agreement as well between them and the Scots Forces in these parts,
as there is between them and Gen Preston, and the rest. One of the
revolted ships this week came in to the Parl. and a Cap. of one of the
English Marchants ships having an intent to face about, called all the
Seamen together, and demanded which of them would be for K. Charls
the second, some of the new men were much startled at this motion, &
said. That they could not in conscience act against the Parl. Others ciding
with him: those that refused to joyn were set ashore to shift for
themselves the ship had in her eight pieces of Ordnance.
A Petition was presented to the House on the behalf or many thousand
poor prisoners for debt, Which Petition followes.
To the supreme Authority the Commons of England
assembled in Parliament.
The humble Petition of many thousand poor prisoner for Debt and
Surety ship in England and Wales.
Sheweth, I Hat your petitioners having remained some 20 some 40
yeers in a most miserable slavery (contrary to the law of
God, Nature, and Nations, and to the fundamental laws or this Land)
wanting all that might make our lives comfortable, bereaved of wives
and families, fed with the scraps of the Basket, our lodging many times
the cold earth, wrapt in rags and straw, under the hellish tyranny of
Jaylers and Officers, by whom your petitioners are manakled in irons
robbed, wounded poysoned, and starved. Oh did but your Honours eys
see, or ears hear the cruell oppression of Jaylers, and the miserable cries
and groanes forced from your petitioners, were they beasts, and your
Honours hearts adamant, pitty could not be denyed: the slavery of
Turky not comparable to it. But your petitioners are Men, born, free,
Christians for whom Christ dyed: yet suffering by Brethren of the
same faith, and Nation; by whom your peti[nl]tioners are buried a'ive in
perpetuall imprisonment, But this honourable House having mentioned
Englands Liberty, occasions your petitioners to beg a share in that
liberty. Forget not then (we beseech you) the poor prisoners, but destroy
every yoak, and let he oppressed go free. May it therefore please
this honorable house, to relieve your petitioners undone conditions, &
release them, call Jaylors to account for misdemeanours, and give reparation
as the case requires.
And your petitioners shall be ready with their lives to assist this
Honourable House, and shall daily pray, &c.