The petition of Anne Alliston of Sudbury, Suffolk, 7 May 1644
To the right worthy Captaine Eyers
The humble Petic[i]on of Anne Alliston of Sudbury in the Countie of Suff[olk] widow.
Humblie sheweth that the husband of yo[u]r poore petic[i]oner Roger Alliston was one of yo[u]r Soldiers, And was willing to venter his life in the Cause of Christ. And did endure some hardshipp both by his imprisonment at Newarke and other wise wayes in the service which was not unknownen to yo[u]r wor[shi]p, And for ought I euer herd was very forward upon all occasions to doe his duty, But soe it hath pleased God that in the service he hath lost his life, And had at the time of his death neere Twenty pounds due to him for pay. And hath left me, a poore distressed widdowe with three very small fatherlesse infants, the oldest of five yeeres of age, And not any estate to the value of five shillings my humble desire is that towards my releife yo[u]r wor[shi]p would bee pleased to afford me that paye which in right was due to him at his death, for as I am Credibly informed you have lately receiued mony, as to paye the arrears of yo[u]r Soldiers whereby the poore widdowe and and [sic.] fatherlesse children shall bee eu[e]r bounde as in duty to pray for yo[u]r saftie and happines.
John Mead Maior
Mr Alderman this pehtec[i]on[e]rs case is lamentable. Let ye pour widdowe have 20 s. for ye present. May 8th.
Fr[ancis] Bacon
W[illiam] Spring
Tho[mas] Chaplin