Pirate Pardoned
Honour and reverence.
Most dear cousin :
Whereas William Hefoul, of Bawdsy, has well and sufficiently equipped his ship, called the Cog John, of 100 tonnes burden, with armed men and other necessaries for war, and has victualled and furnished her at his own charges for two months, intending to go forthwith to sea in our company, in the service of our lord, the King, and in defence of the realm; may it please you, most Dear Sir, to grant to the said William a pardon in the matter of the galley and the goods captured and found in her.
Farewell, most dear Sire.
Written in Harwich, the nineteenth day of July.
By Robert de Morlee. 1346
