Petitions in the State Papers: 1640s

The late Company of Saltmakers of the South and North Sheildes. SP 16/403 f. 82 (1640)

To the Kinges most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of your majesties most humble subjectes of the late
Company of Saltmakers of the South and North Sheildes

Humbly sheweth

That whereas they heretofore undertooke the makeing and vending of salt at
these places with the hope to doe your majestie a good and acceptable service therein
for the advancement of your revenues. But by reason of the many interruptions
and crosse accidentes, which usually fall out upon the first undertaking of a
new worke they have unhappily fayled of their hopes, and given up their patent
of incorporacion which they could never gett fully settled on them as they expected and
some others have become undertakeres; and by that meanes a constant revenew
is now settled unto your majesty and they heartily wish for a prosperous successe
thereunto.

But they have lately understood that some misinformacion hath beene given to
your majesty that your suppliantes are in arreare to your majestie the somme of
13000 pounds whereof yf the utmost were demaunded it would fall very
farr short: and that some direction is given to Master Thomas Lydall and Henry
Hodgson to collect the monney, or upon non payment, to Master
Atturney Generall to prosecute them for it in a legall way.

Their most humble suite unto your majestie is, that yow wilbe graciously pleased to
receive this true information from themselfes, who have not yet beene
called to answer thereunto, that they are soe farre from gayning by that
imployment that it will appeare that they have lost many 1000 of poundes therby
and of their privat estates: that they are ready to give a true accoumpt
thereof to any to whome your majestie shalbe pleased to referre the examinacion
of it and of the reasons and causes how it came to passe that they unhappily
miscarryed in their endeavores: and when your majesty shalbee thus truly informed
if your highness shall not be thus satisfied of their fidelity to your majesties service, and
that they are great losers by this their undertaking, they shall not decline any
legall prosecution but humbly submitt to your good pleasure.

In the meane time they humbly desire to rest in your majesties good and gracious opinion

And they (as in duty bound) etc

Edmund Chapman. SP 16/441 f. 14 (1640)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Edmund Chapman
your majesties servant.

Most humbly shewing

That in Hillarie Terme last one Mathew Grymes and Thomas Reeves a
couple of knowne desperate fellowes and comon quarrellers abuseing this
petitioner and drawing their swordes upon him in the street, without anie cause or
provocation, and this petitioner in the necessarie defence of himselfe accidentally giving
the said Grymes a sleight hurt in the arme and he disordering himselfe dyed
about 3 weekes after and his wife (to wring something from this petitioner procured
one of the coroners to impannell a jurie to inquire of the death of the said
Grymes and thereupon it was found by inquisicion in [Middlesex?] that hee dyed by
occasion of the said hurt and albeit this petitioner never absented or obscured himselfe
for the same yet the jury presented a fugatie against him.

But forasmuch as this petitioner neither did nor intended anie thing therein but
in his own defence and the same, at the worst, is found but mans slaughter
and is within compasse of your majesties accustomed grace and mercie and the
priviledge of clergie.

He most humblie beseecheth your royall majestie to graunt him
your gratious pardon [for?] the same and all punishmentes
forfeitures and proceedinges incident thereunto or to growe
by reason of the said inquisicion

And hee shall ever pray for your majestie.

John Wilkinson. SP 16/441 f. 41 (1640)

To the right honourable the lordes and others of his majesties most honourable privy councell

The humble peticion of John Wilkinson

Most humbly sheweth

That his majestie, by proclamacion 26 May 1638 hath prohibited the importacion
of all hattes and cappes from beyond the seas to be putt to sale in England
and Wales upon payne of forfeyture and punishment. As by the same
proclamacion at large appeereth

Since which proclamacion, for the accomplishing of his majesties pleasure therein
letters pattentes are by his majestie graunted to the petitioner with charge to officers
for aid to search in any suspitious place for such hattes and cappes and to seize
them to his majesties use. As by the same letteres pattentes under the greate seale
dated 28 November 1638 fully also appeereth.

Now may it please your good lordships your petitioner for his majesties use hath lately seized fyve
dozen and 3 hattes so prohibited which he found in the howse of one John Spy of
Hasteinges in Sussex; but the said Spy would not obey his your majesties aucthority
so given unto your petitioner; likewise the officer of whome your petitioner required ayd
(being the said Spies neighbour and freind) refused to assist him. So that the
said Spy by force tooke the said hattes away, saying they were all fooles
to let their goodes goe uppon such termes or aucthority

The petitioner by the said Spy in bribeing way hath since byn offered gould; but he
altogether desireth the offence may be punished, it being to the evill example of
others in contemning of his majesties prerogative royall, and the disinabling of the
petitioners aucthority so given by his majestie

Therefore and for the prevencion of future evill which may be by such refractory persons

The petitioner most humbly prayeth a warrant from this honourable board
that the said Spy may appeere to answer the premisses

And your petitioner (as he is bound) shall ever pray for your lordships etc

The petitioner maketh oath that the allegacions in this peticion are true.

Sir Thomas Holt, Edward Holt his eldest son, and Elizabeth wife of Edward. SP 16/441 f. 135 (1640)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Sir Thomas Holt, Edward Holt
his eldest sonne, and Elizabeth wife of the said Edward.

Humbly sheweth.

Whereas your majesties father of blessed memory graciously pleased to graunt
unto Sir Thomas Holt a patent of a barronetshipp to him, and the heires
males of his body, bearinge date the five and twentyeth day of November in the
ninth yeare of his majesties reigne of England France, and Ireland, and of
Scotland the five and fortyeth.

Your petitioners humble suite is, that your majestie would bee as graciously
pleased to accept of a surrender of that patent, and to graunt unto the
said Sir Thomas Holt another patent of a barronetshipp to himselfe
for life, the remaynder to George Holt his second sonne, and the heires
males of his body, the remaynder to such heires males as shall
hereafter bee begotten by the aforesaide Sir Thomas Holt, the remaynder
uppon the heires males of their bodyes, the remaynder to the heires males
of the body of the said Edward Holt

And your petitioner shall most humbly
pray etc.

Peter Archer. SP 16/476 f. 72 (1641)

To the right honourable Francis Lord Cottington master of
his majesties Court of Wardes and Liveries etc.

The humble peticion of Peter Archer.

Most humbly sheweing unto your honour that your petitioner haveing
beene prisoner about 5 moneths in the prison of Woodstreete
Compter upon a contempt, and for no other accions, upon the
16th of December last obteyned an order for his enlargement, as
by the writeing annexed appeareth.

Notwithstanding may it please your honour soe it is that
Master Smith clerke of the said compter refuseth to obey the said
order and still deteyneth the poore petitioner prisoner in the said
prison in greate misery, although no other accions at all
doe lett or hinder his liberty but onely the said contempt.

The poore petitioner therefore humbly beseecheth your lordshipp
to be pleased to call the said Smith before you whereby
he may shewe cause why he refuseth to obey the said
order that the petitioner may enjoy his liberty out of the
said prison. And the petitioner and his poore wife and his 5
children, as in duty bound will all daily pray
for your lordshipp.

Mary Edd, widow. SP 16/476 f. 89 (1641)

To the right honourable Frauncis Lord Cottington master
of his majesties Court of Wardes and Liveries and one
of his majesties most honourable privye councell.

