Blank warrants were issued, and filled up occasionally with such names as the informers suggested.

These were delivered to Aaron Smith, solicitor to the treasury, who with messengers accompanied Lunt and his associates to Lancashire, under the protection of a party of Dutch horse-guards commanded by one captain Baker.

They were empowered to break open houses, seize papers, and apprehend persons, according to their pleasure; and they committed many acts of violence and oppression.

The persons against whom these measures were taken, being apprized of the impending danger, generally retired from their own habitations.

Some, however, were taken and imprisoned; a few arms were secured; and in the house of Mr.Standish, at Standish-hall, they found the draft of a declaration to be published by king James at his landing.