Petitions in the State Papers: 1690s

Michaell Huitt. SP 8/8 f. 30 (1690)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Michaell Huitt.

Sheweth

That the rangers place of your majesties forrest of Teesdale
alias Langdale, in the county of Durham, being (as your petitioner is informed)
now vacant, by the decease of the former ranger there; whereby
your majesties deere and game therein, are much destroyed. And the present
ranger, having only had a grant thereof from his late majestie King
James, but no patent for the same.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prayes that your sacred majestie
will be graciously pleased to conferr the said place upon
your petitioner

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

The peticion of Michaell Huitt

John and Thomas Temple, owners of the ship Bristoll of London. SP 32/14 f. 35 (1690)

To the honourable the knights cittizens and burgesses in
Parliament assembled

The humble peticion of John and Thomas Temple owners of the shipp Bristoll of London

Most humbly shew

That your peticioners did in the first session of the last Parliament exhibite their peticion
before that honourable house, setting forth the greate oppression they had susteyned in relacion to the said shipp which
was plundered and sunck by one Captain John Tyrrell in the Phenix man of war and the master and marriners of
the said shipp Bristoll most barbariously treated and imprisoned by order of the East India Company which said peticion
was then read and ordered by the honourable house to be referred to a committee appointed to consider of the
whole affaires of the East India Company, which said peticion and the matter therein was heard and examined
by the said committee who came to this resolucion (videlicet) that it was the opinion of the said committee

That the seizure of the said ship and cargoe was a violation of the property of the subject

That the imprisoning the seamen of the said ship and puting them in irons was a violacion of the liberty of the subject

And that the seizing of the said ship Bristoll and cargoe and imprisoning the men was by order and
direccions of the East India Company and that they and the said Captain Tyrrell ought to make full
sattisfaction to your peticioners for the same, but before the committee made their report the
house was dissolved.

And that also in the first sessions of this present Parliament your petitioners did exhibite their peticion to this honourable
house praying releife for the damages they had susteyned by the seizure of the said ship and cargoe which said peticion
was referred to a committee appointed to prepare a bill for the confirmacion of the charters to the
East India Company untill another company be established by an act of Parliament, but before they came to a
resolucion in this matter this honourable house was prorogued and since which your petitioners have made divers
applicacions to the governour of the East India Company, but have beene delayed and have not obtained any
sattisfaction. Your petitioners by reason of this and many other losses susteyned are become insolvent

Wherefore your petitioners doe most humbly pray that this honourable house will take the
same into their consideracion and give such releife therein unto the creditours of your peticioners
and to the marriners and others which have beene injured as to your honours shall seeme meete
before a further divident be made out of the stock of the East India Company

And your peticioners shall (as in duety bound) ever pray etc.

A coppy

Your petitioners and the others concerned are dampnified more then 30000 pounds sterling by the seizing of the said shipp
and cargoe as they are ready to prove wherefore they hope it may not be thought a presumption but a
neadfull prayer in their peticion that noe divident be made by the company before they are satisfyed their
dammage since of late yeares the company have made soe great dividents and soe frequently as goodes came
home least there be nothing leaft at last to pay them their dammage

The judges of Kings Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer. SP 63/352 f. 110 (1690)

To the right honourable the lords justices
of Ireland

The humble petition of the judges of
their majesties courts of Kings Bench Common
Pleas and Exchequer in that kingdom.

Humbly sheweth.

That your petitioners sallaryes upon the
establishment are as followeth videlicet to the chiefe justice
of the Kings Bench 600 pounds per annum to the chiefe justice
of the Common Pleas and chiefe baron of the Exchequer
500 pounds per annum each, and to the puisne judges of all
the aforesaid courts 400 pounds a peece besides one hundred
pound for every circuit he goes, which is not
proportionable to their necessary expence.

May it therefore please your lordshipps to
represent the premisses to their majesties and
how much the interest and honour of the government
is concerned therein, that such an additionall
sallary to each of your petitioners and their respective
successors as their majesties in their princely
wisdome shall think fitt, may be settled upon
the establishment as from Christmas next
and that your petitioners sallaryes may be paid
termely (except the circuit money) and
without poundage or other deduction as it is
in England.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

Robert Gorges, doctor of laws. SP 63/352 f. 112 (1690)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of
Robert Gorges doctor off lawes

In all humility sheweth

That by the death of Sir John Davys the
secretary of states place in this kingdome is
in your majesties dispose, and your petitioner haveing
formerly held that office, and doeing much the worke
of the said office at pressent.

Your petitioner humbly prayes that your majesty would bee
graciously pleased to conferr the said employment
on your petitioner in as large ample and beneficiall
a manner as the same was enjoyed by the said Sir
John Davys and he (as in duty bound)
shell ever pray

Thomas Gallentine, merchant burgher, inhabitant of Gdansk and subject of the king of Poland. PC 1/1 f. 21 (1692)

To the Queenes most excellent majesty and the right
honourable the lords of the privy councill

The humble peticion of Thomas Gallentine
merchant burgher and inhabitant of Dantsick
and subject of the King of Poland

Sheweth

That the shipp called the Pellican of Dantsick whereof Christian
Otto was master and goods in the same of which your petitioner was owner
was lately taken by an English privateer and brought into Dover and
condemned by the Court of Admiralty for prize for that your petitioners property
did not fully apear to the judge in the said shipp and goods

That your petitioner did apeale to the right honourable the lords commissioners of apeales
in order to have made a more clear proofe of his property and their
lordshipps were pleased not to admitt him to make his property better to
appear being of opinion that if he did yet the treaty of convencion
between their majesties of England and the states of Holland would make
the shipp lyable to confiscation for either comeing from or going to any
port in France and upon the said treaty or convencion their lordshipps did
condemne the said shipp and goods

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prayes that your majesty would
be gratiously pleased to graunt him a commicion of reveiw
under the great seale of England being a subject of the
King of Poland one of your majesties allyes humbly hopeing to
make it appear that the said shipp is not liable to
confiscation by the said treaty or convencion and being
prepared to make his property in the said shipp and goods
to appear in order to obtain restitucion thereof

