Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/178

 distinguished as the first of Cromwell’s ever published in the Newspapers,—testify what progress he is making in the difficult problem of delivering Lincolnshire in this posture of affairs.

was in those weeks, as we learn from the old Newspapers, a combined plan, of which Cromwell was an element, for capturing Newark; there were several such; but this and all the rest proved abortive, one element or another of the combination always failing. That Cromwell was not the failing element we could already guess, and may now definitely read.

‘Lord Grey,’ be it remembered, is Lord Grey of Groby, once Military Chief of the Association,—though now I think employed mainly elsewhere, nearer home: a Leicestershire man; as are ‘Hastings’ and ‘Hartop’: well known all of them in the troubles of that County. Hastings, strong for the King, holds ‘Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which is his Father’s House, well fortified’; and shows and has shown himself a pushing man. ‘His Excellency’ is my Lord General Essex. ‘Sir John Gell’ is Member and Commander for Derbyshire, has Derby Town for Garrison. The Derbyshire forces, the Nottinghamshire forces, the Association forces: if all the ‘forces’ could but be united! But they never rightly can.

“Lincolnshire,” 3d May 1643. My Lords and Gentlemen,—I must needs be hardly thought on; because I am still the messenger of unhappy tidings and delays concerning you,—though I know my heart is to assist you with all expedition!

My Lord Grey hath now again failed me of the rendezvous