[162] Child had been originally brought into the direction by these men; he had long acted in concert with them; and he was supposed to hold their political opinions.

He had, during many years, stood high in the esteem of the chiefs of the parliamentary opposition, and had been especially obnoxious to the Duke of York.

[163] The interlopers therefore determined to affect the character of loyal men, who were determined to stand by the throne against the insolent tribunes of the City.

They spread, at all the factories in the East, reports that England was in confusion, that the sword had been drawn or would immediately be drawn, and that the Company was forward in the rebellion against the Crown.

These rumours, which, in truth, were not improbable, easily found credit among people separated from London by what was then a voyage of twelve months.