How did Legion’s Memorial help the Kentish petitioners?

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Daniel Defoe Daniel Defoe, engraving by M. Van der Gucht, after a portrait by J. Taverner, first half of the 18th century.

Daniel Defoe’s "Legion’s Memorial" was instrumental in securing the release of the five Kentish petitioners, who had been illegally imprisoned by the Tory-controlled House of Commons for demanding greater defense preparations.1

Defoe presented the document to the speaker, Robert Harley, while accompanied by 16 gentlemen of quality. The memorial served as a bold political challenge, reminding the Commons that "Englishmen are no more to be slaves to Parliaments than to a King." This courageous intervention proved effective, leading to the release of the petitioners and earning Defoe acclaim from the citizens of London.1