[65] Thurloe, i. 442.—Allowance must be made for the prejudices of the reporter, and consequently some abatement from the violent charge. From the Council Order Books, (State Paper Office) we extract the following minutes:—
"Dec. 21st. 1653.—That Mr. Feake and Mr. V. Powell be sent for, in custody, to appear before the Council, at four of the clock, in the afternoon of this day, to answer such matters as shall be objected against them, and that warrants be issued and signed by the Lord President, for authorising Sergeant Dendy to take them into custody accordingly.
"That it be referred to Mr. Scobell and Scoutmaster General Downing to peruse the paper now read, of words spoken by Mr. Feake and Mr. Powell, and to extract and divide into heads the material passages therein; as also to take in writing the examinations of such witnesses to the same purport as shall be produced before them.
"23rd.—That Mr. Feake and Mr. Powell be kept severally in custody by the Serjeant-at-arms, and brought to the Council to-morrow morning.
"22nd of December.—The Lord Protector present.—Mr. Vavasour Powell and Mr. Feake brought before Council.
"That Mr. Feake and Mr. Powell be continued in the custody of the Serjeant-at-arms apart, as formerly, until to-morrow morning; that the Council give further order, and that no person be permitted to come to them but for their necessary provisions."
We have not noticed any further entries on the subject.
[66] Lingard's History of England, xi. 14.
Hugh Peters was an earnest advocate for peace with the Dutch.
"Mr. Peters prays and preacheth for peace, and exhorteth them to peace. On the last thanksgiving-day he told them, that God Almighty had punished them long enough for their sins, and especially for their pride, covetousness, ambition, discord, ingratitude, and unmercifulness, and hardheartedness to the poor, which are sins that do reign to some purpose in this nation."—From an intercepted letter in Dutch. Thurloe, i. 330.