Petitions in the State Papers: 1660s

Sir George Booth, prisoner in the Tower. SP 18/219 f. 53 (1660)

To the right honourable the Committie of Safetie

The humble petition of Sir George Boothe, prisoner in the Tower.

Sheweth

That your petitioner being become very weake by reason of a late dangerous feavour,
and in apparent danger of nott recovering his health, by reason of his restraint
in an unwholesome ayre, as appeares by the certificates of his phisitions
and that both him selfe and family are for want of subsistance reduced to a very
sad condition

Humbly prays

That hee may bee admitted to the freedome of his person and repossession of
his estate, uppon such terms, as may best manifest your honours clemency
and consist with his ability of performance, and that in the meane time your
honoures would bee pleased to order, that your petitioneres personall estate under sequestration
may nott bee sold or disposed of: to his great prejudice and the states very
small benefitt if any att all
And your petitioner shall pray [etc?]

G Boothe

Captain John Cramp, James Sadler and others, the late owners of the ship Consent of London. SP 18/219 f. 103 (1660)

To the right honourable the counsell of state

The humble peticion of Captain John Cramp James Sadler and
others the late owners of the ship Consent of London

Sheweth
that your petitioners having formerly represented to the late Protector and his
councell the great losses they had susteyned by the subjects of the King
of Spaine by the surprizall of the said ship and her ladeing in the yeare 1642
in her lawfull [way?] of tradeing amounting to the value of about 15200 pounds as
had been made out by severall depositions taken in the High Court of Admiraltye to the
petitioneres further great charge, a warrant to the judges of the Admiraltye was issued, for
graunting a commission of reprizall for reparacion of the petitioneres said great losses in
the yeare 1655. But by reason of the petitioner Cramp his being at sea in the states
service in whose name the said commission should have been sued forth the same
was never put in execucion, the trueth of the premisses appering by the
annexed a coppy of the said warrant attested by the register of the said Court of Admiraltye

In consideracion wherof the petitioners humbly pray the lyke favour from this
honourable councell for your warrant to the said judges to graunt them a commission
for repayring their said great losses, or in case an accomodacion for
peace bee prosecuted to effect betwixt this commonwealth and the crowne
of Spaine, that the petitioneres interest may bee secured in such a way as
to your great wisdomes (to which they shall humbly submit themselves)
shalbe thought expedient.

And they shall pray etc

Sir George Ayscough, knight. SP 18/220 f. 5 (1660)

To the right honourable the Commissioners of the Admiralty and
Navy

The humble peticion of Sir George Ayscough knight

Humbly sheweth
that in anno 1652 he had the comand of a squadron of shipps, for the
reducement of the island of Barbadas to the obedience of this comonwealth

That the said shipps, having bin long abroad, in the said service, were at their returne
into Plymouth Road, much impaired, and wanting in all manner of provision, which being
certified to the then Councell of State, order was given for issueing out of such monyes
as would defray the same, which was issued out accordingly

That not one penny thereof ever came to his hand, but was received and disburssed by
Master Anthony Skinner of Plymouth and others, who made the provisions for those shipps.

That the accompt of receiptes and disburssmentes have bin long since transmitted hither and have
bin presented to the Commissioners of the Navie, for there examination, in order to their dispatch in the
Exchequer, but in regard they are mixt, part proper for the Navie Office, and part for the Office
of the Ordinance, the Commissioners of the Navy, will not, as he is informed, meddle therewith without some
speciall order in the case

Now forasmuch as the accomptes are large, and consistes of many perticuleres,
which would require much trouble and paines, to pick out and place each perticuler
to the proper office unto which it relates, and the same have bin [only?] paid as by
oath and the receiptes doth appeare, and not one penny thereof came to his handes.

The peticioner humbly prayeth your honours to referre the examinacion
and perfecting of the said accompts, to the Commissioneres of the Navy, and officers
of the Ordinance, that soe it may passe the Exchequer, in order to his
finall discharge, having bin prosecuted in that court for the same
to his greate charge, and that stopp be put to the processe now issuing
out against him

And your peticioner shall pray etc

Guthbert Atkinson and 11 other masters of ships at Newcastle upon Tyne. SP 18/220 f. 36 (1660)

To his excellency the Lord Generall Monck, one of the admiralles of
the Navie, of the common wealth of England:

The humble petition of those whose names are subscribed masters of shippes
now rideing within the port of Newcastle upon Tine.

Humbly sheweth that a discouragment being put upon the Hollander
in relation to the easterne sea trade, your petitioners being willing to take hold
of such an opportunitie) have beene and are incouraged to undertake a
voiage thither, and have beene ready to saile by the space of fourteene
dayes, but meet with great discouragement they (daily) hearing that
manie Oastend ships of warr, (perticulerly designed to hinder that
trade are abroad which occasioneth much feare and disheartning to your
petitioneres.

Their humble request therefore is, that of your great care and tender
respect (already soe much demonstrated) of the good wellfaire, and
honour of the English nation, (which much consistes in forraigne trade)
a sufficient and perticuler convoy may be presently appointed for
them to the Sound, and care taken for convoys against their
returne, whereby the English trade thither, may be incouraged
and your petitioneres their lives, and estates, preserved, and they
shall ever pray etc:

• Cuthbert Atkinson


• Thomas [Aubone?]
• Samuell Nelles


• George Swaddelles
• Thomas Dickson
• [Abell Dixon?]
• Robert Reed
• Adam Newton
• Mathew [Battes?]
• George Martin
• Richard Brunton
• William Hearon

Walter Brydall, gentleman. SP 29/28 f. 90 (1661)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Walter Brydall gentleman

May it please your sacred majestie

That yow were pleased out of your especiall grace and favour by your letterrs patentes bearing date the
23d of June last to grant unto your petitioner the office of clarke of your majesties jewell house. And now
all powers being satisfyed that the sole power in disposeing of the said office remaines in your
majesty and your petitioner after his long attendance and expence expecting according to your majesties
warrant to be admitted one Robert Wright pretendes a former patent granted to him of the
said office being a person that never made any claime thereof or tendred his service therein
since your majesties happy restauracion and being one that in the usurped power voluntarily executed
that power as a justice of the peace taking the engagement and was also dureing that power a
judge of the dellagates and did adjudge marriages unlawfull that were solempnized by divines
and not by justices of the peace, contrary to his owne knowledge he being a professour of the law.

May it therefore please your most excellent majesty the premisses considered
notwithstanding the said pretended patent to grant unto your petitioner your majesties order for
his admittance into the said office.

