honest, religious, valiant Gentleman, Captain Dodsworth, the Bearer hereof.
He hath diligently attended the service, and much improved his men in their exercise; but hath been unhappy beyond others in not receiving any pay for himself, and what he had for his soldiers is out long ago. He hath, by his prudence, what with fair and winning carriage, what with money borrowed, kept them together. He is able to do so no longer: they will presently disband, if a course be not taken.
It’s pity it should be so! For I believe they are brought into as good order as most Companies in the Army. Besides, at this instant there is great need to use them; I have received a special command from my Lord General, To advance with what force we can, to put an end, if it may be, to this Work,—God so assisting, from whom all help cometh.
I beseech you, therefore, consider this Gentleman, and the soldiers; and if it be possible, make up his Company a Hundred-and-twenty; and send them away with what expedition is possible. It may, through God’s blessing, prove very happy. One month’s pay may prove all your trouble. I speak to wise men:——God direct you. I rest, yours to serve you, OLIVER CROMWELL.[1]
The present Great Design, though it came to nothing, is not without interest for us. Some three days before the date of this Letter, as certain Entries in the Commons Journals still testify,[2] there had risen hot alarm in Parliament; my Lord General writing from Windsor, ‘at three in the morning’: Prince Rupert out in one of his forays; in terrible force before the Town of Aylesbury: ought not one to go and fight him?—Without question! eagerly answer Colonel Hampden and others; Fight him, beat him; beat more than him! Why not rise heartily from Windsor with this fine Army; calling
