London (England) -- History -- 17th century; London (England) -- Social life and customs -- 17th century
Yet the events which followed Cromwell’s death and preceded the
Restoration were very closely connected with the City of London. The
domination of the City by the army deeply moved the people. The
clamour for a Parliament prevailed; on the 29th of December 1659 the
old Rump was recalled. It was not a full and a free Parliament. But
such as it was, the House viewed with jealousy the repair of the City
gates and the restoration of the chains, with the calling out of the
City militia. The City, however, which had but one representative in
the House, refused absolutely to pay or to levy any tax until there
was full representation. Meantime Monk was advancing from the north.
He entered London on the 3rd of February 1660, and was quartered at
Whitehall. For the moment he either dissembled his real intentions or
he was simply waiting.
[Illustration: A REDUCED FACSIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL BROADSIDE]
{Transcription:
A LETTER
Of His Excellencie
The Lord General Monck,
To the Speaker of the Parl. From _Guild-Hall_, _London_.
_Right Honourable_,
In obedience to the Commands received from the Council last night,
I marched with your Forces into the City this morning, and have
secured all the persons except two, ordered to be secured, which
two were not to be found: The Posts and Chaines I have given order
to be taken away, but have hitherto forborn the taking down of
the Gates and Portcullises, because it will in all likelihood
exasperate the City; and I have good ground of hopes from them,
that they will Levy the Assess; They desiring onely first to meet
in Common-Council, which they intend to do to morrow morning.
It seems probable to me, that they will yeild obedience to your
Commands, and be brought to a friendly Complyance with you; for
which reason I have suspended the execution of your Commands
touching the Gates and Portcullises, till I know your further
pleasure therein, which I desire I may by this Bearer; I shall
onely desire, that (so your Commands may be answered with due
obedience) such tenderness may be used towards them, as may gain
their affections; They desired the Restauration of those Members
of their Common-Council that are secured, which desires of theirs
I shall onely commend to your grave Consideration, to do therein
as you shall think most expedient, and, in attendance upon your
further Commands, Remain
_Guildhall_ Feb 9, 1659. _Your most Humble and Obedient
Servant_
George Monck.
_To the Right Honourable_ William Lenthal, _Speaker
to the Parliament of the Common-Wealth of_ England
_at_ Westminster.
_POSTSCRIPT_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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