Petitions in the State Papers: 1670s

Frances Ligneere, granddaughter of Sir Thomas Merry one of the late king's clerks of the Green cloth. SP 29/272 f. 55 (1670)

To the Kings majestie

The humble peticion of Frances Ligneere grandaughter of Sir Thomas Merry one of the clarkes of the
green cloth to your majesties royall father of ever blessed memory.

Sheweth
that your majesties peticioneres said grandfather when she and her sister were little children put out for them into the handes of Sir Paull
Pinder Sir John Harrison and the rest of the farmers of your majesties said royall father's customes 800 pounds in one entire summe, which was
part of the 200000 pounds they advanced upon the said farme, as by theire owne leiger bookes hath appeared, for which hee took from
them two bondes each of 800 pounds penalty, for payment with interrest one in your peticioneres name, the other in her said sister's,
hoping by such time they grew up to be woemen, the same with advance thereof, and what he should add thereunto, would make
them good portions: and that after 21 yeares your peticioners said sister putting her bond in suite, obtained judgment at law of
800 pounds debt (upon her said bond of 800 pounds penalty) besides coste of suite against one or more of the said obligoures, who thereupon
preferring their bill in equitie, to be releived against the same, were faine presently to pay her downe 400 pounds to have an injunction
to stay her proceedings at law upon the judgment, untill the suite ended; in which the court at hearing of the cause found noe reason
to relieve against the judgment or dammages thereupon accrewed. But your peticioner not stored with money to contest with theire
purses, and unwilling to put her selfe, or them, to un=necessarie expence, in regard the determination of her sister's said suite
would be the scale, to weigh the legall and equitable quantum, of her debt; then the same upon all accompts: did before her sister's
judgment, agree with them, on payment of 450 pounds to deliver up her bond, and signe a release, upon this condition: that she should
be no sufferer, by doeing therof but that whatsoever her sister should recover, whensoever the same was paid your peticioner should
thereupon, quietly and truely, have so much more money payed her, over and above the said 450 pounds she received as aforesaid, as would make it
up proportionable (in the summe totall) what should be paid her sister for her said debt and dammages. The which they then agreed to
and faithfully promised, should be performed, as a thing in it selfe without all exception, most just so to be, and with all a saving
bargaine to them of costs of suite.

But now so it is may it please your majestie that your peticioners said sister's remaining 400 pounds (making up the 400 pounds so paid her as
aforesaid, the whole 800 pound penalty of her bond) together with dammages for their detaineing the same and costs of suite in law
and equity having about the beginning of December instant, been by their executors duely paid, out of the said 200000 pounds (of which
diverse 1000s pounds are still in their hands) allowed by your majestie out of your owne stores, for payment of those debts; your peticioner
cannot now prevaile with them, for like payment of her remaining debt, according to, both right, and agreement.

Now the said agreement and promise, having been the occasion, your peticioner did not sue her bond also, to a judgment at law,
whereby she could have enforced proportionable payment so as she is now without other remedy then your majesties pitty

And in respect to her said grandfather's loyall services, to your majesties said royall father at Oxford which made him
a great sufferer in his estate, under the late usurpers: beside that about the begining of the troubles, he furnished
his said royall master, with considerable summes of money out of his owne purse, unrepayed (as is well knowne unto
diverse persons of quality) whereby he was disabled to make such further provision for your peticioner, as hee
intended and she being now poore and distressed and also upon accompte of her sex unskilfull in matters of law
and advice, which made her commit so great trust as aforesaid

Your peticioner humbly implores your majestie in tender commiseration of the premises, you would be gratiously
pleased, to write your princely letter to the executors of the said farmers forthwith to pay her out of
such monies as are still remaining of the said 200000 pounds allowed by your majestie the summe of 450 pounds due
and behinde with dammages according to right and agreement

And your majesties peticioner shall ever pray etc.

Patricke Archer, merchant. SP 29/272 f. 57 (1670)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Patricke Archer merchant

Most humbly sheweth
that whereas your sacred majestie was graciously pleased at the
most humble peticion of your peticioner, and upon the humble recommendacion of the right honourable Sir
Orlando Bridgeman knight and baronet your majesties Lord Keeper of the great seale of England (both
hereunto annexed) by your majesties gracious letters dated the 28th of May last past, directed to his
excellency the Earle of Ossory then your majesties Lord Deputy of Ireland to give order for the putting in
execucion a decree made in your majesties High Court of Chancery of this kingdome against John
Preston esquier by putting and quieting your petitioner in the possession of some lands in the said decree
mencioned, or otherwise that the said Preston should be sent into this kingdome to answer his
contempt to your majesties High Court of Chancery heere; yet so it is (may it please your sacred
majestie) that your petitioner hath not as yet received any fruit or benefitt, of the said decree, or of
your majesties said gracious letter and direccions for the due execucion thereof and your majestie
having now appointed the right honourable the Lord Roberts lord lieutenant generall and
governour generall in your said kingdome

Your peticioner most humbly prayes that your majestie would be graciously
pleased in pursuance of your majesties said former letter to give order unto your
said lord lieutenant to send the said John Preston forthwith into England,
heere to answer his contempt and disobedience to the said decree; that so
the proceedings of your majesties high court of justice in this kingdome may not
be eluded by the obstinacy and refractorinesse of any of your majesties
subjects dwelling in any other of your majesties kingdomes or dominions.

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

The Lady Fanshawe, relict of Sir Richard Fanshawe deceased. SP 29/272 f. 58 (1670)

The humble peticion of
the Lady Fanshawe relict
of Sir Richard Fanshawe deceased

January the 9th 1669

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of the Lady Fanshawe
relict of Sir Richard Fanshawe deceased.

Humbly acknowledgeth.

Your majesties grace and favour to her desceased
husband and self: but the suddaine and unexpected death of her
deare husband, not only made her, and her children miserable in
so great a losse, but was the cause of your peticioners and his
childrens being left in a low condicion of fortune, which was
impaired by your majestyes commissioners of the treasurys keeping her
talleyes for money layd out of her desceased husbandes purse
neare three yeares after they were due unto her. The receiveing
of which summe, cost her above fourteen hundred poundes,
besides the keepeing back one thousand poundes which was
accompted for, and for which, she had a promise to have
some thing equivalent thereto. All which considered with the
faithfull services and suffereings, of her deceased husband.

