Godwin’s acquaintance, Colonel Edward Despard, was tried for High Treason, in London on 7 February 1803. His six co-conspirators were tried on 9 February. Despard was identified as the leading conspirator and the only person of quality in the group, which was accused of plotting the assassination of the King. All seven men were hanged and decapitated on Monday 21 February 1803.

See The Newgate Calendar and The Trial of Edward Marcus Despard for High Treason… (London, 1803).