Petitions in the State Papers: 1650s

The inhabitants of the town of Woolwich. SP 18/9 f. 67 (1650)

To the right honourable councell of state

The humble petition of the inhabbitance of the towne of
Woolwich

Sheweth
that your petitinors the greatest part of them consisting
of poore men imployed in the states service at Woolwich have
nothing but what they labor hard for and have great
charges to mainetaine; there being at present a wharfe
leading to the states dockyard there for the building
and repareing of shipes fallen very much to decay
by reason of waightie loades carted to the said yard in
so much that your petitineres are no wayes able to cumpas
the charge thereof to repaire the same, by which
meanes there can bee no timber planke or outher
provitiones transported to the said dockyard by land
carriages; or any passengeres horse or foote without
indaingering them selves if the said wharfe bee not
speediely repaired and timely prevented will
indainger the rewin and falling downe of the
said church belonging to the said towne

The peetitineres therefore humbly prayeth
they maye have an order granted from thee
right honorable the Counsell of State to the
Comissioneres of the Navie for the issewing of
so much wast timber and [plank?] remaineing in
the stores not fiting for the shiping as will repaire the
said wharfe or that the same may bee
repaired by what outher meanes your lordshipes
in youre great wisdome shall think fit

And they as in dutie bound shall
pray for your honoures health

25 April 1650

Elias Slearke, waterman. SP 18/9 f. 137 (1650)

To the honourable the Commissioners of the Navy
and Customes.

The humble petition of Elias Slearke waterman
sheweth:

That upon the falce information of one Richard Emery, who
hath as your petitioner is enformed taken his oath that your petitioner
on Munday morning last past at one of the clock in the morn
carried severall pieces of linnen cloth out of a Flemming
and in the rescue thereof being pursued to the bridge by the
said Emery knockt him down twice, your petitioner stands committed
to a messenger

That your petitioner is able to prove by sufficient wittnes, that the
said Richard Emery on the said Sunday at night when he went
aboard the said Fleming, was absolutely disguised in drinke,
but also that your petitioner was at the time by him pretended at
his own house in bed; the said Emery at this time prosecu
ting your petitioner upon this falce account to disable him, and
prevent your petitioneres charge entended to be exhibited against him
your petitioner being able to prove, that although the said Rich-
ard Emery serveth the state as a watchman by night, yet
in the day time he frequently stealeth the custome of goodes
to the great damage of the state, as your petitioner is able to
prove by competent witnes if admitted by your honours thereto.

The premisses considered may it please your honours to
take your petitioner into consideration, and upon proofe of the
premises not only to free from him from his restraint
but also to enable him in the discovery and prosecution
of this and the like abuses dayly committed by the said
Emery and others, he being resolved withall diligence
and faithfullnes to performe the same [illegible]

For which he shall pray etc.

[illegible]

• Elias Slearke

George Wood, commissary for the clothing of the soldiers in Ireland. SP 46/95 f. 284 (1650)

To the right honourable the Councell of State

The humble peticion of George Wood commissary for the
clothing of the souldiers in Ireland.

Sheweth.

That your petitioner in May last, did exhibite his peticion and charge against Sir John Clotworthy
Master John Davis and William Sommers for their imbezelling of severall clothes, victualls and armes
which your petitioner was authorized to receive and transport for the service of Ireland.

That your petitioner hath fully proved the said charge against them, before the Irish Committee
(unto whom the examinacion thereof by your honoures order was referred) and a report thereof
made unto your honoures by Collonel Jones, whoe likewise did then acquaint yow with another
informacion against the said Sir John, exhibited by Master Anthony Larder of London merchant

That your honoures did then order that the paper of Master Larder and of your petitioner should bee referred
to the House, and reported by the Lord Commissioner Lisle, which accordingly was done:

That the House upon the Lord Commissioner Lisle his report, did order that the informacion of Master
Larder bee referred to a committee to examine.

But soe it is, (may it please your honoures,) that in your honoures annexed report, and the order of
the house, there is not any mention made of your petitioner his abovesaid peticion, or for his
releife, having suffered very much by imprisonment, and otherwise, and meerely for want of
such moneys (long since due) as your petitioner at the request of the Irish Committee became ingaged
in for the accompt of Ireland (besides) his arreares above these 7 yeares, not yet audited

Therefore your petitioner (as formerly) most humbly prayeth, that such satisfaccion may
bee made unto the state by the said Sir John Clotworthy, Master John Davis and William
Sommers for their indirect practises proved against them, as your honoures
shall thinke fitt.

That your petitioner (having faithfully performed his trust) may by your honoures
order bee restored to his imployment, or otherwise bee reduced, and have his
arreares audited and allowed untill such reducement, and receive such part thereof
as that your petitioner may fully pay his creditoures concerning Ireland, and bee enabled
further to serve your honoures and the state, and in these hard times to maintaine his
family, or releevd, as your honoures shall thinke fitt.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

George Wood;

Referred 12 Junii
1650

The peticion of George
Wood commissary.

George Shawe of Stayne Moore, Westmorland. SP 46/104 f. 279 (1650)

To the honourable commissioners for compounding with
delinquents att New Castle.

The humble peticion of George Shawe of Stayne
Moore in the county of Westmorland:

Sheweth
that he assisted the enemy in the last warre
against the Parliament.

Wherefore he humbly prays to be admitted
to a reasonable fyne and composition for his
delinquency and he shall
pray etc

Georg Shaw

June 6th
1650

Colonel George Crompton. SP 18/15 f. 26 (1651)

To the right honourable the councell of state.

The humble petition of Colonell George Crompton

[Sheweth?]
that whereas your honors have bene pleased to conferr
upon him soe great a trust as the chardge and comaund of your
forts of Tilbury and Gravesend.

And whereas there is great want of supplies of armes,
amunition and other warlike provisions, with necessary repaires
of the workes and fort of Tilbury (as by the paper annexed may
appeare.)

