The petition of Ann Bard, Viscountess Bellamont, residence unknown, September 1660
To the Kings most excellent Ma[jes]tie the humble petion of Dame Anne the Relict of Henry Lord Bellamons.
Sheweth
That yo[u]r pet[itione]r, whas by the losse of her deare Husband and 5000 li. with him, is alsoe by the losse, of many thousand pounds, taken from her, in the late Rebellion, is with her Children, driuen to such pouerty that w[i]thout your Ma[jes]ties Gracious releife she must bee forcd, to a Joayle, & her Children (one your Ma[jes]ties Godsonne) to ye cold Charity of others.
Your pet[itione]r most humblie bessechesh,, yo[u]r sacred Ma[jes]tie (out of yo[u]r princely bounty) will bee Graciously pleased, to Conferr vpon her a pention) by w[hi]ch yo[u]r pet[ione]r with her Children may Liue to blesse God & pray for yo[u]r Ma[jes]ties Long and prosperous Raigne:
And your pet[itione]r as in duty bound shall euer pray: