into another Room, found two Wallets of money more. Then was a Constable called for, and Turner being examined whose money it was, he said he had received it of a Goldsmith, but could not tell his name; being further asked why he should remove his own money, he answered he only did it for two or three days, till this Foolery was over.  
Whilst thus they were arguing the matter, john Turner the Son (who had helped to bring the money thither) hearing how the business went, got out by a back door, and leaping over a pale behind the house, made an escape; but the Colonel, though he pretended he were in pursuit of the Theives, and therefore desired freedom to go about it, yet would not Sir Thomas grant it, but calling for a Coach, (in company with Major Tasker and the Constable) brought him to Mr. Tryon's house, telling him he had brought him 500 l. of his money, and did not doubt but also a person that could help him with the rest he had lost; but Turner having spoken with Mr. Tryon in private, upon promise of helping him to all the next day about four or five a clock in the afternoon, he was permitted to go at Liberty.  
The next day he went to the Exchange, as he formerly used to do, where about two a Clock he was arrested in the Streets by the two Coals, (at the suit of four Officers of the Poultry Compter, who had bailed him to a Writ of one Mr. Van de Burgh a Dutch Merchant) who carried him to the Hoop Tavern, where they stayed him, in the mean time his Wife brought the Jewels to Mr. Tryon's, so that he had all his again. But the matter was so apparent against Mr. Turner, that Sir Thomas Aleyn by Warrant committed him to Newgate, whether he was carried about one or two a Clock the same night, and january the 15. and 16. he was Arraigned for the same at justice Hall in the Old Bailey, where he was by the Jury found Guilty, and on the 19 day of the same month had Sentence of death pronounced upon him. 
Thus though that Felons to escape may hope,  
At last they are rewarded with a Rope.   
The same day Col. and William Turner were by Sir Thomas Aleyn examined apart; who finding their Design fully discovered, declared the manner of it as we have mentioned it unto you.   

CHAP. VI The Passages betwixt Col. Turner and Mr. Ordinary of Newgate; with the manner of his Going to Execution.  
SOon after his Condemnation, Mr. Welden the Ordinary of Newgate went unto him, telling him he was a Dying man (being dead in Law) and very earnestly pressed four things unto him.  
First, That as he was an open Sinner, so that he would make open Confession of his sins, urging to that purpose the saying of the Wiseman in his Book of Proverbs; He that hideth his sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy.  
Secondly, A hearty Contrition for his enormous Offences which had brought that just judgement of God upon him.  
Thirdly, A Restitution; for words without deeds was but a feigned and hypocritical Repentance. And,  
Fourthly, Charity, to forgive others, as he would that God for Christ's sake should forgive him.  
He pressed much to him the Message which the Prophet Is●●●● brought to Hezekiah; viz. Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die and not live. He told him that by house was meant not only his temporal but his spiritual body; that the Body in respect of the Soul was but as the shell to the kernel, or as the Jewel to the Case which enclosed it; what a small minute of time he had left him betwixt that & the infinite space of Eternity; therefore what great need he had to make the best improvement of that short time; with many other such like speeches, which wrought very much upon him, declaring by many outward signs a real sorrow for his heinous crimes; not only weeping bitterly, but by many expressions declared his hearty unfeigned Contrition.  
Afterwards on Tuesday he desired to receive the Sacrament, the Ordinary asked him (because he would have no more Wine than needed) how many would Communicate with him? he replied, his Wife and two Sons; but they being asked, did refuse; Mrs. Turner alleging she was not in Charity with some persons whom she imagined too eager in prosecution of Justice against her Husband; but Mr. Ordinary pressed so much a necessity of her reconciliation, and gave her such sound advice, that she willingly embraced to be partaker in that Holy Ordinance; but their two Sons did not receive it.  
Whilst thus he prepared himself for Death, he was not negligent in using all endeavours for the prolongation of his Life. To this end he desired Mr. Tryon to accompany his Wife with a Petition to his Majesty for a Reprieve, which they accordingly delivered upon their knees in the Long Gallery; but the King told them he could not do it, having received such an account of him from the Judges and Magistrates of the City of London; and being humbly requested for a respite for some few weeks, he would not consent for so few days.  
