The life of Oliver Cromwell

Front matter

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THE LIFE

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Introduction

Some may think that Carlyle's "Letters and Speeches of Cromwell" render a life of him unnecessary, while, in fact, that work was the only cause of my writing this. A multitude of biographies have been written on Cromwell, but not one based on the general view taken by Carlyle. The letters and speeches of a man can never constitute his biography, though they may give us a correct and complete idea of his character. The letters and speeches of Washington, and his life, are two very different works. In the first place, the narrative is broken up by the introduction of letters and documents on various subjects, that must be placed in chronological order. In the second place, events are mere links, by which these are connected ; while in biography, they are the writer's chief concern. In one case, the writings of a man form the burden of a book; in the other, his actions. The compiler of the former cannot condense, while it is the chief business of the historian of the latter to do so. Carlyle should, doubtless, viii INTRODUCTION.

have written the life of Cromwell, and it was generally expected of him ; but he declined doing it, saying, that he left that work to others.

The second motive that prompted me to the undertaking, was, that no American had ever yet given the world a biography of this wonderful man. Writers, under almost every monarchical government of Europe, have maligned him, and it seems strange that the only pure republic in the world — -a republic, too, based on his views, and traceable to his efforts, should hitherto have allowed the character of its first founder to be portrayed alone by enemies both to him and to liberty. Puritanism and republicanism have always been, in England, synonymous with hypocrisy and rebellion, and hence, her writers can find scarcely a redeemable trait in Cromwell's character. But tve regard them in a very different light — indeed, are the only people whose institutions are grounded in them ; and yet, we permit the very man who established both, to be insulted and traduced, without saying a word in his defence. It is high time republican movements in Europe had other historians besides the subjects of monarchical governments. But for Cromwell's efforts and success, it is very doubtful whether the Puritans on this side of the water would have ventured on a contest with the mother country — at all events, the great questions of constitutional and personal liberty, which he settled, have

INTRODUCTION. IX

been the foundation of every revolution for the emancipation of man, which has since taken place. That as an American, I should wish to defend the founder of the. first true commonwealth, and expose the slanders that have been heaped upon him, is most natural.

I have endeavored to give, in connection with his life, a condensed history of the English revolution, from its commencement to its close. I could have written two volumes more easily than one ; for the labor of condensing has been greater than a freer and more natural narrative would have been. The English biographies are taken up too much with minor events, for readers this side of the water; and are interesting solely to Englishmen. I have attempted to give the leading and striking features, and at the same time make clear and plain every step of the revolutionary movement. It was impossible, of course, in such a work, to go into a minute history of the civil government, or of religious sects — these questions belonging to the historian rather than to the biographer.

That there is room enough for difference of opinion respecting historical facts, I am well aware ; for there probably never was a period about which writers disagree so entirely. Authority for almost any statement, however ridiculous, can be found. Amid the endless contradictions, therefore, which met me at every step, T was

X INTRODUCTION.

compelled to use my own judgment — this, I need not say, has ever leaned towards Cromwell, and against those who had every motive to traduce him, and every temptation to be prejudiced. I mention this, that those who have studied the subject less, may not be surprised to find many of my statements rebutted by very good testimony. As no two English authorities agree, it is not to be expected that I can agree with all.

It is a very easy matter to deny historical facts, and find some proof for the assertion of incorrectness. One has but to cast his eye over our Mexican war, to see how difficult it is to get at the truth, and how diametrically opposite is even the testimony of eye-witnesses. Friends and foes never give the same account of a matter. Many criticisms of this kind have been passed on my Napoleon and Washington, and yet it is a curious fact, that in every instance which has come under my notice, the critic has selected events about which there never has been, to my knowledge, any controversy among historians, and 2mssed °y mooted points, on which a strong case might have been made out.

Such is the difference between reading history for amusement and instruction, and studying it, with a view solely to its correctness.

