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The persecutors of Nayler appear to have indulged in some relentings, during the few days since the publication of the following Order,
"Given at Whitehall, this 23d January, 1656–7.
"James Nayler, being returned from Bristol to London, was this day
conveyed to Bridewell, where he is to remain in custody, without being
visited or relieved by any; neither is he to have the use of pen, ink, or
paper, or to be allowed anything but what he gets by his own labour;
and this to continue till he shall be released by Parliament." Public Intelligencer, p. 1149, No. 67, January 19, —26.
Since the note
* was printed, supra, p. 246, I have found, at the British Museum, a volume, containing, among other unpublished MSS., of
which I shall avail myself, the following exact form of the Protector's
letter:—
"O. P.
"R. Trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well. Having taken notice of a judgment lately given by yourselves against one James Nayler,
although we detest and abhor the giving or occasioning the least countenance to persons of such opinions and practises, or who are under the
guilt of such crimes as are commonly imputed to the said person; yet
we being intrusted in the present government, on behalf of the people
of these nations, and not knowing how far such proceedings (wholly
without us) may extend, in the consequence of it, do desire that the
House will let us know the grounds and reasons whereupon they have
proceeded.'
"Given at Whitehall, the 25th of December, 1656." MSS. Additions
to Ayscough, No. 6125, p. 284. See infra, p. 384. |