s
were not wanting to espouse their cause in the face of opposition; and
even in some addresses to the king their conduct was justified.
Nay, some individuals had courage enough to attack the present
administration. When a motion was made in the house of commons to
consider the king's proclamation for calling a new parliament, sir
William Whitelock, member for the university of Oxford, boldly declared
it was unprecedented and unwarrantable. Being called upon to explain
himself, he made an apology. Nevertheless, sir William Wyndham rising up
said, the proclamation was not only unprecedented and unwarrantable,
but even of dangerous consequence to the very being of parliaments. When
challenged to justify his charge, he observed, that every member was
free to speak his thoughts. Some exclaimed, "The Tower! the Tower!"
A warm debate ensued; sir William being ordered to withdraw, was
accompanied by one hundred and twenty-nine members; and those who
remained in the house resolved, that he should be reprimanded by the
speaker. He was accordingly rebuked, for having presumed to reflect on
his majesty's proclamation, and having made an unwarrantable use of the
freedom of speech granted by his majesty. Sir William said he was not
conscious of having offered any indignity to his majesty, or of
having been guilty of a breach of privilege; that he acquiesced in the
determination of the house; but had no thanks to give to those gentlemen
who, under pretence of lenity, had subjected him to this censure.

COMMITTEE OF SECRECY.

On the ninth day of April, general Stanhope delivered to the house of
commons fourteen volumes, consisting of all the papers relating to the
late negotiations of peace and commerce, as well as to the cessation
of arms; and moved that they might be referred to a select committee
of twenty persons, who should digest the substance of them under proper
heads, and report them, with their observations, to the house. One more
was added to the number of this secret committee, which was chosen
by ballot, and met that same evening. Mr. Eobert Wal-pole, original
chairman, being taken ill, was succeeded in that place by Mr. Stanhope.
The whole number was subdivided into three committees. To each a certain
number of books was allotted; and they carried on the inquiry with great
eagerness and expedition. Before this measure was taken, Dr.
Gilbert Burnet, bishop of Sarum, died of a pleuritic fever, in the
seventy-second