BHO

The Diary of Thomas Burton: 29 January 1656-7

Page 370

Diary of Thomas Burton Esq: Volume 1, July 1653 - April 1657. Originally published by H Colburn, London, 1828.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

Citation:

Thursday, January 29 1656–7.

Resolved, that it be referred to the Governors of Bridewell, to take order touching James Nayler's wife coming to him, and to see that he be accommodated with convenient necessaries. (fn. 1)

Footnotes

  • 1. 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 Since the note * was printed, supra, p. 246, I have found, at the British Museum, a volume, containing, among other unpublished MSS., of which I shall avail myself, the following exact form of the Protector's letter:— "O. P. "R. Trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well.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.