Your majestys petitioner most humbly prayeth that your majesty
will bee graciously pleased to give her son Sir Richard
Fanshaw, who is altogeather unprovided for, the
next revertion (after those your majesty hath already
granted) of a tellers place in your majestys Exchequer
that so hee being provided for your majestys petitioner may
bee enabled to procure some small portions for her
four daughters. Three where of are grown up to [illegible]
woemens estate.

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

Robert Bird of Tonge in the county of Salop. SP 29/272 f. 74 (1670)

Peticion
of Robert Bird

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Robert Bird of Tonge
in the county of Salop

Most humbly sheweth unto your majestie

That your peticioner did most faithfully serve your majestie according to the certificate annexed, for
which (during the late usurped power) your peticioner was many times plundered, and imprisoned to his
utter ruine, and is now (being aged) deprived of all meanes of subsistance both for himselfe and children

In tender consideration whereof, your petitioner humbly beseecheth your majestie will be
gratiously pleased to allow your peticioner something out of your majesties privy purse,
towards his maintenance in this his great necessity.

And your peticioner, as in duty bound
shall ever pray etc.

The distressed widow Dergofsky. SP 29/287/1 f. 75 (1671)

The humble petition of the
widdow Dergofsky.

To his most sacred majesty

The humble petition of the
distressed widdow Dergofsky

Humbly sheweth
that your majesties most distressed petitioner after the a long exspectation for
the money, your majesty was gratiously pleased to promise her, for to enable her
to pay her debts here, and to return into her own countrey, being still frustrated,
and having exhausted her credit to the utmost, is now reduced to the greatest
extremity imaginable, so that she must undoubtedly perish, except speedy relief
be afforded her

She therefore most humbly implores your most
sacred majesty, to look with an eye of pitty and
compassion in mercy upon her, and gratiously to grant
an order for the speedy payment of such moneys as
your majesty shall think fit, thereby to keep her from
imprisonment and from starving.

And she shall evermore as in duty bound pray etc

Thomas Vahan. SP 29/287/1 f. 101 (1671)

To the King's most excellent majestye.

The humble petition of Thomas Vahan

Sheweth
that your petitioner studying how hee might become
serviceable unto your majestye and kingdomes is well assured
that hee can noe wayes soe likely attain thereunto as
by beeing instrumentall in setting the poore aworck.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prayeth that your
majestye will graciously please to grant unto your petitioner
a libertye for keeping of a common oven or ovens
by himselfe, his agents and servants in any place
or places of your majestyes dominions, whereunto itt may
bee free for the neighborhood to ressort for baking
of their bread, cakes, pyes, puddings and the like
att such rates as they them selves shall agree unto,
with a proviso that a moitye of the cleare proffits
thereby accruying bee from time to time imployed
in setting the poore a worck, and alsoe provided
that your petitioner shall not undertake any thing
against the priviledge of any corporation.

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

Thomas Grey, esquire. SP 29/287/1 f. 187 (1671)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Thomas Grey esquire

Sheweth

That your peticioner is seised in fee of the mannour of
Epping and of the wood called Wintrey Parke alias Wintrey Common alias Wintrey Wood in the
forrest of Waltham in the county of Essex and a fayre and weekly markett there with diverse
other liberties priviledges and advantages granted by severall letters pattents of your majesties
royall predecessours which by meane acts and conveyances in the law are now vested in your
peticioner which said mannour and lands were antiently the possessions of the Abbott of Waltham
Saint Crosses who held the same with diverse priviledges in relation to the said forrest all which
priviledges the peticioner ought to enjoy in as ample manner as the Abbott held the same by virtue
of the said letteres patents neverthelesse your peticioner being called in question for the same at
the justice seate for the said forrest is desirous to have your majesties confirmacion and expresse
grant for the same with the addition of another fayre and markett there which will be noe prejudice
to any but of great advantage to your peticioner and his heires

Your peticioner therefore being encouraged by your majesties favours humbly
prayes that your majestie will be graciously pleased to confirme the premisses
and grant to him and his heires one new markett and two fayres to be held
within the said mannour; and all wayfes, strayes, felons goods, and of felo
de se, fugitives, persons owtlawed or put in exigent, deodands, and
such like casuall profitts happening within the said mannour with retorne and
execution of writts there. And a pardon to your peticioners father and himselfe
of all assarts, purprestures, wasts, and trespasses of or in the forrest of
Waltham. And liberty to hold and enjoy such assarts and purprestures
as are already made upon the premisses, and to cutt timber or wood without
licence or view of the forrester, and to assart the premisses, or any part thereoff.

And your peticioner shall pray etc

Lewis Sulpice Jonquier and Martin Corbonell, Frenchmen and now prisoners in Newgate. SP 29/287/1 f. 206 (1671)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Lewis Sulpice Jonquier, and
Martin Corbonell Frenchmen and now prisoners in
Newgate;

Sheweth
That your petitioners being at the last sessions at the Old Bayly indicted the one for stealing of
lace and the other for takeing of a sword were thereupon convicted and condemned to suffer death.

Now for as much may it please your majestie as your petitioners were not guilty of the said crimes but
being tryed by a jury of twelve men where seven were English foure Walloones and one French
men only they were found guilty thereof, whereas according to the custome of England one halfe of the
said jury ought to have been French men for the better understanding of the truth of the case and for want
of which due tryall your petitioners are like to suffer wrongfully unlesse releived by your majesties accustomed
clemency and goodness, his interpreter being also an English man who could not well understand
French nor your petitioner understand him;

Wherefore your petitioners most humbly pray that your majestie will be
graciously pleased to grant that the execucion of the said sentence may
bee suspended till the next sessions and that your petitioners may be tryed
by a jury halfe English and halfe French and they shall willingly
submitt to the judgment of such a jury;

And as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

John Glanvill, MA, fellow of St Peters college in Cambridge. SP 29/302 f. 154 (1672)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of John Glanvill master of arts
and fellow of Saint Peters colledge in Cambridge.

Most humbly sheweth

That your petitioner was lately presented into the vicaridge of Barton in the
county of Cambridge, within two miles of the towne of Cambridge; but by
reason of a locall statute, your petitioner cannot hold the said vicaridge (though it be
but of a small value) with his fellowship, above the space of one whole yeare from
his first admission into the same unlesse your majesty be graciously pleased to
grante him a dispensation for the holding of the said vicaridge, together with his
fellowshipp.

