Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III
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 --
Benjamin Fletcher Captain General and Governour in Cliief
of the Province of Jfew- York, Province of Pennsilvania,
and Country of Jfew-Castle, and the Territories and Tracts
of Land depending thereon in America.
To all Officers and Ministers Ecclesiastical and Civil
throughout the Provinces and Territories wider my
Government.
Whereas I am credibly informed that the Son of Warner Wessels,
and Husband oi Antie Christians, Inhabitants and. Sailers of the
City of Mew-York, following their lawfull Occupation, were taken
into Salley, where they are now in miserable Slavery, under the
Power of the Infidell, and that their Relations are not able to
advance a sufficient Ransom for their Redemption, I have therefore
upon their application unto me, by and with the advice of the
Council, out of Christian Charity, and in Commiseration of the
grievous Bondage & Slavery of the said. Persons, granted, & do
by these presents grant Lisence or Liberty to the said Warner
Wessells & Antie Christians, to ask and receive the free and