LS signed “Oliver P,” one page both sides, 9.25 x 13.75, February 4, 1657/58. Letter "Colonell Cox, Captaine of the Militia Troope in Our County of Hertford," reminding him that his last letter had warned that the Commonwealth was endangered by "the old Cavalier party who were designing new insurrections within us, while their Head and Master were contriving to invade us from abroad." Cromwell explains that this invasion is now imminent, "being much encouraged from some late acting of some turbulent, and unquiet spirittes…who…framed a treasonable Peticion to the Howse of Commons by the name of Parliament of the Commonwealth of England." He further complains that the behavior of members of the House of Commons itself had been so destabilizing ("…haveing done nothing in fowerteene daies but debat whether they should owne the Government of these Nations as it is contayned in the Peticion and Advise…") that "we thought it of absolute Necessitie to dissolve the present Parliament which I have done this day." He implores Cox's troops to be vigilant in suppressing any disturbances that might follow. In fine condition, with light edge wear, and seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf.
Cromwell came to power as Lord Protector in 1653, having fought and won a Civil War to defend the rights of Parliament against the monarchy. In spite of this, the Cromwellian regime showed little respect for Parliament, repeatedly undermining its ideals and spirit. In order to retain a compliant government, Cromwell nominated dozens of faithful supporters to the 'Other House,' which held veto power over the decisions of the House of Commons. This triggered a wave of Republican protest in the House of Commons, which spread to the rank-and-file of the Army. Amidst fears of a Royalist uprising and radical Republican dissent, Cromwell made the abrupt decision to dismiss the Second Protectorate Parliament.
The text of this letter is published in Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches, edited by Thomas Carlyle.
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