The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 40
‘Delinquents,’ conquered Royalists, are now getting themselves fined, according to rigorous proportions, by a Parliament Committee which sits, and will sit long, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, making that locality very memorable to Royalist gentlemen.[1]
The Staffordshire Committee have sent a Deputation up to Town. They bring a Petition; very anxious to have 2,000l. out of their Staffordshire Delinquents from Goldsmiths’ Hall, or even 4,000l.,—to pay-off their forces, and send them to Ireland; which lie heavy on the County at present.
FOR HIS EXCELLENCY SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX, “GENERAL OF THE PARLIAMENT’S ARMY”: THESE
“London,” 6th Oct. 1646.
Sir,—I would be loath to trouble you with anything; but indeed the Staffordshire Gentlemen came to me this day, and with more than ordinary importunity did press me to give their desires furtherance to you. Their Letter will show what they entreat of you. Truly, Sir, it may not be amiss to give them what ease may well be afforded, and the sooner the better, especially at this time.[2]
I have no more at present, but to let you know the business of your Army is like to come on tomorrow. You shall have account of that business so soon as I am able to give it. I humbly take leave, and rest, your Excellency’s most humble servant,
OLIVER CROMWELL.[3]
The Commons cannot grant the prayer of this Petition;[4] Staffordshire will have to rest as it is for some time. ‘The business of your Army’ did come on ‘tomorrow’; and assessments for a new six-months were duly voted for it, and other proper arrangements made.[5]
- ↑ The proceedings of it, all now in very superior order, still lie in the State-Paper Office.
- ↑ ‘and the sooner,’ etc.: these words are inserted above the line, by way of caret and afterthought.
- ↑ Sloane Mss. 1519, fol. 72:—Oliver’s own hand.—Note, his Signature seems generally to be Oliver Cromwell, not O. Cromwell: to which practice we conform throughout, though there are exceptions to it.
- ↑ 7th December 1646, Commons Journals, v. 3.
- ↑ 7th October 1646, Commons Journals, iv. 687.