Mr. William Wheeler's Case from his own Relation.  
HAving been employed in Norfolk, Suffolk, and some other countries, as Engineer for Sea-breaches, draining of fens, Architecture, Plantations, &c. I found that the Name of a Traveller, and the foreign acquisition of skill did add that credit and repute to Artists, which no Native is allowed in his own country amongst his own kindred, and acquaintance: whereupon I took the resolution to embark for Holland, and there either to improve my abilities, or the value of my abilities by conversing with strangers.  
Being arrived there about Christmas, 1638. I spent some time in passing from place to place, viewing the Mills and Water-works of that country, and it soon appeared to me, that there were great defects therein, which I (God assisting me) by my own inventions was able to alter, and amend to the exceeding benefit, and profit of the States. By the advice therefore and assistance of Sir William Boswell (to whom I addressed myself first, as being His majesty's Resident in those parts) I made Propositions to the state's general with some overtures of my particular Inventions, and did refer the same to ocular demonstrations, and public experiments. The Propositions were entertained, and proofs by Plots, and Models were demanded; but because the benefit of my undertakings would arise to so vast a revenue, if I could accomplish them (as was obvious to every common understanding primâ fancy) therefore I was the more distrusted. The heads of my Propositions were: To Draine; or to drown Lands; to raise great waters to reasonable heights, from three Foot to six, &c. to raise reasonable quantities of water to great heights, and both these▪ cheaper by one half then before, and double in quantities, if not more. Likewise to bore Timber with a wooden Augur, bigger and cheaper: to put and drive great piles into the ground without beetles, or the usual moliminous Instruments of contusion. And lastly, to raise, and carry from place to place all ponderous weights more easy, and cheap, then had ever been yet discovered.  
Within the space of half a year some small Models were perfected, and viewed by three of the state's general at the L. Rippeday's House (He being one of the said 3 Commissioners appointed for that purpose) and public approbation was given thereunto. In June, 1639. I had a Patent granted by the state's general for the putting in execution, and for the sole usage of those my Inventions for twelve years: and in July following I obtained an other special grant of the same from the States of Holland, and West-Freisland. After this I began to frame bigger and larger Engines, and in September following, I gave proofs of their efficacy, and operation in public, at the Hague; and than it was manifest, that as the Models did more than answer my promises, so the Engines did more than answer that which was expected from the Models.  
The Prince of Aurange upon a sight of my Models graced me with a present of 20 guilders to buy me a pair of gloves; and afterwards when the force of my Engines was openly tried at the Hague, the state's general gave me 400 guilders as a testimony of their liking, and allowance. My Engines were various, of several fashions, and for several uses, so framed that they were easily portable, and removable from place to place, readily to be erected anywhere in a little time. One of these Engines tried its efficacy upon a Graft or Mote at the Hague in the presence of divers of the state's general, as also of Holland and West-Freisland, and the Lords of Leydon having several Artists with them out of several other Towns, and at that time it carried a thousand barrels an hour being moved only by the hand of one or 2 men raising the water to 2 foot or more, and greatly satisfying all spectators.  
For my further encouragement also in Jan. 1641, my Patents were renewed from 12 years, and a prolongation to 18 was granted; and the words did mention that the Inventions were new, never before practised by any, and that they were of public benefit, and thereupon a greater penalty was added against all such as should trespass upon me by imitating, or using the same to my prejudice without my leave. But presently upon this the scene began to change with me; for whilst I was uncredited, I was below envy, and so I found offices of friendship from many, and no ill offices from any; but as soon as I had attained to any belief, and so to eminency, by abiding the test, both my skill, and the incredible advantages which seemed to attend the same, drew upon me infinite enmities, and oppositions. This nevertheless I must observe, that my chiefest adversaries were such, as were my own countrymen, such as I expected most friendship from, such as I had most entrusted, or most engaged (as I thought) by my service, and credence, and so by consequence had most power and opportunity to undo me. And that I may not asperse any unjustly, this shall be a particular account to the world, what Sir Rob. Honywood, Sir Will. Boswell, Mr. Gwyn his Secretary (and some others his servants) what Palmer my solicitor, Robinson my man, one horn the fabric of Leydon, but of English extraction; as also one Sasse a gamekeeper to the Prince of Aurange, with divers other under-instruments have done to ruin me, hoping to wrest out of my hands thereby either the honour, or the profit of my performances.  
