land; on the Esk river, in the Ravenglass district: not far from that small Lake which Tourists go to see under the name of Devock Water. Quiet life to Stanley there!
FOR MY VERY WORTHY FRIEND RICHARD MAYOR, ESQUIRE: THESE
“London,” 12th February 1648.
Sir,—I received some intimations formerly, and by the last return from Southampton a Letter from Mr. Robinson, concerning the reviving of the last year’s motion touching my Son and your Daughter. Mr. Robinson was also pleased to send enclosed in his a Letter from you, bearing date the 5th of this instant February, wherein I find your willingness to entertain any good means for the completing of that business.
From whence I take encouragement to send my Son to wait upon you; and by him to let you know, That my desires are, if Providence so dispose, very full and free to the thing,—if, upon an interview, there prove also a freedom in the young persons thereunto. What liberty you will give herein, I wholly submit to you.
I thought fit, in my Letter to Mr. Robinson, to mention somewhat of expedition; because indeed I know not how soon I may be called into the field, or other occasions may remove me from hence; having for the present some liberty of stay in London. The Lord direct all to His glory. I rest, Sir, your very humble servant,
OLIVER CROMWELL.[1]
Thomas Scott is big with the Council of State at present; he produces it in the House tomorrow morning, 13th February; and the List of actual Councillors, as we said, is voted the next day.
There is also frequent debate about Ireland[2] in these days, and what is to be done for relief of it; the Marquis of