<h2><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</SPAN></span><SPAN name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></SPAN>CHAPTER II.</h2>
<p class="summary short">SKETCHES OF THE CONSPIRATORS.</p>
<p class="newsection"><span class="smcap">The</span> persons actually engaged in this atrocious deed were
few in number: at the outset, indeed, very few: but the
design was gradually revealed to others, though even when
the discovery actually took place, the number was comparatively
small. That there was a general belief among the
Romanist body, that some great and effective blow would be
struck, is a fact which I need not attempt to prove, since it
is so well known, that no doubt can be entertained on the
subject: but how the design was to be carried into effect
was a secret to the great body of the Roman Catholics. The
conspirators were thirteen in number. Their names were
as follows:—</p>
<ul class="conspirators">
<li>Robert Catesby,</li>
<li>Robert Winter,</li>
<li>Thomas Percy,</li>
<li>Thomas Winter,</li>
<li>John Wright,</li>
<li>Christopher Wright,</li>
<li>Everard Digby, Knt.,</li>
<li>Ambrose Rookwood,</li>
<li>Francis Tresham,</li>
<li>John Grant,</li>
<li>Robert Keys,</li>
<li>Guy Fawkes,</li>
<li>And Bates, the servant of Catesby.</li>
</ul>
<p class="newsection">Of this number, five only were engaged in the plot at its
commencement, the rest being associated with them during
its progress. Several of them took no active part in the mine;
they were, however, in the secret, and furnished the money
necessary to carry on the work. Three Jesuits, as will
appear in the narrative, were also privy to the design, and
counselled and encouraged the conspirators. They were
Garnet, Gerrard, and Tesmond, <i>alias</i> Greenway. I shall
endeavour to place before the reader such particulars as I
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</SPAN></span>have been able to collect respecting all these individuals,
before I enter upon the narrative of the plot.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Robert Catesby.</span></h3>
<p>Catesby was the contriver of the conspiracy<SPAN name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></SPAN><SPAN href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</SPAN>. He
was a native of Leicestershire: a man of family and property,
and of such persuasive eloquence, that he induced
several of the conspirators to comply, who otherwise, in all
probability, would not have been implicated in the treason.
Some of them admitted, that it was not so much their conviction
of the justice of the cause that led them to engage
in the business, as the wily eloquence of Catesby. He was
descended from the celebrated minister of Richard III.
Little, however, is known of him beyond the part which he
acted in the Gunpowder Treason. It is evident that he was
a man of considerable abilities; but being a bigot to the
principles of the church of Rome, he was a fit instrument
for the execution of any plot, however horrible. Whether
he was influenced by the Jesuits, or whether prompted to
undertake the deed by his own feelings on the subject of
popery, is a question of no easy solution, since, in consequence
of his death, when the rest of his companions were
taken, no confession was given to the world, which would
probably have been the case, if he had been brought to trial
with the other conspirators. He was the only layman with
whom the Jesuit Garnet would confer on the subject of the
plot.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Thomas Percy.</span></h3>
<p>This gentleman was nearly allied to the earl of Northumberland,
by whom he was elevated to the post of captain
of the gentlemen pensioners. He appears to have
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</SPAN></span>been a man of great violence of temper; and his conduct
proves him to have been a staunch bigot to popery. Catesby
on some occasions found it necessary to restrain his violence,
lest his indiscretion should mar the whole contrivance. On
one occasion, he offered to rush into the presence-chamber,
and kill the king. He was killed with Catesby, at Holbeach,
shortly after the discovery of the treason.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Thomas Winter.</span></h3>
<p>It appears that Winter had contemplated a departure
from England altogether, when Catesby, who had entered
upon the plot, requested him to quit the country, whither
he had retired, till an opportunity should offer of going to
the Continent, and to come with all speed to London. The
scheme was proposed to Winter, who evinced no indisposition
to enter into the plot: on the contrary, he appears to
have complied, with the utmost readiness, with all Catesby’s
plans. Soon after this interview he went over to the Continent,
to reveal the design to some influential papists, with a
view to ascertaining their opinions on the subject. Winter
appeared at his execution to be penitent; but no hesitation
was manifested by him at the first; nor does he appear to
have entertained any scruples during the progress of the
conspiracy. In many respects, he appears to have been an
amiable man: but such principles as are inculcated by the
church of Rome, are calculated to quench all those feelings
of kindliness, which naturally exist in the human heart.
The breast of Thomas Winter was steeled by his principles
against the kindlier emotions of our common nature. It is
related of him, that he dreamt, not long before the discovery
of the treason, “that he saw steeples and churches
stand awry, and within those churches strange and unknown
faces.” When he was taken in Staffordshire, an explosion
of gunpowder took place, and some of the conspirators were
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</SPAN></span>scorched, and otherwise injured; at this time, his dream
was recalled to his remembrance, and he fancied that there
was a resemblance between the faces of the persons he had
seen in his dream, and those of his companions. The recollection
of the dream appears to have made a strong impression
on him at the period when he was taken into custody.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Robert Winter.</span></h3>
<p>This gentleman was the brother of the preceding, by whom
he was drawn into the conspiracy. Robert Winter was added
to their number some time after the mine had been commenced.
