d circumstances of his
transactions. They took cognizance of all, narrowly searched into and
examined everything, comparing all particular passages and actions with
the rules and instructions given him; and upon the whole matter they
acknowledged that Whitelocke had given them full satisfaction in every
point, and all his proceedings were by them, and upon their report to the
Protector and Council afterwards, fully approved and commended by them.

_July 8, 1654._

[SN: The Committee of Council audits his accounts.]

Whitelocke again solicited the Committee of the Council that his accounts
might be examined and stated, and order given for the payment of what
remained due to him, which he had expended out of his own purse in their
service, and was reasonable for him to expect a reimbursement of it. The
Committee were pleased to take great pains in pursuing and examining his
papers, books, and accounts, not omitting (with strictness enough) any
particular of his actions and expenses; and after all their strait
inquisition and narrow sitting, they again acknowledged, which upon their
report was confirmed by the Council, that his management of this affair
had been faithful and prudent, his disbursements had been just and
necessary, his account was clear and honest, and that he ought to be
satisfied with what remained upon his accounts due to him. The remainder
due to him was above L500, and, notwithstanding all their promises,
Whitelocke could never get it of them.

The sum of all was, that for a most difficult and dangerous work,
faithfully and successfully performed by Whitelocke, he had little thanks
and no recompense from those who did employ him; but, not long after, was
rewarded by them with an injury: they put him out of his office of
Commissioner of the Great Seal, because he would not betray the rights of
the people, and, contrary to his own knowledge and the knowledge of those
who imposed it, execute an ordinance of the Protector and his Council as
if it had been a law. But in a succeeding Parliament, upon the motion of
his noble friend the Lord Broghill, Whitelocke had his arrears of his
disbursements paid him, and some recompense of his faithful service
allowed unto him.

His hopes were yet higher, and his expectation of acceptance was from a
superior to all earthly powers; to whom only the praise is due, of all
our actions and endeavours, and who will certainly reward all his
servants with a recompense wh