The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 15
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[1] 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 twelve flying colours of horse and foot, within a mile of Swinstead: so that I hope it was a good providence of God that our foot were at Spalding.
It much concerns your Association, and the Kingdom, that so strong a place as Holland is be not possessed by them. If you have any foot ready to march, send them away to us with all speed. I fear lest the Enemy should press in upon our foot:—he being thus for advanced towards you, I hold it very fit that you should hasten your horse at Huntingdon, and what you can speedily raise at Cambridge, unto me. I dare not go into Holland with my horse, lest the enemy should advance with his whole body of horse, this way, into your Association; but remain ready here, endeavouring[2] my Lord Grey’s and the Northamptonshire horse towards me; that so, if we be able, we may fight the enemy, or retreat unto you, with our whole strength. I beseech you hasten your levies, what you can; especially those of foot! Quicken all our friends with new letters upon this occasion;—which I believe you will find to be a true alarm. The particulars I hope to be able to inform you speedily of, more punctually; having sent, in all haste, to Colonel Wood for that purpose.
The money I brought with me is so poor a pittance when it comes to be distributed amongst all my troops that, considering their necessity,—it will not half clothe them, they were so far behind,—if we have not more money speedily, they will be exceedingly discouraged. I am sorry you put me to it to write thus often. It makes it seem a needless importunity om me; whereas, in truth, it is a constant neglect of those that should provide for us. Gentlemen, make them able to live and subsist that are willing to spend their blood for you!—I say no more; but rest, your faithful servant, OLIVER CROMWELL.[3]
Sir William Waller, whom some called William the Conqueror, has been beaten all to pieces on Lansdown Heath, about three weeks ago. The Fairfaxes too are beaten from the field; glad to get into Hull,—which Hotham the Traitor was about delivering to her Majesty, when vigilant persons laid him fast.[4] And, in the end of May, Earl Stamford was defeated in the Southwest; and now Bristol has been suddenly surrendered to Prince Rupert,—for which let Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes (says Mr. Prynne, still very zealous) be tried by Court-Martial, and if possible, shot.
- ↑ Yesterday.
- ↑ ‘but am ready endeavouring,’ in orig.
- ↑ Fairfax Correspondence, iii. 58.
- ↑ Of Hotham: 29th June 1643 (Rushworth, v. 275-6);—of the Fairfaxes, at Adderton Moor: 30th June (ib. 279);—of Waller: 13th July (ib. 285; Clarendon, ii. 376-9). Stratton Fight in Cornwall, defeat of Stamford by Hopton, was 16th May; Bristol is 22d July (Rushworth, v. 271, 284).