To the Worshipfull the Bench of Justice now
sitting att Hicks Hall in St. Johns Street , Middlesex

The humble Petition of John Smout< no role >

Sheweth

That Your Petitioner was in May Sessions
discharged att the Old Bailey on the Suit of Mr. John Alcock< no role > , on
Inspicion of Stealing a Quantity of Old Iron Value alt 5s: and
as he Your Worships Petitioner was so discharged, he humbly
hope, that this Honble: Court will take this his Case into Yours
most worthy and good Considerations, So as he has been harrassd
& long imprisoned att times, & worked 18 Years with this said
Mr. Alcock, be believes or last Ways hopes that You'll plainly see
that this is a very malicious Prosecution,

Therefore in inspecting into his Case
& finding it as such he humbly hope
that Your Worshipe Wile grant him his
discharge and he will be in duty bound
to pray &ea:

Sd: S; the Witness that
is against him one Thos;
Harvery< no role > , was in Hertford Gaol
for rebbing a Man of his Watch
& Eleven Guineas in Mony
so hope that his Evidence may not
in any shape avail, he being a
very bad Man}