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282 BUTLER. volunteer. He was fortunate enough to reach the fleet on the evening of the second, and was a welcome guest, as he carried information to the duke, who was retreating from the very superior force of the Dutch, that Prince Rupert was hastening to his assistance, and might be hourly expected. He had his share in the glorious actions of that and the succeeding day; and King Charles justly thought this singular attention to the interest and service of his country so meritorious, that after his return from the fleet (on board of which he continued till the end of ugust) he was summoned by writ to the house of peers, by the title of Lord Butler, of Moor Park, on the 14th of September, 1666. He was likewise sworn one of the privy couneil, being then one of the lords of the bedchamber, by his father's resignation. He bad not sat six weeks in the house, before he called the Duke of Buckingham to account, for saying, on the debate on the bill for prohibit- ing the importation of Irish cattle, that none were against it but such as had Irish estates or Irish understandings Lord Butler challenged him, and they were to have met the next day, in Chelsea Fields; but in his stead, about three hours after the time, came an officer with a guard to secure him, and the duke would have shared the same fate, had he not fortunately kept out of the way. The next morping his grace complained to the house of lords, of a breach of privilege, which produced a fresh dispute with the Earl of Arlington. As soon as the king was informed of this complaint, he gave orders that the Earl of Ossory should be released, who, on the instant of his liberation, went direct to the house of lords to make his defence, which, however, did not prevent his being sent to the Tower; and the Duke of Buckingham was committed to the custody of the usher of the black rod, but in two days they were both released. In October 1670, he was sent to Holland, to bring over the Prince of Orange. At the close of the same year, perceiving the Duke of Buckingham standing by the king, " My he weut boldly up to him, and spoke as follows