And your petitioner shall daily pray etc

William Fuller, gentleman. SP 32/4 f. 26 (1692)

To the honourable knights cittizens and burgesses in Parliament assembled

The humble petition of William Fuller gentleman

Sheweth

That your petitioner hath long groaned under intolerable misfortunes occasioned through the immaturity of his judgment, which
was so easily imposed on by the perfidies of Collonel Thomas Dalleval, and Master George Hays, for whose appearance the petitioner engaged to the
honourable House of Commons (intentionally for the nation's service) tho the event proved contrary, and for their failure, the petitioner incurred the
displeasure of the house

Your petitioner presumes, that most of the present members of the House of Commons were present when his informations were read in the
house in the year 1691 when also the Lord Preston and Master Matthew Crone's confessions were laid the same day before the house, and it is evident
that the said Lord Preston and Master Crone do confirm on oath all the petitioners said informations.

Your petitioner, with humble submission, flings himself on the justice and wisdom of the high court of Parliament now assembled, begging
your mature consideration of his unhappy case, by which your petitioner was insnared by the artifices of the late King and his adherents employed
for that purpose with a design to prevent the petitioners discoveries of the true mother of the pretended Prince of Wales, and to invalidate his
informations concerning their horrid and bloody designs against his present majesty

And forasmuch as Master Thomas Jones is now in England, was was privy to that intrigue of Dalleval and Hays, and was ordered to
attend the House of Commons with them, February 23d 1691/2 but that same day made his escape to France with them by the help of a pass: the
petitioner is ready to produce the said Jones and the pass, as also undeniable witnesses to prove that Master Jones paid five hundred guineas at the secretaries
office for the said pass, and severall other summes of money in all to six thousand pounds by order of the late King James and his queen
in order to the baffling this petitioner.

Your petitioner humbly wishes, that for the nation's satisfaction, as well as future peace and security, he may have
leave to lay before both, or either house of the present Parliament, the affidavits of forty five persons of honour and worth, all ready
made before severall justices of the peace, and given voluntarily by the deponents to the petitioner which do all prove the
management of the supposititious birth of the pretended Prince of Wales

Your petitioner is also very ready to lay before the Parliament, the names and particular places of abode of each deponent
your petitioner beggs leave to repeat what he has evidently proved; and the truth is known to many, that this petitioner was the
first who discovered to King William, Collonel Parker's and the Chevalier Grandvil's design of assassinating his sacred majesty in
Flanders; where the latter suffered for the same, and confessed his horrid intentions

This petitioner has long been reduced to great extremity, and some great men have gained honour and large advantages to
themselves by the petitioner's discoveries, and suffered him to be starving even for want of what monyes he had disburst in the nation's service
in order to secure the peace and safety of the same, as his grace the Duke of Shrewsbury has sufficiently certified by his own hand.

That your petitioner has for severall years been the object of the most inveterate hatred of the late King and his adherents both
here and in France and hath been falsly and maliciously abused by severall scandalous libells writt by William Pettis for Abell Roper and Chantry
booksellers published by John Nutt and advertised by Benjamin Beardwell in his post boy, sending to deceive the good people of the land (as by
the title and subject of the said libell appears) by pretending to justify the legitimacy of the pretended Prince of Wales (which William
Pettis has publickly owned himselfe to be the author of) and that he is resolved and proud to vindicate that impostor whom he termes King James
the third.

Your petioner can prove himself innocent of the crimes layd to his charge

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that there may be such a consideration
of his case, as is consistent with the justice and wisdom of the nation in Parliament
assembled that truth may appear on every side, and that your petitioner may be made
as dreadfull an example as the greatest impostor that ever lived provided he
makes not a full proof and performance of each particular humbly offered in this
case. And that your said petitioner may have leave to publish the depositions of
Thomas Jones and Thomas Witherington esquires at length with the names of those mentioned
therein who have taken bribes from France, to ruin this nation

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

William Fuller

The officers, innkeepers, and clothiers that served in, quartered, and clothed the army in 1677. SP 32/4 f. 27 (1692)

To the honourable the knights
citizens and burgesses in Parliament assembled

The humble peticion of the officers, inkeepers, and clothiers
that served in, quartered, and clothed the army raised
by act of Parliament in 1677, and disbanded by an other act
in 1679.

Humbly sheweth

That the said forces being raised to enter into an actuall warr against
the French king (as by the acts appears) severall of your petitioners upon the
credit of the said acts, did furnish the forces with divers necessary com=
=modities, amounting to a very considerable sum, that in the year
1685 upon peticion to the honourable Hous of Commons a committee was
appointed to inspect the accounts, and report the same, that an other peticion
was also presented to the Parliament the 6th of May 1689, who
were pleased to order a committee to examine the matter of fact of
the said peticion, and to state, and report the same to the hous, upon reading
whereof, the 16th day of July last it was resolved (nemine contra=
dicente) to take the petitioners case into consideracion at their next meeting
which was prevented by the suddain desolution.

That the satisfying of this so just a debt, would much in=
=crease the credit of the Exchequer, and incourage men to bring in
their mony freely, and give further incouragement to trust on
the like occation, and would be a great releife to those who are
in misery

Your petitioners do most humbly pray that this honourable hous will
take their sad condicion, into their just and compassionate
consideracion, that those in prison may be relieved, and
others who are under miserable circumstances, may be
preserved from utter ruin.

And as in duty bound
they shall ever pray etc.

