A Great PLOT DISCOVERED, &c.
TO do justly is the duty of every Christian, Mich. 6.8. but especially of Magistrates, and such as are in Authority, and then People may sit under their own Vines, and Figge-trees, safely; When Justice runs down like a Raver, and Righteousnesse as a mighty stream in the street; And that we may be the more enamoured with the beauty of Justice, cousider that just and legal Order of our Gracious Soveraign, and the Magistracy, for the transporting of divers Condemned Prisoners to Jamaica, which Order was intentionally put in execution on Monday the 26. of this instant August, and a Gibbet erected for the hanging of those that should refuse to [Page 4]obey it, but thus had these Villains plotted and conspired together, generally to submit thereunto, and to endeavour their escape before they were put a ship-board, which accordingly on Monday last, being embarqued in a Barge, waiting their opportunity below Black mall, they most insolently seized the Steers-man and the rest of his Fellows, and resolutely steered a long till they came to the Essex Coast, which the Souldiery that were their Guard, perceiving, let fly several musket shot, which unfortunately killed the Steers-man, and made up to them as fast as they could; but before they could make their timely approach, the Prisoners had got ashore, some running one way, some another, dispersing of themselves to several places and corners; but being pursued, some of them are since taken, amongst whom, Digby, Wood, and fifteen others; and a Hu-and-Cry is gone after the rest, so that we may expect very suddenly the hand of justice to overtake them.
In the mean time, for a better discovery of these Offenders, we shall here present you with a perfect List of their Names, a true Copy take as followeth.