Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow Thomas Margetts to William Clarke. - The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 2

Return to Title Page for The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 2

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Subject Area: History
Topic: The English Revolution

Thomas Margetts to William Clarke. - Sir William Clarke, The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 2 [1894]

Edition used:

The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, Secretary to the Council of the Army, 1647-1649, and to General Monck and the Commanders of the Army in Scotland, 1651-1660, ed. C.H. Firth (Camden Society, 1894). 4 vols.

Part of: The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, 4 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


Thomas Margetts to William Clarke.

My deare freind,

Besides the inclosed I have little this weeke. On Wednesday last there was a meeting in this Citty of divers of the Presbiterian Ministers of the County for the setling of that government; but I perceive no great progresse is made in it, they have onely begun some 3 or 4 Classes in the West Riding, tis thought it will goe on but slowlye. The high reports of the Scotts coming in makes a sower countenance in theis parts; the Cavaliersa denie it on tooth and nayle, and I feare they will quickly bee upon our backs, and whether our late disbanding heere were good service or no, judge. I told you when the Parliament first resolved it, it would give advantage against themselves and kingdome; but I desire my former feare and apprehensions may not happen, if it may not be against the will of God, who works all things for good. By a private gentleman lately come from Scotland wee understand that the moderate party are now the fewest, and that the generall resolution is to come into England. They are for the present preparing their way, and privately carry on their designe of making their entrance as plausible as they can, to preserve and gaine interest. Our forces heere are so disperst into quarters over all the Association that if they intend a sudden and private entrance, or surprizall of Barwick &c., wee are neither in a posture of offence or defence. Our intelligence from thence is meere[ly] accidentall, not certaine; having no scoutmaster or other intelligences. I wish theis things were considered, and that wee might be as active in private actings for defence as they are for offence. Episcopacy was the roote of the former war. Presbyterianism you will find to be the roote of the succeeding. The lamb and the dragon cannot be reconciled, so a victory there must be, but I rest

Thine owne,

Tho: Margetts.

It was against my judgment to send the abstract of the Muster by an express, but it was the Major Generall’s express command, in regard the Committee of the Army did so earnestly write for it, neither is such to be practised.a

[Addressed:—]

To his very loving freind Mr. William Clark at the Head Quarters.

[a ]MS. “cavalrie.”

[a ]Compare Rushworth, vii. 1054. Rushworth simply reprints the “Perfect Diurnal” in which a sentence or two of this letter is quoted.