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in the first place, to give your majesty most humble Thanks for having acquainted your parliament with the great danger your sacred person hath been so nearly exposed to, and the design of an Invasion from our enemies abroad: we heartily congratulate your majesty's happy preservation, and thankfully acknowledge the signal Providence of God in it; and at the same time declare our detestation and abhorrence of so villainous and barbarous a design: and since the safety and welfare of your majesty's dominions do so entirely depend upon your life, we most humbly beseech your majesty to take more than ordinary care of your royal person. And we take this occasion to assure your

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jesty of our utmost assistance to defend your person, and support your government, against the late king James, and all other your enemies both at home and abroad; hereby declaring to all the world, that in case your majesty shall come to any violent death, (which God forbid) we will revenge the same upon all your enemies, and their adherents: and as an instance of our zeal for your majesty's service, we will give all possible dispatch to the public business and we make it our desire to your majesty to seize and secure all persons, horses and arms,

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that your majesty may think fit to apprehend upon this occasion."

The King's Answer.] His majesty gave the two houses this Answer:

"My lords and gentlemen; I thank you heartily for this Address; on my part you may be assured, that I will do all that is within my power, for the conservation of this kingdom, to which I have so many obligations. I will readily adventure my life for the preservation of it, and recommend myself to the continuance of your loyalty and good affections."

Resolutions occasioned by the Plot.] On the same day with the Speech and Address, the commons ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to empower his majesty to secure and detain such persons, as his majesty shall suspect are conspiring against his Person or Government. They gave several Instructions for the more effectual raising the Militia. They resolved, That leave be given to bring in a Bill, that whenever it shall please God to afflict these realms by the Death of his present majesty, the parliament then in being, shall not be dissolved thereby, but shall continue until the next heir to the crown in succession, according to the late Act of Settlement, shall disa great stress was laid upon his information. hearing that Mr. Porter, who engaged him in The next day after, Mr. De la Rue made the the Plot, had, by an allowable stratagem, been same discovery, which he would have done be- frighted into a discovery, and accused him; fore, but that his friend Brigadier Lewson, who he thought himself discharged from any obligadesigned to introduce him to the king, was gone tion of honour in concealing it, and therefore out of town. Upon his return to London, afterwards came in as an Evidence at CharBrigadier Lewson acquainted the king, that nock's Trial.-The king having now a perfect De la Rue had informed him of a design car- knowledge of the Conspiracy, caused his Prorying on to assassinate his majesty, and pro- clamation to be issued out for the apprehending posed a way, if the king thought fit, how all the Conspirators, viz. the duke of Berwick, the conspirators might be taken in arms. sir George Barclay, major Lowick, George Though Pendergrass and De la Rue acted upon Porter, capt. Stow, capt. Walbanck, capt. a separate bottom, yet they punctually agreed | James Courtney, lieut. Sherburn, Brice Blaire, in all the circumstances of the Conspiracy; Dinant, Chambers, Boise, George Higgens, which rendered their discovery unquestionable: and his two brothers, sons to sir Thomas Higbut yet both peremptorily refused to name the gens, Davis, Cardell Goodman, Cramburn, Conspirators, which might have been of fatal Keys, Pendergrass, Byerly, Trevor, sir George consequence, if the earl of Portland had not Maxwell, Durance a Fleming, Christ. Knightly, found the happy expedient to prevent it, by lieut. King, Holmes, sir Wm. Perkins, and persuading his majesty to give himself the trou- Rookwood; with a promise of 1,000l. reward ble of examining them separately in his closet. for every offender that should be taken, and The king having accordingly examined Mr. brought to justice. The forces in England Pendergrass before the earl of Portland, and were ordered to be in readiness to march; a the lord Cuts, and Mr. De la Rue, before the train of artillery was forthwith prepared to same earl and Brigadier Lewson, his majesty attend them; and admiral Russel repaired imshewed himself extremely well satisfied in the mediately to Deal, to take upon him the comtruth of their discoveries; and in a very oblig-mand of the fiect, which, by a particular proing manner exprest his resentment for their generosity, in the great care and zeal they shewed for the preservation of his life, and the safety of the kingdom; and at last gave them such unanswerable reasons, why, as men of honour and lovers of their country, they should compleat their duty and affection by naming the Conspirators, as quite overcame their former unwillingness, and prevailed with them to tell the names of the assassins, under the promise of not being made use of as Evidences. But not many days after, Mr. Pendergrass