The first mischief which encountered me in the heat of action, whilst I was industriously pursuing my infant contrivances was this: As I was one Evening going home to my lodging in the company of Cap. Lucas, upon the spy-bridge I was assaulted by two of the Prince of Auranges' servants (and some others of his guards) and others about 20 in all, and in this unexpected fray Cap. Lucas had two deep cuts in the head, I had one stob in my body, and by the same lost the use of my left arm, never to be recovered, both of us were left for dead upon the place, and for nine days after, there was no hopes of life in me. The assailants fled presently to Colenbury for sanctuary, and those of them which were the Prince's servants, as soon as his highness had notice thereof by the beating of a drum were summoned home, and very nobly satisfaction was ordered to us; but after 18 months' suit in that cause (though the delinquents were condemned both in the Hagues Court, and the Court of Holland) and 3000 guilders were particularly adjudged for my damage, yet I could recover nothing, but lost my time, spent my money, and became daily further entangled in more and more troubles, and contestations. Whilst I lay in the greatest extremity of my hurts, not able to take any order for my affairs, the afore-named Sasse, of whom I had rent some rooms for my Engines, and Works, sent to me for such an exacted sum of money, or else to throw my Engines, and Works out of door. I was not able at that time to procure the money, Sir Will. Boswell denied me the loan of 5. li. to prevent this mischief, though formerly upon my Bond He had done greater courtesies, and so my Works were broken, thrown out, and exposed to the view of all men.  
These troubles also brought me into the acquaintance of Sylvester, and one Palmer, who undertook as my solicitor, but secretly were traitors to my proceedings, and such as under hand wrought my overthrow many several ways long before I began to suspect them.  
The next potent adversary I had to grapple withal, was Horn the Survey or fabric of Leydon; and He being present at the Hague with my Engines were first proved before the Lords of Leydon, and many other of the States, and by some secrets which I had communicated to Him, and by the help of some of my workmen, whom He had inveigled to his service had most opportunity to stand in competition with me; for I was not only overcome by his insinuations at first, and won to some confidence in his friendship, but also I was necessitated to lay my Art the more open to him, and some other fabrics, upon whose judgements the States relied, that by satisfying them, I might convey satisfaction to those which employed them. I was now therefore put to a vexatious, and expenseful trial before the Lords of Leydon, after all my former experiments in public, and my several Octroys granted thereupon, to evince again the novelty, rarity, and commodity of my Frames, and mills: and by this means I was forced to send to divers places for attestation, and for some Forms, and Works, which at last by a double operation visibly disproved horns pretences, and in the judgement of all gave me the victory.  
Nevertheless horn would not so desist at Leydon, but in opposition to my Patents, did make use of my Inventions, whereupon I brought my Action upon my Octroyes, and at last though with much difficulty, did overthrow him, and get for damages 1500 li. which R●binson my man compounded without my privity and consent for 300 guilders in part. This placed me above all open attempts, or controversies in Law, but the more I was secured by public Justice, the more I was envied, and made the mark of treacherous conspiracies.  
In all places I had quarrels urged upon me, at all times I found snares spread for me; eleven several bargains I had m●de for the erecting of my Mills in eleven several places, but all were frustrated by letters sent from the Hague, directed by I know not whom: and now as these disasters had brought me into great wants, so my extreme wants engaged me still further into many worse disasters.  
One main disadvantage that my indigence brought me into was the acquaintance of Robinson who by accommodating me with some moneys (yet paid after) in my necessities, and making himself officious to me when my fortunes were low, got into my service, and good opinion, and by that means after proved a fatal traitor both to me, and all my designs. This fellow held correspondence with Palmer, & both of them incited Sir Willam Boswell against me, and by the correspondence which they both held with Sir Will. Boswell, and all the rest of my enemies I found myself every way surrounded, and cut off from all escape.  
Robinson's part was, to discover my Art, to practise it himself, to reveal it to others, to grant Licences without my knowledge to my prejudice, to compound with defaulters without my leave to my loss, to impute his own failings to the imperfection of my Works, to combine with my greatest Adversaries.  
palmer's part was, to confound me in matters of Law, to cast me in all Courts of Justice, and particularly to create new enemies, as Sir Will. Boswell amongst the States, and Sir Rob. Honywood at the Queen of Bohemia's Court. He had failed in England of a monopolising Patent for steel, and therefore he depended now upon his shifts beyond the Seas, and was a professed Enemy to all men more ingenious than himself.  
