this informant, and the rest there, that the said Miles was almost dead and yet the said Miles Sindercome did lie in that condition the space of two hours, and then died. The mark of B Philip Brown. Middlesex ss. The Information of Daniel Steer, gent. taken upon oath as aforesaid. Saith, that about the end of January, Miles Sindercome, alias Fish, being a prisoner in the Tower of London, under the custody of sir John Barkstead, knight, having some discourse with this informant who was his keeper, did then say unto this informant, that if he would be faithful to him, the said Miles, he would give him to the value of his place, what it was worth, were it a hundred or two of pounds; and desired him, this informant, if he would undertake the business, and accept his proffer, to provide him the said Miles a black suit of cloaths, a peruke, and also a short dagger, and to pass him out of the Water-gate, and he would kill any man that should oppose him; and the same day that he was at his trial, being the 9th of this instant February, after he came back again to the Tower, the said Miles was in a great passion, his sister Elizabeth Herring being then in his company; he the said Miles then did swear, that they should not have their ends (meaning as this informant believeth, that the sentence pronounced against him that day should not be executed). And then the said Miles Sindercome did desire this informant to help him to some poison, that he might make away with himself; and this informant refusing to do any of those things which he desired, the said Miles then did speak to the said Elizabeth Herring, his sister, who was there, to bring some poison; but she the said Elizabeth crying, gave him no answer. And afterwards the said Miles, and the said Elizabeth, had some private discourse together in the room, which this informant did not hear. And the said Elizabeth parting from the said Miles, came down stairs, and did speak to this informant, saying, Lord, what shall I do, did you hear him what he said of the poison? And this informant answered, that he did hear what he said, and wished her not to bring him any; and further said to the said Elizabeth Herring, that if the said Miles was poisoned while he continued in this informant's house, that he this informant answered, he would charge her the said Elizabeth with helping the said Miles to poison. And then the said Elizabeth went away from this informant; and this informant went up into the chamber to the said Miles Sindercome; who asked this informant, if it was not possible for him to help the said Miles to make an escape now in his great distress and further said, that if this informant would do it, he would make good to him 200 l. this night: and then said, that if he this informant would go along with the said Miles, when he escaped, he would make that 2001. 700/. or what more he should desire; further requiring earnestly this informant to help him to a black suit, and a peruke. This informant then said to the said Miles Sindercome, that it was impossible for him to make an escape, there being such strict guard kept about him; and had no further discourse at that time. And that on Friday, the 13th day of February, about ten of the clock at night, this informant then was with the said Miles in his chamber, together with captain Henry Sharp, captainlieutenant William Foster, ensign Philip Browne, serjeant Nicholas Stock: And the said Miles did desire this informant, and the rest of the company, to withdraw out of the room, which they did; and about a quarter of an hour after, he the said Miles did desire them to come again into his chamber: he walking a turn or two about the room, did take into his hand a bible to read in; and a while after, he started up suddenly from the place where he sat, saying, he would go to bed, that that was the last time he should go to bed, and the last bed he should lie in. when the said Miles had lain a while in his bed, he fell asleep, and snorted, and after that he had a rattling in his throat, and this informant was hid to take a candle, and see the said Miles as he lay in his bed; and when this informant had looked upon the said Miles, he found him almost dead as he lay in his bed. And this informant being further asked, if he knew of any poison, or other means, which the said Miles did use to take away his life, saith, That he did not see any, neither doth he know any more touching the said Miles's death, but what he hath already decared in this information. And DANIEL STEER. The Information of Henry Sharp, gent. taken upon Oath, as aforesaid. Saith, That between seven and eight of the clock on Friday night being the 13th of Feb. being in the chamber with Miles Sindercome, otherwise Fish, three women, whose names this informant doth not know, came crying into the chamber to the said Miles, lamenting his condition; the said Sindercome then reading in a bible, did so continue reading about half an hour, while the said three women were there. One of the said women said to him, the said Miles, that she would be glad to see him dead in the room before she went from thence, rather than to have him die such a barbarous death as was appointed for him to die. And after they were gone out of the room, this informant caused Daniel Steer, the said Miles's keeper, to search the bed and the room, lest any thing might be left there for the said Miles to hurt himself withal; and the room being searched, nothing was found. And also upon enquiry of the said Steer, this informant found that all instruments were taken from him; only the said Steer brought him up a knife to cut his meat withal, and carried it away when he had done. And that about half an hour after, he the said Miles desired this informant, and the rest of the company that were with him, to withdraw out of the room; and about a quarter of an hour after, he called them into the chamber again, and took a book into his hand to read in it, and after a little time, he said he would go to bed, and lie down in his bed; and he hearing this informant and captain Foster talking together, the said Miles talked very freely with him; and in the time of their discourse together, there came a messenger to this informant from sir John Barkstead, requiring this informant to have a special care of the said Miles Sindercome, otherwise Fish, that he did not poison himself. This informant did declare unto the other that were there, what order he had received for the said Miles; and about a quarter of an hour after, this informant hearing him the said Miles snore, desired Daniel Steer, the said Miles's keeper, to see how the said Miles did then, The, said Daniel taking a candle to look on the said Miles Sindercome, did tell this informant that he was almost dead; yet the said Miles did live in that condition, speechless, the space of two hours after, and then died. HENRY SHARP. The Information of Elizabeth Sindercome, of Deptford, in the County of Kent, Widow, taken upon Oath, the 14th of Feb. 1656. She saith, That she was three several times to see Miles Sindercome, her son, while he was prisoner in the Tower of London; and saith, she doth not know of any violent means or ways used by the said Miles Sindercome, or any other, to hasten his death; neither did she ever hear him speak any words to that purpose: And that the last time she was with the said Miles, he did then tell her, this informant, that he was prepared to die. And that two Ministers being then in the chamber with him, she had no further discourse with him, or did see him any more, until on Friday night, about twelve of the clock, she did hear she was sent for; and did hear that he was very sick and weak, of which sickness he died presently after; and further saith not, The Mark of 2 ELIZABETH SINDERCOME.* Mrs. Macaulay says, "Cromwell could never sift the bottom of Sindercome's design, or detect any of his accomplices; and though the intention of assassination was fully proved on his trial, yet it was with difficulty that the jury could be brought to condemn him. On the morning destined for his execution, he was found dead in his bed of poison he had voluntarily taken, as it was given out by the friends of Cromwell; but his enemies did not scruple to assert that Sindercome was smothered, to prevent the probable mischief which might ensue from a public execution, That despicable convention of Cromwell's adherents, who called themselves a parliament, were not sparing of their adulation on the occasion: They ordered a day of thanksgiving, to be first held by the house, and then by the three nations; they voted thanks to secretary Thurloe for his great diligence in tracing out the plot; and, VOL. V. | Some light is thrown on this Business, by the following Examinations published in Thurloe: The Examination and Information of John Toop, taken this 9th of Jan. 1656, [taken by Secretary Thurloe.] Saith, that about eight or nine weeks since, one Miles Sindercome, who was a soldier in the army, and was cashiered, as this examinant hath heard and believes, in Scotland for some disturbance, which was designed in the army, about two years since, came to his lodging, and fell into discourse with him about the affairs of the nation; saying, there was a design to alter the government, and to that end take away the life of the Lord Protector. And the discourse was such, that the examinant believed he was paid, and set on work by the king of Spain; for he said, that it was better for this nation to be in league with Spain, than with France; which he said could never be; and that Spain could never obtain a peace with us, till this tyrant was taken away; and told this examinant, that for ever; and for his own part, he said, he was if he would engage therein, he should be made sure to be a colonel of horse within half a year; and promised to this examinant, that he should have a troop, and also 1500l. in money, when the Protector should be killed. He further said, that it was better to have Charles Stuart to reign here, than this tyrant, And at the several meetings, which the examinant had afterwards with the said Sindercome, he told him, that they would attempt to kill the Protector upon the road, as he went to Hampton-court, assaulting him to that purpose, when he was on horse-back; and that there was five of them besides this examinant, who knew of this design, and were engaged to effect it. And soid, that he and Cecil had been several times upon the road to endeavour the killing him; but found not their opportunity. He further said, that they had hired a house in Hammersmith, where Mr. Frevill heretofore lay, which by reason of its standing upon the road, was very convenient for their purpose; and it having a little house upon the wall, their intention was to shoot the Protector as he passed by, out of the little house, with scrued guns, which were prepared on purpose, which should break the coach in pieces, and kill him where he sat. And spoke to this examinant, to give them notice, when the Protector went forth, and at what end of the coach he sat. And being asked, who the five persons were, with the Speaker at their head, they went to Whitehall to congratulate the Protector in person on his happy deliverance. The Speaker concluded his speech with observing, that if Cicero was living he would want expression to set out the danger or the mercy; so unparalleled, so unprecedented a mercy, that the parliament's hymn was, 'O Cantemus Canticum: O come, let us sing a new song unto the Lord.'" Vol. 5, p. 195. 