Your petitioner therefore humbly beseecheth your most excellent majesty
to graunte him your majesties dispensation to hold the said vicaridg
with his fellowshipp; and that the rather, because the master and
major part of the fellowes have manifested their desire in the
same, as by the certificate hereunto annexed may appeare

And your petitioner shall dayly pray etc

Merchants of London and Dartmouth, traders to Newfoundland in dried fish. SP 29/302 f. 167 (1672)

To the Kings most excellent
majesty

The humble petition of sundry merchants
of London and Dartmouth traders from
thence to the Newfoundland in the making
and saving of dry fish

Humbly sheweth.

That wheras your petitioners usually sett out sixty
sayle of shipps in a yeare on this trade from the port
of Dartmouth, and being permitted by your majesty
last year to proceed according to the ancient regu=
=lation of that trade: your petitioners humbly
request, that your majesty would be pleased to
permitt tenn sayle of shipps to proceed upon that
trade this season from the port of Dartmouth, to
prevent the French altogether from furnishing our
marketts of Spaine, Portugall, and Ittally, who exceedingly increase
in their fishery: if your majesty permitt noe shipps to
proceed upon that trade may indanger the loss therof
to your majestys great damadge and the utter ruine of the
towne of Dartmouth whose dependance is only on that trade

And your petitioners, as in duty
bownd shall ever pray etc

Nicholas Throckmorton, Robert Philips, Joseph Booth, Thomas Wenborne and Benjamin Herne. SP 29/302 f. 238 (1672)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of Nicholas Throckmorton, Robert Philips,
Joseph Booth, Thomas Wenborne and Benjamin Herne

Humbly sheweth

That your petitioners being seduced and through their ignorance and great indiscrecion prevayled upon by one Magdalen
Price alias Rogers of London widow to utter and exchange severall summes of money of the coyne of this realme which
were clipped and otherwise lightned by her the said Magdalen Price and her servants, your peticioners were for the said
offence on the 30th of December last apprehended and committed to the goale of Newgate

That the said Magdalen on the 17th of January instant by your petitioners confession and testimony was convicted of
and condemned for high treason for the clipping and uttering your said majesties coyne and was accordingly
executed on the 24th of the said moneth of January since which time your peticioners were by your majesties
most gracious favor permitted to be bayled in your majesties court of Kings Bench

That your petitioners are exceedingly sensible and apprehensive as well of such your majesties great clemency and
goodness towards them as of the greate and haynous offence of which they are guilty and doubt not but your
majesties compassion will oblige them to a more carefull avoydance of all such horrid crimes for the
future

Your petitioners therefore most humbly beg your majesties comiseracion of
such their ignorance and folly and most hartily implore your majesties
further grace to be extended towards them in the granting them
your majesties gracious pardon for such their geivous misdemeanors.

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

Joseph Jackson. SP 29/302 f. 239 (1672)

To the worshipfull Sir Joseph Williamson knight and one of
the governours of Saint Bartholomews hospitall

The humble peticion of Joseph Jackson

Sheweth your petitioner gives your worship humble thanks for his continuance
in the said hospitall, that he is yet very lame and weake and no waies able
to provide for his subsistance and not likely to be longer trouble=
some to your worship or any besides in regard of his condicion

He therefore humbly praies your worship to be continued where
he is, for (if removed and) sent into his owne country he can
expect nothing more then sudden death and for his abiding
here his soule shall bless God and you:

And as in duty bound shall pray
etc

Jasper Kaus and John Le Verroo, merchants. SP 29/332 f. 83 (1673)

The peticion of Jasper Kaus
and John Verroo marchants.

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of Jasper Kaus and
John Le Verroo marchants

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioners being to buy 100 great fatts of
Rhenish wine for your majestyes use which they must
bring to Cologne, and from thence by land, either to
Bremen or Antwerp, to be there shipt for London
which they feare they cannot with safety doe, by
reason of the armyes there abouts, who may give
them some disturbance. And your petitioners being
great traders in those wynes, paying your
majesty 8000 pounds per annum for your customes on those
commodytyes and other goods.

Your petitioners therefore most humbly prayes
that your majesty will be gratiously pleased
to grant your letter to the generall of
the French forces thereabouts, that your
petitioners factor Harman Vinger=hoet may
be permitted quietly to bring the
said goods to their designed ports in order
to their transporting them to London as
intended, without any hindrance or
molestation.

And your petitioners shall ever pray
etc.

John Backhusios, on behalf of himself and other owners of the ship St John Evangelist. SP 29/332 f. 153 (1673)

To the right honourable Henry Earle of Arlington, knight of the most honourable
order of the garter, principall secretary to his majestie and one of his majesties most
honourable privy councell.

The humble peticion of John Backhusios master and part owner of the shipp
Saint John Evangelist on the behalfe of himselfe, Bowdwyn Borne, Thomas
Hamilton, and others all subjects of the King of Spaine and owners of a
certaine ship called the Saint John Evangelist, and goods in the same.

Most humbly sheweth.

That the said ship being bound from Ostend to the groyne in Galesia with
some, goods, which were carried thither, and unladed, and being afterwards laden there with chesnutts
tobaccoes, and some lead for accompt of the owners, and other goods, and bound for Ostend, was in
November 1672 in her course for Ostend taken, and seized by a private man of war, called the
Revenge whereof one John Aden was captain and brought into the river of Thames.

That there was carried in the said shipp from Ostend a passe, or forme of letters conformable to the
treaty betweene the crownes of Great Brittaine, and Spaine, concluded in the treaty att Madrid in
May 1667: which with other papers, was aboard the said shipp when she was seized, and was then
taken by the captaine of the privateere, and since brought into the High Court of Admiralty.

That the judge of the High Court of Admiralty upon reading of the said articles, and the passe,
or forme of letters mencioned in the said articles, and that passe or forme of letters taken on board
the said shipp, and brought into the said court, and findeing the same to bee agreable to the
said treaty, did according to the said treaty release, the said shipp and lading from the said seizure
from which the private man of warre on purpose to vex your petitioner, and to spoile his whole
voyage, shipp, and goods, hath appealed to the Lords Commissioners of Appeales, whereby your petitioner
and his owners are greatly indamaged.

The premisses considered he doth most humbly beseach your honour that you would
bee pleased according to the said articles of treaty that the said decree of the judge
of the Admiralty may bee confirmed and your petitioner without further trouble
dismissed with his said shipp and goods to proceed on his intended voyage, and that
according to the said articles the damages susteyned by your petitioner may bee repaired.

