49 ~  [15 September 1692]  Petition of indentured servant against his treatment

To their Mat’ies wor’ll Justices of the Peace for Somerset County in Court sitting. The humble Petition of Andrew Smith sheweth etc. That the Pet’ioner was formerly in Ireland bound Apprentice to James Traine to learn the trade of a Black Smith but he the said Traine dying within sixteen months after, the Petitioner was then by Court ordered to David Griffith blacksmith. But so it happened, may it please your Wor’ps, that Magdalina the Relict of the said Dec’d Train intermarrying with one John Jenner the Pet’ioner was by this Court ordered to serve out his time with said Jenner, according to the tennour of Indenture (viz) seven years which the Petitioner has (completed), at w’ch expiration of time, the Pet’ioner craved his tools, crone & clothes but was refused, & forced besides to serve 35 working days to the said Jenner for charges as he pretended he had expended. Your poor Petitioner is very destitute, being much abused for want of his trade being other wayes imployed by sd Jenner as logg mauling, ground clearing, tending corne & other sorts of worke contrary to Indenture which I hope yr worp’s will consider & your Petioner shall pray  ~~~~~~

The Pet’ion being read this Court orders John Jenner appear next Court to answer the complaint of Andrew Smith & orders that sd Jenner bring to Court Indenture of said Andrew Smith.