The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Bristol May 2. Thursday morning Jonathan Britain was brought into Court, and when called to the bar, desired his irons might be taken off, which was complied with. To the several indictments preferred and found against him for forgery, he repeatedly refused to plead, claiming an exemption from trial for these offences, by virtue of his Majesty's pardon to the discoverer of the fire of Portsmouth Dock, as he was enabled to disclose the whole affair. The Recorder judiciously remonstrated against his proceedings, & recommended him to take his trial, or otherwise there was a law just enacted, that would compel him; yet he obstinately persisted in his silence, & was ordered away. On quitting the bar he loudly declared-- Then I shall fall a victim to Ministerial vengeance. Soon after this an express was dispatched to London, in order, it is said, to procure the Act of Parliament, which passed the Royal Assent of the 16th of April, for "more effectually proceeding against persons standing mute on their arraignment for felony, &c."