And your petitioner as ever bound shall pray etc

Captain Crow. SP 29/332 f. 165 (1673)

The humble peticion of
Captain Tym Crow.

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Captain Crow

Humbly sheweth

That whereas your majestie hath beene graciously pleased to
grant your royall pass to your petitioner into forreigne partes
since there is noe vacancy for his reception into your
majesties present service, and haveing a helplesse charge of a
wife and six small children, and nothing to support
them in theire voyage

Most humbly implores your majesties
gracious consideracion of your petitioners
extremity, in ordering some supply to equipp
him and his said charge, for their intended
voyage, being otherwise uncapeable to appere
and he (as in duty bound) shall pray

William Bowdon, ropemaker in Woolwich ropeyard. SP 29/340 f. 10 (1673)

To the right honourable the principall officers and comissioners of his majesties Navy.

The humble peticion of William Bowdon ropemaker
in Woolwich ropeyard.

Sheweth.
That hee is knowne to the whole trade to be a sufficient able workman haveing been at the trade
above 36 years, that for 16 years agon hee hath officiated as foreman in his majesties said yard,
and now understanding that Thomas Bartrum is to worke the twice laid stuffe, lines etc in the said
yard and presumeing that your honours will not thinck it fit for the said Bartrum to continue still
as foreman, because the foreman aswell as the master workman are (upon the weighing off of
every parcell of the said goods, called, and by their duty required to view and judge whether the
same be well and sufficiently wrought as they ought to be to prevent damage to his majesty by ill
working or slubbeing them over, as also for that the said Bartrum hath in pride of heart often
times contradicted the said master workman in laying of cables etc to the damage of his majesty as may
be proved, and for that hee was a great and closs friend of Thomas Lacy that was forced to
fly for theevery as appeareth by a stolne lyne received of the said Lacy be him.

In consideration of the premisses.

Hee humbly prayeth that your honours would gratiously be
pleased to conferre the said place of foreman upon him, and
hee promiseth to doe his best in all points to execute the said
imployment aswell if not better than it hath been don for
many years.

And (as bound) shall pray etc.

Edward Sturton, MD, on behalf of himself and the inhabitants of Spalding. SP 29/360 f. 176 (1674)

To the Kings most excellent majesty.

The humble peticion of Edward Sturton doctor
in phisicke on behalfe of himsefe and the inhabitants
of Spalding in the parts of Holland in the county
of Lincolne.

Humbly sheweth.

That John Gamblyn and John Blanke heretofore did give
a messuage and severall lands lying in Spalding Long=Sutton
Gedney and Croft in the partes and county aforesaid for the
maintenance of a free schoole in Spalding aforesaid for
furtherance of which charity Queene Elizabeth did by her
letters patents dated the 18th daye of Maye in the 30th yeare
of her raigne incorporate certaine persons to be the governors
thereof and that the said gift might have a capacity to be
perpetuall it was therein further granted that upon the
decease of any of the said governors the survivours or others
in theire default for supply of any vacancy should make
new eleccions but in the late tymes of troubles the governors
dyed without any provision for succession whereby the said
letters of incorporacion became voyd

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayes that your
majesty will be graciously pleased to further soe
good a worke and renew the said letters patents and
that Henry Burrell your peticioner Francis
Johnson and Slater Perkins esquires may be appoint
=ed the present governors thereof with such alteracions
and addicions in the said letters patents as in your
majestys judgement as may best suite with the contin
=ueing soe good a worke

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc.

Valentine Hollifield and Samuell Hirons. SP 29/360 f. 254 (1674)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble petition of Valentine Hollifield and
Samuell Hirons

Sheweth
that att the last lent assizes held for the county of Warwick your petitioners
being by the violent prosecucion of some of their enimies convicted for stealing horses, and then
haveing judgement of death pronounced against them, the then judge of assize (takeing compassion
upon your poore petitioners who are both of them young men) by the importunity of the gentlemen of the said
county repreeved your poore petitioners that thereby they might be in a capacity to obtaine your majesties most
gracious pardon; and your petitioners were inserted into the last generall pardon for the midland circuite but
under condition that they should transport themselves to some of your majesties plantations in America within
six moneths: before which tyme by your majesties most gracious free and generall Act of Indempnity passed the
last session of Parliament your majestie had pardoned your petitioners the aforesaid offences

Now for that your petitioners are both of them tradesmen and have wifes and a
great many small children to maintaine by their labour, who must of
necessity goe a begging for their livelyhood should your petitioners be transported

Your petitioners therefore doe most humbly beseech your majestie graciously
to permitt them to live here in England to enjoy the benefitt of
your majesties most gracious pardon, where your petitioners will live soberly
and honestly and labour diligently to maynteyne their wifes and
children and for ever (as in duty bound) pray for your majesties
prosperity and glory.

Sir William Boreman. SP 29/360 f. 360 (1674)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Sir William Boreman your majesties servant

Humbly sheweth
that your peticioner marryed the daughter of Doctor Robinson Arch=Deacon
of Glocester and chaplain to your royall father of blessed memory, whoe for his loyalty was
sequestred, plunderd and destroyed, and was forcet to that retirement which gave him
leisure to write the catholick annalls in Lattin, but hee dyed before his booke was
quite finished, and upon his death-bedd complayned to your petitioner that his 14 yeares labour
would be utterly lost, unless your petitioner would see it printed, which hee promest to doe
but hath not performed because hee cannot prevayle with any man to take soe hard and soe
great a task upon him as to make it fitt for the presse

And forasmuch as your peticioner is informed by learned men that noe man
is more able and fitted to compleat the worke then Doctor Thomas Peirse
one of your majesties chaplaynes, by reason of his great learning and reading in
antiquities,

Hee humbly prayes your majestie to recommend the compleating
of the deceased doctors great worke to the said Doctor Peirse
and if upon peruseall hee shall thinke it fitt for the presse, your
majesty will please to give your petitioner the priviledge of printing it
and that hee may allsoe assist your petitioner in makeing order for the
government of your majesties free school in East Greenewich which your peticioner
hath built and endowed for the mayntenance and breeding of 20
seamens sons, in the art of navigation

And (as in duety bound) hee shall pray etc:

Sir Maurice Eustace, knight. SP 63/335 f. 34 (1674)

Sir Maurice Eustace petition

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of Sir Maurice Eustace knight

Sheweth
that the mills and fishing weares of Kilmainham neare
Dublin which were vested in your majesty by the outlawry for treason of the
tenant in tayle, who held the same of the crowne, being granted to Sir Maurice
Eustace knight Lord Chancellor, and then one of the lords justices of Ireland, by your
majesties letters patents made in 1661 which patent was confirmed by provisoe page 81
of the Act of Settlement, and granted and confirmed to him and his heires by speciall
Act of Parliament and confirmed alsoe in page 48 of the Act of Explanation.

