quainted with the officers, and
unknown to them, recommended by no military exploits, endeared by no
familiarities, could not long, it was thought, maintain that authority
which his father had acquired by so many valorous achievements and such
signal successes. And when it was observed, that he possessed only the
virtues of private life, which in his situation were so many vices;
that indolence, incapacity, irresolution, attended his facility and good
nature, the various hopes of men were excited by the expectation of
some great event or revolution. For some time, however, the public was
disappointed in this opinion. The council recognized the succession
of Richard: Fleetwood, in whose favor it was supposed, Cromwell
had formerly made a will, renounced all claim or pretension to the
protectorship: Henry, Richard's brother, who governed Ireland with
popularity, insured him the obedience of that kingdom: Monk, whose
authority was well established in Scotland, being much attached to the
family of Cromwell, immediately proclaimed the new protector: the army,
every where, the fleet, acknowledged his title: above ninety addresses,
from the counties and most considerable corporations, congratulated
him on his accession, in all the terms of dutiful allegiance: foreign
ministers were forward in paying him the usual compliments: and Richard,
whose moderate, unambitious character never would have led him to
contend for empire, was tempted to accept of so rich an inheritance,
which seemed to be tendered to him by the consent of all mankind.

It was found necessary to call a parliament, in order to furnish
supplies, both for the ordinary administration, and for fulfilling those
engagements with foreign princes, particularly Sweden, into which the
late protector had entered. In hopes of obtaining greater influence in
elections, the ancient right was restored to all the small boroughs; and
the counties were allowed no more than their usual members.

{1659.} The
house of peers, or the other house, consisted of the same persons that
had been appointed by Oliver.

All the commons, at first, signed without hesitation an engagement not
to alter the present government. They next proceeded to examine the
humble petition and advice; and after great opposition and many vehement
debates, it was at length, with much difficulty, carried by the court
party to confirm it. An acknowledgment, too, of the authority of the
other house, was extorted