And (as in all humble duty he is bound) hee
shall dayly pray etc

Thomas Ceely of the king's Lifeguard. SP 29/29 f. 2 (1661)

To the Kinges most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Thomas Ceely one of your majesties lifeguard

Sheweth
that whereas William Ceely late of Rushmer in the county of Suffolke gentleman your petitioneres great unckle
did for some time keepe and educate your petitioner in his house with such respect as both your petitioner and others of their kindred
verely beleived that the said William would upon his decease declare your petitioner to be heire to all or the most part
of his estate; insoemuch as your petitioner did rest his future hopes upon that settlement and forbore otherwise to dispose of
himselfe, but remayned under the tuition and commands of his said great unckle till it pleased almighty God to returne
your sacred majesty with a miraculous safety into these your languishing dominions;

At which time your petitioner in order to his duty and most entire affeccion, prepared to attend your royall person, and
according to that duty and loyalty which for more then 7 yeares before he had upon all occasions of service to your royall
interest expressed he repaired with his horse, armes and other accomodacions to London, where soone after your majesties
returne thither he was listed to be of your lifeguard, where since he hath continued.

Now soe it is may it please your most excellent majesty that the said William Ceely your petitioneres great unckle haveing upon your
petitioneres resort unto him, just before his goeing to attend your majesty contracted a discontent against your petitioner did, for that
very act of his loyalty withdraw his former affeccion from your petitioner as displeased with that his under takeing, and from that
time forward did cast your petitioner out of his further regard, since which occasion it haveing pleased almighty God to visit
the said William Ceely with death, he did in pursuance of the said distast, not onely exclude your petitioner totally from his last will
and testament but did by vertue of his said will give and bequeath all or the greatest part of his messuages lands and tenementes
scituat in the said county of Suffolk upon, and amongst Henry Ceely, Hammond Ceely and William Ceely, all of them infants and
aliens, being born in or about Holland in the parts beyond the seas, and under a forreigne obedience, who being borne out of
your majesties allegeance are not capeable to hold and enjoy any estate of freehold or inheritance, within this your realme according
to the lawes thereof, but the said lands will upon office found come and be invested in your majesty for such estates of freehold
or inheritance as they are by the said will devised to the said aliens.

The premisses considered and forasmuch as your petitioner is ruyned in the expectacion of enjoying his said unckles
estate; as alsoe for that since your joyfull and blessed returne together with his former services he hath spent a
considerable estate in his said attendances he most humbly beseecheth your sacred majesty wilbe gratiously
pleased to graunt unto him the said estate lands and tenementes or soe much thereof as upon office found shall
belong unto your majesty and that for the same purpose your majesty will vouchsafe direccions to your Attorney
Generall to give warrant for yssueing out one or more comissions under your great seale into the said county of
Suffolk for findeing your majesties title thereunto which shalbe prosecuted defended and mainteyned wholly at your
petitioneres charge he rendring to your majesty such yeerely rentes and services as your majesty (with your gratious favour
towards his present charges and former expences) shall thinke fit

And he as his duty alwayes binds him shall daily pray
for your majesty.

Richard Williams, one of the yeomen ushers of the king's great chamber. SP 29/29 f. 63 (1661)

To the King's most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of Richard Williams, one of the
yeomen ushers of your majesties greate chamber in ordinary.

Sheweth:
that your peticioner was one of the greate chamber in ordinary
to your late grand=father King James of blessed memory and alsoe to
your late father King Charles of glorious memory and now continueth
in the same under your sacred majestie.

That during your peticioners attendance on your said royall father in the
late trobles, all his estate was for that cause seized on and sequestred
by the then Parliament authority to your poore peticioners utter ruyne, and
now hee being growne very aged and infirme in body is incapable of
susteyneing himself.

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayes that your majestie will
bee pleased (considering his said losses and sufferings) to graunt
him the goodes and chattells late of Giles Pritchard whoe was
executed on the 19th of January 1660, in Cheapside London, for
treason, and your peticioner shall ever pray etc.

James Maule, esquire. SP 29/29 f. 121 (1661)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of James Maule esquire

Humbly sheweth:
that your majestye was graciously pleased upon a former
peticion to give a referrence to the Earles of Sandwich,
Middleton, and Sir George Hamilton to examine your petitioneres
art of diveing and the use of it in your majestyes dominions
and they all approveing and humbly recomending the same
to your majestyes care and wisdome as by the annexed testimony appeareth
whereupon your majestye was further graciously pleased to appoint some
persons of honour to agree to settle a sallery, or some other reasonable
way on your petitioner for setting on and upholding his intended worke
notwithstanding whereof nothing is yett done, soe that your petitioner hath
suffered great losse by attending here seaven moneths besides the hazard
of loozing the imployment of other princes whereunto he hath often and
earnestly bine invited.

May it therefore graciously please your majestye to command
such a speedy way for setling your petitioner as to his subsistance
and transport of workemen and instruments as your majestie
shall think fitt.

And your petitioner as in duty bound
shall ever pray etc.

Nathaniel Smith. SP 29/49 f. 8 (1662)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Nathaniel Smith

Sheweth. That your peticioner followed his late majestie of ever
blessed memory during all the late troubles from the convention
of the great counsell at Yorke to the surrender of Oxford and to
his ability performed severall services but principally at Oxford
where hee attended as clerk on the lords comissioners for that garrison
and for that service, their lordships were pleased to recomend him to
his late majestie who of his princely goodnes (not long before his going
from Oxford) was pleased to graunt him the privy seales annext
for and allowance of 250 pounds. But the violence of the tymes increasing
your peticioner could not receave the benefit of his majesties favour and
is therefore an humble suitor to your majesty that (having suffered
much in the tyme of usurpacion and your majesties exile) you would bee
graciously pleased to graunt him your warrant to receave the allowance
assigned him for those services, out of such moneis as shalbe
discovered to bee due to your majestie and unpardoned by the Act of
Oblivion, or any other part of your majesties revenue.

And your peticioner (as in duty bound) shall ever pray for your
majesties long and happy raigne.

Ralph Ironside, clerk. SP 29/49 f. 21 (1662)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Ralph Ironside clarke

Sheweth
that the viccaridge of Netherburie with the chappell of Beaminster
therunto annexed in the countie of Dorset is be=come voyd by the death
of Doctor Paule Godwyn the last incumbent

That your peticioner hath ever been a loyall and faithfull subject to your majestie
and late father of ever blessed memorie and a true son of the Church of England

That your peticioner havinge obtained a presentacion to the said viccaridge from
Mistress Joane Strode widdow patroness therof but doubtinge the same in strictnes
of law is lapsed to your majestie

Humbly desires your majesties presentacion thereto howsoever
voyd and in your majesties guift for the corroboracion of his title

And your peticioner shall pray etc.

