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.' LS signed “Oliver P,” one page, 9 x 13.75, February 19, 1656. Important military letter from Whitehall, signed by Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector. In full: "Whereas we have received intelligence that there is a design by the Cavalier and Popish party very shortly to make a new insurrection in several places of this Commonwealth, and also that the late King's son, in conjunction with the Spaniard, intends to invade this Commonwealth with an army from Flanders where he now is, We have thought it necessary for the safety of the nation to put the forces into a present posture to prevent the aforesaid intention, or at least through the Goodness of God, to repel them.
Wherefore these are to authorise and require you upon the receipt thereof, to give notice unto all the officers and soldiers of your troop to provide themselves able and sufficient horses and arms for service, and to put themselves into such a condition that upon the first notice or appearing danger, they may be ready to come to such rendezvous as shall be appointed; and that you be very vigilant and careful lest you be surprised. And in case you find any of the said party to ride armed, have frequent meeting, or in their carriage and deportment give just cause of suspicion, you are authorised and required to seize upon and apprehend all such persons. And in case of any insurrection or invasion, you shall do your best to suppress them; and you shall receive further directions therein from time to time from your Major-General with whom we have spoken more at large, and to whom we refer you.
And in case you find any person of that party keeping more horses than usually they have done for their ordinary occasions, you are to seize their horses and arms to be kept for the use of the State. And you are to assure your troop for their better encouragement, that fitting care will be taken for their pay, according to the establishment." Professionally repaired and restored to near-fine condition, with silking on both sides, slightly irregular toning, tack holes to the corners, and heavy soiling to the integral address leaf.
Cromwell makes reference to the allegiance between "the late King's son"—the future King Charles II—and the "Spaniard," King Philip IV of Spain, and readies his troops for the defense of England. In 1656, Charles II and Philip IV concluded the Treaty of Brussels, in which Charles agreed to raise forces to fight for Spain in the ongoing Franco-Spanish War in exchange for future Spanish military support in his potential restoration. Cromwell would go on to align England with France, and would launch an incursion into Flanders in 1657, blockading Flemish ports and eventually capturing Dunkirk. Cromwell would die in 1658, and Charles would be restored to the English throne in 1660.
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