An exact and faithful narrative of the horrid conspiracy of Thomas Knox, William Osborne, and John Lane, to invalidate the testimonies of Dr. Titus Oates, and Mr. William Bedlow by charging them with a malicious contrivance against the E. of Danby, and the said Dr. Oates with an attempt of sodomy wherein are exemplified from the originals I. Four forged letters dictated by Thomas Knox, II. Five false informations, one paper of memorials, and one other information against Dr. Oates for sodomy, forged by Knox in the names of Lane and Osborne, III. The informations, depositions, examinations, and confessions of the said Knox, Osborne, and Lane, taken upon oath before Sir William Waller and Edmund Warcup, Esq., IV. An account of some depositions taken before the Lords Committees of Secresie, relating thereunto, V. The breviates of the councel for the King at the trials of the said Knox and Lane, Nov. 25, 1679, wherein full satisfaction is given to the world of the whole cause, by the particular evidences of the witnesses in behalf of the King / published by the appointment of me, Titus Oates.

A faithful and particular Account of a most horrid Contrivance of the Papists to in∣validate the evidence of Dr. Titus Oates, by representing his Person scandalous, and his veracity questionable, which accursed design was managed by Thomas Knox, William Osburn, and John Lane, as the Instruments, but governed by wiser heads then their own.

When I have informed the Reader that Mr. Knox, was formerly servant to the Lord Dumblain, Son to the Earl of Danby, he will easily suggest to himself the reason why he was so active an Instrument in this great affair: and when he shall know also that Mr. Osburn, and Mr. Lane were or had been Servants to Dr. Oates, he will easily justify the prudence of the Confederates to draw them by the greatest promises and reward into the Confederacy.

But it will be necessary to let the Reader know in a few, and but a few more words, that these lesser and lower wheels only moved according to influence, and direction of greater Politicians, that what ever these common sea-men had to do with the tackle, yet there were more subtle heads that attended the Steerage and Compass.

That Mr. Lane had intimacy with Mrs. Cellier, who was the great Agent between the Lords in the Tower, and the small Engineers that were plying abroad, appears from the deposition of Anne Blake, servant to the said Cellier, as I find in Collonel Manfel's Narrative.

That the Lords in the Tower were mightily concerned for their beloved friend Mr. Lane; Mr. Dangerfield in his Informations of Novemb. 1. 1679 before the Coun∣cilb-oard assures us; when Lane (says he) lay at Powis house, that Lord advised he should be sent out of the way, for (said the Lord Powis) Oates searches for him, and if he be found at my house, 'twould ruine us All.

And this Mr. Lane himself being examined by the Council, Nov. 4. 1679. saies, That he lay at Powis-house a month or six weeks by order of Willoughby, and Mrs. Cellier, from whom he had his diet; That he went by the name of Johnson, fearing to be arrested by Mr. Oates, for what he had testified against him, and in that fear he went down to Greys, near Gravesend, and had a pair of shooes given him by Mr. Willoughby, who also got him out of Prison, which was a chargeable work. And being askt by one of the Lords, whether he had not before the House of Lords, made two contrary Affidavits, he acknowledged that out of fear he did so, but that the first drawn by Willoughby, as Mr. Nevill had directed was true, and the other false.

I shall not need to pursue this point any further: The Lord Powis gives him house-room; Mrs. Cellier paies for his diet; Mr. Willoughby gives him shooes, and gets him out of prison at great rates, but nothing can be too dear to support so precious an Instrument of a design so near and dear to them.

Having gotten an Instrument so fit for the business, their next consultation must be how to manage it with prudence; for they had fresh Instances before their eyes of some that had endeavoured to corrupt the King's Evidence, or to take away the Credit of their Testimony, which had miserably miscarried: These examples, though fresh in memory, were not sufficient to deter them from proceeding in so pious a work, but only ought to caution them to proceed with more advice; and therefore Mr. Knox, who like the Mole under ground, was the grand Agent, must not appear by any means, but seem to be haled into the concern by the repeated importunities of Lane and Osborne; and for this end Mr. Knox finds this the only expedient, to indite several Letters, which being written out by them, or one of them, might be sent with great formality to his own worthy self; wherein they are to intimate to him, that knowing him a person that had a due veneration for the Earl of Danby, they judged him the only meet person whom to acquaint with their secrets; they tell him (or rather he tells himself) how they laboured con∣tinually under the stings of their own consciences, for concealing that which might clear up the Innocency of the said honourable person; that they had tryed seve∣ral waies to divert these black thoughts, but all would not do; still they were pursued by their guilt, and therefore entreat, beseech and importune him that he would put them in a way to exonerate their consciences.

'Tis very true, the only real way to have recovered their peace, (if they could be said to lose what they never had) was to have repented of their horrid and hellish Combination against the Innocency of Dr. Oates, and Captain Bedlow; but it was not a Cure they designed, but a greater wound, not to unload their souls of, but further to charge them with guilt: It was agreed Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow must be guilty, the Catholick Cause required it; and therefore if they could forge a Conspiracy between Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow against the Earl of Danby, it would prove a fatal blow at the root of the House, and the pro∣secution of the Plot must needs fall to the ground.

And if it could be once made out that there had been a Conspiracy against the late Lord Treasurer, it would by consequence go far to prove that all the Evi∣dence that should be given in against the Lords in the Tower, was of the same metal, and would vanish into smoak: And that great man the E. of Danby was so confident of success in the fair promising hopes of Mr. Knoxes Agency, that he delivered himself up at the sitting of the Parliament, to the Usher of the Black Rod, not fearing any colours. But I shall not any longer detain the Reader from looking into the mystery of these Letters.

A true Copy of four Letters, sent from William Osborne and John Lane, to Tho∣mas Knox by the direction of the said Knox, the Original Letters being in the Relators possession.

(Numb. 1.) Superscribed, To Mr. Thomas Knox, these.

Apr. 2. 1679.

SIR,

I Had forgot to tell you, that yesterday morning I left Mr. Oates, the wicked∣ness of whose Conversation, and lewdness of his Person, I could no longer bear, though I had some thoughts of going from him to Mr. Dugdale. My reso∣lution is now changed, and I am resolved to go as soon as I can home to my own Countrey, but I would willingly before I depart, leave London with a good Con∣science, and in order to that, I would discharge my mind of what I know concern∣ing the malicious proceedings of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, against my Lord Treasurer, therefore I do _____ _____ you, if you love my Lord, to put me into a w••y how I may legally discharge my Conscience of that matter which lies heavy on it, and you will eternally oblige him, whom I hope you do believe is

Your true Friend, William Osborne.

I do believe this to be Osborne's hand,

Thomas Knox.

But it seems (for so he would wheedle us to believe him) Mr. Knox was somewhat averse to engage in a Business, whose issue he could not foresee; Alas! the good man was flesh and blood as well as other men, he lov'd to sleep in a whole skin, and saw no reason he had to burn his singers in other mens fire, and therefore shew'd great unwillingness to hearken to them; till Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Lane, with united Forces assault him, and by a second Letter importune him to give some ease to their troubled Consciences, which Letter was dated but two days after the former, so painful was it for these tender-conscienced Gentlemen to lie under the reproaches of their own hearts.

(Numb. 2.) To Mr. Knox at his Lodgings, this.

SIR,

MR. Lane and I are both extremely troubled that we cannot hear from you, and especially in a matter of this high nature, which concerns so near∣ly the Life of my Lord Treasur••••; for we are both very uneasie, and extremely troubled in our minds for fear we should lose time, and my Lord Treasurer should suffer by our neglect, whil••st we can with so safe a Conscience declare to the world, how maliciously he is prosecuted, and what Contrivances are daily practised against him by Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, as you might easily perceive by those Informations, and other Memorials, we at the first time at our meeting shewed you. Sir, It is now three days since our last meeting, and we do now beg you for Gods sake, to inform us how we may legally put an end to this matter; for we are in daily trouble, and fear of our lives, lest those our honest intentions should come to the ears of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, whose tempers we know so well, and the revenge of whose minds are so great, that they would study all the ways imaginable to ruine us, and take away our good names, rather than so true a matter as we have already declared to you should be proved against them; we therefore once more intreat the favor of you, since you are the onely person we dare trust, to do us the justice of a meeting, and we are sure if you have any kind∣ness for my Lord Treasurer, you will not deny it us; and we shall then with the same care that we have done before, endeavour to clear our Consciences to you of all the matter we know spoken either against His Sacred Majesty, the Lord Treasurer, or any other person whatsoever: which is all at present, from

Your faithful Friends, William Osborne, John Lane.

Pray do not fail to meet us at the Cloysters, this afternoon at 4 a clock, Apr. 4. 1679.

I do believe this to be Lane's and Osborne's hand,

Tho. Knox.

An Endorsement to the foregoing Letter, Memorand. That I met with Mr. Lane and Mr. Osborne, according to the contents if this Letter, and they there told me, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow were to sup at the Palsgraves-head.

All this while Mr. Knox, must seem to keep great state, and to hold off from intermedling in an affair of so high a nature, and therefore Osborne and Lane re∣solve to attaque him with a third Letter, wherein they express the trouble of their minds for which they can find no ease, till they have revealed to some per∣son of Honour, and Secresie, what they knew against Mr. Oates, and Captain Bedlow; that so they might not draw the guilt of innocent blood upon their own heads, which they must inevitably do, if they suffer the Earl of Danby to perish, when they understood so much of the Conspiracy of Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow against him, as being revealed, would make him appear to all the world to be innocent.

(Numb. 3.) Superscribed, To Mr. Knox, these.

Apr. 6. 1679.

SIR,

SInce our last meeting, we have not any thing new to communicate unto you, by reason that we had suggested all that we formerly knew into those Pa∣pers which at our first meeting we shewed unto you; And as we are sure there is nothing contained in those Papers and Memorials, but what is really true, and what we may with a safe Conscience swear to; so lest you should suspect our fi∣delity and stedfastness in this Affair, we do now make it our request unto you, that we may be speedily brought before some Person of Honour and Secresie, to take our Oaths of what we have already related. And I hope you will pardon us, if we once again press your hastening of this matter, because if it should chance to come by any accident to Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlows ears, we are confident they would with as much malice contrive our Ruine, as they have already done my Lord Treasurers; but we hope God will preserve us from their mercy, and the Nation from believing them, which is all at present from

Your true Friends, William Osborne, John Lane.

