The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Last Wednesday the honorable General Assembly of this Colony met at South Kingstown, and on Thursday a warrant was granted by the Speaker of the House of Deputies for bringing Mr. GEORGE ROME before the House, on account of a certain Letter some Time since returned from England, signed G. Rome: and Saturday afternoon being brought before the House, and returning evasive Answers to the Questions put to him, the House deemed his Conduct Contempt, and he was, in Consequence thereof, committed to his Majesty's Goal in South-Kingstown, where he remained, until the House rose, which was between 8 and 9 o'Clock on the Evening of the same Day.

The following Questions were, by Order, put to him.

Quest. Did you ever write a Letter, in Substance and Sense agreeing, or nearly agreeing, with the Copy of the Letter that you have now heard read, sign'd G. Rome.

Answ. I do not think, upon the Privilege of an Englishman, that the Question is fairly stated, because I do not consider I am to be called here to accuse myself. When you, Mr. Speaker, are pleased to present to me any Letter in my Hand-Writing, I will most readily acknowledge the same, and grant the House all the Satisfaction they are pleased to require, with the utmost Candour and Sincerity. As the Question stands, I must protest against the same.

Quest. Will you, or will you not, make a distinct Answer to the Question which has now been proposed to you?

Answ. I have already made a distinct Answer, by saying I cannot be legally called to the Bar of the House to accuse myself.