CROMWELL, OLIVER

English military and republican leader (1599-1658), best known for his involvement in making England into a Republican Commonwealth and for his later role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. We have an autograph letter signed from Cromwell to his son Richard's future father-in-law, Richard Mayor, concerning the negotiation of the marriage of Richard, his third son and successor as Lord Protector, and Dorothy Mayor of Hursley, Hampshire. Cromwell regrets that his 'attendance upon publique affaires will not give mee leave to come downe unto you my selfe', but he sends Stapylton [possibly Rev. Robert Stapleton] 'with my mind' and permission 'to treate with you about the businesse in agitation betweene your daughter, and my sonne', he thanks Mayor for his 'civilitye, and respects already manifested', trusts that 'there will bee a right understanding betweene us, and a good conclusion'; he affects not to remember the things spoken of at Farnham [negotiations stalled on terms], but doubts 'not but I have sent the offer of such things now, which will give mutuall satisfaction to us both'. It is scarcely surprising that Cromwell could not tear himself away from 'publique affaires' - just over a month before he had spearheaded and secured the execution of Charles I (30 January 1649 - 'cruel necessity'). The formal abolition of the monarchy was declared only nine days after the present letter was written; two days later the House of Lords was abolished, Cromwell was already the first President of the Council of State, Charles II was proclaimed as King and the royalist backlash was preparing itself. On 15 March Cromwell was appointed Lord-Lieutenant and Commander-in-Chief in Ireland and conducted a war in Ireland. The marriage finally took place on 1st May 1649. One page (written on one side), no place, 8 March 1648/9. Very light occasional spotting, recipient's endorsement 'L.G[eneral] Cromwell's l[ett]re to me 8 Mar. 1648' and two traces of red sealing wax at the head and foot of the verso. Full autograph letters by Cromwell are exceedingly rare.