Short Story

To my loving brother, Colonel Valentine Walton

It is our duty to sympathise in all mercies; and to praise the Lord together in chastisements or trails, so that 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 obtained by the Lord's blessing upon the Godly Party principally. We never charged, but routed the enemy. The Left Wing, which I commanded, being our own house, saving a few Scots in the rear, beat all the Prince's horses. God made them as stubble to our swords. We charged their regiments of foot soldiers 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 own son had been killed shortly before): but the Lord supported me with this, that the Lord took him into the happiness we all live for and pant for. There is your precious child full of glory, never to know sin or sorrow anymore. 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 Russell and myself he could not express it - "it was so great above the 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 anymore 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. All but a 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 to exceedingly rejoice. Let this drink up your sorrow; seeing these are not feigned words to comfort you, but the thing is so real and undoubted a truth. You may do all things by the strength of Christ. Seek that, and you shall easily be able to 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