Your petitioner (to the end he may be enabled faithfully to
discharge his said trust according to your honours expectacion
and his owne desires) humblie prayeth that yow will
be pleased to take the premisses into your consideracion
and to give such order for the said supplies as in your
grave wisdomes shall be thought meete.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• G: Crompton

The six gunners now acting service for the safety of the Tower of London. SP 18/15 f. 69 (1651)

To the right honourable the Lord Bradshaw pressident
of the honourable the councell of state

The humble adresses of the six gunners now acting
service for the safety of the Tower of London

Most humbly shewing
that they your supplicantes being by order therunto appoynted
have done there true and faithfull service, as is by the anexed
certificates certified, and have due to them from the 21th of
January 1649 to the 20th of January 1650 the some of 209 pounds and 10 shillings
as by their debentures signed by the leiuetenant appeareth
by the want of which sayd paye, your poore supplicantes are exposed
to very great wantes, and they haveing bin payd their former paye
by order from the comittee of revenewe their treasury as by
their last order heereunto anexed appeereth

Doe humbly crave your honours best furtherance of their
distressed cause to that sayd comittee or where else your
honour thinkes fitt in their behalfe, that their may bee some
speedy order taken, for your supplicantes present supply of
that present dew, and for the future humbly crave that your
poore supplicantes may bee supplyed monthly or quarterly
with their sallery, for the releife of there necessities as
may seeme best in theire honours wisedomes and tender concideracion

And they as in all duty bound shall pray etc

The governor, deputy assistants and fellowship of the merchant adventurers of England. SP 46/96 f. 44 (1651)

To the right honourable the Councell of State

The humble peticion of the governour deputy assistantes and
fellowshipp of merchantes adventurers of England

Most humbly sheweth
that the peticioners by letteres of the 24th of Aprill last from that part of their
fellowshipp which resideth in Hamburgh in Germany have received a copie of an humble addresse
made the 22th of the same month by the court there unto this honourable councell, which they doubt not but
is come to your honours handes, and therefore according to their duty to the comon wealth, aswell
as that intrest which they have in the prosperity thereof, the petitioners doe humbly hope it wilbe judged noe
presumpcion in them, if they interpose amongst your other many and more weighty affaires, and putt your honours
in mynd of the said humble addresse of their said brethren, and earnestly pray your honours patronage
of them both, in this oppression and neglect under which the well affected of this nation and the trade
thereof doe suffer not onely there at Hamburgh, but in all the partes of their priviledges beyond
the seas. The petitioners shall not trouble your honours with the repetition of the particulars in the
said addresse, they beinge therein at full represented, onely they crave leave

To be humble and instant peticioners with your honours, that by your favourable
and speedy report, of the low condicion of the fellowship and their trade in
those partes

1 First that effectuall letters may be obtayned from the Parliament to the
senate of Hamburgh wherein the breaches upon them may according to the
dignity and honour of the Parliament be with due resentment expostulated

2 Secondly that your honours would please to continue your encouragement
to your resident in those partes, on whose esteeme abroad the honour of the
nation and trade of this fellowshipp doe soe much depend

3 Thirdly and lastly, that your honours would please effectually to recommend
to the Parliament the establishing of the government of the fellowship by
owning them in some spetiall manner. For as the petitioners have formerly humbly
declared themselves unto your honours, they are on all handes sencible, that unless
the Parliament doe by some publique act confirme them and their government
as by the former supreame authority of this nation upon all changes they were have bin
b at enabled, and from there to then [illegible], the stranger abroad with whome they
deale, will looke on them under noe other notion, but as stragling merchantes and
soe will take advantage to antiquate all those priviledges and immunityes which
the fellowshipp with soe great charge, in soe many ages hath obtayned
abroad, and under which the staple and cheife trade of this nation was first
founded, [illegible] dayly grew up, and at last flourished to the great benifitt
of the common wealth, and to the emulacion of all neighbouring countryes

And the petitioners shall pray etc

• Samuel Avery governour

Robert Launson, shipwright. SP 46/114 f. 7 (1651)

To the right honourable the Commissioners for the Admiralty
and Navy.

The humble peticion of Robert Launson shipwright

Sheweth
that your petitioners ability, life, conversation, fidelity and good affection
doth appeare by the certificate annexed,

That your petitioner was last carpenter of the Beare which he enjoyed
untill sicknes disabled him, and his continued desire being to serve
the state with all fidelity, as formerly.

The premises considered

Your petitioner most humbly prayeth that your
honours would conferre upon him the master carpenters
place, of the new frigott at Debtford or
Woolwich, or any other your honours shall thinke
fitt

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

The peticion of
Robert Lawnson
shipwright

January 20

The Muscovia Company adventurers to Greenland. SP 46/96 f. 15 (1652)

To the right honourable the Councell of State

The humble peticion of the Muscovia Company adventurers to Greenland

Sheweth, that whereas their predecessours did long agoe with great industry and hazard (upon
the encouragement of severall grauntes confirmed by an act of Parliament) discover the continent
of Greenland, and have ever since with much losse, expence and charge mayntayned the whale
fishing there, and the interest of this nation, (against many insolencyes and outrages committed
upon them by the Dutch) to the great benifitt and service of this common=wealth, aswell in
encrease of navigation and marriners as the importacion of those usefull commodityes
of whale oyle and finns formerly imported from Biskey and other forreigne partes, as
the peticioners have clearely made manifest, both unto the committee of the Navy, and lately
unto the councell for trade

And whereas your peticioners have made severall addresses to the honourable persons
aforesaid, remonstrating the great discouragementes lying upon them through the disturbance
of some persons who were never interessed in the discovery, defence, charge or losse of
the peticioners in the common=wealths behalfe, yet nevertheless have intruded into their
harbours and disturbed their fishing, and given occasion of many quarrelles, and much danger of
blood shed there, and also many vexatious law suites and disputes here at home, by reason whereof
your peticioners are much injured and dishartned, and their stocks yearely impared

And notwithstanding that your peticioners have obteyned both by the judgment of the
Committee of the Navy in the yeare 1645, and of the councell for trade the last yeare
an order, that the two harbours of Bellsound and Hornesound, should be reserved for the
company to fish in soly to themselves, (the rest of the coast beeing left free) yet the
sayd persons have continued, and did the last yeare molest your petitioners as formerly
to their exceeding great dammage and discouragement

Your peticioners having lately againe applyed themselves to that councell
and being certifyed they ought to make their addresses now to your
honours doe humbly pray

That this honourable councell will please seasonably to be a
meanes to the Parliament (the tyme of the yeare now approching)
to settle that fishing, and to put a period to the disputes
aforesaid, betweene the peticioners and those others in such manner
as to your wisedomes shalbe thought fitt for the fynall determining
the resolucions and endeavours of the petitioners who (as in duty
bound) shall pray etc

The governor, deputy assistants and fellowship of the merchant adventurers of England. SP 46/96 f. 109 (1652)

To the supreame authority of the nation the
Parliament of the commonwealth of England

The humble petition of the governour deputy assistentes and
fellowship of merchantes adventureres of England

Most humbly sheweth that by reason their foreigne market was through the petitioneres
greate exportations in the better season of the yeare
filled with the clothes and other woollen manufactures of this land and they had noe
occasion to send out their appointed ships, as was usuall, at the end of this yeare for
their mart and residence in Hamburgh in Germany, which cast the company there
upon a necessity to take on two Dutch vessells called bowyers of the one Dirick Swart
master, and of the other Hans Clauson master, to returne those comodityes which
since, by way of barter have unavoydably bin commuted for woollen manufactures
of this land, and if not shipt for England before the next spring, and here vented, would
both be subject, for the most part, to perish upon their handes, and in the whole would
disenable the petitioners to take of the cloth and other draperyes and stuffes which by the
produce thereof they were againe to buy up here in England this next spring; amongst
which foreigne returnes there being some comodityes which may be disputed as under
the penalty of the late act of Parliament 9o October for encrease of shipping and
encouragement of the navigation of this nation.