I have had no religious creed to establish in this work ; and, hence, have avoided discussing the question of Puritan-

INTRODUCTION. XI

ism and Episcopacy. I regard the struggle as one of civil and religious liberty, and not a contest about creeds. The latter, it is true, occupied a prominent part in the English revolution ; but it was between those who were equally higoted, and had, finally, to be overthrown. Episcopacy was no more intolerant than Presbyterianism — they both loved temporal power, and abused it, and were both opposed to Cromwell. It is sad to find Americans so wedded to creeds, that they can forget entirely the great question of liberty, which Jay at the bottom of the Puritan struggle, and think only of the contests respecting church government. It is sadder yet to find them so faithless to the principles of the republic under which they live — so recreant to their patriotic sires, as to defend the course of Laud and Charles I. When a man's bigotry makes him slander the land of his birth, he has passed beyond the bounds of argument. Episcopalians, and Presbyterians were both intolerant, and both went down ; but the principles and virtues of the two churches — these could not be effected by outward circumstances, and rose again to life and action. Against the doctrines of neither have I anything to say ; but against the oppressions of both, much ; especially the latter.

In quoting from letters, I have invariably extracted from Carlvle's collection, because he has modernized the spelling

Xll INTRODUCTION.

and pointing, and thus made them more intelligible.* I have not referred as often or as particularly to authority, as I might have done, since there are so many different editions of many of the works, that it would only confuse the reader. Thurloe's State Papers, Rushworth, Whitelocke, Clarendon, Vaughan, Godwin, Dugdale, Guizot, both his Revolution and Memoirs, Perfect Politician, Mrs. Hutchinson, Oliver Cromwell's Memoirs, Forster's Statesmen of the Commonwealth, Hume, D'Aubigne, Southey, D 'Israeli's Life of Charles I., Neal's History of Puritans, and many other works have been consulted, in writing this biography. Mr. Herbert has helped me by his knowledge of the battle-fields.

Some may object to the battle-scenes of this work, as they have to those of Washington and his Generals — saying that I foster a spirit of war. To such, I have but one answer to make-^-the spirit of rebellion against oppression, and deadly hostility to it, I design to foster, and only hope to succeed. When men's sensibilities become so delicate that they cannot reflect, without horror, on the struggles of brave men for freedom, and can sit under the broad tree of liberty,

* Mr. Wiley's edition of the Letters and Speeches of Cromwell, though otherwise excellent, cannot be relied on in its dates — it is full of errors. A thorough revision of the work, in this respect, is highlynecessary. I understand it has now fallen into Mr. Putnam's hands, which is a sufficient guarantee that it will be correct hereafter.

INTRODUCTION. Xlll

planted by their forefathers, and watered with their blood, and look off on the fair heritage won by their good swords, with no other feelings but pity for their erroneous ideas about war, and of wonder at their cruelty, they have become too ethereal for this world, and too transcendental to be useful, As Cromwell said of liberty of conscience, "I quarrel with no man's conscience;" but God forbid that the honor or liberty of my country should ever be entrusted to their hands. War, in itself, is the greatest curse of man ; but waged for liberty, his highest duty and honor. To me, the great question of freedom, which was battled out under Cromwell, afterwards under Washington, and then under Bonaparte, and which is now shaking Europe to its centre, is the question of the age. The rise and progress of each struggle possesses to me more interest than all other events put together. Men have always been compelled to hew their way, with their swords, to freedom. They have never dreamed nor poetized themselves into it, and never will. It is a curious fact, and one of the anomalies our race presents, that those among us most opposed to war, are the very class whose ultra notions of freedom — nay, radicalism on all questions of Church and State, which they push with all the energy they possess — must, just so far as successful, produce civil war and bloodshed. At this very moment, their progress in Europe is

XIV INTRODUCTION.

shaking the continent from limit to limit, with the bustling preparations of war. *

So long as oppression is maintained by physical power, it must be overthrown by physical power. Moral power is useless, only as it causes a transfer of the former. Civil and politcal liberty have never advanced, except through revolutions.

CONTENTS,

Chapter I

Interest of the Subject. Birth and Family of Cromwell — His Genealogy — Early Life — Enters Cambridge — His Marriage — Settles down on a Farm for Ten Years — His Conversion — Hypochondria— Chosen Member of Parliament. Synopsis of Events that Preceded His Appearance in Public — Causes of the English Revolution — Charles I. Ascends the Throne — Assembling of Parliament, 1625 — Discussion of Grievances — DissolutionVand Sudden Re-assembling of Parliament — Impeachment of Buckingham — Dissolution of Parliament — Tyranny of Charles — Parliament of 1623", to which Cromwell Is Elected — Petition of Rights — Animated Discussion in Parliament — Its Dissolution. Cromwell Returns to His Farm — Murder of Buckingham — His Character — Despotism of Charles — Re-assembling of Parliament, 1629 — Speech of Cromwell — Dissolution of Parliament, and Increased Tyranny of the King — Persecution of the Puritans — Laud — Trial of Straffoi-d — The Puritans — Trial of Hampden — Laud's Attempts to Force His Reformed Liturgy on the Scotch — Effects — Cromwell in the Fens — Letter to his Cousin — His Return to Parliament — Character at the Time 1

