THE whole Life and progress of Henry Walker the Ironmonger.  

First, The manner of his Conversation.  
Secondly, The several offences, and scandalous Pampehlets the said Walker hath writ, and for which he is now a Prisoner in Newgate.  
Thirdly, The form of the indictment which is laid against him, by the King's Sergeants at Law, and his learned counsel.  
Fourthly, His Conviction by the jury.  
Fiftly, His Recantation, and sorrow for the public wrong he hath done his Majesty and the whole kingdom.   
Here are also many remarkable passages concerning the offence, and apprehending the said Henry Walker, with a true Relation of his several escapes and rescues from the hands of Justice; &c.  
Collected and Written by John Taylor.  
Printed at London 1642.   

Walker's Recantation, together with his Life and Conversation.  
IT is too much apparent to this whole Land or kingdom (which our Gracious sovereign is the Lords, anointed over) what, and how many, and numberless Pamphlets, seditious and scandalous libels, impudent overbold, impertinent and saucy Petitions, to the great discontent of his majesty, the abuse of the High Court of Parliament, and disorder or cause of the (too much confusion throughout all his majesty's Dominions have been dispersed.  
The chief or main stickler in this cause hath been this Henry Walker, of whom I 〈◊〉 to treat in these ensuing lines; and first to begin with his beginning (as far as I know) The truth is, he was an Apprentice to one Mr. 〈◊〉, an Iro● monger in Newgate Market; his time being expired (I know not how or when) he did set up that Trade in divers places of this City of London; but his Trade and 〈◊〉 felt at odds one with the other, so that there was a breach betwixt them, & being there was no 〈◊〉 they parted, & never mean to come together again: Then he having left selling Grydirens and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a gadding 〈◊〉 walked and found out a softer occupation, and 〈◊〉 up a booksellers Shop, fell to Booke-selling; he not having any word of God in his said Shop above the bulk or fize of a hornbook. In these troublesome times Mr. Walker set his wits a work to compose such things as he supposed would vent or be 〈◊〉, amongst such people as understood them not, loved contention, or were willing to believe any thing that tended to rend or shake the 〈◊〉 of either Church or State, and such (and no other but such) were all the Pamphlets, which he (the said Walker composed, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 printed and sold, of which kinds of stuff it is supposed that he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 near 300. several ones, of which number many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 been printed 1500. or a 200. at an Impression. and 〈◊〉. (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 least) of any one of them, besides some of them have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 twice or thrice over, so that there hath not been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. or 500000. of such Pamphlets of his dispersed, by which 〈◊〉 or doings, some hundred 〈◊〉 threadbare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Trade of scandalous Writing, and news making, and would be called 〈◊〉, some half a year (or there abouts) Mr. Walker did set his 〈◊〉 to his worthless works, till at last his name grew odious and contemptiblc, so that his 〈◊〉 would not sell, if people did perceive that they were of his doing. Then he set out his Rarities, nameless and shameless, in greater numbers than formerly he had done, so that all this kingdom or Island of Great Britain, with the principality of Wales and realm of Ireland, were 〈◊〉 over with lies, 〈◊〉 and Lice; nay these scandalous fooleries (or knaveries) were of such Attractive force and power, that they drew at least 500 Vagrants and Vagabonds from all the Shires round about London, and they were all suddenly metamorphised and transformed into wandering book sellers; every one of them (like apt scholars) had quickly learned the Art to Cry, Will 〈◊〉 buy a new book, new●lye come forth. This hath past without controlment to the abuse of Church and State, the scandal of the whole kingdom, the injury 〈◊〉 this Honourable City; the raising of strifes, divisions, and bad 〈◊〉 in many people of weak 〈◊〉 and judgements; and to the mighty impeachment and detriment of the worshipful brotherhood of the Stationers, who are at great charges in paying all duties and Taxes, and that now (almost two years) the Bread hath been eaten out of their mouths by those 〈◊〉, commonly called Mercuries and Hawkers.  
Walker continuing still in this course, cursed course, his ragged Regiment of tatterdemalions daily vending and dispersing his 〈◊〉 Pamphlets, at last, one night late he was by a Watch in London taken for a Rat and carried to the Counter; the next day he was brought before the Right Honourable Sir Edmond Wright, (Than Lord Major) where (upon some occasions) was one 〈◊〉 Brown a Stationer, whom Walker desired to speak a good word for him to the L. 〈◊〉, to whom Browne answered that he would speak.  