Robert Maynwaring and others, poor or alms knights of Windsor. SP 32/4 f. 196 (1692)

To the honourable the knights citizens and
burgesses in Parliament assembled

The humble petition of Robert
Maynwaring Robert Levingston
Daniel Donn Edward Errington
and Gilbert Wye 5 of the poor
or almes knights of Windsor

Sheweth

That your petitioners predicessors at the instance of Sir Peter
Le Maire and Sir Francis Craine being by a chapter held
the 14th of January 1660 annexed to the foundation of the
poor knights of Windsor. The said Sir Peter Le Maire and
Francis Craine by deed inrolled of the 28th of march [166.?]
and since confirmed by their assignes granted 230 pounds per annum
without deductions out of the mannour of Carbrooke in the
county of Norfolke to be paid by half yearly payments to the
hands of the chancellor of the noble order of the [garter and?]
by him distributed to your petitioners predicessors and [their?]
successors five of the said poor knights for ever

That your petitioners predicesours and your petitioners respectively have received
the said 230 pounds untill the beginning of the year 1692 since [which?]
time Sir Robert Clayton who is in possession of the said [manor?]
doth detain from your petitioners the summ of 58 pounds - 15 shillings [thereof?] [illegible]
being a member of this honourable house doth insist upon [h...?] [illegible]
priviledge against any remedy to be taken by your petitioners [illegible]
same (though some of your petitioners are now in [prison?] [illegible]
want thereof to pay their necessary subsistance [illegible]

Wherefore your petitioners most humbly pray
this honourable house will be pleased to
take the premises into consideracion
and make such order therein as shall
seem best to you

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

Signed Edward Errington

John Weale, master of the science of single rapier. SP 32/5 f. 1 (1693)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble peticion of John Weale master of the
science of single rapier.

Sheweth:

That your peticioner above 30 yeares since lost both his eyes in the service of this nation and
since hath taught the science of single rapier and gave lesson before King Charles the 2d with
approbacion, whereon his highnesse Prince Rupert (to whom it was then referred) reported
that your peticioner might by warrant be admitted master of the said science to his majestie.

And since your sacred majesties happy accession to the crowne, twenty five lords have
recommended your peticioner to your majestie for that imployment and on your majesties referrence to the Duke of
Leinster his grace reports that for your petitioners former services and sufferings your majestie
would please to admitt him to some such place as may be officiated by a deputy, or grant him
somewhat in your majesties dispose your peticioner shall find out: and that your peticioner may be
appointed master of the said science to your majestie, as by the reports and recommendacion from
the prince the duke and the lords, appears.

May it please your majestie according to the said reports
and recomendacion to appoint your peticioner master of the science
of single rapier to your majestie with allowance of such [sallery?]
and priviledges, or such office or grant from your majestie as
your majestie in your great wisdome and clemency shall thinke
fitt

And your peticioner shall alwayes pray etc.

John Mitchell, captain of the Rooke, on behalf of himself and other owners of the ship. SP 32/5 f. 20 (1693)

To the Queens most excellent majesty

The humble petition of John Mitchell captain of the
Rooke frigatt, privateer on behalfe of himselfe and
severall others owners of the said ship.

Sheweth

That your petitioner having by the encouragement given by your
majesty been at a great expence in setting forth to sea the aforesaid ship as
a privateer for takeing and seizing the ships and effects belonging to the
subjects of the French King, and your petitioner in prosecution of such designe
having about the 20th March last seized 2 ships one called the African,
the other the Cour Prince both as is pretended belonging to the
Brandenburg Company at Embden in East Freizland.

That the said 2 ships were seized nere Plymouth but out of the
command of your majesties forte there.

That by the papers and invoice of goods in the said ship found and
by depositions of witnesses it abundantly appears that the present cargo
of the said ships are of the growth and product of Martinico and
other French islands in America and that by those ships the said
French islands have been supplyed with provisions and amunition
which they much wanted and that thereby a trade is carryed on to the
great advantage of your majesties enemies.

That your petitioner having seized the said ships neare Plymouth sound
before the publishing the last act of Parliament for the encouragement
of privateers whereby ships made prizes within any your majesties ports are
given to your majesty, and it being somewhat disputable how farr the
extent of Plymouth port may bee.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your majesty in
consideracion of your petitioners great charge and expences in fitting
out the said privateer will out of your princely goodness and
bounty grant unto your petitioner such right or tytle in the said 2
ships as may accrue to your majesty by the aforesaid clause in the
said late act of Parliament, in case the said 2 ships should
hereafter bee adjudged to have been seized within your majesties port
of Plymouth

And your petitioner shall pray

James Corry, esquire. SP 63/355 f. 321 (1693)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of James Corry esquire

Humbly sheweth

That the Queens most excellent majestie was gratiously pleased to
grant her warrant to your petitioner beareing date the 19th day of September last for
passing a grant for a debt of two thousand pounds sterling due by Richard late
Earle of Tyrone to Sir Edward Scott a forfeiting person attainted and outlawed
and now in the French Kings service by a mortgadge on the lands and mannor
of Hollywood in the county of Wicklow together with all interest then due or
that should thereafter grow due in compensacion of services and money expended
in your majesties service by your petitioner as may appeare by the said warrant and the
severall reports whereupon it is grounded coppies whereof are readie to be
produced

That upon your petitioners passing his grant the present James Earle of Tyrone
preferred a peticion to the lords commissioners of the great seale of Ireland setting
forth that he had some antient deed of settlement which would defeate
the said grant and that his father was onely tennant for life and had noe
power to give the said lands as security, and desired the said grant might
not passe notwithstanding which allegacion the said lords commissioners passed
the said grant under the greate seale

That the said James Earle of Tyrone as alsoe his father Richard Earle
of Tyrone were in actuall rebellion against your majesties and that now
the said James Earle of Tyrone being sencible of the danger that he is in
has applyed himselfe to your majestie for your pardon of all the treasons and
other crimes by him committed as your petitioner is informed, upon the
obtaineing whereof he intends to sett up the said pretended settlement to
defeate your majesties title to the said debt and to deprive your petitioner of the
compensacion and reward granted to him by your majestie which will be to
your petitioners apparent prejudice and contrary to your majesties royall
intencions

May it therefore please your majestie that in case you
shall thinke fitt to grant the said pardon that you
will be gratiously pleased to cause to be incerted
therein a clause for saveing the said debt and interest
and either to oblidge the said Earle to give better
security or that he shall not be restored to the said
lands untill your petitioner first receave the said 2000 pounds
and what interest is due thereon

And your petitioner will ever pray etc.

