48 ~  [15 November 1693]  Petition of John Pitt on behalf of kinsman John Earle held in slavery by Turks

To all Christian People & more particularly to the Ma’ties Justices of the Peace for Somerset County ~~

The humble petion of John Pitt in the behalf of his Kinsman John Earles now in slavery with the Turkes humbly showeth that the Petitioners poore Kinsman being master of a new shipp belonging to Bristol bound for somepleice in America who sailed from Bristol the 21st of March last, and was unfortunately taken by a Sallyman of Warr & now in captivity under the King of Fess, and suffereth sad afflictions, not only by sore blows & stripes but also by hand labour & hunger as by a letter written to the Petitioner by sd Earles Wife from Bristol will appear.  The ransom for said Earles being so great, and his relations there in Bristoll not able to raise the sum is necessitate to supplicate all well affected Christians to extend their charity towards his Ransom.  As for collecting what shall be given, I leave my friend Major Rob’t King to take care and to send acc’t by my friend Levin Denwood, what may be expected the premises considered. 

May it therefore please your Wor’ps to consider the case of said Earles now in slavery, and order some way by County levy or otherwise for his relief (knowing that what is given, in this case, is not lost) and the Petitioner as bound in duty shall ever pray ~~

Which Petition was read and sent up to the Grand Jury (who made return on the reverse side of Petition) viz Wee of the Grand Jury are willing that three pounds p/ head out of the taxable persons be allowed to sd Earles if yr Wor’ps think fitt.

Petition granted & 3 lb p/ head allowed sd John Earles.