The certificate for Lady France Fairfax of Steeton, West Riding of Yorkshire, 21 September 1644
For ye right Hono[uura]ble ye Lords & others of ye Committee of Safetie for both Kingdomes &c
My Lords
I have thought good hereby to recom[m]end the distressed Estate of S[i]r William Fairfax his Lady, who (being left w[i]th many Fatherlesse Children & much behind in her husbands personal entertainments) doth challeng me, in point of duty, (her husband dying honourably vnder my Charge) and I hope yo[u]r Lo[rdshi]ps in point of honour, to be sensible of her Calamities by vseing such meanes for the releife of her, and her Children (vpon soe iust grounds) as yo[u]r Lo[rdshi]ps shall thinke a businesse of this nature, shall require as the example will conduce much either for ye incouragement of all gallant Gentlemen and (by consequence) for ye advancem[en]t of the publique service, soe will it much reflect in point of glory, to yo[u]r Lo[rdshi]ps as Instrum[en]ts of keeping Conscience, & virtue, vndespised this was the last breath & intreate of a worthy friend, w[hi]ch I cannot neglect but humbly doe comitt it, to yo[u]r Lo[rdshi]ps honourable consideration & rest
Yo[u]r Lo[rdshi]ps most humble S[e]ruant
Jo[hn] Meldrum.
<Oswestry>
<21o Sept[ember] 1644.>