That through their good affection to the well being of
their native Country, they were carried forth to lend
(not only so timley but also) so largely in which they
were Exemplary to the whole Nation (not doubting to
have had it againe in a very short time) that they thereby
made themselves altogether unable to double, (as others
did that lent sparingly (though far better able) whereby
many have been utterly dispoyled of their trades and livelihoods,
many become prisoners, others (in abundance)
in hourly fear of becoming such, hundreds so poor, they
have not bread (of their owne) to eate, but are supported
either by friends, Parishes, &c.
That they have not been wanting any time this seven
years to make. known the sad effects of their said want
thereof unto the Parliaments, the Councel of State, and to
the Lord Protector, and his Councel, but (to their great
grief and encrease of their misery) all hath hitherto proved
little more then fruit esse cost and labour.
That according to an Act of the 7 of October 1653. they
have presented, their claims to their said several summes before
the Commissioners therein named, in whose custody
they yet remaine.
That your Petitioners are not against general satisfaction,
(but should greatly rejoyce to see it effected) only
(fearing it will prove a hard work to be done at once, and)
knowing their own necessities to be so unsupportable, and
themselves so forward, and timely appearers both in person
and purse they desire they may be taken care for, and
clearly paid off in the first place,
Therefore they are most humble and earnest Sutors unto your
Honours, that you would be pleased now to take their sad
And distressed condition in your most surious and Christian
consideration; to settle some speedy and effectual way for
paying your Petitioners their said summers (and the interest
thereof,) so shall you take away the great reproach the
credit of the Nations yet liee under, the common derision
your Petitioners have long under gone (by such as have