Yet your petitioner as assignee to the said Lord Chancellor after six yeares suites at
law, and in the chancery of the Exchequer having with great expence and trouble recovered
the premisses from persons, who got into the possession, and pretended title thereunto,
and having the last and this yeare expended considerable summes upon repairing the
said weares and mills, is now likely to be put to suit and trouble for the same upon
pretence of a title thereunto still remaining in your majesty. And as your petitioner
is informed there is a letter procured from your majesty in order hereunto, which mentions
your majesties intentions of annexing the same to the Phenix Park

And although your petitioner is advised by very learned councell of both kingdomes that
his title is very good even in stricktnesse of law, and is very well assured, that if there
were any roome left for avoyding his title, (as few patents in that kingdome if stricktly
examined by the rigour and [nicety?] of law could endure the test) your majesty would rather
confirme then avoyd his title to the same; having regard to the first grant made to the
said chancellor, and to the vast expences at law, and in reparations sustained by your
petitioner about the premisses.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly beseecheth your majesty to signify
your royall pleasure to your majesties Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, that
noe advantage may be taken of any defect in your petitioners
title, nor noe further proceedings be suffered upon the said
letter to the trouble or disquieting of your petitioners possession

And your petitioner will ever pray etc

Peter Heringhook and other merchants and Thomas Blake, master of the Flying Hare. SP 29/367 f. 82 (1675)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of Peter Heringhook Sir
John Lethulier knight Robert Jennings Humphry
Edwin Henry Hovener Thomas Crandell
Thomas [Faunton?] and other merchants and of
Thomas Blake master of the ship Flying Hare

Sheweth
that the 30th of October 72 your petitioners made their humble address to your majesty
setting forth that in observance of the 32 article of treaty with the states of the
United Provinces at Breda your majesty in councill was pleased to order all shipps
goods etc seized before the declaration of warr or which voluntarily came in
to be discharged it being declared by the said order that the states had consen=
ted by their embassador to set at liberty all his majesties subjects with their shipps
and goods to returne without any prohibition when they should think fit, as by the
order annexed appeareth.

That your petitioners having estates in Holland pursuant to the said order did
enter severall goods at the custome house at Amsterdam for England and
paid the duty and by permission shipped them in the said ship Flying Hare
being an English vessell for the port of London; that the said ship was in July
72 stopped at Harlingen where the said goods were unladen confiscated and sold
the admiralty there giveing this for reason, that they were laden contrary to
the placeat of the States Generall, prohibiting any goods to be sent for England
or France although the said agreement for withdrawing their estates was made since the said
placart, and thereby humbly praying his majesty to releeve them therein it was then
ordered by your majesty in councill that when a treaty of peace should happen to be
between your majesty and the States Generall of the United Provinces then this
complaint of the petitioners should be taken into consideracion, in order to their releefe
and satisfaction

That the 2d of Aprill 73 your majesty in councill was pleased effectually to
recomend this buisnes to your embassadors extraordinaries and plenepotentiaries
appointed to treat with the Dutch, and vigoriously to insist for full satisfaction for
your petitioners loss sustayned in the seizure and confiscacion of the said ship and lading
as by the 2 orders annexed

That your petitioners did accordingly make their aplication to your majesties embassadors
aforesaid and furnished them with all papers and documents for the makeing out your petitioners
claime if they had proceeded upon the treaty at Cullen, but the said treaty being
made and finished here, where nothing of that nature was taken into consideration
your petitioners had no benefit of your majesties gratious recomendacion, but your petitioners remaine without [illegible]
any manner of satisfaccion for their great losse

They now most humbly pray that your majesty will be gratiously pleased
to reasume the consideracion of their unjust sufferance by the Dutch and
to do herein for their releife as to your majesties great wisdome shall be more
agreeable

And they shall pray etc

John Grove, the Master Plasterer. SP 29/367 f. 156 (1675)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of John Grove
master playsterer to your majestie

Humbly sheweth
that your peticioner hath been a great sufferer even to the hazard of
his life in your majesties service, and hath ever since your majesties happy
restauracion served your majestie in making fretted ceelings and other
plaisterers worke in your majesties palaces, and many publick buildings
and houses of the nobility and that he hath many hundred pounds
due to him for your majesties workes; to the great impoverishment of his
poor family, and that he hath bred up a sonne in the same art very able
to serve your majestie as your majesties surveighour generall can testifie

May it therefore please your majestie graciously to conferre the place
of master playsterer in revercion to his sonne John Grove

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc:

Robert Watts of Rumford in the county of Essex, labourer. SP 29/367 f. 239 (1675)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of Robert Watts of Rumford
in the county of Essex labourer.

Humbly shewing
that whereas Rebecca Watts your petitioners wife hath bin convicted by a jury
and condemned to dye (by the commissioners authorized by your majesties comission for delivery
of the prisoners in the gaole for the liberty of Havering att Bower) for makeing away, or
murthering a childe, when it was newly borne; about 13 yeares since; by the mallice
(as your petitioner humbly conceiveth) of one single person, who swore; that your petitioners said wife, had
milke in her breasts all that tyme) was by the jury found guilty and condemned to dye
on Monday next, to your petitioners unsupportable greife; with whome she hath lived as an
obedient and dutifull wife about tenn yeares, and to the great lamentacion of all the neighborhood
in Rumford, amongst whome she hath lived many yeares in good repute and behaveiour.

May it therefore please your majesty of your transcendent
grace to grant your petitioners wife your majesties gratious repreeve
duering your majesties pleasure; untill some meanes may be used
for the further discovery of the mallice of the said person, and
of the innocencie of your petitioners said wife:

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

Peticion of Richard Watts
of Rumford labourer.

Joane Thorndell. SP 29/367 f. 246 (1675)

To the right honourable Sir Joseph Williamson
knight principall secretary of state.

