Why the Gunpowder Plot Failed

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22256, 2 November 1935, Page 4 (Supplement)

Why the Gunpowder Plot Failed

—From a contemporary sketch in the National Portrait Gallery IT appears to have been one sentence in a letter that led to the detection of the Gunpowder Plot and the execution of eight men. Again and again, in the history of crime, there occurs one little flaw in the most perfectlyplanned coup that eventually brings the perpetrator to his doom. In this case it was the peculiar reading of one sentence that statesmen overlooked and a King detected that led to the arrest and execution of Fawkes and hia fellow-couspirators.

Here is the full text of the letter which was left at the house of Lord Monteagle: "My Lord,—Out of the love that I bear to some of your friends 1 have a care of your preservation, therefore I would advise you, as you tender your life, to devise some excuse to shift of your attendance at this Parliament: for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time. And think not slightly of this advertisement, but retire yourself into your own country, where you may expect the event in safety. For though there be no appearance of any stir, yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurt them. This counsel is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and can do you no harm, for the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt this letter, and I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of It—to whose holy protection I commend you."

The letter, almost illegible, was without date or signature, and Lord Monteagle had no idea what he should do with it. However, thinking it might be a matter of some importance, he took it to Whitehall and consulted the Karl of Salisbury, Secretary of State. The Secretary showed it to the Lord Chamberlain, to the Lord High Admiral of the Fleet and to several others, and these great men, after pondering over the matter, thought it should be shown t<S King James himself. The account continues: " On the King's return the Earl presented him wiith it, and told him how it came into his hands. After reading of it the King mado a pause, and then, reading it again, said: "That there seemed somewhat in it extraordinary, una what was by no means to be neglected."

The Earl replied: "That it seemed to him to be written either by a madman or a fool, for who else could be guilty of saying: 'The danger is past as soon as you have burnt the letter.' For what danger could there be in that which the burning of the letter would put an end toP" But the King considered the smartness of the style and method of what vas said before—"That they should receive a terrible blow ; and yet should not see who hurt them," and did conclude, as he was walking and musing in the gallery, that the danger must be sudden, and like the blowing up by gunpowdor, for what else could the Parliament be in danger of?

It was then resolved that the houses and rooms around the Parliament House should be searched, and that same evening, the Lord Chamberlain, accompanied by Lord Monteagle, Sir Thomas Knevet and others, proceeded to view a house, where they found in a vault under ground, great store of billets, faggots and coal, brought there, as they wcro told, for the use of Mr. Piorcy; and they espiod Fawkes standing in a corner of the cellar, who "That ho was Mr. Piercy's servant, and left there by him for the keeping of tho house." Upon tho nnming of Piorcy, Lord Monteaglo told the Chamberlain that he suspected Piercy to be the author of the letter, and as this increased the suspicions, when it was reported by tho Lord Chamberlain to the King,, in tho presence of the Lord Admiral, Lord Treasurer, tho Earls of Worcester,, Northampton and Salisbury, it was resolved that further search should be mado what was that greatpilo of fuel in such a house where Piercy had so little occasion to reside. At Midnight, Sir Thomas Knevet, with a small partv of armed men, repaired thither, and found Fawkes standing at the door bootoc! and spurred, whom he at once apprehended. Upon him wero three matches, a tinder-box and a dark lantern. The King was informed of it as well as the Privy Council, while tho arch traytor was brought to the Tower of London."