The humble peticion of Mary Edd widdow

Humblie sheweth

That Richard Edd esquier your petitioners late husband died about August last seized
of divers landes tythes and hereditamentes in the said countie of Staffordshire parte whereof are
houlden of his majestie in capite by knight service leavinge Frauncis Edd his sonne
and next heire within age, and a writt of diem clit issued out to find the office, the
time for findinge the said office beinge by the escheator appointed, your petitioner did attend
to have her joyncture found in the said office which is one capitall mesuage with the
appurtenances in Seighford in the said countie wherein your petitioners husband died and certeine
other tenementes and tythes in the said countie which said tenementes and last recited premisses were
before marriage settled uppon your petitioner by her said late husband but by the opposicion and
desire of the Ladie Crompton the wards grandmother one the behalfe of the warde,
the findinge of the office was adjourned unto a further time and in the meane
time the said Ladie Crompton exhibitteth an informacion one the behalfe of the ward
and uppon a mocion obteines a supersedeas to the said writt and doth take out a
commission for findinge of the said office directed onely to the councell and freindes of
the said warde, and uppon the last day of composicions this last terme uppon the
affidavit of one Clarke hereunto annexed uppon the pretences therein expressed
the said Ladie Crompton on the behalfe of the said warde obteined an injuncion
for the possession of all the landes your petitioners late husband was seized of at the time
of his death, by colour whereof your petitioner much feareth to be violenty cast
out of her said joyncture landes and of the capitall mesuage aforesaid; now in
regard your petitioner hath a dedimus graunted to answere unto the said informacion
in the countrey this vacacion, and uppon the affidavit of Robert Skarlett heereunto
annexed, expressinge that your petitioner hath not entred uppon any other landes but
uppon her said joyncture landes and that the ward hath 200 pound per annum in present
possession besides the said joyncture landes; your petitioner therefore humbly prayeth that
the said comission for findinge the said office may be superseaded, and that a new
comission may issue forthe for findinge the said office directed to indifferent
persons and that the said injuncion against your petitioners joyncture may be dissolved that
your petitioner may continew in the same untill she shallbe legallie evicted thereof.

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

John Meredith, gentleman. SP 16/476 f. 123 (1641)

To the reight honourable Fraunces Lord Cottington
maister of his majesties Courte of Wardes and liveries

The humble peticion of John [Mereditt?] gentleman

Sheweth

That whereas your honnour was pleasd to give
direccion that the case made uppon the offices
taken after the death of Mathew Thimbleby
esquier deceased should be argued in court upon the
thirteenth daye of June last itt beinge desiered
by the defendantes councell Master Serjeant Callis that he
might be heard before your honnour and the lordes judges
assistantes: whereupon your petitioner did accordingly
petition your honnour for the said daye and likewise by your
lordshippes direccions your petitioner did attend the lordes judges
to give their lordshipps and the defendantes notice accordingly
of the said daye

But soe itt is may itt please your honnour that the defendantes
did not attend with their councell att the said daye
to have the case argued before your honnour and the lordes
judges assistantes: their lordshippes beinge reddie to [come?]
to sitt with your honnour neither did the defendantes use any means
att all in Michellmas terme last to bringe the [illegible] case on
to be argued before your honnour your petitioner haveinge ever since
attended in towne att his great costes and charges: hopeing
once in 18 yeares to see the cause receave a finall end

May itt therefore please your honnour to appoint the 30th
daye of January next beinge Satterday for the case
to be argued before your honnour in court with the lordes
judges assistantes and that the defendantes may bringe
into court uppon that daye the deed of feoffment which
they pretend to have; itt beinge the ground of their
argument to the end the said deed may be veiwed
by the court whereby his majesties title to the meane
rates will then manifestlie appeare

And as in dutie bound he shall allwaies
pray

Humphrey Streeth, esquire, on behalf of Robert Milleran, infant. SP 16/476 f. 130 (1641)

To the right honourable Francis
Lord Cottington, master of the
Court of Wardes and Liveries
etc.

The petition of Humphrey [Streeth?]
esquier in the behalfe of
Robert Milleran infant

Humbly beseeching; that you will
be pleased to take consideracion
of the draught of an order
hereunto annexed, and to signe
the same, for reasons therein
mentioned, that the course
of justice may be noe longer
interrupted, nor this petitioner
inforced further to complayn,
it being [under favour?], a very
unreasonable thing, that his
majesties ward, after he is of
full age, should deteyn ano
ther mans estate, or be protected
therein against the proceedinges
of other courtes of justice,
by colour meerely of, not
sueing his livery, being an act
of his owne default, and there
fore this petitioner in this case
humbly craveth such present
reliefe as to your wissdome,
and justice shall seeme most
expedient.

Robert Long, esquire. SP 16/488 f. 97 (1642)

The peticion and declaracion of the case of Robert
Long esquier as it hath relacion to the state of Sir
Abraham Dawes deceased and Sir Thomas Dawes knight

That in the yeare 1636 the petitioner Robert Long beeing to
joyne in a purchase with Sir Abraham Dawes (in
equall moityes) of certeyne of the late disafforested
landes of Gualtres in the county of Yorke, they did to
supply that occasion take upp att interest of Master
Stephen Alcock 3200 pounds payable att sixe moneths, which
was also their equall debt: for the security
thereof, there was a lease made for 15 yeares of
the said whole lands before any assurance of the
inheritance made to the petitioner Robert Long and Sir
Abraham Dawes, and then was the inheritance
purchased by them charged with the said lease.

The petitioner hath since paid his whole moity of the said
debt to Master Alcock, and in justice ought as against
the said Sir Abraham Dawes and Sir Thomas Dawes
or any clayming under them to have his moity of
the said land freed, albeit the same bee still (as
to the said Alcock) subject to that incumbrance

The petitioner therefore humbly prays that in any
bill that may bee thought fitt to passe against
the said Sir Thomas Dawes, the state of the petitioner
Robert Longs moity, which is in equity disingaged
as aforesaid, and the state of the said Stephen
Alcock which was his reall security and
really conveyed unto him, before Sir Abraham
Dawes became owner of the moity of the said
landes (wherein your petitioners moity is involved as
aforesaid, may not bee prejudiced but saved
by the said act.

Sir William Russell, baronet. SP 16/488 f. 208 (1642)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Sir William
Russell barronet.

Most humbly sheweth

That on Thursday last, your sacred majestie most
justly caused a comittment on your sorrowfull subject
who ever since hee had the honor of place and
power to doe your majestie service, hath performed
the same most willingly, and faithfully, and
now for this your majesties displeasure hee is (and
no subject living more) sorrowfull humbly
beggeth the remission of his offence, and
beseecheth your majestie for his release.

Thomas Danby, gentleman under sheriff of Sir Thomas Danby, high sheriff of Yorkshire. SP 16/489 f. 103 (1642)

To the right honourable Sir John Culpeper knight Chancelor
of his majesties Exchequer and one of his majesties most
honourable privy councell:

The humble peticion of Thomas Danby gentleman under sheriff
of Sir Thomas Danby knight high sheriffe of the
countie of Yorkeshire for the yeare ended at Michaelmas
anno xiiiito regni Caroli

Sheweth
That the said high sheriff hath by your petitioner disbursed divers sumes of money for
his majesties service in execucion of his said office videlicet for removeing and
executing of felons and other thinges amounting to the sume of 100 pounds or
thereaboutes

That (according to course) the judges who then went that circuite ought to
have examined the said sheriffes accompt and to have made allowance thereof

That Sir Georg Vernon knight who is since deceased and Sir Robert Berkley knight who
now standeth comitted by the honourable house of Parliament and in that
regard refuseth to meddle with the said accompt) went that circuit in the
said xiiiith yeare and your petitioner could not sooner gett in his majesties debtes to pass
his accompt by reason of the armyes then lyeing in that county.

