was, Divide & Impera, the practise of that old Politick
Rule, in dividing the presbiterian party of Scots, both in
Kirk and State; the Major and most considerable members
whereof hee hath now at length over-awed, or allured into
his Party, and so carries all before him; there being not left
the least visible Foot-step of the old Presbyterian Interest, in
credit, or authority. And if you would know the reason,
why as yet he falls not upon a course of Revenge, in the behalf
of his Father and Montrose, you must consider he for
bears at present, that he may make use of their Presbiterian
Brethren, in England, in the same manner, to bring his
designe about here also, for the recovery of that Power and
Tyranny into his own hands, which he intends to practise.
For, remember this (and take heed you doe not remember
it too late) that hee abounds with his own Sence, and really
doth not, and will not acknowledge that nice distinction,
which hath passt too long under the names of Presbyterian
and Independent.
THURSDAY, April. 24.
SIR, We are now upon our March as far as Hamilton, and
intend to proceed as God shall inable and direct us, upon
whose help we chiesly depend in all our undertakings. My
Lord Generall will over-take us suddenly. The particulars of
our design, as they are not sit to be known by many, so I cannot
guess at them; but undoubtedly, God will answer our
endeavours by some remarkable successe; and it may please
the Lord, by the next you may heare wee are in Fife, where
we fear nothing but want of Provisions for horf. There being
no likelyhood of finding either grass or Green Corn upon
the ground.
We have not much of Affairs from beyond the water, save that Midleton is come
to them with his Levies, though they are not so numerous as was expected they
would be; And the news of our Boats arrivall have put them all into a vigilant posture,
their horse being drawn up as all the most convenient places for Landing;
yet I question not but we shall visit them in their own Quarters. Our Boats have
given them severall Alarms, and put them often to the Gallop. Our ships here
also are a great comfort to us, and have held the enemy in Play about Brunt-Island
several daies together.
Hamilton.
19. April. 1651