“SIR,--Although my infirmities might justly claim privilege in so
sudden an answer; yet, because you desire it, and I am not willing
to delay your time, to your letter of summons to deliver up my
house, and the only house now in my possession to cover my head in,
these are to let you know, that if you did understand the condition
I am in, I daresay out of your judgment you will not think it a
reasonable demand. I am loth to be the author of mine own ruin on
both sides; and therefore desire leave to send to his Majesty to
know his pleasure what he will have done with his garrison. As for
my house, I presume he will command nothing; neither am I knowing
how, either by law or conscience, I should be forced out of it. To
these I desire your return, and rest your Excellency’s humble
servant,
“H. WORCESTER.
“FROM MY POOR COTTAGE AT RAGLAN,
“Aug. 7, 1646.”