May it therefore please your honours that Sir Edward Hendon
knight one of the barons of his majesties Exchequer who last
rode that circuit may examine the said sheriffes accompt
of the said disbursmentes and certifie what he thinkes fitt to
be allowed thereupon or to direct such course therein for your
petitioners releife as to your honour shall seeme meete

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

The merchants trading in Spanish wines. SP 16/489 f. 116 (1642)

To the right honourable the Commons assembled in the high court of Parlyament

The humble peticion of the marchantes his majesties subjectes tradinge
in Spanish wynes.

Sheweth that the petitioners have imported many thowsandes of tonns of Spanish wynes
to this Citty of London and that Francis Hurdman an officer in the Custome House
in the first place of makinge their entries taketh 100 crownes for every 100 tonns
full or empty with the title and colour of 5 shillings per tonne for composicion or butlaredge
which in case the said duty bee due and payable by the peticioners yett hee ought
to take but 88 crownes for every 100 tonns in regard that 12 in the hundred
is allowed to the petitioners for leakedge and the same allowance is made good to them
upon the custome, old impost and newe impost for which they pay 3 pounds per tonne (his
majesties officers defalking and abatinge to the peticioners 12 tonns in the hundred or
12 pounds in the hundred in money) and accordingly the said Hurdman ought to
abate 12 crownes in the hundred but hath not done it

Nowe in consideracion that the leakedge of 12 in the hundred is allowed to
excuse the troble of filling the wynes aboord shipp before the landinge and
that all the dutyes imposed bee reputed to bee upon full tonne and not upon half or
empty tonne the said Hurdman nevertheles hath taken from the petitioners the said
12 crownes upon every 100 tonns more then hee ought to take to their
greate losse and discouradgement to trade.

The petitioners humbly pray this most honourable assembly to consider their great
losse and damadge hereby susteyned and to cause the said Francis Hurdman
to make restitucion and satisfaccion to the petitioners for all that hee hath soe
unduly taken amounting to 3 pounds upon every 100 tonns: and alsoe to
exhibite his authority for the taking of the said dutyes and of any
others that hee hath usually taken to thend that such restitucion
may bee made and such order setled for the future as to this moste honourable
assembly shall seeme just and fitt.

And the petitioners will ever pray etc

The merchants trading to the straits of Spain, Portugal and France. SP 16/497 f. 6 (1643)

To the honourable House of Commons now assembled in Parliament.

The humble petition of the merchantes trading to the
streightes of Spaine Portugale and France.

Sheweth
That whereas wee have received certen notice of severall ships that is are put into Falmouth by
contrary windes which were laden with merchantes goods and bound for London and those caviliers
that have the comaund of the Kinges castles there have taken away the sayles from the yardes of
the said ships and have begun to unlade some of the goods, there is alsoe some other ships
expected dayly from Spaine as is conceived will bring in them for merchantes accomptes at the
least two hundred thousand poundes in silver and that if the said ships should be by contrary
windes forced into the said harbour not knowing the danger they shall fall into by being deteyned
and seized by the said caviliers wilbe the undoeing of divers merchantes in the Citie of London:

Therefore wee humbly beseech this honourable assembly to take such order as in
your wisdomes shall thinke fitt that those ships which are already deteyned may
be released and to prevent the goeing in of any ships hereafter into the said
port of Falmouth you wilbe pleased that two pinnaces may be immediately
appointed to lye before the said harbour to give notice to all ships of the daunger
of puting in there and to stopp any municion that may be carried to the said caviliers.

And wee shall ever pray etc

6 January 1642

• Rowland Wilson
• Thomas Jeninges
• Richard Leigh
• George Henley
• Henry [Hunt?]
• Robart [Sheslen?]
• Martin [Bradgate?]
• Thomas [Bailey?]
• [Semuell Lee?]
• George Robinson
• John Hawkeridge
• Phillipp [Travors?]
• Matthew Jenkenson


• William Methwold
• Theophilus Biddulph
• Henry [St John?]
• John Wood
• George [Hanger?]
• Thomas Lenthall
• Gregory Lemene
• Richard Davies
• Andrew [Binardes?]
• James Gregorie
• George Jackson


• John Bewley
• Robart Garland
• Hamond Ward
• George Gyffard
• Joseph Brandes
• Robert Turner
• William Rennoldes
• John Dethick
• Thomas [Mard?]
• Daniell Androwes
• William Moye
• Humfrey Hill

Stiles Sowgate of Harwich, merchant. SP 16/497 f. 9 (1643)

To the honourable committee appointed by this present Parliament
for the affaires of his majesties Navy

The humble peticion of Stiles Sowgate of Harwich merchant

Sheweth unto your honours that your petitioner having fraighted asmale vessell called the [Wig of London master?] [illegible]
burthen of about 25 tonns with wheat and ry is bound for Apsum in
the west part of this kingedome, hath taken out his cockquit att
the customehowse of Ipswich according to order, and also entred into
sufficient bond not to transport it; neverthelesse divers rude
and tumultuous persons of Harwich came abourd the said vessell
and have taken away her sayle without order from any magistrat
and have stayed the vessell 15 daies to the greate charges losse and
damage of your petitioner as by a certificat under the handes of the
maior and others of the towne of Harwich appeareth

Wherefore he most humblie beseecheth your honoures
to be favourablie pleased to order that the said
vessell may forthwith be discharged and proceed on her
said voyage

And he shall praie etc.

Stiles Sowgate

Francis Pare of St Leonard Shoreditch, carter. SP 16/497 f. 34 (1643)

To the right honnourable the Lords and Commons
assembled in Parliament:

The humble peticion of Francis Pare of the parish of Saint
Leonard Shoreditch in the county of Middlesex carter

Sheweth:

That the peticioner had twoe servants and fower horses imployed
in the late service at Kenton under the command of his
excellence the Earle of Essex Lord Generall of the parliamentes
forces in which service one of his men was killed by those
barbarous cavaleirs and the other hee never heard of since
as allsoe his fower horses taken away beeing all the stocke
the poore peticioner had to maintayne his wife and charge and
forasmuch the peticioner was offerred for his said horses
before they were lost the some of 24 pounds as by wittnes may easily
appeare and now quite deprived of them to his greate loss and
hinderance being all hee had to mannage his affaires

His humble suite is that some speedye order may bee taken
for satisfaccion herein, being a greater loss to him then
to maney other and allmost the utter undoeing of him with
out this honnourable assembly take some compasion of him
being as before expressed all the stocke hee had:

And the peticioner shall dailye praie etc:

Thomas Millard, gunner's mate of the Swallow. SP 16/497 f. 96 (1643)

To the honourable comittee for the navy and customs

The humble peticion of Thomas Millard
gunners mate of the good shipp the
Swallow William Brookes master

Humbly shewinge

That your peticioner was tenn monethes gunners mate of the sayd
shipp imployed for Kinge and Parliament upon the coast of
Ireland, which said shipp afterwardes retorned in good safety in to the
ryver of Thames, where your peticioner and the rest of the
shipps company were discharged of that service, but soe it
is may it please this honourable comittee that your peticioners wife
and childeren beinge in Ireland from whence hee marryed her
and in greate distresse, your peticioner left his 10 monethes pay
for his service in the sayd shipp, and went for Ireland for
his wife and childeren, and beinge now retorned in good
safety (praysed bee God) but in very poore estate and in greate
distresse for wantt of [illegible] money.

