In this work none seemed so eager and active as their leader, Major
Rosewell; which I observing, stepped boldly to him as he was passing
by me, and asked him if he intended a massacre, for of that in those
days there was a great apprehension and talk. The suddenness of the
question, from such a young man especially, somewhat startled him;
but recollecting himself, he answered, "No; but I intend to have you
all hanged by the wholesome laws of the land."
When he had gotten as many as he could or thought fit, which were in
number thirty-two, whereof two were catched up in the street, who
had not been at the meeting, he ordered the pikes to be opened
before us; and giving the word to march, went himself at the head of
us, the soldiers with their pikes making a lane to keep us from
scattering.
He led us up Martin's, and so turned down to Newgate, where I
expected he would have lodged us. But, to my disappointment, he
went on though Newgate, and turning through the Old Bailey, brought
us into Fleet Street. I was then wholly at a loss to conjecture
whither he would lead us, unless it were to Whitehall, for I knew
nothing then of Old Bridewell; but on a sudden he gave a short turn,
and brought us before the gate of that prison, where knocking, the
wicket was forthwith opened, and the master, with his porter, ready
to receive us.
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