Reginald Forster. SP 29/49 f. 48 (1662)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The peticion of Reginald Forster.

Humbly sheweth.
That your petitioner hath of late obteined a lease for
yeares from the reverend father in God Bryan Lord
Bishop of Winton of Hambleton Chase in the county of
South=hampton a ground heretofore very plentifully wooded
the timber at all tymes his lordshipps owne to dispose and make
profett of: but soe it is may it please your majestie that in
these late and worst of tymes the woods have all beene
utterly distroyed soe that the bare soyle now yeildeth the bishop
no profett at all.

That the premisses soe leased as aforesaid doe adjoyne
upon the Forrest of East=Beare in the said county which itselfe
alsoe by the like distroyer of late is made uselesse dissolate
and a poore thing.

Your petitioner humbly desireth not in the least to the
prejudice to your sacred majestie but to the great satisfaccion of
his lordshipp aforesaid and advantage to the kingdomes for soe
much, an augmentacion to the present incumbent, and for the
future forever an emolument to the church, that your
majestie wilbe graciously pleased to grant your petitioner leave to
enclose at his owne charge the premisses soe leased as aforsaid
or what parte thereof he shalbe able and adjudged most
necessary his takeing in and encloseing.

And your petitioner shall pray etc

Thomas Killegrew, groom of the king's bedchamber and Sir William Davenant, gentlemen of the king's privy chamber. SP 29/49 f. 95 (1662)

Sir Thomas Killegrew and Sir William
Davenants peticion

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Thomas Killegrew one of your majesties
groomes of your majesties bedchamber and Sir William Davenant one of the
gentlemen of your majesties privie chamber:

Sheweth
that your royall father of blessed memory 22o August in the fifth yeare of his reigne by his letters
patents under his great seale did graunt the office of his revells and maskes together with the fee of ten poundes
per annum to Sir Henry Herbert knight and Symon Thellwell whereby (withall submission to your majesties judgment) your
petitioners conceave they the said Sir Henry Herbert and Symon Thellwell are for their lives seized of the said fee and
of the office of master of the revells within your majesties howshold onely

That your sayd royall father by letters patents under the great seale of England did give power to your petitioner
Sir William Davenant to erect a playhowse, and to entertaine one company of players

That your majestie the 20th of August in the 12th yeare of your majesties raigne under your majesties privie seale and signe
manuall for the reasons therein alledged were gratiously pleased to command Sir William Wilds recorder of London
and diverse other justices of the peace therein named to prohibite all publique actinges of comedies and tragedies
in any of the playhowses in or neare the cittie of London. And by another warrant under your majesties signe manuall
were gratiously pleased to give warrant to Sir Jeffery Palmer your majesties Attorney Generall to prepare a bill for your
majesties signature to passe the great seale of England conteyning a grant to your petitioners to give them full power and
authority to erect two companyes of players consisting of such persons as they shall choose and appoint and to
purchase build and erect such two howses or theatres for the representation of comedies and tragedies as shallbee
thought fitt by the surveyor of your majesties workes [pront?] etc upon which graunt your petitioners have to their great charge erected two
play howses and made some progresse without any infringement to the grant of the said Sir Henry Herbert and Simon
Thelwell (as your petitioners humbly conceave:) yet notwithstanding have the sayd Sir Henry Herbert and Symon Thelwell
presumeing that they have the power over tragedy and comedy (thinges not so much as mencioned in their patent
in Easter terme last past brought their accion at common law against your petitioners thereby pretending that they are disturbed
in the execucion of their office

May it please your majestie to heare and determine the said differences or to referre the examination
thereof to the comittee which your majestie hath lately been gratiously pleased to constitute for inspection
into the encroachments of your majesties servants into the respective offices of each other or any three of
the said committee to heare both parties and report the true state thereof to your majestie that thereupon
your majestie may bee pleased to determine the same

And your petitioners shall as in duety bound ever pray for your
majesties long and happy raigne etc

Sir Gilbert Talbot, master of the king's jewel house. SP 29/67 f. 17 (1663)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of Sir Gilbert Talbot master of your majestyes jewell house

Sheweth
that your petitioner served the King your father 12 yeares at Venice
in quality of his resident. That the warrs coming on; and noe
money issuing out of the Exchequer, he spent most of his owne fortune in
that service; and contracted a debt of 3000 pounds under which he yet suffereth.
That there is 6500 pounds due to him for that his service. That he attended
your majesty in your exile, with the remainder of his fortune, upon his owne char=
=ges. That in consideration of these his services, your majesty gave him
the place of master of your jewell=house (heretofore worth 1200 pounds per annum)
That your majesty hath visibly cutt off from the profitts of his place 1000 pounds
per annum soe that there remaineth to your petitioner but 200 pounds per annum
which is in noe degree able to fournish necessaryes to your petitioner,
much less to support the dignity of his place.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prayeth your majesty
either to cause suddaine payment to be made of that his arreares
or otherwise to graunt him a pension of 500 pounds per annum
out of your New=yeare's=guift money, [illegible] to continue
till your majestyes occasions will permitt you to pay him his
sayd arreare; that he may in some measure, be able to performe
his attendance upon your majesty which otherwise he is noe longer able to doe.

And your petitioner shall for ever pray etc

William Christian, gentleman. SP 29/67 f. 75 (1663)

To the King's most excellent majestie and the lords of
his majesties most honourable privy councell

The humble petition of William Christian gentleman.

Sheweth.

That your peticioner haveing some part of his estate in Lancashire and other part in the Isle of Mann, about
Michaelmas last went into the said island and was soone after there imprisoned by order of the Earle of Darby
where he soe still continues, and hath been lately called to a tryall there for his life for treason upon pretence that in 1651
he assembled the inhabitants of the said island in opposition to the now Countesse Dowager of Darby (which if true)
as the same is not, yet the same being in relation to the warrs, your peticioner is advised by councell that the same is pardoned
by your majestys gratious Act of Indempnity wherein your peticioner is not a person excepted from pardon, nor hath at any time
since the 24th of June 1660 or before acted any thing against your majestie or government.

That your peticioner hath appealed to be tryed by your majesties lawes of England where he many yeares lived and hath an
estate, but it was refused. And for as much as the said proceedings are without president, and contrary to the lawes within
the said island.