May it therefore please this honourable comittee to take
the peticioners poore estate in to your consideracion,
and bee pleased for his presente releefe to graunte
him an order for the payment of his tenn monethes
pay for his service don in the sayd shipp which is now
neere upon sixe moneth due unto him, which hee left
att his goeinge in to Ireland:

And your peticioner his poore wife and
children shall ever pray etc.

The Lady Gee. SP 16/500 f. 91 (1644)

To the right worshipfull the comittee
at Kingston uppon Hull

The humble peticion of the Lady Gee

Humbly shewes:

That wheras there is a fee farme rent due to his majestie out of the manner
of Bishopp Burton which your peticioner formerly paid to the auditors and
nowe it is demaunded by one Master Walter Fowkes who hath power (as he
affirmes) from the Parliament to receive the same which your peticioner is
willing to satisfie out of the rentes that accrewes due to her forth of
the landes belonging the said manner.

Nowe your peticioner did formerly lease out to the said Master Fowekes diverse
closes belonging the said manner for fourty poundes per annum which is
farre short of the yearly value of the said lands yet the said Master Fowkes
refuses either to pay the said rent or allowe it for the fee farme
rent which he demaundes and is issueing out of the groundes in his owne
occupacion: and taking advantage of the times knoweing your peticioner to
be without remidy for the present by lawe hath taken an occasion this
day being the daye after it was demaunded to distreine and hath driven
away twenty head of beastes of your peticioner tennantes for the said fee
farme which your peticioner would willingly allowe out of the rent in
his owne handes which he will not consent to but exercises his power
to the utmost against your peticioner and undoubtedly will persist and
goe on with rigor unlesse your worshippes be pleased to restraine and
regulate him by your authority

Your peticioners humble suite is that your worshipps would
be pleased to call the said Master Fowekes before yow and take
such further order for your peticioneres releife herin as to
your wisdome shall seeme requisite

A your petitioner shall dayley praye etc

Edmond Felton, gentleman. SP 16/500 f. 124 (1644)

To the right honourable the jointe committees
for the safety of both kingdoms.

The humble peticion of Edmond Felton gentleman

Humbly sheweth

That your peticioner hath by his study and practice found
out severall waies very helpfull and profitable in warre (and
wilbe a greate saveing of bloudshed and of much money, and in
such waies as hath not beene formerly used, as is expressed in
the propositions hereunto annexed.

Your peticioner can doe other good service; and to the end
this city and the armies a broad may have the best helps
both to defend them selves, and offend their enimies; your peticioners
humble desier is that if his engins cannot justly be excepted
against they may fourth with be made to goe uppon service
and he enabled to doe other good service he can doe

And hee shall pray etc.

Robert Curtis, master of the Porpes of Hith in Kent. SP 16/501 f. 46 (1644)

To the right honourable the Earle of Warwick
Lord High Admiral of England

The humble peticion of Robert Curtis master of the barke
or vessell called the Porpes of Hith in Kent

Most humbly sheweth

That the peticioner upon notice from the maior and towneclerke of the
said towne of Hith and from the maior of Folkeston in the said county that
the coasts of Sunderland in the north were free for trade did with lycence from
the customer and comptroller of the said towne of Hith sett forth with his
vessell in a voyage for Sunderland and those partes but upon the 25th day
of February last past the said vessell and the lading thereof were seized
on by Captaine Browne master of the shipp Sampson as pretending the same
was for the aid of the enemy, and the said captaine doth still detaine the
said vessell and lading although your peticioner offered to become bound that
if the said coastes were not free then hee would retorne with his said
vessell

The premisses considered the peticioner beseecheth your
honour to order the said Captaine Browne to restore the
said vessell and lading for that your peticoner is ready to
make oath that the said vessell or lading was not
intended for releife of the enemy without which your
peticioner and his family are like to be utterly undone.

And hee as in duty will pray etc.

Richard Vickris of Bristol, merchant. SP 16/501 f. 128 (1644)

[To the?] honourable Comittee for the Navy

The humble peticion of Richard Vickris of Bristoll merchant.

Sheweth,

Whereas there is due from the state to your petitioner (for part of the freight for the service
of the Fellowshipp and Mary of Bristoll upon the Irish coastes) the some of
about 480 pounds as by your honnours severall orders appeares.

Now your petitioner having att present come over 9 tunnes 1/2 of French wines the
impost whereof is above 40 pounds.

Hee most humbly prayeth your honnours (and the
rather in regard of [his?] former great losses susteined
by the enemy to bee pleased to allow him ditto impost
(out of the money due to him as aforesaid) for his said
wines.

And the petitioner will pray etc.

William Ryley, Lancaster Herald, and one of the clerks of the records in the Tower. SP 16/507 f. 15 (1645)

To the honourable the committee for his majesties revenue

The humble peticion of William Ryley Lancaster Herald, and
one of the clerkes of the records in the Tower.

Sheweth.

That the petitioner hath diligently attended the service of the
Parliament, and hath had noe support or maintenance at
all (but from this honourable committee) for these three yeares
last past. And that there is due to your petitioner as Lancaster
Herald the somme of 13 pounds - 6 shillings - 8 pence for halfe a yeares wages
from Midsommer till Christmas last.

The petitioner humbly praieth that you would be
pleased to order that he may receave the said
halfe yeares wages, he being not otherwise
able to provide bread for his wife and seaven
small children, nor to subsist in the performance
of the service of the state.

And he shall daily pray etc

John Welles, clerk of the instores for HM's Navy at Deptford. SP 16/507 f. 125 (1645)

To the honourable Committee for the Navie.

The humble peticion of John Welles clerke of the instores
for his majesties Navy att Deptford.

Sheweth
unto this honourable committee that there is a fee of 78 pounds: 5 shillings: 10 pence: per annum payable unto your petitioner
out of the receipt of the Exchequer, which fee by reason of the obstruccion of the tymes, hee cannot receive
as formerly; and hee is behinde and unpaid att Lady Day last past, the space of five yeares and a halfe,
amounting to the summe of 430 pounds: 12 shillings:, it being the greatest parte of your petitioners livelihood; nether hath hee had
any other reward or allowance for his owne personall attendance and dayly charge of maintayning
two clerkes to assist him in receiveing and delivering of provisions, freighting of vessells for Chatham
Portsmouth, the Downes and elsewhere, as the service of the yearely fleets requyre; which great
trust hee hath hetherto discharged both honestly and carefully.

Most humbly therefore your petitioner beseecheth this honourable committee in consideracion
of the premisses, and that hee may be both enabled and incouraged in his dilligent
and faithfull service to the state, that you would be pleased to order the payment of his
arreare from the treasury of the Navy, and dureing the necessity of the tymes to assigne
him his yearely fee from thence for the future, without which hee is not able to support
himselfe in the service; soe shall your petitioner be engaged to continue his faithfull
endeavours, and hee and his be ever bound to pray for this honourable committee.

The inhabitants of the distressed county of Cumberland. SP 16/507 f. 170 (1645)

To the honourable the knightes cytizens and burgesses of the House of Commons assembled in the court of
Parliament

The humble remonstraunce and peticion of the inhabitantes of the distressed county
of Comerland.

Humbly sheweth.

