had been sent from France with
orders to obey sir George Barclay, surrendered himself to sir William
Trumball, and confessed the scheme of assassination in which he had been
engaged. Porter and Pendergrass were apprehended together. This last
insisted upon the king's promise that he should not be compelled to give
evidence; but when Porter owned himself guilty, the other observed he
was no longer bound to be silent, as his friend had made a confession;
and they were both admitted as evidences for the crown.

THE TWO HOUSES FORM AN ASSOCIATION FOR THE DEFENCE OF HIS MAJESTY.

After their examination, the king, in a speech to both houses,
communicated the nature of the conspiracy against his life, as well
as the advices he had received touching the invasion; he explained
the steps he had taken to defeat the double design, and professed his
confidence in their readiness and zeal to concur with him in every thing
that should appear necessary for their common safety. That same
evening the two houses waited upon him at Kensington in a body, with an
affectionate address, by which they expressed their abhorrence of the
villanous and barbarous design which had been formed against his sacred
person, of which they besought him to take more than ordinary care. They
assured him they would to their utmost defend his life, and support
his government against the late king James and all other enemies; and
declared, that in case his majesty should come to a violent death,
they would revenge it upon his adversaries and their adherents. He was
extremely well pleased with this warm address, and assured them in his
turn he would take all opportunities of recommending himself to the
continuance of their loyalty and affection. The commons forthwith
empowered him by bill to secure all persons suspected of conspiring
against his person and government. They brought in another, providing,
that in case of his majesty's death, the parliament then being should
continue until dissolved by the next heir in succession to the crown,
established by act of parliament; that if his majesty should chance to
die between two parliaments, that which had been last dissolved should
immediately re-assemble, and sit for the despatch of national affairs.
They voted an address to desire that his majesty would banish by
proclamation all papists to the distance of ten miles from the cities of
London and Westminster; and give instructions to the judges going on
t