3 K who should do this execution, he said, he never told him, nor doth he know any of them, but the said Sindercome himself, and John Cecil, which this examinant never saw but once before this week. And saith, that Sindercombe told him, that when they had done the fact, their horses were ready in the stable to escape away on the backside of the house. This examinant further saith, that Sindercome acquainted him with an intention they had to fire Whitehall, saying, that it was so strong a place, and so many turnings and windings therein, that it was the fittest hole for a tyrant to live in it; and if that were burned, there is never another place in England where he could hide and secure himself; and to that purpose the said Sindercome had provided a firework in a hand-basket (made, as he said, by one that came over from beyond the seas on purpose to make it) and brought it to the lodg ings of this examinant, upon this day se'nnight, and thereupon this examinant and he came down together to view what place could be best to place the firework in; and they looked upon a place or two over against captain Rolt's chamber, and the said Sindercome tried with a key he had in his pocket to open a door thereabouts, but could not; and from thence went towards the chapel, and thought to have laid it at the head of the stairs, which comes the back way into the chapel, but resolved not fully of it: this was upon this day se'nnight; whereupon this examinant, the same day, seeing things growing so far, waited to have discovered it to his Highness, but found not means of access to him. The next day after, the said Sindercome came to the examinant's lodging, and took away the firework, and carried it to Cecil's lodgings; and upon Tuesday after, Sindercome and this examinant met at the sign of the Ben Johnson's in the Strand, where they discoursed of the same business, and of the manner of killing the Protector, and he said, they would fire down Whitehall, and then defer the other business until the spring. He further said, that he should have money come by the next Monday from Flanders. Upon Thursday after, they met again in the morning at this examinant's lodging, and told him he and Cecil had agreed to lay the firework in the chapel, and appointed a meeting to execute it at five o'clock that night. In the mean time this examinant acquainted his Highness with it, and so they met at five o'clock, and came all there together to the place, to see if all things were as they would have it; and then Sindercome and Cecil went back, and brought with them the firework, and Cecil opened the door of the chapel, and Sindercome put in the firework, this examinant and Cecil standing by to see that nobody came to discover them. He, this examinant, being asked, whether they had no intention to fire any other place, saith, that he knew not; but saith that Sindercome told him, they had another firework in a box, but knoweth not where it is. This examinant further saith, that Sindercome told him, that if the fire did not take, he was so far engaged in this business, that he himself would set upon the Protector to take away his life, whatever came of it. And being further asked, if he received any money of Sindercome in part of what he promised him, saith, that about eight or nine weeks ago, he received of the said Sindercome, the sum of 51., about a week after that 51. more, about a month since 51. more; and upon this day se'nnight 47. more; which is all the money he, this examinant, received of the said Sindercome, or any other person, for the purpose aforesaid. JOHN TOOP. The Examination of John Cecil, taken this 9th of January, 1656, [taken by Secretary Thurlbe.] Saith, that about four months since, one Miles Sindercome, heretofore a soldier in the army, came to this examinant, and told him, that there was a design in hand amongst some very considerable persons, whose names he could not reveal to him, for killing the Lord Protector, which he acquainted this examinant with, to persuade him to engage therein; alledging that now there was a parliament called of the Protector's own naming, having kept out some, and let in others at his pleasure; and that it would be a very acceptable service to take him off, whereby things would come to a confusion; it being certain, that the great ones of the king would never agree, who should succeed, but would fall together by the ears about it, and then in that disorder the people would rise, and so things might be brought to a commonwealth again. And he further said, that there was no attempting him in the field, nor other way, but by falling upon his person at an advantage. And this examinant asking, how they should be able to bear the charge of such attendance, the said Sindercome answered, that money should be provided, in case they could effect their business. This exami nant was to escape over sea to col. Sexby, who was to provide for him, and was to have a share in all such honour and profit, which Sindercome should have for this service. Upon these and such like discourses this examinant engaged to join in this work, viz. to attempt and kill the Lord Protector. And the way which was first agreed upon, was to provide good horses, and to attempt him as he went upon the road; for which purpose this