To the King’s most Excellent Ma[jes]tie.

The humble Petition of Robert Slyngesby.

Humblie sheweth.

That yo[u]r Petic[i]oner having been from his Infancie bred up and imployed in the Navy, and being now the most Auntient survivor of yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s Royal father of glorious memorie his constant Sea Captaines, except S[i]r John Mennes and S[i]r George Carteret, and was the last that defended A ship for his late Ma[jes]ty in the general defection that was in the begining of the late Troubles, for which he suffered A long and chargeable Imprisonment under the Black rod.

That after he had obtained his libertie, he presently repaired to his late Ma[jes]ty at Oxford, by whom he was imployed in severall capacities of great Trust; besides that he raised and susteined A Regiment of foot consisting of Seamen for the defence of Bristoll, which continued as long as that garrison, without Charge either to his Ma[jes]ty or the Countrey.

That there was due to him for Armes delivered into his Ma[jes]t[y’]s stores 5900 li. as appeares by his Accompts adiusted under the Great Seale.

That his late Ma[jes]tie out of his gracious acceptane of yo[u]r Petic[i]oner’s loyaltie and Endeavours in his service did vouchafe to confer upon yo[u]r Peticoner the Office of Tresurer of the Navie dureing life; and soon after did require yo[u]r Petic[i]oner according to the dutie of his place to set some Ships out of the Port of Bristoll for his service; which notwithstanding yo[u]r Petitioner had no money allotted for, yet performed with his Money and his Credit, by the pawne of his Plate and Jewels, which he was never able since to redeem.

That yo[u]r Petic[i]oner afterward was wounded in Battaile, left for dead and stript by the Enemy; yet so soon as he was recovered of his wounds, with the losse of his right hand, did frequentlie by stealth atend his Ma[jes]ty dureing his restraint; and was by him imployed in his most private negotiations.

That yo[u]r Petic[i]oner indeavouring access to his Ma[jes]ty by his Com[m]and was apprehended and laid in a loathsome Jaile; which his Ma[jes]ty being informed of, vouchafed to comfort him, by sending Mr Kirke of his Bed chamber to visit yo[u]r Pet[ic[i]oner with this gracious Message; That his Ma[jes]ty was sorry for yo[u]r Petic[i]on[e]rs suffering by his service, but hoped yo[u]r Petic[i]oner would bear it more patiently, being a share of his own; but that if it pleased God to restore his Ma[jes]ty he would set A marke upon the Petic[i]on[e]rs Family, & particularly upon yo[u]r Petic[i]oner himselfe; but if otherwise God should dispose of him, to assure yo[u]r Petic[i]oner That he had left it in Charge with his Son.

That yo[u]r Petic[i]oner being made incapable by the effect of his wounds to serve yo[u]r Ma[jes]ty abroad was advised by some of yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s Counsill, that his Indeavours here might be of more use to yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s service, which he hath not been wanting in, as he hopeth some of yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s Counsill will attest.

That S[i]r George Carterett in the absens of yo[u]r Petic[i]oner did procure yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s Patent for the said place dureing yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s pleasure onely.

Yo[u]r Petic[i]oner most humbly prayes that yo[u]r Ma[jes]ty would be pleased to referre examination of ye trueth of the premisses to some of yo[u]r Ma[jes]t[y’]s Counsell; whereby yo[u]r Ma[jes]ty may be duely informed of the Justice of the pretentions, as well of the Petic[i]oner as of the said S[i]r George Carterett.

And yo[u]r Petic[i]oner shall dayly pray &c.