To the Worshippfull this Majties, Justices of the Peace
and Quor for the County of Middlesex att Hixes Hall

The humble petition of Edward Raffnell< no role > Poulterer in Leadenhall
Markett

Humbly Sheweth

That your Petitioner about three month age was bound
by Recognizance to appear before yor, Worshipps upon account of
a Female Bastard Childe borne in the hamlett of Radeliff in the
Parish of Stepney , whereupon your petitioner agreed the matter
with Mr. William Clapcott< no role > then Churchwarden of the said Hamlett
for a Summ of money, upon Condition no further prosecution
Should be made against your petitioner but that the Recognizance
Should be withdrawn which was accordingly agreed to,
Notwithstanding which your petitioner is dayly threatened to
be proseented upon his Recognizance by Reason the said
Churchwarden Mr Clapcott do's not appe personally appear
to Cause the Sd. Recognizance withdrawn according to agreemt
which putts your petitioner (who is a poor man) not onely to dayly Expence
andbut great damage to his trade and business by going freqently
to Rattcliff Cross in Serch of the sd. Churchwarden who is never
to be found but still out of town as his wife prtends

Therefore it is the humble Request of yor petitioner
that yor Honrs: (the prmises Considered) will be pleased
out of your accustomed goodness and Generossily to Cause
the Sd. Recognizance to be withdran that your peticoner
may quietly follow his Lawfull Employmt: thereby
honestly to mantain himselfe and poor family and
hee as in duly bound will Ever pray Etc.

Dated 7th: July
1716

Edward Rafnell< no role >