Petition for Thomas Harvey

Transcript

To the right honourable his highness most

honourable privy council

The humble petition of Henry Alcocke

Sheweth

That one Thomas Harvey of Oakham in

the County of Rutland mercer [dealer in fabrics] was by order

of this most honourable council apprehended

by a party of soldiers and carried to Barnstable

in Devonshire and the last Assizes held at

Exeter was tried upon suspicion of witchcraft

and wicked practices with the devil, but

upon the which traverse was acquitted by the

Jury yet by the command of the then Baron

Nicholas does still stand committed at Exeter

whereby he is not only deprived of his liberty

and put to great expenses but is withheld

at the distance of about 140 miles from

his family & lawful employments

The premised considered your said petitioner

humble prays this most honourable

council for his liberty upon bail or

otherwise as your honour’s wisdoms

shall judge most

And he shall ever pray &c [etc.]