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We whose names are hereunto subscribed do hereby certify that We very well know the within named Ann Bell and believe her to be a very honest and industrious Woman and that we very well know the Farm within mentioned and have seen and knew the Corn, Hay and Fodder which grow upon the Lands thereto belonging and were eye witnesses to the same being swept away by the late great Flood and the damage it occasioned to the said Ann Bell and that we have also examined the account and estimate within written and believe the same to be a true and moderate account and estimate of the damages of the said Ann Bell hath sustained by the said Flood and that we have reason to believe that the said Ann Bell by such loss will be reduced to great difficulty and distress and that it would be a real Charity done to give her Relief on account thereof As Witness our hands this thirty first day of December 1771 Thomas Ridley William Carrick I The Reverend Joseph Railton Minister of the Parish of Lamley within mentioned do hereby Certify that I very well know the within named Ann Bell and also the Several Persons whose names are Subscribed to the above written Certificate And believe her and them to be very honest People, that I had not an opportunity of seeing the Corn, Hay and Fodder mentioned in the within written Account taken away and damaged by the said Flood but very well know that the said Ann Bell is the Farmer of the Farm within mentioned and as such the Owner of the said Corn, Hay and Fodder and that [I believe] the within written Account and Estimate is a true and moderate one As Witness my hand this thirty first _ day of December 1771 Jos Railton Vicar of Lambley
this page transcribed by Bill Saunders and edited by Sue Shaw
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