[
{"content": "Sir Alexander Rigby of London, knight and current prisoner in the Fleet, owes John Burrowes and others \u20a42,100 according to a bond signed by him on October 24, 1698. The bond stipulates a payment of \u20a41,057 4s. on November 1, 1699. Sir Alexander is currently facing execution on this bond due to an obtained judgment, yet he has not paid any principal, interest, or charges related to the bond, nor has he proposed a composition or given an account of his estate. John Burrowes and others, informed that Sir Alexander is attempting to secure an Act of Parliament for his release, respectfully present the aforementioned circumstances to this Honorable House.\nThat George Burrowes of London, a merchant, died in the year 1693. By his will, after paying debts, funeral expenses, and small legacies, his effects were to be divided among John Burrowes and others in the specified manners and proportions. George Burrowes was appointed sole executor of the will, who proved it accordingly.\n\nThe greatest part of the testator's effects being in the hands of his partner in Italy, the executors empowered the said Sir Alexander to demand and receive the same on behalf of the executor, to be divided among John Burrowes and others according to the will's provisions.\n\nSir Alexander received the said money for which the bond was given to the executor as aforesaid, being the balance due after all he demanded for his trouble and expenses were deducted.\nThat the debt was not contracted in trade with the said Sir Alexander, whereby any profit might have accrued to John Burrowes, but all money paid into his hands. That Sir Alexander failed approximately seventeen years ago, and since then has had the opportunity to pay any of his creditors as he pleased, some of whom he admits have been paid, and to spend, dispose of, or encumber his estate at his pleasure. He now pretends to surrender up his estate to his creditors without any assurance they will receive a penny on the pound. That the principal and interest due on the bond amount to a large sum and represent a significant portion of John Burrowes' substance. That John Burrowes cannot learn it was ever practicable for a debtor under the circumstances stated to be discharged by paying such large debts through the indulgence and authority of Parliament.\nThat John Burrowes and Christopher Potter each have numerous children living. John Burrowes, et al., humbly request that their case be taken into consideration, and that they not be deprived of their just debt by authority of Parliament.\n\nCase of John Burrowes, et al.", "creation_year": 1716, "creation_year_earliest": 1716, "creation_year_latest": 1716, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase2"}
]