The circumstance caused some distress to Thomas
Winter, who petitioned the court at his trial, that, as he
had been the cause of his brother’s ruin, his death might
be considered as a sufficient atonement to the law for both.
Winter was taken in Staffordshire, where he retreated after
the discovery of the plot. For some time, he was concealed
in a house, whose occupant was a Roman Catholic. The
circumstance that led to his discovery was somewhat singular.
The cook was surprised at the number of dishes,
which were daily taken to his master’s room; he therefore,
to satisfy his curiosity, peeped through the keyhole, when
he saw a person sitting with his master. He was alarmed,
both on their account, and on his own; but his fears for his
own safety being greater than his apprehensions for Winter
and his master, he determined to make a discovery to one
of his relations. This step was followed by their apprehension.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Guido, or Guy Fawkes.</span></h3>
<p>Fawkes was a soldier of fortune, who for some years
was engaged in the Spanish service. Little is known of
his early life, except that he was a native of the county of
York, and received his education in the city of York. The
writer of the <i>Life of Bishop Morton</i> informs us that the
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</SPAN></span>bishop and Fawkes were schoolfellows together in that city.
His subsequent history to the period of the treason, is but
imperfectly known. He appears to have been a bold and
daring adventurer, as well as a gloomy bigot to the worst
principles of popery; and was, in consequence, deemed by
Catesby to be a suitable instrument for his purpose. His
proceedings in the mine, as well as on the Continent, will
be noticed in the prosecution of the narrative.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">John Wright.</span></h3>
<p>John Wright was early engaged in the plot with Catesby.
It was agreed between these two individuals, Catesby and
Wright, that an oath should be administered to all who
should engage in the conspiracy. The oath will be given in
the narrative. John Wright was killed in the struggle with
the sheriff, in Staffordshire, where most of the conspirators
were taken subsequent to the discovery of the plot.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Christopher Wright.</span></h3>
<p>This person was the brother of the preceding, by whom
he was induced to enter into the conspiracy. He appears,
however, to have entered into the business with as much
zeal as any of the rest. He was the first to discover the
apprehension of Fawkes, on the morning of the Fifth of
November. His advice was, that each conspirator should
betake himself to flight in a different direction from any of
his companions. Had this advice been followed, several of
them would probably have succeeded in making their escape
to the Continent. The conspirators, however, adopted
another course, which issued in their discomfiture in Staffordshire,
where Christopher Wright was also killed.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Thomas Bates.</span></h3>
<p>Bates was a servant, and the only one of the conspirators
who did not move in the rank of a gentleman. When
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</SPAN></span>the plot was concocting, he was servant to Catesby, the
leader in the treason. Catesby observed that his actions
were particularly noticed by his servant. The circumstance
led him to suspect, that Bates was in some measure acquainted
with their designs, or at all events, that he suspected
that they had some grand scheme in agitation. In the presence,
therefore, of Thomas Winter, Catesby asked him
what he thought the business was, which was then in contemplation.
Bates replied, that he thought they were contriving
some dangerous matter, though he knew not what
the particulars were. He was again asked what he thought
the business might be. He answered, that he thought they
intended some dangerous matter near the Parliament House,
because he had been sent to take a lodging near that place.
Bates was then induced to take an oath of secresy; when
the particulars were made known to him. It was then
stated that he must receive the sacrament, as a pledge that
he would not reveal the matter. With this view, he went
to confession to <i>Tesmond</i> the <i>Jesuit</i>, telling him that he
was to conceal a dangerous matter, which had been revealed
to him by his master, and Thomas Winter, and which he
feared was unlawful. He then disclosed the whole plot to
the Jesuit, desiring his counsel in the business. Tesmond
charged him to keep the matter strictly secret, adding, that
he was engaged in a good cause, and that it was not sinful
to conceal the plot. Bates then received absolution and
the sacrament, in company with Catesby and Winter. Such
were the means used to draw Bates into the conspiracy.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Francis Tresham.</span></h3>
<p>Tresham was also engaged in the plot at an early period.
He was not one of those with whom it originated; but it
was revealed to him when the parties were in want of
money, to enable them to carry on their scheme. He
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</SPAN></span>offered to contribute 2000<i>l.</i> towards the grand object. He
died in the Tower before the trial of his companions.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Ambrose Rookwood.</span></h3>
<p>Rookwood was a man of fortune, and, until he became
implicated in this plot, of reputation. He was not one of
the original contrivers of the treason, but was drawn into
it by a strong affection for Catesby, who appears to have
exercised over him a most extraordinary influence.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">John Grant.</span></h3>
<p>Grant was a resident at Coventry, and, like Tresham and
Rookwood, did not labour in the mine, but was made acquainted
with the scheme after it had been concocted.