One Mr. Hobart (to my knowledge) made a new Proposition in Holland for brewing, baking, &c. without smoke, and with less expense of fuel, &c. and had prospered in his fair, beneficial design had not this Palmer enviously quashed his proceedings. With the same impudence also He came to me, and told me, that I sought to engross too vast a revenue: and that if I would admit Him to partake, I should prevail: otherwise not. His jeer was this, Mr. Wheeler, I can stop your wheels at my discretion: if I say to Sir Will: Boswell they shall move on, they shall: if I say, He shall forbid them to move; they shall not dare to stir.  
Sir Ro. Honywood's part was, to exclude me of all favour at Court, and therefore divers times He commanded me to avoid the presence, and once He set 2 Irish halberdiers of the Queen's guard to fall upon me, who accordingly did not only deny me access, but also tore me by the hair of the head, and this they confessed they did by Sir Rob. Honywood's command. He became also an adventurer with Robinson and Palmer, and did disburse (as I have heard) 140 li. in assays, and trying to bring some Works (begun by me) to perfection, but all proved frustrate, and successeless.  
But the most powerful of all those aspects which boded ill to my fortunes was Sir Will. Boswell; and as (I am confident) without his concurrence all my other opposites could not have so far oppressed me; so without their instigations, He would not (I persuade myself) have entertained any thoughts of ill towards me. Howsoever long it was before I could be induced to think, that Sir Will. Boswell had ends upon me, much less such extremely avaricious ends, such as nothing but my utter ruin could satisfy. But my eyes were by degrees opened; for first I perceived He gave too much ear ta my worst enemies, and then in the Patent for England which He procured for me I saw He had put in his servant Cropley's name, and that device (besides other competent rewards) cost me 50 li. to compound. A Patent likewise for Ireland was promised me, but I have it not, and I hear 'tis granted in Sir Williams own Name, and reserved for his own use: lastly, my Patent for Holstein, and Denmark, is still detained in his own hands. I found moreover that by some dangerous questions put to me at sometimes about my pedigree, He was not without some aims of having my life at his mercy by the stroke of the Law, if need were. My necessities made me upon an occasion become a suitor to Him for the loan of some moneys, but the conditions proposed by Him were strangely rigorous, insomuch that in a jesting manner I asked. Him, if He were good at drilling. Hereupon He grew much enraged, and causing His servants to lay violent hands upon me, He disarmed me first, and then broke my head to the skull; spurned me with his foot, and offered divers other ignoble indignities to me in his own House. About that time also I was reduced to so pinching extremities, that for 25 days (besides God's infinite mercy) I had no more than 10 Stivers to preserve me from famishing: and which way soever I turned myself for relief I found my way blocked up with difficulties, so evil an eye there was over me, that I was prevented of Trust, nay my very pawns were refused, and could not be taken. Far was I now from proceeding in my fabrics; those mills and Frames, which I had begun, and perfected with great trouble, and expense, I could not keep: after my goods and materials had been part broken, part stolen, part thrown into the streets by the exaction of Sasse, when Sir Wil. Boswell refused me 5 li. to save them, I had built a place myself in a piece of ground belonging to one of the Lords in the Town, thinking to secure my engines, & Utensils from further violence, but the place was soon broken open, the boards were taken away, the mills were spoiled, and no remedy could be procured. My fortune was also to take two of the thieves in the manner, whereupon with my sword in the scabbard I struck them, not knowing how to bring them to condign punishment: but they presently escaped from me, and scarce any thing ever proved more mischievous in the event than this revenge of mine so taken upon them: for not long after as I was walking in the backside of the Town, by the Moat that runs by the Prince's garden, being alone and unarmed, I was encountered by the same two thieves (as I conceive) and about 8 more, who with spades and shovels and other weapons fell upon me and cruelly wounded me, so that to save my life I was enforced to take the Moat and to dive to the bottom for brickbats to defend myself.  
