The petition of Elizabeth Newson, Kent, 1650
To the right Wor[shipfu]ll the Justices of the peace at this present Q[uarte]r Sessions assembled.
The humble petic[i]on of Elizabeth Newson Widdow of William Newson deceased
In all humble manner sheweth That yo[u]r Wor[shi]ps petic[i]oners said husband being lately one of the gunners of Dover Castle and continuing faithfull and actiue in the discharge of his craft there dureing the tyme of the Siege in the late Insurrection in the Countie of Kent was one of approued skill & fidelitie in that behalfe Drawne out as gunner for reduceing the Castles in the Downes and in the service was slaine leaveing behinde him yo[u]r petic[i]oner and four smale children without any meanes of maintenance and by reason whereof they are brought to great want and misery.
May it therefore please yo[u]r Wor[shi]ps (the pr[e]misses considered) so farre to commiserate her so sad and deplored condic[i]on as to grant her a yearely stipend whereby she may haue a liuelihood for herselfe and her poore children dureing the tyme of her Widdowhoode. Wherein shee with her poore children shal be ever bound to pray
The Tre[asure]r for the maymed sould[ie]rs to pay the petioner iii li.