This not prevailing, he desired Mr. Ordinary to move the Lord Chancellor in the business, propounding two reasons to persuade him thereto; the first was, the shortness of the time, which he alleged was very quick, considering that load of sin that lay heavy upon his Conscience; and the other was, that he had the Estates of two or three Widows in his hands, which by reason of his sudden cutting off, might be much injured thereby. But notwithstanding these plausible pretences, it would not hinder the Execution of Justice.  
But one thing we had almost omitted; namely, That when Mr. Ordinary preached on the Sunday, treating of a thorough and sound Repentance, by which they might obtain Pardon for their sins; the Colonel in terpreting that to be meant of his Corporal Body, which Mr. Ordinary spoke in reference to his Spiritual condition; when the Sermon was ended he seriously asked him if there were a Pardon for him or no.  
But no doubt the man was thoroughly convinced of his crime, and the heinousness of it, and spent the whole day in sorrow and mourning for his offences; and therefore those are much too blame who reported him to be drunk that day, that he ranted and swore Damn him, and sink him, he would have a Pardon though it cost him five thousand pound: but such is the Nature of some base lying spirits, to insult over men in misery, and when they cannot touch their bodies, brand them as much as in them lies, in their very memory.  
To confirm the Truth of these passages concerning Mr. Ordinary with the Colonel, we shall give you a Letter from his own hand, which he wrote to a person of quality here in London, who desired of him the Relation of the whole business.  
Here follows the Letter.  
SIR,  
MY Occasions have been extraordinary, so as I have wanted a convenient Opportunity of recalling the several Passages that were between Me and Mr. Turner. I shall begin, after he was cast I attended Him to the Press-Yard, and told Him that shortly the Sentence of Death would be denounced against him; He answered I dread not Death, I have looked Death oft in the face; I pray Sir pray for me, that I may not faint when the day of Death comes: I told him Death was the King of Terror; and a man had need of a strong Faith to shield him against the fiery Darts of Death from hurting the Soul. He replied Sir we shall have time to talk of these Things Monday or Tuesday; I pray said he call upon me as oft as you can: Tuesday night I waited on him, and told him, Colonel I am come to repeat the Sentence justly denounced against you by the judge, and I assure you, you shall die and not live, therefore my advice is to set your House in order; what do you mean by that said he? my Meaning is your outward Affairs relating to your Family, and in satisfying those that have entrusted you: but principally the Closet of your Soul, to see that it be furnished with the Grace of Almighty God, as faith, repentance, etc. I pray Sir said he direct me, for I believe I am not a man for this World. Sir I should have told you that Sunday in the afternoon he came to Chapel, carried himself very soberly; heard my Sermon attentively, which was out of the Book of Numbers, balam's wish who I told him had lived a curser, a ranter: He desires O that I might die the Death of the Righteous, and that my later end were like his. He gave me thanks for my Sermon, and told me he hoped it would do his Soul good.  
I told him Meditation was the way to make the word fruitful. I desired him to dismiss the Company that frequented him; and to do as Hezekiah, when sentence was passed, he prayed and wept sore. Pray to God for pardon of sin, and bathe the feet of your Saviour with your penitential Tears, and your Saviour will bathe your Soul in the fountain of his most precious Blood. Sir said he, I shall take your advice: Notwithstanding, Company pressed on him. Wednesday▪ I visited him with the rest of the Prisoners in Chapel; prayed and advised them, where I met with a true Penitent Jane Cradock who had spent all her time after sentence in mourning and lamenting: I returned to Colonel Turner, he gave me ten shillings for my Sermon, and some other moneys to hire a Coach to speak to the Lord Chief justice to allow him a longer time for his repentance and preparation to die, and to satisfy four Widows who