And speak he did to the purpose, for when my L. came to examine Walker what he was, and how he lived, he being not able to give a good account for himself, than Browne began to certify my Lord of Walker's good behaviour in manner and form following.  
My Lord (〈◊〉 he) I do know this Walker to be an arrant rascal, an 〈◊〉 by his Trade, which though it be a worshipful Company, yet it cannot contain him, nor he it; but he is a base intruder, and a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the Trade of the Stationers or booksellers, wherein 〈◊〉 unlawfully doth invent, write, print, and scatter all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 babbles (or the most part of them) that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the City and 〈◊〉, and I do humbly beseech your Lordship to take some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him, in restraining him from doing any more. Upon these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Major would have bound Walker to answer at the Sessions, but he 〈◊〉 to desist and return to his old Trade again, was dismissed, and 〈◊〉 for that time got off. Yet for all the promises Mr. 〈◊〉 walked 〈◊〉 in his calumnious Art and mystery of Libelling, until at last his old Master 〈◊〉 him a shame, paid him in his own coin thus:  
He having gotten some notice from some of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scouts, that his 〈◊〉 intended to come to London, to the Guild-Hall 〈◊〉 next day, which his 〈◊〉 did, and dined at Sir George Garrets Knight, and one of the sheriffs and Alderman of the City, (near 〈◊〉 Church) Walker's invention being mounted upon the Altitude of 〈◊〉, he plotted and contrived with a Printer, the said night before to write and print a perilous Petition to his Majesty, and borrowed the 〈◊〉 wives Bible, out of which he took his 〈◊〉 out of the first of Kings, Chap, 12. ver. 16 part of the verse; To your 〈◊〉 O Israel. There was writing and printing all night, and all the next day 〈◊〉 Libels were scattered, and when his Majesty had dined, and had taken Coach to return to White-Hall, Walker stood watching the Kings coming by amongst the Drapers in Paul's churchyard, and having 〈◊〉 of his' Pamphlets in his hand meaning to have delivered it to his Majesty, but could not come at him by reason of the press of People, insomuch as Walker (most impudently 〈◊〉) threw it over the folk's heads into his majesty's Coach. The Earl of Essex being also in the Coach took it up, and kept it till his Majesty came to his palace, where 〈◊〉 caused it to be read, and finding it a most seditious thing, the next morning after caused the L. 〈◊〉 justice of the King's Bench to be sent for, who obediently came to his Majesty, to whom the said Pamphlet was delivered, with charge with all diligent speed to send forth Warrants, for the taking of 〈◊〉 and the Printer, in which business there was used such vigilant care, that they were both taken that very day and brought before the said L. chief justice, and being examined apart, Walker said he wrote it 〈◊〉, but that he bought it of a young S 〈◊〉 all in 〈◊〉 in Westminster Hall, and that it cost 〈◊〉 two shillings six 〈◊〉, this was Walker's confession, which he subscribed unto.  
But afterwards the Printer was examined, and he 〈◊〉 that Walker 〈◊〉 it all with his own hand, and for the doing of it made use of his wife's Bible, in his house, to which confession the Printer hath also set his hand.  
My Lord chief justice caused both their mittimuses to be made, whereby they were sent to the King's Bench in south-wark by two Officers of good place and trust; in which Prison they remained a 〈◊〉 or near, until it was thought meet to remove them from the King's Bench to Newgate, whereby they might be tried at the next approaching Sessions, for which purpose they were removed as aforesaid two days before the Sessions; 〈◊〉 they taking Boat on the bankside were landed at the black friars, whereby a Rout or rabble of (little better then) rebels, they were violently taken from their Keepers rescued, and so got away that there was no finding of them in many week's search and enquiry.  
But all these fair warnings could not make M. Walker give over writing, lying and Libelling, (selling scurvy base words for good money) lodging in by places, holes and Cellars, till one time he was seen to go into the house of another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, one Fisher a Barber an Associate of his, but as some would have apprehended him, he made use of his 〈◊〉, for at that time there was no Officer to be found to take him.  
From this second escape he 〈◊〉 into St. martin's, whither he was pursued, and where he had a Printers press at work, but being not able to recover that house, he got into an alehouse called the sign of the Castle, the owner of it (as I have been certified) is one 〈◊〉 White, but from 〈◊〉 he was set free by the disorderly stir and force of some unruly 〈◊〉 shoemakers (who surely knew not what they did) and this was his third escape.  