Grant seized upon several horses on the morning of the 6th
of November, supposing that the explosion had taken place,
with a view to the seizure of the Princess Elizabeth, then
on a visit in the neighbourhood. He was taken with the
other conspirators in Staffordshire.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Robert Keys.</span></h3>
<p>Little is known of this individual: but according to his
own account at his trial, his circumstances had always been
desperate, as well as his character. Such a man was,
therefore, ready for any enterprise, however criminal. Fuller
relates the following circumstance, which I give in his
own quaint language. “A few days before the fatal blow
should be given, Keies being in Tickmarsh, in Northamptonshire,
at his brother-in-law’s house, Mr. Gilbert Pickering,
a Protestant, he suddenly whipped out his sword, and
in merriment made many offers therewith at the heads,
necks, and sides, of several gentlemen and ladies then in
his company: it was then taken for a mere frolic, and so
passed accordingly: but afterward, when the treason was
discovered, such as remembered his gestures, thought he
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</SPAN></span>practised what he intended to do when the plot should take
effect: that is, to hack and hew, kill and destroy, all eminent
persons of a different religion from himself.”</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Sir Everard Digby.</span></h3>
<p>This gentleman was descended from an ancient family,
resident in Rutlandshire. His education was entirely
directed by priests of the church of Rome, his father dying
when he was only eleven years of age. He was introduced
to the court of Elizabeth at an early period of his life; and
soon after the accession of King James was knighted by
his majesty. Sir Everard was made acquainted with the
plot during its progress, when the early and original conspirators
found themselves in want of money. He promised
to furnish 1500<i>l.</i> He was taken after the discovery and
was executed in London.</p>
<h3><span class="smcap">Henry Garnet.</span></h3>
<p>Three Jesuits, Garnet, Gerard, and Tesmond, were
implicated in this conspiracy: the two latter escaped to
Rome, Garnet alone was taken and executed. It is remarked
by Fuller, “A treason without a <i>Jesuit</i>, or one of
<i>Jesuited principles</i>, therein, is like a drie wall, without either
lime or mortar; Gerard must be the cement, with the
sacrament of secrecie to join them together: Garnet and
Tesmond, (whelps of the same litter,) commended and encouraged
the designe<SPAN name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></SPAN><SPAN href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</SPAN>.” Garnet received his early education
in Winchester school, when Bishop Bilson was warden.
It is said that he was engaged in a conspiracy among the
boys, whose design was to cut off the right hand of their
master. At this time Garnet was at the head of the school.
His conduct in other respects seems to have been so immoral,
that he was advised not to offer himself as a candidate
for a scholarship at New College. He quitted Winchester
<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</SPAN></span>for Rome, where he enrolled himself in the society
of the Jesuits. At length he was made the superior of his
English brethren, in which character he returned into England,
to promote a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. Other
particulars respecting his subsequent career will appear in
the narrative.</p>
<p>Thus have I endeavoured to give a brief sketch of the
actors in this dark transaction. In reading the pages of
history, we feel a natural desire to know something of the
persons, whose exploits are recorded. The particulars,
which I have given in this chapter, are such as could not so
well have been stated in the narrative. All other matters,
however, relative to any of the preceding individuals will be
woven with the history, on which I am now about to enter.</p>
<p>Other individuals were taken and executed for treason,
in consequence of their joining in the conspiracy; but the
parties mentioned in the preceding sketch were the only
persons, who were actually implicated in the plot by any
decided acts. It is pretty evident, too, that very few persons,
besides those actually engaged, were fully acquainted
with the particulars of the plot. It was the policy of the
conspirators to reveal the precise nature of the design to as
few as possible, feeling assured that the smaller the number
of actual traitors the less was the risk of discovery. They
were also aware, that all, or, at all events, most of the
Roman Catholics would join them, when the design was
carried into execution. The <i>Jesuits</i>, who were privy to the
plot, intimated to the great body of the Romanists, that
some great design was in agitation, without specifying particulars.
The actual plot, therefore, was confined to a very
few persons; but that a plot of some kind was going forward
was believed by the great body of the Roman Catholic
population throughout the country.</p>
<div class="footnotes"><p class="footnotetitle">Footnotes:</p>
<div class="footnote"><p><SPAN name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></SPAN><SPAN href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></SPAN> In his youth he was entirely devoted to dissipation; but in 1598,
his zeal for the church of Rome was suddenly revived.</p>
</div>
<div class="footnote"><p><SPAN name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></SPAN><SPAN href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></SPAN> Book x. 34.</p>
</div>
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