The humble peticion of Joane Thorndell

Sheweth
that your petitioner is a very poore distressed woman, and must
utterly have perished unlesse his majestie (by your honours interposing
had been graciously pleased to pardon her husbands transporta=
=tion

Now in reguard of your petitioners great poverty which is
attested in the paper annexed she humbly beggs that
your honour as a farther act of charity will be pleased
to remitt your fees which your petitioner is noe way able to
satisfy but with her daily prayers for your honours
prosperity.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

The peticion of Joane Thorndell

Elizabeth Lady Clifford, widow of Thomas Lord Clifford. SP 29/378 f. 79 (1676)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Elizabeth Lady Clifford
widdow and relict of the right honourable Thomas Lord Clifford
late Lord Treasurer of England

Sheweth
that whereas your majestie out of your bounty and favour to the said Lord Clifford
was graciously pleased to authorize the trustees of your royall consort the Queen to grant unto
Ralph Freman esquier in trust for the said Lord Clifford a revertionary lease for 31 years of all those
mines of lead with the appurtenances within the soake and wapentake of Wirkesworth in the county of Derby
parcell of the Dutchy of Lancaster with the lott and copp within the said soake and wapentake of Wirksworth
and also the office called the beare master within the said soake and wapentake of Wirksworth with all proffites
commodities and advantages to the said office belonging, to comence after severall leases thereof then
in being and which will not be expired till Lady-day which shall be in the year of our Lord 1692 under the
yearly rents of £144 for the said mines lett and copp, and of £2.13.4 for the said bear masters
office, which lease was accordingly made by the said trustees of the Queens majestie who stood possessed
of the said premisses for the residue of the tearme of ninety nine years to them granted by your
majestie in trust for the said Queens majestie dureing her life and after in trust for your majestie your heirs
and successors. Now for as much as your peticioner hath nine children left her by the said Lord
Clifford which are but indifferently provided for and haveing leave from the Queen to peticion your majestie

Your petitioner humbly prays
that your majestie will be graciously pleased to grant unto some person of her nominacion
a reversion of the premisses for forty years to comence after the said tearme
of 31 years under the respective yearly rents aforesaid to enable her the more
liberally to educate and provide for her children

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

Sir John Shorter and others concerned in the four ships destroyed by the Dutch in the Elve near Hambourg. SP 29/378 f. 127 (1676)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humle petion of Sir John Shorter knight and others owners and [concer...?]
in the four shipps taken and destroyed by the Dutch in the Elve neer
Hambourg

Most humbly sheweth
that by your majesties grace and favour interposeing in your petitioners
behalfe with the senate and republick of Hambourg for releife towards the
great losses by your majesties petitioners susteined therin a complyance hath
bin made by the Hamburgers to the just payment of £35000 into
the hands of Sir Thomas Player to be distributed by warrant from Sir
Phillip Lloyd, Sir William Holcroft knights Thomas [Tyte?], Thomas Farrington [illegible]
Deering, Richard Thomson, and John Banckes esquires (commissioners imployed by your
majesties authority for distributeing the same according to a report
made therin by Sir Lyonell Jenkins judge of your majesties High Court
of Admiralty (and confirmed by your majestie in councell) the coppy wher=
=of is ready to be produced, in which there is allowed towards the freight
of your petitioners said four ships the summe of £1340 9 49 to be
divided to each owner and partners a due proportion

And in as much as many differences might have arisen in the
quantum due to each ship considering the length of time the ships lay on
that voyadge, and diversity of goods aboard each of them. Your petitioners being
the only parties concerned in them, resolved equally to devide the same to
each ship and owner a fourth part. And in pursuance thereunto, your
peticioners have demanded their severall parts and proportions which is refused them

And in as much as your petitioners are well assured it is your royall
pleasure that soe much as was paid by the Hamburgers for your petitioners
being £1340 9 4 pence they shall receive towards their loss (which was
more then four times that many) and in that your petitioners are noe way
releiveable but by your majesties royall comands, some of the said commissioners
refuzeing to give their warrants for payment thereof, contrary to the
authority and directions given them by your majesties command and information

Your petitioners therefore doe most humbly pray that it
may please your most sacred majestie to give your
express commands that they forthwith deliver to your
petitioners sufficient warrant to the chamberlaine of
London to pay the said summe of £1340 9 4 pence
or to shew cause why they should refuse soe to doe

And as in duty bound they
shall ever pray etc

Sir Peter Wyche, knight. SP 29/378 f. 188 (1676)

Petition of Sir Peter Wyche.

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of Sir Peter Wyche knight

Sheweth,
that whereas your petitioner hath modelled
and framed certain geographicall cards, representing
the severall kingdomes, countryes, and parts of the
world, whereby geography may be easily and fami-
liarly learnt by all sorts of people,

Your petitioner therefore most
humbly prays, that your majesty
will be gratiously pleased to
grant to him, and such as he shall
appoint, letters patents for
the sole benefit and priviledge
of printing, selling and vending
geographicall cards for the
space of fourteen yeares.

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

Robert Breton of London, merchant. SP 29/378 f. 227 (1676)

To the Kings most excellent majestie in councell

The humble peticion of Robert Breton of London merchant

Humbly sheweth
that your peticioners correspondent Thomas Martyn English merchante resideing
in Theneriff one of the Canary Islands sole owner of a small vessell now called the
Advice of the burthen of thirty tunns or thereabouts bought in the year 1672
soon after the beginning of the late warr with Holland on purpose to trade for
England your majestie by your royall proclamation haveing given licence
for forraigne shipps to import comodities which vessell made three voyages
laden with Canary wines the duties whereof amounted to a great vallue and
being worne out in that imploy was taken into a dock in Aprill last and
vallued but at tenn pounds by William Yeames shipwright at Ratcliffe
crosse where shee had a new keele made and new timbers and plankes and
severall other workes performed upon her for altering and repareing her
which cost two hundred and two pounds soe that at the time of her goeing out of the
dock aforesaid shee was allmost wholy English built as by the anexed
affidavit much more fully appeareth

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayes your sacred majestie
the premises considered will be gratiously pleased to
graunte your royall order that the said shipp may bee made
free of this your majesties kingdome your peticoner paying the
duties in such case usually paid and that the said shipp
may enjoy the benefitt and priviledge of a free shipp from the
third day of Aprill last that soe your peticioner may bee
capasited to continue her in the Canary trade which shee
was purposely bought for.

And your peticoner shall ever pray etc.