Chapter II. From The Long Parliament To The First Civil War, 1640—1642

Short Parliament — Second Invasion of Scotland — Meeting of the Long Parliament — Its Stern Aspect — Impeachment of Laud — Trial and Death of Strafford — His Character — Personal Appearance of Cromwell — Appointed on a Private Committee — Defends the Poor — The King Visits Scotland — Grand Petition and Remonstrance— Stormy Debate upon It — Cromwell's View of It — Withdrawal of the Bishops — Their Impeachment — Attempt to Seize the Five Members — Excitement Caused by It — The King Leaves Whitehall never to Return except as a Prisoner— Recapitulation — Cromwell a Patriot ... 33

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Chapter III. The First Civil War — From 1642 To The Campaign Of 1644

Activity of Cromwell — Preparations for War — The King Erects His Standard — Battle of Edgehill — Cromwell's Opinion of It — Resolves to Raise His Ironsides — Their Character — Fight at Brentford — Enthusiasm of the Citizens of London — Cromwell Takes Croyland, Lowestoff, Stamfoi'd and Burleigh House — Fight at Grantham — Fight at Gainsborough — Death of Hampden— His last Hours and Burial— His Character — The Aid of Scotland Sought — Mob of Women in Loudon — Battle of Newbury— Cromwell Governor of Ely — Ratification of the Covenant— Winceby Fight — Religious Character of the Revolution - 52

Chapter IV. The Extraordinary Campaign Of 1644

Execution of Laud and Others — Character of Laud — Defeat of the Irish Regiments by Fairfax — The Scotch Enter England — Cromwell Joins them before York — The King Defeats Waller- Rupert Enters York — Battle of Marston Moor — Cromwell's Ironsides — Cromwell's Letter — Essex Defeated, and his Army Compelled to Surrender — Success of Montrose in Scotland — Second Battle of Newbury — Cromwell Accuses Manchester in Parliament — Is Accused in Turn — Self-denying Ordinance — The Remodeling of the Army — Its Character - - - 86

Chapter V. Campaign Of 1645 To The Spring Of 1646

Cromwell's Commission Extended — Affair of Islip Bridge — Bletchington House, Witney — Bampton Bush — The Main Army in Motion — Cromwell Sent to Cambridge — Recalled and Joins Fairfax — Battle of Naseby — Cromwell's Letters to the House of Commons — Cromwell Relieves Leicester — Takes BVidgewater and Puts Goring to Flight — Disperses the Clubmen— Storming of Bristol — Cromwell takes Devizes, Berkley Castle and Winchester — Storm and Sacking of Basing I£ouse — Cromwell Defeats Lord Wentworth — .loins Fairfax and/Takea Dartmouth — Defeats Lord Hopton — Movements of the King, meanwhile — Defeat of Lord' A stley — Negotiations again Opened with Parliament — The King Flies to the Scottish Camp - 116

CONTENTS. XV11

Chapter VI

BETWEEN THE CIVIL WARS FROM THE SPRING OF 1646, TO THAT OF 1648

Struggle between the Presbyterians and Independents — Negotiations with the King — Bargain of Parliament with Scotland — The King Given up — The Presbyterians Resolve to Overthrow Cromwell, and the Independents — Successful Plot of Cromwell to Carry off the King — The Army Refuses to Disband, and Remonstrates with Parliament — Marches on London — Consternation of the People — Expulsion of the Eleven Members, and Occupation of London by the Troops — Triumph of the Independents— New Character of the Revolution — Slanderers of Cromwell — Interview of the King with his Children — Noble Attempt of Cromwell to Induce the King to Accept the Throne under Restrictions which should Secure the Liberties of the People — Denounced by the Army for It — Discovers the Treachery of the King — His Flight — Mutiny in the Army — Quelled by Cromwell — Treaty of the King with the Scotch— Anger of the Parliament, which Resolves to Settle the Nation without Him — Cromwell Consults the Leaders as to the Form of Government to be Adopted — Commencement of the Insurrection — Mob in Loudon — Presbyterians again Obtain the Ascendency, and Cromwell Departs for Wales — His Previous Sickness — His Son Richard Contracts a Marriage — Prayer-meeting in the Army 147

