298 The History of Longleat. 
to the determination of gaining his end by the assassination of Mr. 
Thynne. For this purpose he engaged abroad a German oflicer, a 
gentleman of good family, one Capt. Vratz, who was given to un- 
derstand that Konigsmark had been insulted, and even assaulted by 
Mr. Thynne, and that chastisement only was intended. Captain 
Vratz hired a Lieutenant Stern, who again enlisted a further sub- 
ordinate, a common Polish soldier of the line, called Borosky. This 
man was to do the deed, and though he does not appear to have 
exactly known beforehand what he was to do, yet he professed 
himself ready for anything, on being assured that, happen what 
might, no harm could come to him, being merely a private soldier 
obeying orders. Count Konigsmark came over from the continent 
to superintend the operations, though he took no actual part in 
them. The three subordinates being in London, and having horses 
ready saddled, kept on the look out for Mr. Thynne from the win- 
dow of a house; and on the night of Sunday, Feb. 12, 1682, about 
8 o’clock, having received information that he was likely to pass in 
his coach along Pall-mall, they immediately mounted and waylaid 
him. He was returning from the Countess of Northumberland’s 
house, in St. James’s Street, and the night being dark, the coach 
was preceded by links. Pall-mall at that time was not a regular 
street as now, but the whole of the lower side was open to St. 
James’s Park, with here and there a house on the upper side. On 
reaching what is now the Opera Arcade, but then a continuation 
of St. Alban’s Place, Stern galloped up in front of the horses, Capt. 
Vratz rode alongside the carriage, and calling out “ Hold’’! pointed 
to the gentleman inside. Borosky, the Polander, immediately fired 
and shot four or five bullets into the body of Mr. Thynne. He 
was not killed on the spot, but lingered till the next morning. 
The Duke of Monmouth had been riding with him round Hyde 
Park, and only left the carriage an hour before. He remained all 
night by the side of his dying friend, and put every instrument in 
motion, for furthering the pursuit of the murderers. His own 
narrow escape and his exertions for his friend, are alluded to in a 
Grub Street ballad written upon the event :— 
