Page:Life of Oliver Cromwell.pdf/19

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and conducted the man into his closet, who brought him intelligence, that the Spaniards, with whom England was then at war, were to send in a Dutch ship, a large sum of money to pay their army in Flanders. He also described certain concealments in the ship, where the money was deposited. Cromwell immediately dispatched an express to Sir Jeremy Smith, who lay in the downs, informing him, that, in a day or two, a Dutch ship would pass the Channel, which he must board and search, that he would find concealed, several large sums of money, which he was to carry away. Accordingly the ship appeared, Smith boarded her, found the money, and immediately dispatched it to London.

Jerrey White; chaplain to the Protector, carried his ambition so far as to pay his addresses to Lady Frances, Cromwell's youngest daughter. Jerrey, who was rather a handsome fellow, and, notwithstanding his profession; of a gay and amorous disposition, succeeded in making a favourable impression on her ladyship. Such a transaction could not long escape the vigilence of her father; and he was soon in possession of full information on the subject. Oliver ordered his informer to observe and watch them narrowly, and promised that, upon substantial proof of the truth, he should be as amply rewarded as the audacious chaplain should be severely punished. Soon after, the informer waited on his highness, and told him that Jerrey was at that moment with his daughter. Oliver instantly rushed into the lady's apartment, where he found the unfortunate chaplain upon his knees, and in the act of kissing her ladyship's hand. "What is the meaning of this posture before my daughter?" exclaimed Oliver furiously. With admirable presence of mind the astounded chaplain coolly replied, "May it please your highness, I have a long