These steps were owing to the suggestions of infamous informers, whom the ministry countenanced.

Colonel Parker and one Crosby were imprisoned, and bills of treason found against them; but Parker made his escape from the Tower, and was never retaken, though a reward of four hundred pounds was set upon his head.

The king having settled the affairs of the confederacy at the Hague, embarked for England on the eighth of November, and next day landed at Margate.

On the twelfth he opened the session of parliament with a speech, in which he observed that the posture of affairs was improved both by sea and land since they last parted; in particular, that a stop was put to the progress of the French arms.

He desired they would continue the act of tonnage and poundage, which would expire at Christmas; he reminded them of the debt for the transport ships employed in the reduction of Ireland; and exhorted them to prepare some good bill for the encouragement of seamen.
A majority in both houses was already secured; and in all probability he bargained for their condescension by agreeing to the bill for triennial parliaments.