Pray meet us at six a clock at the Cloysters, for we have a great desire to see you, and pay the Bearer.

I do believe this to be Lane's hand,

Tho. Knox.

Mr. Knox yet thought not these Letters which he had dictated, to be sufficient to clear him from all suspicion of Practice and Confederacy, unless he had also contrived this fourth, wherein the main Artifice lay to answer an Objection, why they had not revealed this great Secret to some other person long before this; to which he invents an Answer for them, that they had already discover'd it to one Mr. Thuer of the Guard, but he being a prudent and wary person as well as Mr.Knox, advised them to Secresie for their own sake; but that indeed their Consciences were so clamorous, that they must needs obey its dictates. The Let∣ter is as follows.

(Numb. 4.) Superscribed, To Mr. Knox, these.

SIR,

THat you may be the better satisfied, that what we have related to you is all truth, and what we have done we have been urged to by our own Consciences, we must needs tell you that we did reveal this matter before we ever saw you, to Captain Thuer of the Guard, who, if you are acquainted with him, would give you an account, that what we say to you, we had formerly told him of, though at the same time he advised us to Secresie for our own sakes; but our Con∣sciences were so troubled that we could not contain it, and therefore chose you, who Mr. Wiggins told Mr. Lane was a very honest young man, and loved my Lord Treasurer, and he was sorry he was brought to trouble by him, but that it was his Master Mr. Bedlow made him do it: Therefore I hope you think we have no design upon you, but that we will clear you, and our selves, whenever it shall please God that we shall be called to justifie what we have already declared.

Your faithful Friends, William Osborne, John Lane.

Apr. 10 1679. at 10 a clock in the morning.

I do believe this to be Osborne, and Lane's hand,

Tho. Knox.

HAving given a true Copy of those Letters, it will be requisite to let the Reader into the inside of this Conspiracy: Know then, that Mr. Knox and his Crew had beaten their brains long, and used better brains than their own to draw up certain Informations, of the wickedness of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, which they kept ready in bank against the good time they should meet with some Justice of the Peace that would serve the Design: They went to Mr. Justice Cheyney, at Chelsey, and humbly prayed him to take their Infor∣mations upon Oath, but he desired to be excused, alledging, that it seemed a matter of State, and that it was not proper for his Cognizance: They make an attempt also upon Mr. Justice Dewy, who used the same Plea; but yet turn∣ing every Stone, they got an Affidavit lodged at last with Sir James Butler, who owned before the Council-Board, Novemb. 2. 1679. that he took an Af∣fidavit of Lane about Buggery charged upon Mr. Oates, and that a woman came with the same Lane to him.

These Informations were the life and soul of the whole Intrigue; into which they had emptied whatever of malice they had conceived against the Doctor, or of affection to their grand Patron the Earl of Danby; and that I may not be wanting to the full satisfaction of the Inquisitive, I shall give them a view of all those Informations, which they kept ready cut and dryed for service upon all occasions.

[Numb. 1.] The Information of Thomas Knox sworn before me this _____ _____ day of _____ _____ 1679.

THIS Informant doth upon his Oath declare, that on the first of this pre∣sent April, there came one William Osborne to the Informant in the Painted-Chamber in Westminster, and told to him the said Informant, that he had something of moment to reveal to him; and did also desire the Informant to go with him into the Abby, and he would reveal it to him; upon which the said Osborne, and the Informant being together, the said Osborne did tell the Informant, that his conscience was mightily troubled for that he found the Lord Treasurer was maliciously prosecuted by Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, for that he having been a servant to Mr. Oates, and had often heard Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow consult together, in Mr. Oates his Chamber in Whitehall, and resolve how they might contrive a way whereby to destroy my Lord Treasurer: And that he had chosen to reveal this secret, and ease his conscience to the Informant, rather than to any one else, because he thought he would keep it secret, for his own sake, because he had already suffered by endeavouring to serve the said Lord Treasurer, and thereupon the said Osborne shewed to the Informant some Papers written, as he told the Informant, all in his own hand, and which were relating to the said Lord Treasurer, upon which the said Informant told the said Osborne, that he was no servant of the said Lord Treasurers, and did not there∣fore desire to meddle in it; and that particularly, because he had never spoke with the said Osborne before, and desired to be excused; upon which the said Osborne did press the Informant, and withall did tell him, that if he did not assist him in this Affair, it was resolved both by him, and one Mr. Lane, that they would come in on the day of the said Lord Treasurers Tryal, and declare the truth concerning what they knew, concerning the malicious Design of the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, against the said Lord Treasurer; for that they could not rest for fear he should suffer innocently, whilst they could with so good a con∣science, as they thought, save him: And the said Osborne did withall declare, that the aforesaid Mr. Lane was resolv'd to speak to the Informant, upon the fore∣said matter: And the said Lane did accordingly upon the said first of April, in the evening, meet the Informant, and shewed him some Papers, wherein he had taken several memorials, relating to His Majesty, the Queen, my Lord Trea∣surer,

and several other persons, and did withall declare to the Informant, that his conscience was so troubled to see the malicious proceedings of the said Mr. Oates and Bedlow against the said Lord Treasurer, that he could not rest in his bed, until he had disburdened it, by telling the Truth; and if he had not met with this Informant, he was resolved to declare it speedily to some one else, or come himself at the day of the said Lord Treasurers Trial, and there declare all that he knew relating to that Affair, and did withal conjure the Informant, as also the said Osborne, to keep all they had told him secret; for if it should come to the Ears of the said Mr. Oates and Bedlow, they would endeavour to poison, or murder them, the said Osborne and Lane, the first time they should see them.

Tho. Knox.

That this information was penn'd with some cunning, will appear to the narrow observer: Let it be noted how the Informant answers tacitly the objections before hand, which he might easily foresee would be made: It would be said, how came Mr. Lane to entrust so great a secret to you, being a meer stranger? This he obviates by saying: That Osborne chose to reveal this secret to him, rather than any one else, because he thought he would keep it secret for his own sake; be∣cause he had already suffered by endeavouring to serve the Lord Treasurer. Again it might be objected to Mr. Knox, that he was so nearly related to the Lord Treasurer, that his testimony seem'd to savour of partial affection: This he prevents by say∣ing: That he was no Servant of the Lord Treasurers, and therefore did not desire to meddle in it: It might be objected; that this informant Knox, and Osborne, were possibly great Intimates, and therefore might have laid their heads together to con∣trive this business against Dr. Oates, but this he obviates and wards off the objection by saying, That he had never spoken with Osborne before. But I proceed to the second Information.

[Number 2.] The Information of William Osborne and John Lane taken, &c.

THese Informants do voluntarily upon their Oaths declare, that on or about the beginning of March last Mr. Oates being at Dinner in his Chamber at Whitehall, with several other persons, the names of whom the Informants do not well remember, the said Mr. Oates did then say, that Wee (which was his frequent way of mentioning the King) have not gone to bed sober this four years, and that Wee did never use to do so before this French Bitch came over, (which was his usual way of mentioning the Du••chess of Portsmouth.) And the said Mr. Oates falling into discourse concerning Mr. Cheffins, said, that Mr. Cheffins was a fit com∣panion for the King, but he should not be so for him, for that he is a pittiful beggarly Rogue, and the first-born Son of a Whore, and that his Father was a Pimp, and his Mother a common Bawd: And the said John Lane can testifie that the said Mr. Oates did at the same time say, That the King had kissed Mr. Cheffins his Tool. And that the said Informants having been one day abused by the said Mr. Oates, and desiring therefore to depart from him; the said Mr. Oates then told the Informants, that though they might perhaps know something prejudicial, to say against him, yet he did not fear what they could do or say, for that the House of Commons, and the whole Kingdom, would be of his side, and believe his word, before their Oaths. These Informants do farther upon their Oaths declare, that the said Mr. Oates is so wicked and lewd a man, that they could not endure to live longer with him, for that he is either perpetually calling them base and scandalous names, or else endeavouring to feel them by the Members, & lewdly kissing them; for which cause, and abhorrency of what might follow, they durst never remain long alone with him, but were willing to leave him at the first opportunity.

• William Osborne.
• John Lane.

I do believe this to be Osborns hand;

Tho. Knox.

The Matters of this Information are so offensive to Pious Ears, and scandalous to others, that it had been unpardonable to exemplifie them, but that their False∣hood is their own Antidote; and whoever knows Dr. Oates must confess him a person who has learnt the moderation of the Tongue to that exactness, that he could not possibly be guilty of such Extravagancies; all the good that I know in them is this, That the Incredibility of these Stories will teach us to bear little Faith to the Testimonies of Osborn and Lane in other Cases, even when they would ob∣trude upon our Belief more modest and plausible Falsehoods.

A few Remarks shall discharge the Reader of this lewd Information.

And first, It appears that the Consciences of Osborn and Lane were of the same elevation to a degree, to a minute, that they both swore in a Quill; how else could they jump in that Expression; Several other persons whose Names the Infor∣mants do not well remember. It was a mysterious Union of Souls, that neither should remember one person in the Company, but withal it was prudently fore∣seen; for had they mentioned any one single person there upon the place, that per∣son they knew well would have routed the main Body of their Information. But that which satisfies the World that 'twas meer Confederacy, is, That they should both remember or forget to a Hairs breadth; they do not well remember! and this will prove them very unfit Instruments for a cleaver Lye, seeing they had so bad Memories.

A second thing is this, That it will appear in the sequel of their Informations taken upon Oath, that whereas he was now prepared to swear, That the word Wee, which these Informants would make to refer to the King, if it referred to any, was to another person of whom it was too great, but too horrid a Scan∣dal.

[Number 3.] The Information of W. Osborn, Gent. sworn before me this _____ _____ day of _____ _____ 1679.

