TO MY HONOURED FRIEND OLIVER ST. JOHN, ESQUIRE, AT LINCOLN’S INN: THESE PRESENT
Sir,—Of all men I should not trouble you with money matters,—did not the heavy necessities my Troops are in, press me beyond measure. I am neglected exceedingly!
I am now ready for[1] my march towards the Enemy; who hath entrenched himself over against Hull, my Lord Newcastle having besieged the Town. Many of my Lord of Manchester’s Troops are come to me: very bad and mutinous, not to be confided in;—they paid to a week almost; mine noways provided-for to support them, except by the poor Sequestrations of the County of Huntingdon!—My Troops increase. I have a lovely company; you would respect them, did you know them. They are no ‘Anabaptists’ ; they are honest sober Christians .—they expect to be used as men!
If I took pleasure to write to the House in bitterness, I have occasion. “Of” the 3,0001. allotted me, I cannot get the Norfolk part nor the Hertfordshire: it was gone before I had it.—I have minded your service to forgetfulness of my own and Soldiers’ necessities. I desire not to seek myself:—“but” I have little money of my own to help my Soldiers. My estate is little. I tell you, the business of Ireland and England hath had of me, in money, between Eleven and Twelve Hundred pounds;—therefore my Private can do little to help the Public. You have had my money: I hope in God I desire to venture my skin. So do mine. Lay wait upon their patience; but break it not! Think of that which may be a real help. I believe 5,0001.[2] is due.
If you lay aside the thought of me and my Letter, I expect no help. Pray for your true friend and servant, OLIVER CROMWELL.
