282 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

CHAP. and was sent back to prison. He was next

lxvi. examined before the council, under pretence of

rL7». bis being concerned in the insurrection at Pent-

land ; and though no proof appeared against him,

he was put to the question, and, contrary tothe most obvious principles of equity, was urgedto accuse himself. He endured the torture withsingular resolution, and continued obstinate inthe denial of a crime, of which, it is believed,he really was not guilty. Instead of obtaininghis liberty, he was sent to the Bass, a very highrock, surrounded by the sea; at this time con-verted into a state prison, and full of the unhappycovenanters. He there remained in great misery,loaded with irons; till the year 1677, when itwas resolved by some new examples to strike afresh terror into the persecuted, but still obstinateenthusiasts. JYlitchel was then brought before acourt of judicature , and put upon his trial, foran attempt to assassinate an archbishop and aprivy counsellor. His former confession waspleaded against him, and was proved by thetestimony of the duke of Lauderdale, lord com-missioner, lord Hatton his brother, the earl ofRothes , and the primate himself. Mitchel , be-sides maintaining that the privy counsel was nocourt of judicature, and that a confession beforethem was not judicial , asserted, that he hadbeen engaged to make that confession by a solemn' promise of pardon. The four privy counsellorsdenied upon oath , that any such promise hadever been given. The prisoner then desired,