That although the most part of the gentry of the said county being tainted with
an evill disposition and inticed by honours and other court favours have adhered to the popish and
malignant partie in this unnaturall warr yet the sedulity of the commons within the countie have
allwayes beene well affected towarde the Parliament as with the enemye of the cause who have found
their backwardnes and freindes since who have seene their forwardnes for it we are confident
will witnes the same with us: that then the horse and dragoones of the Scotish army [advanc...?]
to the said countie about the 1o of September last, there being then severall regimentes both of horse and
foote within the said county makeing a great strength which might have opposed yet many of the
said inhabitants who were maied and drawen to take armes against their wills refused
to fight against the Scots, soe as they entered the said county and Westmerland without any
opposition at all and both the said counties willingly yeelded themselves unto the obedience
of Kinge and Parliament. That when the Scotish forces came amongst them they were with much
willingnes and cheerfullnes entertained as brethren and accommodated with plenty and
what the country could afford, but by their continuance upon free quarter being seven
regiments of horse and dragoons for the most part from the first of September to the 7o of October
and disorders increaseing amongst them, the poore country quickly found them a burthen
to heavy for them to beare haveing in that moneth and 7 dayes free billet sessing at the
very great value as will appeare upon examinacion, that from the 7o of October untill the
9o of November there being but two regiments left they had in provision and mony dureing that
tyme to the value of 2560 pounds that upon the takeing of Newcastle the Committee of Both Kingdomes
agreed of a way for the present entertainment of the whole Scotish army for one moneth out of the
severall countys where they were quartered videlicet a third part paid to officers and halfe to souldieres
to be delivered in provision or in mony where provision were not to be had, which agreement
and orders with the scedule of rates and declaration from his excellency conferming them
being sent by the commissioners of Parliament to the standing committee of this county they were ready to
conforme to the same (though heavy burthens) but the Scotish officers who commanded the horse
in the said county not being content therwith refused to observe the said agreement and orders of
the Committees of Both Kingdomes and the Lord Generall and that their owne will demanded and
exacted full pay both for officers and souldiers of two regiments of horse and one regiment of dragoons
which the poore country was constrained to advance for the moneth of November comeing to 3850 pounds

That though the commissioners for the Parliament of England had consented to the said allowance [and?]
rates only for one moneth which was as long as the wasted countye were well able to beare yet the
said officers continued their full demands and exactions against all order for the moneth
succeeding, and therupon (for the saveing the poore country from plunder and ruine which
was threatened) the gentlemen of the committee of this county were forced to come to [composition?]
with them which was to abate a fourth part of the other three parts of full pay was to be raised
most of it in mony which the country to their great impoverishing and oppression were
forced to finde for the moneths of December, January and February comeing to above
8680 pounds the being hereby exhausted and redacted to great extreamity, it pleased God to [put?]
it into the hearts of the Parliament to make provision for the paying of the Scotish army by the
ordinance of the 20o of February which came happilie to have releived us, and upon receipt
thereof the commissioners of Parliament sent to us their declaration against all assessments from the
first of March to and the Lord Generall Leven gave out orders under his hand and seale [illegible]
strictly injoyneing all officers and souldiers of his army quartered in the said countys to
forbeare assessing or exacting any thing from them in which regard and that 30000 pounds [illegible]
come from the Parliament we hoped to be eased of that unsupportable burthen that lay
upon us but on the contrary the Scotish officers laid on still the same assessment for the
moneth of March as formerly, and upon complaint therof to his excellency the [only?]
releife the country gott was a [promise?] under his excellences hand that what [the...?]
for that moneth should be repaid to them out of the first mony comeing in upon the [ordinance?]
of Parliament either at Yorke or London wherof hitherto not one penny hath beene received
by the country, nor did their payments and [sufferings?] end in March but divers of the officers
quarter masters and souldiers levied a great part if not all for the moneth of Aprill the charges of
which two moneths came to about 5780 pounds all which summe before mencioned together with
4000 pounds imposed at first by the commissioners of Parliament (most of which was paid and scedules for the rest
delivered over to the Scotish army) and together with all extraordinary takeings of horses
chattle, free quarter and other losses in all the said moneths will make the totall of all that
hath beene paid and taken by the Scotish army from the poore county of Comberland to
amount to above 40000 pounds as will be made appeare upon oath and good proofe. That besides
the Scotish forces the said county hath raised for the service of the Parliament and defence of
their country 1800 foot and 400 horse which have not cost the Parliament one penny but beene
maintained by the country all the last winter in the blocking up of Carlile to a vast
expence. That this heavy burthen haveing made the poore country uncapable
of paying the Scotish forces any longer, necessity forceing the distressed people in some
parts of the country to stand upon their defence against the taxings and driveings of the
souldiers contrary to the orders of Parliament. The generall and the commissioners to prevent all
all further dissention and inconvenyency as we conceive, it was offered and promised
by letters from the Committee of Both Kingdomes and the Lord Generall Leven to the colonells and
committees of Cumberland and Westmerland that if those two countys were able to undertake
to performe the seige against Carlile all the Scotish forces should be drawen from thence
out of the two countys wherupon the said countys freely undertooke the said seige at Carlile
with 3000 foot and 600 horse and by Gods blessinge would have performed it; all which may
appeare by the letters and agreements themselves which are ready to be produced; but when the
Westmerland forces were drawen downe thither according to agreement, they were
hindred by Sir John Browne who said he would fight them if they came on, and for which reasons and
causes we know not; the Earle of Leven did not draw away the Scotch forces as was promised but
instead therof sent a regiment of foote more, yet in regard of the misery and poverty which the country
was redacted to the Lord Generall and Committee of the States were pleased to undertake and promise thencforth
to maintaine there forces before Carlile without any charge or trouble to the country, dureing their
stay there, and accordingly orders were given under his excellencys hand and seale that nothing
should be taken by those officers or souldiers from the country without present mony and payment for
whatsoever they tooke, and neve And nevertheless soe it is may it please this honourable assembly
ever since the comeing of the whole army into over Stainemoore into Westmerland in May
last (besides a dayes provision which was readily furnished to the whole army upon their advance
and free quarter dureing their stay) a new demand was made by the Earle of Callander and
other generall persons of the army which afterwarde was proposed by the Earle of Leven, alsoe
that a sollid way may be laid downe for a maintainance to be raised out of Cumberland and
Westmerland for all the Scotish forces now abowte Carlile, which are 8 regiments of horse, one
regiment of foote, 300 comanded men from Newcastle, and 8 companys of foot from the army
lately sent thither, the charge wherof by computacion will amount to above 7000 pounds monethly
which although it is never to be gotten out of those two exhausted countys yet we feare least the
litle remaynder of chattle and or goodes that is left for the livelyhood of the poore inhabitantes
shall be driven and taken for it, nor have we only feare of this present extreamity but of a future
and lasting inconvenyence which may arise to this poore county as we perceive by our brethrens
intencions in that they expect and declare that a Scotch garrisson shall be placed in the city of
Carlile when it shall be reduced which may add a lasting bitternes to all our by=past sufferinges

Therfore it is our humble and earnest suite to this honourable assembly, that they
will take into their serious consideracion the distressed condition of this poore country
which hath willingly paid till they have almost nothing left, many familys
amongst them being ruinated and gone: and those that were ablest brought
low that they have scarse subsistance for themselves, as alsoe to consider their
readines, paines and hazard in the tedious seige against Carlile where they have
maintained 5 and some tymes 6 poasts all the winter when the Scots have
had but two, have spent their bloods and estates, and some of sundry of them
lost their lives in the service and thereupon that by the wisdome of
this honourable house some way may be found out to satisfy our brethren in ther
demands that soe that which is to be provided for their maintainance from
the whole kingdome may not be sought for and exacted on this perticular
county of Cumberland and their neighbours of Westmerland who shall
certainly be therby utterly ruined if [nod?] dispeopled. And that when it
shall please God that Carlile be reduced an English garrison may bee
placed therin

And with our lives and that litle remaynder of estate that is we have left
we shall at all tymes be ready to manyfest our selves well affected
to the cause in hand and the service of the Parliament and ever
pray [illegible] from [illegible] upon [illegible]
endeavour etc.

