The petition of William Darwin of Lincoln’s Inn, Middlesex, May 1660
To the King’s most Excellent Ma[jes]tie
The humble Petic[i]on of William Darwin of Lincolnes Inn in the Countie of Middlesexe Esq[ui]r[e]
Sheweth unto y[ou]r most gracious Ma[jes]tie
That y[ou]r most humble Pet[itione]rs late Father being a servant unto y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties renowned Grandfather and most sacred Father, as yeoman of their Ma[jes]ties Armory, dyed during the late Warr in the service of y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties Royall Father. Y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties Pet[itione]r having been in Armes in y[ou]r Royall Fathers service from the beginning of that unnaturall Warr; and served as Captain Leiftenant unto S[i]r William Pelham his Troop of Horse: And since the end of the said Warr y[ou]r Pet[itione]r hath imployed his time in the Study of the Com[m]on Lawes, ever waiting an Opportunitie to advance y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties service, & often exposing to hazard his life and fortune as in duty hee was obleiged to doe
May it therefore please y[ou]r Majestie graciously to owne y[ou]r Pet[itione]r for a Servant in what place y[ou]r Ma[jes]tie shall please graciously to conferr upon him (as y[ou]r Pet[itione]rs late Father was to y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties Royall Grand-Father and Father)
And y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties Pet[itione]r shall ever pray &c
Will[iam] Darwin