The petitioners doe humbly pray the dispensacion of Parliament for these
two vessells, and all such part of their lading as may be lyable to the said
act. And this the rather, forasmuch as the same were in the handes of and shipped
abourd the said vessells by the transporters before the said act could come
to their knowledge, and the said bowyers proceeded on their voyadge before
any intelligence thereof, only were held up in the river of Elve, before
and ever since for want of wind and weather to put out to sea, as by the
annexed certificate of the said fellowship at Hamburgh, under their seale
will more fully appeare. The which favour as it will at present conduce to the
better enabling the petitioners to take off the cloth and woollen manufactures of
this land, soe for the future the petitioners will soe order their trade that none
shalbe found more ready to obey and comply with this or any other act by the
Parliament in their wisedome judged for the advancement of
trade

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

• Samuel Avery governour

Thomas, Earl of Cleveland. SP 46/96 f. 140 (1652)

To the right honourable the Councell of State.

The humble peticion of Thomas Earle of Cleaveland.

Sheweth
that the deepe sence which he hath of the late noble favour which
through the providence of God the Parliament and therein yourselves
were pleased to shew unto your peticioner in respeting his life from the
hand of the grave, as it presseth him to the most serious acknowledgment
which his heart is capeable off, and which shall dwell upon him whilst his daies
are continnued, soe it incourageth him to present once more his humble
desires to them of whose goodnes he hath soe signall a testimony.

And therefore humbly prayes.

That you would favourably grant him the liberty of the Tower
for a little refreshment of his aged person broken with soe great
variety of afllictiones as it hath pleased the almighty to
lay upon him.

And your peticioner shall pray etc

Cleveland

16o February 1651
Libertie of the Tower

Petition of
the Earl of Cleveland

Desires the libertie
of the Tower
16o February 1651
[illegible]

Thomas Billingsley. SP 84/159 f. 107 (1652)

To the right honourable the Council of State

Thomas Billingsley in this his most humble peticion sheweth.

That in the yeare 1622 in the moneth of February, in Amboyna, in the East India:
the Dutch, then and there residing, for the East India Company of Holland; continued
and executed an horrible massacre upon the persons of divers English merchantes
and an utter vastation of their estates, both then (as it were) under the (inhumane)
protection of the Dutch. Amongst which tortured and unjustly executed
number, Emanuel Thompson your peticioners uncle was one tortured so much, and
so long, that it would even torture expression to delineate. To whose estate your
peticioner is administratour; amounting as appeareth per the annexed to 250 pounds sterling
so long since

May it please your honoures out of sacred love to justice, from the
noble sence of the long vilipended, and suffering honor of our
nation, so long bleeding in their tortures, and expiring in their deathes;
and allso out of the tender resentment of your peticioners personall
deprivations, of the pretious life of his uncle, (a man of eminent partes)
as allso of his long deteyned estate, to take such order for
publique and private satisfaction as may consist with your
unblemisht honoures and wisedomes.

And your peticioner as in duty bound, shall ever pray to the throne
of grace to make you as honorable in peace as prosperous in warre

Thomas Billingsley

Petition of
Thomas Billingsley
presented 6o January 1651

Referred to the committee
for forraigne affaires

Edward, Earl of Worcester, now prisoner in the Tower. SP 18/32 f. 66 (1653)

To the right honorable the Councell of State

The humble petition of Edward Earle of
Worcester etc now prisoner in the Tower

Most humbly sheweth

That he confidently conceives that had hee bin taken with armes in his
hand, your lordships would not have left him his wife and family more then all
others destitute of meanes to buy bread and necessaries for livelihood, none
haveinge payd dearer for what hee hath done, and now havinge submitted
himselfe voluntarily, and encouraged, after above six months imprison-
ment. Hee yet liveth but uppon creditt, which is hourly like to fayle, [his?]
wife havinge neither joynture; nor penny out of his estate in lieu thereof,
nor hee any mainteynance

Bee therfore pleased to consider his unparaleld con
dition, and to graunt your petitioner a competent main=
teynance for himselfe, wife and family

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Worcester

Petition of
the Earle of Worcester
13 January 1652

William Starke, Richard Lewis and Mathew Arnold, masters of several ships of Yarmouth. SP 18/32 f. 89 (1653)

To the right honourable the Councell of State

The humble petition of William Starke, Richard Lewis, and
Mathew Arnold maisters of severall shipps of Yarmouth [illegible]

Humbly sheweth that your petitioners being imployed from
Yarmouth to London, with coales for the use of the citty of
London lie here at very great charges

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honors
wilbe pleased to grant your warrantes for your peti
tioners to retourne home againe with theire vessels
and men without lett or molestation videlicet.

William Starke master of the Frendshipp burthen about 100 tunn
with 7 men and one boy

Richard Lewis master of the Supply burthen about 80 tunns
with 6 men and 1 boy

Mathew Arnold master of the Society burthen about 140 tunns
with 8 men and 2 boyes

And your petitioners
shall pray.

6 January 1652
Recomended Commissioners Admiralty to consider
whether these men may goe.

Joseph Ames, master of the Hart frigate of Yarmouth. SP 18/32 f. 89a (1653)

To the right honourable the Councell of State

The humble petition of Joseph Ames master
of the Hart frigate of Yarmouth of
the burthen of 70 tonns

Humbly sheweth that he is lately come from
the Barbadoes laden with suger and haveing
bene forth 14 monthes, lieing here at
very great charges.

The petitioner therefore humbly pray that [your?]
honors wilbe pleased to grant your [wave?]
for your petitioner to retourne home
againe with the vessell and six men and
one boy without lett or molestation.

And your petitioner
shall pray etc.

Likewise Joseph Waters master of the [Mayflower?]
of Yarmouth burthen 60 tonns who came [to?]
London with fish, butter and cheese may
retourne againe with 6 men and 1 boy and
William Waters master of the Sarah of Yarmouth
burthen 40 tunns who brought up the
like vituall; may retourne againe without
lett or molestation, with 4 men and 1 boy

And they shall pray etc

10 January 1652

George Reade of London, merchant. SP 46/114 f. 98 (1653)

The peticion of
George Reade of London
merchant

To the right honourable the commissioners of Parliament for ordering
and manageing the affaires of the Admiralty and Navy:

The humble peticion of George Reade of London merchant

Sheweth
that he formerly by his tradeing beyond seas brought in
[500?] pounds custome yearely into England, but by reason of the
King of Portugalls stay and squestration in the yeare 1650
sustained such losse that he and his family hath endured much
since that tyme.

That your petitioner served as purser of the Charity a fire
ship wherein he behaved himselfe faithfully, and gott such hurt
in the states service as hath maimed him, as may appeare
by the certificate annexed.

