The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 79
The next, of Monday, is on public business; deliberately looking before and after.
TO THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM LENTHALL, ESQUIRE, SPEAKER OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS: THESE
Sir,—In my last, wherein I gave you an account of my despatch of Colonel Bright to Carlisle, after the rendition of Berwick, I acquainted you with my intentions to go to the headquarters of my horse at the Earl of Winton’s, within six miles of Edinburgh; that from thence I might represent to the Committee of Estates what I had farther to desire in your behalf.
The next day after I came thither, I received an invitation from the Committee of Estates to come to Edinburgh; they sending to me the Lord Kirkcudbright and Major-General Holborn for that purpose; with whom I went the same day, being Wednesday 4th of this instant October. We fell into consideration, What was fit farther to insist upon. And being sensible that the late Agreement between the Committee of Estates and the Earls of Crawford, Glencairn, and Lanark, did not sufficiently answer my instructions, which were, To disenable them from being in power to raise new troubles to England:—therefore I held it my duty, Not to be satisfied with the mere disbanding of them; but considering their power and interest, I thought it necessary to demand concerning them and all their abettors, according to the contents of the Paper[1] here enclosed.
Wherein,—having received that very day your Votes for giving farther assistance “to the Well-affected in Scotland,” I did in the close thereof acquaint them with the same; reserving such farther satisfaction to be given by the Kingdom of Scotland, as the Parliament of England should in their wisdom see cause to desire. The Committee of Estates “had” sent the Earl of Cassilis, Lord Warriston, and two Gentlemen more to me, To receive what I had to offer unto them;—which upon Thursday I delivered. Upon Friday I received by the said persons this enclosed Answer,[2] which is the Original itself:
Having proceeded thus far as a Soldier, and I trust, by the blessing of God, not to your disservice ; and having laid the business before you, I pray God direct you to do farther as may be for His glory, the good of the Nation wherewith you are intrusted, and the comfort and encouragement of the Saints of God in both Kingdoms and all the World over. I do think the affairs of Scotland are in a thriving posture, as to the interest of honest men: and “Scotland is” like to be a better neighbour to you now than when the great pretenders to the Covenant and Religion and Treaties,—I mean Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Lauderdale, Traquair, Carnegy, and their confederates,—had the power in their hands. I dare “be bold to” say that that Party, with their pretences, had not only, through the treachery of some in England (who have cause to blush), endangered the whole State and Kingdom of England; but also “had” brought Scotland into such a condition, as that no honest man who had the fear of God, or a conscience of Religion, “and” the just ends of the Covenant and Treaties, could have a being in that Kingdom. But God, who is not to be mocked or deceived, and is very jealous when His Name and Religion are made use of to carry on impious designs, hath taken vengeance of such profinity,—even to astonishment and admiration. And I wish from the bottom of my heart, it may cause all to tremble and repent, who have practised the like, to the blasphemy of His Name, and the destruction of His People; so as they may never presume to do the like again! And I think it is not unseasonable for me to take the humble boldness to say thus much at this time.
All the Enemy’s Forces in Scotland are now disbanded. The Committee of Estates have declared against all of that Party’s sitting in Parliament.[3] Good Elections are “already” made in divers places; of such as dissented from and opposed the late wicked Engagement: and they are now raising a force Of about 4,000 Horse and Foot;—which until they can complete, they have desired me to leave them two Regiments of Horse and two Troops of Dragoons. Which accordingly I have resolved, conceiving I had warrant by your late Votes so to do; and have left Major-General Lambert to command them.
I have received, and so have the Officers with me, many honours and civilities from the Committee of Estates, the City Of Edinburgh, and Ministers; with a noble entertainment;—which we may not own as done to us, but as “done to” your servants. I am now marching towards Carlisle; and I shall give you such farther accounts of your affairs as there shall be occasion. I am, Sir, your humble servant,
Cromwell, at Carlisle on the 14th, has received delivery of the Castle there, for which good news let the Messenger have 100l.[5] Leaving all in tolerable order in those regions, the Lieutenant-General hastens into Yorkshire to Pontefract or Pomfret Castle;[6] a strong place which had been surprised in the beginning of the year, and is stubbornly defended;—surrender being a very serious matter now; the War itself being contrary to Law and Treaty, and as good as Treason, think some.