Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 07.djvu/32

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Thursday 8th March 1648-9, they are voting and debating in a thin House, hardly above sixty there, Whether Duke Hamilton, Earl Holland, Lords Capel, Goring, and Sir John Owen,—our old friend ‘Colonel Owen’ of Nottingham Castle, Jenner and Ashe’s old friend, —are to die or to live?

They have been tried in a new High Court of Justice, and all found guilty of treason, of levying war against the Supreme Authority of this Nation. Shall they be executed; shall they be respited? The House, by small Majorities, decides against the first three; decides in favour of the last; and as to Goring, the votes are equal,—the balance-tongue trembles, ‘Life or Death!’ Speaker Lenthal says, Life.

Meanwhile, small private matters also must be attended to.

1em

Sir,—Yours I have received; and have given further instructions to this Bearer, Mr. Stapylton, to treat with you about the business in agitation between your Daughter and my Son.

''I am engaged to you for all your civilities and respects already manifested. I trust there will be a right understanding between us, and a good conclusion: and though I cannot particularly remember the things spoken of at Farnham to which your Letter seems to refer me, yet I doubt not but I have sent the offer of such things now as will give mutual satisfaction to us both. My attendance upon public affairs will not give me leave to come down unto you myself; I have sent unto you this Gentleman with my mind.''

I salute Mrs. Mayor, though unknown, with the rest of your