That one prince should fortify himself in Whitehall and the other in Saint James's, that there should be two hostile garrisons within an area of a hundred acres, was universally felt to be inexpedient.

Such an arrangement could scarcely fail to produce suspicions, insults, and bickerings which might end in blood.

The assembled Lords, therefore, thought it advisable that James should be sent out of London.

Ham, which had been built and decorated by Lauderdale, on the banks of the Thames, out of the plunder of Scotland and the bribes of France, and which was regarded as the most luxurious of villas, was proposed as a convenient retreat.

When the Lords had come to this conclusion, they requested the Prince to join them.