Your petitioner most humbly prayes your honours favour
in conferring upon him a cleark of the
cheques places in such, ship or friggot
your honours shall thinke fitt in the present
expedition.

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

The peticion of George
Read for clerke of the
checquer.
January 24
1652

Peter Darton of Barnstable, mariner. SP 18/65 f. 3 (1654)

To the right honourable his highnes councell

The humble petition of Peter [Darton?] of Barn
stable mariner

Sheweth
that the George Bonaventure of about 30 tonns
whereof Christopher Dan was master laden with salt
for your petitioners account was about the 28 of November last
taken by the Nonesuch frigate belonging to the common
wealth and carried into Perin in Cornwall.

That upon your petitioners humble suit unto his highnes
for restoring his said boat with her lading upon payment
of salvage according to the act in that behalfe his
highnes referred the matter unto your honours in pursuance
whereof yow were pleased to refer the same unto the
judges of the Admiralty

Now forasmuch as the recovering of the said
boate and salt by the ordinary cours of the Admiralty
would stand in about ten poundes charges which is more
then the salvage it selfe comes unto an expence only for
formality sake and altogether unnecessarie which your petitioner can
in no wayes beare in these dead time of trading.

Your petitioner humbly prayes your honours will be pleased to
order the comissioners for prize goodes as was in prac
tice during the late Parliamentes and Councill of State to
doe therein according to justice and the act of
Parliament in that behalfe

And your petitioner shall pray etc

Sir John Jacob, Sir Job Harby, and Sir Nicholas Crispe. SP 18/65 f. 48 (1654)

To his highnes, Oliver Lord Protector of the common=wealth
of England, Scotland and Ireland etc.

The humble peticion of Sir John Jacob, Sir Job Harby,
and Sir Nicholas Crispe.

Sheweth
that they want wordes to expresse their infinit obligacions
to your highnes, for the manifold favores they have ever received
in their unhappy buysines of the forrests, wherein though they may
miscarry by the various fancyes of a multitude, and so are likely
to be torne in peices by them, who are the authors of it; yet
they shall submit with all patience, and content, so that your highnes is satisfyd
that they have discharged their dutyes to their powre.

What now to offer to your highnes, is accompanyed with feare, [illegible] least they may
yet seeme unhappily to obstruct the publique service. Yett
because all the creditors are not of one mind, and some have offred their
moneys (notwithstanding the humors of others) and that many may recover
in time from that infection, that others ill affected have infused.

They humbly pray your highnes, once more, that as in the publique faith
joyned with their debt, so it may (unless inconvenient) be [be yet?] ad=
mitted also for the peticioneres and creditores as shalbee of a better minde, to
goe on upon the said act, as upon part of their debt, without limitacions
of sommes and dayes of payment (which have hitherto rendred ther indea=
vors fruitless) and that for such monyes so brought in, doubled
billes may bee given; and they hope by [this?] yet to bring some
service to the common=wealth.

Their reasones for this are, that they conceive they shall [advance?]
the doubling of the publique faith by their example.

They shall keepe the credit of the act in force, and make it [more?]
active by this conjunction.

And lastly they shall keepe on their service to the publique
wherein they shall not spare their owne estates to give incourag
ment to those, that in time may bee wrought into a better understan
ding of their owne advantages. All which they humbly [submit?]
to your highnes wisedome,

And shall ever pray for your
highnes etc.

John Jacob Job Harby Nicholas Crisp

Read 13 January
1653

Sir John Jacobs petition

Thomas Rickett, master of the Plover. SP 18/78 f. 213 (1654)

Thomas Rickett master
of the shipp Plover
peticion

To the right honourable the commissioners for the Admiralty and Navy.

The humble peticion of Thomas Rickett master of the shipp Plover.

Sheweth.

That your petitioner having for many yeares served the state, and by his many
good services approved himselfe faithfull to the comon=wealth and present
government the right honourable the Councell of State was pleased by their order
of the 16th of November [illegible] 1652: to appoynt him master of the said Dutch
prize the Plover, wherein hee hath to this present faithfully served, and
merrited your honours favoures, as by his lettere from Collonel Cobbett presented to Generall
Moncke of recommendacion to some place of higher command in your service may
appeare.

His humble request is that your honours would be pleased to continue
him in his said commaund either in the said shipp or some bigger friggott
as your honours in your wisdomes shall thinke fitt that hee may be
further serviceable to this common=wealth

And hee shall dayly pray etc

Certificate must be produced

[apt certified John?]

Humble Ward, esquire. SP 46/109 f. 53 (1654)

To the honourable the trustees for sale of forrests lands

The humble peticion and clayme of Humble Ward
esquier.

Sheweth, that your petitioner being seized in fee to him and
his heires by vertue of an indenture dated the
seaventh day of August 1612 of the capitall
messuage then called the Bush now Gooses and
of some other tenements and severall parcells
of land meadow and pasture thereunto belonginge
mentioned in a schedule and otherwise to the said
indenture annexed lyeing att Havering in Bower
in the parish of Horne Church in the county
of Essex:

That your petitioner takeing notice of an act of Parliament
lately passed for the deafforrestacion sale and improvement
of the forrests and of the honours mannors lands etc within
the usuall limitts and perambulations of the same heretofore
belonginge to the late King Queene and Prince doth accordinge
to the directions of the same act make this his clayme to his
right of common for all manner of cattle estovers pannage
turbary and other proffitts rights and advantages belonginge
to the capitall messuage and premisses aforesaid which your
petitioner (and those under whome hee claymes) have tyme out
of minde enjoyed.

And therefore humbly prayes an allowance of
his right and interest claymed as aforesaid to bee
sett forth and satisfied accordinge to the said
act.

And hee shall pray etc.

Referred to Master Graves

Master Wards peticion

Thomas Kelsey, lieutenant of Dover Castle, Walter Walker, judge of the Admiralty of Cinque Ports, and others. SP 18/94 f. 1 (1655)

To his highness Oliver Lord Protector of the common wealth of
England Scotland and Ireland.

The humble peticion of Thomas Kelsey esquier lieutenant of Dover Castle
Walter Walker doctor of the lawes, judge of the Admiralty of Cinque Ports
Thomas St Nicholas esquier steward of the Court of Chancery of the
said Cinque Portes John Raven gentleman clerke of Dover Castle, and
Richard Henly bodar of the said castle

Sheweth

That the severall yearely stipendes mencioned in the schedule annexed have been
anciently and formerly paid to the petitioners predecessours and to some of the petitioners out
of the publique revenue of this common wealth for the services by them respectively
performed in the said severall places. And the petitioners have for the severall
yeares also in the said schedule mencioned been exercised in, and discharged the said
offices, and yet the said stipendes have not been paid, but are in arrere for the
time in the said schedule expressed.

The petitioners therefore humbly pray your highnes to be pleased
to grant your order for the payment of the said arreres

And they shall pray etc

The sixth day of December 1654
His highnesse pleasure is to referre
this petition to the consideration of the councill
Lisle Long

Peticion of the governor and
officers of Dover Castle and
Cinque Portes.

