Elshamr: in Com: Norfolk

These lines come to lay before you the present distressed necessitous
condicon of and to Solicit for ye extending of your bowells of com-
passion; towards the relief of Mr. Theophilus Jennings< no role > Merchant a
Person of intyre credit & estimacon in this Our Towne above-
said untill by God's providence he was most unhapily ruined
by Severall Losses att Sea. by the French: and since by ye late great
Storme in September last 1695 to the value of Seven thousand
six hundred pounds upon which unfortunate disasters (his a
creditors to augment his other callamities) came and seiz'd
on all that he had in ye World and cast him into prison (and
turnd his poor family to the naked World for Succour and relief)
where he his enevitably like to perish unless timely released by
the Sume of three hundred pounds. Upon which sad occasion
his Son Mr: Geo: Jennings< no role > came before Us whose names are here
unto subscribed and desired this Our recomendation that
he might with ye more Success implore the mercifull releif
of att Noblemen Bishop's Ministers Gentlemen and all
other Sympathizing Christians. And wee knowing the
truth of his deploreable circumstances together with
the great necessity of his wife and Family Wee cannot but
in charity recomend their afflicted State to the Favour
and benevolence of all Worthy minded persons Making it
Our desire that upon this Occasion for your shewing of
Christian compassion which providence doth plainely lay
before you that you would be pleased to contribute accord
-ing to your abilities and the necessity rank and condicon
of the person's Given under Our hands this XXViijth day
of January 1695/6

F Bofort05-00-0 Jacob Astley< no role > 3-00- [..]

Ro: Pipper< no role > 01-10-0 S Bunif1-10-0

The truth of this Certificate is
acknowledged by me

Edw. Smith< no role > -01-10-0