The petition of Elline Shepard of Lancaster, Lancashire, 11 July 1654

<11 July 1654>
To the much Ho[noure]d Justic[e]s of peace in their sessions of peace at Lanc[aste]r.
The humble petiton of Elline Shepard.
<Shewinge>
That Anthonie Shep[ar]d yo[u]r pet[itioner]s husband is at this pr[e]sent Imployed in Scotland for the stat[e]s s[e]ruice and hath soe beene a longe tyme leavinge yo[u]r pet[itione]r[s] two small Children borne in this p[ar]ishe of Lancaster and your pet[itione]r noe ways able to mainteyne or releeve them.
The pr[e]mis[e]s Considred yo[u]r pet[itione]r[s] humble suyt is for releefe of all her pore Infants Marie Shep[ar]d & Elizabeth Shep[ar]d to be had by yo[u]r ord[e]r in sessions as shall seeme meete & Convenient in yo[u]r discresions and soe bynd yo[u]r poore pet[itione]r dalie to pray for yow.
<Ch[urchwardens] & O[uerseers] to pay her vi s. viii d. for house rent>
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