At my rising out of the water one of the Prince's Fishermen (who had been a ringleader before in the other fray upon the spy-bridge at that time when I was wounded with Cap. Lucas) took hold of my hair and kept me down in the water, under his boat until I was almost spent; and then plucked me out half dead, as if He had been courteous in saving me. Being drawn out so wet in a cold season, and so hurt, by the help of Robinson, who then appeared, I got home to his house not far distant from the place, and there shifted my clothes. But the said Robinson and his wife by that opportunity got my keys out of my pockets, went to my lodging, ransacked there my trunks, took away divers Models, and secrets of value, together with some attestations concerning my business, as also other writings, and an ancient pedigree of my Grandfathers, out of which they eraced divers names. Some of these they carried to Sir Wil. B●swell (for I have myself seen them since at his house) the rest they kept, or dispersed into divers parts of the country, is knowing that they were proofs to difference my works from other men's, and to manifest the novelty, and rarity of my Inventions. For about a fortnight also during my abode in Robinson's house, whilst I was weak the house was much visited by some of the Queen of England's train, who were very desirous often to converse and drink with me, and I accordingly did several times gratify them with my company.  
Amongst other conference they invited me to undertake the charge of an Engineer in the war against the English Parliament, making me believe they did expect great and eminent service from me, if I would accept of employment: and when I was not inclining thereunto, they endeavoured to divert me some other way, offering me employment in Brabant, and soliciting me also much to turn my Religion. These propositions taking no effect with me, I found cause to suspect that the cups wherein I had drunk in their company had been secretly mixed with some veneficall or magical ingredients, for I found myself strangely driven into fits of lunacy, and not only distempered, but also tortured both in body, and mind. My understanding nevertheless did not wholly depart from me, and therefore I demanded my keys of Robinson, but could get no other answer, but that they were delivered to Sir Wil. Boswell. I desired then that a new lodging might be taken for me in some place more convenient, quiet, and nearer to my Works then my former was: wherein Robinson promised presently to accommodate me.  
Upon this pretence He went forth, and at his return in the Evening He undertook to wait on me (having an other in his company) to my new taken chamber: but I suspecting no plot or treachery in Him was led into a Dulhouse or Bedlam. As soon as I had entered the chamber Robinson and the other stepped suddenly out, and the door was locked, and bolted upon me, and I was there left alone enclosed to be treated as a man utterly mad, and raving. The place was solitary, and far from resort of people, and as I had no hopes of any help but by calling out aloud, so my loud calling or hollowing was interpreted as the symptom of my distraction. Seeing myself remedilessly thus lost to all the world, but such as had conspired my destruction, I betook myself to God, and submitted myself to be removed from room to room, and to be ordered in my diet, and other things as they pleased, and for nine months' space the miseries of my martyrdom was exceeding sharp, and exquisite. Mr. Gwyn with other of Sir Wil. Boswel's servants, and my man Robinson came upon visits often to me pretending to pity my lunacy, and to do charitable offices; but their common practice was to force potions upon me which my nature abhorred; and when I could not choose but be reluctant to them, five or six at a time of them fell upon me with clubs, and staves, using inexpressible cruelties till I had drunk them off. After I had drunk their compositions I was possessed after an unheard of manner, but these reasons make me think that what I did and suffered in my fits were not the effects of mere frenzy, but some diabolical art, and sorcery: for first, My senses remained so with me, that I myself sensibly condoled my own condition: and held myself as a slave under those commands, which I would fain have disobeyed, but could not.  
Secondly, I was never subject to the like ravings before that time, or since.  
Thirdly, my yard did begin to be drawn up into my belly, my hands, limbs, and whole body was contracted, or benumbed, or some way tortured, till I did act, and speak according to the commands which were upon me: the force thereof broke out of my flesh, brought my nails from my fingers, and almost my eyes out of my head, and this is not the operation of that, which physicians call laesa Phantasia.  
Fourthly, divers odious scents almost poisoned the room to the taking away of my breath, and leaving me near suffocated; as also divers spirits in antic forms appeared to me in dances, and one in the likeness of a Cat kept near my room, and for divers months removed not till I had acted all those parts over, as they thought fit. Some things I did as a Playstrer; some as a Bricklayer, some as an other Artist or Tradesman, doing all things in all Arts whatsoever: sometimes I was constrained to declare my Religion, sometimes my affection to that country, and I could enjoy no quiet at all till I did obey in all.  
Fifthly, these charms most especially enforced me either to discover the secrets of my Profession, and that ability and knowledge which was requisite to the finishing of my Works: or else to use violence to myself, by running my head against the wall, or otherwise. But in these two the mercy of God most admirably fortified me: so that I did conceal my chief skill, as knowing that then they would no longer let me live: and whereas they had fixed nails in the wall purposely for me to beat my head against, I did knowingly avoid the same.  