He most humbly prayeth the benefitt of the lawes of England, and in order thereunto that your
majestie wilbe gratiously pleased to command his being brought before your majestie and honourable councell
and that if any thing can be objected against him which is not pardoned, that he may have a
tryall according to the knowne lawes of this kingdome.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Charles, Earl of Norwich. SP 29/67 f. 153 (1663)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of Charles Earle of Norwich.

Humbly sheweth.

That the stewardshipp of the honour of Peverell in the county of Nottingham with its fees and appurtenances was formerly
granted to the petitioners deceased father George Earle of Norwich then Sir George Goring and Sir Edward Goring his brother
for their lives as alsoe a lease of the cole pitts and other perquisitts belonging to the said honour for 50ty yeares, whereof aboute
5 yeares are yett in being which said stewardshipp [illegible] is now fallen to your majestie by the deaths of the petitioneres said uncle and
father and the farme of the said cole pitts forfeited to your majestie for non payment of rent.

That your majestie by letteres patents was graciously pleased to graunt unto his said father a pencion of 2000 pounds per annum for 7
yeares in consideracion of his surrender of the place of captain of your majesties guard and for enabling him to sattisfie the
supernumeraries thereof and for the better support of the dignity of the earledome and in respect of his fathers long and
faithfull services to your majestie and glorious father and grandfather, and your petitioner finding himselfe oblidged by his said fathers
promisses to your sacred majestie and in justice to the said persons (who demand the said sattisfaccion) to provide for the same.

Hee most humbly prayes that for enabling him thereunto (there being judgments and other assignments of his said
fathers, which may otherwise prevent the sume) and for the better support of the earledome aswell as for
sattesfying the summe of 780 pounds assigned by his said father to bee paid out of the said pencion: your majestie wilbee
graciously pleased in liew of the said former pencion to graunt unto him a pencion duering life proporcionable
to the value of the 5 yeares and halfe yett remaineing thereof and that the same by your majesties further grace
may bee contynued upon your majesties customes where the same hath been heitherto assigned and paid. Or
out of such other certaine revenew as your majestie in your wisedome shall thinke fitt to direct and that
in reference to the said stewardshipp and lease your majestie wilbee pleased to renew the said graunt and lease
for such lives and termes of yeares and under such reserved rents and covenants as was formerly
graunted and demised.

And hee shall ever pray etc.

Norwich

The churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the parish of St Martin in the Fields on behalf of their poor. SP 29/67 f. 207 (1663)

To the right honourable Sir Henry Bennet knight
principall secretarie of state to his royall majestie

The humble peticion of the churchwardens and overseers of the poore
of the parish of Saint Martin in the feilds in the behalfe of thyre
poore

Humble showing
that his majesty hath byn pleased yearely at this
blessed tyme of Christmas to give 100 pounds towards the
better releife of our poore by your honours assisting our
predicessours with their peticion to his majesty

Wee doo theirfore most humbly pray your honour to
continue your former favours in this our humble address
to his sacred majestie

And your peticioners shall pray etc

George, Duke of Buckingham. SP 29/90 f. 86 (1664)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of George Duke of Buckingham.

Sheweth.

That your late royall predecessours King Philipp and Queene Mary by letters pattents under
the greate seale of England dated the sixth day of November in the fowerth and fifth yeares of
their raigne, for the consideracions therein expressed did give and graunt unto Betrice Aprice
widow, and the heires males of her body, and for default of issue male to the heires of her body
severall messuages or tenements called Boles, the Deyhouse, and Buckeshorne with the lands
woods and other appurtenances to them respectively belonging in Boreham in the county of Essex
parcell of the honour of Bewliew in the said county which said honour and the messuages or tenements
and premisses above mencioned are since descended and come unto your peticioner.

That your peticioner hath lately sold or contracted to sell the said honour tenements and premisses
unto his grace the Duke of Albemarle butt in regard (for any thing appearing by the said
pattent,) the revercion of the premisses thereby graunted doth remaine in the crowne,
(although it is conceaved the same hath bin since graunted out) and in respect your petitioners
evidences and writings have bin in the late unhappy warrs imbezilled and lost, hee cannot at
present make the same appeare.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prayes that to the end the said Duke of
Albemarle may have a good and perfect title to the premisses, and
for avoiding all questions hereafter, your majestie willbee gratiously
pleased to graunt the said lands and tenements in the said letters
pattents mencioned, and the revercion thereof unto the said George
Duke of Albemarle and Mathew Lock esquier and the heires and
assignes of the said duke for ever.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

William, Viscount of Stafford. SP 29/90 f. 149 (1664)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of William
Viscount of Stafford

Most humbly sheweth that Edward Stafford Duke
of Buckinghame, Earle of Stafford, Hereford, Essex,
Ruttland and Northampton, Baron Stafford, Tunbridge
Newnam, Kimbolton and [Caos?], and high constable of England
by inheritance, was attainted by his peeres, for tresonable
words in the reyne of King Henry 8 by which attainture
hee lost al those honoures and an inheritance in landes at the
present worth 200000 powndes yearely, after his death his
eldest sonne Henry [illegible] (who marryed Ursula daughter unto
the Countesse of Salisbury) was restored in blood and Lord
Stafford and some of the landes restored unto him, which
barony continued in his male line untyll Henry his greate
great grandchild dyed in the yeare 1637 leaving noe issue
and one onely sister who was undoughted heyre unto Edward
Duke of Buckingame, and unto all his honours (excepte the tytle
of Buckingame) if it had not beene for his attainter, the which
Mary was after her brothers death, was by the approbation
of your majestys father of blessed memory, marryed unto
your petitioner his majesty being gratiously pleased to
restore her unto the barony of Stafford and create your
petitioner baron, and afterwards Viscount of Stafford

Your petitioner with all humillety and submission
doeth most humbly besich your sacred majesty oute of your grace
and goodnesse to restore your petitioneres wyfe Mary Viscontesse
of Stafford unto the Earledome of Stafford and barony of
Newnanam and Tunbridge that shee may injoy them in as
ample manner, as of right shee should have done if her
ancestor Edward had not beene attainted, those honoures
being in the crowne undisposed of and your petitioner etc

William, Viscount of Stafford. SP 29/90 f. 151 (1664)

