Catalogue description Letters of Algernon Sidney [1622-1683: see D.N.B.] during his captivity in the Tower of London before his trial on a charge of high treason after the discovery of the Rye House plot, 1683 (now bound).

Few of the letters are dated; none addressed or signed. Sidney's correspondent was probably John Hampden, the younger, who was also arrested as a member of the Council of Six; this would account for their presence in the Glynde MSS. Sidney hopes for both his and his correspondent's release on bail and proposes points for their defence. Hampden was released on bail at the end of November 1683. Sidney discusses his defence and refers to previous treason trials. A letter, 1 November, mentions the discovery in his house of his treatise published in 1698 as Discourses concerning Government.

Included is a letter from Algernon Sidney, perhaps to his friend Henry Savile, dated 22-23 November [1683]. Sidney's trial, which began on 7 November, has ended and he awaits judgement; refers to his will of March 1683 in which he left his correspondent everything, but 'that is now cut off,' and he has left his visible property to his brother Harry [Henry Sidney, afterwards Earl of Romney, 1641-1704; see D.N.B.]. Describes the trial, the conduct of Lord Chief-Justice [George] Jeffreys [1648-1689; see D.N.B.] and Lord William Russell [1639-1683; see D.N.B.], and the King's opinion of the plot.