The exchange of presents and courtesies ended, for the time, with the presentation to the City, by the House of Commons, of Richmond Park.
On the 19th of September 1650 another day of thanksgiving was held for the victory of Dunbar, and another after the victory of Worcester.
Cromwell was received on his return to London by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, who invited him to a Banquet.
CROMWELL DISSOLVING PARLIAMENT
From a Dutch satirical print in the British Museum.
On the forcible dissolution of the old Parliament, petitions were presented to Cromwell by the City for and against the reinstatement of the Parliament. Cromwell met them both by constituting a certain number of persons the “Supreme Authority.” The City, recognising this body, presented a petition in which they prayed:—
“1. That the precious Truths of the Gospel may be preserved in Purity; and the Dispensers thereof, being approved to be learned, godly, and void of Offence, may be sent forth to preach the Gospel. 2. That their settled Maintenance by Law might be confirmed, and their just Properties preserved. 3. That the Universities may be zealously countenanced and encouraged.” (Maitland, vol. i. p. 421.)
HACKNEY COACHMAN