The Clarke Papers (Volume 54); Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, Secretary to the Council of the Army, 1647-1649, and to General Monck and

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1894. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... I Thomas Margetts to William Clarke.] Deare Billy, Yesterday wee had a generall meeting of Officers heere and they have resolved upon a declaration, sent to his Excellency by this gentleman Captain Baynes, to which I shall referre you. The Major G-enerall did expresse himself very sweetly and fully, opposing with aboundance of convincing reason all that gainesaid, so that he gave great incouragement and full satisfaction to all the well affected, and putt much life and strength to the busines, so that he hath clearly taken away all iealous thoughts of non complyance; nay, I can say, I believe no man acts in it with more clearnes and satisfaction in point of conscience, nor can give greater life to the thing; and let no man have any thought against his fidelity and integrity to the publique cause of the kingdome, as I heare he hath been a little too much spoken of in that sence, you may most safely vindicate him against all such. It is the greate feare of the well affected, that the Army through some temptation or other may fall off, and not act vigorously, (the former defection breeds iealousy) and so they be brought in to further mischeif by being engaged with them. And this is also the enemies hope. If in case this declaration be appointed to be printed I beseech you let it be carefully done, and the presse carefully examined and corrected before it be published; and I beseech you also, when they are done, lett a reasonable proportion of them be sent to mee that am Thine owne Tho: Margetts. Pont. 13 Dec. 1648. Present my humble service to Mr. Rushworth, my love to Mr. Hatter, Mr. Wragg and all old Cronies. This Castle holds out still, the Governor desperate feeds their men with hopes of releif from Scotland; many of them are sick, and many gett away, and [som...