The governor and fellowship of Merchant Adventurers of England. SP 29/390 f. 88 (1677)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble peticion of the governour and fellowship of Merchants
Adventurers of England

Sheweth
that in the time of the warr with the States Generall of the United
Provinces in the yeare 1672 your majesty was pleased by your royall letter
of the 18o November, to signifie your will and pleasure to the company at Hamburg
that Master John Rankes a member of the company should have free liber
=ty to dispose and make sale of severall bales of stuffs at Lipsig, without
incurring the penalty of the companys orders in consideracion that he had
caused them to be removed thither, in obedience to your majesties direction
for their security and preservacion.

And forasmuch as the petitioners do with submission humbly conceive
that it was never your majesties intencion that the liberty before mencioned
should extend beyond that present exegency and that in case Master Bankes
should be suffered to continue his trade at Lipsig, whilst all the rest
of the members of the company are confined to the mart town of Hamburg
it would inavoydably tend, to the ruine of the rest of the traders, and ad
=minister to the city of Hamburg just occasion of discontente complaint
and indanger the losse of those many great priviledges of the company
enjoy from them.

The petitioners therefore humbly pray. That your majesty will
be graciously pleased by your royall lettere directed to the company
at Hamburg to declare the said liberty granted to Master Bankes
to be expired and determined, and to enjoyn hym from hence
forward to reduce and confine his trade in woollen manu
factures to the companys mart town, and regulate the same accor=
ding to the rules and orders of the fellowship equally with the rest
of the brethren, and that your majesty will be pleased to signify your royal
pleasure that all the members of the company submitt to the companys juris
dicion with all due obedience and to acquiesce in the acts and determina
=cions of their court, after by they shall have been orderly con
=cluded, according to the tenor and direccion of your majesties royall
charter.

Francis Savage, esquire. SP 29/390 f. 144 (1677)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Francis Savage esquire.

Sheweth
that John Bill esquire for offering some abuse unto your petitioners mother was
fined by the judges of your majesties bench the summe of two hundred
pounds and comitted unto prison untill he should pay the same.

Now soe it is may it please your majestie that there is some dispute
whether this fine doth belong to your majestie the Citty of London
or the Earle of Dorsett.

Your petitioner (beleiving that it doth belong to your majestie)
humbly prayes that (in regard the fine was sett for an
injury done to your petitioners mother) your majestie will be
graciously pleased to bestow your majesties right to the said fine
on the peticoner.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

The peticion of Francis Savage
esquire

Sir John Godolphin knight, vice-admiral of north Cornwall. SP 29/390 f. 195 (1677)

To the Kings most excellent majestie etc

The humble peticion of Sir John Godolphin knight
vice=admirall of the north parte of Cornwall

Sheweth
that the shipp the Armes of Waterford and her ladinge hath
for these nyne moneths last past at the vast expence and charge
of the peticioner and his officers benn kept and preserved according
to your majesties order dated the 22th of Aprill last directed to your
peticioner for keepinge and preservinge the same entire untill the
property thereof should be determined according to due course of
law which property is not like to be soe determined for a longe time
yet to come, the English claimers not having in all this time exhibited
any allegations in your majesties High Court of Admiralty whereby to
deduce their title to such shipp or ladinge nor examined any
wittnesses upon such allegations albe itt the safe keepinge and
preservinge the said shipp and ladinge doth dayly occation an
augmentation of greate expence and charges to your peticioner

May it therefore please your most excellent majestie
that you would be gratiously pleased; not to suffer any
order to be made or executed for the carrying away or
disposinge of the said shipp or ladinge, untill your
peticioner shall be first satisfied his just charges and
expences ocationed by the safe keepinge and preservinge
the same as aforesaid

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc

Henry Bishop of London, the king's chaplain. SP 29/390 f. 288 (1677)

To the Kings most excellent majesty

The humble petition of your majesties chaplain
Henry Bishop of London

Sheweth
that a suite hath bin commenced in your majesties name
against the Bishop of London and the rector of Orsett in
Essex, for the right of patronage of that rectory; altho
by your majesties gracious reference (February 13 1674) the
Lord Keeper adjudged it to your petitioners praedecessor:

Your petitioner therfore humbly prayeth that your majestie
will graciously be pleased to referr again the
hearing of your petitioners claime to the right honourable
the Lord High Chancellor, in the presence of your
majesties councill learned in the law: and if
the Lord High Chancellour shall judge that in
all equity the right of patronage of the said rectory
belongeth to your petitioner as Bishop of London,

That then your majestie will graciously be pleased
to revoke the great seal

And your petitioner shall ever pray

John Every, Thomas Chiffinch, Anthony Vane, John Walthew, William Shaw and James Windebank. SP 29/400 f. 39 (1678)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of John Every Thomas Chiffinch, Anthony Vane John
Walthew, William Shaw and James Windebank.

Sheweth
that according to your majesties gracious promise and intention that the groomes in
ordinary of your royall consort her majesties privy chamber, should receive the like
priviledges and advantages as others your majesties groomes in the like places have
alwaies paid unto them, being the allowance of 60 pounds per annum for boardwages to
each of them, which has beene and still is the constant allowance.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that in regard their charges in
progresses and continuall attendance upon the person of her royall majestie
is very considerable your majestie will graciously be pleased to confirme
unto your petitioners allowance thereof, by granting them your majesties warrant
to the lord steward his grace the Duke of Ormond or to any others your
majesties officers of the greene cloath to allow thereof and cause them
to be entered into the present book signed of establishment of your
majesties household.

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

The peticion of John Every and
others

John Every, Thomas Chiffinch, Anthony Vane, John Walther, William Shaw and James Windebank. SP 29/400 f. 40 (1678)

The peticion of her
majesties groomes of the
privy chamber

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of
John Every Thomas Chiffinch, Anthony Vane
John Walther, William Shaw, and James Windebank

Sheweth that according to your majesties gracious promise and intention
that the groomes in ordinary of your royall consort her majesties
privy chamber, should receive the like priviledges and advantages as
others your majesties groomes in the like places have allwise been paid
unto them, being the constant allowance of ten groates per diem
for boardwages to each of them, and to the very super num=
rary groomes of our [owne?] side who are exempted from all
duties either at home or in progresses.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that in regard
theire charges in progresses, and continuall attendance upon the
person of her royall majestie is very considerable your majestie
will graciously be pleased to confirme unto your petitioners allowance
thereof by granting them your majesties warrant to the
lord steward his grace the Duke of Ormond or to any others
yours majesties officers of the green cloath to allow thereof
and cause them to be entered in to the present book of establishment
of your majesties household.