The news of this caused more and more Warrants to be issued out for his 〈◊〉; and there was such narrow search made for him that he was 〈◊〉 of all his starting holes, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 skulk nowhere secure, so 〈◊〉 he was fain to 〈◊〉 himself in the disguise of 〈◊〉 Minister 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 Cloak pendant to his 〈◊〉, a spiritual 〈◊〉, girt to him with a 〈◊〉 girdle and a canonical 〈◊〉.  
With this artificial borrowed habit (and some natural impudence of his own) he presumed to mount into the 〈◊〉, at Saint Mary 〈◊〉, at 〈◊〉 in Southwark, where 〈◊〉 so handled a 〈◊〉, and made such a preachment, that what with liking and 〈◊〉 the people were ready to go together by the 〈◊〉; at 〈◊〉 time an alderman's man (〈◊〉 curious to hear what stuff 〈◊〉 would vent) was abused much, and beaten 〈◊〉 little.  
All this while his Majesty is justly and highly offended, that no 〈◊〉 is taken for the suppressing of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in two 〈◊〉 at several times from his Majesty to both the Houses of Parliament, he nominates Walker's Pamphlet of To your 〈◊〉 O 〈◊〉: and indeed whosoever shall read that Text and consider the 〈◊〉 it did in the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, the Son of Solomon, in making 10. of the 12. 〈◊〉 to fall from the King to 〈◊〉 the Son of Nebat, (they being both wicked Kings) may think it 〈◊〉 strange piece of Scripture to be spoken, written, or 〈◊〉 in those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so mild and gracious a King, to 〈◊〉 or estrange the hearts of wavering 〈◊〉 from their 〈◊〉.  
Well, great 〈◊〉 is made night and day, and 〈◊〉 having a house about 〈◊〉, he forsakes it, and escapes when it was beset for him, from thence 〈◊〉 got into the Tower liberty 〈◊〉 an Upholsters 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉; and being heard of, new Warrants being 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉, he was 〈◊〉 in the said shop by one that knew him, and that he knew came to take him, wherefore by the help of two women there, he violently burst away, running towards the Tower stairs, 〈◊〉 an Arrest, an Arrest, and so got into a 〈◊〉, offering any gold or silver to be carried away.  
Thus 〈◊〉 he in the boat almost a quarter of an 〈◊〉; hundreds or multitudes of people standing on the shore on the 〈◊〉 the Officers not daring to fetch him of the water lest they should entrench upon the liberty of tho water bailiff, so that some would rescue him (amongst whom two 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉) and do 〈◊〉 to have a reward over the shoulders; others would have him come on Land and yield 〈◊〉: at last the Officers that were appointed to take him went to Sir John 〈◊〉 Knight, Lieutenant of the Tower, 〈◊〉 crave his Command for taking him. Master Lieutenant presently sent his clerk to the water side, upon whose coming the 〈◊〉 began to stowe away with 〈◊〉; then straight four pair of 〈◊〉 made after them, who beleaguered him on both sides, and with much 〈◊〉 brought him to Land, and into the Tower, where he now remains, expecting his time of trial, and let him escape how he can or may, it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 hath done more mischief by his 〈◊〉 seditions, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lyes and railing libels, then one thousand of his heads are worth.  
