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