The petition of Anne Tomson of Claughton, Lancashire, Midsummer 1651

To the Right Wor[shipfu]ll the Justices of the peace & quorum now assembeled vpon the Bench.
The Humble petic[i]on of Ane Tomson Wife vnto John Tomson of Claughton parishe.
Humbly sheweth that her husband with her eldest sonn beinge pressed and gone For this seruice into Ireland For Tunstall towne and Leake towne beinge both of one parishe is Left vtter destitute with 5 small Children Whereof three of them is not the eldest of them 6 yeares of adge. Now hir husband and Eldest sonn beinge taken From hir which by their labour and trade did Maintaine them is drawen into a most miserabill Condicon and knows not howe to subsist For want of Food and Reyment For hir selfe and 5 Children.
Humbly prayeth this Honorabill Bench to Commiserat hir most Lamentabell estate and giue order that the parishioners of the said townes to giue such allowance Weekly For their Maintenance as your Worships shall thinke Fitinge For such a charge.
And your poore petitioner shall duly pray For your longe continuance and Joyes celestiall.
Vntill next Sess[ions]
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