The second petition of William Barnes, Garrison of Gloucester, 1644
To the Right ho[noura]ble the Governor of the Cittye of Glouc[este]r.
The humble Petic[i]on of William Barnes a soldier of yo[u]r owne Troope.
Sheweth That hee was one of the 4 scowtes that Entred Tewxbury, Was one of the Two that charged the Towne vpp to the Mayne Guard, returned safe to the bridge, ledd on yo[u]r Troopes w[i]th Collonell Freeman, was [illegible] the Collonell preferred [illegible], Livetenant Freeman was in his presence shott twice the one through the shoulder, the other through the Elbowe yett fought longe after, was constrayned by reason of his hurts to gett into a howse, where soddenly after his comeinge thether the Enemye hereinge his greevous groanes & lamentac[i]ons Entred the howse stript him of his Cloathes & tooke away all hee had except his shirt, & would have Cutt his threote had not the woman of the howse besought them on her knees to spare his life That hee hath not since had or receaued or can [?get] more then 5 s. of his pay & the 5 s. yo[u]r Hono[u]r most freely bestowed on him. By reason whereof hee ys likely to p[er]ishe w[hi]ch hee humbly prayeth may be tenderly Considered, And therefore humbly desireth you will be favourably pleased to Order That hee may receaue his pay Arreare, or such other considerac[i]on or benevolence for his releif, as in yo[u]r graue wisdome shal be thought meete.
And hee will every pray for yo[ur] Hono[u]rs & c.
Capt[ain] Blany I desire yow to pay vnto this bearer for his necessity Twenty shillinge
Edw[ard] Massie