Robert Mackarrell, merchant. SP 63/356 f. 140 (1694)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Robert Mackarrell merchant

Sheweth

That your peticoner haveing about four months since by his peticion
att large layd before your majestie his deplorable case which your majestie was gratiously pleased to referr to
the right honourable the lords commissioners of Ireland for their examinacon and report the same is accordingly returned
from Ireland and lodged with the right honourable Sir John Trenchard your majesties principall secretary of state but
through some pressing occasions of your petitioner whereby hee was held here in towne and could not pay his
attendance on their lordshipps att the time of settling their said report severall too harsh reflections hath thereby
been innumerated upon his unfortunate yett innocent [slight?] from the [yoake?] of France and other as considerable
instances of his sufferings ommitted to the utter concealment of the truth of his case and [perverting perhapps?] of
your majesties tender and mercifull inclinations towards your petitioner who with his scatterd family are objects soe
justly filled for your princely pitty and royall compassion.

The premisses considered
your petitioner humbly prayes your majestie att the time of
reading their said report the following head unnotyfied thereby may be togeather taken
into your gratious consideration which are all ready to be attested upon oath according to the
perticulars following videlicet.

His having been an inhabitant of France for 18 yeares, his marrying, setling
with his family and acquiring his estate there by which meanes impossible of removeing of
his estate att one

His suffering imprisonment there as a friend to your majestie when Prince of Orange
before the warr, his escaping with 4 of his shipps from France att the breaking out of the
warre, entring them in your majesties transport service in Ireland for which is still oweing to
him upwards of 2000 pounds there being taken by the French after their discharge condemnd as
prize and he himselfe in one of them, made a prisoner againe, by two arrayes of
councill (ready to be produced) in August 89 and February 90, declared an enemy to that
crowne, proceeded against as such in their court of admiralty sentenced there in
February 92 to pay back money received for goods actually sold and delivered to them before
the warr proclaymed and seized after in May 92 againe sentenced to pay charges
insurers subjects of France upon plaint brought against them upon a [lasse?], by vertue
of the aforesaid arrayes pronouncing him an enemy

His leaving severall lands, his house and furniture untoucht behinde him in
France the better to cover his escape and avoyd suspicion his risques and hazzards in
transporting, his children his wife his servants etc

All humbly submitted to your majesties most gracious results att whose royall feet
hee with all loyall devotion and dutyfull obedience prostrates himselfe imploreing
your sacred majesties protection in the innocency of these his difficult adventures undergon
for noe sake of trade as their lordshipps report through mistake seems to insinuate soe much
as to free himselfe and persecuted family from the bondage and injustice of France and
to give England the advantage of those fruites of his industry and labour he could escape
with mercyes allowed the refugees of France who have plentifully tasted thereof
from your majestie on the like but less dangerous occasions and what your petitioner humbly
hopes will not bee denied him: a refugee though not a native of that kingdome.

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

The protestant creditors of Colonel John Browne. SP 63/357 f. 150 (1695)

To his excellencie the Lord Deputy of Ireland and
councill

The humble petition of the protestant
creditors of Collonel John Browne.

Most humbly sheweth

That your petitioners haveing a great debt of att
least 30000 pounds due to them from the said John Browne and his estate wasted
and soe incumbered with other debts and mortgages that your petitioners would certainly
loose their debts if provision were not made for them by the articles of Lymerick
in satisfaction of their effects taken for the use of the Irish and their army.

That after many debates and heareings before the right honourable Sir Charles Porter
knight Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and the Lord Cunningsby then lords
justices of this kingdome and councell and also before the right honourable
the Earle of Rumney then Lord Sydney Lord Lieutenant of this kingdome and
councell it was agreed and declared, that the persons comprehended within the
articles of Lymerick and Galway or any other articles or capitulations
made in this kingdome were to be charged and made lyable to the payment
of the moneys payable to your petitioners by the said articles in reguard they have
all had the petitioners effects which enabled them to make articles and accordingly
then submitted to the payment thereof and have agreed thereto before this honourable board
and to [illegible] the said charge that your petitioner should have one yeares vallue of
the quitt rents of their respective estates two yeares in satisfaction thereof
that in order to secure the same your excellencie and lordshipps have after due and full examination
of all the said matters transmitted a bill into England to be layd before his majesty in council
for the satisfaction of your petitioners that it was generally knowne to all the kingdome that
the said bill and the matters therein contained were transacted publickly and that all
persons that had any objections to make might be heard before your excellencie and lordshipps
that some persons pretending themselves to be ajents for the Irish comprehended in the
articles of Galway and others pretending themselves to be agents for all the articled
men of Ireland petitioned his most sacred majesty in England against the said
bill and amongst other their untrue sugestions had sett forth that Generall Ginkell
now Earle of Athlone had given a writeing under his hand and seale beareing date
the 10th of February 1691 certifyeing that the agents that acted for the Irish in the articles
of Lymerick were only lyable to the payment of the said money to your petitioners
and have annexed the certificate or a coppy thereof to their peticons a coppy of which
said pretended certifycate is hereunto annexed, that your petitioners doe verily beleive
that the said certifycate if any such be was had by surprize from his lordship for it is well
known to the right honourable the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and the Lord Cunningsby then
lords justices and partys to the said articles of Lymerick that the said clause in
behalfe of your petitioners was solemnly debated inserted and read before
the articles of Lymerick were signed

That your petitioners are many in number and have been kept long out of
their money and the said agents for the Irish would now have a heare=
=ing before his majestie in England contriveing the same on pur=
pose to stop your petitioners bill whereas all the matters in the said bill
contained were transacted in this kingdome that by the clause
inserted in the articles of Lymerick in favour of your petitioners there
is an act of Parliament agreed to be passed for secureing your
petitioners distinct from the rest of the clauses in the said [illegible]
articles

