The Petitioners or some one for them were ordered to attend the meeting of the Committee.

DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING PRECEDING PETITION.

To his Excell : Benj : Fletcher Cap* Gen^i & Gov' in

Cheiflfe of yc Province of N : Yorke Pensilvania New

Castle & Countries Depending thereon in america &c. &

Vice admirall of y^ same.

The humble Peticon of warner wessells & antie Christians

Sheweth

That y^ Sonne of y« s*^ warner wessells & y^ husband of ye s*i

PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK 417

antje Cliristiaens being taken Slaues unto Salley by y^ Infidels y'' Excel was Pleased upon there Immble Request to graunt them a Brieife to collect and Receive y® free & bountifull Charity of all good Christians within this Province for ye Redemption of ye s^ miserable Persons but in Regarde y^ humble Petition's are no ways fitt or qualifyed to collect y« s^ Benevolence but have so farr Prevailed with y® Church wardens & ministers of this Citty to Collect & Receive y^ same, doe humbly Pray

That Y' Excel would be pleased to graunt a Brieff in such a form as y'^ annexed is w^ was directed to y^ ministers & church wardens upon y® like occasion when a vessel was taken by y^ Turks in y^ year 1678. & y' they may be Impowered to Collect .£100 : -- : -- which is y° Somme y* will Redeem y® s'^ miserable Persones ye overplus if any be to be Delivered as yr Excel shall see meet to be Employed for y^ like pious uses --