exami nant bought several horses, one of the earl of Salisbury, which cost him 801.; which horse is now at Cobham with John Clarke, who lives at the house of Thomas Christmas; another horse he bought of one Morgan at Cashalton, which cost him 75., and is now at the said Morgan's, He bought another of Mr. Vanbrooke, cost him 421., which he sold again. He bought another of Mr. Harvey by the hands of the said Mor gan, cost 341., which he delivered to Mr. Sindercombe. He bought another of Cluffe the tween this place and Flanders, and that he is now gone thither. And this examinant further saith, that at the same time they had a design to fire Whitehall, and a firework was prepared for that purpose, made up in a hand-basket, with two matches hanging out of each side of above a yard long, which he supposeth was made by the said Boyes, who hath great skill was made ready, was left at Toop's quarters, Sindercome and Toop having been about it for a good while, and had viewed several places where they might put it in, and Toop undertook to place it himself; and as Sindercome told this examinant he had 20. given him for it, which if he had performed, this examinant believes he had not known of it till it had been executed; but it not being done it was communicated to him about five or six days since, and about Saturday last it was carried from Toop's lodging to the lodging of this examinant in King-street, and yesterday the said Sindercome, Toop, and this examinant met at the Bear in King-street, and there they resolved to bring the said firework, and put it into the chapel, and they came together between five and six o'clock in the evening of yesterday: they came together to the chapel door, and finding all things to their mind, this examinant and Sindercome went back to this examinant's lodging, lighted the match, and brought it with them; and this examinant having opened the door, Sindercombe laid it in, and so locked the door again. It was about six o'clock when they laid it in, and they conceived it would have fired about twelve o'clock, or between twelve and one in the night. And being asked what issue they expected of this, said, that at least it would have had this effect, that their party would have been satisfied that they were not idle, but were at work to accomplish wha they had designed. horse-seller for 30%, which he sold again. And saith, that the money to pay for these horses he had of Sindercome. And when these horses were bought, the intention was to have made a party of horse of about forty to have assaulted him. But that proving a difficult business to get so many in together, it was resolved to be done by a lesser party; and Sindercome and this examinant did agree to take the first op-in fireworks; and that this firework when it portunity to assassinate the Protector when he went abroad, and to do it as he either came out of his coach to take his horse, or as he did alight from his horse to go into the coach; and one Toop, who is one of the Protector's lifeguard, whom the said Sindercome had engaged to serve them in this attempt, was to give them notice when the Protector went abroad. And he saith, that he and Sindercome were upon the road about five or six times, on purpose to have made this attempt, and had notice of the Protector's going abroad by the said Toop; and saith, that he was mounted upon the black horse he bought of Morgan, and Sindercome upon the bay horse he bought of the earl of Salisbury; but they had not opportunity to effect their design. And saith, that he himself went once into Hyde-park, with an intention to have attempted there, having a sword and pistol to that purpose, which were the only arms that he and the said Sindercome rid with, being confident, that if he could come near him, he could have done it, and escaped after by the goodness of his horse. And saith, that there was a gate in Hyde-park, the hinges and hooks whereof were filed almost asunder, on purpose that they might have the better escaped. And he says, that he believes he could have rid his black horse one hundred miles without drawing bit, and ten miles of it with that speed, that he could have left behind him most horses in England, that were not kept. This examinant further saith, that this way proving not effectual, there was a resolution taken to hire a house upon the way to Hamptoncourt, out of which they might shoot him as he went by in his coach. And accordingly the said Sindercome took a house at Hammersmith, at this end of the town on the righthand as we go from London, where there is a garden-wall, and upon the wall a banqueting house, which is upon the street, out of which the intention was to shoot him, as he came by, with guns made on purpose for that business, And he saith, that Boyes hath had much dis which should carry twelve or more bullets at a course about a port town to be procured and time, and Toop was to give them notice when seized upon, where forces might be landed, the Protector went that way, and at which end and they expressed much desire to have Portsof the coach he sat. And saith the guns were mouth or Plymouth, or some place in the west prepared, one whereof he saw, and was like a where also there was shipping to be seized harquebus, and would carry about twelve bul-upon; and said, that a very great sum of money lets and a slug. And this business was chiefly ly directed by one Boyes, who was much with Sindercome, and is a man of somewhat a low stature, and small boned, brownish hair curling to flaxen, sanguine complexion, and wore his beard long. Being asked where the said Boyes lodged, and