had entrusted him with large sums 4000 l. as I remember; I went to the Lord Chancellor where I found the judges, moved in his behalf but his request could not be granted, die he must the morrow by eight of the Clock or time usually appointed; I gave him notice thereof, his reply Lord God I have been a great sinner and shall I have so small a time of repentance: God is more merciful than man, or I have no hope. I told him it was not the length of time, but the truth of repentance God looked at; a moment's true repentance the Theif's case was accepted; be as Penitent as he, and you shall not fail of remission, the proof whereof will be by the Concomitants confessed restitution, forgiving others; I shall do all and observe said he your Method▪ I prayed God to assist him in this his conflict. Thursday I came to him, I found him very pensive, he desired the Communion, we made a pause at last, having pressed him to restitution, he promised he, would to his power. I found by him his power was small, he had lived high upon the Estate of others, as I perceived by some passages that dropped from his Lips; therefore I told him where you wanted a power, the will was accepted. I demanded who would receive the Communion? he answers, Himself, his Wife, his Sons and Daughters; I demanded whether his Sons and Daughters had received the Communion before? they answered no, some of 'em, others they were not prepared; his Wife also refused to receive with him, but we persuaded Her to join in that Sacred Performance with her Husband, otherwise it would be adjudged she had no charity for him; he importuned her and saluted her, so she came after conscecration: I administered, when the Cup was delivered to him I found a heart of stone become a heart of Flesh, and the Blood of Christ melt the Adamant; for before he received, he broke forth into this speech, Lord jesus dear God I pray that this Blood may not seal up my Damnation who have been a great Offender. Lord thy Blood is able to save me O God, thou never didst cast away penitent sinners: Let thy Blood seal up my Salvation dear Lord. So he drank it, and after said, I have comfort in my Soul. He was very attentive to the Admonitious of myself and Lord Bartlet's Chaplain, who went with me in Cart. That is all I can say who am.  
Your Loving Friend JOHN WELDON, Ord. of Newgate, & Dept. to Clerks, etc.  
Thursday Morning being come (the fatal Day appointed for his Execution,) he was very intent upon his preparation for another World; and spent the Morning wholly with the Ministers, and in taking leave of his Wife and Children, to whom he gave many good and wholesome admonitions. About 10 a clock both the Sheriffs came in Person to conduct him to the place of Execution. Coming out of the Presse-Yard, and seeing a Cart there prepared to carry him; he was somewhat abashed, and desired of Sir Richard Ford (one of the Sheriffs) he might have a Coach, which was denied, Sir Richard telling him the King had ordered it otherwise; Then did he desire he might walk on foot, but that neither would be granted, whereupon he went up into the Cart, and being by the Officer ordered to sit in the Body of the Cart, the usual Place for Offenders; he desired to be permitted to ride on the Copps, but that also was denied, and so he was tied according to the custom of Felons. There road with him in the same Cart, Mr. Ordinary of Newgate, and another Minister; great was the Confluence of People all the way he passed along the streets, the Windows being so thronged as hath not been known in the memory of Man upon the like occasion.  
Being come to the Place of Execution, (which was in Leaden-Hall-Street, at Lime-Street end, where a Gibbet was Erected,) He called the Executioner unto him, and told him, that his Friends desired his clothes, and therefore in Consideration of them, he gave hime fifty shillings, and half a Crown besides to Drink. He also gave 15s. to the Sergeants and Yeomen there present to see his Body and clothes delivered to one Mrs. Smith, a Neighbour that lived hard by, then looking round about upon the People, addressing himself to the Sheriffs, he made a long Speech, the substance whereof is this.   

CHAP. VII. The Speech of Colonel James Turner at his Execution, with his Character, as also an example of his horrible Swearing.  
