At the very Beginning of the Year 1696 was discover’d a Plot, fit only to have had its Origin from Hell or Rome.  A Plot, which would have put Hottentots and Barbarians out of Countenance.  This was call’d the Assassination Plot, from the Design of it, which was to have assassinated King William a little before the Time of his usual leaving England to head the Army of the Confederates in Flanders.  And as nothing could give a nobler Idea of the great Character of that Prince than such a nefarious Combination against him; so, with all considerate Men, nothing could more depreciate the Cause of his inconsiderate Enemies.  If I remember what I have read, the Sons of ancient Rome, though Heathens, behav’d themselves against an Enemy in a quite different Manner.  Their Historians afford us more Instances than a few of their generous Intimations to Kings and Generals, under actual Hostilities, of barbarous Designs upon their Lives.  I proceed to this of our own Countrymen.

Soon after the Discovery had been made, by Persons actually engag’d in that inhuman Design, the Regiment, in which I served, with some others then in Flanders, receiv’d Orders, with all Expedition, to embarque for England; though, on our Arrival at Gravesend, fresh Orders met us to remain on board the Transports, till we had surther Directions.

On my going to London, a few Days after, I was told, that two Regiments only were now design’d to come a-shore; and that the rest would be remanded to Flanders, the Danger apprehended being pretty well over.  I was at White Hall when I receiv’d this Notice; where meeting my Lord Cutts (who had ever since the storming of the Terra Nova at Namur allow’d me a Share in his Favour) he express’d himself in the most obliging Manner; and at parting desir’d he might not fail of seeing me next Morning at his House; for he had somewhat of an extraordinary Nature to communicate to me.

At the time appointed, I waited on his Lorship, where I met Mr. Steel (now Sir Richard, and at that time his Secretary) who immediately introduc’d me.  I found in company with him three Gentlemen; and after common Salutations, his Lordship deliver’d into my Hands, an Order from the King in Council to go along with Captain Porter, Mr. de la Rue, and Mr. George Harris (who prov’d to be those three with him) to search all the Transports at Gravesend, in order to prevent any of the Conspirators getting out of England that Way.  After answering, that I was ready to pay Obedience, and receiving, in private, the further necessary Instructions, we took our Leave, and Oars soon after for Gravesend.  ’Twas in our Passage down, that I understood that they had all been of the Conspiracy, but now reluctant, were become Witnesses.

When we came to Gravesend, I produc’d my Authority to the Commanding Officer, who very readily paid Obedience, and gave Assistance; But after our most diligent Search, finding nothing of what we look’d for, we return’d that very Night to London.