England under Charles II. from the Restoration to the Treaty of Nimeguen, 1660-1678: English History from Contemporary Writers
Taylor, W. F.
1889
Colonel Blood after attempting to steal the Crown jewels is pardoned.
Evelyn's Diary. | |
May 10, dined at my Lord Treasurer's, where dined . . one Blood | |
104 | that impudent bold fellow who had not long before attempted to steal the imperial crown itself out of the Tower, pretending curiosity of seeing the regalia there, when, stabbing the keeper, though not mortally, he boldly went away with it through all the guards, taken only by the accident of his horse falling down. How he came to be pardoned, and even received into favour, not only after this but several other exploits almost as daring both in Ireland and here, I could never come to understand. Some believed he became a spy of several parties, being well with the sectaries and enthusiasts, and did his Majesty's service that way, which none alive could do so well as he. . . . The man had not only a daring but a villainous, unmerciful look; a false countenance, but very well spoken and dangerously insinuating. |