" He retired into Hampshire, where he dwelt as a
private gentleman. His brother Henry resigned his position as
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and settled in Cambridgeshire. From
this time the name of Cromwell was no longer a power in the land.
During two years subsequent to the death of Oliver the government
of England underwent various changes, and the kingdom suffered
many disorders; until, being heartily sick of anarchy, the people
desired a king might once more reign over them. accordingly,
they turned their eyes towards the son of him whom "the boldest
villany that ever any nation saw" had sent to the block. And the
time being ripe, Charles Stuart, then an exile in Breda,
despatched Sir John Grenville with royal letters to both Houses
of Parliament, likewise to the Lord Mayor of London and members
of the Common Council, to Monk, commander of the forces, and
Montagu, admiral of the fleet. These letters were received with
so universal a joy and applause, that Parliament forthwith
ordained Charles Stuart should be proclaimed "the most potent,
mighty, and undoubted King of England, Scotland and Ireland."
Moreover, both Houses agreed that an honourable body of
Commissioners, all men of great quality and birth, should be sent
to the king with letters, humbly begging his majesty would be
pleased to hasten his long-desired return into England. And
because they knew full well the royal exchequer was empty,
Parliament ordered these noble gentlemen to carry with them a
present of fifty thousand pieces of gold to the king, together
with ten thousand to his brother of York, and five thousand to
his brother of Gloucester.
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