already levied in the Associated Counties, for payment of his men’; likewise privilege of ‘Free Quarter on the march he is now upon’; and lastly, ‘That the Six Associated Counties do forthwith raise Two-thousand men more’ for his behoof and that of the Cause. On which occasion Speaker Lenthall, as we otherwise find, writes to him on the part of the House, in these encouraging terms: ‘The House hath commanded me to send you these enclosed Orders; and to let you know that nothing is more repugnant to the sense of this House, and dangerous to this Kingdom, than the unwillingness of their forces to march out of their several Counties.—For yourself, they do exceedingly approve of your faithful endeavours to God and the Kingdom.’[1]
The Committee’s answer, ‘my return from you,’ will find Cromwell at Stamford; to which, as to the place of danger, he is already speeding and spurring. Here is his next Letter to these Honoured Friends:
TO MY HONOURED FRIENDS THE COMMISSIONERS AT CAMBRIDGE: THESE PRESENT
Gentlemen,—Finding our foot much lessened at Stamford, and having a great train and many carriages, I held it not safe to continue there, but presently after my return from you, I ordered the foot to quit that place and march into Holland, “to Spalding”; which they did on Monday last[2] I was the rather induced so to do because of the Letter I received from my Lord Willoughby, a copy whereof I sent you.
I am now at Peterborough, whither I came this afternoon. I was no sooner come but Lieutenant-Colonel Wood sent me word, from Spalding, That the Enemy was marching, with