THis Informant doth upon his Oath declare, That Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow held several Consultations, conspiring how or which way they could contrive something whereby to make my Lord Treasurer appear a Traytor, and thereby to destroy him, and that particularly on or about the beginning of February last; when Mr. Bedlow being in Mr. Oates's Chamber in White-Hall, and then being in some Dis∣course concerning the Lord Treasurer, the said Mr. Oates did then, in the hearing of the Informant, declare to the said Mr. Bedlow, That he did not doubt but to bring it to pass, that the Lord Treasurer should be tryed for his life amongst the rest of the Lords then in the Tower, for he would be revenged on him for advising the King against him and the aforesaid Mr. Bedlow, to which the said Mr. Bedlow did give him Consent and Assistance.

And not long after the Contrivance before-mentioned held between the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, Mr. Bedlow came to Mr. Oates's Chamber, in White-Hall, and there did say, That he had now found out a way to do the said Lord Treasu∣rer's business, and that he had been lately with the Lord Treasurer, with an order for Money, and that he had since contrived with himself that he would now swear that the Lord Treasurer had offered him Money to go beyond Sea, and thereby quash his Evidence; and the said Mr. Bedlow did also at the same time say, that, I will warrant you (at the same time speaking to Mr. Oates) this will do the Rogue's Business for him, and the said Mr. Oates did at the same time reply, You could ne∣ver have thought of a more complete and dextrous way than this of doing it, and this the Informant doth aver was all said in his hearing.

W. Osborn.

The third Information carries its own Confutation in its Fore-head, (and it's great pity that all false Accusers have not their Crimes engraven there with a hot Iron) for how bereft of their Understandings must Dr. Oates and Captain Bed∣low be suppos'd, that would contrive this Villany against the Lord Treasurer, in the hearing of a shabby Servant, who for Bread came into his Service, and for bet∣ter

Fare would quit it at a days warning? It had been equally credible, had Osborn sworn that they had proclaimed it by the Common Cryer, for such is every tem∣porary Servant presumed to be, who only waits to make his Market, and mend his Condition upon the next offer of advantages.

[Number 4.] The Information of John Lane, sworn before me this _____ _____ day of _____ _____ 1679.

THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the first of March last, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow being in a Consult toge∣ther in Mr. Oates's Chamber, in White-Hall, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow did call in the Informant into the said Chamber, and demanded of him, Whether any one belonging to my Lord Treasurer had been tampering with him, or offering him Money to reveal to them what the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow had design∣ed or contrived to say or do against the said Lord Treasurer; whereupon the said Informant did then declare to them, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, That there never had been any such thing offered him; upon which Answer of the Infor∣mant, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow did encourage the said Informant, if hereafter any such Overture should be made of Monies, that he should reveal it un∣to them, and they would make use of it to the ruine of the said Lord Treasurer, and they would withal give him such Instructions how to manage this Affair, that the Informant should receive the Monies offered him, for his own use, and tell the persons with whom he treated nothing but Lyes, which they would readily instruct him in, and let the World say what it would, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow vowed to the Informant to stitch the said Lord Treasurer's Arse, and to do his bu∣siness for him if they lived.

John Lane.

I do believe this to be Lane's hand.

Tho. Knox.

This fourth Information labours under the same Absurdity with the former, That Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow should be in a Consult together, about Mischief, and yet call in this Informant for a Witness; which indeed had been all a-case to them who could as easily swear at a hundred Miles distance, as present in the Room; but that they should advise this Lane to tell Lyes and Falsehoods, and openly threaten to do the Lord Treasurer's work for him, was both incredible and vain, for if that Noble Person had not done his own work for himself, all the World could never have done it for him.

[Number 5.] The Information of W. Osborn, Gent. sworn before me this _____ _____ day of _____ _____

THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the first of March last, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow being alone together in Mr. Oates's Chamber, in White-Hall, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow did call in the Informant, and did, in a wheedling manner, ask of him whether any Gentleman belonging to my Lord Treasurer, or any other person, had been endeavouring to corrupt him, or offer him any Reward to reveal to them what the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow had designed or intended to say or do against the said Lord Treasu∣rer; whereupon the said Informant did then protest to them, the said Mr. Oates and Bedlow, that never any person whatsoever had offered to him any thing of that na∣ture, upon which true Answer of the Informant's, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bed∣low did encourage the said Informant, that if hereafter any such thing should be en∣deavoured, either of Money or any other Reward, that he should presently reveal it unto them, and they would make such use of it as would destroy the said Lord Treasurer; and they did withal give him such instructions how to manage this whole Affair, that he might receive the monies offer'd him, for his own use, and

tell the person with whom he treated nothing but lyes and false stories, which they would instruct him readily in; and let the World imagine what it would of them, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow vowed, in the Informants presence, to ruine the said Lord Treasurer to all intents and purposes.

William Osborne.

I do conceive this to be Osborne's hand.

Tho. Knox.

[Number 6.] Several Memorials of John Lane, and William Osborne's, delivered April 2. 1679. Memorial 1.

ABout the time when Mr. Coleman was tryed for his Life, and Mr. Titus Oates did impeach the Queen, and was therefore confined to his Chamber, and no body suffered to speak to him in private, his Fa∣ther and I coming about Eight a Clock at Night from Westminster-Hall, he bid me, if possible I could speak to his Son, deliver him words from him to this pur∣pose, that he should not fear, nor be daunted, but chear up, and Impeach the Woman, since he so well knew that Mr. Bedlow was resolved to assist him in his E∣vidence against her. (which Woman Old Mr. Oates, Father to Mr. Titus Oates, did explain afterwards to me to be the Queen) This was written by me, and copied by George Neal, who then served Mr. Titus Oates, and who told me he delivered those words in writing under a Dish of Meat to Mr. Titus Oates, who privately put it in his Pocket. This I took notice of, because we all then thought, and Mr. Oates told us, that he had no body to assist him in the Evidence against the Queen.

John Lane.

I do believe this to be Lane's hand.

Tho. Knox.

These Memorials were the first Papers which Lane and Osborne shewed to Knox upon their first meeting (as they have said it in their Notes,) but in truth, were the contrivance of Knox, out of which they might form their Affidavits, when mat∣ters were ripe.

The Design of it seems first to make the Father as wise as the Son, that is, nei∣ther of them to have more Wit than they were born with; that an Ancient Gen∣tleman who had seen so much of the world as he had done, and well knew under what Circumstances his Son then was, should reveal his evil designs, if he had any, to a Servant, is something more than improbable, that is, incredible: But the main design was to intimate, that Mr. Oates was but a single Testimony in the case, till Mr. Bedlow by Conspiracy came in to strengthen him.

Memorial 2.

WHen the Queen used to go to Somerset-House to Chappel, and the Drums beat at her going by, Mr. Oates used frequent∣ly to go to the Window to see her, he would then frequently say, where is our Gammer, or our Dame Short-Arse going now? She is going to Godfrey-Hall, I'le warrant you, amongst the rest of the Crew, to say Mass, &c. but I will warrant you she will not go long there: This was his usual contemptuous way of speaking of the Queen when ever he saw her; and this we have several times took parti∣cular notice of to one another.

• John Lane.
• William Osborne.

I do believe this to be Lane's and Osborne's hands.

Tho. Knox.

The Scandalous Expressions herein falsly imputed to Dr. Oates strike not at the main of the Cause, but were forged to draw the displeasure of their Majesties up∣on him, under which prejudices they knew he must needs sink, if once they made the desired Impressions upon their Royal Breasts: but the discerning Spirit of his Majesty would soon look through these Cobwebs; nor do we find that Dr. Oates suffer'd in the gracious thoughts of his Majesty.

Memorial 3.

A little after the Election for Parliament-men in Tuttle-fields, his Majesty sent one of his Officers to Mr. Titus Oates, with Com∣mands not to go out of White-Hall and S. James's Park without leave, which Mr. Oates did promise upon the Faith of a Minister punctually to obey: yet notwith∣standing his promise he went out the sametime, and went privately to Southwark in a Coach, with us in his company; and when he came there, great Multitudes of people flock'd after him, and there he made Speeches to the Rabble, desiring them to chuse whom he would recommend, which should be one that was his Counsel, and assisted him in saving the Nation, and that they were beholding to him for all their safeties; and he was sure that this man (who was Mr. Smith) would stand up for the Cause, and defend their Liberties. This was said in our hearing, and we took notice of it, because he met with one Mr. Collier, of the Guard of Yeomen, and bid him be secret, and not tell that he saw him abroad, and gave him a Bottle of Sack; and this he hath done several other times after he hath engaged not to go without the King's leave.

• John Lane.
• W. Osborne.

I do believe this to be Lane's and Osborne's hands.

Tho. Knox.

Had this been true, it had been in it self neither Fellony nor Treason, the great∣est Account it could turn to, was obliquely to wound his Reputation, whom they had represented, as a person whose Evidence must be of no weight, seeing he had falsifyed in a promise made to his Majesty in verbo sacerdotis; but the Inno∣cency of the Doctor has scattered thicker Clouds of Obloquy and Slander, than this wretched Calumny.

The Information of John Lane sworn this _____ _____ day of _____ _____ 1679.

THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the 24th or 25th of March last, about 7 of the Clock in the morning, Mr. Titus Oates sent all his Servants to the King's Chappel in White-Hall, except this Infor∣mant; and when they were all gone to Chappel he call'd this Informant in to him, to help to dress him, and as soon as the Informant had put on the said Mr. Oates's Breeches, and Stockins, and Morning-Gown, he took this Informant into his Bed-Chamber, and there he told the Informant, That he must take his Penance: where∣upon he made the Informant lye down upon the Bed with his Breeches down, and gave him nine lashes with a lash of three small Ropes with a knot at each end, which he usually kept in his Pocket for that purpose, (which usage the Informant durst not deny lest he should call to the Sentinel to take hold of him, and say to the said Sentinel, That the Informant would have offered Violence to him, which was his usual way of threatning the Informant, if he durst at any time resist his Cruel Usage) and after he had severely lash'd him, he took the said Informant by the hand, and clapt his hand eagerly about his Neck and kiss'd him, and put his hand into the Codpiece of the Informant's Breeches, and took him by the Privy-Mem∣bers, and said that he would be Friends with the Informant; and at the same time when Mr. Oates's hand was in the Informant's Breeches, and held him by the Members, the said Mr. Oates unbutton'd the Informant's Breeches with the other hand, and commanded and forced with an angry Countenance with his hand the Informant to lye down upon his Belly upon the Bed, and the said Mr. Oates lay'd down by the Informants side, and told the Informant, that he had a mind to see whether his back-side were flea'd enough, and when he saw that it look'd red, he took the Informant about the middle, and kiss'd him in a lascivious manner; and at the same time the said Mr. Oates thrust his Belly against the said Informant's side, and did with his naked Privy-Members press the said Informant's Body hard: and the said Informant doth further upon his Oath declare, had not a VVoman that was sweeping the next Room kept a noise (which made him think the rest of the Ser∣vants were come from Prayers) he would grievously have abused the Body of the

Informant, and would certainly have bugger'd him; and the Informant durst not cry out, for fear of being seiz'd by the Sentinels, as aforesaid; and this the said Informant doth swear he had tempted to do several other times before.

