earl of Middleton, insisted
upon receiving security from king James that the religion and liberties
of England should be preserved; whereas the other party, at the head
of which was the earl of Melfort, resolved to bring him in without
conditions, relying upon his own honour and generosity. King William
having sent over an order for bringing Fenwick to trial, unless he
should make more material discoveries, the prisoner, with a view to
amuse the ministry until he could take other measures for his own
safety, accused the earls of Shrewsbury, Marlborough, and Bath, the
lord Godolphin, and admiral Russel, of having made their peace with
king James, and engaged to act for his interest. Meanwhile his lady and
relations tampered with the two witnesses, Porter and Goodman. The first
of these discovered those practices to the government; and one
Clancey, who acted as agent for lady Fenwick, was tried, convicted
of subornation, fined, and set in the pillory; but they had succeeded
better in their attempts upon Goodman, who disappeared; so that one
witness only remained, and Fenwick began to think his life was out
of danger. Admiral Russel acquainted the house of commons that he and
several persons of quality had been reflected upon in some informations
of sir John Fenwick; he therefore desired that he might have an
opportunity to justify his own character. Mr. secretary Trumball
produced the papers, which having been read, the commons ordered that
sir John Fenwick should be brought to the bar of the house. There he was
exhorted by the speaker to make an ample discovery; which, however,
he declined, except with the proviso that he should first receive some
security that what he might say should not prejudice himself. He was
ordered to withdraw until they should have deliberated on his request.
Then he was called in again, and the speaker told him that he might
deserve the favour of the house by making a full discovery. He desired
he might be indulged with a little time to recollect himself, and
promised to obey the command of the house. This favour being denied, he
again insisted upon having security; which they refusing to grant, he
chose to be silent, and was dismissed from the bar. The house voted
that his informations reflecting upon the fidelity of several noblemen,
members of the house, and others, upon hearsay, were false and
scandalous, contrived to undermine the government, and create jealousies
between the king and his