Chapter VII. The Second Civil War. 1648

Cromwell Marches to Subdue the Insurrection in Wales — Invests Pembroke Castle — Fairfax Drives the Insurgents into Colchester— Lambert, sent North to Retard the Scotch — Cromwell Reduces Pembroke, and Starts Northward — His Unparalleled March — Joins Lambert— Battle of Preston — Enters Edinburgh — Proceedings in Parliament — Attempt to Make a New Treaty with the King, and Destroy Cromwell and the Independents — Stormy Debate in Parliament — Army Marches on London — Pride's Purge — Return of Cromwell — Course of the Independents Defended 199

Chapter VIII. Trial And Execution Of The King

The King Brought from Hurst Castle to Windsor — His Impeachment— Creation of the High Court of Justice to Try Him —

XV111 CONTENTS.

Westminster Hall during the Trial — Address of President Bradsliaw — Interruption of the Court by Downs — Conduct of Cromwell — Sentence of the King — His Agitation, and Efforts to be Heard — Interview with His Children — Attempts to save Charles — Conduct of Cromwell in signing the Death-Warrant — The King's Execution — Cromwell's Soliloquy over the Corpse — Defence of Him against His Biographers — Ireton Chief Actor — Defence of Parliament — Character of the Kins; - 234

Chapter IX. Campaign In Ireland — From 1649 To May, 1650

Establishment of a Republic — Milton Chosen Secretary of the Executive Council — The Levellers — Cromwell Appointed to Command the Expedition to Ireland — Insurrection Quelled by Him — Pomp and Splendor of His Departure — Marriage of His Son Richard — Arrives at Dublin — Cruelties of the Irish — Storming and Massacre of Drogheda — Of Wexford — History of His Movements — Recalled to Resist the Scotch Invasion — Chai-acter of the Campaign — Defence of Cromwell — Final Settlement of Ireland 261

Chapter X. Invasion Of Scotland. 1650 1651

Cromwell Lands in England — His Reception — Accepts Command of the Army Destined for Scotland — Charles II. — His Base Conduct — Cromwell Marches North — Enters Scotland — Strives in Vain to Provoke Lesley to Give Battle — Lambert Wounded — Movements Around Edinburgh — Battle of Dunbar — Cromwell Invests Edinburgh Castle — Marches to Glasgow — Interviews with a Scotch Minister — Outflanks the Scotch at Stirling, and Compels them to Evacuate the Place — The Scotch Invade England — Pursued by Cromwell — Battle of Worcester — Review of Cromwell's Career 303

CHAPTER XL

from the battle of worcester to the protectorate 1651

Cromwell Moves that Parliament Fix a Day for its Dissolution-^. The Rump Parliament — Cromwell's Course Defended — Death of Ireton — Malice of Cromwell's Biographers — Navigation Act — War with the Dutch — Victories of Blake — Attempt of Par-

CONTENTS. XIX.

liament to Crush the Army and Cromwell — Treachery of Members — Dispersion of Parliament by Cromwell and His Musketeers — Defence of the Measure — Barebones Parliament — Its Extraordinary Character — Dissolves Itself — The Dutch Sue for Peace — Cromwell Proclaimed Lord Protector - 343

Chapter XII. The Protectorate

From December, 1653, to the Second Protectorate Parliament, September, 1657 — Ordinances Issued by Cromwell — Henry Cromwell goes to Ireland — Character of the New Government — Peace Abroad — Respect Shown to the Protector — Sycophancy of Dr. South — Assembling of Parliament — Its Unjustifiable and Dangerous Proceedings — Noble Address of Cromwell — Submission of Parliament — Its Acts — Cromwell Thrown from His Carriage — Death of His Mother — The West Indian Expedition— Dissolution of Parliament — Cromwell's Arbitrary Course — The Major-Generals — Persecution of the Vaudois, and Noble Interference of Cromwell — Milton — Cromwell Champion of Protestantism — Assembling of the New Parliament - - 370

Chapter XIII

FROM THE SECOND PROTECTORATE PARLIAMENT TO THE DEATH OP CROMWELL, SEPT., 1656, TO SEPT., 1658.