John Lane.

I do believe this to be Lane's hand.

Tho. Knox.

The Information subscribed by Lane, as Knox testifies under his own hand, was after some time made upon Oath before Sir James Butler; for so Lane himself con∣fesses before the Council, Novemb. 4. 1679. for which see Col. Mansell's Narrative, p. 64. and Sir James Butler himself owns the taking an Affidavit of Lane, about Buggery, charg'd upon Mr. Oates, November the second, see the same Narrative, pag. 50.

In which Information Lane acted both maliciously against Dr. Oates, and wa∣rily for himself; for though he had a great mind the Doctor's Person and Evidence should be soundly disparaged, yet he loved himself too well to be hang'd; and therefore he lays the Crime not to be committed, (which would have stretch'd his own Neck,) but only attempted, which was enough to throw Dirt upon the Do∣ctor's Conversation, and blemish his Testimony.

Now because a Crime of so high and horrid guilt, so contrary to Nature, and above the common Standard of Villanies, would never gain credit amongst those who knew the former method of the Doctors Conversation, they had drawn the Information with so good advice, that there was an Answer insinuated to the com∣mon Objections that might be made against the truth of it: As first, why did not Lane cry out for help upon the Attempt made upon him? to this you are furnish'd with an Answer, it was this, The Informant durst not cry out for fear of being seized by the Sentinels. It seems he was more afraid of the Sentinels than of the Gallows. But it might be asked, Why was not the Fact committed as well as attempted? to this he hints a fine Answer; that had not a Woman that was sweeping kept a noise (which made him think the rest of the Servants were come from Prayers) he would grievously have abused the Body of the Informant. This old Woman was indeed handsomely contrived, and so the Poets introduce some God from Heaven to salve all Difficulties, when their own Plots have render'd matters intricate; but should we ask Lane, how the Doctors severe whipping and lashing him with Cords was a proper inducement to Lane's yielding to his Lust, which certainly would have rais∣ed other passions, and why he did not swear that Dr. Oates gave him Sweet meats, rather than such severe Penance. I know not what he would answer, but that it was an errour, and they will rectifie it in the next Information.

It is now time, having exemplified all the Letters, Informations, and Memori∣als which were drawn up by themselves, and kept ready to serve the occasion, to proceed to those Informations which were taken upon Oath before some or other of his Majesties Justices for the Peace; only I must leave this Advertisement, That the four Letters, the six Informations, and the Paper containing three Memorials, all of them here transcribed and compared, were by Knox delivered into the hands of Sir William waller, and Mr. Justice Warcup, as he owns upon his Oath before the said Gentlemen.

The Examination of Thomas Knox, lately Servant to the Lord Dumblane, be∣fore us Sir William Waller, and Edmund Warcup, Esquire, two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, and City and Li∣berties of VVestminster, taken by us by Vertue of an Order of the Com∣mittee of Lords.

This Examinant saith, That on the 1st of April, walking in the painted Chamber, W. Osborne came to him and told him, that he being informed that he had lived in the E. of Danby's Family for some time, he had something of moment to commu∣nicate to him, which might be a means to save the Lord Treasurer, where∣upon

this Examinant walked with the said Osborne into the Abby; being in the Abby, Osborne delivered Papers drawn up by way of Information, being five in number, none of them bearing any date, and one Paper of several Memorials of John Lane, and William Osborne: The next day they brought him to the Cloysters in Westminster-Abby, several meetings they had afterwards, and four Letters they wrote to him: About the fifth of April they went together to Mr. Cheyney at Chel∣sey, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace; but he told them, the business being of an high nature, and matter of State, he desired to be excused: About a fortnight after, this Examinant went to Mr. Dewe, upon the same Errand, and received the like Answer as Mr. Cheyney had done; not long after he went likewise to Mr. Secretary Coventrey, who told him, that he being a Member of the House of Commons, by whom the said Lord Treasurer had been Impeached, he could not meddle in that business: None of the forementioned Gentlemen, his Majesties Justices of the Peace, had a sight of any of the Papers, but only upon the Infor∣mation (which this Examinant made in his own Name) they, and Mr. Secretary Coventrey, made the same Answer.

This Examinant being something scrupulous in medling in the business, they told him, that they had been with Captain Thuar formerly, and had acquainted him with this business; and that he had advised them, it being a nice business, to let it alone, till the heat of the Parliament should be a little over: About a fort∣night after that, Will. Osborne and John Lane had communicated these matters to the Examinant, they complaining that they knew not where conveniently to lodge, this Examinant told them he would endeavour to find them Lodgings; and the very same day, by the direction of the Lord Dunblain's Coach-man, went to the Sugar-Loaf in Pickadilly, and took Lodgings on his own account, for him∣self, and two of his Friends, and lay there with them. At the time of their going from the said Lodgings, which was four or five days at most, the said Osborne and Lane paid to this Examinant two Shillings a-piece; and during the time that this Examinant was with them, they constantly paid their Club. This Examinant further saith, that he hath communicated this business to the Lord Latimere, and that he had given the Papers before-mentioned into his hands to be perused, which he hath now delivered into our Custody: He likewise declares neither to have seen or heard of any body coming to them from the Lords in the Tower, or knoweth of their ever having been at the Tower. And further, this Examinant saith, that he never directly or indirectly did supply the said Osborne or Lane with any money, or made them any promise of Reward whatsoever; only he confes∣seth, that at the Tun-Tavern in S. Martin's Lane, he flung down a Guinney on the Table, the said Lane saying he had no money, and promising to repay it; and further this Examinant saith not.

Tho. Knox.

Jurat. coram nobis 29. April, 1679.

William Waller. Edmond Warcupp.

Memorand. That after the aforesaid Examination, he confessed to us both, that he had written a Note this Afternoon (being a Prisoner) to Mr. Osborne, to inform him, that he would be examined this afternoon, (with these other words) We always Clubbed, and you paid two Shillings at the Sugar-Loaf: Tear this. He likewise con∣fessed that he had lain in White-Fryers, being again examined, although before he had denied it.

William Waller. Edmond Warcupp.

[Lane's first Examination.] The Examination of John Lane, Son of Richard Lane, at this time one of the Yeomen of the Guard in Extraordinary to his Majesty, taken in obedience to an Order of the Lords of the Committee, for examining Discoveries relating to

the late Horrid Conspiracy, before us Sir William Waller, and Edmond War∣cupp, Esq two of his Majesties Justices of the Peace, this 29. April. 1679.

This Examinant saith, that he lived with Mr. Oates nine Weeks; about the se∣venth of April last he quitted Mr. Oates his service; whilst he lived with the said Mr. Oates, he saith, he daily sent his Servants to Morning Prayers, reserving one only with him, to dress him: This Examinant saith, that whilst he was his Ser∣vant, he was never charged by Mr. Oates of opening any of his Letters, or of any other misdemeanour: He further saith, that three Informations marked the num∣bers (1) (2) (4) and the Memorial marked number (6) were written by Mr. Wil∣liam Osborne, and were by this Examinant subscribed, none saving the said Osborne being present; and three of the Letters marked (2) (3) and (4) were written by the said William Osborne, and were by this Examinants own hand sub∣scribed, John Lane, none else being present, and thinks that they were truly dated when written. This Examinant confesseth, that he, and Mr. Knox, and Mr. Os∣borne, lay privately this day fortnight in White-Fryers, from the Tuesday to the Saturday following; and from thence they went and lodged in a paved Alley, lead∣ing out of Chancery-Lane into Lincolns-Inn-fields, and there they rested all the next day, which was Easter-day, and the Night: On Monday they removed into Picka∣dilly, to the Sign of the three Sugar-Loaves, and there continued till Friday last, at which time he was taken. These three forementioned Lodgings were taken by Mr. Knox; and this Examinant, and Mr. Osborne, deliver'd their share of Charges from time to time, both for Diet and Lodging, to the said Mr. Knox; and then the said Mr. Knox paid all the expences to the persons to whom it was due, but not in their presence.

This Examinant saith, that he, Mr. Knox, and Mr. Osborne, once being at the One-Tun-Tavern in St. Martins-Lane, Mr. Knox threw a Guinney on the Table, which this Examinant saith he took up, and put it into his Pocket, Mr. Knox then saying, that it should never be said I gave you any money. And he further saith, that never at any time, either Mr. Knox, or any other person, directly or indirectly, gave him either any money, or promised him any Reward whatsoever, for thus accusing Mr. Oates; neither was he by Mr. Knox, or any other person, ever perswaded to swear for the Lords in the Tower, or the Lord Treasurer, and further this Exami∣nation saith not.

John Lane.

Jurat. corum nobis,

Will. Waller. Edmund Warcupp.

Hitherto we find Mr. Lane keeps close to the Cause, and stands his ground; only the Guinney dropt at the Tun-Tavern in St. Mertins-Lane, and by Mr. Lane put into his own Pocket, administers some suspicion that there was some practice in the business, and especially those words which Knox dropt with the Guinney do greatly confirm it; It shall never be said I gave you any money.

But we are now entring upon those Informations which testifie at once Mr. Lane's relentings, though not his repentings, and therefore I shall subjoyn two more of Mr. Lane's Examinations, which will discover the depths of this Roguery; though a little out of time-order.

