English soldier and statesman (1599-1658) who led Parliamentary forces in the English Civil War, waged war against Scotland and Ireland and, in 1653, following the execution of Charles I, became Lord Protector of Great Britain, a position he held until his death in 1658. After a yearlong reign by his son, Richard, the British throne was restored (to Charles II) and Cromwell's body was exhumed and posthumously 'executed.' ALS signed “Oliver P,” three pages on two sheets, 8 x 11.75, August 21, 1656. Handwritten letter to his son, Henry Cromwell, giving him fatherly advice and expressing his opinion of the Anabaptists. In part: "Crye to the Lord to give you a plaine, single heart. Take heede of beinge over jealous, lest your apprehensions of others, cause you to offend, knowe that uprightness will praeserve you, in this bee confident against men. I thinke the Anabaptists are too blame in not beinge pleased with you, thats their fault, it will not reach you whilest you wth singlenesse of heart, make the glory of the Lord, your ayme. Take heede of professinge religion wthout the power, that will teach you to love all whoe are after the similitude of Christ. Take care of makinge it a businisse to bee too hard for the men whoe contest wth you, beinge over concerned may trayne you into a snare. I have to doe wth these poor men and am not wthout my exercise…Doe not feare the sendinge of any over to you, but such as wilbe consideringe men, lovinge all godly interests, and men wilbe friendes to justice. Lastlye take heede of studyinge to lay for your selfe ye foundation of a great estate. It wilbe a snare to you, they will watch you, bad men wilbe confimed in courteousnesse, the thinge is an evil wch God abhorrs, I pray you thinke of mee in this. If the Lord did not sustaine mee I were undon, but I live, and I shall live, in the pleasure of his grace." Addressed on the reverse, "For my sonn Harry Cromwell." In very good condition, with moderately heavy foxing and soiling, old repairs to some of the fold splits, and a small area of seal-related paper loss. Autograph letters by Oliver Cromwell are extremely scarce, particularly those that reveal his tender side—in this case, he offers warm, loving advice to his 28-year-old son.
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