vidence, had been detained many weeks in the Downs by contrary winds; and which was soon reinforced by other men of war from the river, and twelve Dutch ships from Spithead; insomuch that in five or six days time, the admiral had near sixty men of war, with which he stood over directly to the coasts of Calais and Dunkirk, no less to the terror and amazement of the enemy, than to the disappointment of their designs; which were to invade England, as soon as they had received intelligence that the fatal blow was struck.

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An Association signed by the Commons.] And as the greatest test of their loyalty, the commons drew up this form of Association, to be subscribed by all the members.

solve the same. And that an humble Address | town, though it were against their principles to be presented to his majesty, that he will please own king William to be rightful and lawful to issue his royal Proclamation, to banish all king. However, the Association was on the papists from the cities of London and Westmin- 3d of April presented to the king by the comster, and ten miles from the same: and give mons in a body, with this request, "That his Instructions to the Judges going the circuits, to majesty would order both that, and all other put the laws in execution against papists and Associations by the commons of England, to nonjurors. be lodged among the records in the Tower, there to remain as a perpetual memorial of their loyalty and affection to his majesty." Whereupon the king told them, "That he took this as a most convincing and acceptable evidence of their affection. And, as they had freely associated themselves for his and their common safety, he did heartily enter into the same Association, and would be always ready, with them, and the rest of his good subjects, to venture his life against all, who should endeavour to subvert the religion, laws, and berties of England." And he promised them, that this and all other Associations should be lodged among the records in the Tower. The next day, the commons made a Resolution, "That whoever should by word or writing affirm, that an Association entered into by any member of this house, or any other person, was illegal, such person should be deemed a promoter of the designs of the late king James, and an enemy to the laws and liberties of this kingdom."

"Whereas there has been a horrid and detestable conspiracy formed and carried on by papists and other wicked and traitorous persons, for assassinating his majesty's royal person, in order to encourage an invasion from France, to subvert our religion, laws, and liberty; We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do heartily, sincerely, and solemnly profess, testify and declare, that his present majesty king William is rightful and lawful king of these realms; and we do mutually promise to engage to stand by and assist each other to the utmost of our power, in the support and defence of his inajesty's most sacred person and government, against the late king James and all his adherents. And in case his majesty come to any violent or untimely death (which God forbid !) we do hereby further freely and unanimously oblige ourselves to unite, associate, and stand by each other, in revenging the same upon his enemies and their adherents, and in supporting | and defending the succession of the crown, according to an act made in the first year of the reign of king William and queen Mary, intitled, An Act declaring the rights and liberties of the subject, and settling the succession of the crown.""

Another by the Lords.] The lords resolved on an Association as well as the commons. The motion was much opposed by the earl of Nottingham, as that of the commons had been by sir Edward Seymour and Mr. Finch. Their objections turned chiefly upon this, that rightful' and lawful were words, that had been laid aside in the beginning of this reign; that they imported one, who was king by descent, and so could not belong to the present king. They said, that the crown and the pre

