Comment67. Letter testimonial: "These are to certifye, That Francis Atkinson Clerk, Episcopally Ordained hath been known to us to have been, in the Armyes of His late Majesty of blessed memory, from the beginning of the war to the end, as Chaplain to the Lord Hopton, and others and by his exemplary Conversation, and diligent preaching, in attending on the Armyes in all their dangers, of great use and service, both as to the ministerial charge of soules, as also to the military part, by his undaunted courage; being constantly in all conditions conformable to the Ancient Doctrine, and Discipline of the Church of England, and a faithfull and loyal subject. For w'ch his fidelity he hath suffered almost to his ruine, by imprisonment and other wayes." There is no indication as to the clerical status of the signees. [This is probably some kind of letter testimonial on appointment, rather than for ordination.] |