But now to come a little nearer, Henry Walker, who is now to be removed by a Warrant directed to the 〈◊〉 of the Tower, which was on Tuesday last being the fifth of this month of July, 〈◊〉 have the body of this 〈◊〉 Walker to be removed to 〈◊〉, and there at the 〈◊〉 house in the 〈◊〉 to have an indictment framed and drawn up against 〈◊〉 said 〈◊〉 Walker, for the several acts which he hath committed in and about London: the true indictment being made by the advice of the Kings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and counsel at 〈◊〉, was preferred against the said Walker on 〈◊〉 after being the eighth of the 〈◊〉 month, which being read openly in the Court, and Walker there present 〈◊〉 the Bar; pleaded to the said ●●●●●tement not guilty; and being 〈◊〉 how he would be tried, answered, by God and his Country, and withal further d●sired of the honourable Bench; that he might first have a copy of his indictment. Secondly, that the judges who were then present with the rest of the honourable Bench, that they would be pleased to 〈◊〉 him the liberty, in regard he knew not the Law, that he might 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Counsellor of the Law to plead his 〈◊〉 for him; both which requests were granted to him which was a great favour. 〈◊〉 the Bench asked Walker what time he would require to make his 〈◊〉 then Walker 〈◊〉 but till the next day in the morning to make his defence, which was Friday; Friday being come about ten of the clock the 〈◊〉 Attu●ney and two 〈◊〉 at Law, 〈◊〉 the indictment to be read; which 〈◊〉 done, they 〈◊〉 to show and did make it plain how odious the matter was, and how it was a 〈◊〉 of a high nature; first against his Majesty, to make him as it were odious to his people: To your Tents O 〈◊〉; as if the King were a Tyrant, bidding as it were every man to take his Sword and 〈◊〉; and oppose all Authority whatsoever, obeying no Law but that of their 〈◊〉 humour and will; what can there be more said, but that 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 plain, but that this Walker did by 〈◊〉 words labour to 〈◊〉 and stir up the King's Subjects to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and to cause tumults to 〈◊〉 in this kingdom, nay in the heart of this kingdom, in the City of London too; not only to teach these words, but to cause them at his own charge to be printed, and to divulge the same through his majesty's kingdoms: Nor did this Walker rest himself therewith satisfied, but in an 〈◊〉 way, and in a bold manner, as the King's Majesty passed through the City of London riding in his Coach threw one of them into the very Coach it 〈◊〉, and in the very face of the King; what an affront was this? can any age parallel it, or any Chronicle make mention of the like and in a civil commonwealth; and in a well governed City; I 〈◊〉 not: nor is this all for this Walker hath invented and writ divers Pamphlets, and other scandalous books, to the great disturbance of his Majesty, and of 〈◊〉 Liege people, a 〈◊〉 sour of division, an upholder of a new 〈◊〉; an inventor of a new Doctrine, nay, he is become a 〈◊〉 and a deliverer of this his humour even in the Church, and openly in the Pulpit too, and on the Sunday: drawing after him, and seducing poor ignorant people to the very ruin of their souls, if it were possible. This act of his, it was done with much venom, malice, bitterness, and 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 the time because the King and his Parliament were then at some difference, who did as much as in him lay to set his Majesty and his Subjects together at discord; it was drawn with cunning, 〈◊〉 at such 〈◊〉 time published, that if envy itself had plotted it, it could not 〈◊〉 come forth in a more dangerous season. He confessed it was his own work, & 〈◊〉 by night; and the next day by him exposed to sale: it was a foul 〈◊〉, and it was published with an ill intent. Nay what is this 〈◊〉 not, what wrong he hath done let his own conscience, his several books and Pamphlets, which he hath both written, made, and printed them himself witness. Well, the Jury hears the information, the several pleadings, the several Witnesses that this Walker was the only framer, inventor, publisher, and disperser of that book 〈◊〉 your Tents O 〈◊〉; upon which several Evidences, the Jury withdraws themselves, (being 12. honest men and of a good rank and quality) to consider of the matter; which being truly weighed, and a long time debated and scanned, agreed all in one mind, calleth for Henry Walker to the Bar; who being come to deliver their Verdict they all declared him by the voice of their foreman to be guilty both of the trespass and of the misdemeanour. He was convicted, 1. For writing of it. 2. For the composing of it. 3. For the publishing of it himself at the Printers house, and receiving money for them. Which done he had nothing to say for himself, nor his counsel neither, but only he did it not with an ill intent to 〈◊〉 any harm. And now he is heartily sorrowful for it, and begs the King's mercy, and the charitable censure of all men for his rashness & overhot zeal; especially of his sacred Majesty, whom he hath most offended; and for his majesty's clemency to him, he will ever be bound to pray for him; because his Majesty did give Command that his 〈◊〉 should not be put against him for Treason, but only for a misdemeanour; which if it had been preferred for Treason, it might have been as well found and have cost him his life, as for this fact of misdemeanour; and so I H. Walker am heartily forry, and desire God, his Majesty, and all his majesty's Subjects to forgive me, and by my example to forsake these private and secret meetings, or rather conventicles; and so with 〈◊〉 I submit myself to the Law; and the punishments whensoever it shall be denounced and inflicted upon me.  
Dated the 12. of July, 1642.  
FINIS