Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/322

288 with the King, if that by any method could be possible. The Army-Parliament too still sits; ‘Council of War’ with its Adjutators meeting frequently at Putney. In the House, and out of the House, Lieutenant-General Cromwell is busy enough.

This very day, ‘Wednesday 13th October 1647,’ we find him deep in debate ‘On the farther establishment of the Presbyterial Government’ (for the law is still loose, the Platform, except in London, never fairly on foot); and Teller on no fewer than three divisions. First, Shall the Presbyterian Government be limited to three years? Cromwell answers Yea, in a House of 73; is beaten by a majority of 3. Second, Shall there be a limit of time to it? Cromwell again answers Yea; beats, this time, by a majority of 14, in a House now of 74 (some individual having dropt in). Third, Shall the limit be seven years? Cromwell answers Yea; and in a House still of 74 is beaten by 8. It is finally got settled that the limit of time shall be ‘to the end of the next Session of Parliament after the end of this present Session,’—a, very vague Period, ‘this present session’ having itself already proved rather long! Note, too, this is not yet a Law; it is only a Proposal to be made to the King, if his Majesty will concur, which seems doubtful. Debating enough!—Saturday last there was a call of the House, and great quantities of absent Members; ‘ægrotantes,’ fallen ill, a good many of them,—sickness being somewhat prevalent in those days of waiting upon Providence.

1em Sir,—Hearing the Garrison of Hull is most distracted in the present government, and that the most faithful and honest