No accusation had been brought against him.

Why then should he, under pretence of vindicating himself, attempt to throw dishonourable imputations on an illustrious name, and to apologise for a judicial murder?
He was forced to sit dorm, after declaring that he meant only to clear himself from the charge of having exceeded the limits of his professional duty; that he disclaimed all intention of attacking the memory of Lord Russell; and that he should sincerely rejoice at the reversing of the attainder.

Before the House rose the bill was read a second time, and would have been instantly read a third time and passed, had not some additions and omissions been proposed, which would, it was thought, make the reparation more complete.

The amendments were prepared with great expedition: the Lords agreed to them; and the King gladly gave his assent, [383] This bill was soon followed by three other bills which annulled three wicked and infamous judgments, the judgment against Sidney, the judgment against Cornish, and the judgment against Alice Lisle, [384] Some living Whigs obtained without difficulty redress for injuries which they had suffered in the late reign.

The sentence of Samuel Johnson was taken into consideration by the House of Commons.