Lady Margaret Levingston, Mistress Bridgett Bray, Mistress Judeth Hobson, and Mistress Frances Blundew. SP 18/94 f. 5 (1655)

To his highnesse Oliver Lord Protector of England
Scotland and Ireland.

The humble peticion of the Lady Margarett Levingston, Mistress Bridgett
Bray, Mistress Judeth Hobson, and Mistress Frances [Blundew?].

Sheweth,
that your petioners allowances of fower powndes per weeke from your highnesse, and the
right honourable the councell, beinge neere expired, they beinge aged, much indebted, and every way
fully within the charity of your highnesse speach to the right honourable the councill, who [desi?]
red them to act for God, and perticulerly remembred them to consider to releive the distres
ses of the poore and needy, and of whose goodnesse accordingly they have had some experience

They humbly implore your highnesse, not to take the breade from them, you have
of late fed them with, but that you will be pleased gratiously to under write
this there peticon, that Master Gualter Frost continue to pay them on accordinge
to theire warrant from the date of the expiration thereof untill further order,
that soe they may goe to theire graves in peace with blessinges for you in theire
mouths, for chosinge rather to be theire good Joseph, in seasonably dispencinge
foode to them, in theire greate famine (they haveinge neare fower thousand pounds in
arreare) then like the unfaithfull steward in the gospell, while there is plenty
in his masters house: and who knowes, but for these very endes, your highnesse is come in [illegible]

And they shall pray

Thomas Marshall, collector of the customs at Rye. SP 18/94 f. 13 (1655)

To the right honourable
The commissioners to whom the matters depending before the counsell are refered

The humble petition of Thomas Marshall collector of the customes att Rye

Sheweth
that upon an order of the counsell of the 8th of August 1654 here annexed,
and some former of older date, he hath disbursed for the relief of forain
seamen taken by the state's ships att sea, and sent to the said towne
of Rye to be from thence transported over into France, the summe
of thirty one pound five shelings, as appeareth by the bills, here
also annexed.

Therefore your petitioner humbly desires the counsell to give order
for the repaying the said summe unto him according the said orders
of the counsell

And he shall as in duty bound more and more pray etc

John Blackmore, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of General Disbrowe's regiment. SP 18/94 f. 46 (1655)

To the right honourable his highnesse councell

The humble petition of John Blackmore major
to Generall Disbrowes regiment on behalfe of
the officers and soldiers of the said regiment.

Humbly sheweth.

That two troopes of the said regiment are every night
upon the guard at the mewes.

That since November the first they have had three
bushells of coales, and one pound of candles to each troope allowed them,
and provided by one Daniel Wynne the keeper of the
mewes.

That the said Wynne, refuseth to supply the said
guard any longer, for that hee is much in arreare,
and hath been informed that hee is not like to be paid out
of contingences as formerly, nor is there any way open for
his satisfacton; soe that the officers and soldiers in the said
regiment are like to bee put upon great streights in this
cold season.

Therefore hee humbly praies, that this honourable
councell would forthwith grant their order for
moneys to pay the said arreares, and to provide
this most necessary expence without which they
are not able to doe the duty one night comfortably.

And your petitioner shall pray etc

• J: Blackmore

Henry Wilson. SP 18/123 f. 75 (1656)

To the right honourable the counsell
sitting at Whitehall

The humble peticon of Henry Wilson

Sheweth on the behalfe of thirtie five soldiers with himselfe in the
county of Nottingham whoe did raise both horse and armes at there owne proper
costs and charges for the good and safetie of this comon wealth when the late
insurrection was at Salisbury and other places whoe were under the command
of Captaine George Palmer for the space of one moneth and then disbanded
without any satisfaction for there saide service. Your peticoner comeing
up to London on purpose for aredresse herein, did through the meanes of Comissary
Generall Whaley did gaine a warrant from your honoures directed to Master Frost the
treasurer for the payment of fiftie fower pounds twoe shillinges and six pence
which saide warrant Master Frost hath not discharged by reason he saith he have
not money in his custody, and forasmuch as your saide peticoner haveing peticoned
the lords commissioners of his highnes treasurie in the same. Whose answere of theres
to your peticoner is that they cannot disburse any money without a warrant from
this honourable counsell.

Your peticoner humbly prayeth your honors wilbe pleased to
consider of his long stay in London which is now above
ten weekes past, as alsoe of his expences, haveing nothing to
subsist uppon, and graunt unto your peticoner awarrant for
the receiving of the money he waites for. For himselfe and
the rest whoe hath entrusted him.

And your peticoner will ever pray etc:

Henry Roach, John Wright, William Wood and partners of Wapping, mastmakers. SP 46/98 f. 1c (1656)

To his highnes the Lord Protector of England Scotland and Ireland, and the
dominions thereunto belonging.

The humble petition of Henry Roach, John Wright, William Wood and partneres of Wapping mastmakeres

Humbly shew, that in the year 1653 when the Navy was in greate distresse for mastes and could not be supplyed from
Norway nor Eastland, then to encourag your petitioneres to provide mastes for your highnes Navy, they had imprest
unto them, in prize shipps fitting for that service 2218 pounds, which was to be discompted out of the price of the mastes when
delivered, and accordingly they repaired furnished and sett forth the said shipps att great charge, and with greate stockes
in them for New England, where they procured their lading with such mastes as never before had come into England
butt att their comeing home were taken by the Hollanderes nere the Landes Ende, and carried through the Channell
into Flushing, notwithstanding your petitioneres were made beleive, that the Channell should be soe well guarded, that they
neede not feare.

That your petitioneres have lost in adventureing for mastes by the Dutch warr 9220 pounds, as by the
perticulares they cann make appeare, yett neverthelesse the comissioners and treasurer of the Navie [call?]
to your petitioneres to cleer the said imprest, which your petitioneres are willing to doe, by such debtes as are
justly due from the Navie, by billes of fraight, signed by the said comissioneres, upon the said treasurer
which the said treasurer refuseth to satisfie.

Wherefore your petitioneres humbly pray, that your highnes wilbe gratiously pleased, to consider [their?]
reall affection to the publique, their greate service in bringing this trade into your highnes owne
dominiones, the great saveing in your Navies expence, by their procureing such greate mastes
which have served in stead of made mastes, and their exceeding greate losse thereby, they alwaies
supplying your navie with mastes, when none otheres would adventure, and therefore that your [highness?]
would be pleased, to order the comissioneres and treasurer of the Navie, to discount the said imprest
upon such billes as they have for shipps service, according to your highnes favour and justice shewed
to otheres, by which your petitioneres shall be enabled and encouraged to prosecute this trade, soe
advantagious to this nation

And ever pray etc.

Whitehall
January 26 1655 Its his highnesses pleasure that the commissioners for
the Admiralty shall take this into consideration
and uppon information had certify theire opinion
Nathaniel Bacon

[Intrt?]

