While the officers were in debate, Colonel Ingoldsby informed Cromwell, that the parliament was sitting, and had come to a resolution not to dissolve themselves, but to fill up the house by new elections; and was at that very time engaged in deliberations with regard to this expedient.
Cromwell in a rage immediately hastened to the house, and carried a body of three hundred soldiers along with him.

Some of them he placed at the door, some in the lobby, some on the stairs.

He first addressed himself to his friend St.John, and told him that he had come with a purpose of doing what grieved him to the very soul, and what he had earnestly with tears besought the Lord not to impose upon him: but there was a necessity, in order to the glory of God and good of the nation.

He sat down for some time, and heard the debate.

He beckoned Harrison, and told him that he now judged the parliament ripe for a dissolution.