The humble Petition of Richard Smith to the Honourable the Council of Safety for Leave, Humbly sheweth, That your Petitioner, hath been solicitted for to enter on Board the Conquorer, which now lies here in the Harbour; And as I have Most honourable Gentlemen, a Father on Board, said Boat, that's first Lieutenant, the Captain offers me a Serjeant's Birth in the Marines, and, as it is not going out of your Honours Service, hopes therefrom that you will indulge me so far, as to get with my Father in said Boat. ー And your Poor Petitioner, shall ever be in Duty bound to pray.

N.B. Gentlemen I have been a Twelve Month in the Service, in Captain [John] Fulfords Company, and has no Objections tarrying therein, only wanting to be with my Father, and hopes Gentlemen, that you will grant me the Favour.

Ric^d Smith