XVI BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF

with the people at home by his known libe-rality and patriotism, the appointment wasnot likely to excite much dissatisfaction onthe part of the Puritans.

The deranged state of his Majesty’s affairs,which were now growing desperate from thecontinued advantages of the rebels in Ire­ land , and his still more violent and fanaticsubjects at home, rendered it necessarythat some sacrifices should be made to con-ciliate the Irish Catholics ; as he wouldthus procure a powerful and efficient forceto aid him against the Covenanters. Inproof of his anxiety on this subject, therewere no less than eight letters written bythe king himself, beside those of his secre-taries, pressing for a speedy adjustment ofthe differences that had so long agitated thesister kingdom.

The first commission under the great sealwas dated the sixth of January, and furnishedthe Marquis with full power to levy anynumber of men in Ireland or elsewhere; tomake governors of forts, &c.; and to receivethe king’s rents. Upon the twelfth of March