To the Kinges most excellent majesty

The humble petition of William Viscount of Stafford

Humbly sheweth unto your sacred majesty that Edward
Stafford the last Duke of Buckinghame of that famely was allso
Earle of Stafford, Hereford, Essex, Northampton, and Ruttland, Baron
Tunbridg and Newnam, besides other baronys, and high
constable of England by inheritance all which honoures, but the dutchie of Buckinghame, should have descended unto
his heyeres generall if the sayed Edward had not beene attainted
for tresanable words in the raine of King Henry the Eight, by
which attainter, all those honoures came unto the crowne,
with an inheritance in land, att this time worth abouve two
hundred thowsandes yearely. The sonne of the sayed duke was
restored unto the barony of Stafford, and to devers of the landes,
which continued, in his male lyne, untyll the yeare 1637 in
which yeare Henry Lord Stafford, his greate grandchild died,
leaving one onely sister, his heyre, Mary, who should have
injoyed all the honours (except the dutchey of Buckingham)
and all the landes of her sayd ancestor Duke of Buckinghame
had it not bene for his attainter. The which Mary was by the
approbation of his majesty of blessed memory marry unto your
petitioner, whome his majesty was gratiously pleased to make
Baron, and Viscount of Stafford

Your petitioner doeth with all submission most
humbly besich your majesty of your grace and goodnesse to
to restore the sayd Mary Viscountesse of Stafford, unto the
dignety of Countesse of Stafford [illegible] and Baroness of Tunbridg
ad Newnam, that shee and her heyres may enjoy them in
as ample manner, as shee should have done, if her sayd
ancestor had not beene attainted

And your petitioner shall ever pray
for your majestys [tender?] and happy reyne

Francis Roper, esquire. SP 29/91 f. 13 (1664)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Francis Roper esquier

Sheweth
that your peticioner is credibly informed, that there is due and
oweing to your majestie for pole money the somme of 200 and odd
poundes, by John Jenkins esquier late sheriffe of the countyes of
Cambridge and Hunttington.

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayes
your majestie wilbee gratiously pleased to graunt
to your peticioner a warrant for a privy seale
for receiveing of the said monyes due by the
said late sheriffe.

And your peticioner shall ever pray.

The Company of Royal Adventurers of England trading into Africa. SP 29/110 f. 13 (1665)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of the company of royall adventurers of England trading into Africa

Sheweth
that your majestie was pleased about two yeares since by your royall charter to incorporate the trade of Africa to as many
of your subjects as would be concerned in the mannagement of it in a joynt=stock, without which your majesties [found that?] neither
the honour of the nation nor their rights and interest of the trade could be mainteaned against the former intollerable
incroachments and rapine of the Netherlands Westindia Company, and your petitioners were thereby encouraged more
out of publique zeale, then the desire of private advantage to forme a stock of above one hundred and twenty thousand
pounds and in the first yeare sent out fowrty two shipps, and on them in English and other manufactures to the value of
one hundred fifty and eight thousand pounds, and finding by the returne thereof that while the freedome of the trade was
asserted by your majesties royall assistance, it would require and employe to advantage a much larger stock, and your majestie
being gratiously pleased to lend it the protection of your royall shipps, your petitioners were induced for the more vigorous
prosecution of a commerce of so publique a concerne, to the increase of the stock of gould at home, and the necessary support
of all your majesties American plantations with negro servants to supply the want of the stock by taking up at creditt
neare one hundred thousand pounds more which they invested in commodities and sent away in this last yeare to
fleet to the coast of Africa your majesties petitioners presently found a totall obstruction to their creditt, and their creditours
clamorous for their moneys, with which difficulty they have hitherto strugled, but are no longer able to support the
burthen of it unlesse your majestie shall be pleased to putt to your royall hand and enable your petitioners to subsist under
so great a disappointment, for the true state of their affaires is thus.

They have in the severall shippes, and factories abroad in the coast of Africa 125912 = 06 = 02
The debts owinge by the planters in Barbada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Christophers and Syrranam, for negros 49895 = 00 = 00
In goods, ammunition, and provisions in their shipps at Portsmouth, and imprests to shipps, and shippings 48000 = 00 = 00
They have lost on the shipps taken by De Ruyter, and in the forts at Goree 50000 = 00 = 00

So that the totall of the companies effects do ammount unto 273807 = 06 = 02

Though there be not above one hundred and three thousand pounds of the stock paid in, and the debts owinge exceed not
one hundred thousand pounds, from whence it appeares that by the first yeares trade there hath beene advanced seaventy
thousand pounds, not withstandinge all the extraordinary expences of erectinge forts and factories, and also the fifty thousand
pounds which the Hollanders have already taken is indeed a losse of one hundred thousand pounds, and if they should possess them
selves of the other one hundred twenty five thousand, nine hundred and twelve pounds that is now on the coast your petitioners stock
would be deprived of at least three hundred thousand pounds, which might probably have beene returned home within one yeare

But as it appeares plainly by the accoumpt above, they have neither money nor debts at home to make any part of
timely satisfaction so as to prevent the totall subversion of their subsistinge much longer as a company

And therefore your petitioners do most humbly pray.

That it may please your majestie in your princely wisdome gratiously to consider the exigence of the
case of your petitioners and the publique concerne of it, and in reguard that what De Ruyter hath taken
from us, he declares he hath done in compensation of what the Netherlands Westindia Company
hath lost by the capture made by Major Holmes, that your majestie would be pleased to order that
all such goods, gould, and shipps, as the said Major Holmes hath brought from Africa, as an acquest
from the Hollanders may be delivered over to your petitioners use in part of recompence of their losse

And your petitioners do in all humility further pray, that it would please your majestie in your great
wisdome to finde out some way or meanes to support this royall company in the mannagement
of their trade, which is of more publique honour, interest, and advantage to your majestie and your
subjects in generall, then any other that hath beene experimented in any part of the world, by constant
employinge of above one hundred sayle of good shipps yearly and returninge at the least two, or three
hundred thousand pounds in gould per annum to your majesties mint in lieu of native English and natura=
lized Eastindia commodities for the most part, but is also most absolutely necessary to the verry
being of your majesties American plantations which will be rendred utterly uselesse, if they have not
a constant supply of negro=sarvants, and if they have them from the Hollanders, which the
planter will be tempted to do, if they cannot be otherwise supplyed, it will divert the most part of
the English navigation from those plantations, and give the Hollanders the most part of the
harvest of them, who will carry from the common stock of your majesties subjects above twenty pounds for
every negro, which doth not cost the nation above the capitall of fower pounds.

Wee humbly begge your majesties grace and favour, and shall (as wee
are in duty bound) ever pray.

