readily than the Lords, continue, by instalments of ‘forty days,’ of ‘three months,’ his services in the Army; and at length grow to regard him as a constant element there. A few others got similar leave of absence, similar dispensation from the Self-denying Ordinance. Sprigge’s words, cited above, are no doubt veracious; yet there is trace of evidence[1] that Cromwell’s continuance in the Army had, even by the framers of the Self-denying Ordinance, been considered a thing possible, a thing desirable. As it well might! To Cromwell himself there was no overpowering felicity in getting out to be shot at, except where wanted; he very probably, as Sprigge intimates, did let the matter in silence take its own course.
“TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX, GENERAL OF THE PARLIAMENT’S ARMY: THESE”
Sir,—I most humbly beseech you to pardon my long silence. I am conscious of the fault, considering the great obligations lying upon me. But since my coming into these parts, I have been busied to secure that part of the Isle of Ely where I conceived most danger to be.
Truly I found it in a very ill posture: and it is yet but weak; without works, ammunition or men considerable—and of money least: and then, I hope, you will easily conceive of the defence: and God has preserved us all this while to a miracle. The party under Vermuyden waits the King’s Army, and is about Deeping; has a command to join with Sir John Gell, if he commands him. So “too” the Nottingham Horse. I shall be bold to present you with intelligence as it comes to me.
I am bold to present this as my humble suit: That you would be pleased to make Captain Rawlins, this Bearer, a Captain of Horse. He has been so before; was nominated to the Model; is a most honest man. Colonel Sidney leaving his
- ↑ Godwin’s History of the Commonwealth (London, 1824), i. 405.