To the end that your petitioners may be noe further delayed consi
=dering the miserable condition many of them are in and that
the pretended Irish agents may if they please be heard
before both or either of the honourable houses of Parliament in
this kingdome against the said bill if any pretensions they
have

Your petitioners most humbly pray that your excellency and
lordshipps will be pleased to recomend the whole
matter and your service thereof to his most sacred
majesty to prevent the ruine of your petitioners which delay
will certainely bring

And your petitioners will pray etc

Sir Thomas Hacket and Colonel Dudly Colclough on behalf of themselves and other creditors of Colonel John Browne. SP 63/357 f. 152 (1695)

To the right honourable the lords
justices of Ireland and council

The humble petition of Sir Thomas
Hacket knight and Collonel Dudly Colclough
in behalf of themselves and others the
subscribeing claymants

Sheweth

That for ascertaining each mans proportion
of the moneys certifyed by Major Generall Parsfeild
comonly called Lord Lucan to the vallue of the
effects taken from Colonel John Browne in order
to satisfy his protestant creditours pursuant
to the articles of Lymrick all the claimants now
before your lordshipps (a very few excepted) have
consented to secure and pay to Sir John Topham
in trust for the said creditors the vallue of one
yeares quitrent out of their respective
estates to be paid by half yearely payments in
two yeares.

In as much therefore as by the condition
of the recognizance ordered by your lordships the said
money is payable to the said Sir John Topham and that
it will be the advantage of the creditors and a great
satisfaction to your petitioners to have each mans proportion
ascertained with out further trouble to either party.

Your petitioners most humbly pray that your lordships
will be pleased to order it accordingly and that such
of the claimants as shall secure their proportion
of the said moneys unto the said Sir John Topham
may have that part that relates to the said creditors
left out of their respective recognizances

And they will pray etc

• Thomas Hacket Gregory Byrne Dudley Colclough
• Francis Coghlan [Garr?] Moore Walter Buttler Edmond Nugent
• [Robert?] Cusack H: [Netterril?] Maurice Bremingham Patrick [Bellas?]
• John Coghlan Christopher Pippard Thomas Warren

Captain Connor O Bryan. SP 63/357 f. 190 (1695)

To the Kings most excellent majestie.

The humble petition of Captain Connour O Bryan.

Sheweth

That Daniell O'Bryan senior first Lord Viscount Clare dyed anno 1691 in actual rebellion
against your majestie; that likewise his son and heir Daniel O Bryan junior served as collonel of a
regiment of foot under the French King against your majesties allyes untill the day of his death, and
also Charles O Bryan now commonly called Lord Clare second son of the said Daniel O Bryan senior
is in armes against your majestie in the French service.

That aswell the said Daniel Lord Clare the father as his said two sons have been actually
attaynted and outlawed in Ireland for high treason and rebellion against your majestie and their
lands and estates in that kingdome seised and sequestered.

That by settlements duely made upon valuable and good considerations long before the last rebellion
of Ireland your petitioner was and is lawfully intitled in remainder for want of heires males of the body
of the said Daniel O Bryan senior first Viscount Clare, to all and singuler the lands and reall estate
of the said lord, he and your peticioner being of the same house and family and originally descended
from two brothers, and the said Charles commonly now called Lord Clare being the only issue male
living of the said Daniel first Lord Clare, and he being not marryed, your petitioner after his death, without
issue male will be rightly intitled to the said lands and estate, notwithstanding the attainders and
forfeitures of the said father and two sons.

That your petitioner being bred a protestant was anno 1689 attainted of high treason by the
pretended parliament then sitting in Ireland, for no other cause but being in your majesties service, which
attainder was procured by the said Daniell then Lord Clare, with designe not onely to exclude your petitioner
from his right in remainder to the said estate, but also from his own estate then and for many yeares
before unjustly and most injuriously detayned from him and his father by the said Lord Clare.

That by Gods blessing upon your majesties victorious armes in reducing Ireland, your petitioner became
freed from the said attainder, and having for severall yeares served your majestie in the army and constantly
shewed his good affections ever since your happy accession to the crowne, your petitioner as he most humbly
conceives is a proper object of your majesties justice and favour.

That the said estate of the Lord Clare in value is not considerable, and the same being highly incumbered
to protestant creditors is of very little benefitt to your majestie, and your petitioner after the death of the
said Charles O Bryan without issue male being justly and by law intitled to the said estate, to have
as aforesaid your majesties title therein cannot be of so much consequence to any as to your petitioner.

He therefore most humbly prayeth your sacred majestie out of your wonted grace and bounty
to grant your royal order for your petitioners passing all the said estate with all the
forfeitures thereon, in pattent to him and his heires, and in the mean tyme that he may
have a custodium of the same.

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

Captain Conor O Brien. SP 63/357 f. 192 (1695)

To the honourable the knights citizens and
burgesses in Parliament assembled

The humble petition of Captain Conor O Brien.

Sheweth

That Daniel late Lord Viscount Clare was in his life time
and at the time of his death seized of severall manners and lands in the
county of Clare and kingdome of Ireland in trust for your peticioners
father and his heires

That the said Lord Clare in the late King James his time did
procure your petitioner by expresse name to be attainted of treason in the
late Parliament of Ireland to the intent to hold the said lands free
from your peticioners trust your peticioner being at that time and ever
since in their majesties service in this kingdome and in Ireland

That the freehold and estate of the said Lord Clare (together
with that whereof he stood seized in trust for your peticioner) by his being
in actuall armes under the late King in Ireland and otherwise by
his ayding and assisting him will be rested in their majesties

That if your honours doe intend to vest generally in their
majesties all the estates of such persons as were in the late Irish
rebellion thereby your peticioners right to his estate will be endangerd
unlesse his right therein be particularly saved which in the bill
formerly intended to passe your honours were pleased to insert a
clause for the saveing your peticioners right

Your petitioner therefore prayes your honours to add the
clause hereunto annexed to the bill for that purpose

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Connor O [Brien?]

