Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-08-04

Correspondence of the n. Y. Evening Post.
THE HEAD OF OLIVER CROMWELL.
LONDON, May 30, lS60.-ln one of my lott
erings among the monuments that hallow and
beautify the world-rcnouncd Westminster Alb
hey, the thought of the stern old Protector"
so wrought upon my fancy, that at once de-
termined to CLEAN all that | could relative to
the final disposition of his remains
Nearly two hundred years have rolled away
since the death of Oliver Cromwell. Change
full as were his fortunes in life, the vicsstudes
which befcl his earthly remains were not less
striking. When death struck down the re-
nowncd champion of ecclesiastical right and re-
lgous liberty, his body was embalmed and in.
tered with great pomp in Westminster Alb
hey. After the restoration Of the Stuarts it
was disinterred, agreeably to sentence which
will forever blacken that kingly name and ig
ANONYMOUSLY suspended at Tvburn. The head
was then cut off, pike staff thrust through it,
and, with those of the noble Ireton and Brad
shaw, it was placed on the outer wall at West.
minister Hall. Years and years it remained
there, exposed to the elements and the jibes of
an ignoble dynasty until at last nature kinder
than man. looscd the grasp of Iron, and the
skull rolled into the parapet of the hall. As
soon as it was missed a search was instituted
for it, but without success, and few of all that
people in the vast metropolis have any idea
that it is still in existence. Yet such is actual
ly the fact.
The skull was perceived by sentinel in his
rounds, who instantly secreted it under his
cloak and conveyed it home, where he kept it
carefully concealed until his death. The widow
then conveyed it to the Cambridge Russell tam
lily, who gave her the sum of two hundred
pounds for it. In this line it remained until
member of the family, who through cxtraya-
gance had become involved, sold it to the
grandfather of the present proprietor, the Hon.
Mr.. Wilkinson. BY him it is guarded as a
cred relic, being until recently secreted entirely,
and even now rarely exhibited
That it is the veritable head of Cromwell
there is abundance of proof. Rumors ofits en-
istence were rife in London half century ago,
and able articles were written in support of the
belief at the time, but not until recently, from
prudential reasons, has the fac been made pa
tent. Besides the documentary evidence, and
oral ties tmony the parties directly concerned
in its preservation there is sufficiently internal
evidence to convince the most skeptical in size
OF brain, in contour of features, and in general
appearance, there is a striking similarity to all
the busts and portraits extant of the "Protect-
Or" FlaXman, the eminent sculptor has care
fully eXaminedit, and unhesitatingly pronounced
it genuine The chief marks ofidentiication are
the large wart on the right eyebrow, the stiong-
pike, which has rusted deep in the skull.
Having from various sources CLEANED the
abeve information, and being DESTROYS of see
ing the century guarded relic obtained note,
stating my object, ard yesterday rode out to
the residence of the Hon. Mr.. Wilkinson at
Bromley, Kent, near the metropolis. Mr. Will
kinson, few years since, was member of Par
Lament from Lambeth, but having, under
sense OF duty, voted for the opening of the
Crystal Palace on sabbaths, he became so un-
popular with his constituency that he was not
sustained, and since then he has been in pri-
vate life. Being possessed of ample means
and refined taste, he has taken great pains in
ornamenting his residence, and it will favorably
compare with the charming homes which one
meets with everywhere among the seats of the
gentry throughout England. The situation is
delightful, and the surrounding landscape is
one of almost faultless loveness. The velvet
like lawn is gay with beds of the rarest and
sweetest flowers huge Old oaks throw their
shadows across the wide park, and deer and
beautiful English cattle browse deep in the
shade of the grand old trees.
Being shown into the drawing room, a lady
in the prime of life, and of elegant person, soon
made her appearance. 1t was the accomplished
daughter Of Mr.. W., in whose care the relic
has long been confded. With the manners of
the true gentlewoman she readily granted my
request soon as it was made known, the
more especially as the stranger was an Ameri-
can.
Soon a large wooden box was brought into
the apartment, and opened. Enclosed in it
was much smaller one in mahogany, with
heavy brass hinges. Lifting it carefully out
two or three coverings of cloth and silk were
successfully removed from the object within it,
and then was displayed the veritable head of
Oliver Cromwell.
Deep and varied were my emotions when
that renowned head was first disclosed to my
view. ! could scarcely realize that | was in
deed gazing on the brain that had once become
so mighty in intellect so stupendous in power.
As vision after vision of the stern puritar's
eventful life rose before me, stood transfxed
in a whirl of thought. For moment-a mo-
ment only dared to grasp the sacred relic in
my hand, then laying it reverenty down, |
turned away from the head of Cromwell
From being cmbalmed, the flesh is in a dry
shriveled state, but the features are remarkably
distinct, and the dark hair is as natural as life
The huge wart on the right eyebrow is plainly
visible, and the end of the iron pike is all rus
ted with exposure to the elements, only coup
lie of inches remaining above the skull. Alto
gether this interesting memorial of a bygone
century is in an excellent state of preservation,
and so lifelike are the features, that there is
little in them that is hideous or repulsive. In
gazing on them, thought ! could see the char
acteristics of the restless being in silent Inca
ments, and could not avoid feeling that was
indeed reading a striking commentary on the
httleness Of all earthly greatness.