HE confessed that it was the greatness of his sins that brought him thither; the greatest of which was profaneness, blaspheming God, and taking his name in vain; that he was much addicted to Company, yet never accompanied with Theives, or such base inferior people, but by hearing others Swear got a habit of it, though inwardly he detested it. That for the fact which brought him thither it was of his own contriving, and that his two Sons john and Ely were ignorant of it, and therefore desired they might be released. That his Father was a Reverend Divine, a Gentleman of good Life and Conversation. That his Wife was descended from a Family of repute in Dorset Shire, one of her Uncles having lent the late King 8000l. That his Wife now being brought to this distress, his two Children might be released for her comfort, and not to add affliction to her affliction. That he was afraid the crying sins of this Nation, (without God's wonderful mercy,) would bring some heavy punishment upon it. That the dislike of the disorders in the World, hath made him many times wish himself in his grave. That being a Boy, men were more friendly & given to Hospitality; but that now the World was full of malice and difference. Then did he free himself of some Calumnies cast upon him, and gave account of his service under the old King. Next did he fall upon the occasion of his coming thither, imputing it to the just hand of God for his sins, desiring all people to take warning by him; that had he not been Arrested at that sad juncture of time Mr. Tryan had had every penny worth of his Goods and Money again, desiring God to forgive them that was the hindrance thereof. Then did he vindicate himself of some other Caumnies cast upon him, namely concerning that sad fire in Loathbury; of which he protested his innocency therein, As likewise some Money that was lost in Coleman-Street, which heaverred he never knew of. He also purged himself of an imputation laid upon him, concerning a Gentleman of his own Name that lay in his House, as if something should be put into his Drink to dispatch him out of this World, (the Gentleman dying suddenly) of which he likewise declared his innocency. Next did he give some brief account of his Faith and Profession, how he had been bred up in the Protestant Profession, and was a zealous practiser of the Rites and Ceremonies belonging thereunto: That he was truly and heartily sorrowful for his sins; desiring of God the forgiveness of them. That he had made a true and faithful confession, and restitution so far as in him lay, and that his repentance was not feigned, desiring to be with Christ in Glory, and that he was in perfect Charity with the whole World.  
Next did he free himself of some imputations that he was drunk the Sunday before in Prison. Desiring some order might be taken concerning the Hole in Newgate, that poor Prisoners might have some Board's to lie downupon them in ease, that they might not be so tormented, when they should be preparing for their ends. Afterwards he desired them about him to join with him in prayer, in which he earnestly begged for the forgiveness of his sins; Praying heartily for the King's Majesty, and all the Royal Family; as also for the Magistrates and Ministers of the Land. That God would provide and take care for his Wife & Children. Thanking him for that space of time for Repentance, and that he was not cut off by sudden death: desiring God through Jesus Christ, to wash away his sins, and receive his Soul.  
Then did Mr. Ordinary of Newgate pray with him, afterwards he had some private Ejaculations, wherein he expressed much sorrow for his times, and earnestly begged pardon for them. Then taking his leave of the Sheriffs, desring to be remembered to the L. Maior, & the rest of the Aldermen, he addressed himself for his last minute, still earnestly beging of God for mercy, and desiring for his comfort the Doctor to read to him those Verses in the second of the Hebrews, being the 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 Verses.  
Next did he give 40. s. to a Minister, to be given to the poor of that Parish; and 18. s. 6. d. more for his Wife, to be delivered to his young Son's Schoolmaster.  
Afterwards he directed the Executioner to take off the Halter from his shoulders; which being done, he took it in his hands, kissed it, and put it about his neck himself; and having fitted his Cap, went out of the Cart (wherein he made his Speech) upon the Ladder: where the Executioner tying the Rope, and pulling it something too much, he very smartly said to him, What, dost thou mean to choke me? pray fellow, give me more rope: How long hast thou been Executioner, that thou knowest not how to place the Halter. Then bidding the Executioner not to turn him off till he gave him a sign, he again fell to Prayers; and desiring the Lord to receive his soul, upon the sign given he was turned off the Ladder.  
After some short time he was cut down, and his body conveyed to the House of Mistress Smith a neighbour near by, where it continued till— when it was buried very decently, at the Parish Church of St. Andrews Undershaft.  
And this was the end of Mr. james Turner, a man who by the course of Nature might have lived many years longer. He was a person of a middle stature, something corpulent, but active: of a cheerful countenance, which he kept up even to the very period of his life, not much changing to the very last. He was one very loving to his Wife, and indulgent to his Children; of a high spirit, which having not an Estate answerable thereto, caused him to fall into many errors. His vices were great and many; yet were they not without a mixture of Virtues and other good qualities. He was much addicted to the sin of Swearing: a vice which hath in it neither profit nor pleasure; and unless a man be wholly given up to wickedness, cannot but strike the Conscience with much regret in the committing of it. He was very charitable to the poor, especially to such who had formerly been able to give themselves: But his thoughts were vaster than his estate; and therefore (as I formerly hinted) I am persuaded the occasion of this his last wicked act was to have wherewithal to keep up that state and grandeur he had formerly lived in, fearing nothing so much as to strike sail, and stoop to the privacy of an ordinary way of life. Many were the troubles he had passed through, which we may think he rather desired then studied to avoid; as some men delight to fish in troubled waters, so did he take pleasure in divers and intricate troubles; though I conceive the profit arising by them was the greatest motive to make him undertake them. For his valour, we find not much commendation of him; yet do not I think he was a Coward, as some have aspersed him. Indeed (as I said before) his vices were many and great, especially that horrid sin of Cursing and Swearing: whereof we shall give you an example, as a Warning to all those who are addicted to those horrid crimes; which we received from the hands of one who knew all the passages for truth.  