[Lane's second Examination.] A further Examination of John Lane, Son to Richard Lane, at this time one of the Yeomen of the Guard to His Majesty, taken by me at the earnest suite and request of the said John Lane, this _____ _____ of _____ _____ 1679.

This Examinant having been this day brought to the door of the Commitee of Lords, in order to a further Examination of what he had formerly deposed, being

brought back to the Prison without having appeared before the Lords; the Commit∣tee having, by reason of the King's being come to the House, adjourn'd the hear∣ing of the Ex••minant until Fryday morning; this Examinant being touched and pricked in his own Conscience with a real and hearty remorse and sorrow for the great Guilt he had contracted, in falsely swearing and accusing Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, desired one Mr. R••cks, one of the Yeomen of the Guard, to endeavour to find out Sir Will. Waller, to beg his pardon, and to let him know that he was now fully convinced of his sin, and should confess the whole naked truth, though he should expose his own Reputation to ruine, rather than encrease his Guilt by justi∣fying of what in his own Conscience he is convinced to be false.

This Examinant declareth, that the first time he ever met Mr. Thomas Knox, it was at the Sign of the Hole in the Wall in Duffins Alley in Kings-street, and that there Mr. Knox advised him what he should say concerning Mr. Oates, in Refe∣rence to any discourse either of the King, Queen, or Lord Treasurer; that at this Examinatnt's coming to that House, he was not to ask for Mr. Knox, but for the Number (3) After some discourse there how they should contrive an accusation of Mr. Oates, The said Knox gave this Examinant directions how to do it; and it be∣i••g late they broke up their meeting: This first meeting happened to be on the Tues∣day, or Wednesday, before he left Mr. Oates: The second meeting was agreed to be at the Owle in King-street, on the Sunday following, at three of the Clock in the Af∣ternoon, and whoever should come first, should ask for the Figure of (3) at the Bar, but Mr. Knox, having some other extraordinary business they made no stay, or came to any Resolution; but appointed a third meeting, which to the best of this Examinant's memory was at the Kings-Armes in the Bowling-Alley: but the said Mr. Knox not coming at the appointed time, the Examinant, and Osborn walked in the Cloysters, and had not been there long but Mr. Knox came to them, whereupon, immediately they took Coach, and went directly to Chelsea, to Mr. Cheyney, where they were to swear some things against Mr. Oates, according to Mr. Knox's Instructions, in behalf of the Lord Treasurer: This Examinant, and the said Osborn stayed in the Coach, whilest Knox (as he told this Examinant, and Osborn) went to speak with Mr. Cheyney, who stayed not very long; and at his return told them that Mr. Cheyney refused to meddle in the business, whereupon they return'd to White-Hall. This Examinant being yet in Mr. Oates his service: The Monday following this Examinant came away from Mr. Oates; and either on that very day, or the day following, had another meeting with Knox, and Osborne at the One Tun Tavern in St. Martins-Lane, by the sign all of the Number (3) where Knox treated this Examinant with Oysters, and Wine; and after they had eaten their Oysters, Mr. Knox, and Osborne, wrote out the Informations, Knox being the Dictator of them; and at the same time the said Knox made this Exami∣nant, and the said Osborne swear secresie: what this Examinant's part was to swear, Knox prevail'd with Osborne to write down, because the Examinant could not write a good hand. The writings being finisht, Knox took them and put them in his pock∣et and paid the reckoning, offering them before hand, if they would either eat, or drink, they might call for whatever they had a mind to; and told them, because it should not be said, he had given them money, he would contrive in a short time to convey some to them, and appointed the same place to meet at the next day by two of the clock, and according to the agreement, they all met at the said place; where af∣ter they had drank a Pint of Sack, he dropped a Guinney on the Table, and told them, that on the next day they should have another; and after they had been by him enjoined secresie, they parted: The next day Osborne (as this Examinant was told by him) he met the said Knox and received a Guinney according to Knox his pro∣mise the day before; the same day as Osborne had received the Guinney of Knox, in the Evening Osborne came to the Examinant's Lodgings in Westminster, and then told this Examinant of the Guinney he had received, and return'd him ten shillings, which the day before this Examinant had lent him: A day or two after

they had another meeting at the Green Dragon in the Pel-mel, and there din∣ed, after Dinner, Mr. Osborn was desired by Knox to write a letter, ac∣cording to such a manner as he would direct, and caused him to date the Letter of a latter date, and direct the said Letter to him, which being done he put up the Letter in his Pocket; and having clubbed in the payment of the Reckoning which came to twelve pence a piece, parted for that time, ap∣pointing a meeting the same night to be at the Rose Tavern in the Pel-mel, to be at nine of the clock, where accordingly we met, and supped together, and conferred with Knox, asking how things went? to which he answered very well! about ten of the clock at night we parted, and came to Westminster, and agreed the next day to meet in a little Alley near the Rose-Tavern in the Pell-mel, at an Ordinary, about seven or eight in the evening, where we met and had a Supper, and at this House Knox took the first lodging for this Ex∣aminant and the said Osborne; and lay there the same night. The next morn∣ing after they had broke their fast, Mr. Knox came to this Examinant and Osborne, and told them that he had provided them another lodging at the Cider-house in Leicester-fields at the sign of the Apple-tree, and at the said Cider-house, this Examinant and Osborne continued from Tuesday or Wednes∣day to Saturday, during which time Knox caused Osborne to write him a Let∣ter, as he should direct him, which he did, and gave it to Knox, who con∣tinually advised both Osborne and Knox, to seem to press him earnestly to engage in this business; on the Saturday this Examinant and Osborne, chang∣ed their lodgings which were provided for them by Knox, in a little paved Alley leading out of little Lincolnes-Inn fields into Chancery-lane, and there the said Knox lay with this Examinant and Osborne, in one and the same bed: The next morning Knox with this Examinant and Osborne (their lodgings being paid for by Knox) went together into Whitefriers, and Knox took lodgings next door to a Musick house, where they all three lodged for near a week, after which time, Mr. Knox having (as he told this Examinant) pay'd the Reckoning; This Examinant, and Osborne, and Knox, removed to their forementioned lodgings in the Paved Alley leading out of little Lincolns Inn fields into Chancery lane, and lay there Easter-eve till Easter-mon∣day, whence the said Knox, and Osborne, with this Examinant removed into Pickadilly to the signe of the three Sugar-loaves a Grocers house, and there this Examinant continued lodged with the said Knox, and Osborne, until last Fryday at which time this Examinant was seized at his Fathers house at the sign of the Wooll-pack in Westminster: This Examinant farther saith, that all charges for diet and lodging in the said respective places were paid, and cleared by Mr. Knox, unless at the Green-Dragon in the Pell-mell, and the Owle in King-street, where this Examinant and the said Osborne paid their Clubs, which to the best of this Examinants memory did not exceed eigh∣teen pence a piece. This Examinant doth further say that by way of en∣couragement the said Knox told Mr. Osborne, in his hearing, that for what he should say in behalf of the Lord Treasurer he should be sure of a consider∣able reward both of Money, and preferment. And the said Knox did like∣wise tell this Examinant for his encouragement that he should want neither money nor a good place as long as he should live: And least any of these proceedings should be discovered, either by William Osbrone, or this Ex∣aminant, the said Knox, told them, that if either of them should make a discovery of him, he would be sure to dispatch them by one meanes or other, and if he should discover then he would freely grant them the same liberty. This Examinant likewise saith, that Knox assured him, he should not doubt

but that the Lords in the Tower would likewise own his kindness to them in Accusing Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow: And further this Examinant saith not, onely humbly begs pardon from God, and of their Lordships for the heinous Crime he stands guilty of,

John Lane.

Coram

William Waller.

A third Examination of John Lane taken by me this third of May, 1679.

This Examinant having recollected himself further saith, that the very day the Lord Treasurer came into the Black Rod, Mr. Knox made this Examinant, and William Osborn swear they would stand to what he had instructed them to write, and said, that if they should not the Lord Treasurer would die; and that he would not have come in but for them; hoping they would swear, as they had been by the said Knox directed: This Examinant further saith, that on Monday last, the Nurse belonging to the Goal, came to him, and told him, he should do well to stick to Mr. Knox; and that a Gentlewoman very well habited came to the Prison, and bid her tell this Examinant, that he should be sure to stick to Mr. Knox, and not be daunted, and what monies foever he should require, tho it were a thousand pounds, he should have it: Whereup∣on this Examinant asked the Nurse, who this Gentlewoman was, to whom she replyed, she would not discover her name, because she would not have her name brought in question, and further this Examinant saith not.

John Lane.

Coram

William Waller.

Mr. Lane seems now to be a Penitent, to have by these two last recanted his first Examination; but we must not flatter our selves too much with his since∣rity? let us have but a little patience, and we shall hear him deny, what ever he has now owned, and justifie what in his first Examination he had justified: He has degorg'd himself in those last Papers, but resolves to lick up his vo∣mit again, and tho he seems to have become a Convert, will ere long prove himself an Apostate: Whether he thought he should make his Fortune better by telling lyes for his Great Master, than by telling truth for the Doctor, or what other Reason may be assigned, Certain it is, that Nov. 4. 1679 before the Lords of the Council, being ask'd, Whether he had not made two contrary Affi∣davits before the House of Lords? he acknowledged that out of fear he did so! but that the first drawn by Willoughby, as Mr. Nevil had directed was true and the other false.

And being flesht in Wickedness, and hardened to his own ruin, he pro∣ceeds to Indict Dr. Oates at the Kings Bench Bar, of the horrid and abominable Crimes mentioned in the foregoing Depositions, tho the Wisdom of the Jury upon the slightness and Inconsistency of his Evidence threwit out and brought in an Ignoramus.

I shall now present to the Reader a true Coppy of the Examination of Wil∣liam Osborn, which opens much of this accursed design against Dr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, which tho full of now proved Truth, yet the Examinant it seems de∣sperately resolved to take his part of shame and punishment with his beloved Accomplices, and is since fled from his own Oath, and the Justice due to Perjury.

The Examination of William Osborn of Cullumpton in the County of Devon, Vintener taken upon Oath in obedience to an Order of the Lords Committees, for examining of Discoveries, relating to the late horrid Conspiracy before Sir

William Waller Baronet, and Edward Wareup, Esq two of His Majesties Justices of the Peace, this 29th day of April, 1679.

