125. Petition of Nicholas Simons. May, 1725.[1]
To the Honourable Samuel Cranston Esqr Governour of his Majestys Colony of Rhode Island etc. And the Hon'ble Assistants and the Hon'ble Generall Assembly of the Said Colony,
The Petition of Nicholas Simons Mariner Humbly Sheweth
That Whereas the Ship John and Mary belonging to Boston whereof Thomas Glen was late Master was Taken by Shipton a Pirate in the month of December last in the Bay of Hondoras And the Said Nicolas Simons haveing been aforeced[2] man for Some time on board the Said Pirate was Ordered by the said Shipton to take the Command of the Said Ship John and Mary as navigator and two Pirates with him and follow the Said Pirate—But after the Said Simmons Parted with the Pirate Shipton he released the men that were bound on board the Said Ship John and Mary and Consulted with them about the destroying the three Pirates which the said Simons and Barlow aforced man and Perry mate of the Said Merchant Ship Effected And they lately carried the Said Ship into Rhod Island whereby the Owners have Recovered their Said Ship and her Cargoe,[3]
And in as much as the Said Nicholas Simons is now under a necessity to leave off his Employment of a Mariner for fear of the Sd. Pirates And has a new Employment to Seek for his Support he being in but low Circumstances,
He therefore most humbly prays your Honours would be pleased to take the premisses into your most just and wise consideration and bestow of your Bounty upon him as in your accustomed goodness you Shall See meet.
And your Peti'r as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray etc
Nicholas Simons.
Boston May
1725
The above petitioner was the principle person
in Resqueing the Ship out of the hands of
the pirats, and had Incouragem't of a gratuity
by this Assembly for his good Service.
Sam'l Cranston Go'r