The petition of John Chappell of Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire, Easter 1662
To the right hono[u]r[a]ble & right wor[shi]p[fu]le the Justices of the peace For the County of Wilts[hire] sitting att the Session this pr[e]sent Session
The humble petic[i]on of John Chappell of Milton in the County aforesaide Laborer
Sheweth
Thatt yo[u]r pet[itione]r served very Faithfully his Late Ma[jes]ty of euer blessed memory in the vnhappy Late warr some Foure or Fiue yeares vnder the command of Maior Hastings in the regim[en]t of Col[one]l Tho[mas] Howard during the time of w[hi]ch service your pet[itione]r by reason of Cold & shott in the Thighte & wounded in Seuerall other places, & beinge in the heat of the warr Enduring abundance of hardshipp otherwayes, & now in his declineing yeares become vtterly vncapable to gaine a liuelyhoode For himselfe & Family, Being assured thereof Lodgeth in yo[u]r brests bowells of compassion For the releife of this poore destressed souldier who is now in a very sadd deplorable condic[i]on Though deriued of a good parentage & Formerly Liued in a plentifull manner
Doe therefore w[i]th bended knees humbly impllore your hono[u]rs & the rest of the wor[shi]p[fu]le bench to conferr some annuall pencheon on your poore distressed pet[itione]r that he may nott perrishe
And your pet[itione]r as in duty bound shall Euer pray Etc.