CHARLES II.

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noted for bravery, had been so far overcome bythe love of life, that he had written to secretaryJenkins, and had offered upon promise of pardonto turn evidence : But no sooner had he takenthis mean step, than he felt more generous senti-ments arise in him; and he endeavoured, thoughin vain, to conceal himself. The witnesses againsthim were Rumsey, West , Shephard , togetherwith Bourne, a brewer. His own letter to thesecretary was produced, and rendered the testimonyof the witnesses unquestionable. Hone and Rousewere also condemned. These two men, as well asWalcot, acknowledged, at their execution , thejustice of the senten:e; and from their trial andconfession it is sufficiently apparent, that the planof an insurrection had been regularly formed; andthat even the assassination had been often talkedof, and not without the approbation of many ofthe conspirators.

The condemnation of these criminals was pro-bably intended as a preparative to the trial of lordRussel, and served to impress the public with athorough belief of the conspiracy, as we it as ahorror against it. The witnesses produced againstthe noble prisoner were Rumsey , Shephard , andlord Howard. Rumsey swore, that he himselfhad been introduced to the cabal at Shephard’s,where Russel was present; and had delivered thema message from Shaftefbury, urging them to hastenthe intended insurrection; But had received foranswer, that it was found necessary to delay thedesign, and that Shaftefbury must therefore, for

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II A P.I,XIX.ISL3-

Trial of lorilRulltl.