Mr Richard Stafford, aged about 54 years, being duly sworne before ye Honble ye Councell deposeth as followeth: That Mr Willm. Righton, Senr. did shew some articles yt he had exhibited agt. Capt Henry Durham yt amounted to this yt if ye Kings Govermt were here we must be forced to goe to church with a fidle & drum. Coll. Richd Cony, Esq then GoverE, I being one of this councell with sundry others ye said articles were spread before me, and ye GoverE shewed us a letter signd Willm. Righton wherein there were words to this purpose that he would conforme to Church & State or ye like as before; ye GovE said, Gentlemen before God or by my faith these things are of dangerous consequence and this Righton is a dangerous fellow, & if he goes on thus yu know not what will become of yu and , said ye GoverE. I think it ye best way to let these things lie till we hear further & lett now man speake what is done and it may be he will be quiet and we shall all live in peace. I for my pt. likd ye mocon well & gave my consent it should be as ye GoverE said, and so did every one of ye Councell or els my memory much failes me & Capt John Tucker then Secrete sate at ye lower end of ye GoverEs table and I did thinke he was entring downe ye GoverE & Councells results; this upon my oath as near ye truth as I can remember.

Richard Stafford

Sworne before ye Councell ye 10th day August 1686