Opening of Parliament — Members Rejected — Nay lor and the Quakers — Victory of Blake and Montague — Sindercombe Conspiracy— Narrow Escape of Cromwell — Petition and Advice — Cromwell Offered the Crown — Conferences on the Subject — Finally Rejects It — Statements of His Enemies — Conspiracies — Marriage of His Two Daughters — Re-assembling of Parliament— Refuses to Acknowledge the New House Provided^for in " Petitions and Advice" — Cromwell's Speech — The Madness of Parliament Encourages Conspirators — Dissolved by Cromwell— His New Life-Guard — Family Afflictions — His Last Sickness and Death — His Character 401

OLIVER CROMWELL.

Chapter I

Interest of the Subject. Birth and Family of Cromwell — His Genealogy— Early Life — Enters Cambridge — His Marriage — Settles down on a Farm for Ten Years — His Conversion — Hypochondria — Chosen Member of Parliament. Synopsis of Events that Preceded His Appearance in Public — Causes of the English Revolution — Charles I. Ascends the Throne — Assembling of Parliament, 1625 — Discussion of Grievances — Dissolution and Sudden Re-assembling of Parliament — Impeachment of Buckingham — Dissolution of Parliament — Tyranny of Charles — Parliament of 102S, to Which Cromwell is Elected — Petition of Rights — Animated Discussion in Parliament — Its Dissolution. Cromwell Returns to His Farm — Murder of Buckingham — His Character — Despotism of Charles — Re-assembling of Parliament, 1629 — Speech of Cromwell — Dissolution of Parliament, and Increased Tyranny of the King — Persecution of the Puritans — Laud — Trial of Strafford — The Puritans — Trial of Hampden — Laud's Attempts to Force His Reformed Liturgy on the Scotch — Effects — Cromwell in the Fens — Letter to His Cousin — His Return to Parliament — Character at the Time.

Nothing possesses deeper interest to the thoughtful man, than the history of a struggle between an oppressed people and their powerful rulers. All that is great and noble in our nature, is called into action, and we then witness the lofty patriotism, free offering of one's self, life, and fortunes on a common altar, and that inspired courage which make us wonder at our race. Especially do we love to trace the progress of one all 1 powerful intellect, making his steady way through the chaos or anarchy that surrounds him — gradually moulding and wielding the raging elements, until at length he presents in himself the product of the struggle, and holds in his hands the hopes of a trusting people. So also the strong and excited workings of the human mind — its bewildered and conflicting views, as old forms and institutions are breaking to pieces, and new ones rising in their places, cannot be witnessed without the liveliest sympathy.

Perhaps of all revolutions, none except our own possess stronger claims to the attention of Americans, than the one in which Cromwell bore so distinguished a part. The noble principles which lay at the bottom of it — the conscience, as well as enthusiasm, which bore it on, andmore than all, the direct influence it had upon our own — indeed, being the parent of it, and thus of the revolutions which have since followed in Europe — place it before all others. Great constitutional rights were then for the first time settled, and the human mind put on the right track to recover the only liberty worth having. In such a cause, the valorous deeds of Puritan freemen, and the bloody battle field itself, can be contemplated without horror, and pondered on with other feelings than those of admiration for courageous and daring men.

Of all heroes Cromwell possesses the most problematical character. A mystery shrouds him and will shroud him to the end of time. This results from two causes — first, from the doubts and uncertainty, which the contrast between his words, letters, and speeches, and the ac-

1599.] HIS GENEALOGY. 3

counts we have always regarded as history, is calculated to produce ; and secondly, from the strange religious enthusiasm which mastered him, and rendered . him an enigma even to his most intimate friends.

Oliver Cromwell was born at Huntingdon, in St. John's Parish, on the 25th of April, 1599. His father, Robert Cromwell, was the youngest son of Sir Henry Cromwell, knight, who lived in the style of a noble in the mansion of Hinchinbrook, near Huntingdon, and grandson of the famous Richard Cromwell, knighted by Henry VIIL, for his prowess in the field.* His mother was daughter of William Steward, a wealthy man, whose son was also a knight. Her first husband, William Lynne, Esquire, lived but a year after their marriage, and was buried with his only child in Ely Cathedral. Robert Cromwell married the widow, by whom he had ten

