Mary Cowper's petition Mary Cowper, a 58 year old widow, requests to be admitted the Hospital. She was born on 10 January 1785. Her parents were William and Mary Gwinnet. Mary's maternal grandfather, I Costine, was originally from Normandy and his wife died at the French Hospital, about 47 years prior to the petition being made. Mary is a silkweaver but suffered from a 'rupture' and is now unable to work. The petition bears Mary Cowper's mark and is signed by William Carter. Petition n. 1280. 29 Jul 1843