"_October_ 13. L. came to me at eleven at night from 29, told me
29 could never be brought to believe I knew anything of that
part of the plot that concern'd _Rye House_; but as things went
he must behave himself as if he did believe it, for some reasons
that might be for my advantage. L. desired me to write to 29,
which I refus'd; but afterwards told me 29 expected it; and I
promis'd to write to-morrow if he could call for the letter; at
which S.L. shew'd a great concern for me, and I believe him
sincere though S is of another mind.
"14. L. came as he promis'd and receiv'd the letter from 3
sealed, refusing to read it himself, tho' I had left it open
with S. for that purpose.
"20. L. came to me at S. with a line or two from 29 very kind,
assuring me he believed every word in my letter to be true; and
advis'd me to keep hid till he had an opportunity to express his
belief of it some other way. L. told me that he was to go out of
town next day and that 29 would send 80 to me in a day or two,
whom he assured me I might trust.
"25. L. came for me to ----, where 29 was with 80. He receiv'd
me pretty well, and said 30 and 50 were the causes of my
misfortune and would ruin me. After some hot words against them
and against S., went away in a good humour.
"26. I went to E---- and was in danger of being discover'd by
some of Oglethorpe's men that met me accidentally at the back
door of the garden.
"_Nov_ 2. A letter from 29 to be to-morrow at seven at night at
S. and nobody to know it but 80.
"3. He came not, there being an extraordinary council. But 80
brought me a copy of 50's intercepted letter, which made rather
for me than against me. Bid me come to-morrow at the same hour,
and to say nothing of the letter except 29 spake of it first.
"4. I came and found 29 and L. there; he was very kind and gave
me directions how to manage my business and what words I should
say to 39. He appointed 80 to come to me every night until my
business was ripe and promised to send with him directions from
time to time.
"9. L. came from 29 and told me my business should be done to my
mind next week, and that Q. was my friend, and had spoke to 39
and D. in my behalf; which he said 29 took very kindly and had
expressed so to her. At parting he told me there should be
nothing requir'd of me but what was both safe and honourable.
But said there must be something done to blind 39.
"15. L came to me with a copy of a letter I was to sign to
please 39. I desired to know in whose hands it was to be
deposited; for I would have it in no hands but 29. He told me it
should be so; but if 39 ask'd a copy it could not well be
refus'd. I referred myself entirely to 29's pleasure.
"24. L. came to me from 29 and order'd me to render myself
to-morrow. Cautioned me to play my part, to avoid questions as
much as possible, and to seem absolutely converted to 39's
interest. Bad me bear with some words that might seem harsh.
"25. I render'd myself. At night 29 could not dissemble his
satisfaction; press'd my hand, which I remember not he did
before except when I return'd from the French service. 29 acted
his part well, and I too. 39 and D. seemed not ill pleas'd.
"26. 29 took me aside and falling upon the business of L.R. said
he inclined to have sav'd him but was forc'd to it, otherwise he
must have broke with 39. Bid me think no more on't. Coming home
L. told me he fear'd 39 began to smell out 29's carriage. That
---- said to 39 that morning that all that was done was but
sham.
"27. Several told me of the storm that was brewing. Rumsey was
with 39 and was seem to come out crying that he must accuse a
man he lov'd.
"_Dec._ 19. A letter from 29 bidding me stay till I heard
farther from him.
"_Jan._ 5. I received a letter from L. marked by 29 in the
margin to trust entirely in 10; and that in February I should
certainly have leave to return. That matters were concerted
towards it; and that 39 had no suspicion, notwithstanding of my
reception here.
"_Feb._ 8. A letter from L. that my business was almost as well
as done; but must be so sudden as not to leave room for 39's
party to counterplot. That it is probable he would choose
Scotland rather than Flanders or this country; which was all one
to 29.
"16. The sad news of his death by L. _O cruel fate!_"