what he was, he saith he cannot tell, nor could ever learn, but often went be And this examinant further saith, that Boyes did assure them, that when the Protector was dispatched, forces were to come over from Flanders in ships, to be hired of the Dutch with the king of Spain's money, and that then also a great part of the fleet would fall off; but saith he cannot tell the particulars of these things, but hath heard and believes that col. Sexby is the man, that doth agitate these affairs at Brussels. was to be given to have such a place; but he is not able to say, whether they have any assurance of any such thing, but thinks they have not as yet. But doth believe that their design is going on for taking away the life of the Protector, and that this deficiency will not hinder the prosecution thereof; and that he believes there are thirty or forty men engaged therein, and they will order it so, that not above two | colonel quite out of it, which they will endea shall know of one another, until it be ready to vour to do, and then will fit all things for the be executed, only there shall be one person, purpose. And being asked where money is who shall know the whole number; and this had for managing those things, he saith, he is person, he thinks, is Boyes. This examinant not able to say that; it is Boyes, who provided further saith, that there was a design to take it all. And saith, that he heard Boyes say, that away the Protector's life the first day of the the Protector had got some of their money, but parliament, as he went thither, and there was that they should be supplied with more. And a trunk of blunderbusses and scrued guns car- being asked, what chief persons in England ried into a chamber at a sempster's shop in they relied upon for carrying on the business, King-street, on the left hand of the street as we saith, that he believes, that col. Overton was go to Westminster, taken by Boyes for that the chief, but that he was in prison. purpose, the intention being to shoot the Pro- And being further asked about the design of tector as he went by in his coach: but it ap-killing the Protector the day he went to the pearing that there was not any possible way of parliament-house, he saith, that he was engag escaping out of the house, they were discouraged by Boyes, to be one that should shoot, be ed from that enterprize. Then they hired part of an house, which is next to the east door of the abbey-church, and on the right hand, thinking to shoot him as he went from the sermon to the parliament-house: they hired it of a colonel, who knew nothing of the business, he keeping only a room or two himself; but they having not time to make conveniences, and finding so many people standing on both sides the way, before the Protector came by, and as he passed, they durst not do any thing, for fear of being discovered before they shot; but saith, that house stands so conveniently, both for escaping after the fact, and for all other purposes, that it is resolved to make use of it upon the next occasion, if they can get the ing brought acquainted with him by Sinder- See also 6 Thurloe's State Papers, pp. 7, and 90. 202. The Trial of Sir HENRY SLINGSBY*, knt. before the High Court of Justice, for High Treason: 10 CHARLES II. A.D. 1658. THE High Court being set, and the names of the Commissioners being called, the serjeant at arms was commanded to fetch the prisoner to the bar. Sir Henry Slingsby was brought acMr. Mordaunt's declining the way formerly resolved upon (which it was not possible to con vey to him in that instant, nobody being suf fered to speak with him) and being brought to the bar as soon as the other was removed from it, persisted in the same resolution, and spoke only against the illegality of the court; which, upon better information, and before the judg ment was pronounced against him, he desired to retract, and would have put himself upon his trial: but they then refused to admit him; and so sentence of death was pronounced against them both; which they both underwent with great Christian courage. After mentioning Mr. Mordaunt's acquittal, lord Clarendon proceeds: "Sir Henry Slingsby, and poor Dr. Hewet, had worse fortune; and their blood was the more thirsted after for the other's indemnity; and the court was too severely reprehended, to commit the same fault again. The former had lain two years in prison in Hull, and was brought now up to the Tower, for fear they might not discover enough of any new Plot, to make so many formidable examples, as the present conjuncture required. They had against him evidence enough (besides his incorrigible fidelity to the crown from the first assaulting it) that he had contrived, and contracted with some officers of Hull, about "Sir Henry Slingsby, as is said before, was the time that the earl of Rochester had been in the first rank of the gentlemen of Yorkshire; in Yorkshire two years before, for the delivery and was returned to serve as a member in the of one of the block-houses to him for the king's parliament that continued so many years, service: nor did he care to defend himself he sat till the troubles begun; and having no against the accusation; but rather acknow-relation to, or dependence upon the court, he ledged, and justified his affection, and owned was swayed only by his conscience to detest bis loyalty to the king, with very little compli- the violent and undutiful behaviour of that par ment, or ceremony to the present power. The liament. He was a gentleman of a good unother, Dr, Hewet, receiving no information of derstanding, but of a very melancholic nature, where |