built on a
policy suited to his condition, the people he had to deal with, and
the critical juncture of the times. Our author stood high in
Cromwell's favour to the last; and it was, no doubt, in some measure
owing to his gratitude, that he attached himself so firmly to his son
and successor Richard. It perhaps will appear strange, but it is
supported by evidence, that Cromwell did not love his own family so
well as lord Broghill did. Being asked upon his death-bed whom he
appointed his successor, he answered, "That in such a closet his will
would be found," in which he named Fleetwood, but one of the
Protector's daughters getting first to the drawer, she took the will
and destroyed it[8].

Thus Richard against his father's intention obtained the government,
which, however, it is very plain he was not fit to hold; for all the
art and industry of Broghill could never so govern his proceedings,
but that some steps either too violent or too remiss were taken, by
which his administration fell into contempt; and doubtless the reason
why Cromwell excluded his son, was, that he discovered his weakness,
and found him without a capacity of reigning. When the oppression of
committees, the general distraction amongst the people, and the
anarchy into which the English affairs had fallen, began to point
towards a restoration, we find lord Broghill declaring early for the
King, going over into Ireland, there sounding the minds of the
officers, and preparing that kingdom for the reception of his Majesty
with open arms.

Thus we have seen him discharge with honour the debt of gratitude he
owed to Cromwell; but notwithstanding the figure he made in the
service, it is by no means clear that ever he was warmly attached to
the republic; he was detected in having drank the King's health in
company with the Protector's children, which Oliver very prudently
thought proper to pass over. After the restoration, Broghill wanted
not enemies, who insinuated things against him to King Charles, and
blamed his tardiness in procuring his Majesty's return; but his
lordship made it clear, that he was the first who declared for him in
Ireland, and the most zealous, as well as the most powerful promoter
of his interest. His Majesty was so well satisfied with his lordship's
proceedings, that he wrote to him with his own hand, and thanked him
for his loyalty[9]. On September 5, 1660, as an incontested proof of
his Majesty's affection for his lordship, he