It had also been ascertained in general that, in a House of Commons larger than had been seen in Westminster for many years, Richard's Government was stronger, on vital questions, than the Republicans and all other Anti-Cromwellians together.

For there had been discussions affecting the foreign policy of the Protectorate, and in these the Republicans and Anti-Cromwellians had been equally beaten.

It had been, carried, for example, on Thurloe's representation, to persevere in the despatch of a strong fleet to the Baltic in the interest of the Swedish King; and such a fleet, now under Admiral Montague's command, had actually sailed before the end of March.

It was in the Sound early in April.[1] [Footnote 1: Commons Journals of dates, and Guizot, I.46-72 (where the extracts from speeches are from _Burton's Diary_); also Commons Journals of Feb.

21 and 24; and Thurloe, VII.