While the Protectorate lasted he had been really a Cromwellian; but, like so many other Cromwellians, he was now a half-declared Royalist.

He had been one of the chief negotiators with Monk for the re-seating of the Secluded, and he took at once a foremost place among them, both in the House and in the Council.

He was now about forty-fire years of age .-- An accession to the House, after it had sat for a week or more, was Mr.William Morrice.

He was a Devonshire man, like Monk, to whom he was related by marriage.

He had been sent into the Long Parliament in 1645 as Recruiter for Devonshire, and had been afterwards secluded; and he had been returned to Oliver's two Parliaments and to Richard's.