Middlesex and Westminster.

This Examinant saith, that he served Mr. Titus Oates from the tenth of December last, to the latter end of March past: That the said Mr. Oates paid this Examinant his Wages very honestly, and his usage was civil, but he some∣times corrected this Examinant for Misdemeanors, at which this Examinant was offended, but never intended any mischief to Mr. Oates for it: And this Examinant farther saith, that Mr. Oates was a passionate man, yet very Reli∣gious, and every morning sent all his Servants to the Kings Chappel to prayers, only ordering some one of them to stay at home to dress him; and he further saith, that he never heard Mr. Oates say, he had any design to accuse the Lord Treasurer, or any ways to destroy him; nor did this Examinant ever hear any discourse between Mr. Bedlow, and Mr. Oates tending to any Accusation a∣gainst the Lord Treasurer; but this Examinant did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Information that Mr. Bedlow gave against the Lord Treasurer, which Mr. Wiggins, Mr. Bedlow Clerk, shewed to this Examinant, after the same was sworn publickly. And this Ex∣aminant further saith, that he never heard Mr. Oates say that he had any acc••••••••i∣on to make against the Queen, or had made any: and the worst word he ever heard him speak of the Queen was, where is our Dame going? which was when he saw the Guard drawn out in the Yard to attend her Majesty. And this Examinant further saith, that one day at Dinner, when Mr. Wharton, Mr. Oates his Father, Dr. Jones and others were present, some discourse happen'd between them about Sir John Robinson, and sometime after the naming of him, Mr. Oates did say these words: We have not gone to bed sober these four years: which Mr. Thurston, Mr. Lane, and this Examinant did think to be spoken of the King, but this Examinant cannot say 'twas spoken of His Majesty, in regard he can give no reason why to apply it so. And he further saith, that he can∣not remember, or call to mind, that he ever heard Mr. Oates speak any undecent words of any passages between His Majesty and Mr. Cheffinch; and this Exami∣nant further saith, that he hath layen several nights with Mr. Oates, but never found he afford the least lascivious or undecent action to this Examinant, but did exhort this Examinant from time to time to lead a good course of Life, free from doing evil, and often made this Examinant to read Sermons, and other Books by him: And this Examinant further saith, That upon the first of April last, Mr. John Lane (now Prisoner with this Examinant in the Gatehouse, and for∣merly fellow servant with this Examinant to Mr. Oates) brought this Exami∣nant to Mr. Knox in the painted Chamber, who thence went to the Cloysters in the Abbey with this Examinant, where he discoursed about the Earl of Dan∣by, and Mr. Knox proposed then to this Examinant, That if this Examinant would swear, That Mr. Bedlow came to Mr. Oates his Chamber, and there said, that he had been with the Earl of Danby, and that the Earl of Danby had pro∣mised him money to go beyond Sea, and that this was a contrived story, between the said Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, to take away the Earl of Danby's Life, that in such case, this Examinant should have enough to maintain this Exa∣minant and a Footboy to attend him. And this Examinant saith, that he met Mr. Knox in the same Cloysters afterwards twice, they two being alone, when he alwayes continued his discourse, and promises of what great rewards this Examinant should have if he would swear that Mr. Bedlow, and Mr. Oates, in this Examinants hearing contrived the design against the Lord Treasurer,

whereby to prove; that the said Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow in this Examinants hearing should say, Come let us contrive a story to ruine the Lord Treasurer, and that Mr. Bedlow should within a day or two after come to Mr. Oates and say, now I have found out a way to do the Rogues business for him: I will swear he hath offer'd me money to go beyond Sea, and that Mr. Oates should reply, you could never have thought of a better way. And this Examinant was to swear, that all these things were spoken in this Examinants hearing: And upon these Conditions Mr. Knox promis'd this Examinant sufficient reward. And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Lane was not to swear to these things, (as Mr. Knex told this Examinant.) And this Examinant further saith, that He, Mr. Lane, and Mr. Knox, met several times together, and when Mr. Knox had a∣ny thing to say to this Examinent, he took him aside in the Room; and when he had any thing to say to Mr. Lane, he took him aside also, and so discoursed them severally: But about this Tuesday was a fortnight, Mr. Knox took a lodg∣ing for this Examinant, Mr. Lane, and himself, in White Friers at the three Flower de Luces, where they lodged, till the Saturday night following, and in that time Mr. Knox dictated to this Examinant, what should be this Exa∣minants, and John Lanes Depositions, and they were written once before at the one Tun Tavern in St. Martins Lane: And he saith, that what Mr. Lanes part in his Deposition about the Queen, was to be, was not spoken of till the the lodging in White Friers, though the other part of the Depositions, were dictated by Mr. Knox before: And he further saith, that the four Letters, now shewed this Examinant marked (1) (2) (3) (4) are all of this Exa∣minants hand Writing, but were directed by Mr. Knox, what they should contain, and were antedated several days before they were written (by Mr. Knox his direction) because it should appear thereby, that this Examinant, and Mr. Lane invited the said Mr. Knox to take their Depositions, and to bring them to light as a matter of Conscience, not of his, Mr. Knox, his own seeking; and this Examinant further saith, that the Informations mark∣ed (1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) and the Memorials marked (6.) are all of this Examinants hand Writing, and were all dictated verbatim to this Exa∣minant, to be the Informations upon Oath of this Examinant, and the said Mr. Lane: And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Knox took this Examinant, and Mr. Lane in a Coach with him out of Town, with an intent to have them sworn before Mr. Cheyney at Chelsea, where this Examinant, and Mr. Lane continoed in the Coach, while Mr. Knox went out, and at his return Mr. Knox told us, that Mr. Cheyney would not take the Informations, but advised they should be taken before one of the Privy Counsellors, who should be one of the Lord Treasurers friends: And this Examinant saith, that afterwards they removed their Lodgings into an Alley leading into little Lincolns-Inn-fields out of Chancery Lane, where they staid on Sunday was a seven night last; and on Monday following they removed to Pickadilly, to the three Sugar Loaves, in all which time, and places Mr, Knox heartned up this Examinant and Mr. Lane to stand to the Depositions aforesaid: promissing great rewards, and bearing all their expences, affording what meat or wine was desired, and some Treats he bestowed, which amounted to near twenty shillings a time at Taverns. And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Lane being taken, Mr. Knox sent a Hackney-Coach to this Examinants Lodging, at the said three Sugar Loaves in Pickadilly, with the Lord Dumblaines Coachman, and this Examinant went into the Coach and took up Mr. Knox at the Mews, and then this Examinant was carri∣ed into White Friers, to another Lodging, where Mr. Knox Lodged with this Examinant one night, being Friday night last, and then he said that the

taking of Mr. Lane would be for the better, because they should sooner come to an end; and he heartened up this Examinant, and said, that if this Exami∣nant should be taken also, a thousand pounds Bail would be given for this Ex∣aminants Liberty. And he further saith that Mr. Knox gave this Examinant one Guinney at one time, by throwing it on the table, that this Examinant might take it up; but it was so ordered that it should not be given this Ex∣aminant, that he might safely swear no money was given him; and at the last lodging in Whitefriers Mr. Knox came, and lay down on a bed by the Exami∣mant, and then laid his Arm over this Examinant, and let fall ten shillings, which this Examinant took up also: And Mr. Lane told this Examinant that Mr. Knox had given him one Guinny, in the same manner, by throwing it on a Table. And he further saith, that Mr. Knox told this Examinant, that he saw Mr. Lane taken, and walked by Mr. Wiggins in a Troopers Cloak at the same time. And this day this Examinant being in a Room in the Gate-house, a Note was brought to this Examinant, it being thrust under the door, wherein was written these words, or to the effect following: You will be ex∣amined this afternoon; we always clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-Loaf: Tear this! but no name to it, which this Examinant knows to be of Mr. Knox his hand Writing; and further at present saith not.

William Osborn.

Jurat. die & anno praedict. cor. nobis

• William VValler.
• Edmond VVarcup.

This full and authentick Confession of Osborn, being taken upon Oath by two of his Majesties Justices of the Peace, and that by order of the Commit∣tee of the House of Lords, all men hoped would have so discouraged the Conspirators, that the Doctor should have heard no more of them, and the secret guilt of their Consciences would have taught their faces to blush at their own villainies, and hide their heads from all Mankind for ever: but Mr. Knox was not yet out of heart, that their Cause and Spirits might yet be supported, especially if he could keep Lane firm to the Cause, tho Osborn had proved a Renegado.

They were all three then Prisoners in the Gatehouse, tho debarred inter∣course with one another, least they should adjust their lies the more plausibly, and confirm each other in their combin'd mischiefs: Knox therefore began to tamper with the under Keeper, Richard Slightham to conveigh to Lane a Mes∣sage, that he would stand fast to him, and their Common Interest, which be∣cause it discovers the desperate obstinacy of the said Knox in pursuing their vil∣lainies to the utmost, I shall here exemplifie the testimony of the said Slightham under his own hand.

Richard Slightham Servant to Mr. Church, saith, that one Wednesday the thir∣tieth of April 1679, that he being then with Mr. _____ _____ Knox a prisoner in the Gate-house under his said Masters Custody, the said Mr. Knox desired him to go to Mr. _____ _____ Lane, than also a prisoner there, and tell him that he feared Mr. _____ _____ Osborne, then also a prisoner there, had betrayed them, (about the matter of Dr. Titus Oates, for which they were all prisoners, as this Exami∣nant apprehended) and to speak to him to stand fast to him, and then they should be two against one; and further to encourage this Examinant he told this Examinant, if he would be faithful to him, in carrying Messages between

him, and them, he should want for nothing, or to that or the like effect.

Richard Slightham.

This was taken the same day by me

Tho. Smith.

Upon the whole matter, we observe that Mr. Knox, as he could command better Counsel and advise then his own head could give him, so he has Master of a better purse then his own to bribe, suborne, and draw in witnesses to bear up their Cause now declining, he knew there was a Mint of money in the Tower, and whilst that was open he doubted not but money would do won∣ders: Osborne, and Lane, had already bitten at, and swallowed the baite, and he hoped others would be as greedy of the temptation, though here his hopes deceived him, and Mr. Slightham proved too honest for the temptation.