Sixthly, some things were done by my hand at that time which no mortal man naturally could do, much less could I being under lunacy, for when they had set paper and pen and ink beside me, I wrought half a choir of paper in an hour, and drew some mathematical lines without Instruments as exactly as if I had had Instruments.  
Seventhly, whereas I was enforced to eat my own dung, and drink my own water, to sit stark naked in the bitterest frosty nights of Winter, and to take some purgations when my body was empty, and so could void nothing but blood upwards, and downwards, I yet overcame all these things, and came off with life which (I think) none could have done, that was not miraculously preserved, as well as diabolically tortured.  
Nine woeful months of martyrdom were now run out, and yet the faculties of my memory and intellect were not wholly broken, though much weakened; and now Robinson and Palmer who during my imprisonment had conspired with Sir Robert Honywood to imitate my Works, and usurp them as their own, saw their skill failed, and their hopes frustrated therein. 140 li. or thereabouts had been disbursed by them in new assays, and in trials to perfect some Works begun by me, and operate without me, but all would not do: and therefore 'twas thought fit that I should be again enlarged, and encouraged to accomplish those things, which they could not. Some things therefore upon my release I did bring to expedition, and some Engines of my own which were of 100 guilders in their hands, I did make serviceable, and sold for a thousand guilders to an understanding Engineer, one Captain Flood, but I would not be induced to assist Robinson the traitor in any of his Works, or such as belonged to his confederates. Being at liberty also I traveled about in the country to observe what imitations of my Works had been made, and I found that in divers places they had attempted, but not perfected the same, yet at Leydon and some other places by my Inventions, and the advantage of some of my Models taken out of my Trunks (as aforesaid) they had brought some Works to a good perfection, even to a double improvement of what they had been before. I was resolved therefore by one address more to Sir Will. Boswell to make one further attempt in the reviving of my business, and in order thereunto about March 1643. I put myself upon his friendly assistance as my utmost refuge, and desired his favour to procure 10000 guilders for me, but his conditions proposed were extreme, and rigorous, and no less than a total forfeiture of all my fortunes was enwrapped in them. Hereupon I plainly perceived, it was absolutely impossible for me to grapple with so many disasters, conspiracies, injuries, necessities in a strange country, having at Court, in the City, in the country, everywhere malicious, subtle, perfidious Enemies to crush my hopes: and so in April following I set sail for England.  
Since my arrival here, I understand vast debts are in my absence charged upon me in Holland, the greatest part whereof were incurred by my sicknesses, or wrongful imprisonment, or by Robinson's false accounts, (Scores which He has wrongfully set upon my head) or by other men's unjust pretences, wherein I am condemned without being able to make defence, or wage Law. And now for these debts my Patent (taken from me when I was in the Dulhouse) & all my right is by public Order sold, and disposed of as I hear. For a further prosecution also of so dejected a helpless a man, lest I should hereafter recover breath, or strength to rise again, I am still pressed by Sir Wil. Boswell in his letters to Mr. Bullen here in Tower-street, and to others of his correspondoes: He still cuts me off from all hopes of future recruits by disabling my credit, vilifying my Works, disparaging my abilities, and depraving my intentions.  
This being my hard Case truly stated, and faithfully represented and since it appears hereby, that as my past sufferings have been beyond the strength of such a man as I am, so my future oppositiones are likely to transcend all ordinary resistance: I make it my most humble submissive Request to the High and Mighty States, That they will by a public, extraordinary hand of Justice afford me a redress, and support suitable to the nature of my unequalled grievances. Two things I undertake to make sensibly demonstrable: 1. That the Water-works in the Netherlands have been exceedingly improved to the great public advantage of the united Provinces by my discoveries, since the publishing of my Inventions in 1640. 2. That for the time to come, if due encouragement and means may be allowed me, I will (by God's assistance) yet bring to further perfection, and doubly advance the same Water-works as they are already improved, and for a further addition also make a new discovery of some other Works, and Engines which shall be of rare use and service to the public in experiments of an other nature. If these Overtures be thought worthy to be taken into consideration, I desire the Conditions and proceedings thereupon may be managed with sufficient caution on both parts: if these things seem of light credit, yet thus far I have strived to be true to my own honour, and to do right to a most honourable and fair Cause.