Richard Cromwell | Autograph letter signed, to his daughter Elizabeth, on his son's election to Parliament, 1689/90

Richard Cromwell

Autograph letter signed, with pseudonym 'Canterbury', to his daughter Elizabeth

discussing the election of his son to Parliament, which he would have preferred he had declined, commenting on political matters, 2 pages, folio, 10 March 1689/90, integral address leaf, trace of seal and guard, lightly soiled

"... Our Church of England were Allarrmd and bravely bestirred them selves in the choyce of this Parlement: and it pleaseth our King very well: he loves not to see the Presbiterian to prick up his Ears and the common wealths man hangs them downe. The Lord seems to be breaking & pounding together all must be melted downe and then looke for som what, what thinck yee of the Kingdome of Christ: pray doe not call me Fannattique Why all our world are mad And is it not a strange sight to see a sober man in a mad world..."

Richard Cromwell, who had briefly been Lord Protector after his father's death, was allowed to fade into obscurity after the Restoration. He spent twenty years in exile but was now back in England, although still using pseudonyms. He was understandably nervous at his son Oliver's wish to enter Parliament.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 24 July 1978, lot 81