Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/268

234 ''taken by a mistake whilst we lay before this Garrison, whom God safely delivered to us, to our great joy; but to his loss of almost all he had, which the Enemy took from him. The Lord grant that these mercies may be acknowledged with all thankfulness: God exceedingly abounds in His goodness to us, and will not be weary until righteousness and peace meet; and until He hath brought forth a glorious work for the happiness of this poor Kingdom. Wherein desires to serve God and you, with a faithful heart, your most humble servant,'' OLIVER CROMWELL.

Colonel Hammond, whom we shall by and by see again, brought this good news to London, and had his reward, of 200l; Mr. Peters also, being requested ‘to make a relation to the House of Commons, spake as follows.’ The reader will like to hear Mr. Peters for once, a man concerning whom he has heard so many falsehoods, and to see an old grim scene through his eyes. Mr. Peters related:

‘That he came into Basing House some time after the storm,’ on Tuesday 14th of October 1645;—‘and took a view first of the works; which were many, the circumvallation being above a mile in compass. The old House had stood (as it is reported) two or three hundred years, a nest of Idolatry; the New House surpassing that in beauty and stateliness; and either of them fit to make an emperor’s court.

‘The rooms before the storm (it seems), in both Houses, were all completely furnished; provisions for some years rather than months; 400 quarters of wheat; bacon divers rooms-full, containing hundreds of flitches; cheese proportionable; with oatmeal, beef, pork; beer divers cellars-full, and that very good,—Mr. Peters having taken a draught of the same.