The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 8
Meanwhile enter Robert Barnard, Esquire, again. Barnard, getting ever deeper into trouble, has run up to Town; has been persuading my Lord of Manchester and others, That he is not a disaffected man; that a contribution should not be inflicted on him by the County Committee.
TO MY VERY LOVING FRIEND ROBERT BARNARD ESQUIRE: PRESENT THESE
Sir,—I have received two Letters, one from my Lord of Manchester, the other from yourself; much to the same effect: I hope therefore one answer will serve them both.
Which is in short this: That we know you are disaffected to the Parliament;—and truly if the Lords, or any Friends, may take you off from a reasonable Contribution, for my part T should be glad to be commanded to any other employment. Sir, you may, if you will, “come freely into the country about your occasions.” For my part, I have protected you in your absence; and shall do so to you.
This is all,—but that I am ready to serve you, and rest, your loving friend, OLIVER CROMWELL.[1]
Let Barnard return, therefore; take a lower level, where the ways are more sheltered in stormy weather;—and so save himself, and ‘become Recorder after the Restoration.’ Subtlety may deceive him; integrity never will!—
- ↑ Gentleman’s Magazine (London, 1791), lxi. 44: no notice whence, no criticism or commentary there: Letter undoubtedly genuine.