This Association was the three following days signed by all the Members, who came to the house; and, because some others had ab-rogatives of it were vested in him, and theresented themselves upon pretence of health or business, but in reality to avoid setting their hands to the Association, it was ordered, on the 27th of Feb. "That such Members, who had not already, should in 16 days sign it, or declare their refusal, notwithstanding their leave to be absent." On the appointed day, March 16, the names of such Members were called over, as were absent upon the last call of the house; and, several of them being still absent, the Speaker was ordered to write to those, who were in the country, and had not signed the Association, or declared their refusal to do so, to know what they would do, and return their answer by the first opportunity; and at the same time the clerk of the house was ordered to attend such members, as were ill in town, with the Association, in order to their signing the same, or receiving their answer or refusal. The absent members seeing themselves so pressed, and the nation at this time in so great a ferment against the disaffected, thought it prudent to yield to the times, and either to subscribe the Association, or promise to do it upon their first coming up to

fore they would obey him, and be faithful to him, though they could not acknowledge him their rightful and lawful king. Great exceptions were also taken to the word 'revenge,' as not of an evangelical sound; but that word was so explained, that these were soon cleared. Revenge was to be meant in a legal sense, either in the prosecution of justice at home, or of war abroad. And the same word had been used in that Association, into which the nation entered, when it was apprehended, that queen Elizabeth's life was in danger by the practices of the queen of Scots. At last the Association was carried in the house of lords, with this difference from that of the commons, that, instead of the words 'rightful' and ' lawful' king, these words were inserted, "That king William hath the right by law to the crown of those realms; and that neither king James, nor the pretended prince of Wales, nor any other person, hath any right whatsoever to the same." This was done to satisfy those, who said, they could not come up to the words 'rightful' and 'lawful.' And, the earl of Rochester offering these words, they were thought to apswer the

and parliament, did not only put a negative upon the question by near 150 voices, Noes 212, Yeas 70; but it was ordered, That the Speaker do with the Votes print the question, together with the numbers of the affirmative, and negative. It must be farther observed, That the Supply given to the crown this session, amounted to 5,024,8531.*

ends of the Association, and so were agreed to. ¡ intended to make a difference between the king Ninety-two only of the commons, and fifteen of the peers, refused to sign voluntarily *. The Association was carried from the houses of parliament over all England, and was signed by all sorts of people, very few only excepted. The bishops also drew up a form for the clergy, according to that signed by the house of loids, with some small variation; which was so universally signed, that not above 100 over all England refused it.

"My lords and gentlemen; you have shewn so great concern for my person, and zeal for my government, and have done so much for the preservation of the one, and for the strengthening of the other, by the good laws which have been made, and by the supplies you have provided for the several occasions of this year, that the late designs of our enemies are, by the blessing of God, like to have no other effect, than to let them see how strictly we are united; and to give me this occasion to acknowledge your kindness, and to assure you of all the returns which a prince can make to his people.-My lords and gentlemen, The neces

The King's Speech at the close of the Session.] April 27. The king gave the royal assent to A Bill for the Security of his Majesty's Per- An Act for the better Security of his Mason.] April 2. Upon a Report of the Examina-jesty's Person and Government,' and other tion and Confession of sir Wm. Perkins and sir bilis, and closed this Session with the following John Friend, it was resolved, That a Bill be Speech to both Houses: brought in for the better Security of his Majesty's Person and Government:' and that the Heads of the Bill should be: 1. That such as shall refuse to take the Oaths to his majesty, shall be subject to the forfeitures and penalties of popish recusants convict. 2. To inflict a Penalty on such as shall by writing, or otherwise, declare, that king William is not lawful and rightful king of these realms; Or that the late king James, or the pretended prince of Wales, or any other person, than according to the act of settlement of the crown, hath any right to the crown of these realms. 3. To ratify and confirm the Association entered into by all his majesty's good subjects, for the pre-tity of affairs require my absence out of the servation of his majesty's person and government. 4. That no person shall be capable of any office of profit or trust, civil or military, that shall not sign the said Association. 5. That the same Penalties be inflicted on such as come out of France, as upon those that go thi-kingdom."

ther.

