Page:Sir William Petty - A Study in English Economic Literature - 1894.djvu/29

30 words: "I never lived a more miserable life than now. I wish I had the opportunity to make you understand the state of some things; till when suspend your judgment of me. I think I can demonstrate the necessity of the most malign action I am taxed with." In August, 1658, we catch a glimpse of Petty during his visit to London on the business of the "Adventurers' " claims. Hartlib, in a letter to Boyle, writes: "Dr. Petty spent two hours with me; he talked of an educational plan on which he proposed to spend £2,000. The history of trade he looks upon as the great pillar for the reformation of the world."

Upon the death of Oliver Cromwell the attacks against Petty became more violent. In the person of Sir Jerome Sankey he found a most active and determined enemy. During Petty's residence at Oxford, Sankey had been a fellow of All Souls and Proctor of the University. He gave up his academic career to try his fortune in a more active field. He had served with distinction in Ireland under Cromwell. In religion he was a fanatical Anabaptist, and in politics a prominent member of the army faction. According to Petty's statement, Sankey's enmity was due to his watchfulness in preventing Sankey from illegally changing his allotment of land.

In November, 1658, an anonymous libel against Petty was brought to the notice of the Lord Deputy. In this he was accused of general official misconduct. So high he stood in Cromwell's favor, so great was his influence, that his enemy compared him to