|
|
[Petition of Robert Gilchrist of Caroline County]
Unto his Excellency Thomas Sim Lee Governor of Maryland And
unto his honourable Council
Humbly Represents That your petitioner is a native Of Britain
and came early into this Country where he carried on a very exten-
sive and Successful trade, both upon his own Account, and Con-
junct with some Gentlemen of London, until this war put a total
stop thereto, which, your petitioner has suffered so severely by the
Tender Law's being in force so long, And by many and heavy losses
by Sea, that he is now reduced from a State of Genteel and Inde-
pendent affluence, to that of great; if not ridiculous distress, which
moves him to beg, more from necessity, than choice.
That Your Excellency and honours would give him Liberty to
move into the city of New York, that he may remove from thence
to Great Britain or unto the Island of Jamaica, at both which places
he has many friends and relations in very Affluent circumstances,
who have long wished him among them, He begs leave to prefer this
method of removing hence, at least, to that of touching at any
of the Neuter Islands. As when he gets to New York, if Jamaica
should be in possession of our Allies (which is not very improb-
able) or any Accident may have happened to his friends there, he
may shape his course to Britain Accordingly, he at New York
will be supplyed with Cash and Cloths which he now much wants.
Whereas at present it would be difficult for him to raise money to
pay his passage to any of the Neutral Islands, And if he could,
having no friends or acquaintances, at any of them, must be left
destitute and forlorn, and it might be many, many days ere he could
get a passage to Britain or Jamaica, Even by the assistance of
friends or money.
Your Petitioner is farther induced to think your Excellency and
honours will grant his request, as his conduct and behaviour has
been steady, regular and uniform during this Contest, early taking
the Oaths prescribed by Law and behaving in all respects as a peac-
able and dutiful Subject, which he will always endeavour to do re-
move where he will, nor will any rewards, threats or promises, ever
make him forfeit his declared Allegiance to these States, to whom
he wishes all success and will leave with regret.
Your Petitioner humbly prays Your Excellency and honours to
take the above into Consideration and will ever pray &c.
|
December 7
|
|
