The petition of Mary Addams, City and County of Gloucester, c. 1643
To the Hon[oura]ble Collonell Massie, Governor of ye Citie of Glouc[este]r.
The humble petic[i]on of Mary Addams of this Citie a very poore widowe.
Humblie
Sheweth vnto yo[u]r honor, that her husband Houlder Addams beinge a Souldier vnder Captaine Pury the elder, and standinge for the defence of the Citie; was shot in the time of the Siedge, and hee dyinge, left two poore children vppon yo[u]r petic[i]oners hand, and shee greate of the third: of the w[hi]ch shee is nowe deliuered. But hon[oura]ble S[i]r it is soe, that shee hath neither money, nor any meanes to releeve her, and her Fatherles children nowe in her greate necessitie. And if that well disposed people did not minister to their wante; they might all of them bee hunger starved. In tender consideration whereof;
Shee most humblie prayeth yo[u]r honor to extend yo[u]r xpian charitie towards her and to bestowe somwhat vppon her, to releeve her and her poore children vntell it shall please god to send her strength to goe abrode and laboure for her liveinge, And she will daylie pray for yo[u]r honors health in all happines
Treasurer
pay this poore woman 10 s.
Edw[ard] Massie
This for Gods sake