Petition to the Lords in favour of Caroline

On the same day the trial officially began with the second reading of the Bill of Pain and Penalties, two petitions were presented to the Lords in defence of Queen Caroline. This petition is from the City of London, signed by the town clerk, Henry Woodthorpe. The petitioners described ‘they feel it is their duty most humbly to represent your lordships their conviction that this measure militates against the acknowledged rules of justice and equity and is calculated to weaken the stability of the throne'. They expressed concern that if the trial would proceed, it would threaten ‘the peace the security and welfare of the realm may be endangered'.