Letter from Oliver Cromwell

This Richard Chapell Whaley was twice married ; first, in 1727, to Catherine, daughter of Robert Armitage, who died without issue ; and secondly, in 1759, when at an advanced age, to Anne, Henry Whaley, son of Edward the Regicide, came to Ireland in 1658 with a letter of introduction from Oliver Cromwell to Henry Cromwell, then Lord Deputy. The original is in the possession of Mr. John Whaley of Annsboro, co. Kildare.

Letter from Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.

“ Harry Cromwell—I write not often to you. Now I think my self ingaged to mv dearer Cousin Whaley to lay my commands upon you that you shew ali lovinge respect to his eldest son, by his present Ladye, whom you are to receave in the room of his eldest brother both into his command and into your affection. I assure you though hee bee soe neerly to us as you know, yett I would not importune on his behalf soe heartily as now I can upon the scoare of his owne worth, wch indeed is as remark-able as I believe in any of ten thousand of his yeares. Hee is excellent in the Latine, french, and Italian tongues, of good other learninge wth partes suitable, and (wch compleates this testimonie) is hopefully seasoned with religious principles, lett him be much wİth you, and use him as yr owne. being most serious in this desire, and expecting a suitable returne there unto,

“ I rest your lovinge Father

“ Oliver P.

“ my love to your deare wife and to the two babes.

“June I, 1658.

“(Endorsed) 1 June 1658. His Highness conserning Capt. Whaly.”

The reasons for the advancement of Henry Whaley “ in the room of his eldest brother” (John) will be found on referring to the Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, where documents are given from which it appears that Capt. John Whaley, a few days before the date of the above letter, had incurred the Protector’s displeasure by fighting a duel with the Earl of Chesterfield, in consequence of which both combatants were committed to the Tower. The Petition of Capt. Whaley, dated 15th June, 1658, to Cromwell, contains a touching reference to the writer’s recent marriage : “[He] would submit to his confinement were he alone concerned, but he has newly entered into a condition wherein his suffering will as nearly become another’s affliction as his own and is anxious to avoid the unhappiness which a longer separation may produce.”