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To the Right Honourable Sir John Shorter Lord Mayor, and the Court of Aldermen of London. The Humble Petition of about 1400 Orphans.
SHEWETH,
THat in Obedience to the Commands of your Honourable Court, the Portions of your Petitioners were pay'd into your Chamber for Securing them against their coming out of their respective Mino∣rities; and there remains above 500000 l. due thereupon.
That the Methods formerly taken for paying the said Debt, having been much Obstructed by the Judgment lately obtain'd against your Charter: Application was made to the late Parliament for their Re∣lief; and Nathaniel Reading Esq was of Councel with your Peti∣tioners therein; but it not taking Effect: And the said Mr. Reading being duly inform'd on the Behalf of the said Orphans, that great Numbers of them were in a most deplorable and perishing Condition; and his further Assistance being earnestly besought, he acquainted your Petitioners that he had taken very great pains therein, and had Proposals humbly to make to His Majesty for paying their respective Portions.
That His Majesty was thereupon Petition'd to refer the Examina∣tion thereof, who gave a Gracious Answer thereunto. And the said Mr. Reading informs us, That great Deliberation hath been had con∣cerning the same: And that he is ready to make it appear, that your Honourable Court and your Trustees, by His Majesties Letters Pattents since the said Judgment, stand Impowered to give your Petitioners sa∣tisfaction out of what His Majesty hath already granted to you; an Honourable Provision for the constant support of your Government of the City, being first Established and Secured.
For as much that the severe Circumstances which your Petitioners are reduc'd to, permit them not to lye down under their Ruines; while so happy a Discovery can enable them to contribute any thing towards their own preservation.
And for as much that your Petitioners can in no sort doubt; But that your Honourable Court will cheerfully endeavour to redeem the Glory of your once Renowned Chamber, and to the utmost of your Powers promote so just a Work; especially since the fresh and great Demonstrations which our Gracious Soveraign, who hath Commis∣sionated you thereunto, hath given of his transcendent Charity towards the Relief of some Orphans; assures us of his Royal Inclinations to Relieve us all, in case you shall find it necessary to be Address'd for on our Behalfes.
Your Petitioners beseech your Lordship that a Committe of your Honourable Court may be appointed for meeting some of your Worthy Trustees, in the presence of some of your Petitioners for Hearing the said Mr. Reading therein; and that they may be attended with what they shall conceive needful to Enable them to make a speedy Report concerning the same.
And your Petitioners, &c.