The sons and executors of Sir Peter Rychant, deceased. SP 46/101 f. 164 (1656)

To the right honourable the councell

The humble peticion of the sonnes and executours of Sir Peter Rychant knight deceased

Sheweth
That his highnes the Lord Protector by the advice of your honours hath beene pleased to graunt a warrant directed to the judges of the
Admiraltie to yssue out letters of reprizall under the great seale in behalfe of your peticioners against the Kinge of Spaine and his
subjects, provided that securitie were first given by your peticioners before the commissioners of the Admiraltie and Navy. But the said
commissioners after six weekes sollicitacion dismissed your peticioners with a possitive refusall to intermedle in that buisnesse for feare
of being brought within the compasse of the fowerteenth article of peace concluded betweene England and Fraunce. After
which your peticioners had againe recourse to your honours for redresse, which your honours were gratiously pleased to endeavour by directing
a new order to the judges of the Admiraltie to yssue out the aforesaid letters of reprizall to take such securitie as they
should find sufficient, which notwithstanding all this care of your honours is refused by the said judges alsoe to interpose in a buisnesse
of this nature. Soe that your peticioners out of these long delayes, scruples and formalities have suffered great prejudice and disadvantage
and their spiritts much sadded to see their long expectations and hopes blasted, and the care and goodnesse of your honours soe often
frustrate.

Your peticioners therefore haveinge recourse againe to your honours as their ultimate refuge; humbly
beseech your honours to find some meanes whereby your peticioners may receave a speedy
dispatch, and may enjoy that benefitt which your honours have beene pleased soe gratiously to
afford them.

And your peticioners shall pray etc.

Jacob Rowse. SP 46/117 f. 230 (1656)

The petition of
Master Jacob Rowse

To the right honourable the commissioners for the Admiralty and Navy.

The humble peticon of Jacob Rowse.

Sheweth
that your petitioners service for the space of seaven yeares or upwards
very carefully and faithfully, and three yeares as master, and was
master of the Augustine, Captaine Anthony Archer comander, and his
ability, life and conversation doth appeare by the certificate annexed
and being willing and ready to do the state what service he may soe
farre as the lord shall enable him

Your petitioner humbly craves your honours favour in
conferring upon him the masters place
in the new great friggott building at
Debtford or any other your honours shall
thinke fitt

And your petitioner shall pray etc:

Master
February 17
50

Major Edward Basse. SP 18/153 f. 13 (1657)

To his highnes Oliver Lord Protectour of England Scotland and Ireland.

The humble peticion of Majour Edward Basse.

Humblie sheweing.

That whereas your highenes hath beene graciously pleased to take
notice of the peticioners constant adherence to the interest of Parliament and of
his great losses and sufferinges, neverthelesse hee is still necessitate to
implore your highnes, being thereunto encouradged by your highenes many
expressions of grace, and favoure, both to the peticoner himselfe, and to
others on his behalfe, and more especially to Master Stephen Marshall
in time of his health, and further confirmed about the time of his death

The peticioner therefore in all humility doth most humbly beseech
your highenes (that in regard his losses have bene very great
(as by the annexed maie more fully appeare) and haveing spent
many yeares in attendance for releife to his further consumpcion
and wasting, and the petitioner now groweing into yeares, and haveing a
wife, and 6 childeren, all yett unprovided for) that your highnes
will be pleased, that out of such poore and small remaines of
deane and chapiters landes, and fee farme rents, as lye stragling
upp and downe (and are yett unsould) hee may have such a
proporcion thereof, as to your highenes great wisedome, shall
seeme most meete;

And hee (as in duety bound) shall
continue to praie etc

Whitehall January 3 1656. Edward Basse
His highness [illegible] commendeth this petitioner
and petition to the especiall and speedy consi
deration of his privy councill to whome his
highness willeth the petitioner to make his
application with a particuler of suche deane
and chapters lands or suche fee farme rents
mencioned in the petition as the petitioner shall
desire to be setled uppon him
[Int...?] Nathaniel Bacon

Robert Jennings. SP 18/153 f. 27 (1657)

To his highness Oliver Lord Protector of the common wealth
of England Scotland and Ireland and the dominions
thereunto belonginge.

The humble peticion of Robert Jennings

Humbly sheweth.

That your peticioner haveinge in all things submitted unto your highness governement,
nevertheless an diectment being passed against him in his absence at the visitation of
Oxon, for that your peticioner had the misfortune to be educated there in his minorety
while the late Kings garrison was in the towne, though your peticioner were imprisoned
for refuseinge to goe upon the guards, and never listed himselfe in any army nor inter-
meddled at all with the differences betweene the late Kinge and Parliament yet an in=
convenience is fallen upon him by your highness late declaracion, whereby in obedience to
your highness order he hath forsaken his present imployment and unles your highnes gratiously looke
upon him, he is utterly disabled for any livelyhood in the world, haveing nothinge
for his mainetenance, but what he could gaine by his learneinge

Wherefore your peticioner being ready to give a full and signall testimony
of his good affeccion to this present governement humbly prayeth that he may
be inabled to serve God and his country, according to those abilletys which
the Lord hath pleased to dispence unto him, and that he may be referred
to the commissioners of Berkeshire, where your peticioner now liveth to give an accompt
of his Godliness and good affeccion unto the governement now established.

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc.

Whitehall
May 20 1656
His highness refereth this to the Major Generall and
commissioners for securing the peace of the county or any
three of the commissioners in theire publique [meting?] to
inquere into the condition qualeficacion and conver
sation of the petitioner and the same to certify
to his highness and in the meane time to stay
further proceedings against him if noe cause
to the contrary shall appear till further order
[int...?] Nathaniel Bacon

Sir Thomas Vyner, knight, and Edward Backwell of London, goldsmith. SP 18/153 f. 32 (1657)

To his highness Oliver Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
of England Scotland and Ireland etc and to the right
honourable the counsell.

The humble petition of Sir Thomas Vyner knight
and Edward Backwell of London goldsmith

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioners did on the 30th of October last contract for all the Spanish barrs,
peices of eight, and plate brought to Portsmouth by Generall Mountague, (before
they had any sight thereof) by which contract your petitioners are to pay 5 shillings 4 pence the ounce for the
Spanish assay of 2380 which is to bee eighteene penyweight better, and so in proporcion
as the fineness shall be marked upon the severall barrs.

That your petitioners were informed that the Spanish assayes were reformed, which made
your petitioners so willing to embrace this bargaine; but this silver contrary to expectacion
was marked by their assay three yeares since; so that may it please your highness
your petitioners finde many of the said assaies upon the barrs falsefied, from
one penny, to six pence on the ounce, and in one great barr neere one quarter
of the whole barr, and in the whole quantity but two barrs that are the
full fineness eighteen penny weight better, which is 2380, by which finest silver
wee can not make one penny in the ounce; towards advance of money and
provision.