ABout Septemb. 1662. Col. james Turner sent to a Citizen of London to come to him to the Castle Tavern in Cornhill, who found a Gentleman with the said Turner, to whom two Captains also came; Turner entreated the Citizen he sent for to move a Company, of which the Citizen was a member, to give out of their bounty ten pounds to release a prisoner out of the Fleet, which was by him promised, and some few days after granted by the said Company, and the prisoner set at liberty. Turner swore very much without any provocation; the Citizen told him if he continued to swear, he would not stay in his company. Whiles they were drinking a Blackamoor-boy of some 14 years of age brought pipes and small beer. Turner swore and cursed the Boy, and said he was like the Devil, for which the company did much reprove him, the Drawer standing by said, the Blackamoor was to be baptised the next Lord's day with his Master's child, his wife then lying in. The Citizen to try the Blackamoors fitness for baptism, asked him Who made him? who answered, God. Turner very furiously replied and swore desperately the Devil made him, earnestly saying and swearing, You rogue, the Devil made you, God never made you. The Citizen desired Turner to forbear his swearing, and had much ado to get him to be quiet; whilst he asked him further interrogatories, the Blackmoor replied Christian like answers to the questions of Who redeemed him, Who sanctified and preserved him, wherefore God made him, and several other Christianlike answers the Boy gave, till he came to answer to the Priestly, Prophetical and Kingly Office of Christ. Turner still continued vehemently cursing and swearing against the Boy. It being now near ten a clock at night, the four Gentlemen present, and also the Drawer and the Blackamoor, Turner sitting with his face against the casement, therein came a mighty great flap or stroke upon the window as if two great wings would have driven the window into the room upon the company, which made them all in a great amazement, whereupon the Citizen ran to the window, opened the casement, but could not see any thing as the cause, not a quarrel broke, nor any dirt upon the window. Turner gave over cursing and swearing, and sat as a man ready to sink into the ground, that one of the Captains told Turner this is because of your swearing and cursing. The window was near a story from the yard which belonged to the Tavern, and a Shed of boards from it downward, that in no probability any man did it.   

CHAP. VIII. Col. Turner vindicated in several asperssons cast upon him.  
HItherto have we given you a Narative of his life and conversation, which as it was bad, so have some men endeavoured to make it worse than it was, rendering him rather a Monster then a man, and upon flight conjectural grounds have added stuff of their own brain to make it pass with the more likelihood, so that what at first was but a molehill, soon becomes a mountain, according to Ovid. 
The thing at first invented, great doth grow,  
And every one doth something add thereto.   
As may be instanced in their Calumniation of him, that he should take two hundred pounds of the Lady Hewyt to procure a pardon for her Husband, and that he never did any thing in the business; which when he heard of (being when he was in Newgate) he sent one Mr. Grace of Black Friars to the Lady Hewyts, being thirty two mile off, with all the speed he could, for a Certificate under her hand, to quit him of that aspersion, which she accordingly did in a Message to the King, the Copy of which Letter (as I received it from Mistress Turner,) I shall give you Verbatim, viz.  
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty:  
Whereas I have received intimation that your Majesty is informed that James Turner Gent. Prisoner in Newgate did receive 200 l. in order to the saving the life of my late dear murdered Husband Dr. John Hewyt, and did nothing therein but kept the money.  
These are humbly to certify your Majesty, that I never knew or heard that the said James Turner was employed thereabouts, nor did he ever receive any such sum of money of me, or any other to my knowledge, nor do I know him. And this I do upon the request of the said Mr. Turner make bold to attest under my hand this 18 day of January, 1663.  
