had in hand or view against these poor Parishioners of Hapton, must, as the adjoining circumstances are all obliterated, remain somewhat indistinct to us. We gather in general that the Parishioners of Hapton were a little given to Sectarian, Independent notions; which Browne, a respectable Christian of the Presbyterian strain, could not away with. ‘The oppressed poor Tenants have contrived to make their case credible to Lieutenant-General Cromwell, now in his place in Parliament again;—have written to him; perhaps clubbed some poor sixpences, and sent up a rustic Deputation to him: and he, ‘however the respectable Presbyterian world may interpret it, is not ashamed to solicit for them’: with effect, either now or soon.
FOR HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX, GENERAL OF THE PARLIAMENT’S FORCES:[1] THESE
Sir,—I was desired to write a Letter to you by Adjutant Fleming. The end of it is, To desire your Letter in his recommendation. He will acquaint you with the sum thereof, more particularly what the business is. I most humbly submit to your better judgment, when you hear it from him. Craving pardon for my boldness in putting you to this trouble, I rest, your most humble servant,
Adjutant Fleming is in Sprigge’s Army-List. I suppose him to be the Fleming who, as Colonel Fleming, in Spring 1648, had rough service in South Wales two years afterwards; and was finally defeated, attempting to ‘sieze a Pass’ near TPembroke Castle, then in revolt under Poyer; was driven into a Church, and there slain,—some say, slew himself.[3]