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

The grooms of the king's privy chamber and the gentlemen ushers quarter waiters. SP 29/400 f. 92 (1678)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of the groomes of your majesties privy chamber and
the gentlemen ushers quarter waiters.

Sheweth
That your majestie hath beene graciously pleased to grant unto your cupbearers,
carvers, sewers, gentlemen ushers of your privy chamber, and gentlemen
ushers daily waiters, to each of them respectively the summe of four shillings per
diem in lieu of their dyett at the waiters table, during the late 15 months suspension.

That your petitioners constantly and duely attended your majesties service without any
neglect in their severall places, during all the time of the said suspension; in consideracion
whereof and for that they have an equall right to dyett at the said table; and that
this will be nothing out of your majesties purse, being noe more then what is already
alotted.

Your petitioners most humbly pray that your majestie will be
graciously pleased to grant each of them respectively the
like allowance during the said suspension out of the money
allotted by your majestie for that use.

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

The peticion of the groomes of the privy chamber etc.

William Hoare, clerk, chaplain to the king. SP 29/400 f. 232 (1678)

To the Kinges moste excellent majesty

The humble petition of William Hoare
clerke chaplaine to your majesty who
servd a cure in Southwarke all the time
of the laste plague and yet never received
institution into a living does now humbly
pray your majesty to confer on him
the rectory of Cowlsdon in the
county of Surry now in your majestys
gift by the vacancy of the see of
Canterbury and he shall ever pray.

William Hoare

Henry Tompkins, junior. SP 29/411 f. 83 (1679)

To the King's most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Henry Tompkins junior

Most humbly sheweth

That your petitioner is by trade a baker and liveth with his father in Saint [Martin?]
in the Fields; that in the yeare 1668 he was marryed and lived soberly with his
father and family untill September 74 being sent by his father with a
great summe of money to buy corne in the country in an inne in Bristoll most
unfortunately he mett with ill company; that by drink debauched him to
that degree that for 8 or 10 days he was not himself, and in that time the tapster
of the house perswaded him to marry the kitching wench one Elizabeth Gagecourt
and provided a lycence and a parson and as they say marryed your petitioner

That your petitioner having spent his money came to himself, and being informed
of his condicion left the said towne and womans company, and on foot [wandred?]
the country in a desolate condicion for almost 9 moneths; that from October 74
till now the said woman hath not complained or given him trouble, but now
most violently hath prosecuted your petitioner whereof hee is found guilty of [felony?]
within the clergy; your petitioner being most humbly and heartily sorry for his offense
and now and ever since 74 liveth as becometh him with his wife father and
mother and having received your grace and favour for suspending further
judgement your petitioner is most humbly thankfull intending never to transgresse
more.

May it please your sacred majestie out of your great wisdome [wonted?]
goodnesse and clemency to grant your petitioner your most gratious [warrant?]
for a pardon in this case, with direccions in the meane time that your
petitioner may have his liberty giving baile.

And as in duty bound your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Mary Collier, widow and mother of Richard Collier, a poor scholar aged about 9 years. SP 29/411 f. 123 (1679)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Mary Collier widow and mother
of Richard Collier a poore scholar of about 9 yeares of age

Sheweth

That your petitioner being the daughter of Sir Thomas Lunsford knight
(who was lieutenant of the Tower of London in the raigne of your majesties royal
father of blessed memory) to whom he was very faithfull and serviceable in
the beginning of the late troubles, and your petitioner marrying a cittizen of London
who having all he had burnt and consumed by the late dismall fire there and
dying in few yeares after left your petitioner with a great charge of 5 small children
in a distressed condicion for want of maintenance.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prayes that your majestie
will be graciously pleased to grant that her said son (who
is studious of learning) may be admitted to be a poore
schollar in Suttons Hospitall in the first place that shall
happen to be vacant and in your majesties proper gift after the
placing of such as have already obtained your majesties grant
for the like places there.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

The peticion of Mary Collier

Mary Collier, widow. SP 29/411 f. 124 (1679)

Widow Colliers peticion

To the right honourable Sir Joseph Williamson
principall secretary to his majestie.

The humble peticion of Mary Collier
widow.

Sheweth

That your petitioner is that sorrowfull widow whome your honour out
of your Christian bounty and charity was pleased to releive with the
summe of five pounds about 12 moneths since, which bounty did greatly
pleasure her and her three fatherless children, and for which both shee
and they have and ever shall praise God and pray for your honour.

That your petitioner hath before and since according to her meane
capacity) endeavoured to bestow upon her said children such
learning and educacion as they have bin capable of and
haveing a son named Richard Collier who is aged about
10 yeares and a good proficient in his learning.

Your petitioner most humbly prays your honour
to be pleased to graunt your honours favour
in procureing her said son may be admitted and
received into Suttons Hospitall or Christes
Hospitall there to be educated amongst
other children;

And your petitioner and all hers shall
still continue her and their fervent
prayers to God for your honour
etc

Sir Thomas Wolstenholme, baronet. SP 29/411 f. 399 (1679)

To the Kings most excellent majestie

The humble peticion of Sir Thomas Wolstenholme barronet.

Sheweth
that your petitioners father and himselfe have sustained in losses for their loyalty
to the crowne above 150000 pounds and hath effectively a debt of 36000 pounds due to him from your
majestie as it appeares stated by the minnits of the present lords commissioners of your majesties
Treasury, a coppy whereof is hereunto annexed, but your majesties affaires (their lordships
say) cannot admit of present payment, however they promised to represent the
justice of your petitioners pretencions to your majestie and that if any office should fall
wherein your petitioner could be serviceable to your majestie that your majestie would
be pleased to bestow it upon him.

And forasmuch as your petitioners sufferings and losses are well knowne to his highness
Prince Rupert, under whose command in the late warrs your petitioner lost his brother, and his
unckle Sir Thomas Dallison, your petitioner did address himselfe to the Prince to intercede to
your majestie to grant the first commissioners place of the customes that shall happen to
become voyd, in regard your majestie cannot at present, satisfie the aforesaid debt of
36000 pounds which should be a provision for your petitioners children, and in regard your petitioner
hath a sonn is fittly qualified for the said employ, all his family haveing served
your majestie in the businesse of the customes for a hundred yeares past:

Your petitioner doth most humbly beseech your majestie to conferr
upon his sonne a grant of the first commissioners place that shall
become vacant in your majestys customes in lieu of his said
sufferings.

And he shall ever pray etc.

The peticion of Sir Thomas
Wolstenholme barronet.