Modern History Sourcebook:
Oliver Cromwell:
Letter to his Brother-in-Law after the Battle of Marston Moor, 1644
To my loving Brother,
Colonel Valentine Walton: These
It's our duty to sympathize in all mercies; and to praise the Lord together in
chastisements or trials, that so we may sorrow together.
Truly England and the Church of God hath had a great favour from the Lord, in this
great victory given unto us, such as the like never was since this war began.
It had all the evidences of an absolute victory obtained by the Lord's blessing upon
the Godly Party principally. We never charged but we routed the enemy. The Left Wing,
which I commanded, being our own horse, saving a few Scots in our rear, beat all the
Prince's horse. God made them as stubble to our swords. We charged their regiments of foot
with our horse, and routed all we charged. The particulars I cannot relate now; but I
believe, of twenty thousand the Prince hath not four thousand left. Give glory, all the
glory, to God.
Sir, God hath taken away your eldest son by a cannon-shot. It brake his leg. We were
necessitated to have it cut off, whereof he died.
Sir, you know my own trials this way [Cromwell's son had been killed recently]:
but the Lord supported me with this, That the Lord took him into the happiness we all pant
for and live for. There is your precious child full of glory, never to know sin or sorrow
any more. He was a gallant young man, exceedingly gracious. God give you His comfort.
Before his death he was so full of comfort that to Frank Russel and myself he could not
express it, 'It was so great above his pain.'This he said to us. Indeed it was admirable.
A little after, he said, One thing lay upon his spirit. I asked him, What that was? he
told me it was, That God had not suffered him to be any more the executioner of His
enemies. At his fall, his horse being killed with the bullet, and as I am informed three
horses more, I am told he bid them, Open to the right and left, that he might see the
rogues run. Truly he was exceedingly beloved in the Army, of all that knew him. But few
knew him; for he was a precious young man, fit for God. You have cause to bless the Lord.
He is a glorious Saint in Heaven; wherein you ought exceedingly to rejoice. Let this drink
up your sorrow; seeing these are not feigned words to comfort you, but the thing is real
and undoubted a truth. You may do all things by the strength of Christ. Seek that, and you
shall easily bear your trial. Let this public mercy to the Church of God make you to
forget your private sorrow. The Lord be your strength: so prays
Your truly faithful and loving brother,
OLIVER CROMWELL
Source:
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