The petition of William Venner of Heavitree, Devon, undated
The humble petition of William Venner of Heavitree, husbandman.
In most humble manner complayning
Sheweth unto your Wor[shi]ps That you[r] poore petit[i]oner in the yeare 1643 was Imprest as souldier for his late maj[es]tie Kinge Charles the first (of ever blessed memory) And was a serjant of Foote many yeares under Col[one]l Tho[mas] Walker And also was in the Seidges against Lyme Dartmouth Taunton Plymouth Listitheell & other places in which Hee recieved many hurtes, & Imprissonment especially was shott in the Hipp against Lyme, which hath occasioned your poore Petit[i]oner to know much sorrow Insomuch that he is not able (though willing) to worke for the Livelyhood of himselfe his wife & two children As formerly hee did, And whereas our present Sou[er]aigne Lord Kinge Charles the second Hath Granted unto your wor[shi]ps An Act for the Releif of truely Loyall & indigent Officcers and Souldiers.
In tender consideration hereof your poore Petit[i]oner most humbly entreateth of you[r] Wor[shi]ps To looke uppon him as a fitt object of your pitty, And to bestow uppon him, some annuall pension, or other gratuity, As in your grave Wisedomes shall see fitt for his more comfortable Livelyhood, And your poore petito[ne]r and family for your Wor[shi]ps Health shall bee bound Ever To pray.
W[illia]m Knolles Maior }
William Balhatchett Leftenant } To Collonell Tho[mas] Walker.
James Barnes Lieutenant }