Alderman (?), Petition for a Fire Engine

Whereas a multiplicity of Damages 
are often occurred by damages of out-
regions damages by Fire, we whose
names are underwritten have thought 
proper that the recepity of an Engine 
bought by us for the extinguishing 
which by the accident Almighty 
God should unto us happen do make a Bate and gather Benevolence 
for the better propagating such good instruments --