That your petitioners have already paid into your highnes Exchequer, one hundred
and thirty thousand pounds, being at great charge in procuring, and paying
interest for the same, for the speedy supply of your highnes. In consideration
whereof.

Your petitioners most humbly pray your highnes to graunt your petitioners a warrant
to transport ten thousand pound in peices of eight, and fifty
of the worst barrs custom free, (without which your petitioners will suffer
great damage) and your petitioners will give their security to bring
the full quanty of silver to your highnes mynt within six months.

And your petitioners shall pray etc.

Stephen Bownd, minister of the gospel. SP 18/153 f. 38 (1657)

To his highnesse Oliver Lord Protectour of the
Common=wealth of England Scotland and Ireland
and the dominions thereunto belonginge

The humble peticion of Stephen Bownd minister
of the gospel

Humbly sheweth

That whereas your highnesse peticioner, through the obstreaperous mouthes and
inconsiderate, and malitious oathes of delinquent and malignant persons
hath been, and att present is, a greate sufferer: the late act against
ministers takeinge effecte on your highness peticioner to his ejeccion, though
with greate reluctancie of sperit in the commissioneres by your highness appoynted,
as also to the heart greife of many well affected and godly Christians,
as is well knowne unto the right honourable the Lord Richard Cromwell and
whereas your highnesse poore peticioner hath not only the testimony of many
of Godes saints and people resideinge neere him of his suteable
conversacion to the gospell. And abilities through grace to dispence the
same, but alsoe of divers godly ministers commissioners in the county of
Southampton as appeares by the annexed certificate and which is more the
testimony of Gods sperit within him callinge him to the ymprovement
of his talent in preachinge the word.

May it therefore gratiously please your highnesse to extend the
bowels of your highnesse compassion, unto your highnesse poore peticioner
in vouch safeinge his reestablishment in those partes which is the desire
of the ministers and people who are well affected there. Or
otherwise to consult in your highnesse gratious wisdome to give
leave elce=where to put forth a labourer into the Lordes harvest

And your highnesse peticioner shalbe an advocate and dayly suppliant
att the throne of grace, that as the Lord hath blessed your highness
with the supreame dignitie amongst us, soe he will ever please
to crowne yow with his blessinges that when your highnesse
mortality shall put on immortality, that immortality may
be clothed with glory: that haveing lived here amongst us
a glorious ruler your highnesse may for ever reigne with
him the kinge of glory

And this shalbe ever the prayer of your highnesse
poore petitioner

Stephen Bownde

Oliver P

We referr this peticion to the
consideracion of our councell
27th of November 1656

Peter Witham, minister and master of arts of Sydney College Cambridge. SP 18/179 f. 49 (1658)

To his highnes the Lord Protector of the
common wealth of England Scotland and Ireland etc

The humble peticion of Peter Witham minister and master
of artes sometymes of Sydney College Cambridge:

Sheweth
that your petitioner beinge lately presented by the lords commissioners of the great seale
unto the rectory of John Baptist London upon the death of the last incombent
and free choyse of the people there (and beinge examined by your highnes commissioneres the
ministeres) had his instrument of admission into his benefice obstructed by them
upon an order they received from your highnes (videlicet) not to admitt any sequestred
ministers but first to returne them to your highnes:

Your humble petitioner 9 yeares past for one passage in a
prayer (beinge before and ever since for the Parliament and
suffering much formerly by Bishopp Wren) yet was he
sequestred (noe accusacion for scandalous life beinge
brought against him) and nowe for want of his instrument
is destitute of a present livelyhood and in a distructive
condicion without your highnes favourable [co...ccion?]
thereof: and therefore he humbly imploreth your highnes
that in your mercy and clemency this offence might be
passed by and his sequestracion taken of

And he shall ever pray etc

Whitehall January 2d 1657
His highnes is pleased to referr this peticion to the consideracion
and order of the privie councill
[Int...?]

• [Fr?] Bacon
• Peter Wytham

Referred 19 January 1657

Henry Scobell. SP 18/179 f. 60 (1658)

To the Parliament of the commonwealth
of England

The humble peticion of Henry Scobell

That your peticioner having by your commaund
been called to be clerke of the Parliament
in a time of difficulty and danger did readily
yeild obeydience thereunto and faithfully
endeavored to his utmost to serve you unto
the time when this honourable house was
interrupted, as also did at the meeting
againe of this Parliament attend to have
performed the like faithfull service unto
them whom the Lord by a stupendious and
wonderfully overruling hand of providence
had againe restored.

But understanding your honoures pleasure in
making choice of one more worthy doth
humbly submit thereunto, being very
sorry if in the times of the intervening
changes (wherein your petitioner hath been
meerely passive and in all which the Lord
hath kept him from any oath or engagement
to oblige him unto any of them) he hath
doune any thing meriting your displeasure
[illegible]
[illegible] and humbly begges your pardon
that your petitioner hath within two yeares
last past disbursed about 250 pounds in repairing the
tower where the records are kept and the house
part whereof was in danger to fall downe
which would have endangered most of the rest,

That part of the salary graunted to the
petitioner by this honourable house is in arreare

Your petitioner humbly prayes this honourable house
wilbe pleased to take the same into your
consideracon and order the paiment [illegible] of the
said arreares and somme disbursed unto your
petitioner who (in what station soever the Lord shall
cast him) shall approve himself faithful to
the interest of this Parliament and of the
commonwealth

And your petitioner shall pray etc

• Henry Scobell

Richard Cord, mariner. SP 18/187 f. 91 (1658)

Richard Cord
peticion

To the right honourable the commissioneres for the Admiralty

The humble peticion of Richard Cord mariner.

Sheweth.

Thatt your petitioner after hee had served on board the
George duringe the time specified in the certificatt heare
unto annexed beinge strucke sicke by Godes providence
and leftt at Caskales, continued soe (beinge transported
home for 6 monthes time, which proved to his
greatt dammage, and almoste undoinge with owtt your
honours clemency bee the more extended.

The premises considered your petitioner doth moste
humbly pray your honours to sattisfie the
tickett annexed, and to adde such a reasonable
allowance beside towardes your petitioners losse of
time, as shall bee thoughtt meett to your
honours.

And your petitioner shall pray, etc.

16 January 1657
Commissioners Admiralty and Navy for signeing a [ticket?]
of Richard Cordes for his service in
the George in case it appeare just

Mary Pitman, wife of George Pitman, boatswain of the Tradagh frigate. SP 18/187 f. 145 (1658)

The petition of
Mary Pitman

To the right honourable the commissioners for the Admiralty
and Navy.

The humble peticion of Mary Pitman the
wife of George Pitman boteswain of the
Tradagh friggott.