I have nothing more of these Grand Conspirators informations to acquaint the Reader with, save some notes taken by the Clerke attending the Lords Committees for Examinations, which when I have faithfully Copied from the Originalls, I shall proceed to the Indictments of Lane against Dr. Oates, and that against Lane and Knox, on behalfe of the King, upon which the famous Trial of Nov. twenty five 1679 at the Kings-bench bar proceeded.

May the second 1679 some notes taken by the Clerke attending the Lords Com∣mittees for examinations.

Richard Slightham (sworn before the Earl of Clarendon) saith that the Information made by him before Mr. Tho. Smyth, and now shewed him, was signed by him; and further saith that the contents of the said paper are true.

John Lane, being shewed his second Deposition taken before Sir William Waller, saith, what he hath there sworn is true, and he will stand by it: And being asked why he swore as he did in his first Deposition before Sir Wil∣liam Waller, and Mr. Warcup, saith he was induced thereto, for that he, Os∣born and Knox had contracted, that whoever discovered the Informations they had contrived should be killed: And saith, that he hath neither been threatned, nor encouraged to make this second Deposition, but meerly to quiet his own Conscience.

Thomas Knox denies that he employed Richard Slightham, as he hath depos∣ed; but owns he sent Lane a Note, as is in his Examination taken before Sir William Waller, and Mr. Warcup: Saith that Osborn came to him in the painted Chamber (which was the first time he ever see him) and told him he had Informations to make, that he would save the Earl of Danby's life, and which concern'd the King, and Queen: And shewed him Informations ready Writ in the Abbey Cloysters. Saith, he told Lane, and Osborn, he was wholly at their mercy, they being two to one, and might deny their Papers, thô under their hands: and saith further, that for about a Week whilest they had mo∣ney, they paid their Clubs, but afterwards, he paid all; and told them they should pay their shares; and afterwards lent Lane a Guinney, but denies he ever gave Osborn any money.

William Osborn, sworn, saith. That he had no discourse in the Painted Cham∣ber with Thomas Knox, about the King, Queen, or Earl of Danby: That the said Knox brought the said Informations he would have him make, ready Writ; being two particulars concerning Mr. Oates, but he did not suffer him to keep the Papers. And saith further, that John Lane, and Thomas Knox's brother, were present when he Writ the Informations in Whitefriers; and saith that Mr. Knox bid him, if asked, how he could draw his Informations in so good form? Say,

That he used to draw his Masters Informations: and that Knox gave him a Guinney at one time and ten shillings at another time.

John Knox sworn, saith, That he was at the Three Flower de luces in White-Friers, where he see Osborn write, but did not hear his Brother dictate to Os∣born; but heard his Brother wish Mr. Osborn to write nothing but truth; And also heard Osborn say that he had writ nothing but what he would swear if he were about to die.

By this time the World is satisfied of this horrid Conspiracy to blow up the Popish Plot, by blowing up the Testimonies of Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow. For Lane in his first Examination, whilst he was firme to the Cause, acknowledges, that Knox took lodgings for him and Osborn; that Knox lent him a Guiney; upon his second Examination, he says, he was pricked in Conscience, and con∣vinced of his Sin; That Knox, the first time he met him, advised him what he should say in relation to the King, Queen, and Lord Treasurer; that Knox gave him directions how he should accuse Mr. Oates. That Knox and Osborn wrote the Informations, Knox being the Dictator of them: That Knox made Lane and Osborne swear secresie: That Knox paid the reckoning, and that it might not be said he gave them any mony, he would take care it should be con∣veyed to them: That Knox at several times gave them a Guiney a piece by drop∣ping them on the Table: That Osborn at Knox's desire wrote a Letter in such manner as he directed, and dated it of a latter date, which Knox caused to be directed to himself: That Osborn at Knox's desire wrote another Letter, di∣rected to Knox: That Knox advised them both to seem to press Knox to in∣gage in that business: That they changed Lodgings often: That Knox paid for all Lodging and Diet, except two Reckonings of about 1 s. 6 d. a peice: That Knox promised Lane and Osborn money and preferment for what they should do for the Lord Treasurer, and told them if either of them should make a disco∣very, he should be dispatched, and that Lane need not doubt but the Lords in the Tower would acknowledge their kindness

That the very day the Lord Treasurer surrendred himself to the Black-Rod, Knox made him and Osborn swear they should stand to what he had instructed them, and that if they did not, the Lord Treasurer would die, and that he would not have come in but for them.

But Mr. Osborn in his Examination denies all he had before informed against Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, and says that Lane brought him to Knox, and Knox told him what to say in relation to the contrivance of Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow against the Earl of Danby. That there was in Truth no such Contrivance. That he had layen with Dr. Oates several nights, found nothing undecent from him, but that contrariwise he used to exhort him, to a good life, and made him often read Sermons to him: And at another time Knox directed him to say, that Mr. Bedlow should say of the Treasurer, I have now found away to do the Rogues buisiness for him; That Knox, always discoursed them a part, about the Earl of Danby, and Dr. Oates. He confesses the writing the Letters, and informations: That they often shifted lodgings; that Knox bore their ex∣pences, and promised them great rewards: That Lane being taken, Knox, sent my Lord Duneblanes Coachman with a hackney-Coach for him; that in that Coach they went to Whitefriers where Knox acquainted him that the taking of Lane would expedite the buisiness: That Knox gave him money. That when Osborne was in the Gate-house, Knox sent him a Note to this pur∣pose, you will be examined this afternoon, we alwayes clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-leaf. Tare this! which note, Knox has confessed,

and upon his Examination acknowledged he threw down a Guinny upon the table, which Lane took up; but to colour the business said it was only lent him, but even this gives just ground of suspition to the design, and now what will the whole world think and say of the Impudence of these men; that after all these disappointments and bafflings; after their own confessions, re∣tractions, yet that they should be buoyed up to that height of confidence as to make a farther attempt upon the Doctors reputation.

And yet this they did, for upon the nineteenth day of this instant November 1679. John Lane had mustered up so much of his declined courages as to pre∣fer an Indictment against Dr. Oates, for an attempt to commit upon him the hor∣rid and Abominable sin of Sodomy. Which Indictment being brought to the Grand Jury, the Incoherence, and slightness of his evidencence caused them to return an Ignoramus.

Dr. Oates not willing to suffer his Good name, and the Credit of his Testi∣mony to depend upon the throwing out of that bill, brought an Indictment for the King against the said Knox and Lane, (for Osborne had withdrawn himself) which came to be openly tryed at the Kings-bench bar, November twenty five 1679. An account whereof the whole Nation does expect, and wherein satisfaction shall be now given.

Novem. 25 1679. Dominus Rex versus Thomam Knox & Johanem Lane.

For the King.

The Indictment sets forth that whereas Edward Coleman, William Ire∣land, and John Groves, and other false Traytors to the Jury unknown 24th. of April, in the thirtieth year of the King that now is, at the Parish of Saint Margarets Westminster, did trayterously conspire, consult, and agree amongst themselves to kill and destroy the King, and to raise War against his Majesty within this Kingdome, and to change the Religion by Law established, to the Superstition of the Church of Rome, for which Treasons, Trayterous Con∣spiracies, Consultations, and Agreements, the said Coleman, Ireland, and Groves were afterwards attainded, and put to death for the same.

And whereas William Earl of Powis, William Viscount Stafford, John Lord Bellasis, Henry Lord Arundel of Wardour, William Lord Petre, and Sir Henry Tichbourn Baronet the thirtieth of Nov. last at Westminster, were accused of the Treasons aforesaid, and thereupon according to due forme of law were com∣mitted to the Tower of London, to be there safely kept to answer the said Treasons, whereof the said Earl of Powis, and the other four Lords were by the Commons in Parliament assembled, Impeached.

And whereas Thomas Earl of Danby afterwards, that is to say the thirtieth of Nov. last, at Westminster was in lawful manner accused of certain Treasons and other misdemeaners, and thereupon according to due forme of law was committed to the Tower, there to be safe kept to answer the Treasons, and mis∣demeanours aforesaid, of which said Treason and misdemeanours, the said Earl of Danby is Impeached by the Commons in Parliament assembled.

And that the Defendants knowing the said Lords to be accused of the Trea∣son, and misdemeanours aforesaid; and the said defendants being diabolically affected towards the King, their natural Lord, and contriving, and endeavouring with all their might, to disturb, hinder, and stifle the discovery of the said Treasons by the said Earl of Powis, Viscount Stafford, Lord Bellisis, Henry Lord Arundel, Wil∣liam Lord Petre, supposed to be committed, as aforesaid; and as much as in them lay to elude the due Course of law, and retard the prosecution of justice against the said five Lords, Sir Henry Tichbourn, and Thomas Earl of Danby.

They the said Defendants the thirtieth of April last past at the Parish

aforesaid in the County aforesaid, falsely, maliciously, and unlawfully amongst themselves did consult and agree to scandalize Titus Oates Clerk, and William Bedlow Gent. Who had given informations of the Treasons aforesaid, and whom the said Defendants knew to have given Information of the Treasons afore∣said against the Earl of Powis, Viscount Stafford, Lords Bellasis, Arundel, and Petre, and to represent them upon the Trial of the said five Lords, to be per∣sons of evil Conversation, and Witnesses not to be believed.

And that the Defendant Knox afterwards, that is to say, the 30th. of April last, at Westminster aforesaid in the Names, and with the consent and agree∣ment of the Defendant Lane, and William Osborne to villifie the Information of the said Titus Oates, and William Bedlow to be given for the King against the said five Lords last mentioned: falsly, maliciously, subtilly and advisedly, did write and cause to be written four Letters, and those Letters so written, falsly &c. did direct, and cause to be delivered to himself, the said Defendant Knox; by which said Letters, it was falsly, craftily, and deceitfully declared that the said Lane, and Osborne, were very much troubled in their Conscien∣ces by reason of certain matters, which they well knew, and did conceal con∣cerning the unjust contrivances of the said Titus Oates, and William Bedlow, in accusing the said Earl of Danby to be guilty of the Treasons and other Misde∣meanors aforesaid.