Shadrack Cooke and William Snatt clerks, prisoners in Newgate. PC 1/1 f. 32 (1696)

To theire excellencies the lords justices
and the right honourable the lords of his majesties
most honourable privy councell.

The humble peticion of Shadrack Cooke and William
Snatt clerks prisoners in Newgate

Sheweth

That whereas your peticioners did lately peticion your excellencies for
their liberty upon bayle but it soe happened that whilst your peticioners
were in all humility beseeching your compassions, the presumpcion of some
person utterly unknowne to your peticioners had then published a
little paper called the case of the two absolvers, which as your
peticioners are informed was the only thing that prevented your
goodness from then descending on your peticioners

Wherefore your peticioners doe here againe in all humble
manner apply themselves to your excellencies that seeing
your peticioners are cleare of the publishing the said paper, nor have
done any other matter or thing whereby any new occasion
might be given to your excellencies to turne aside the course of
your clemency from them, your excellencies would be graceously
pleased now after the pain of above three months imprisonment and
much decay of health to admitt them to bayle

And your peticioners shall ever pray etc

• Shadrack Cooke
• William Snatt

The Lord Mountgomery. SP 32/6 f. 165 (1696)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of the Lord Mountgomery

Sheweth

That your peticioners father dyeing in June
last severall of his servants after his decease re=
tired into Flanders where they have continued
ever since, and your petitioner being advised that it
is necessary for him to make proof of his said
fathers decease.

Your petitioner humbly prays your majestie
would be gratiously pleased to grant
your pass that John Hatfeild and Claudi=
=us Pinet may have leave to come into
England, out of Flandres.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

Sarah Heywood. SP 32/6 f. 206 (1696)

The peticion of Sarah Heywood

To their excellencies the lords justices of England.

The humble peticion of Sarah Heywood.

Sheweth

That Thomas Juxon your petitioners late uncle being seized of six messuages and 20 acres
of land in Greenham and Newbury in Berkshire and of three other messuages in Coleman Street
London, the 10th of February 1670 made his will and devised one moyety thereof to your petitioner and her sister
Elizabeth, now the wife of John Arnold and their heires, equally to be divided, and the other moyety
thereof gave to your petitioners aunt Elizabeth Bagnold and her heires.

That afterwards in December 1694 your petitioners uncle dyed, and your petitioner and her said sister by
vertue of the said will became intitled to one moyety of the said premises, and finding the same no ways
capable of a division agreed with their said aunt to convey their right to her and her heires.

That in November last conveyances and fines were accordingly made and acknowledged at Westminster by
all parties concerned save your petitioners said husband Thomas Heywood meniall servant to the late King, who
was then, and ever since 1689 hath been in France, and for perfecting the said conveyances your petitioner caused
the same to be carried over to her said husband who executed the same and sent them back to your petitioner by
one Charles Noell, who was lately taken into custody, and the said conveyances being at that time about him,
the same are now come to the hands of Master Nicholas Baker sollicitour to the Treasury, so as your petitioner is thereby
hindred from receiveing what is due to her on the said purchase, being all your petitioner hath in the world to support
herselfe and child.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your excellencies order for the delivery of the said
conveyances for the uses they were made and executed.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

The JPs and gentlemen of Leicestershire and the mayor and aldermen of the borough of Leicester. SP 32/13 f. 216 (1696)

To the Kings most excellent majestye

The humble petion of severall justices of the peace and
gentlemen in the county of Leicester on the behalfe of
themselves and the other inhabitants of the said county
as alsoe of the maior and aldermen of the burrough of
Leicester on the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the
inhabitants of the said burrough

Humbly sheweth

That in the said county and burrough there are many thousands
of poore people that have nothing to live upon but their dayly labour and are
cheifely imployed in the woollen manufacture that by reason of the suppressing of the
old money and the great scarcity of the new, the said poore doe labour under manifold
difficultyes their masters the managers of the woollen manufacture, and other
neighbours not being able to continue them in their usuall imployments, soe as the
said poore are likely to fall under utter ruine or else must become an
unsupportable charge to your peticioners in their respective parishes

That by reason of the great distance of the said county from any of your majestyes mints
your peticioners and others in whose hands the old money remaineth cannot without
great difficulty and expence have the said old money recoyned, for the carrying on
the said manufacture and releiveing the numerous poor and supply of their other
necessary occasions

Your peticioners therefore doe humbly beseech your most
excellent majestye, that for ease of your peticioners and the said
county and for the more speedy recoynage of their old money
that your majestye will be graciously pleased to appoynt a mint
to be established at the said burrough of Leicester or some
other convenient place in the said county as your majestye in
your princely wisdome shall think fitt

And your peticioners shall ever pray for your majestyes
long life and for your long happy and glorious raign over us

• Edward Smith
• E Smith


• John Wollaston
• Nathaniel Wrighte


• John Roberts mayor
• William Southwell
• John Goodall
• Edmund Johnson
• John Brokesby

Michael Schade, master mariner, born in the king's dominion of Graafschap Lingen. SP 32/8 f. 262 (1697)

To the Kings moste excellent
majestie

The humble petition of Michael Schade master marriner
a borne subject in your majesties dominion, [Stet
Graafschap?] Lingen

Sheweth your majesties humble petitioner (as more largely doth appeare by the demonstration and deposicion written on the bakside
of this peticion) that he is absolutely ruined, and undone, by the rude and violent dealings, of the rabble and multitude of
people, att Dymchurch about 14 or 15 miles from Dover, where his petitioners ship called Perseverance att Ostend freighted for your
majesties service, to carry some soldiers from thence to Corke in Yreland, videlicet Collonell Zachary Tiffin a brigadeer, and his officers
with theire provisions and baggage was cast on shoare, or sands, which otherwise might have been saved, by [floathing?] and [commeing?] of
with the tyde, in case the said rabble hath not soe violently plunderd, the said ship, in a rageing furie, without any
reason or necessity, notwithstandeing it was demonstrated, that the shipp was a free shipp for and in your majesties service, and
that the owners thereof were Master [Gillet?] threasurer of Newport, Master John [Stugtin?] of Ryssell in France, and your majesties
peticioner himselfe, as a native of Lingen your majesties dominions, as Grave van Lingen

Therefore your majesties humble petitioner, doth hereby moste devoutely take his recours to your
majesties sacred person, craveing your majesties favoure, mercy and helpe, that your petitioner
by your majesties unparralled wisdome, justice, and order may recover the losse and dammage
of his shipp, suffered by the injurie done to him by the rabble aforesaid. By such methodes
and means, as your majesties royall wisdome shall think fitt to appoint

And your majesties humble petitioner and naturall borne
subject, shall ever pray etc.

