Army; he now wishes to retire to Arcadian felicity and wedded life in the country.
The ‘Mr. M.’ of this Letter is Richard Mayor, Esquire, of Hursley, Hants,[1] the young lady’s father. Hursley, not far from Winchester, is still a manorhouse, but no representative of Richard Mayor’s has now place there or elsewhere. The treaty, after difficulties, did take effect. Mayor, written also Major and Maijor, a pious prudent man, becomes better known to Oliver, to the world and to us in the sequel. Richard Norton, Member for Hants since 1645, is his neighbour; an old fellow-soldier under Manchester, fellow-colonel in the Eastern Association, seemingly very familiar with Oliver, he is applied to on this delicate occasion.
FOR MY NOBLE FRIEND COLONEL RICHARD NORTON: THESE
Dear Norton,—I have sent my Son over to thee, being willing to answer Providence; and although I had an offer of a very great proposition, from a father, of his daughter, yet truly I rather incline to this in my thoughts; because, though the other be very far greater, yet I see difficulties, and not that assurance of godliness,—though indeed of fairness. I confess that which is told me concerning the estate of Mr. M. is more than I can look for, as things now stand.
If God please to bring it about, the consideration of piety in the Parents, and such hopes of the Gentlewoman in that respect, make the business to me a great mercy; concerning which I desire to wait upon God.
I am confident of thy love; and desire things may be carried with privacy. The Lord do His will that’s best;—to which submitting, I rest, your humble servant,