Signed by us in the name of the inhabitantes in the county
of Cumberland in whose behalfe we were sent and intrusted to
[advise?] with the commissioners of Parliament at Newcastle, and to seeke
helpe from them or by their endeavours to the Parliament in these
greivances

• Richard [Barrwis?]
• Thomas Lamplugh

Phillips Newgion, soldier to Major Bromhall. SP 16/539/3 f. 48 (1645)

To the honourable Sir William Brereton
knight and baronett comaunder in cheife
of the Cheshire forces

The humble petion of Phillips
Newgion souldier to Major
Bromhall.

Humbly shewinge

That your peticioner takeinge a horss
at the gettinge of Stafford sould him
to your honner

Your peticioner haveinge not received
satisfacion as yet for the said
horse; would humbly entreate
payment he being at this tyme
in greate want and your petticioner
shall pray etc.

Richard Crossing, late of Exeter, merchant. SP 16/513/2 f. 104 (1646)

To the honourable committee

The humble petition of Richard Crossing late of Exon merchant

Sheweth
that your petitioner had 13 ballotts of canvas marked as in the margent; taken
long since in the William of Topsham and carryed into Plimouth, which goods your
petitioner (unto whom they belong) formerly conceived had bin taken by a private
man of war, butt by late information findes they were taken by the Warwick frigatt
and sold for the benefitt of the state, the sales wher of as per certificate under the commissioners
hands amountes unto one hundred and eleaven pounds nineteene shillings and three pence

Your petitioner humbly prayeth this honourable committee to graunt him permission the to
adde the sayd summe unto his former, that hath bin examined, in regard these
goods were taken in the like manner, and neere the sayd time with them and your petitioner
farther desires that himselfe with others who have ben greate sufferers, [illegible] well affected,
and have long attended, may find releife att the last as to in that way as to your
wisedome shall be thought fitt.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

Robert Mawson, one of Captain Johnson's troop. SP 16/539/3 f. 143 (1646)

To the worshipfull the standing committee for the
county of Westmorland.

The humble peticion of Robert Mawson one of Captain
Johnsons troope

Sheweth that your petitioner being pursued by the enemy at Sherburne escaped
and gott away, but being soe plunged and brused thereby
he imediatly fell sicke, and continued soe for the
space of a moneth, to his very greate charge. And
forasmuch as your petitioner lost in service against Skipton
two horses of his owne worth vi ix pounds and for that he
[illegible] hath now arreare unto him for his pay for the tyme and
space of foureteene weekes

He humblely prayeth that your worshipps would
be pleased to order the said arreares to be paid unto him as
alsoe to grant him some satisfaction for the
loss of his said horses in the service aforesaid,
And your petitioner etc

Christopher Milles. SP 16/539/3 f. 153 (1646)

To the right honourable commite

The humbell petission of Christopher Milles

Humbelly beseeching your good honoures to take my disstresed case
in to your consideration and be pleased to let me be paid som monney
that is behind for quarters of thesse commanderes souldiers folloing
being I am apore man and all my meanes and criddete could
exstent to is trusted amungest the souldieres and it hath pleased
God by misfortune my legge is newely broken sence the beginning
of this thawe of wether that I doubpt I shall be utterly lame
and undone with out Godes great mercye I humbelly besseeche
let me have my monney that I have trusted in whole or in parte
to releeffe me in this my misserye and I shall be for ever bound
to praye for your honoures prosspertie

Item for the Lorde Brookes men for horse
meate and manes meate 5 pounds - 0 shillings - 0 pence

Item for Colonell Boswells men 6 pounds - 6 shillings - 5

Item for Captaine Floweres brought to quarter
by William Thakam Colonell Barkeres porter 3 pounds - 0 - 0

Item for the maimed souldieres that weare
brought to my house to quarter 0 - 10 - 0

Somme total 14 pounds - 16 shillings - 5 pence

Hester Whyte, widow of Danyell Whyte. SP 16/539/3 f. 169 (1646)

To the honourable the committee of safety for the
county of Warwick and county and cittie
of Coventry

The humble petition of Hester Whyte wyddowe
of late Danyell Whyte

Humbly sheweth.

That your petitioner did ymediatly after Kington fight, take
upon her the care of 2 of the Parlyamentes souldiers, there maymed, whoe
contynued at her house in great misery (by reason of theire
woundes) for the space of three months at the least, she being constraynd
many tymes to be up night and day with them, which was not only a greate
trouble to her, but in respect of her tendernes to the Parlyamentes
freinds, in that case a great charge alsoe she laying out her owne
moneys to supply their present necessytyes and further sheweth
that her husband was kylled in the Parlyamentes service at the siege of Banbury Castle anno domini 1644, whereby
she is left destitute and comfortles

Your poore petitioner therefore humbly
prayeth that in respect of her owne
wantes at this tyme, yow will vouchsafe to
weigh the premisses, and afford your help to releeve
her whoe in the tyme of her abylytie, willingly
[illegible] afforded both her paines and cost for the help of
such distressed ones (as abovesaid) and your
petitioner shall ever pray etc.

The masters of ships trading to Newcastle for coal. SP 16/515/1 f. 53 (1647)

To the honourable committee of Lords and Commons of the Admiralty sitting at Sir Abraham
Williams his house in Westminster.

The humble peticion of the masters of such ships as trade to Newcastle for coles whose names are underwritten

Sheweth.

That there is a ballast wharfe shore erected and built at the West Panns of South Shieldes nere Newcastle for the
good preservacion of great ships, it being a very comodious and necessary place for ladeing and unladeing of great ships

That the magestrates and cominalty of New Castle for theire owne private gaine and for the private gaine of some
particular persons have of late erected up severall shores for casting of ballast, some of which are erected upon
such unsound and unfit ground as many times they fall in and choake up the river as in particular a shore
of Master Warmouths in October last made a breach into the river, where about 2000 tonns of ballast fell
in whereby, ships that had eight foote water at the key now they have but four.

That the said magestrates and cominalty although they know the convenience of the said ballast
shore at the West Panns aforesaid yet to advance theire owne particular profit they forbidd your
petitioners to lade and unlade there, and force them to goe up to cast their ballast at theire wharfes
whereunto before they can get up, they loose as much time (by contrary windes and other inconveniences
that happen in that time) as they might make a voyage to London which your petitioners may gaine
by casting theire ballast at the shoare at the West Panns aforesaid and the said
magestrates and cominaltie not only hinder them, but also most unjustly imprison some
of your petitioners to theire great hindrance and charge and deteyned them untill they had
paid great sums of money contrary to the lawes of the land and libertie of the subject

The petitioners humbly pray that they may enjoy that freedome of subjectes and may have
libertie to lade and unlade at the said West Panns at South Sheildes it being soe
commodious unto them and tending to much to the benifit of navigation and good
of the kingdome

And your petitioners shall pray etc

• Henry Ellet
• Andrew Porter
• Henry Kebell
• Samuell Wiseman
• Edmond [Lever?]
• Thomas [Casun?]
• Robert Keble
• Robert Church
• Symon Beale
• Eustace Smith
• Thomas Gosling
• William Lee
• Francis Smith
• John [Burrwood?]