William Hoare clerk, chaplain to your majesty. SP 32/8 f. 265 (1697)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of Peter Crop master of the Diamond
of Topsham of 50 tunns, and Samuell Hagon master of
the Vine of Yarmouth of 150 tunns for themselves and
Samuell Duersly master of the Mary Anne of
Scarborough of 70 tunns Daniell Smailes master of
the Catherine of 50 tunns, John Russell of the Fortune
of 350 tunns, and William Hill master of the
recovery of 130 tunns

Humbly sheweth

That on the eleaventh thirteenth and
fourteenth days of October last, old stile, five of your petitioners and
their shipps above named were taken by severall French ships off
of Dunkirk whither they were bound with coales, and on the eighth
and twentyeth day of October aforesaid Peter Crop the other petitioner
coming from Newfoundland and bound for Topsham laden
with fish and traine oyl was likewise taken by a French ship
about nine leagues from Scilly within the channell and all
the said ships carried to Dunkirk

That being arrived there your petitioners were in few
days restord to their ships, but staying as they were advisd by means
of the articles of peace to prosecute the captors who plunderd
and dammagd them as by the memorandum annexed, on the
14th day of this instant December an order came from the court
att Paris to stop your petitioners said ships, which were accord=
ingly seizd and are now deteind in Dunkirke

Your petitioners therfore do humbly pray your
majesty that your majesty would be pleasd to take this matter
into your royall consideration, and to cause restitution
of the ships and goods, and reparation of dammages
to be made to your petitioners or such other remedy as
your majesty in your great wisdom shall think
fitt

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

• Samuell Hagon
• Peter [Crapp?]

Edmund Soame, esquire. SP 32/10 f. 363 (1698)

To the honourable the knights citizens
and burgesses in Parliament assembled

The petition of Edmund Soame esquire

Humbly sheweth

That the twenty sixth day of July last
being appointed for the election of burgesses
to serve in this pressent Parliament for the
burrough of Thetford in the county of Norfolk
att which time Sir Joseph Williamson and your
petitioner had the major number of those
who were duely quallified to give their votes
but Robert [Caudle?] gentleman mayor of the said
burrough did refuse the votes of severall
persons who had a right and admitted others
to poll for James Sloane esquire who were not
quallified nor had any right to give their
votes and by meanes of other partiall
proceedings of the said mayor together with
diverse indirect and unlawfull practises
the said James Sloane esquire procured himself
to be returned a member for the said burrough
in manifest wrong of your said petitieoner and
to the prejudice of the said town of Thetford
all which your petitieoner is ready to make appeare

Wherefore your peticioner humbly prays this honourable
house to take the premisses into their serious
consideration and that he may have such
releife as to your great wisdom shall seem
meet

And your petitieoner shall ever pray

Edmund Soame

James Vincent. SP 32/11 f. 4 (1698)

[illegible] Vincents [petition?]
[illegible] an almesman at [illegible]

To their excellencies the lords
justices of England

The humble petition of James Vincent

Sheweth

That your petitioner has lived in the citty
of Norwich, as became an honest man, and been in good
circumstances, but being now, by divers misfortunes,
reduced, together with family to so low a condition,
as to be an object of charity,

Your petitioner therefore humbly prayes
your excellencies would be pleased to
bestow on him the next almesman's
place, that shall become void in the
cathedrall church of Norwich.

And he shall ever pray etc.

John Martin of Rochester, vintner. SP 32/13 f. 240 (1698)

The humble petition of John Martin of the citty of Rochester vintner

Sheweth

That Captain William Haward deceased late of the right
honourable the Lord Berkly's regiment of marrines, who with his company quartered
in and about the said citty in the year 95/6 that the said captain was necessitated to
borrow of your pettioner the summe of fiftie five pounds sterling as per annexed bond and bill
may appear, which if your pettioner had not supplyed the captain therewith, the company would
undoubtedly have desarted their collours.

The said captain being dead and your pettioner unpayd

Your pettioner therefore humbly prayes
to consider the zeale and loyalty of your pettioner for his majestie
and government, and order the monyes or wages due to the said
captain may be stopt notwithstanding any administrator, or administratrix
that may appear to the contrary, untill your pettioner is payd the said summe.

And your petitioner in duty bound will ever pray etc

Samuel Shepheard, Gilbert Heathcote and Henry Tate on behalf of themselves and other owners of the Adventure. SP 32/11 f. 257 (1699)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of Samuel Shepheard, Gilbert Heathcote and Henry Tate in behalf
of themselves and others, owners of the ship Adventure and cargo whereof Thomas Gullock
was commander.

Sheweth.

That the 16th of March 1697/8 your petitioners did send the said ship Adventure
on a voyage to Borneo in India which with her cargo cost above thirteen thousand pounds

That on the 17th of September last, when the captaine with 14 of the men were
ashoare on the island of Nayas on the coast of Sumatra to take in some
fresh water the major part of the seamen on board seized upon the chief mate
and some others whom they sent ashoare, and then cutt the cable and rann away
with the ship as by the affidavites hereunto annexed doth more fully appeare.
And your petitioners haveing some hopes to find the said ship in the West Indies
doe intend immediately to dispatch the said Captain Gullock to your majestys plantations
there, and being informed that your majesty has already ordered a sixth rate friggatt
to saile for New England.

