The petition of the widows, maimed soldiers, and orphans of Bolton, Lancashire, Michaelmas 1653
To the Hono[ura]ble the Justic[e]s of the peace nowe assembled att the Sessions holden at Manchester.
The Humble petition of the maymed Souldiers, Widowe[s] & Fatherles Children whose husbands & parents were slayne by Prince Rupert his Forces at the surprizall of Bolton
Sheweth: That yo[u]r petitio[ne]rs haveinge sundrie tymes ymportuned this hono[ura]bl[e] bench For the releiffe granted vnto them by Order of Parliam[en]t. And are still ympedited not knoweinge anie reason or ground For it yett still waytinge when it may please God to touch yo[u]r hearts with pitty as well as knowledge, Our poore requests are tendered That releiffe may bee had without delay, our necessities beinge soe extreame that though It bee a tyme of plentie yet decay of tradinge lies soe heavie vpon vs that without some speedie helpe manie of yo[u]r petitio[ne]rs are like to starue
Yo[u]r humble petitio[ne]rs request is that yo[u]r wor[shi]ps would seriously ponder their deplorable Condic[i]ons & grant Order For their p[re]sent releiffe (Soe) as they may haue cause to blesse God & now & ever pray &c.