Colonel Robert Broughton. SP 29/110 f. 59 (1665)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Colonell Robert Broughton

Sheweth

That your majestie hath beene graciously pleased to take
notice of his endeavours and suffering in the service
of his late soveraign lord Charls the first of ever
blessed memorie: and that your sacred majestie hath
beene further pleased to promise unto your petitioner
a reward for such his said service; if hee your petitioner
should find out anything that might bee in your
majesties guift to bestow upon him

That your petitioner is crediblie informed of certeine treasure hidd
and concealed in theise three places following (videlicet) Middlesex
Hamsheire and Sommersetsheire, a part whereof being
in your majesties power to bestow upon any, whome your majestie shall
think fitt and meete and the residue to them that make the discoverie.

May it therefore please your majestie to authorize and
ympowre your petitioner to search and digg for the treasure
aforesaid, and to give unto your petitioner the right and
interest of your majestie in the same treasure.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Richard Erwin, gentleman sewer to the king. SP 29/110 f. 96 (1665)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of Richard Erwin gentleman sewer to your majestie.

Sheweth
that there was an annuity of 300 pounds per annum granted by pattent payable out of the
Exchequer to your petitioners father (Sir William) by your royall father of blessed memory
which was vested in your petitioner for certain yeares [yett?] to come and unexpired, which your
petitioner duly recieved formerly. But being only for the terme of 21 yeares, it is
determined some few yeares since, there is in arreare to your petitioner six yeares of the
same: yet hitherto your petitioner hath forborne to solicit your majesty though his
suffereings and present meane condition is not inferior to any.

May it therefore pleas your sacred majesty to cast your favourable eye on your
petitioner your ancient servant, and to be graciously pleased to order him such
a considerable proportion of his arreares aforesaid being six yeares for your
petitioners better subsistance, as your majesty in your princely goodnes and wisdom shall seem meet.

And as in duty bound he shall pray etc.

Thomas Rogers, labourer of Distington, Cumberland. SP 29/110 f. 129 (1665)

To the Kings most excellent majesty.

The humble peticion of Thomas Rogers of the parrish of Distington
within the county of Cumberland laborer.

Sheweth
That your poore petitioner hath just and lawefull right and title to a land or tenement, within
your majesties forrest of Emerdale in your county of Cumberland by the death of William
Rogers his brother he being next heire att lawe, his father and brother William
are found standing as tennants to your late father of ever blessed memory, in his records
yet notwithstanding one Henry Jenkinson hath gott possession of the said premisses under
pretence of purchaseing itt of your petitioners said brother William, butt can shewe noe deeds
nor writeings nor prove any valuable consideration paid for it according to custome your petitioner
is a poore laboring man hath travelled almost three hundred miles to London to obtaine your
majesties favour for getting his right which otherwise can never be had in regard of the petitioners
great poverty whoe hath beene a soldier and officer both of horse and foote, both for your father
and your majesty, and hath beene a great sufferer

The premisses considered your poore distressed petitioner being an object of charity, and is
wronged most humbly beseecheth your sacred majesty wilbe graciously pleased to grant an
order unto the right worshippfull Patricius Carwen barronett, Sir William Huddleston knight
and Richard [Tolsen?] esquire, your majesties justices of the peace for the said county of
Cumberland authorizeing them to call the said Master Jenkinson before them, to shew cause
why he detaines the said premisses and to doe according to lawe right and justice therein, that your petitioner
may be restored to his said land according to custome and equity.

And he (as in duty bound) shall daily pray etc.
for your majesties long and happy reigne.

George Paule, esquire. SP 29/144 f. 127 (1666)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble petition of George Paule esquier

Sheweth
that in consideration of severall services your majestie did at your first comeing
in grant unto your petitioner certaine mudd and wast lands hee should discover be=
longing to your majestie reserving to your selfe and successors the fourth part of the
profitts thereof. But over your petitioners head the Countesses of Peterborough and
Anglesey did obtaine a warrant for some parcells of the forementioned land in five
whole counties (videlicet) Kent, Southampton, Norfolke, Sussex, and Middlesex your petitioner finding
himselfe not able to dispute with such great persons quitted for quietnes sake the
whole for an eight part to his no small losse. Now your petitioner farther sheweth
the countesses haveing made their returnes within the lymitted tyme of two
yeares theire patent engrossed is now ready to passe. And whereas hee is informed
that there are yet in the forementioned five counties some small parcells of
wast landes not inserted in the said countesses grant

Your petitioner humbly prayes your majestie would graciously please
to grant to your petitioner those gleanings yet remaineing reserving
to your selfe and successors a fourth part of what hee shall discover.

And your petitioner (as in duty bound) will
ever pray etc.

John Burges, ship's carpenter. SP 29/145 f. 45 (1666)

To the right honourable principall officers and commissioners of his majesties Navy

The humble peticion of John Burges ship carpenter

Sheweth.

That your petitioner herewith presentes unto your honoures a warrant whereby
hee hath supplyed the place of master carpenter in his majesties shipp the Forrester
with his utmost skill and abillity (from the date thereof) and being
desierous still to continew his said place and haveing been with Sir William
Coventry hee is by him referred to gett your honoures recomendations.

Wherefore your petitioner most humbly prayes your honoures
to grant him your recomends to his grace George Duke
of Albemarle whereby hee may have his warrant
to remayne in the said place.

And (your petitioner) as bound shall pray etc.

John Hunt, boatswain. SP 29/146 f. 58 (1666)

To the right honourable principall officers and commissioners of his majesties Navy

The humble petition of John Hunt boatswaine

Sheweth.

That for your peticioners abillity fidelity and fittness to serve in that capacity
hee humbly referrs to certificates hereto annexed, and haveing been
boatswaine of severall of his majesties ships and devoted his life and
fortunes for his majesties service.

Wherefore your peticioner most humbly prayes your honoures to
grant him your recomendes to his grace the Duke of
Albemarle for the boatswaines place of the Mary Rose
or any other of his majesties fourth or fifth rate shippes or
friggotts now vacant as to your honoures wisdomes shall
seeme meete.

And (as bound) hee shall pray etc.

Captain John Roach. SP 29/146 f. 107 (1666)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble petition of Captaine
John Roach.

Sheweth.

That upon the death of Captain
King your majestie was graciously
pleased at Hampton Court to order
your petitioner the two shillings
per diem which he enjoyed. That it
is now six monthes since, and yett
your petitioner has noe benefit
thereof.

Therefore he humbly
prayes that your majestie
would give particular order
to Sir Stephen Fox to admitt
him he haveing noe other way
of subsistance.

And he shall pray etc:

John Malet, esquire. SP 29/188 f. 34 (1667)

To the Kings most excellent majesty.

The humble petition of John Malet esquire.