• William Hamond
• Edmond Morgan
• William Chapman
• James [Shrive?]
• John Martin
• Francis Whayman
• Henry Fynn
• William Olliver
• Samuell Hawkes
• Edward Clarke
• Robert Kenington
• Walter Keble
• Thomas Lemon
• John Lee


• William Garnet
• John Greene
• William Bugbey and many others.

William Sykes of Hull, merchant. SP 16/515/1 f. 91 (1647)

To the right honourable the Lords assembled in Parliament

The humble petition of William Sykes of
Hull marchant

Sheweth
that the petitioner out of his abundant and large affection to the Parliament
the effects whereof he is able to prove by the testemony of divers worthy
gentlemen of his owne contry who can sufficiently testifie his continual readynes
upon all occasions for that honourable service wherein a verry great and large summe
partly in arms and amunition of severall kinds mony and plate amountinge
to the summe of eight thousand foure hundred sixtie three pounds eighteene shillinges
five pence which is your petitioner whole estate may be an undoubted witnes
besides the consideration mony amountinge to the vallue of two thousand five
hundred elleven pondes foure shillings one penny both which said sommes by
a perticular hereunto anexed may apeare

That your petitioner also haveinge no command layed upon him yet out of his
abundant desire to advance the Parliamentes sarvice beinge then in a verry low
condition did volluntarily adventure his parson and went from Hull to Gainsbrough
in a sarvice which at that time did exceedingly concerne the northerne parts
and was in that assault taken prissoner stript naked and exeedingly endangered

That he hath beene severall times plundred and taken prissoner by the enemy when
he lived out of Hull and which adds more still to his forementioned losses his
father dureinge his absence accasioned by these severall services did for his
good affection to the Parliament alter his will and gave a way from him to his bro=
thers which he intended to this petitioner to the vallue of thre hundred pondes per annum

He therefore most humbly prayes that this honourable house
will be pleased to commisserate the estate of your poore
petitioner as also to assigne him somme competent some
for his present necessity and reliefe for his poore wife
and children and the residue of his debt out of such
delinquents estates as to your honores shall seeme
expedient

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• William Sykes

The owners of the ship Constant Warwicke. SP 16/515/2 f. 85 (1647)

To the right honourable the committee of
Lords and Commons for the
Admiralty and Cinque ports

The humble petition of the owners
of the shippe Constant Warwicke

Sheweth

That your petitioners haveing provi
ded the said friggott for a voyadge at sea
to bee imployed as a private man of
warre uppon the Constant Warwicke

They humbly pray that your hon
nours would please to grant
your instructions of reprizall
for the said friggott accordinge to
the ordinance of Parliament of
the 29th of January 1645 and to
approve of Captaine Robert
Dare to commaund in the said
friggott for his service.

And your petitioners shall pray etc

The ancient officers of the Kentish regiment now under the command of Colonel Lilburne. SP 16/539/4 f. 23 (1647)

To the right honourable the Lords and Commons assembled
in Parliament.

The humble peticion of the auncient officiers of
the Kentish regiment lately under the command of Colonell
Weldon but now under the command of Colonell Lilburne
since this warr hath been happily ended.

Sheweth.

That most parte of your petitioners have served in the Kentish
regiment under the command of Colonell Weldon and Lieutenant Colonell
Kempson above this foure years last past in which time they have endevour=
ed to expresse their affections to the Parliament and Kingdom in this cause
with the often hazard of their lives and fortunes.

When it pleased [illegible] the honourable Houses of Parliament to make our
sayd Colonell Weldon governor of Plymouth, wee humbly conceive it
was very hard measure that our lieutenant colonell might not succeed
him in his due place of command hee haveing alwayes approved himself
very civill, faithfull, skilful, and valiant, wherby wee have received many
great encouragementes from him and good success by Gods blessing, and doe
humbly conceive there cannot bee a fitter gentleman imployed in this
present expedition for Ireland, by reason hee hath been imployed by
the Parliament in that service already, and knoweth the nature of the country
and manner of their discipline.

Your peticioners humble request is that our said lieutenant colonel
Nicholas Kempson may now succeed in his due place, and
command the sayd regiment for Ireland and your petitioners shall
bee very ready and willing and to gaine the whole regiment
theither and to use their best endeavours for the promoteing
that service, and [illegible] as in all dutye bound shall
ever pray for your honers etc

• Abraham Clerk lieutenant
• James [Marrow?] ensign
• [Lineseg?] Sharples ensigne


• George Hope ensin
• James [Rose?] ennsign
• Francis Welles lieutenant
• Robert Deedes lieutenant
• Even Morris ensine


• William Master major
• Christopher Peckham captain
• Francis [D...?] captain
• George Weldon [c...?]
• [illegible] captain

Walter Cary and Henry Jones, gentlemen. SP 16/516 f. 5 (1648)

To his excellency Sir Thomas Fairefaxe
knight captaine generall of all
the forces of the Kinge and Parliament.

The humble peticion of Walter Cary and
Henry Jones gentlemen.

Shewinge.

That whereas your peticioner are possessed and interessed of
alease (for divers yeares yett endureinge) of certeine landes
in the county of Kent; belonginge to the warden and
fellowes of All Soules Colledge in Oxon. The committees
of accomptes for the said county of Kent have sequestred
and taken into their handes three yeares rent and a halfe
at 10 pounds. 10 shillings. per annum or thereaboutes belonginge to your peticioners
notwithstandinge the articles agreed upon at the
surrender of Oxon.

Your peticioners therefore humbly desire your
excellency to give order to the said committees
to deliver unto your peticioners all such rentes
as they have unjustly taken and deteyned
from your peticioners.

And they shall ever pray etc

John Langleye, late trooper under his excellency's command. SP 16/516 f. 35 (1648)

To the right honourable the Committie of Lordes and Commons for his Excellencye
Sir Thomas Fairfax his Armye

The humble peticion of John Langleye late trooper under his excellencies command

Sheweth
That your petitioner hath not spared to sacrifize his dearest life, for the preservacion of
your honoures and publique good of the kingdome, haveinge bin severall tymes wounded and [especial?]
att the battell att Nasbye, where hee was left for dead, and also received a greate loss in that
field, but by the providence of his protectour after alonge continuance, in greate misserye recovered
but is therebye disabled and maimed for ever. And hath nothinge to subsist on but 2 [shillings?] per weeke
his pencion which is not sufficient to relieve him, but hath bin enforced to sell and pawne
all the litle he had for maynteinance, and his father who was before of abillittie is nowe become verye
poore haveinge beene extraordinarilie plundred by the enemie for his affection to the Parliament
and for setteinge forth 2 sonnes with horse and armes for the states service in which one lost
his life, thother maimed wherebye he is undone for ever himselfe closelye imprissoned and
ajudged to be drawne hanged and quartered, in so much that your petitioner is in adeplorable condicion beinge
daylye threatned to be areasted and cast into prisson, for debt contracted in his weaknes, where
he must unavoydablye end his days unlesse speedilye relieved there beinge due unto your honoures
petitioner 24 pounds as by the anexed certificate appeareth

Your petitioner most humblye implores, that your honoures (even for Godes cause) wilbe pleased to take
into serious consideracion his misserable condicion and graunt him parte of his arreares, as above
mencioned, what in your pious and charitable dispositiones shalbe thought expedient, to preserve him
from famishinge and to relieve him in this his greate necessitie, that he end not his dayes in prisson

And your petitioner will ever pray for your
honoures eternall hapinesses

Jasper Mayne, DD. SP 16/516 f. 42 (1648)

To the King's most excellent majestie

The humble peticon of Jasper Mayne
doctor in divinity.

