The second petition of Sir Robert Slingesby, royalist officer, May 1660
To the Kings Most Excellent Ma[jes]tie.
The humble Petic[i]on of Robert Slingesby.
Humbly Sheweth.
That hee was from his infancie bredd upp in the Navy, is the Antientest Sea Capt[ain] Except S[i]r John Mennes and S[i]r George Carterett and was the last that defended a Shipp for the late King in the Generall defection.
That his late Ma[jes]tie Conferred vpon yo[u]r Pet[itione]r the place of Trea[su]rer of the Navy for life by Warrant vnder his hand and Signett & soone after required him as of the duty of his place to sett out some Shipps vnder the Com[m]and of S[i]r John Mennes w[hi]ch though hee had no money allotted for; hee performed w[i]th his owne money and Creditt yet vnpaid besides 5880 li. due to him for Armes.
That the attending yt service and ye Seidge of Bristoll wherein yo[u]r pet[itione]r had a Regiment (raised by him and susteyned w[i]thout Charge to the King or Countrye) pr[e]vented all opportunityes to passe his said Ma[jes]t[y’]s Graunt vnder the greate Seale till being soone after wounded in Battaile yo[u]r pet[itione]r fell into ye hands of the Ennemy was by them left for dead and stript where hee lost his said late Ma[jes]t[y]s graunt w[i]th his Clothes and right hand.
That after his Recouery hee often attended his Ma[jes]tie dureing his Restraint was imployed by him in his most private Negotiations in w[hi]ch being once Apprehended & laid in Goale his Ma[jes]tie Comanded Mr Kirke to visitt him w[i]th this gracious Message (vizt) That his Ma[jes]tie was sorry for his sufferings by his service w[hi]ch hee hoped hee would beare more patiently because it was a share of his owne. But if ever it pleased god to Restore his Ma[jes]tie That hee would sett a marke vpon the Family & p[ar]ticulerly vpon himselfe, & had left it in charge to his sonne That the late Kings Graunt was for life. And yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie hath since graunted it to S[i]r George Carterett dureing pleasure only.
Yo[u]r Pet[itione]r humbly praieth yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie would bee gratiously pleased to referr ye Examinac[i]on of the truth of the pr[e]misses to some of yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y]s Councell whereby yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie may bee duly informed of the Justice of yo[u]r Pet[itione]rs Title.
And yo[u]r Pet[itione]r shall ever pray &c.