Sheweth
that her husband consedering the want your petitioner may be
in by reason of her large family (who are much straitned)
and his long absence at sea, did send her a tickett
for the pay due to him as boatswain of the Tredagh
from the eighth day of January 1655 to the 15th of November
1657. The Commissioners of the Navy will not signe the
said ticket because it is written and not printed

The premises considered, and for that your petitioner and
her 3 children, are extreamly necessitated, and her
husband, is still boatswain in the Tradagh.

Your petitioner humbly prayes your honours
to order that the Commissioners of the Navy
may passe the said tickett to be paid
and satisfyed to your petitioner.

And she shall pray etc.

Seth Ward D.D., professor of astronomy in Oxford. SP 18/200 f. 29 (1659)

To his highnesse Richard Lord Protector
and his honourable counsel, the humble
petition of Seth Ward D.D. professor
of astronomy in Oxford

Sheweth.

That his late highnesse and this honourable counsel
did (upon reasons wel knowne unto them) by their
recommendation to the trustees for augmentation,
cause an augmentation to be settled upon your petitioner
which augmentation was settled after advice had with
the counsel of the trustees, and hath bene for three
quarters of a yeare paid to your petitioner.

That notwithstanding this, the said payment of the
said augmentation is now suspended and respited by
order from the said trustees.

Your petitioner humbly prays that the premisses may
be taken into consideration and that he may not be
deprived of the benefit of the favour conferred
upon him by his late highness and counsel

And he shall ever pray etc

Doctor Ward
Referred 9 November 1658

Major John Harris, prisoner in Lambeth House. SP 18/200 f. 31 (1659)

To the right honourable the councell.

The humble petition of Major John Harris, prisoner
in Lambeth House.

Sheweth.

That he hath been in close custody for the space of thirteen months.

That he hath by many addresses to his highnes, and Master Secretary Thurloe
desired to partake of mercy (so farre as guilty, or to be tryed for any crime
of which by the law he could be esteemed or prooved culpable.

That notwithstanding he hath offered sufficient bayle as to the endes
premised, yet he cannot obtaine so much as freedome without or with
a keeper to solicite his affaires

That by the law of the nation, he ought to have been transmitted either
to the Lord Chiefe Justice, or some other justice of peace, to whom the
cognizance of the fact wherewith he stands charged properly belonges
the benefit whereof as to an equall and speedy tryall he hath been denyed
by this tedious arbitrary imprisonment to the ruine of himselfe and
relations

That the time of his tryall (if murther) he being in custody) is elapsed
an appeale not lying unlesse filed within the space of a twelvemonth
and a day;

He therefore most humbly appeales to your honoures
praying:

That you will be pleased to take his sufferinges and condition
into consideration, and that according to your publique
obligation as magistrates and ministers of state
if he may not be capable of mercy, after such a hard
chargeable and tedious imprisonment, as to the
crime wherewith he standes charged, that yett at least
he may be refferred to the law and ordinary course
of justice; and that his baile may be accepted for
his appearance to answer as in his case by the law
is provided: or if reason of state, the power en-
terest or will of any single person how great soever
must overbeare your publique justice (as in his
case it hath hitherto done) that he may be main
tained sutable to his charge and condition during
the continuance of his imprisonment by the present
order.

For which he shall pray

John Harris

The petition of

• Major John Harris
• Major Haris

Colonel Thomas Ceely, late governor of Lyme Regis. SP 18/200 f. 33 (1659)

To his highnes the Lord Protector of the common wealth of England, Scotland
and Ireland and the dominions and territoryes thereto belonginge

The humble peticion of Colonell Thomas Ceely late governour of Lyme Regis

Sheweth

That the mannours of South Milton, Killegarth Reigham and Tressey in the countyes of Devon and
Cornwall and divers lands tenements and hereditaments thereto belonging late parcell of the possessions of Sir James Bagg
deceased were lieable and extended for severall greate debts, due by him to the late Kinge, amounting to the summe of
(about) 40000 pounds:

That (those debts not being sattisfyed) his highnes the late Lord Protector (becomeing entitled thereunto) by his
letteres patents under the greate seale bearing date the 20th of January 1656 graunted the mannours and premisses to your
peticioner for the tearme of 99 yeares paying (upon oath) yearely a moiety of the rents and profitts thereof into
the Chequer. And thother moyety thereof, your peticioner was (by the said graunt) to receive to his owne use untill hee
should bee thereof fully sattisfyed, the summe of 4500 pounds justly due unto him togeather with such charges as hee should
expend, in recovering the possession of the premisses, which then was and still is detained from your peticioner) and upon
such satisfaccion to your peticioner the said graunt was to determine.

That your peticioner ever since the obtaining of the said graunt hath (to his very great charge) beene continually
exercised in suits in the Court of Exchequer, for the gaineing of possession, one of which suits is now ready for
judgment:

That those persons whoe have hitherto unjustly kept your peticioner out of possession doe now make pretence that his late
highnes interest, in the premisses upon the extent was lost for want of a clayme, or that the said debts were
otherwise sattisfyed. And that the said mannour and premisses, are thereby become lyable, to sale, as an estate in
possession by the trustees att Drury House. (To whome the said persons have applyed themselves for the purchase thereof)
as the estate of George Bagg, (a delinquent in the third act) being sonne and heire of the said Sir James
Bagg.

That the trustees seeme inclinable to bee of opinion that they may sell the mannours [and?] premisses
as an estate in possession, noe claime haveing been made; albeit your peticioner is advised by his councell that
his highnes interest was not nor could in anywise be prejudiced, by any default of claime.

That if such sale should take effect, it would avoid the payment of those greate debts due to your
highnes, and distroy his late highnes graunt to your peticioner, and be only operative to the sattisfaccion of
a private debt, allowed by the commissioners for removeing of obstruccions chardgeable upon the premisses, which by the [course?]
of law ought not to bee thereby sattisfyed, untill your highnes debt be first fully sattisfyed; and paid;

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayes your highnes direccion to the trustees
att Drury House that they forbeare to sell or dispose of any of the said mannours and premisses
untill itt shall appeare, by discharge from the barons of the Exchequer that your highnes
is fully sattisfyed your said debts

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc.

Whitehall
January
vith 1658

It is his highnes pleasure to referr this peticion
to the consideration and order of the privie
councill
[Int...?] [Fr?] Bacon

Richard Harvie. SP 18/207 f. 104 (1659)

To the right honourable the commissi
oners of the Admiralty and Navy.

The humble petition of Richard Harvie.

Sheweth. That whereas your petitioner hath
been formerly imployed as chaplin in the states
ship Satisfaction; and knowing the danger
of going without a warrant from your
honours. His request is that your honours
would be pleased to grant [illegible] him an order (as
chaplin) for the Jersey frygott, whereof
Captain Symmons is commander. And haveing
spoken with him, hee is free and willing to
entertaine me if your honours please to grant
me an order. In hope whereof I rest and shall
pray etc. being your honours to command in
what I may

the 25th of January 1658

Richard Harvie

Petition Richard
Harvy

[Th...?]
Newman