Humbly sheweth
That whereas one of the canonries of Christ=
Church in Oxon is voyd by the death of Doctor
Robert Payne and in your majesties guift

He humbly prayeth that your majestie
would be pleased to bestow it upon him

And he shall pray etc.

The knights, gentry, clergy and commonalty of Kent subscribed by the grand jury. SP 16/516 f. 65 (1648)

To the honourable the Lordes and Commons assembled in Parlament at
Westminster

The humble petion of the knightes gentry clergy and commonalty of the
countie of Kent subscribed by the grand jury the 18th of May
1648 at the sessions [offe?] the judges upon an especiall comission
of oyer and terminer there executed at the old castell of Canter
berry for the said countie

Sheweth
that first wee are deeply sencibly of our owne miseries with a fellow
feeling of the discontent of other counties exposed to the like suffer
ings as which intend with us, thus humbly to present to the your
honours these our ardent desires

1 That our most gratious soveraigne Lord King Charles may with all
speed bee admitted with saftie and honour to treat in person with his two
housses of Parlament for the perfect setling of the peace both off
church and common wealth as also of his owne just rights
togeather with those of Parlament.

2. That for prevention and remoovall of the many fold inconvenyences occacioned
by the continewance of this present army under the command of
the Lord Fairfax, their arreares may forthwith be audited and they
disbanded.

[3?] That accordinge to the fundamentall constitutions of this common
wealth we may for the future be governed and judged by the English
subjectes undoupted birth right the knowen and established lawes
of the kingdom and not otherwise.

4 That accordinge to the petion of right our property may not be in
vaded by any tax or imposition whatsoever and particularly that the
heavy burthen of excise may noe longer be continewed
or heereafter be imposed upon us.

All which our most earnest desires wee humbly comend to your grave
and serious considerations not doubting of that speedy satisfaction
theirin, which the cause requires and wee humbly exspect therby that we
may well hope to see, what otherwise wee can not but
dispaire of a speedy and happy end of these sad and heavy presures
and distempers, whose continewance will inevitably ruine both our
selves and our posterities, the timely prevention wherof in a chearfull
condisent to what wee have propound in order therunto shall obleige
us ever to pray.

It is desired that all coppies and superscriptions to this petion be brought
to Rochester on Munday the 29th of this month of Maye and that all
who intendes to accompany this petion doe meete at Blacke Heath the
day following by nine of the clocke in the morninge.

Captain Adam Bayner, Captain Thomas King, Captain Owen and others. SP 18/1 f. 56 (1649)

To the honourable House of Commons assembled in
Parliament

The humble peticion of Captaine Adam Bayner,
Captain Thomas King, Captain Owen, Richard Morgan
cornett, William Rowe lieutenante, Alexander Reeve
ensigne, and Ellen Lovell wife of Charles Lovell
cornett who is now upon the service in Ireland
and the rest of your petitioners ready to goe and Presill [Eaton?]
widdow:

Sheweth:

That your petitioners who have all been in actuall service for the Parliament
having severall summes of money arreare and due to them for
their said services are extreamely necessitated and driven to
want and penury and altogether incapable to furnish themselves
to goe for Ireland which they intend, and your petitioner Ellen Lovell (whose
husband is there) with her children in a perishing condicion

Your petitioners most humbly therefore praie that for their satisfaccion
your honours wilbe pleased to vouchsafe them your honourable order
or ordinance for paiement of their said arreares unto them
from such a delinquent as your petitioners shall bring in and
finde out by their owne industry, whereby they maie be
no further chargeable or troublesome to this honourable assembly:

But (as bound) ever pray etc.

The overseers and rulers of the watermen of the river Thames. SP 46/95 f. 111 (1649)

To the right honourable the commissioners for the Admiraltie

The humble peticion of the overseers and rulers of the
watermen of the river of Thames.

Sheweth
that your petitioners have for many yeares past had the power of impressing
of all watermen upon the said river (whom they should judge fitt and able)
for the states service, as best knowing whoe were the ablest men, and most meet
for the service, and have alsoe had the approbacion of the generalitie of watermen
whoe have beene alwaies hitherto ready and willing to submitt to their impresse

Now soe it is, that there are some particular persons, whoe have
surreptitiously insinuated themselves into that authoritie, utterly against
the good liking and consent of the generalitie of watermen, (whoe are much
discouraged thereby) and have impressed such ill=affected and unable
persons, whoe may prove very prejudiciall to the state. The premisses
considered

May it therefore please your honoures, to order, that the
said impressing power may bee continued in your
petitioners,

And your petitioners shall pray etc.

Richard Shakerly of Topsham, mariner. SP 46/95 f. 136 (1649)

To the right honourable the Lord President and the rest of the Councell
of State appointed by authoritie of Parliament.

The humble peticion of Richard Shakerly of Topsham mariner.

Sheweth.

That the petitioners vessell called the Guift of Topsham in the yeare 1645 being forced
into Falmouth by distresse of weather in her way homewards from St Lucar, was seized
on by the Kings party there and could not be discharged without payment of 167 pounds and five
guns with powder and ammunicion which cost the petitioner 105 pounds as by receiptes under the governer
and officers handes will appeare.

That the said vessell at her coming out of Falmouth being an enimies port by
reason of the ordnance of 30 November was seized on by Captain Mildmay comander of one of
the Parliamentes vessells and condemned for prize in the Admiralty Court.

That the petitioner after a tedious sollicitacion with the late committee of the Admiralty at last
obtained the report hereunto annexed, which was presented by the Earle of Warwicke to
the Lords House and by them transmitted to the House of Commons where it now remaines
the petitioner having attended for an order thereupon as long as his poore estate would
enable him but could not obtaine the same

That after all this the petitioner addressing himselfe to the committee of the Navy, they
were pleased in March 1647 to order an appraisement of the vessell and the petitioner
to pay one halfe thereof being 95 pounds: 7 shillings: 6 pence till the Parliament should give order for her full
restitucion.

Now forasmuch as the petitioner hath allways testified a faithfull and
cordiall affection to the Parliament and for that he hath lately undergone
many other great losses which threaten his utter ruine being now very
aged. And for that he lost above 200 pounds in the said vessell by the mariners
that seized her the vessell being likewise retorned 200 worse then
when she was first taken. Besides 18 months employment in the Parliamentes
service and victualls for 18 men for 6 months.

He most humbly prays your lordship etc. to take this his sad condicion into
your serious consideracion, and to order the [collectors?] for prize goodes
to pay to the petitioners assigne what monies due to the state on the same
vessells accompt are remayning in theire handes. And that Sir Hardress
Waller or his deputy may restore him his gunns and appurtenances the
same being now at Pendennis Castle and useless to the state. And
what other recompence your wisdomes shall thinke fit for his great loss
sustained as aforesaid.

And the petitioner shall not only be engaged ever to acknowledge
the bounty and goodness of this honourable councell, but ever
to pray etc.

Joseph Edmondson of Kendall, Westmorland. SP 46/104 f. 121 (1649)

To the honnourable commissioners for compounding with
delinquentes att New Castle.

The humble peticion of Joseph Edmondson of
Kendall in the county of Westmorland.

Humbly sheweth:

That your peticioner have bene in armes against the
Parliament in this late warr for which his said
delinquencie he humbly prayeth to be admitted
to a reasonable fine and composition according
to the rates of the Parliament and he shall ever pray

Joseph Edmundson