Most humbly sheweth

That Arthur Malet esquire deceased your petitioners kinsman for five hundred pounds
paid unto him by your petitioners father Sir Thomas Malet deceased late one of your majesties justices
of your court of Kings Bench, and for preservation of certaine mannors and lands whereof
hee was seised in the countyes of Somerset and Devon in his name and familie (in which the
same have anciently and long time continued) did in the sixteenth yeare of the raigne of your
majesties royall father of blessed memory, graunt unto your said father the reversion thereof
expectant on the estates for life or intayle of the said Arthur Malet, upon trust and confidence
that after the death of the said Arthur Malet and Gawen Malet his brother (who was then very
aged) without any issue male of theire bodies, upon payment of one hundred pounds
into the receit of the Exchequer by Michael Malet your petitioneres great uncle or the said
Sir Thomas Malet your petitioneres father your majesties said royall father his heires or successors
would bee graciously pleased to regrant the same unto them: and that accordingly
your petitioneres father (all the other persons of the said name and familie in the grant thereof
named being dead without any heires male of theire bodies) did pay the said hundred
pounds into your majesties Exchequer, whereupon your majestie was graciously pleased by your
letters patents bearing date about the tenth day of October in the fourteenth yeare of
your majesties raigne to grant the said mannores and lands to your petitioners said father and the
heires male of his body: but the reversion in fee simple thereof being not then [illegible]
granted, still remayning in your majestie, and since that time your petitioners father being dead, your
petitioner being his sonne and heire, and having severall sonnes and daughters now living:

Most humbly beseecheth your majestie [illegible] graciously pleased the
better to enable him to provide [port...r?] all his children to
grant unto your petitioner the reversion [illegible] the said mannors
and lands (being the ancient [inheritance?] of your petitioners
name and familie) as fully as the same were granted
unto your majesties royall father as aforesaid.

And your petitioner shall ever pray for your sacred
majesty according to his bounden duty etc.

The Royal Fishing Company. SP 29/188 f. 36 (1667)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of the governor and company
of the royall fisheing.

Sheweth
that accordeing to the power and trust comitted to us by your majesties letteres
pattentes we have endeavored the advance of the royall fisheing
and among many overtures made to us on that behalf wee
conceive as yet none more conduceing to that end, then a pro=
=posicion made by Sir Edward Ford for liberty to coyne and utter
farthings not to be counterfeyted without present disco=
=very, to give satisfactory securety to prevent the
exportacion of the silver and gould of the nation by the
importacion of counterfeits and the people from haveing
any such putt upon them to their prejudice, by retakeing
all [illegible] farthings he uttereth at the same rate he vents
them, and all other farthings that doe imitate his at the
same rate, to give 21 shillings in silver farthings for 20 shillings in
sterling silver, and 5 shillings out of every 20 shillings to the royall
fishery, upon due consideracion whereof

Your peticioners most humbly pray your majesties royall grant
to this company for the sole power of coyneing and
uttering of farthinges for such time and terme of
yeares as your majestie in your great wisdome shall thinke
fitt.

And your peticioneres shall pray etc

Edward Burton of London, merchant. SP 29/188 f. 37 (1667)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Edward Burton of London merchant

Humbly sheweth
that whereas your petitioner is now bound out upon a merchant imployment for the port of
Santa Cruz in South Barbary in his owne and other your majesties subjects affaires intending
for some time there to reside, and though the place be inconsiderable yet in regard many
occasions may offer, for your majesties service and for the advantage and encouragement of your
majesties subjects in their trade and comerce by your majesties establishing of a consul there.

Your petitioner therefore in all humilitie beseeches your most excellent majesty
out of your gracious and royall inclinacion to the advancement of trade
to be pleased to graunt your majesties letters pattents to your petitioner to be consul
of the said place.

And your petitioner is in duty bound shall ever pray.

John Godsuffe. SP 29/188 f. 49 (1667)

To the right honourable the principall officers
and commissioners of his majesties Navy

The humble peticion
of John Godsuffe

Humbly sheweth that the peticioner on the one and twentieth
day of Aprill 1665 was imployed by Master William
Crispin deputy victualler at Kinsale to take
care of his majesties sick and wounded seamen
at the said port, from which time untill the twenty sixt
day of May 1666 the peticioner acted as chief chirurgeon
upon the incouragement given said Master Crispin
in that affaire, by your honours signifying that the
peticioner for his care and paines should be al=
=lowed tenne shillings per diem, of which allowance
your peticioner hath not received one peny which proves
a great detriment to the peticioner forasmuch as
whilst he was so imployed he was taken
off all other wayes of gaining alivelyhood

The premisses tenderly considered may it please your
honours to take some speedy care for payment of
your peticioner for as much as the peticioners urgent necessity
causes him to beseech satisfacion for the said time
being 400 dayes and in so doing your honours will
oblidge the peticioner ever to pray

John Godsuffe

The churchwardens and overseers of the poor of St Martins in the Fields. SP 29/232 f. 58 (1668)

To the Kings most excellent majestie etc

The humble peticion of the churchwardens and overseers of the
poore of Saint Martins in the Feilds

Humblie shewing
that the number and necessities of our poore and cripples
being increased inforceth your peticioners most humbly to present them to your sacred
majesty for your wonted charitie towards their releife

Most humbly praying you would gratiously vouchsafe your
royall order wherby your peticioners may receave your majesties annuall
gift of 100 pounds for our poore

And (as in duty bound) your petitioners shall pray etc

William Baber, powdermaker. SP 29/232 f. 243 (1668)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of (the undone) William Baber powdermaker

Sheweth

That your petitioner in the time of your blessed fathers greatest extremity furnished his
said majestie with severall great quantities of gun powder at Bristoll Worcester Shrewsbury Taunton Exeter and
other places besides 1000 pounds and upwards of his uncle Randolph Tomms powder maker at Bristoll and 500 pounds more of
his son William Baber who was powder maker at Taunton and Exeter and in that his said service lost his stock
and materialls amounting to at least 1500 pounds more all which may at large appeare by certificates if required; for which
your petitioner hoped to have received satisfaccion ere now in regard he and they were imployed by Sir George Strode and John
Wansford esquire who had his said late majesties engagement for his said losses and premisses and were secured by
Marybone Parke and other landes since disposed of for other persons; so that your petitioner can neither have
satisfaccion from Sir George Strode or his heires or from Wansford otherwise

Now for as much as your petitioner by reason of this is unable to satisfie his debts then contracted for so that he is
dayly tormented with the prosecucion of his mercylesse creditours and for that your petitioner is still unsatisfyed part of the 800 pounds
due to him by account from the office of the ordnance for gun powder delivered at New Colledge in Oxford.

