Dictionary.net

(1599-1658), Lord Protector of England from 1653 to 1658, was appointed in 1643 one of a board of commissioners for the general management of all the English colonies in America. After his elevation he proposed to the colonists of Massachusetts that they move to Jamaica, then recently conquered (1656). During the war between England and Holland he sent at the solicitation of Connecticut a fleet with a land force on board for protection against the Dutch settlers, and to take summary possession of New Netherland; but the war soon ended.