Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

[228] formerly a commodity is not now. Hopeing you will grant me my request, I rest yr servant,

To the honored County Court sitting by adjournment at Charlestown, 24, 8br., 1690. The petition of John Stedman of Cambridge, aged 88, sheweth, That your petitioner, as is well known, hath had a license to sell Rum for many years past, which never was discontinued till the Revolution, since which he would have sought for the renewal of it, had he had the least notice when or where he ought to apply himself for it, or that any others renewed theirs: That your petitioner wonders that his daughter Sharp should be summoned to this Court for selling Rum without license, she never having sold any at Cambridg on her own or her husband's account, but upon the sole and proper account and by the order of your petitioner, who is well assured that he hath never given cause to be dealt with in extremity, he having never bin behindhand in paying for his draft, or in serving the country to his power. Your petitioner therefore praies that his said daughter Sharp may no further be molested or discouraged from her dutiful and charitable assistance of your petitioner for his support and comfort in his extream old age, and that a license may be granted him as formerly. So praies your humble servant,

Honored Gentlemen, as far as it may stand with the wholesome orders and prudential laws of the country for the publick weal, I can very freely speak with and write in the behalf of sister Bradish, that shee might be encouraged and countenanced in her present calling for baking of bread and brewing and selling of penny bear, without which shee cañot continue to bake: In both which callings such is her art, way and skill, that shee doth vend such comfortable penniworths for the reliefe of all that send