Your petitioners doe humbly pray your majesty that the said Thomas
Gullock may have your majestys orders to all your majestys governors
deputy governors commanders of men of warr and all other your
majestys officers and subjects to assist the said Thomas Gullock in the
recovery of the said ship and cargo and apprehending the men

That the said sixth rate friggatt, which your majesty has ordered for
New England may be hastened away and that the said Gullock
with 5 or 6 men may have leave to goe in her.

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

John Haynes. SP 32/11 f. 284 (1699)

To the King's most excellent majesty

The humble petition of John Haynes

Sheweth

That your petitioner having been
allways concerned in the woollen manufacture; after your majestys
happy accession to the throne, was appointed in an act of Parliament
made in the first year of your majestys reign a commissioner to putt in
execution the acts made to prevent the exportation of wooll
which he has ever since with very great vigour and expences performed

That pursuant to those acts there was
seized on the 24 day of January last in the haven of Great Yarmouth
a quantity of combd and uncombd wooll on board two vessells then
lying in the road, to the value of 780 pounds sterling and upwards, as in a
memoriall hereunto annexed is more particularly recited: but
in obedience to your majestys pleasure signifyd to your petitioner
by Master Secretary Vernon, the said seizure is actually deliverd back
to the proprietors, though to your petitioners great and apparent loss

Your petitioner therefore most humbly beseeches your
sacred majesty would be graciously pleased to consider his great
pains and expences in the execution of his trust, for which he
never receivd any satisfaction from the government; and to
make him such a compensation for surrendring the seizure
at Yarmouth, as to your majestys wisdom shall seem most
reasonable

And your petitioner et cetera.

Andrew and Jeronimy Clifford of London, merchants, late inhabitants of Surinam in the West Indies. SP 32/13 f. 243 (1699)

The peticion of Andrew and Jeronomy
Clifford.

To the King's most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Andrew and Jeronimy Clifford of London
merchants late inhabitants in Surrinam in the West Indies.

Sheweth

That your petitioners were by many unjust sentences of the governour and
councill of Surrinam, excessively fined, and imprisoned, and the liberty of transporting their
effects denyed them contrary to the articles of peace between England and Holland anno 1667,
and 1674, to their damage of twenty thousand pounds sterling and upwards.

That your petitioners formerly applyed to the governour and councill of Surrinam, to the West India
Company of Holland proprietors of that colony, and to the States Generall for satisfaction for their
damages without obtaining any relief.

That thereupon your petitioners in June last humbly laid their case before your majestie by a peticion
the copy whereof is hereunto annexed, praying your majesties interposition to the States
Generall, whereupon your majestie was graciously pleased to recomend the same to Sir
Joseph Williamson your majesties ambassador at the Hague who delivered in a memoriall the
second day of September last in the behalf of your petitioners

Your petitioners thereupon by order of the pentionary again peticioned the States Generall and
produced proofs of all the matters complained of which were examined and allowed of by two
advocates appointed by the States Generall for that purpose, but the said States still decline
giving relief to your petitioners in the premisses, and only referr him to the ordinary courts of
justice, whereas by the charters or octroys granted to the West India Company there, the
ordinary courts of justice are forbid to intermeddle with sentences passed at Surrinam
soe that your petitioners are wholy deprived of means for their relief

Wherefore your petitioners most humbly pray the continuance of your
majesties favour, and that you will be pleased to give such effectuall
orders, as that your petitioners may obtaine reasonable satisfaction, for their
damages, and may be permitted to transport the small remainder of
their effects from Surrinam without molestation.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc.

James Plunckett of Castle Plunckett in the county of Roscommon. SP 63/360 f. 54 (1699)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of James Plunckett of
Castle Plunckett in the county of Roscommon
and kingdom of Ireland.

Humbly sheweth

That your petitioner being a captain in the Irish army before your majestys
happy accession to the crowne, did imediately, on notice of your majestys
first declaracion for reduction of Ireland, lay down his commission, and reti
=red to his usuall place of aboad in the said county of Roscommon, where your
petitioner lived ever since peaceably and quietly, allwayes demeaneing himselfe
with all tendernesse and regard to his protestant neighbours, as appeares
by the annexed certifacatt

That your petitioner upon the account of laying down his commission, and complying
with your majestys said declaracion, has beene a great sufferer, by the Irish
army and raparees, haveing lost a stock, and other personall estate, to
the vallue of two thousand pounds.

That your petitioner hath a smale estate in the county of Roscommon, whereof
he is but bare tennant for life, which he lost dureing the late rebellion, by
an act of Parlament, passet by the late pretended Irish Parlament; but
is now in possession thereof, by an act of Parlament made in England in the
first yeare of your majestys raigne.

That your petitioner as soone as your majestys forces reached the place of his
aboad, cheerefully submitted to your majestys government, took the oath
of allegiance to your majesty and ever since, behaved himselfe [illegible] as he
ought to doe, like a good and loyall subject

That your petitioner is not outlawed for treason or any other crime or
offence, but that your petitioner is indicted for treason att the last assises
held att Roscommon, for being in the Irish armie after your majestys accession
to the crowne, and before he had notice of your majestys said declaracion
though your petitioner submitted thereunto as soone as he had notice thereof.

That in regard your petitioner submitted to your majestys said declaracion, as
soone as was possible for him to doe, and hath taken the oath of allegia=
=nce to your majesty and ever since lived with as great duty and loyalty
to your majestys person and government as any other of your majestys subjects
and allsoe in regard your petitioner in further manifestation of his loyallty
and constant affection to your majestys government, humbly offerrs his
children to be educated in the protestant religion, and that two third
parts of his smale estate be sett to protestants, and for that your petitioner
not being outlawed, is capable to receave the benefit of your majestys
mercy.

May it therefore please your most sacred
majesty to grant unto your petitioner your majestys most
gracious pardon for heigh treason, and all other
offences concearning the late rebellion.

And your petitioner will ever pray