A Bill for regulating Elections rejected.] April 10. The Act to regulate Elections of Members to serve in Parliament,' passed both houses, but had not the royal assent, when his majesty this day gave it to several other bills, most of them private ones. Upon this, the commons shewed some resentment against those that advised the king not to pass that Bill. The question was put April 24, "That whosoever advised his majesty not to give his royal assent to the bill,For further regulating Elections for Members to serve in Parliament,' which past both houses, is an enemy to the king and kingdom." But the majority finding by the warmth with which the party abovementioned espoused the affirmative, that it was

Among the Commons, that refused to sign voluntarily, were, Simon Harcourt, Henry lord Hyde, John Manley, John Tredenham, Francis Gwin, sir Edw. Seymour, John Granville, John How, Robert Price, Tho. Brotherton, Mountague lord Norris, Heneage Finch, James Bertie, Wm. Bromley, sir Christ. Musgrave, William Williams, &c. The fifteen Peers were, Halifax, Normanby, Thanet, Chesterfield, Winchelsea, Scarsdale, Craven, Aylesbury, Feversham, Nottingham, Spratt bishop of Rochester, Watson of St. David's, lord Jefferies, lord Chandos, lord Ferrars.

VOL. V.

kingdom for some time; I do earnestly reconmend to you, that in your several stations, you will be assisting those whom I shall leave to administer the government; and that you will be careful in preserving the public peace of the

Then the Lord-Keeper, by his majesty's command, prorogued the Parliament till the 16th of June.t

*The Bill for establishing a Land-Bank, likewise passed this session, which Mr. Oldmixon calls a chimæra of Dr. Chamberlain's invention, under the patronage of Mr. Robert Harley. He adds, " The project was to raise 2,564,0007. upon the security of a Land-Company, who were to lend Money upon nothing but Landsecurity, or to the government. The Bank petitioned against it, but that did not hinder its passing; and the great house in Queen-street, late the lord Conway's, was taken for the Office, where proper officers attended, to carry on so notable a work; which, like the bubble of the brook, swelled with the wind, and burst again with it in an instant; to the great mortification of the said Mr. Robert Harley, who had been at no small pains to carry it so far as into an act of parliament."

"After the conclusion of this session, many persons were apprehended and tried; some for being accessory to the intended Invasion, and others for being concerned in the Conspiracy to assassinate the king. Among these, the most distinguished were, sir John Friend, who had acquired great wealth as a merchant in the city, and sir Wm. Perkins, a gentleman of landed property, and one of the 3 S

SECOND SESSION OF THE THIRD PARLIAMENT
OF KING WILLIAM III.

to the Coin, which ought to be remedied: and I hope you will find out the best expedients for the recovery of Credit, which is absolutely ne

The King's Speech on opening the Session.]cessary, not only with respect to the War, but October 20. The Parliament met at Westminster, and the king made this Speech to both Houses:

for carrying on of trade. I am of opinion, that there is not one good Englishman who is not entirely convinced, how much does depend upon this session; and therefore I cannot but hope for your unanimity aud dispatch in your resolutions, which at this time are more neces. sary than ever, for the safety and honour of England."

Exchequer, and presented to his majesty on
Oct. 23d, by the whole house, in these words:

