What kind of ruler was Oliver Cromwell?
Case study 1: Cromwell in his own words - Source 3
Simplified transcript
A document making Colonel William Boteler a Major General, October 1655
(W.C. Abbott (ed.), The writings and speeches of Oliver Cromwell, Vol. III, pp.849-50. Published by Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1947)
With the advice of my Council, I make and order you to be Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the counties of Northampton, Huntington, Rutland and Bedford and all places within the limits of those counties.
- I give you full power and authority to take charge of, and to train, exercise, command and keep in good discipline, the militia and other forces that shall be raised or given to you within these counties.
- You will also lead them against all enemies, rebels, traitors, and other offenders, and their followers, against this Commonwealth and me.
- Fight with the traitors, enemies and rebels. Attack, resist, control, slay and kill them, and put them to death, using all ways and means that you think best.
- I also give you full power and authority, in case of invasion or rebellion, to raise, gather and call together all persons suited for war living within these counties.
- Train, exercise, and get them ready, and have them armed, and gather them in convenient places, and lead them for the purposes mentioned before. ……
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