The petition on behalf of the children of Arderne Oldham of Pendleton, Lancashire, Easter 1650
To the right worr[shi]p[fu]ll the Justices of peace & Quorum at the general sessions at Manchester.
The Humble petition of Ellen Wright of Pendleton widow
Humbly sheweth that one Arderne Oldham Late of Pendleton aforesaid did after the death of his wife table one child with yo[u]r Petitioner; And since went a soldier into Ireland where he is now dead leaving behind him two other children besydes that w[hi]ch is tabled w[i]th yo[u]r petitioner & nothing to maintaine them soe that vnlesse yo[u]r pet[itione]r & other charitably disposed persons & frinds) had provided for them they had perished no Allowance having beene hitherto given to yo[u]r petitioner for her charge & pains & shee being fifty shillings behind of that payment which shee should have receaved.
May it therefore please yow in tender pity to yo[u]r petitioner & the poore child now in her keeping to order the said Towneship of Pendleton or the officers thereof as well to pay yo[u]r petitioner the fifty shillings in Arreare as alsoe to Allow a Competency towards the Maintenance of the child for the future that soe neither yo[u]r petitioner (who is a very poore woman) may be any longer oppressed with the sole charge nor the childe perish for want of Maintenance & yo[u]r petitioner shall ever pray as in duty bound for your health & hapines.