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1649.]

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE; IRELAND.

355

when you resolve. The thing I have to offer hath been thought upon by us, as you will perceive by the reasons wherewith we enforce it; and we do willingly tender it to you; desiring God, not you, may give us the answer.

That a Divine Presence hath gone along with us in the late great transactions in this Nation, I believe most good men are sensible of, and thankful to God for; and are persuaded that He hath a farther end; and that as by this dispensation He hath manifested His severity and justice, so there will be a time wherein He will manifest grace and mercy, in which He so much delights. To us who are employed as instruments in this work the contentment that appears is, That we are doing our Master's work; that we have His presence and blessing with us; and that we live in hope to see Him cause wars to cease, and bringing in that Kingdom of Glory and Peace which He hath promised. This being so, as the hope thereof occasions our comfort, so the seeing some way made already cannot but 'raise' hope that goodness and mercy intends to visit this poor Island. Therefore in what we may as poor instruments, 'we' cannot but be endeavouring to answer the mind of God as any opportunity offers itself.

First let me tell you, in divers places where we come, we find the people very greedy after the Word, and flocking to Christian meetings; much of that prejudice that lies upon poor people in England being a stranger to their minds. And truly we have hoped much of it is done in simplicity; and I mind you the rather of this because it is a sweet symptom, if not an earnest, of the good we expect.

In the next place, our condition was such at our arrival here, - by reason of the War, and prevalency of the Enemy, - that there was a dissolution of the whole frame of Government; there being no visible authority residing in persons entrusted to act according to the forms of law, except in two corporations [Dublin and Derry at our arrival], in this whole Land. And although it hath pleased God to give us much territory, yet how to fall suddenly into that way again, I see not; nor is it for the present practicable. Wherefore I am

constrained, of my own authority, to issue out Commissions to persons to hear and determine the present controversies that do arise, as they may.

Sir, it seems to me we have a great opportunity to set up, until the Parliament shall otherwise determine, a way of doing justice amongst these poor people, which, for the uprightness and cheapness of it, may exceedingly gain upon them, who have been accustomed to as much injustice, tyranny and oppression from their landlords, the great men, and those that should have done them right, as (I believe) any people in that which we call Christendom. And indeed 'they' are accounted the bribing'st [so to speak!] people that are; they having been inured thereto. Sir, if justice were freely and impartially administered here, the foregoing darkness and corruption would make it look so much the more glorious and beautiful; and draw more hearts after it! I am loath to write what the consequences might be, or what may be said upon this subject; and therefore I shall let you know my

desire in a word.

There uses to be a Chief-Justice in the Province of Munster, who having some others with him in assistance uses to hear and determine Causes depending there; you are desired by me to accept of that employment. I do believe that nothing will suit your mind better than having a standing Salary for the same; that so you may not be troubled with common allowances, which have been to others (I doubt) but a colour to their covetous practices. I dare assure you ‘of' £1,000 a-year, half-yearly, to be paid by even parts, as your allowance; and although this be more than hath usually been allowed, yet shall we have wherewith readily to make performance, if you accept.

I know not how far this desire of mine will be interpreted by you as a call: but sure I am I have not done anything with a clearer breast, nor wherein I do more approve my heart to the Lord and His people in sincerity and uprightness; - the Lord direct you what to do. I desire a few things of you: let my Letter be as little seen as you may; - you know what

constructions are usually put upon some men's actings; and (were it fit to be committed to paper) would 'be' if I should say That this business, by the blessing of God, might be so managed as might abate much superfluity. I desire you not to discourse of the allowance but to some choice friends. Next I could desire, if you have any acquaintance with Mr. Graves the Lawyer, you would move him to the acceptance of a place here, which should be honourable, and not to his outward disadvantage. And any other godly and able man you know of. Let me have your mind so soon as conveniently you may; and whether you have tried any as is desired, and whom, and what return they make.

Desiring your prayers, I rest,

Your affectionate friend and servant,
OLIVER CROMWELL.S

(No. 17.

IRELAND: OPERATIONS IN TIPPERARY.

[Vol. ii. p. 252.]

COLONEL PHAYR is in Cork, "with near Five-hundred foot," since November last; Broghil, Fenton, and their relation to him, were also indicated in the Text.*

For Colonel Phayr, Governor of Cork: These. Haste, haste.

Fethard, 9th February 1649.

