for refusing to humble himself on his knees
before them, should be again committed close prisoner to Newgate for the
same offence. This proposal, which supposed a power that the commons had
never before exercised, was sharply disputed by the earl of Egmont, and
others, who had not resigned all sense of moderation; but the majority
adopted the measure with great eagerness, and the speaker was ordered
to issue his warrant accordingly. Then the house resolved, that the
said Alexander Murray should receive the sentence, for his now being
committed close prisoner to his majesty's gaol of Newgate, at the bar
of the house, upon his knees; and the sergeant-at-arms was commanded to
take him into custody for this purpose. Their indignation, however,
was eluded by the caution of the delinquent, who, having foreseen the
effects of their resentment, had prudently retired to another country.
They determined, nevertheless, to proceed against him as a person
of some consequence in the commonwealth; for, being informed of his
retreat, they condescended so far as to present an address to his
majesty, desiring that his royal proclamation might be issued for
apprehending the said Mr. Murray, promising a reward to him who should
have the good fortune to apprehend this fugitive-a request with which
his majesty most graciously complied.

PROCEEDINGS UPON A PAMPHLET, ENTITLED "THE CASE OF MR. MURRAY."

Nor was this the only address presented to the king: upon such an
important subject. A pamphlet, entitled "The Case of the Hon. Alexander
Murray, esquire, in an Appeal to the People of Great Britain," was first
stigmatized in a complaint to the house, and was afterwards produced
and read at the table. The piece was written with great acrimony, and
abounded with severe animadversions, not only upon the conduct of the
returning officer, but also on the proceedings of the commons. The
violent members immediately took fire, and the flame extended itself to
the majority. Nay, the house unanimously resolved, that the pamphlet
was an impudent, malicious, scandalous, and seditious libel, falsely and
most injuriously reflecting upon, and aspersing the proceedings of the
house, tending to create misapprehensions in the minds of the people,
to the great dishonour of the said house, and in violation of the
privileges thereof. They furthermore presented an address to the king,
desiring his majesty would be graciously pleased to give directions to
his