* On May day, 1540, a brilliant tournament at Westminster opens its lists before us, in which Richard Cromwell, and others, had proclaimed themselves to France, Flanders, and Scotland, the defenders of the honor and rights of their English King. Henry VIIL looks on, and when Sir Richard Cromwell has struck down challenger after challenger, with undaunted arm, forth from his deep broad chest, rolls out the royal laugh of Henry. " Formerly thou wast my Dick, but hereafter thou shalt be my diamond." Then from the finger of majesty drops a diamond ring, which Sir Richard picks up, * * * and such a ring did Oliver Cromwell wear, when he left his farm at Ely, to bear more formidable arms at the challenge of a king. (Vide Forster's Statesmen of the Commonwealth of England.— Ed. by Rev. Dr. Choules, page 393. It is also asserted that Oliver was related to Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, minister of Henry VIIL, and called "Malleus Monachoru?7i," a mauler of monasteries.

children — Oliver, afterwards Protector, being the fifth. There were but three sons in all, of whom Henry lived to be only twenty years of age, while Robert survived his birth but a few months. Thus, of this large family, Oliver became the only male representative.

From this succinct account, it will be seen that Oliver was no base born man. His grandfather and uncle, on his father's side, were both knights, while an uncle on the mother's side, had also the same rank. Other aunts and uncles in that region were wealthy and honorable, and he was connected, more or less remotely with several distinguished families. Bred among gentlemen, and educated as the son of a gentleman, he was far from being the rude, uncouth person nis enemies represent him to have been.*

His father's estate lay along the banks of the Ouse, and yielded an income of some $1500, American currency— a sum in those times, equal to treble that amount now. The estate and mansion of Hinchinbrook, are at present the seat of the Earl of Sandwich.

But whether Oliver Cromwell was the son of a king or a carpenter, matters but little, for he made himself a place and acquired a title, far superior to those of any monarch who has succeeded him on the English throne. Of his boyhood but little is known — uncertain tradition relates some incidents which may or may not be true.f

f These incidents are some of them curious—one asserts that the

1617.] EARLY DISSIPATION. 5

The standing of his uncle at Hinchinbrook may be inferred from the fact that King James, when on his way from Scotland to assume the crown of England, stopped two nights with him, and was entertained in the most sumptuous manner, much to the injury of the old knight's purse.

When seventeen years of age he was entered, April 23, at Sidney Sussex College, the same day on which Shakspeare died. The next year, 1617, he lost both his father and his grandfather on the mother's side. These sad events cut short his education at Cambridge, and he returned to his father's house to take possession of the estate, of which he was now heir. There is a tradition that he went soon after to London to study law ; and while there, lived a wild and dissipated life^/ Notwithstanding the denial of Oliver Cromwell, a descendant of the family, and of Mr. Carlyle, there is good evidence for believing this to be true. Cotemporaries speak of it as a thing well known, and among them Richard Baxter.

devil presided at his birth, and left his figure on the hangings of the curtains around his bed. Another, that a monkey once carried him on the roof of the house, and brought him down again safely, to the no little consternation of the family. Once he was saved from drowning by a curate, who afterwards repented the act. At another time, he flogged the little Duke of York, afterwards Charles I. f But more strange than all, he saw in his boyhood, once, a spectre in the shape of a woman, who slowly withdrawing the curtains from his bed, toid him that he was to be the greatest man in England./ It is laughable to see how much is made out of his school-boy declamations, and to read the account of his smearing his friends with dirt on a certain occasion, told in the most serious manner. His robbery of birds* nests and orchards rests on the same foundation with all the other anecdotes — mere gossip.

Nor should this seem strange, in one of his wild independent character, and strong passions. The period of dissipation, however, was of short duration ; for as he settled down into manhood, these faults and errors were thrown aside. If he was in London the year after his return from college, he doubtless witnessed the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh — a scene that furnished him food for reflection.

In 1620, then twenty-one years of age, he was married, in London, to Elizabeth Bourchier, daughter of Sir James Bourchier, Knight. Returning home with his wife, he settled down as a staid farmer ; and for nearly ten years disappears from history. In the changeless routine of an agricultural life he, doubtless, passed his days. The next year after his marriage a son was born to him, named Robert ; but how long he lived, and what became of him, is unknown. Two years from this time a second son, Oliver, was born, of whose future history we are also left in the dark. This much only can be ascertained, that he drew his sword in battle beside his father, and fell almost on the threshold of that great contest.

During this period of ten years, Cromwell doubtless became converted to Christianity. Nothing certain is known ; but vague rumors have come down to us of his being hypochondriacal and filled with superstitious notions— sending for his physician at midnight, and having strange fancies about the town cross. Ill health may have produced these fantasies ; but, doubtless, the most correct solution will be found in the agitated state of his