But to send a man to the gallows as a traitor, without confronting him with his accusers, without hearing his defence, solely because a timidity which is perfectly compatible with innocence has impelled him to hide himself, is surely a violation, if not of any written law, yet of those great principles to which all laws ought to conform.

The case was brought before the House of Commons.

The orphan daughter of Armstrong came to the bar to demand vengeance; and a warm debate followed.

Sawyer was fiercely attacked and strenuously defended.

The Tories declared that he appeared to them to have done only what, as counsel for the Crown, he was bound to do, and to have discharged his duty to God, to the King, and to the prisoner.