(John), an English statesman under Oliver Cromwell, was born at Abots Roding in Essex in 1616, of which parish his father was rector, and was educated to the study of the law. In 1648 he was made receiver or clerk of the curitor fines; and though his attachments were entirely on the side of the parliament, he declares himself totally unconcerned in all counsels relative to the death of the king: however, on that event, and on the establishment of the commonwealth, he was diverted from prosecuting his employments in the law by engaging in public business. When Cromwell assumed the protectorship, he became secretary of state; in 1655, he had the care and charge both of foreign and inland postage committed to him by the protector; and was afterward sworn one of his privy-council, according to "The humble petition and advice." He was continued in the same capacities under Richard Cromwell, and until measures were taken for the Restoration; when he made an offer of his services to that end, which, however, were not accepted. May 15th 1660, he was committed to the custody of the sergeant at arms on a charge of high-treason; but being soon released, he retired to Great Milton in Oxfordshire: and though he was afterward often solicited by Charles II. to engage in the administration of public business, he thought proper to decline the offers. He died in 1668; and was a man of an amiable private character, who in the highest of his power exercised all possible moderation towards persons of every party. The most authentic testimony of his abilities is that vast collection of state-papers, seven volumes folio, now in the hands of the public; which place the affairs of Great Britain, and of Europe in general, during that remarkable period in the clearest light.