The petition of John Carwrden, royalist soldier, May 1660
To the Kinges most Excellent Ma[jes]tie
The humble petic[i]on of John Carwarden gent[leman]
That yo[u]r Pet[itione]r according to his duety and allegeance to yo[u]r Ma[jes]ties Father of blessed memory did in the begining of those vnhappy Warrs leave all his relac[i]ons to serve his Ma[jes]tie.
Where after severall Engagem[en]ts yo[u]r Pet[itione]r was wounded and taken at the second Newberry Fight, and remayned prisoner Eleaven moneths and more to the ruyne of himself and family.
Yet since hath watcht all occasions to expresse his Duty and allegiance to yo[u]r Royall Father, as alsoe to yo[u]r most sacred selfe, and hath not in the least prostituted his loyalty to sinns, temptac[i]ons or necessities.
But with Gods blessing vpon his endeavo[u]rs in the imploym[en]t of a Picture drawer hath (though with noe small disadvantage to him in regard of his Constant adhearance to your Ma[jes]t[y’]s iust and vndoubted interest) sustained himselfe and family: and hath enabled himselfe in that Art, in soe much.
That he humbly prayes yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie in considerac[i]on of the pr[e]misses will out of your princely Compassion give Order That yo[u]r Pet[itione]r may haue entertainm[en]t to serve yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie in his said imployment.
And yo[u]r Pet[itione]r shall ever pray for yo[u]r Ma[jes]ties long and prosperous Raigne.