Blair Worden - A Book of Friendship

RACHEL HAMMERSLEY

I have chose to give Sorbiere’s opinion at length, not only as it shews us the sense men then had of the designs, skill, and management of this new republic, but as it likewise instructs us in the vast advantages of navigation and commerce to a state. For nothing is more certain, than, that they, who can acquire the trade of the world, will soon possess its power, riches commanding every thing requisite thereunto, if in the hands of the wise, brave and industrious. Such being the figure of the English commonwealth in the eyes of its neighbours, we are not to wonder that her friendship was courted by some of the most mighty monarchs, and that they treated her with honour and respect. 39 This represented an audacious approach to English foreign policy and trade. In drawing attention to it, and advocating a similar policy in the present, Hollis revealed the importance to him of British success – even dominance – abroad in the realm of commerce and trade, which depended in turn on strong command of the forces of both land and sea. Although Sorbière praised the pursuit of such a policy under the Commonwealth, Hollis followed Harris in believing that this could best be implemented by a strong ruler at the helm of the government. Moreover, both men thought that Cromwell should be praised for his efforts – and at least partial success – in this regard. For Macaulay, by contrast, the only suitable role for a single individual in government was that of legislator. In failing to institute a wise and well-balanced republican constitution which, through the adoption of Harringtonian mechanisms like the agrarian law and rotation of office would ensure the prioritising of the public good over personal or private interests, Cromwell had proved wanting in the only role he ought to have played. Whereas Hollis’s hope in 1761 was that William Pitt might induce George III to follow Cromwell’s example of pursuing strong military power abroad, Macaulay’s wish in 1767 was that Pasquale Paoli would take on the role for Corsica that Cromwell had failed to fulfil in England.

39 William Harris, An historical and critical account of the life of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. After the manner of Mr. Bayle. Drawn from original writers and state papers. To which is added, an appendix of Original Papers (London, 1762). The letter appears on pp. 272-277 and the quotation is from p. 277.

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