"My lords and gentlemen; I have called you together as soon as was possible, and I think it a great happiness that this year has passed without any disadvantage abroad, or disorder at home, considering our great disappointment in the Funds given at your last The Commons' Address.] The commons havmeeting, and the difficulties which have arisen ing appointed their grand Committees, for Reliupon the Re-coining of the money.-This is so gion, for Grievances, for Trade, for Courts of convincing a proof of the good disposition of Justice, and for Privileges and Elections, remy Army, and of the steady affections of my solved, nem. con. "That they would support people, that I cannot but take notice of it with his majesty and his government against all his great satisfaction.-Our enemies have not been enemies both at home and abroad, and that without hopes that such a conjuncture might they would effectually assist him in the prosehave proved fatal to us: but as they have failed cution and carrying on the war against France: in those expectations, so I am fully persuaded and that an humble Address should be prethat your unanimous proceedings, in this pared to be presented to his majesty pursuant session, will make them for ever despair of an to the said Resolution." Which Address was advantage from any disagreement among our-drawn up by Mr. Montague, Chancellor of the selves. It must be confessed, that the business which you have before you will be very great, because of the necessity of supplying former deficiencies, as well as making provision for the next year's service.-And upon this occasion it is fit for me to acquaint you, that some Overtures have been made in order to the entering upon a Negotiation for a general Peace: but I am sure we shall agree in opinion, that the only way of treating with France, is with our swords in our bands: and that we can have no reason | to expect a safe and honourable peace, but by shewing ourselves prepared to make a vigorous and effectual war: In order to which, I do very earnestly recommend to you, Gentlemen of the House of Commons, that you would consider of raising the necessary Supplies, as well for maintaining the honor of parliaments in making good the Funds already granted, as for carrying on the war the next year: which I think ought not to be less than what was intended to be raised for that purpose the last session.I must also put you in mind of the Civil-List, which cannot be supported without your help; and the miserable condition of the French Protestants does oblige me to mention them to you again,-My lords and gentlemen; It may deserve your consideration,whether there do not still remain some inconveniences relating

clerks in chancery. Of ten who were condemned, eight were executed, and two pardoned. It is somewhat remarkable, that all the persons apprehended upon suspicion, were convicted upon the clearest evidence, and according to the forms of law, except sir John Fenwick, in whose case government found it necessary to have recourse to a bill of attainder. The sentiments of the nation were divided with respect to the propriety of this measure, and the seve rity of administration was generally condemned." Somerville.

"May it please your most excellent majesty; This is the eighth year in which your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons in parliament assembled, have assisted your majesty with large supplies for carrying on a just and necessary war, in defence of our religion, preservation of our laws, and vindication of the rights and liberties of the people of England; which we bave hitherto preserved; and, by the blessing of God, upon your majesty's conduct and good government, will stedfastly maintain and entail on our posterity.This has cost the nation much blood and ireasure, but the hopes of accomplishing so great and glorious a work, have made your subjects chearfully support the charge. And to shew to your majesty, and to all christendom, that the commons of England will not be amused, or diverted from their firm resolution of obtaining by war a safe and honourable peace, we do, in the name of all those we represent, renew our assurances to your majesty, that this house will support your majesty, and your government, against all your enemies both at home and abroad and that they will effectually assist you in the prosecution and carrying on the present war against France.”

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The King's Answer.] His majesty in Answer was pleased to express himself thus :

"Gentlemen; The continuance of your zeal and affection is the thing of the world I value most, and I will answer it by all the ways I can think of: and I will make your good, and the safety of the nation, the principal care of my life."

Vote on the State of the Coin.] The commons entered with great alacrity upon the thres great affairs that had been recommended to them from the Throne; to wit, The farther remedying the ill State of the Coin: the provid

afterwards, on Dec. the 23rd, voted a Supply of 125,000l. for making good the deficiency in recoining hammered money, and the recompence to be given for bringing plate into the Mints to be coined.

ing a Supply for the next year's service and the restoring of public Credit. In order to remove the first and the last, the Commons resolved"That they would not alter the Standard of the Gold and Silver, in fineness, weight or denomination; and that they will make good all Parliamentary Funds since his majesty's PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SIR JOHN FENWICK.* accession to the crown, that have been made A Bill of Attainder ordered.] Nov. 6. AdCredits for Loan from the subject." And be- miral Russel acquainted the house, that his macause the circulation of Guineas was obstruct-jesty had given leave to lay before the house ed by reason of the want of other Coin, and several Papers in the nature of Informations by reason of the Act made the last session, to take off the obligation of Coining Gold, a Bill was ordered to be brought in For the giving leave to import Guineas, and to coin Gold at

the mint.'

