The petition of Walter Bowman of Brixton, Devon, 1685
<Devonsh[hire]>
To the right worship[fu]ll his Ma[jes]ties Justices of the peace for the County aforesaid
The Humble petition of Walter Bowman of the p[ar]rish of Brixton in the County aforesaid husbandman
Humbly Sheweth
That whereas yo[u]r petitioner being a Souldier in the late vnhappy warrs, in the Service of King Charles the first, (of blessed memory) vnder the Command of Collonell Champernowne for the space of three yeares or vpwards, was by meanes of a Shott from the Enemy deprived of one of his hands, w[hi]ch rendred him vnable to releive either himselfe or family without the Charity of his good neighbours and a certaine Stipend or pension Allowed him in his late Ma[jes]ties Raigne King Charles the Second, out of the County Stock, being twenty Shillings which is now Soe Small a Sume (considering the curcumstances of his Condition) he being very Antient and havinge a wife & family to maintaine, as that without Some Augmentation to the Same he must inevitably perrish
May it therefore please yo[u]r good worships Seriously the Sad & poor Condition of yo[u]r Said poor petitioner, to consider, and to afford him Some father & more competent releife by augmenting to his former Sume Somewhat answerable to his poor & misserable condition, in regard of his Loyallty to his King; And yo[u]r poor petitioner Shall ever pray as in duty bound &c.