MARY HEWYT.  
George Grace maketh Oath that he did see the above written Certificate Signed and acknowledged by the Lady Mary Hewyt.  


Io. Bramston.  
George Grace.    
But that the saddle might be laid on the right Horse, the truth is; it was one Col. Whetton, a person very intimate with the Usurper, who by fair promises got 235. l. of the Lady, she so dearly affected her Husband, that she would have parted with her whole estate to have saved his life. This Whetton pretended that a hundred pound of it was for Secretary Thurlow, who he said was likewise to be instrumental towards it; but Thurlow cleared himself of it by a Letter, so that the whole blame lies upon Whetton.  
Another Calumny is commonly reported of him, that being beyond Sea with our now Gracious Sovereign, he should deceive him of some sums of Money wherewith he had been entrusted: but this is easy to be refuted, it being well known he was never out of England, and so by consequence could not be culpable of that offence. I should therefore advise people not to be too credulous of every report they hear of him: as that which some have confidently reported, That because he always kept two or three brave Geldings; that He was the head of all the high-way-men in England; and that under pretence of soliciting men's businesses, which occasioned him to stay out late some nights, that it was only a cloak to blind the eyes of the world, when he was abroad upon worse matters: insomuch that the Tanners of Rumfard, and other Marketfolks, since his death have been bold to say, That they hoped now they should ride safe home, since that great Robber Turner was dead. But for these and sch like conjectural stories, I shall desire the Reader to suspend his judgement till Time (the father of Truth) shall bring things to light.  
For that of one Marshal, concerning some Money that was lost in Coleman-street, as also that he should cheat a woman by a false Deed; there is so little of likelihood in it, that were it not only to stop the mouths of some who are apt to believe every false report, I should not so much as once mention them.  
Therefore though his Vices were great, yet we ought not to lay other men's faults upon him, only upon supposition, which is no evidence in Law; and of the two ought rather to judge the best, or at least to weigh and consider throughly the contrary Reasons, lest we come under the lash of the Poet, 
He that doth judge, and will but one side hear,  
Though he judge right, he's no good justicer.   
But it is a known observation, That in such calamitous cases more is commonly charged then proved: and it may be his adversaries observed Machiavels Rule, To throw dirt enough upon him, for that some would stick. For I have observed, That let a lie be invented, though never so ridiculous, it shall meet with some fools that will believe it: Witness that story about ten years ago of the great Giants coming into England. No doubt his crimes were very great, for which we may judge his excesses were the greatest occasions of them. In the mean time, Humanity commands us to think the best of him, and to pity his Wife and six Children whom he left behind him, the only remains of seven and twenty by one woman; whereof two he left behind him in prison, upon account of the same fact.  
But one thing is known to many for a truth, which indeed comes near to inhumanity and barbarousness; namely, his preserving some of the Fat or other parts of the Corpse of divers persons ●ately executed for Treason, (as those who have seen it with him have informed me,) which though pretended to be used for the making an excellent Medicine he had for the Gout, yet it is a most unmanly thing to have no reverence to Humane Blood, though in persons justly punished.  
Nor could this person, who had been so litigious in his life, rest free from suspicion after his death; a common rumour being bruited, That he was not hanged till quite dead, but that afterwards by means used to him, recovered again to life: But this story being most of all ridiculous, I leave to be believed by those that are more credulous than myself.  
I shall conclude with a merry Epitaph which was made by an ingenious person upon him, leaving it to the Reader to judge of it as he pleases. 
HEre lies the Carcase of a wretched Wight,  
Who at Noonday did bid the world Good-night.  
Of what Sect he was of, there's few can tell,  
He (like Erasmus) hung 'twixt Heaven and Hell.  
Valiant by consequence he must be sed,  
He scorned to die (like Cowards) in his bed:  
And whereas others run from Death's embrace,  
He boldly went to meet him in the face.  
Lastly, his Courage was so mighty too,  
He did what all that saw him feared to do.   
FINIS.   

Postscript.  
LEt the Reader take notice we hear there is a Rumour of a false Copy which is likely to come forth, let him beware of it, lest it abuse the Memory of the Dead.