Estimates of the Charge of the Navy, and Army.] Oct. 28. The Commissioners of the Admiralty presented to the House, an Estimate of the Charge of the Navy for the year 1697; which for 40,000 Seamen, Wear, Tear, Ordnance, the Officers of two Regiments of Marines, the Registry-Office, and the Ordinary of the Navy, was computed at 2,523,9541.-The same day, the earl of Ranelagh presented a List of the Land-Forces, and the sums necessary for their Support, amounting to 2,709,713/. 12s. 10d.

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* From the Journals, and a small volume entitled "The Proceedings against sir John Fenwick :" printed at London in 1698.-"The great business of this session was a Bill relating to sir John Fenwick, who had been concerned in the late Assassination and Invasion Plot, This affair was of such a nature, that it deserves to be related in a particular manner. Fenwick, endeavouring to fly over into France under the borrowed name of Tho. Ward, was seized at New Romney in Kent with Robert Webber, an attorney, and from thence brought up to London, and, on the 11th of June 1696, committed prisoner to the Tower, and afterwards to Newgate. As soon as he was apprehended, he wrote the following Letter, with a black lead pencil, to his lady, but directed to Mrs. Farrar, her woman at the lady Carlisle's.

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"What I feared is at last happened. Had I come alone, I had done it; but the other was betrayed from London. It is God's will; so we must submit. I know nothing can save my life, but my lord Carlisle's going over to him (king William) backed by the rest of the 'family of the Howards, to beg it; and offering, that I will live abroad all his time, where I cannot hurt him; and that I will never draw' sword against him. I must leave it to you what else to say. All friends must be made;

Pamphlets censured.] The same day, complaint having been made of a printed Pamphlet, entitled, An Account of the Proceedings in the House of Commons, in relation to the re-coining the clipt Money, and falling the Price of Guineas; they voted it to be false, scandalous' and seditious, and destructive of the freedom and liberties of parliament and ordered the said Pamphlet to be burned by the common hangman, and addressed his majesty to issue his Proclamation, promising a reward of 500l. for the discovery of the Author of that Libel. And two days after, the house being informed of a printed Paper, entitled, A summary Account of the Proceedings upon the happy Dis-my lord Devonshire may perhaps by my lady; covery of the Jacobite Conspiracy; they resolved, That the printing the names of the members of their house, and reflecting on them for their proceedings in parliament, was a breach of the privileges of that house, and destructive of the freedom and liberties of parlia

ment.

Supplies voted for the Land and Sea-Service.] Nov. 4. The house having considered the State of the War for the Year 1697, both in relation to the Navy and Land-Forces, they granted the sum of 2,372,1977. for the maintenance of 40,000 Seamen, and of the two Marine Regiments, and for the Ordinary of the Navy, and the charge of the Registry of Seamen; and the sum of 2,507,8821. both for the maintaining 87,440 men, which according to the List of the Land Forces delivered into the house, they voted necessary to be employed in England, and beyond the seas; and for the extraordinary Service of the Office of Ordnance, the pay of the General Officers, and the charge of the Transports, Hospitals, and other contingencies of the war. Besides which, they

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my lord Godolphin and my lord Pembroke by my lady Montgomery; Mr. Nelson by the abp. of Canterbury; my lord Arvan might engage his brother Selkirk to use his interest 'with Keppel. I believe, if my lord Carlisle would go, it were best, before my Trial; or 'else they will cut me short for want of time. If he can prevail with him for a pardon, he will procure it as well before my trial as after; at least, he may prevail for a reprieve 'till some can come over to him. My lord also will have an opportunity to engage Bentinck, (the earl of Portland) and get my lord of Essex to join with him. I cannot think what else to say, but the great care must be the jury. If two or three could be got, that would starve the rest, that or nothing can save me. Money, I know, would do it; but alas! that is not to be had, nor shall I get enough for council. I beg of you not to think of being shut up with me: I know it will kill you; and besides, I have no such friend as you to take care of my business, though it would be the comfort of my life, the little

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