And that the said Titus Oates was a person of a wicked, and vicious Life, and did make an assault upon the said John Lane, and did endeavour to commit with him the said Lane, Sodomy.

And further, that the Defendant Knox the sooner, and effectually to per∣swade the said Lane, and Osborne falsly to accuse the said Titus Oates, and William Bedlow, that they the said Titus Oates, and William Bedlow had unjust∣ly, contrary to all Truth, accused the said E. of Danby of the Treasons, and other Misdemeanours aforesaid, and so to affirm against the Kings Evidence, against the Trial to be had of the said Earl of Danby for the Treasons, and Misdemea∣nors aforesaid, afterwards the 30th. of April last, at Westminster, falsly, ad∣visedly, corruptly, and against the duty of his Allegiance, did give to the said Lane, and Osborne divers great summs of Money.

And did promise to the said Lane, and Osborne within a certain time by the said Defendant Knox proposed, that they the said Lane, and Osborne should have, and receive other great summs, and other rewards for the same, to the great delay, obstruction, and suppression of Justice, &c.

To this the Defendants pleaded not Guilty.

The Names of the Jury Empanelled and Sworn, were as followeth.

• Sr. John Kirke Knight.
• ...Thomas Harriot Esquire.
• ...Henry Johnson Esquire.
• ...Simon Middleton Esquire.
• ...Hugh Squire Esquire.
• ...Francis Derrington Esquire.
• ...John Roberts Esquire.
• ...Rainsford Waterhouse Esquire.
• ...Thomas Earsby Esquire.
• ...Joseph Ratoliffe Gent.
• ...James Supple Gent.
• ...Richard Cooper Gent.

The Names of the Counsel learned in the Law, who pleaded on behalf of the King against the Defendants. Mr. Attorney General: Mr, Sollicitor Ge∣neral, Mr. Sergeant Maynard: The Recorder of London. Sr. Francis Winning∣ton, Mr. William Williams, Mr. Thomas Smyth, Mr. John Trenchard.

The Names of the Counsel assigned to the Defendant Lane: Mr. Holt, Mr. Darnel.

The Names of the Counsel entertained for the Defendant Knox. Mr. With∣ins, Steward of Westminster Court, Mr. Soroggs, Son to the Lord chief Justice, Mr. Saunders.

The Names of the Witnesses ready to swear to the particular Clauses hereafter mentioned [only it is to be observed that the Cause being exceeding clear by the Testimony of some few of the more considerable Witnesses, the rest were not called.]

• To prove the Attainder of Coleman, Ireland, and Groves, See the Records.
• To prove that they were put to death: Mr. Tisser.
• To prove the Commitments of the Lords and Sr. Henry Tichburn: Mr. Clare. Mr. Reynolds.
• To prove the said five Lords Impeached: Mr. Clare.
• To prove the Accusation, and the Commitment of the Earl of Danby: Mr. Reynolds.
• To prove the Empeachment of the Earl of Danby: Mr. Goodenough.
• That Lane had a design at his first coming to Dr. Oates, in Nov. 1678, to accuse him, which his Father discovered by some expressions to Mr. Radford, to the same effect that he was afterwards accused: Mr. Radford.
• That Lane desired after this to be re-admitted in the Doctors service: Mr. Allen.
• That Lane declared whilst he was with Doctor Oates, that he hoped to get one thousand pound in a short time: Sam. Oates.
• That Lane desired Mr. Reex to find out Sr. William Waller, so that he might confess the truth of the whole Contrivance to him, being pricked in Conscience for the false Oaths he had taken: Robert Reex.
• To prove that Lane and Osborn confessed that they were suborned by Knox, to swear falsly against Doctor Oates before Sr. William Waller and Mr. Warcupp, and that he had given them Money to do the same; and this they confest before a Committee of the Lords. These Examinations proved by Sr. William Waller. Mr. Warcupp, Mr. Relfe, Mr. Snow.
• To prove that Lane, and Osborne were made to Swear by Knox to stand fast to what he had instructed them to write, and that the Lord Treasurer would not have surrendred himself but for them: Sr. William Waller, Lanes Con∣fession 3d. May, 1679, and Lanes 3d. Examination.
• To prove the Letters Confessed by Osborne: Mr. Justice Warcupp.

As to Knox his Endeavours to take off Mr. Oates, and Bedlows Testimony.

• To prove that Knox endeavoured to suborn Henry Wiggins, offering him a reward to swear against Captain Bedlow: Henry Wiggins, Mr. Wiggin's Mother.
• That Mr. Wiggins acquainted Mr. Palmer a Yeoman of the Guard with these Proposals presently after they were made: Mr. Palmer.
• To prove that Knox made several Proposals to one Thurston, late Servant to Doctor Oates, and promised to be very kind to him, if he could find any thing to swear against his Master: John Thurstone.
• To prove that Knox, Lane, and Osborn being imprison'd in the Gate-House, for this contrivance Knox offered Slightham the Gaolers man a good reward, to let him hold Correspondence with Lane by Letters, and desired him to go to Lane, and tell him he feared Osborne had betrayed them about the matter of Doctor Oates, and desired him to speak to him to stand fast to him, and then they should be two against one: Richard Slightham.
• To prove that Knox, Lane, and Osborne went to Justice Dewy, and Knox told him he came from my Lord Latimer, who presented his Service to him, and that Knox was advised to come to him by that Lord to take an Information a∣gainst Doctor Oates: Mr. Dewy.
• That they went also to Justice Cheyney at Chelsea: Mr. Cheyney.
• That Knox confessed he lent Lane a Guinny, and that Osborn, and Lane

• confessed that Knox assured 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…ever want Money nor Prefer∣ment: Sr. William Waller, Mr. W••••c••pp.
• To prove that Knox confessed, to Sr. William Waller, and Mr. Warcupp, that whilst he, and Mr. Osborn were Prisoners, he the said Knox sent a Note to Osborn to inform him: that he would be examined the afternoon, and with these words, We always clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-loaf; Tear this: Sr. William Waller, Mr. Warcup.
• That Lane hath been kept this last Summer at the house of the Earl of Pow∣is, that he had ten shillings per week allowed him to give Evidence against Dr. Oates. That Knox was to have thirty or fourty Pounds, to carry on the Business; and that Osborn, Knox, and Lane were to be rewarded by the Lords in the Tower for their Evidence against Doctor Oates: Mr. Dangerfield. Mrs. Blake, Mrs. Edwards.
• That Lane waited with a great Club to knock down Mr. Reex, at Mrs. Maynards door, that Knox would have had the said Mrs. Maynard swear that Mr. Reex offer'd her one hundred Pounds to swear in Doctor Oates his business: Mrs. Maynard, Mrs. Tyrrel.
• If George Neal, one Bowring, and George Deeplow be produced as Witnesses for the Defendants.
• To prove that Neal hath made application several times to be re-admitted to Doctor Oate's Service since he was turned away: Sr. Thomas Stringer, Mr. Weal, Robert Gyde, Mrs. Brooks, Henry Lord, Mr. Smith.
• That Bowring was turn'd out of Doctor Oates his Service for keeping com∣pany with Knox, Lane, and with Papists: Mr. Saunders, Mr. Money, Mr. Allen, Samuel Oates junior.
• That Bowring hath made application to be re-admitted to Doctor Oates his Service; Mr. Smith, Mr. Robert Gyde.
• That Deeplow about a week before Doctor Oates turn'd him away, declared that he wondred at the wickedness of Lane, and Osborn in accusing his Master, Seeing he appear'd to him a very upright, and honest Man: Moses Gwyn, Mr. Samuel Oates, George Gregory.
• That Deeplow thanked Doctor Tong for helping him into Doctor Oates his Service: Doctor Tong.
• If Lane's Mother, or Sister be produced as Witnesses.
• To prove that Lane's Mother, said her Son was drawn in by Plays, and Treats, &c. to accuse Doctor Oates, and that Knox offer'd her Son Money in the Gatehouse to stand to his first Information: Margery Walker.
• To prove, that Mary Lane said; Now my Lord Treasurer, must lose his Head for my Brother has confessed All: Mrs. Sterling.
• That Knox was with Mrs. Wiggins on fryday last to perswade her not to come in against him, and then said, she should have a Reward: Mrs. Wiggins.

And thus at length I have conducted the Reader through this dark and intri∣cate Labyrinth of Confederated Roguery, wherein some will question, whether there was more of the Devil in the Contrivance, then of God in the Discovery and Defeating of the Design: but we have seen Divine Wisdom and Mercy triumph∣ing over humane and hellish Malice, and Subtlety: I have studiously forborn to give the Reader the trouble of the Minutes of the Tryal; the judicious are better satisfied with a brief Synopsis of the Cause, than with the tedious Speech∣es of Witnesses, which are frequently interrupted with Questions, and some of them perhaps not very material or pertinent.

Let it suffice, that the Evidence was so clear against the Defendants Knox, and Lane, that the Jury without any delay found for the King against them; to the very great satisfaction of the Court, and Company, which was exceed∣ing great: Many Noble Men, Gentlemen, and eminent Citizens coming with great expectations of the issue of this Tryal, which was managed with that

Justice, Impartiality, indifferency between the King, and the Defendants, that some have been heard to say, they could never believe a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, but now they were abundantly satisfied.

Knox, and Lane, were immediately taken into Custody, and are now in Pri∣son, a•…•…ending the Sentence of the Law, which though it hath not hitherto been pronounced, yet they must know, that the higher Justice lifts up its Hand, the heavier it will strike; and compensate the slowness with the seve∣rity of the Punishment; which being bounded by the Law, can never be too great for such Monstrous Malefactors: Osborne indeed fled from Justice, which argues more Modesty then these others can pretend to, which chuse rather to outface Justice then seem to fear it; and are more Ambitious of a Martyrdom, that may register them in the Roman Calendar, though their Names never appear in the Roll of Christian Worthies. Yet let us not despair of their Re∣pentance, having Instances before our Eys, that as there are none so vile but the Catholicks will use them for Instruments, so there are none so obdurate but the Divine Grace can make them Converts.

FINIS.