SIR, It hath pleased God to be very gracious to us hitherto, in the possessing of Cashel, Fethard and Roghill Castle, without any blood. Callan cost us at least four or five men; but we are possessed of it also, and of divers other places of good importance. We are in the very bowels of Tipperary; and hope, will lie advantageously (by the blessing of God) for further attempts.

§ General Dictionary (by Birch, Bernard &c., London, 1739), vol. ix. 19-20, § SADLER (materials furnished by "Thos. Sadler, Deputy Clerk of the Pells," a descendant of this Sadler's).

Sadler did not go; John Cooke, Advocate famed in the King's trial, went. Of Graves I know nothing. Sadler has left some Books; indicating a strange corner of dreamy imaginativeness, in his otherwise solid, lucid and pious mind. A man much esteemed by Hartlib, Milton's friend, and by the world legal and other. He continued one of the Masters in Oliver's new Chancery, when the number was reduced to six.

*Letters CXIV. CXV. vol. ii. pp. 202, 203.

Many places take up our men: wherefore I must needs be earnest with you to spare us what you can. If you can send Two Companies more of your Regiment to Mallow,* do it. If not, One at the least; that so my Lord Broghil may spare us Two or three of Colonel Ewers's, to meet him with the rest of his ** Regiment at Fermoy.

Give Colonel Ewers what assistance you can in the Business I have sent to him about. Salute all my Friends with you. My service to Sir William Fenton. Pray for us. I rest,

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Your very loving friend,

OLIVER CROMWELL.

'P.S.' Sir, if you think that we draw you too low in men whilst we are inactive, I presume you are in no danger; however, I desire you would make this use of it, To rid the Town of Cork of suspicious and ill-affected persons as fast as you can. And herein deal with effect. §

No. 18.

HASELRIG AND Dunbar Battle.

[Vol. ii. p. 346.]

HERE, by the kindness of R. Ormston, Esq., Newcastle-onTyne, are now (for our Third and all other Editions) the Letters themselves. This Gentleman, Grandson of the "Steward of the Haselrigs" mentioned at p. 345, vol. ii., possesses all the Four Cromwell Letters alluded to by Brand; and has now (May 1847) beneficently furnished an exact copy of them, privately printed. Letter CXXXIX. alone is autograph; the other Three are in a Clerk's hand. Letter CXXXIX., Letter CXLI., these and the Two which follow here, it appears, Mr. O.'s Grandfather" begged "from the fire, on a day when much destruction of old Letters "and waste Papers was going on at Nosely Hall," Letter CXXXIX. and all England are somewhat obliged to him! Here are the other Two:

"Mayallo" in orig.

** i. e. Colonel Ewers's.

Gentleman's Magazine for March 1843, p. 266. Endorsed, by Phayr, "The Lo. Leu't Letter to mee the ninth of Febi 1649; About sending men." By another hand there is also written on the outside. "Mallo posest," meaning, probably for Phayr's information, Mallow possessed (got, laid hold of).

1. For the Honourable Sir Arthur Haselrig, Governor of Newcastle: These SIR, Dunbar, 5th September 1650. After much deliberation, we can find no way how to dispose of these Prisoners that will be consisting with these two ends (to wit, the not losing them and the not starving them, neither of which would we willingly incur) but by sending them into England; where the Council of State may exercise their wisdom and better judgment in so dispersing and disposing of them, as that they may not suddenly return to your prejudice.

We have despatched away near 5,000 poor wretches of them; very many of which, it's probable, will die of their wounds, or be rendered unserviceable for time to come by reason thereof. I have written to the Council of State, desiring them to direct how they shall be disposed of: and I make no question but you will hasten the Prisoners up Southwards, and second my desires with your own to the Council. I know you. are a man of business. This, not being every-day's work, will willingly be performed by you; especially considering you have the commands of your Superior.

Sir, I judge it exceeding necessary you send us up what Horse and Foot you can, with all possible expedition; especially considering that indeed our men fall very sick; and if the Lord shall please to enable us effectually to prosecute this Business, to the which He hath opened so gracious a way, no man knows but that it may produce a Peace to England, and much security and comfort to God's People. Wherefore, I pray you, continue to give what furtherance you can to this Work, by speeding such supplies to us as you can possibly spare. Not having more at present, I rest, Your affectionate friend and servant, OLIVER CROMWELL.S

2. For the Honourable Sir Arthur Haselrig, Governor of Newcastle: These: Haste, haste.

Edinburgh, 9th September 1650.

SIR, I cannot but hasten you in sending-up what Forces pos§ Original in the possession of R. Ormston, Esq., Newcastle-on-Tyne.

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