for him; and he immediately took the road towards Sheerness, where a boy belonging to the Custom House had been ordered to await his arrival.574
CHAPTER X
The Flight of James known; great Agitation--The Lords meet at Guildhall--Riots in London--The Spanish Ambassador's House sacked--Arrest of Jeffreys--The Irish Night--The King detained near Sheerness--The Lords order him to be set at Liberty-- William's Embarrassment--Arrest of Feversham--Arrival of James in London--Consultation at Windsor--The Dutch Troops occupy Whitehall--Message from the Prince delivered to James--James sets out for Rochester; Arrival of William at Saint James's--He is advised to assume the Crown by Right of Conquest --He calls together the Lords and the Members of the Parliaments of Charles II.--Flight of James from Rochester--Debates and Resolutions of the Lords--Debates and Resolutions of the Commoners summoned by the Prince--Convention called; Exertions of the Prince to restore Order--His tolerant Policy--Satisfaction of Roman Catholic Powers; State of Feeling in France--Reception of the Queen of England in France--Arrival of James at Saint Germains--State of Feeling in the United Provinces--Election of Members to serve in the Convention--Affairs of Scotland--State of Parties in England- -Sherlock's Plan--Sancroft's Plan--Danby's Plan--The Whig Plan-- Meeting of the Convention; leading Members of the House of Commons--Choice of a Speaker--Debate on the State of the Nation-- Resolution declaring the Throne vacant--It is sent up to the Lords; Debate in the Lords on the Plan of Regency--Schism between the Whigs and the Followers of Danby--Meeting at the Earl of Devonshire's--Debate in the Lords on the Question whether the Throne was vacant--Majority for the Negative; Agitation in London--Letter of James to the Convention--Debates; Negotiations; Letter of the Princess of Orange to Danby--The Princess Anne acquiesces in the