Hee therefore most humbly beseecheth your majestie (for Gods sake) that his distressed condicion may be
considered and heard and some speedy course taken for his satisfaccion as your majestie in your princely
wisdome and justice shall thinke fitt

And your petitioner shall (as in duty bound)
pray etc

Samuell Dunninge, John Carter, Margret Tison, Susan Williams, prisoners in Surrey county gaol. SP 29/232 f. 244 (1668)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble petition of Samuell Dunninge
John Carter William Wright Margret Tison
Susan Williams prisoners in the county
gole for Surry

Humbly sheweth
That your poore petitioners hath bin for some
small fellonies convicted and ordred to the said gole until
such time as some marchant would transport us into
some of your majesties collonies which we most willingly
submitt to, we now haveing found a marchant now
bound for your majesties collony of Virginia and
we being most willing to goe

Your petitioners most humbly prayes that your
majestie will gratiously be pleased to grant the marchant
an order that we may be transported to the place
aforesaid with the marchant that we may be out of this
dolefull place of want and miserie

And your petitioners shall ever as in
duty pray etc

• Samuel Dunninge
• John Carter
• Margret Tyson
• Susan Williams

21 soldiers lately in the king's company in his majesty's Regiment of Guards. SP 29/233 f. 47 (1668)

To the right honourable Henry Lord Arlington one of his majesties most
honourable privy councell and principall secretary of
state.

The humble peticion of the soldiers whose names are
underwritten

Sheweing that your petitioners have been soldiers in the Kings company in his majesties
regiment of guards, and have been for nonconforming to the
oath of supremacy disbanded as may appere by the annexed
certificatt, and that your petitioners are now being out of employment
since the 28th of September last reduced very lowe and not able to subsist

May it therefore please your honour to grant your
petitioners your passe for Flanders or France that
they may by their swords earne their bread
untill his majesty hath occasion for them when they
will cheerefully returne to his service, and as
in duty bound will
for ever pray etc

• Maurice Agherin
• William Matthews
• John Inch
• John Ryan
• Patrick Kellie


• Arthur Magenis
• John Heale
• John Dungan
• Daniell Denighan
• John Lacey


• William White
• Patrick King
• Morgan Swiney
• Edmond Garrett
• John Longan


• Dennis Swiney
• William Morphy
• Edmond Barry
• William Ryane
• Thomas Lacey
• Dennis Sulevan

George Nichols. SP 29/254 f. 20 (1669)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble petition of George Nichols

Humbly sheweth, that one of the three fellowships founded in the University of Oxford by the
late King your royal father for the natives of your majesties islands of Jersey and Guernsey
being now void in Pembroke Colledge, by the death of Master [Marinel?] late fellow there; and your
petitioner humbly conceiving that he is qualified for such a place, being a native of the
island of Jersey, and having been already for some time a student in Jesus Colledge; and
being the son of a father who has had the honour to be often employed by the late King and
by your majestie when abroad, he humbly prayes that your majestie be pleased to
recommend him to the master and fellowes of the said Pembroke Colledge that he
may be elected by them in the place of the said [Marinel?]

And your petitioner shall pray etc

George Nicholls

Charles, Lord Gerrard. SP 29/254 f. 22 (1669)

The peticion of Charles
Lord Gerrard.

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of Charles Lord Gerrard

Sheweth
that the difference betweene Sir Stephen Fox and your petitioner concerning a summe of
money advanced by the said Sir Stephen to one Carr, was referred by mutuall consent of your petitioner
and the said Sir Stephen (and) by their personall engagement before your majestie in councell obliged to
stand) to your majesties award

That thereupon after large debate, and due consideracion it was ordered by your majestie
in councell that of the summe in difference your petitioner was to pay one third and Sir Stephen the
other two thirds to which your petitioner in all humblenesse submitted.

That in obedience to a former order of your majestie in councell dated the your petitioner
advanced and paid into the hands of the said Sir Stephen one full moiety of the said money, whereupon
your petitioner is willing and hath offered the said Sir Stephen should retaine the said third part, returning
to your petitioner the remainder which the said Sir Stephen refuseth

May it therefore please your majestie to order the said Sir Stephen to
repay unto your petitioner the said remainder of the said moiety

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

William Fernely of Ipswich. SP 29/254 f. 56 (1669)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of William Fernely of
Ipswich

Sheweth
that your petitioner being assalted and highly provoked by the rude language
of Master Blosse of Ipswich to draw his sword did in the defence of himselfe
after haveing received severall wounds unfortunately kill the said
Blosse for which he is by the coroners inquest found guilty of man
slaughter and ready to abide his further tryall according to law.

May it therefore graciously please your majestie in
tender consideracion hereof and that your petitioner was
never before subject to or guilty of any crime of this
nature to direct that the penalty of burning him in
the hand may be suspended untill your majesties
pleasure herein be further knowne.

And the petitioner shall ever pray etc.

John Skelton. SP 29/254 f. 91 (1669)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of John Skelton

Humbly sheweth

That whereas a dispute happened to arise betwixt your petitioner and
one Master Francis Edgecombe about two yeares and a halfe since
which your petitioner verily beleeved had been reconciled and ended that
very night, yet soe it was, may it please your majesty the said
Master Edgecombe the next morning earely tooke your petitioner out of bed
and by force pressed him to answer in the feild, threatening otherwise
immediately to kill and destroy your petitioner before it was possible for
him, (being soe suddenly and unexpectedly surprised) to make any
defence for himselfe; that your petitioner used all faire and amicable
meanes and intreatyes to divert him from that course, but nothing
prevaileing, and wounds passeing on both sides, it soe fell out,
that the said Master Edgecombe (after some short time dyed of an
unfortunate wound he then received contrary to your petitioners hopes or
intencion, by reason whereof your petitioner hath been enforced to live
in exile, ever since to his very great greife aswell for the said
offence, as otherwise haveing formerly faithfully served their
royall highnesses the Duke of York, and the late Princesse
Royall, and your sacred majesty since at sea

And therefore most humbly prayes, that considering
it was perfectly by a force that he was drawen
into this sad misfortune, your majesty will bee now
pleased according to your gracious promise of mercy
soone after this unhappy accident to grant him
your majesties free pardon for his said offence, which
he will ever study to deserve by employing the life
he now begs from your majesties mercy in the service of
your majesty and his countrey

And will further ever pray for your
majesties long and happy reigne.