Note 1313 — THE COMMONWEALTH 1649-1660

I have only noticed one instance of direct interference by Cromwell in minor details. The widow of a seaman, killed by an accident on the Fagons, had petitioned the Commissioners of sick and wounded for help, and had been refused by them. She then appealed to the Protector, and her memorial bears his holograph direction to the Commissioners to reconsider their decision, the case being the same ‘in equity’ as though the man had lost his life in action (State Papers, cxxx, 98; 10th Nov. 1656). If this is the only surviving illustration of the character of his intervention in questions connected with the well-being of the men it is gratifying that it should be of such a nature.