To the Worshipfull the Justices of the peace
for the County of Middx in their Quarter
Sessions assembled

The humble Petition of Samuel Blackshaw< no role > of
Chancery Lane Stationer

Sheweth

That on the 4th day of March 1754 John Prior< no role > was
bound Apprentice to your petr. to Serve him for 7 Years
with whom your Petr. received £20

That the said Prior was of exceeding weak Intellects
during all the time he lived with your Petr. & about 16
Months ago was afflicted with Lunacy

That your Petr. kept him in a Private Mad house for
Some Short time & afterwards got him into Bethlem
Hospital from whence he was turned out about five
Weeks ago, as incurable

That your Petr. hath given Notice of this
Application to the Overseers of the poor of the Liberty
of the Rolls , the place of the said Priors Settlement
on Saturday Morning last about 9 of the Clock

That in Regard the said Apprentice never will be of
any Service to your Petr. & as it will be very expensive
& detrimental to your Petrs. Circumstances to keep him
without a possibility of reaping any Advantage from him

Your Petr. humbly prays your Worships
would be pleased to discharge the said
John Prior< no role > from being your Petitioner's
Apprentice

And your Petr. as in Duty bound
Shall pray Etc.